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Reflections Summer 2018
Arenac County Independent | Ogemaw County Herald | Oscoda County Herald
Page 2 • Reflections -Summer 2018
Reflections Summer 2018
3 - Rhea Jennings turns 100 We offer the very best, compassionate care for individuals needing assistance within the comforts of home. We are a private duty home healthcare agency providing care to each of our clients, based on a customized program to fit their personal needs. Our friendly office staff can assist you in creating a program that works best for your family. Contact our office today! Your loved one deserves the best possible care in the comforts of home - and that’s exactly where we’ll care for them! By choosing our Agency, you can be assured that all employees are covered under our Liability Insurance, giving you and your loved one peace of mind.
4 - Cooking less, living more 5 - Cholesterol 101 6 - OCATS launches free transportation program 7 - Senior real estate specialists 8 - Get moving 9 - Keep learning and growing 10 - County planning and plumbing inspector to retire 10 - Financial planning 13 - Friends and family remember Mr. C
14 - Senior prom celebrated at COA Sunrise Printing & Publishing, Inc. © 2018
SERVICES WE PROVIDE: Light Duty Housekeeping Personal Care Companionship Services Meal Preparation Private Duty Nursing Respite Care
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Possible New Owners Store will remain open • Organic & Natural Foods • Locally Raised Meats • Shetler Farms Dairy Products • Handmade Soaps & Lotions • Vitamins, Supplements and Gluten-Free items • Locally Made Artisan Craas and Art Hours: Tuesday - Saturday • 9am - 5pm Closed Sunday & Monday 1454 N. Mt. Tom Rd. • Mio, MI 48647 989-390-5915 Closed Sundays Closed Sundays
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Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 3
Making a lifelong dream come true, Rhea Jennings turns 100 By Emily Tierney emilytierney@ogemawherald.com 989-387-5262
STANDISH — Rhea Jennings’ goal was always to make it to 100 years old, and she officially accomplished it July 16, 2018. “How does it feel?” Rhea said when asked. “The best feeling ever.” Rhea said the secret to longevity is doing what’s right and always being alert. Rhea celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her family, residents and caregivers at St. Mary’s of Michigan Standish Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility. “She’s always said she’s going to make it to 100,” granddaughter Dianna Currie said. Rhea’s husband Wallace died in September 1968, and the two raised five children, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her children are Sandy Gooding, Dick Jennings, Bob Jennings, Tim Jennings and late daughter Karen Currie. Rhea is a cancer survivor and has prided herself in being the county’s longest cancer survivor for 52 years. She lived in her home in Au Gres for 78 years and was the former owner of Old Jennings Lamplighter, now B’s Family Restaurant. Rhea is originally from Alabaster, Dianna said, and loved spending time outdoors. “She was always a tomboy,” she said. “She loved her siblings. She had six brothers and one sister.” Rhea was a middle child and loved jumping on top of the old, parked trains and playing ball with her brothers. Dianna said her grandmother used to walk to school, and she got excited on days when the weather was bad and her dad would use the sleigh to pick her up, not a car. “I always thought that was funny,” Dianna said. Dianna shared the time she was looking at obituaries when her grandmother turned 80 and she cried and asked Rhea if she was going to die. Rhea told her no and that she was going to live to be 100. Rhea has always loved singing classic songs, Dianna said, including songs such as “You Are My Sunshine” and “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star.” Family member Jean Jennings said days prior to her birthday, Rhea shared a story about how she woke up one day and thought “it was curtains,” but then the next day she woke up to a perfect day. Rhea told her next time she felt like it was curtains, she would just tell herself to wake up again. Jean said Rhea watched several of her grandchildren when they were young and continued to babysit at 83 years old. Dianna said Rhea raised not only her own kids, but helped raised her kids and great-grandkids as well. Jean said Rhea is great at Scrabble and terrifying to play with at Skip-Bo. She also loved Sudoku, euchre and word searches, Dianna said, and basically loved to always be playing games. Granddaughter Andrea Currie said Rhea attended the majority of her grandkids’ sporting events, including her great-grandson Jordan’s basketball game in Ann Arbor two years ago. Twelve-year-old great-grandson Brandon Newland expressed his love for Rhea. “She’s awesome,” he said. “And she made the best cinnamon rolls I ever tasted.” Dianna said her grandma was an amazing cook and baker. “The best actually,” she said. Linda and Dick Jennings said they traveled from Florida to make it to Rhea’s party.
Above, Rhea Jennings poses for a photo with several family members. At right, Rhea Jennings smiles as everyone sings “Happy Birthday” and takes pictures of her.
