Community Connection Newsletter | September 2020 | News & Announcements
When I Grow Up
A grownup is a child with layers on.” - Woody Harrelson
Fall is here and summer is gone. Kids are back in school and the questions have just begun, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

We asked our seniors what they wanted to be when they a child, what they ended up doing, and the best advice they have for kids going back to school.
Marshall graduated in the class of 1971. When he was a child he wanted to be a Preacher on TV just like Billy Graham. His favorite subjects were Science, English and Literature. His advice is, “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again. Don’t give up.”
Sharon graduated in the class of 1971. Her best advice is, “Do what you want and enjoy life. Find what makes you happy with yourself. You have only yourself to make happy and enjoy life. Be Your Self.”

When Linda was a child she dreamed of being a great hunter. She grew up to be a caregiver and says, “You can do good if you want to.” 
Gary graduated in the class of 1969. He wanted to be a Professional Baseball player and his favorite subject was recess. Gary says, “Don’t let anyone get you down.” 
Mary graduated in the class of 1968. She worked in the medical field and her best advice is, “You can’t do anything if you don’t try and do your best in anything you do! You will never fail!”
Carol graduated in the class of 1962. She wanted to work with animals and her favorite class was Government. Her advice is, “Be good unto others as they would be to you. “ 

Jenny graduated in the class of 1983. Her favorite subject was Choir. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Business. Jenny says, “Be a kid, don’t grow up too fast.” 

Howard says he didn’t like school, but he grew up to work in the produce business. He says, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” 
Sharon graduated in 1962. She grew up to be a Surgical Technician at a veterinary hospital. Sharon wants you to, “Stay in school.” 
Vic graduated in the class of 1974. He wanted to be in the Army but ended up working in the maintenance field. Vic’s favorite subject was wood shop and he says you should, “Follow your dreams.” 
Tansey graduated in the class of 1943. Her favorite subject was Music and she dreamed of being a movie star. She says you should always, “Be honest.” 
 
Shirley’s favorite subject was Math and she wanted to be a dancer. She grew up to be a great wife and mother and says, “Think before you act.”
Ted wanted to be a police officer. He graduated in the class of 1958 and worked in road commission. His favorite subject was history and says the best advice he can give is, “Save your money.” 

Doug graduated in the class of 1968. He also wanted to be a police officer, but grew up to play the piano in restaurants. His favorite subject was Math and he says you should, “Go play softball.”
Eugene graduated in the class of 1972. He liked every subject in school and wants to tell you, “Don’t do drugs and don’t drink alcohol.” 
Loren graduated in the class of 1962. He wanted to be a cowboy and his favorite subject was Science. His advice? “You really aren’t going anywhere so stop and smell the roses.” 
Norma graduated in the class of 1948. She loved Arithmetic in school and grew up to work in a bank. Her advice, “Work hard. Play Hard.” 
Ivan graduated in 1945. His favorite subject was Geography, he wanted to be in the service and he did just that. Ivan’s advice, “Mind your own business.”
Vivian graduated in the class of 1947. Her favorite subjects were Math and Biology and she wanted to be a nurse. Viv says, “No more writing on the bathroom wall.”
Joe graduated in the class of 1956. His favorite subject was Geometry. Joe wanted to be a catcher for the Detroit Tigers and grew up to be an X-ray Technician. Joe says you should always, “Follow your Heart.”
Bev graduated in the class of 1957. Her favorite subject was Law and she wanted to be a lawyer. Bev says, “Don’t let anyone destroy your dreams.” 
 
Loren graduated in the class of 1962. He wanted to be a cowboy and his favorite subject was Science. His advice? “You really aren’t going anywhere so stop and smell the roses.” 
 
Barb graduated in the class of 1949. Her favorite subjects were English and Art. Barb’s advice is, “Don’t quit school early.” 
Employee of the Month
Congratulations LaDonna Zeeryp!
Our September Employee of the Month is LaDonna Zeeryp!

LaDonna has been working as a CENA at Samaritas for 19 years. She has 2 children, 1 grandson, and a granddaughter due in December. She also has 2 dogs and 1 cat. LaDonna enjoys going camping with her family and friends, cooking, traveling, baking, watching football, going to Starbucks, and helping others. She says most of all she loves her family and friends. 

