SHWatchdog - South Haven Seniors

Enjoy holiday fun at SHASS

With this warm November weather, it doesn't feel like winter is approaching but Mother Nature has cold weather up her sleeve for the end of the week. Soon we'll be singing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

In honor of the holiday season, the staff at SHASS invite you to attend the following events. Also be sure and check out our website at www.shass.org for detailed information about SHASS in general.

Soup Supper, Thursday, Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m., Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. Come and enjoy soups made by SHASS staff along with special entertainment by Andru Bemis and friend Scott Pryor. Andru has produced three solo CD's, which are played on radio stations throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Andru sings songs that are descended from an era when music was played to express one's deepest emotions. Plan to attend this fun, delicious event. There will be a donation box. For more information, call Senior Services, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607.

Gift Boxes & Bookmarks, Monday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m., Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. This fun, free workshop will inspire you to make clever gift boxes that can be unique Christmas gifts for your friends, or for your personal use. You can also make fun bookmarks. Materials will be provided. For more information, or to sign up, call Senior Services, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607.

Holiday Potluck, Tuesday, Dec. 12, noon-2 p.m., Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. SHASS staff will provide turkey, dressing and beverages. You bring a dish to pass. Come and enjoy an annual event that is always full of surprises and toe tapping entertainment. To sign up, call Senior Services, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607. State what dish you'll bring to pass.

English Tea, Friday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. Join SHASS for a special holiday tea with music for the season played by violinist Annette Stephens and her sister, pianist Nicole Stephens. A small donation to our Emergency Fund will be most welcome. For more information, call Senior Services, week- days between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607.

The SHASS Board Meeting is open to the public. It will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street.

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, plan to attend lunch at noon at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street, and enjoy a visit by the Covert R.O.T.C. who will sing songs for the holiday season. To make a reservation for lunch, call Misty at 637-4493.

Other December events include Chair Massages held on Wednesdays between 1 and 3 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. Certified Massage Therapist Marie Hudson is an outstanding masseuse. She provides a 15-minute massage for $5. Call Senior Services, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607 to schedule an appointment.

Tai Chi also take place at the Warren Senior Center on Wednesdays from 12:30-1 p.m. Instructor Gras Soergel takes you through a gentle series of exercises that will leave you feeling exhilarated and refreshed. Call Senior Services, weekdays between 9 a.m and 4 p.m., at 637-3607, to sign up for this free class.

If you are looking for small unique gifts, visit the Senior Hearts Gift Shop located in the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. Shop hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. You can find knitted hats, scarves, mittens and crocheted items. You'll also find handmade ornaments and other neat items priced reasonably. All gift shop proceeds are for senior services. For more information, call 637-3607.

Last but not least, if you want to play a name game, South Haven Area Senior Services Board of Directors invites you to participate in a "Re-Name SHASS" game. Because SHASS has expanded into new areas that surround the City of South Haven, the Board feels that SHASS' name should better reflect the entire service areas being served. At present, SHASS provides services to the cities of South Haven and Bangor and the townships of Bangor, Casco, Covert, Columbia, Geneva and South Haven. SHASS invites you to submit a new name for the expanding organization. Prize for the winning name, selected by the SHASS Board, is a $100 gift card. SHASS provides Care Watch services and volunteer services through Community Connections. Other services include Health & Wellness programs, exercise classes, masage therapy, fun social events, assistance with tax rebates, Medicaid and Medicare assistance through a Care Watch specialist, senior trips, care giver support, Alzheimer and low vision support groups, movie days, nurse services, information assistance and Medical Emergency Cards. Send your "new name" idea to Director Jennifer Carver, 220 Broadway, South Haven, MI 49090. If you have any questions, call Jennifer, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 637-3607, or, you can email her at shassdirector@i2k.com

SHASS sends out its free newsletter through the South Haven Tribune. Check out the December issue that was placed in the Tribune the week of November 27. If you didn't receive a newsletter, call SHASS, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607.

Be sure to check out our website at www.shass.org for much more information.

Have a joyous, safe, healthy holiday season and a happy New Year.

Holiday season fast approaching

It's November and stores are actively advertising for the Christmas season. Don't rush the Thanksgiving holiday in the midst of all the Christmas shopping frenzy. Take time to relax and enjoy friends and family.

Also, take time to enjoy the activities being held this month at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street, South Haven.(For more information, visit our website at www.shass.org - or stop in at the SHASS office and pick up our November newsletter if you didn't receive one in the Oct. 29 Tribune.)SHASS hours are 9-4, M-F. Come in through the Warren Senior Center.