“It’s nice to be here,” Dick said. Dick said the family holds a reunion every year in Au Gres, but this year he decided the party was more important to make it to than the reunion. Dianna said the reunions are for both sides of Rhea’s family, the Oates and Jennings families, and are typically in August when the family usually also celebrates Rhea’s birthday. It’s kind of ironic, Dianna said, because Rhea is allergic to oats. “She always jokes that she’s allergic to herself,” she said. Dianna said she has never met anyone who hasn’t liked her grandma. “She’s a very happy-go-lucky, funny person,” she said. “She has a very, very witty sense of humor.” Dianna shared a memory her own mom shared about how Rhea had a “warped” sense of humor, according to Rhea’s now deceased husband. Rhea has always laughed, Dianna said, and no one ever could get to the bottom of why she was laughing. She made little puns and plays on words and everyone would join in on the laughter. Even still, Dianna said, her grandma makes puns. Rhea had a smile on her face throughout her 100th birthday party as people shared memories, laughter and dessert.
Page 4 • Reflections -Summer 2018
Cooking less, living more
W
here you once shoveled out spaghetti to feed a starving horde (or what felt like it, anyway), you may now only be cooking for yourself and your partner or just for yourself. And with cookbooks and cooking shows crowing about the ability to feed an army off one recipe, it can be hard to scale down your meals. Here are some tips to get you cooking with less waste and more fun. Embrace the leftovers Pick dishes that are versatile. A roasted chicken can be served as a Sunday dinner, enchiladas on Monday and a tasty soup on Tuesday. Batches of bigger meals, like that giant pot of spaghetti, can be frozen in individual portions. Just remember to clearly label and date the portions and clean out your freezer regularly. Plan, plan, plan A meal plan can be the godsend for you that it was when you had a big family at home. Take the time to sit down (maybe with a local grocery or two’s sale papers) and plan out what you’re going to have every meal. Then, stick to that list when you’re in the store. Be careful not to overbuy produce, and visit your grocer’s bulk bins for a right-sized and right-priced portion. Phone a friend If you’re still having trouble paring
down your menus, get together with several friends and swap groceries or fully cooked meals. Start a supper or lunch club. You get to try new recipes and share your bounty with others, too. Take a class Look to local grocery stores and sometimes restaurants for cooking classes. Not only does this get you out and mingling, but you learn new recipes, cuisines and tips. It can make cooking fun and rewarding. Grab a good book Hit your local library or bookstore and grab some cookbooks that specialize in cooking for one or two. You may even be able to find books that cater to special diets, like low-sodium or diabetes diets. Try a book or two out of your comfort zone, maybe a new cuisine or a new trend. Cooking for one or two shouldn’t mean a lifetime of TV dinners. Get in the kitchen and whip up some fun.
Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 5
Cholesterol 101 D
o you know your blood cholesterol level? Do you know what that number means? According to the CDC, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to make hormones and digest fatty foods. Too much of it can lead to a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. Your body makes cholesterol in your liver and uses it. Dietary cholesterol is found in animal products like egg yolks, meat and cheese. About one in six American adults has high cholesterol, which doesn’t manifest itself through any symptoms; your doctor will do a blood test to measure it. Types of cholesterol There are two types of cholesterol – low-density lipoprotein, known as LDL or bad cholesterol, is most of the cholesterol in the body. High levels of LDL can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Too much LDL can build up on the walls of blood vessels; this buildup, called plaque, can cause blood vessels to narrow. High-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol, absorbs LDL and takes it back to the liver, which then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Risk factors for high cholesterol High cholesterol could be due to family history, lifestyle choices or certain health conditions like diabetes or obesity. Lifestyle factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include eating a diet high in saturated and trans
Fun For The Whole Family
fats, not getting enough exercise, using tobacco or drinking too much alcohol. Family history can also play a role, although that’s likely a combination of genetics and having a similar lifestyle. Treating high cholesterol Just as an unhealthy lifestyle can put
you at greater risk of high cholesterol, a healthy lifestyle can help you manage cholesterol. A diet that is low in trans and saturated fats — particularly from animal products — and added sugars, while eating lots of fruits, vegetables, high-fiber foods like beans, lean meats like fish and unsaturated fats like
avocado, olive oil and nuts. Regular exercise, limiting alcohol, giving up smoking and maintaining a healthy weight also can help control cholesterol. Talk with your doctor to determine if lifestyle changes will be sufficient or if you may need medication to control high cholesterol.