LaDonna likes working here at Samaritas because it makes her feel rewarded knowing she can help people who need help. She considers her residents her family and tries to treat them as if they were her grandparents or family members. Every day she learns something new not only from her job, but from the residents who make her laugh and sometimes cry. She says being a CENA is challenging, but very rewarding. 

LaDonna’s future goals are to win the lottery, and continue working in the nursing field helping others. She would also like to move to sunny Florida and enjoy the hot sunny beaches, alligators, attractions, food, and beautiful sunsets. 

Congratulations LaDonna, we appreciate all that you do! 

Samaritas Backpacks For Kids
It all began with Samaritas Senior Living residents
The Samaritas Annual Backpack Drive for Kids has come to an end and now we’re distributing hundreds of backpacks to needy students in our care. The school supplies are a godsend to some of the families we support who are struggling to make ends meet during the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
This successful drive began years ago by a group of Samaritas Senior Living residents like you, who wanted to make sure foster kids and refugee students start the school year with confidence. As the largest private foster care organization in Michigan, Samaritas understands that children can feel embarrassed when they don’t have the necessary supplies to start the year off right. The Backpack Drive helps alleviate any stress that a foster family or other needy parent may have.
Emmanuel Lutheran in Livonia dropped off 44 backpacks for kids and teens stuffed full of school supplies and a $150 check of additional donations for supplies.
Emmanuel Lutheran of Livonia delivered 44 backpacks stuffed full with school supplies and a $150 check for more supplies.
In 2020, supplies were donated from corporate donors like Famous Footwear and Chemical Bank. Other donations came from individuals and churches like First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Emmanuel Lutheran of Southfield and Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Livonia.
 
These donations are being distributed to Samaritas foster care, affordable living and other community offices near Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Flint, Kalamazoo, Monroe and Detroit. 

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Friendship is in the Mail
Electronic and traditional mailing options available
Looking for a quick and easy way to bring some cheer to your loved one? Try out Senior Messages! Your free personalized messages will be hand delivered and sure to brighten their day. Check it out at http://samaritascadillac.seniormessages.com.
Use can also use this time during quarantine to meet new friends and exchange encouraging messages with others who can use a little "pick-me-up".

Contact us to find out how you can be part of the Samaritas Letter Writing program. Watch the video below to learn more.

See what else is going on at Samaritas this month!
Type-2 Diabetes
What is insulin?

Your body turns the food you eat into blood glucose (blood sugar). Insulin tells your cells to absorb this blood glucose to use for energy. 

What is Type-2 Diabetes? 
Type-2 Diabetes occurs when your body either resists the effects of insulin or does not make enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level. 
How do you know if you have Type-2 diabetes? 
Not everyone has symptoms. Your provider can give you a simple blood test to see if you have Type-2 Diabetes. Visit your provider if you have any of these symptoms: 

  • Increased sugar cravings 
  • Increased belly weight 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Increased thirst or need to pee 
  • Feeling tired or ill 
  • Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal 
  • Loss of feeling or tingling feet 

What are the effects of Type-2 Diabetes?  
  • Damage to nerves and blood vessels can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.  
  • Sores on the skin can become easily infected.  
  • Poor circulation in arms and legs can lead to loss of limbs.  
  • Problems during pregnancy and birth defects can occur.  

Type-2 Diabetes is a very serious health condition. Your provider can help you manage your Type-2 Diabetes. 
How can Molina Healthcare support your healthcare needs?
Molina Healthcare offers more benefits for people with Medicaid and Medicare.
 
Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO SNP offers comprehensive healthcare services to people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. People with both Medicaid and Medicare are eligible to join a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). D-SNP offers a wide range of coverage including hospital (hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice care, and some home health care), medical (doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services), and prescription drug coverage.
 
Questions? Go to MolinaHealthcare.com/Medicare or call (866) 403-8293 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
 
Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO SNP is a Health Plan with a Medicare Contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Molina Medicare Complete Care depends on contract renewal.
 
This information is available in other formats, such as Braille, large print, and audio. Product offered by Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Molina Healthcare, Inc.
Samaritas offers retirement living for seniors with five communities throughout Michigan. Whether you want independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support or rehabilitation therapy, you’ll find a home that feels right.

Contact us at seniors@samaritas.org to schedule a tour, learn about promotions and more.

460 Pearl Street | Cadillac, MI 49601 | Samaritas.org/Senior-Living | (833) 505-CARE (2273)