At noon on Friday, the 10th, at the Warren Senior Center, there will be a spaghetti lunch, prepared by staff. Nutrition is closed that day for Veterans Day so SHASS staff is making sure that seniors have a good hot lunch.

Sign up for a relaxing 15-minute chair massage with certified Massage Therapist Marie Hudson. Marie gives chair massages from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Warren Senior Center. Charge is $5, payable to Marie. For more information, or to sign up, call SHASS at 637-3607. (Non-seniors may also take advantage of her relaxing touch.)

At 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, free, weekly Tai Chi classes with Gratia Soergel are held at the Warren Senior Center. Call Sonja at 637-3607 for more information or to sign up.

At 2:30 p.m. on Friday the 17th the English Tea will be held at the Warren Senior Center. Come and enjoy delicious refreshments accompanied by Jeanne Hallgren reading from her book "Piers, Pancakes and People." In addition you can tap your toes and sing along with Joe Foster who entertains with his special brand of folk music. Bring a friend. There is no charge for this event.

SHASS staff is planning free Swedish weaving classes. For more information, call Kathy at 637-3607.

At 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the 21st, the Covert Junior ROTC will be visiting the Warren Senior Center. Come for lunch and enjoy their vocal talents. Call Misty at 637-4493 to sign up. Bring a friend.

The Senior Hearts Gift Shop, located at the Warren Senior Center, is filled with fun handmade items for the holiday season. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Come and check it out.

A reminder that Senior Services and Nutrition will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday season on November 23 and 24. Offices will re-open on Monday, Nov. 27.

SHASS contiues to seek volunteer drivers (mileage expenses will be reimbursed) to take seniors living in Van Buren County to medical appointments. Please call Arles at 637-3607 for more information.

Until next time, have a joyous and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Volunteer drivers needed

Recently SHASS was awarded funds from Region IV Area Agency on Aging, which include Ride-Easy, a partnership between SHASS, Van Buren Public Transit and the Department of Human Services. Any senior, age 60 or over, living in Van Buren County, who needs transportation for medical care, in or out of Van Buren County, may qualify for Ride-Easy.

People interested in voluntering to drive seniors to medical appointments through Ride-Easy should call Arles Odette, weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 269-637-3607 or toll free, 1-866-627-8904. Volunteer drivers will be reimbursed for mileage. Registering to drive involves providing a copy of a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, personal auto liability insurance and a driving record that complies with acceptable program standards as described in a volunteer check list given to the volunteer.

Seniors needing transportation for medical appointments through Ride-Easy should also call Arles at one of the above numbers. It's important that we have reliable drivers to help seniors get the medical care they need. It is part of our mission to promote independence through volunteers and community support.

For more information, check out our website at www.shass.org

Stay warm! Our winter-like weather has arrived too soon.

Discover the color of SHASS events this fall

October brims with colorful SHASS events as varied as the month's fall colors. From the following schedule, pick your "color." (For more information, you can also go to our website www.shass.org, diligently administered by our Web Master Ted Martin.)

These activities are open to all seniors and anyone else who wants to take part.

Arthritis Self-Help Course, Mondays, 1-3 p.m., Oct 2nd - Nov. 6
This informational series of classes, led by Scott Smith, an Arthritis Foundation trained instructor, will cover such topics as management of arthritis, strategies for decreasing pain, how to relax and deal with stress, proper use of exercise, good nutrition habits, and much more. The workshops take place at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street, South Haven. For more information, or to sign up (there is still room), call SHASS, weekdays, 9 a.m. -4 p.m., at 637-3607.

Chair Massage, 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays, Warren Senior Center
Certified Massage Therapist, Marie Hudson, is offering 15-minute chair massages. Cost is $5 payable to Marie. For more information, or to schedule a time, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Tai Chi Classes, 12:30 p.m., every Wednesday, starting Oct. 11
These great exercise classes at the Warren Senior Center will be led by Gratia Soergel who will put you through gentle paces. For more information, or to sign up, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
From 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, a super spaghetti dinner will be held at the South Haven Moose Lodge, 1025 Wells Street (by Van Buren County Courthouse). Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children 10 and under. All proceeds will be used for an Emergency Fund for Seniors to help with medication expenses, utility bills, etc. This event is sponsored by the South Haven Moose Lodge and SHASS. SHASS will be assisted in serving the meal by the Bangor, Covert Township and South Haven Black River Lions. For more information, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar, 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 16
Barbara Lane, RN and Executive Director of Berrien County Cancer Services, will give a free presentation on Breast Cancer Awarenss at the Covert Senior LifeLine Center located in the Van Buren Civic Organization Building on 34th Street in Covert. Lane will discuss self examinations, mammograms and will answer any questions from the audience. For more information or to sign up, call Covert Senior LifeLine at 269-764-8378.