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Page 6 • Reflections -Summer 2018
CAROL THOMAS
Attorney at Law presents a FREE Seminar on
NURSING HOME PROTECTION, WILLS & TRUSTS & VETERANS BENEFITS
A map shows the large radius in which OCATS vehicles are dispatched on any given day.
Daron Thomas, Carol Thomas, Jim Thomas
• Elder Law & Asset Protection • Estate Planning - Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney • Probate • Nursing Home Protection PROTECT ASSETS FROM NURSING HOME EXPENSE
If faced with the devastating cost of nursing home care or in-home care, you need to know your options to protect your home and assets. For a married couple: We can potentially protect all or most of the assets for the at-home spouse and have the income of the nursing home spouse go to the at-home spouse. For a single person: We can potentially protect at least 50% of assets, plus the home. Don’t wait until it is too late. Don’t let lack of knowledge cost you your life savings. Find out what can be done for in-home care. Even if a nursing home is not in your near future, please find out what you need to know now so you don’t lose everything later. It is important to see a law office with a Certified Elder Law Attorney.
Please call our office for a complimentary consultation at 989-793-2300 5191 Hampton Place, Saginaw, MI 48604 attorneycarolthomas.com
UPCOMING SEMINARS Thursday, August 23, 2018 • 10 am Quality Inn of West Branch 2980 Cook Rd., West Branch Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 • 10 am & 5 pm Courtyard by Marriot - Bay City Riverfront 2 East Main Street, Bay City Thursday, November 15, 2018 10 am, 2 pm & 5 pm Horizons Conference Center 6200 State Street, Saginaw Call for reservations ~ limited seating 989-793-2300 or 1-888-615-7592
OCATS expanding, launches free transportation program By Scott Nunn scottnunn@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9034
MIO — As the region continues to face a growing need for transportation, Oscoda County native Stephanie Coykendall stepped in as the director of Oscoda County Area Transit Specialists nearly a year ago, and since taking control has seen the company through aggressive expansion. “We are growing rapidly,” Coykendall said. Since taking over managing the operations of OCATS in April 2017, when former Director Brandy Wright left, she and her staff have doubled the size of OCATS’ fleet to eight vehicles and quadrupled the mileage. The OCATS fleet is running an estimated 7,000 miles per week. Coykendall said the operation was in good shape when she took over, thanks to Wright. OCATS is a federally funded nonprofit transportation company that operates from door to door as opposed to being on a route like other companies. “We don’t have a predetermined route,” she said. “We offer door-to-door transportation. The benefit with our company is you don’t have to get a bus stop or a spot on the route.” Because of this system, and through its partnerships with five insurance transportation providers such as LogistiCare, OCATS drivers can find themselves anywhere in the state at any given time, Coykendall said. Transportation providers contract with companies like OCATS to transport customers to and from medical appointments. When those reside in rural communities without transportation, the service is in high demand. “The non-emergent medical transportation area is an underserved need,” Coykendall said. “I would (serve) the whole state if I could.” Coykendall said the last thing anyone needs to deal with when seeking medical treatments is transportation. “I would encourage anyone that has medical insurance to call and see if transportation is covered,” she said. The door-to-door routing enables OCATS drivers to form relationships with clients that results in many of the clients
requesting specific drivers for their needs. “We have clients that call, when they know we will be providing the transportation, that will request a certain driver,” Coykendall said. “There is a connection our drivers have with a lot of the clients.” While OCATS operations may be more reminiscent of a taxi service instead of a public transit system, Coykendall said its revenue stream is more stable. By servicing the non-emergency transportation industry, OCATS is able to secure its funding primarily through insurance companies that pay for patients to see treatment providers outside of the area, a need that is growing in rural communities. “We have grown so much that we have been enabled to start a pilot program, which my board approved at our last meeting, to provide free transportation through the next quarter to our elderly and handicapped residents in the county for personal daily living needs,” Coykendall said. “The majority of the funds that come through here are from medical insurance. So 90 percent of the transportation we provide is no cost to the client.” This pilot program includes trips to nonmedical offices, stores and other locations residents may need to go to. Coykendall said in addition to expanding its fleet, OCATS is expanding its board of directors. “We have grown so rapidly in the past 10-11 months that I have been here,” she said. “New ideas would be great. We are looking for fresh ideas on how to maintain this growth and grow bigger.” OCATS is quoting three to seven trips per day to locations around the state that lack transportation drivers. Coykendall said that is a sign of how underserved the state’s rural communities are. “We will go anywhere in the state of Michigan,” she said. “Anybody can call us.” Coykendall’s goals with OCATS are to stay on its path of growth and remain focused. “Our main focus is just to maintain our focus,” she said. With OCATS drivers being dispatched around the state, Coykendall recommends users call ahead to schedule appointments.
