Page 13 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - July 2016 - 23-07

GET MOVING FOR BETTER HEALTH
In this issue that we honor Veterans, I am reminded of the frequent bike rides that my husband and I take dur- ing the summer months. A special treat for us both is to stop at area cemeteries and read the headstones. We are often amazed at the similarities and subtle differences found at each one. We are energetic to find the flags and markers indicating military service wherever we go. We have found markers that go all the way back to the Revolutionary War. It allows for a moment of reminiscing about days long ago and what the lives of those families could have possibly been like.
We read about it and we see it on T.V., or even in movies, but can we pos- sibly know? They only way for you to experience those first-hand accounts of days gone by is to talk to your loved ones and to hear the stories, again, but with a renewed intent to really learn about your own history. Or frankly, to share that history with the generations that have started to follow you.
A wonderful event recently sponsored by Calhoun County Senior Serviecs and Region 3B Area Agency on Aging dem- onstrates how much we can learn from each other. Centenarians gathered around tables and were eager to share their sto- ries. Who knew that pantyhose were so highly coveted?
Going forward this summer there are lots of way that you can get moving. Learn about the decision to get fit or get flabby from Troy Huggett starting on page 18. He weighs the pros and cons of both. Dr. Mark McCullough addresses the impact of what you eat on the journey on page 23 and Trooper Kristi Angelo adds advice on taking appropri- ate precautions for heat just across
the page.
So what’s on tap for this summer?
Heading to Coldwater you can enjoy “Oklahoma!” a classic tale of two unlike- ly people falling in love within a spirited community of cowboys and farmers. It opens at the Tibbits Opera House on July 7 and runs through July 16. Head over to
Barry County for the 164th County Fair starting on July 18. How about a trip to the Athens Homecoming event scheduled for July 23, with the parade starting at 11am.
Senior Day at the Park comes your way during the National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series on August 5 at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek. The Jackson County Fair dates are August 7-13 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Not to be outdone, the Branch County fair is also August 7-13 this year. The Calhoun County Fair runs August 13-20. Senior Day is on Wednesday August 17. Don’t miss your chance to support area kids and their 4-H projects as well as the fun fair food and carnival rides.
What else is coming in August? You guessed it, the Annual Rock-A-Thon supporting Miles for Memories at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility on August 19-20. New this year will
be a silent auction featuring special painted chairs and other items. Special live music guests will also entertain the “rockers.” If you would like to volunteer please reach out to Terri Chapman at (269) 962-1750.
Turn to pages 10 and 11 for a more complete list of activities in area com- munities.
No matter what direction you’re headed in this summer, fun is waiting for you. You are never more than six miles from a body of water in Michigan so it calls to many of us. That means it's about time to start exploring the many lakes, rivers, and campgrounds that Michigan has to offer. Get started with a trip to
a Michigan Campground, or even a Lighthouse Tour. Also, if you're looking forward to fishing this summer, you must purchase an All-Species Fishing License (for those 17 and older, so the grandkids really do need one). Resident, non- resident, and senior annual licenses are available, as well as short-term 24-hour and 72-hour licenses. Purchase licenses online at www.mdnr-elicense.com or at participating retailers. It’s a perfect sum- mer for a Pure Michigan vacation, or even a day trip of fun.
from the
PUBLISHER
Sherii Sherban, Special to Senior Times
Senior Times - July 2016
Page 13
Governor Signs Bill
Package For Veterans
Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a 21-bill package standardizing who qualifies as a Veteran under state law.
“The state has a number of laws
that concern Veterans and, until now, each one offered a differing definition for who was considered a Veteran,”
said Rep. David Maturen, R-Brady Township, who sponsored a piece of the legislation. “These amendments clarify who qualifies, eliminating the confu- sion Veterans and their families faced in the past.”
House Bills 5332-5348 and HBs 5548-5551 create a standard definition
of the term “Veteran” that is also con- sistent with the federal definition. The updated wording is, “An individual who served in the United States armed forc- es, including the reserve components, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”
HB 5333, introduced by Rep. Maturen, who is a U.S. Army Veteran, amends the Veterans’ Military Pay Act, to refer back to the new, clarified defi- nition.
The bills are now Public Acts 199- 219 of 2016.
Legal Advice
The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will con- duct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, to interested seniors.
• Wed, July 13, 2-4pm, Bedford Manor, 100 S. Bedford Road, Battle Creek, MI. 49017.
• Tues, July 19, 10-11am, Mill Race Manor, 2681 E. Main, Centerville, MI 49030.
• Wed, July 27, 10:30am-12pm, Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 West Woodlawn, Hastings, MI 49058.
For more information please call (269) 965-3951.
For Seniors