SHASS Board Meeting - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. The public is welcome to attend this meeting.

Flu Shots, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20
Flu shots will be given at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street. Appointments must be made; no walk-ins or children. There is a fee for the shots; bring your Medicare cards. The clinic is sponsored by Borgess Homecare in Kalamazoo. Call SHASS at 637-3607 to make an appointment.

Social Security Rep. coming to Warren Senior Center
At 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, a social security representative will be coming to the center located at 540 Williams Street. Baby boomers, seniors, pre-seniors are welcome to attend this free workshop. No sign up is required, just come. For more information, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol Screenings will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Oct. 30 at the Van Buren Civic Organization Building on 34th Street in Covert. The first 25 people who sign up will be screened for free, according to Nurse Candy Harris. The test includes cholesterol, LDL and glucose. Fasting beforehand is not necessary. Community Hospital Watervliet is sponsoring the screenings. For more information,or to register, call Covert Senior LifeLine at 269-764-8378.

Take time to enjoy the colorful fall season through these fun events and check out more events on our website

And..."be happy..."

SHASS summer activities meld into colorful fall events

It's hard to believe today is the 30th of August. Fall is around the corner when you notice the shorter day light hours and orange colors tinging the tops of trees.

At SHASS you definitely know it's fall when people call with their orders for pasties. Each year the number of orders for the U.P. traditional or chicken pasties continues to grow. In our first year, SHASS staff made 600 pasties; in the second year staff made 1400 pasties. We know that number will expand this year. SHASS staff will take orders for ready-to-cook pasties through September 13. Cost is $3 for one pasty; $13 for five and $25 for ten. Call SHASS, weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 637-3607 to place your order. Pick up will be September 22 between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church on Blue Star Highway in South Haven. You may also pick up your order on Monday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street, South Haven. If you need a different pick up time, call Georgia at 637-3607.

If you're in the mood for rousing music, the Casco Band will be performing at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 11 at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St., South Haven. The Casco Band comprises local musicians who simply love playing and performing music such as marches and tunes from the 30s and 40s. They perform in area parades and festivals and are very popular. Come and enjoy this free concert complete with delicious refreshments.

If you want some fun seeing members of our staff dunked in the dunking tank, come to the SHASS picnic starting at noon on September 7. Just throw a ball and see if you can drop them into the water. Local musician Joe Foster will be singing and playing fun tunes on his guitar. You can also enjoy a card game or two. The picnic will take place at Stanley Johnston Park in South Haven just north of the bridge. Come and enjoy tasty food as only picnics can provide. The SHASS staff will bring the meat and drinks. Participants should bring a dessert or a side dish to pass. To sign up, call Sandy or Sonja, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 637-3607. Let them know what dish you'll be bringing. If it's raining the picnic will be Warren Senior Center.

Until next time... Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

Senior Services takes innovative new direction with newsletter

This is a great time of year when summer beckons us outdoors to enjoy picnics, walks on the beach, the radiant sunsets and the crickety sounds of crickets on a summer evening. Enjoy! Happy Summer to everyone!

Summer also ushers in big changes to our Senior Sentinel newsletter.

Recently, SHASS decided to expand the Sentinel by partnering with the South Haven Tribune. Starting in August, the monthly Senior Sentinel will be delivered to homes as a pull out insert in the South Haven Tribune. SHASS staff members are excited about this opportunity to expand the newsletter's readerships, as many seniors, middle aged caregivers of seniors, and seniors raising grandchildren need to learn about the increasing number of services SHASS offers.

The mission of SHASS is to connect people of all ages with its outreach programs and educational opportuniteis that promote independence thorugh volunteers and community support.

The purpose of the Senior Sentinel has never been to make a profit, but to expand the mission of SHASS. Barb Houlberg, the first director of SHASS, started mailing the Sentinel to seniors in 1995 when SHASS was incorporated as a non-profit organization. "Any time any of us wanted something in the newsletter, we would type it up and put it in a special 'In Box' on Barb's desk," said Ray Llorens, who joined the SHASS staff in 1996. Houlberg had the fun task of laying out the scraps on the floor and "sorting them by categories," according to Llorens, who took charge of the activity calendars and nutrition menus.