and worst
Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 7
The best ^ foods for heart health N
o one wants to hear from their doctors that they have joined the millions of people across the globe to be diagnosed with heart disease. The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease, which includes diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system and stroke, is the number-one cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women and most racial/ethnic groups. Heart disease also is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, claiming more than 33,000 lives per year. Many factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including smoking, lack of exercise and stress. Diet and whether a person is overweight or obese also can have a direct link to heart health. Diet, particularly for those with diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels, is a major concern. A variety of foods are considered helpful for maintaining a strong and healthy heart and cardiovascular system, while others can contribute to conditions that may eventually lead to cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. Moderation enables a person to sample a little of everything, but not to make any one food a habit. The following are some foods to promote heart health and some foods you might want to avoid.
Good • Tree nuts: Tree nuts contain unsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) and improve HDL (the good stuff). Nuts also are a filling source of protein and other healthy nutrients. • Whole grains: Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates for energy, as well as protein and fiber. Fiber can help scrub cholesterol from the blood, lowering bad cholesterol levels. • Fatty fish: Many cold-water, fatty fish, such as halibut, herring and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy. Omega-3s also can be found in walnuts, flaxseed and some soy products. • Beans: Beans and other legumes are an excellent source of protein and can be a stand-in for meats that are high in saturated fat. Beans also contain cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber and folate, which can reduce blood homocystein levels. The Bean Institute reports that consuming beans may reduce cholesterol levels by roughly 6-10 percent. • Yogurt: Researchers in Japan found yogurt
may protect against gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease may elevate a person’s risk for heart disease. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can counteract bad bacteria and boost immunity. • Raisins: Raisins contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often linked to heart disease and other debilitating conditions. Fresh produce also is a good source of antioxidants.
Poor • Fried foods: Many fried foods have little nutritional value, as they tend to be high in saturated and trans fats. French fries are particularly bad because they are carbohydrates fried and then doused in salt. • Sausage: Processed meats have frequently earned a bad reputation among cardiologists, but sausage can be a big offender, due in large part to its high saturated fat content. • Red meats: Enjoying a steak is probably not as bad as eating a deep-fried brownie, but it’s best to limit red meat consumption to about 10 percent or less of your diet. Red meats can have a considerable amount of cholesterol, saturated
fat and calories. • Added sugars: Sugar can increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Sugar often hides out in foods you would not associate with the sweetener. Plus, many people unwittingly consume too much sugar simply through sugar-sweetened beverages and ready-to-eat cereals. • Salty foods: Leave the salt shaker in the
spice cabinet and opt for herbs for flavoring, advises the American Heart Association. High-sodium diets often are to blame for hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease. • Dairy: Artery-clogging saturated fat also can be found in dairy products, particularly the full-fat versions. Butter, sour cream and milk can be problematic when people overindulge. Opt for low-fat dairy when possible.
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Page 8 • Reflections -Summer 2018
I
Get moving
t’s never too late to start a healthy habit like regular exercise. First, get cleared by your doctor, then lace up those shoes and get moving toward your CDC-recommended goal of 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity per week. Read on for more tips for a healthier, happier you. Go low-impact That doesn’t mean you won’t see a big boost in your health. Low-impact exercises take it easy on your joints. Examples of low-impact exercises are walking, cycling, water aerobics and various types of dancing. If it is too hot for you to safely exercise outside, look for indoor walking circuits at local malls or department stores. Get the right gear Talk to your doctor, especially if you have spine or bone issues or old injuries, then go to your local sporting goods store to get fitted for a good pair of all-purpose sneakers. Look for shoes that fit well, of course, and that give your feet and ankles the support they need. If you have trouble bending, several manufacturers make slip-on athletic shoes to make it even easier. Also invest in a reusable water bottle to take with you as you work out; hydration is critical. Focus on balance Try to do balance exercises three days a week, particularly if you’ve fallen before. Exercises that can help with balance include heel-to-toe walking, backwards walking, sideways walking and tai chi. You can even do some balance exercises, such as shoulder rolls and foot taps, during your normal, everyday activities.
Break it up Don’t focus on one activity. That can lead to overuse injuries and soreness. Try a variety of activities either on your own
or as a part of a class. Many health clubs and gyms offer a senior discount and special classes for seniors; check out the ones in your area. If you have to stop your
routine due to illness or injury, remember to take it slow as you work your way back up to your previous intensity and frequency.
