So you say there’s nothing to do here in the winter? I disagree -Christine Vanlandingham – February 8, 2020
Snow and a toboggan plus grandkids and a fast hill on a sunny January day equals great memories – and a recipe for making new friends. There’s nothing like a toboggan ride down a steep winding hill to bring memories of wintertime joy from your childhood back into clear focus. Squeals of delight mixed with […]
Free tax help is available – Sara Duris – February 3, 2020
Q. Where can I get my taxes done free-of-charge? A. If you are computer savvy and made less than $66,000 in 2018, you can file both your state and federal taxes online at www.myfreetaxes.com. This free and safe service includes live tax support, via email, chat or phone, to answer any questions you have. If […]
Need help with your utility bills? Here’s where to find assistance – Christine Vanlandingham – January 25, 2020
Many older adults find it a challenge to keep up with winter home heating bills. If you or an older loved one are struggling to pay your utility bills, there are programs to assist. Here are just a few. Winter protections from shutoff. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and state law require all regulated […]
Is it critical to get a Medigap plan? – Sara Duris – January 18, 2020
Q: I’m about to turn 65 and I’m so confused by the Medicare options and all the terminology. Is it critical to get a Medigap plan and what is the difference between copays, coinsurance, excess charges, etc? A Medicare Supplement Insurance policy or “Medigap” helps pay for some of the health care costs that Original […]
Finding the right balance to life – Pat Arter – January 12, 2020
Arriving at work on a Monday morning recently, I felt a bit more energized than usual. Trying to figure out what made this Monday different, one thing was that I’d had a particularly quiet weekend. Friday night we had the pleasure of a sleepover with our six-year-old granddaughter. That doesn’t typically translate to quiet time, […]
Volunteer to help seniors avoid falls – Christine Vanlandingham – January 5, 2020
The best new years resolutions are ones that make our collective lives better. If you’re looking for something meaningful to add to your resolution list this year, consider becoming A Matter of Balance volunteer coach. It can add meaning and purpose to your life – and quite literally add years to the lives of others. […]
Make sure you’re counted in Michigan this census – Lynn Kellogg – December 15, 2019
Attention all snowbirds! There are important things to know regarding the upcoming 2020 Census. The most important thing is making sure your count is registered in Michigan. Census numbers are used to distribute billions of federal dollars every year. Distributions go to schools, businesses, farms, roads, services and more. Countless numbers of planning grants, business […]
Gratefulness, purpose and having a good mind – Pat Arter – December 8, 2019
We had a volunteer holiday recognition event for 100+ seniors recently, had some activities, and served a full Thanksgiving lunch to gracious and grateful volunteers. As tradition holds, one of the activities was to have them share with others at their table the things they were most thankful for. Many of the remarks were just […]
Ways to fight back against social isolation and loneliness – Christine Vanlandingham – December 1, 2019
There’s a serious health risk among us, the prolonged effects of which are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In Berrien County, an estimated 12,400 adults age 50 or older (or one in five) suffer from it. Those suffering from it have higher rates of depression and anxiety, dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease […]
Where to find help with food for needy, elderly – Sara Duris – November 25, 2019
Q: Where can seniors find help getting food? For emergency food assistance, regardless of age, call 2-1-1 to find food pantries near you. You will be asked to put in your zip code and then just follow the prompts for food assistance. Feeding America West Michigan also is a good resource for emergency food and […]