In 2000, the scraps on the office floor disappeared as new staff started computer generated Senior Sentinels. The original Sentinel categories remain in tact such as the calendars, announcements, senior activities and services, and "Home on the Range" a senior cooking column started by Llorens. SHASS staff has added Senior Trips, announcements of Caregiver Support meetings, Alzheimer Caregiver support metings, Visually Impaired Support meetings, Movie Day, Community Connections involving SHASS volunteers, and more news about senior activities and services in outlying areas.

SHASS serves not only the City of South Haven but the city of Bangor and the townships of Arlington, Bangor, Casco, Covert, Columbia, Geneva and South Haven.

The SHASS Board of Directors and staff are seeking monthly sponsors to underwrite the new circulation costs, and so far the response has been positive. Seniors now subscribing to the newsletter are also helping to defray production costs.

SHASS, located at 220 Broadway, welcomes any donations that will help increase the effectiveness of the Senior Sentinel. SHASS will recognize donors or sponsors in upcoming issues.

Be sure to watch for the Senior Sentinel in the South Haven Tribune coming out the first week in August. SHASS staff is grateful to our webmaster Ted Martin for putting the newsletter together and coordinating the printing with the Tribune.

Anyone who wants to make a donation, or needs further information, may call Georgia at 637-3607, weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, check out our website at www.shass.org for more information.

2nd Annual Senior Day will focus on safety, soundness and security

Seniors 50 and over, living in or near Van Buren County, will enjoy attending the 2nd Annual Senior Day, which was a rousing success last year.

The free event will take place from 9 am - 2 pm on Wednesday, June 7 at the Lawrence ISD Conference Center, Paw Paw St., in Lawrence. Registration starts at 8:30 am. Free handicap parking is available and the center is handicap accessible.

Workshops cover Scams, Home Safety, Emergency Readiness, Low Vision, "When We Get the Blues", Elder Abuse, Improvisational Theatre and Adult Legal Issues.

There will be over 40 vendors to answer your questions along with free health screenings such as blood sugar, blood pressure and falls risk assessments.

In addition to the workshops and vendor exhibits there will be lunch served by Nutrition Services (donation $2), snacks and great door prizes to be announced at the end of the day around 1:45 pm.

For those needing a ride, county-wide transportation will be available for a modest fee through Van Buren Public Transit. Anyone needing a ride should call Van Buren Public Transit at 1-800-828-2015 or 269-427-7921. Reservations for transportation should be made no later than May 31.

For more information, or to reserve your place at the 2nd Annual Senior Day, call South Haven Area Senior Services, weekdays, at 269-637-3607, or toll free, 1-866-627-8904. Ask for Arles or Georgia. Reservations for Senior Day should be made no later than June 3.

Come and enjoy a day full of fun and knowledge and new friendships!

SHASS activities get in the "spring" of things

It's great to have spring in the air. It makes you want to clean out the winter cobwebs in the house or get outside and weed the garden or just take long walks.

Staff here at South Haven Area Senior Services (SHASS) are in high gear planning spring time events.

The big March event is the upcoming Irish Festival that takes place on Thursday, March 16 at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St.
Entertainment provided by Biddy Murphy begins at 9:30 a.m., then Bingo at 10:30 and then the delicious culminating event a noon lunch comprising corned beef or pork roast, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, rye bread, dessert, punch and coffee, all for $3.00. The homemade meal is being prepared by SHASS staff. So, if you can't make any of the other events, don't miss the meal.

April 21 is the date of the next English Tea, which will celebrate Easter and the beauty of spring. This fun event is held at the Warren Senior Center. Call Sonja at (269) 637-3607 for more information.

The senior variety show had originally been scheduled to take place in May, but we have moved the date to Friday, Sept. 15 to give us more time to plan one extravaganza show. Stay tuned for more details.

Spring cleaning took place at our gift shop at the Warren Senior Center. Not only did the shop get an overhaul but the name was changed from SHASS Gift Shop to Senior Hearts Gift Shop. All proceeds from sales at the gift shop benefit Senior Services. Sonja who organizes the shop says that donations of items to sell at the shop are always needed. Especially popular items are antique jewelry, pottery, teapots and accessories. Call Sonja at 637-3607 for more information. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you're interested in dancing "on line" the South Haven Area Line Dancers meet at 1 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Come join in the fun. No registration necessary.

On a crafty note, the Quilting Club meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1-3 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center. Bring your own project to work on.

Our fitness program is in full swing. Call Mary at 637-3607 for details on joining this fun program that also involves nutrition tips.