NOTICE TO ALL ARENAC COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS:
Sunrise Side Senior Services 131 Clyde Street • Omer
Morse Clark Furniture Co. Locally owned for 85 years, you can depend on us!
Phone: 989-345-0355
219 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661 www.morseclark.com
2018 Fall Leagues Forming Now Monday Stop By (Fun League) Noon–Individual League Monday Night Women 6:30 pm–5 person teams Monday Night Men 7 pm–5 person teams
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989-345-2200
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. After School Kids Leagues: Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 4 pm Wednesday Women’s Brunch 10 am–4 person teams Wednesday Night Men 6:45 pm–5 person teams Thursday Night Men 7:15 pm–5 person teams
Tuesday Morning Women 9:45 am–3 person teams Friday Women’s Brunch Tuesday Afternoon Seniors Noon–3 person teams 12:30 pm–4 person mixed teams Friday Night Mixed Tuesday Night Women 7 pm–4 person mixed teams 7 pm–4 person teams Tuesday Night Men Sunday Night Mixed 7 pm–5 person teams 6:30 pm–4 person mixed teams
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING IN-HOME SERVICES: Light Housekeeping, Personal Care, Home Delivered Meals and Respite Services. ON-SITE SERVICES THAT WE OFFER: Adult Day Care Center, Loan-Closet, Activities, Informational Speakers, Crafts, Best Foot Forward Exercise Class, Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Counselor, Alzheimer’s Support Group, Project Fresh Coupons, and Congregate Luncheons Monday through Friday at noon.
We’ll answer all your questions! We play Bingo at 10:30 am Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Euchre is played following lunch on Tuesday and Thursday. We have exercise class Tuesday & Thursday at 10:15-11:15 am. EVERYONE IS WELCOME - JOIN IN, JOIN US... Arenac County’s “one-stop” for all Senior Citizen who need assistance.
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989-653-2692
Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 9
Keep learning and growing J
ust because you’ve retired from the workforce or the whirlwind of family activities has eased up doesn’t mean you can’t still stay active through volunteering or even building new skills. Read on for tips on how to stay involved and active. Volunteerism If you like to travel, this new trend might be right up your alley. A 2008 study estimated that more than a million people do volunteer work while on vacation, and the numbers have only gone up from there. Hook up with volunteerism opportunities through your church, professional organizations or your local travel agency. Hit the books If you’ve always wanted to learn sculpture, computer coding or conversational German, now’s your time. Look for leisure classes at local colleges and universities, or ask if you can audit a traditional class without a grade. Don’t be intimidated by all the youngsters; they can benefit from your life experience as much as from the class you’re both taking. Passing on the lessons Speaking of that life experience, you spent decades building up a successful career and learned a lot of lessons along the way. Look for opportunities to give back as a mentor, teaching a class or as a consultant. For instance, if you owned your own business, you can reach out through SCORE, a nonprofit association that matches volunteer mentors with small business owners. Also check with churches and other groups to put your skills to work in a new way.
Join a club Remember that conversational German class? Don’t let those skills get rusty. Join
or even start a club. There are clubs for just about every interest and involvement level, and they’re a great way to meet new people
with your interests. Check local community calendars, social media or the newspaper for meeting dates and times.
Rose City Chiropractic Clinic P.C. “We’ve Got Your Back”
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Page 10 • Reflections -Summer 2018
Oscoda County inspector retiring this fall By Emily Tierney
emilytierney@ogemawherald.com 989-387-5262
MIO — After working for the county for nearly 20 years, Gerald Abbe, the mechanical and plumbing inspector for Oscoda County, has decided to retire in September 2019. Abbe, a Mio graduate, said he has worked as an independent contractor for the county for between 18 and 20 years and has taken on both the plumbing and mechanical duties. “It’s been a good experience,” he said. Abbe is also a Korean War veteran and was in service from 1949-1952, he said. He said he learned the plumbing and heating trade in the Detroit area and worked there for 26 year before returning to Northern Michigan. In retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time at his cabin with his wife Sally, to whom he has been married for 56 years. “I’ll be 87 in September,” he said. “And it’s time for me to leave.” Abbe said he is also looking forward
to working on his house, as he and Sally bought a new home two years ago in Fairview. “The other house was too big,” he said. “So we downgraded.” Abbe said some of the things he’d like to do around the home are plant more trees around the pond and grow more grass. Oscoda County department head Tim Whiting, who has worked with Abbe for 15 years, said working with him has gone well. “Jerry is very knowledgeable in his trade and we’ve gotten along good,” he said. “For one thing, I don’t know anything about his trade, so I can’t question him. He’s the expert.” Whiting said Abbe has worked for a long time and is due for retirement at his age. “He’s been at it for quite a while,” he said. “So he’s due for some time off.” Jerry and Sally have four children, Steve, Scott, Gerri Beth and Shaun, and 10 grandchildren. All of their kids are graduates of Fairview Area Schools.
Gerald Abbe
Autumn is prime time to tend lawns and gardens Autumn is gardening season. That statement may not seem right to those who think of the spring as the peak time to care for lawns and gardens. However, autumn is an ideal time to get into the garden and ensure that flowers, trees and garden beds will over-winter successfully. A number of things make autumn a prime gardening season. The cooler days of fall enable gardeners to spend ample time outdoors without the threat of blazing heat. In addition, soil harbors a lot of residual warmth in autumn. Also, the colder temperatures haven’t yet arrived in autumn, nor have the leaves completely fallen, making fall a prime time to assess what’s already in the landscape, what needs pruning back and where to address planting for next year. Gardening enthusiasts can focus their attention on these areas this fall. • Pamper perennials. As annuals and perennials start to fall back, mark the spots where perennials are located so they can be easily identified later on. This way, when planning spots for spring bulbs or other spring layouts for next year, perennials won’t be overlooked or covered over. • Prune shrubs. Look at shrubs and trees and cut out dead or diseased wood. • Clean up borders. Weed and tidy up borders and lawn edging. • Install pavers or rock wall. Embrace the cooler temperatures to work on labor-intensive projects, such as putting in a
garden bed, retaining wall or walkway. • Remove spent summer veggies. Take out vegetable garden plants that have already bloomed and borne fruit. Tidy up vegetable gardens. • Rake and compost. Rake the leaves and gather grass clippings to add to the compost pile. • Plant spring bulbs. Get tulips and other spring bulbs ready for planting so they’ll burst with color next year. • Dig up herbs. Relocate herbs like parsley or basil to indoor gardens. Otherwise, strip all leaves and freeze for storage during winter. • Consider mums. Chrysanthemum plants are perennials. While they look beautiful in pots, if planted, maintained and winterized, they can bloom every fall. • Fertilize the lawn. Fertilizing in autumn helps ensure grass will stay healthy throughout the winter. • Add mulch and compost to the garden. Replenish spent soil with mulch and compost so garden beds will be revitalized for spring planting. • Prune hedges. Tidy up hedges, as they won’t be growing much more this year. • Clean and store equipment. Clean, sharpen and oil all equipment, storing lawn and garden tools properly so they are ready for spring and not lying out all winter. Autumn may not seem like gardening season, but there are plenty of lawn and garden tasks to tend to during this time of year.
Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 11
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Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 13
Friends and family remember beloved art teacher Mr. C
By Emily Tierney
emilytierney@ogemawherald.com 989-387-5262
WEST BRANCH — Isaac Clelland, who commonly went by Ike or Mr. C, died Wednesday, June 20, but his passion for teaching art at Surline Middle School for 32 years will carry on in the hearts of his students forever. In his early years, Ike taught art at Surline Elementary and worked in Rose City schools, but he is most known for teaching at Surline Middle School. “The projects he could get kids to make were just incredible,” Surline Principal Wendy Tuttle said. “That was definitely his forte.” Ike’s wife, Pamela Seres-Clelland, said Ike enjoyed woodworking and clay. “He loved working with clay,” she said. “People might not know that.” He was also a wrestling coach, referee, Boy Scout leader and member of the WOW Garden Club in West Branch. “He loved his garden,” Pamela said. “His garden was very special to him.” Pamela said he helped pull together the Ogemaw youth wrestling program, which later became the Bulldogs. She said when she came into his life, he was a referee and did it until the end. Pamela said she recently found comfort in seeing a blue butterfly after her husband had passed, which had a special significance. She said he was so strong and spirited and just before he passed, there was a day he was mad the two didn’t get to spend enough time together since they had only been married for 3 1/2 years. Pamela told him he would be in her heart forever and be her guardian angel, and to prove it to her, he would send her butterflies. A week after his passing, she said she was upset and was walking home from the school when she saw a blue butterfly. “It brought me comfort and strength to continue on,” she said. Pamela said the two of them used to go to Dow Gardens in Midland to look at butterflies and the blue ones were always her favorite. Pamela said it seemed like everyone knew Ike and would say hi to him. “I always used to joke he was a celebrity,” she said. Pamela said Ike was extremely dedicated to his children and even adopted her own daughter, 14-year-old Jazmin, which went through May 31. “His dedication to his children is astronomical,” Pamela said. “He always did everything for them. They were his top priority, like nothing came before them.” Ike had been struggling with colon cancer for five years on and off, and Pamela said each time it would go into remission and come back, it would get worse. Pamela said the cancer did not stop him from teaching or helping with the youth art show in West Branch this past April, something he has done for years. “This last year he was so sick and he still went there and set up all the kids’ artwork and