SHASS appreciates all of its volunteers and will hold a special lucheon honoring them on April 18. Call Sonja at 637-3607 for more details.

Enjoy!

SHASS offers tax form assistance

This is the one downer about welcoming in the New Year - taxes. I'm in the midst of compiling my personal tax information. Every year I tell myself to be more organized, but every year I still scramble to file my paperwork for the IRS.

To make your tax preparation easier, SHASS will have volunteers to help you, at no charge, with your Homestead Property tax rebate or a Home Heating Rebate credit. Our volunteers will not complete your 1040 forms. There are other agencies that provide help with that. If you call SHASS at 269-637-3607, we can give you names of agencies that do the entire tax preparation for free. You can also check out our website at www.shass.org for information.

If you want SHASS to help you with your rebates, call 637-3607 to set up an appointment. Make sure to bring your social security statement showing your income for 2005, any wages you received in 2005, interest and dividend income, pensions and/or disability income, such as veterans, or other forms of support such as family help or charities.

If you want to file a Homestead Property tax rebate, bring a copy of your tax bills paid in 2005. You may have had a winter and a summer tax bill. To get full credit, you will need both. If you can't find the paid bills, call your city or township treasurer's office for information.

If you want to file a Home Heating Rebate credit, bring in all of your heating bill information for gas or oil for the year 2005.

If you are a renter filing Home Heating Rebate credit, SHASS will need the name and address of the landlord, except if you live in River Terrace or Harbor View apartments. If heat is included in the rent, SHASS volunteers will figure out the rebate allowance. If your heat is not included in the rent, please have something to show how much you paid for gas or oil for the year 2005.

Once tax season is over, you may contemplate on getting more fit in 2006. If so, SHASS has a comprehensive program that may be just what you need.

In February, SHASS will be registering people for Lighthouse Steppers and Lighter Club. One part of the program deals with nutrition and the other nutrition. You may enroll for one or both parts. Program registration will take place on Tuesday, 28 February. For people 50 and over, the yearly membership fee is $10 for one program and $15 for both. For those under 50, the yearly membership fee is $20 for one program and $30 for both.

The Lighthouse Steppers involves fitness. Two treadmills and a recumbent bike are located at the Warren Center in South Haven, and one treadmill is located at the Simpson United Methodist Church in Bangor. The program includes indoor walking tracks both in South Haven and Bangor (outdoor trails as well). New members receive a pedometer and a daily walking log.

The Lighter Club is a series of nutrition classes, weekly weigh-in, peer support for dieting seniors, dieting tips, nutritional information packet for new members and effective lifestyle changes, and weekly support.

For more information, check out our web site at www.shass.org or call Mary at 637-3607.

SHASS is pleased to be a United Way Partner agency. SHASS serves the cities of South Haven, Bangor and the townships of Arlington, Bangor, Casco, South Haven, Columbia, and Geneva. SHASS office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can call us at 269-637-3607, or use our toll free number 1-866-627-8904.

SHASS strives to connect individuals with outreach programs and educational opportunities that promote independence through volunteers and community support.

May all go well with your taxes.

SHASS looks forward to a productive 2006

As we reflect on the outgoing 2005, we staff members at South Haven Area Senior Services (SHASS) are pleased with the growth that has taken place in providing more services and activities for seniors.

Director Jennifer Carver along with staff recently met to set goals for an exciting, successful and growth-filled 2006. The following includes highlights of that meeting.

Staff will continue its present services such as helping seniors with the new Medicare changes, which are very confusing and involve numerous choices. The staff will also help seniors with their home heating credits at tax time. Other services will continue such as Information and Assistance, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hearing testing, podiatrist care and help for seniors with their prescription drugs. SHASS will continue its Alzheimer Caregiver Support,Visually Impaired Support and support for care givers involved with non-Alzheimer care such as physical injuries or other needs. We are also planning our second annual Senior Day to be held in June. This is a very informative, helpful and fun day for seniors.

SHASS will continue expanding its Community Connections program that involves volunteer drivers taking seniors to medical appointments outside of the South Haven area. Besides drivers, SHASS also recruits volunteers to help seniors with light shopping, general housekeeping and snow shoveling. We are always looking for volunteers to assist seniors. If you are interested or know somone who would like to help, call Sonya at 637-3607.

SHASS will continue its exemplary computer program. Computer instructors volunteer their time both at the Warren Senior Center in South Haven and at the Simpson Church in Bangor to instruct seniors on a one-to-one basis at no charge. Thanks to their help seniors become computer literate and enjoy corresponding with family or gathering information via the internet.

SHASS will continue its website, www.shass.org - thanks to our afternoon van driver Ted Martin, who is our webmaster. Ted keeps expanding the site making it even more interesting and news worthy. SHASS is grateful for his dedicated service. Check it out.

The new year will see more attention paid to solutions for better transportation for seniors. Presently, SHASS has one van with two drivers that do their best to accommodate seniors - taking them shopping, to local doctor's appointments and to the Warren Senior Center for lunch provided by Senior Nutrition, and other SHASS events such as the Holiday Potluck or Florida Party. If you have any ideas about how we can improve our transportation service, call Jennifer at 637-3607.

in 2005, SHASS formed a partnership with Covert Senior LifeLine, to help meet more needs of seniors in the Covert area. In 2006, we will work diligently with Covert Senior LifeLine, especially in developing an ongoing food bank and with transportation needs. For more information, call Jennifer at 637-3607.

SHASS will continue its successful fitness program - Lighthouse Steppers and the Lighter Club, comprising nutrition. Treadmills are available both at the Warren Senior Center and the Simpson Church in Bangor. This program is also available to non-seniors. Proper nutrition is an essential element in the program. For information about joining, call Mary at 637-3607.

The new year promises to be another exciting year for the "Tally Ho" senior travelers. Upcoming trips include the International Auto Show at Detroit's Cobo Hall, Mexican Riviera aboard the Saphire Princess Cruise Ship, Phantom of the Opera at Miller Auditorium, Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Hawaiian Islands aboard the Pride of America Cruise Ship. For more information, call Mary or Sonja at 637-3607.

Other fun activities to continue in 2006 are Bingo, senior exercise, card playing, English Tea, Movie Day and quilting. Our gift shop at the Warren Senior Center continues to be a fun place for people to shop.

Staff has planned the following new activities.

On Jan. 6 at 12:30 p.m., at the Warren Senior Center, seniors and the public are in for a treat. Sonja will share Noelle's special story where Noelle (a four-legged friend) finds out that she has a very special talent in her uniqueness - that being different can be positive. Participants will also meet Noelle and other four-legged friends like her. Call Sonja for more information or to sign up.

On January 16, at the Warren Senior Center, staff is planning a "Meet the Staff" hour from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and then a soup lunch for seniors and the public from noon to 1 p.m. Various staff members will be making their favorite soups so people coming for lunch will be in for a hearty culinary treat. There will be a nominal fee of $2.50, which includes soup, salad, rolls and dessert. Call Mary at 637-3607 to sign up.

On a musical note, SHASS will hold its fourth annual Senior Variety Show on Friday, May 12 at the Baseline Middle School cafeteria. This year, the show will be patterned after a radio show popular in the 30s and 40s. Plans are now underway. There will be an informational meeting at 4 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Warren Senior Center. For more information, call Sandra at 637-3607.

We at SHASS love helping our seniors. We will continue to connect seniors with outreach programs and educational opportunities that promote independence through volunteers and community support. SHASS serves the cities of South Haven and Bangor and the townships of Geneva, South Haven, Casco, Arlington, Bangor and Columbia.

Please call SHASS at 637-3607 to learn more about our services, or for any input you may have. We also have a monthly newsletter to which one can subsribe for a nominal fee. Call Georgia at 637-3607 for more information.

Happy New Year everyone! See you next year!

Have a safe happy holiday season from all of us at SHASS

We at SHASS wish you a joyous and safe holiday season.

If you want to know all the holiday happenings taking place at SHASS check out our website at www.shass.org

To help others in need of food, SHASS is sponsoring a food pantry during the month of December. SHASS will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Covert Senior LifeLine opening in Feb. of 2006. You can bring your donations to the SHASS office, 220 Broadway, South Haven. For more information, call SHASS at 637-3607.

On Friday, Dec. 9, SHASS is hosting its annual Holiday Potluck to start at noon. The fun event complete with turkey, dressing and beverage includes a special appearance from Santa Claus and The Happy Notes. Call 637-3607 to sign up. Bring a dish to pass.

For holiday fun, SHASS is sponsoring two workshops: Ornament Making, Dec. 7, 12:30-4 p.m.,at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St. Call 637-3607 for more information. And on Dec. 15, an Art Workshop from 5-8 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center. Call to sign up for both of these workshops.