put the ribbons on them and did everything as usual,” Pamela said. “It’s amazing, his dedication and willpower.” Pamela said he also had a passion for yard shops, thrift shops or anything he would find on the side of the road. “He’d think he could bring it back to life again,” Pamela said. “He didn’t feel good a lot of days,” Tuttle said. “And yet he came to school, and not because he had to or because he was running out of sick days or whatever, but because he drew strength from the kids. And that’s quite spectacular. He reminded us even on our hardest days it’s a privilege to go to work.” Tuttle said the way Ike instilled a love of art in the kids was an inspiration for the adults at the school and he would help them create things they never knew they could. “But above and beyond that, throughout his health battles, this is where he wanted to be,” Tuttle said. “And you know there were days he would have a smile on his face, but
Above, people stand outside and make a “Mr. C” on the morning of Field Day at Surline schools. At right, Ike, Pamela and Jazmin pose for a picture. Courtesy Photos
you knew he was in a lot of pain. And he just persevered through it and persevered. This is where he wanted to be.” “He was always such a caring and loving man,” Ike’s daughter Alicia Clelland said. “He loved to help and would help anyone, but teaching was his passion.” She said he enjoyed teaching at the school, being a pack leader for Cub Scouts and coaching different sports, including wrestling, baseball and track. “As for him being a father, he was strict but always loving,” Alicia said. “He actually apologized to me a week or so before he passed for being so hard on us growing up. He was never a very emotional man, but we always knew he loved us and that he was proud.” School Counselor Kay Frank, who worked with Ike his entire career, said Ike was a great guy and teacher and put some of the best art in the hallway. “I know art wasn’t every kid’s cup of tea,” she said. “But he would work with every kid that wanted to get better.” Frank said Ike will be missed. “We ate lunch with him every day and he was fun,” she said. “He was a good guy, an all-around good guy, but I’m sure a lot of people knew that.” “Mr. C was one of our most beloved teachers in the district,” Superintendent Phil Mikulski said. “He brought enthusiasm and energy to the classroom that was contagious for all of his students. The faculty and staff that he worked with also benefited from his energy and enthusiasm, and he has left a significant impact on our district with the work that he’s done during his career.” Tuttle said there was an assembly for Ike at the end of the year in which Frank donated her hair to Locks of Love and another teacher shaved his entire head. “It was fun,” Tuttle said. “When Mr. C actually grabbed the microphone though, you could hear a pin drop in that gymnasium. There’s nearly 600 students in there, and his message was to just take every day and live life to the fullest. And he really pushed back and challenged the kids.” Tuttle said Ike was touched by the
assembly and told the kids sometimes he would see them in the hallway not being kind to each other, but then they came and put this together, and it brought him joy. She said Ike told the kids, “I know there’s a lot of good in you and challenge you to show that kindness every day.” Tuttle said on Field Day, there was an activity outside in which students and staff all came together and had a photo taken that read “Mr. C.” Tuttle said kindness was important to Ike, and all the kids wrote “kindness cards” with three things they promised to do, which were later sent home with report cards. This year even though Ike retired, Tuttle said this was not his desire. “He was pretty realistic and knew his situation and felt it best to retire,” she said. “There’s not a doubt in my mind that if his health would have not warranted it, he would not have retired.” She said Ike never wanted to be treated differently or have fewer responsibilities and always wanted to do the right thing. She said he believed every day is a new day, and if a student created issues one day, the student
was welcome back the next day as Ike did not hold grudges. “He just really wanted to see students do their best,” Tuttle said. Pamela said she is extremely thankful for the community, doctors, nurses, family and friends, their school family, all the children and everyone who prayed and made donations. Pamela, who is a paraprofessional at the middle school, said the kids loved having her and Ike there together. “We both had our own fanclubs,” she said with a laugh. Tuttle said there were several fundraisers for Ike over the years, with one being “We heart you Mr. C” bracelets, which raised more than $1,500. Ike’s kids, Isaac, Andrew, Alicia and Stephanie, and stepchildren, Justin and Billy Epperson and adopted daughter Jazmin Epperson-Clelland, will miss him very much, along with his eight grandchildren, mother, sisters and nieces and nephews. Ike was preceded in death by his father,
See MR. C, 16
Page 14 • Reflections -Summer 2018
W
Senior prom celebrated at council on aging
hile prom is known for being a high school event, there was a senior prom at the Oscoda County Council on Aging Saturday, July 28. Attendees voted for prom king and queen, and the winners were Phil and Anna Handrich. There were subs, refreshments and cake. Activities Coordinator Rich Lloyd said he was pleased with the crowd, with double the number of guests he expected. The theme was “Welcome to the Future.”