To lose those unwanted pounds, SHASS has treadmills available Monday -Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Warren Senior Center, and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Simpson United Methodist Church in Bangor. Indoor walking is available at Hope Reformed Church, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Call SHASS at 637-3607 for more information about its fitness club that includes the Lighter Club and Lighthouse Steppers. Non-seniors can also enroll.

Fun trips for 2006 are in the works for the Tally Ho Travelers, or any senior who would like to join them. Feb. 4-11 is the Mexican Riviera aboard the Sapphire Princes Cruise; April 22 is the Phantom of the Opera matinee at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo; June 4-11 Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota; and Nov. 2-12 enjoy the Hawaiian Islands aboard the Pride of America Cruise Ship. For more information, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Cheers to the New Year and we'll be on board with many more great activities and services in the New Year.

SHASS celebrates 10 years of service

November is a celebratory month for SHASS - complete with a new partnership.

Not only are we celebrating 10 years of service to area seniors but successful fundraisers as well.

To thank our donors and celebrate 10 years of serving seniors, we have planned a Senior Services Breakfast Extravaganza for the public from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street.

Popular chef Chris Spencer is preparing most of this sumptuous meal which will include waffles, fresh fruit, a variety of egg dishes, bacon, bagels. It makes my mouth water just writing about it!

As part of our 10-year anniversary, Senior Services initiated its first annual "Give from the Heart" campaign with a goal of $10,000. We exceeded our goal thanks to our donors.

Please join us for a delicious celebration and eat hearty. Then head downtown for the "Holiday in the Village" events in South Haven.

In other fundraising news, our Pasties Fundraiser succeeded last year's sales. We netted about $3,000. New this year was our receiving a matching grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans towards the fundraiser. We had 1300 orders. This meant lots more peeling, chopping and filling of crusts. The pasties were made from a genuine U.P. recipe which a genuine "Yupper" gave to our director.

We now have a new partner Covert Senior Lifeline. The organization recently lost its state senior center funding due to State of Michigan budget cuts. Over the past several months, SHASS and Covert Senior Lifeline have been working together to develop alternative funding so that Covert Senior Lifeline services can continue. Recently, Covert Township officials voted to provide interim funding to help sustain these critical senior services. We have developed a "Save Covert Senior Lifeline" fund campaign, and have developed several grant proposals to a variety of foundations and civic groups. The Covert Community Foundation granted $6,000 to the cause. For more information about the Covert Fund Campaign, call Jennifer Carver, our director, at 637-3607.

Continuing on the topic of funding - SHASS will be asking township and city officials and our voters to renew the current senior services millage in August of 2006. Covert Township will also join us to bring a new senior services millage to the Covert Township area. Covert Township officials voted in September to place the Covert senior services millage on the August 2006 ballot. SHASS is in the initial planning stages of developing the renewal and new millage campaign activities. Volunteers and supporters are needed in many areas of the campaign and we will keep you updated as the millage campaign plans progress. Without your support of these senior millages, SHASS would not be able to provide critical services for our seniors.

This month we are hosting a Lessons for Living Well Seminar - a free seminar for the public about life for adults in southwest Michigan. Topics include wills, living wills and power of attorney. John Kessler will be the keynote speaker. Representatives from SHASS, Hospice at Home - South Haven Area Hospice, South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community will provide overviews on how they help seniors.

This informative event starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St. If you wish to eat before the seminar begins, a continental breakfast will be available at 8 a.m. at the center. For more information, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Remember to check out our informative website updated every week by our capable webmaster Ted Martin. Locate our site at www.shass.org

Have a happpy Thanksgiving holiday!

SHASS continues to expand services

SHASS is adding more information and assistance for seniors, especially for those needing help with Medicare/Medicaid. Vikke Andersen of our Care Watch program attended training sessions to be our Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program Counselor. She's now busy conducting seminars and answering seniors' questions about the upcoming Medicare changes. Vikke is planning more seminars for November, but the dates have not been finalized. If you have questions on Medicare, please call SHASS at 637-3607.

SHASS has also linked its services with Covert Senior LifeLine Center. There will be more information on that as it becomes available next month.

Another service provided through SHASS each month is a hearing screening. Seniors can call SHASS at 637-3607 to set up an appointment for this free screening, held at the Warren Senior Center, and conducted by Professional Hearing Services from St. Joseph, Michigan.

SHASS is proud of its new Information and Assistance Library. It contains books and videos with information on all kinds of health issues and care giver issues. Items can be checked out. The library's hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The library is located at the Warren Senior Center's computer lab. Feel free to come and check it out.

Enjoy this fabulous fall season and do something special for yourself like take a walk along the shoreline and watch the seagulls soar.

SHASS sows fun and informative activities for Fall

It's hard to believe summer is slipping into fall, which means back to school, football games and cheering Mother Nature's last colorful "Hurrah."

We at SHASS enjoy planning Fall activities with a bite of education and fun.

For fun, there will be the 2nd Annual SHASS picnic at noon on Thursday, Sept. 22 at Stanley Johnston Park. Come and enjoy comraderie and grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, beans, watermelon and lemonade. There will be a $2 to $3 donation to cover the costs. To register, or arrange transportation, call SHASS at 637-3607.

On another picnic vein there will be a "Salad Potluck" at noon on Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Warren Senior Center for all Lighter Club and Lighthouse Steppers to celebrate the end of summer and regroup for the fall season. Members should call Mary or Sonja at 637-3607 to reserve a place.

If you want to alleviate the so called discomforts of aging, come to a special seminar entitled, "Is It Just the Aches & Pains of Aging?" Many people believe that aches and pains are a natural part of aging. Contrary to this belief there are remedies that can assist with alleviating these discomforts, including physical therapy. Paul J. Frederick, PT, MA, OCS, CSCS, a Physical Therapist, Exercise Physiologist and owner of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists in South Haven, will present this free workshop at 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 19, at the Warren Senior Center. Call SHASS at 637-3607 to sign up.

For anyone concerned about the new Medicare changes, SHASS is offering workshops at different dates and times to accommodate people's schedules. Vikke Andersen, our trained Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program Counselor, will be the moderator for these free workshops. Bring your questions and paperwork. The workshops are offered at the following times:

Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St.
Friday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to noon at Columbia Township Hall, 53053 CR 388, Grand Junction
Monday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to noon at Arlington Township Hall, 52022 34th Avenue, Bangor
Monday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Bangor Township Hall, 32550 CR 687, Bangor
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St.

Please, call SHASS at 637-3607 to register for any of these workshops.

Trip wise, the Tally Ho Travelers are southward bound across the rolling fields of Indiana, Oct. 23-26. Enjoy time at Casino Aztar or a stroll along Evansville's lovely riverfront, your home for three nights. For more information, call SHASS at 637-3607.

Other trips include Casino Windsor on Nov. 4 and a Grand Mountaineer Christmas, Dec. 4-6.

Make sure to check out our continually growing website managed by our very own Ted Martin: www.shass.org

And with that this writer will "tally ho" home.

Until next time....

Enjoy life!

It's time to order those popular SHASS pasties

This is one of those perfect "10" summer days. The warm sun, azure sky and whispering breeze beckon this writer to turn off her computer and head for the beach. Instead she settles for viewing the sparkling vista from her lofty perch as she types.

Anyway, on to the pasties (that's pasties with a short a).

It's that time of the year again when SHASS prepares for its homemade hearty pasties annual fundraiser. It was such a hit last year that SHASS is starting now to take orders.

"Hubbies and friends love them and so will you and the kids," said SHASS Director Jennifer Carver, who with the help of staff makes the pasties from a special authentic recipe. (Yes, we staff members get stuck with KP duty, which is agony for this writer who doesn't relish cooking let alone peeling and crying over onions!) But it's for a good cause, so make our work worth while and order those pasties! All proceeds will be utilized to provide services to area seniors.

Now is your chance to have fresh pasties at great prices and transfer them ready for baking right to your own fridge or freezer. You can order the traditional - ground beef and pork with carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, turnips and rutabagas in a flaky pastry crust, or chicken or vegetarian pasties. The rest of the ingredients are the same except for the meat.

SHASS is taking orders until Sept. 9. You can order 1 pasty for $3; 5 for $13 and 10 for $25. Pick up will be from 4-6 p.m, Sept. 16, at the Peace Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Highway.

SHASS, a non-profit organization, serves the cities of South Haven and Bangor and the townships of South Haven, Bangor, Arlington, Geneva, Casco and Columbia.

Call SHASS at 637-3607 for more information or to place your order.

On a non-cooking matter, but we hope it will stick, is the schedule of our 2005-2006 board meetings, which are open to the public. All are on Wednesdays and take place at 4:30 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will be at the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams St.

17 August - Bangor Township Hall
21 September
19 October - Bangor City Hall
No meeting in November
7 December
18 January
15 February
15 March
19 April
17 May
21 June

Call 637-3607 for more information, and plan to attend!

Feel free to email us at shassinfo@i2k.com or check out our website at
www.shass.org

Enjoy!