Photos by Emily Tierney
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Reflections - Summer 2018 • Page 15
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Page 16 • Reflections -Summer 2018
Mr. C
FROM PAGE 13 Albert, and brother-in-law, Keith Lama. The Herald posted a Facebook status asking people to share memories of Mr. C and received several comments. Liz Ruediger said Ike was a great teacher and she had him in the late 1980s. She said she has many memories from his class and still has a Christmas ornament she made. She said one of her favorite memories was a special art project he organized with kids chosen from several classes. “I don’t remember what the project was, but I remember being invited to participate,” she wrote. “I thought it was odd that I was asked, because I was not even close to one of the most talented kids in the class. But it was about kindness, inclusion and participation for Mr. C. That was as important in what he taught as the art.” Kaylin Munsell shared a memory of a day in class she was nervous because her grandfather was going to have brain surgery. “Before class I had talked to him about it, because he was always a person you could turn to for things,” Munsell wrote. “Well, as I am sitting there working, he walked by and put a little bit of glue on my cheek and dumped a whole bunch of glitter on me! I just looked up at him and he had that goofy grin and was like, “Oh man, I must have tripped over your chair.” When you saw him smile, you couldn’t help but smile. This all ended up with this giant glitter war, and let me tell you, we were
Above, Ike poses for a photo with wrestler Shelby Thomas at a tournament. Right, Ike, seen here with Brian Livingston, Tim Stubbins and his daughter Jazmin, is remembered for his smile, giant heart and the many lives he touched as a teacher. Courtesy Photos
both very shiny at the end. He never failed to brighten my day.” Stacey Thomas Shelp shared her daughter Shelby’s post about Ike. Shelby wrote that the wrestling world lost a great man. “Ike has reffed many of my matches and some of the greatest ones,” she wrote. “He had been battling cancer for the last couple of years. I remember the first time I met Ike and I was wearing one of my Pin Cancer singlets. Ike came up and said, ‘I like your singlet, I’d love to get a picture with you!’” Shelby wrote that the two shared a 15-minute conversation about his cancer. “It really put life into perspective for me,” Shelby said. “There’s
no way getting around it but Ike was the most dedicated, caring, happy and inspirational person I’ve met while wrestling. Ike has gave me something to work for every tournament. I remember Ike always coming and watching my matches when he was not reffing. I could go on and on and on about this man and what he has done for me. It hurts knowing that I won’t see him anymore. Every time I go out on a mat I’ll forever be wrestling for him.” Teresa Jessee-Noel said she had
the privilege to have Mr. C as a teacher 20 years ago and is glad her three older kids also had him. “He will be missed by generations of students,” she wrote. Chris Nichols-Glasgow said she has two older children who knew Mr. C along with a third child 15 years younger. “Mr. C definitely left his mark in their lives,” she wrote. “My oldest daughter grew to be Senior Artist of the year 2003. My son also became an accomplished artist under his guidance, and Mr. C
was also his Scout leader for five years.” She wrote her youngest kid was privileged to be his student as well and was involved in raising funds for his cause several times. “He was truly a kind, caring person,” she wrote. “Always cheerful. Remembered us always. He’ll always be in our heart.” Bryan Eimers shared the time he was watching ESPN on the classroom TV and was being quiet, which was out of the ordinary for him. Mr. C asked where Eimers was and his classmates said he was watching ESPN. “He sat there for a little while processing what they said and was like, ‘Eimers, shut that TV off now,’” he wrote. “I have many stories about Mr. C, but that is the one I will remember forever.’” Meghan Carr shared the time about a year ago when Mr. C went into her office to leave a message for her boss and asked if she needed his name, and she chuckled and said, ‘Of course not, Mr. Clelland.’ Mr. C replied, “‘I wasn’t sure if you recognized me, Meghan.”’ “That shocked me,” Carr wrote. “It’s been 25 years since I was in his class and he’s had thousands of students over the years, but he knew immediately who I was and was so humble that he had to ask if I remembered him. I was fortunate to have been able to reconnect with him this last year because he was truly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He cared about each one of his students and went out of his way to always make sure we felt important to him. He made a difference.”