November 2020
Your monthly news & updates
The Muskegon Millage Minute is your source for regular updates on programs and services funded by the Muskegon County Senior Millage, which was approved by county voters in August of 2016.

Members of the Muskegon County Senior Activities Committee (MCSAC) make recommendations for programs and services to the full board of commissioners. MCSAC members are: Commissioners Marcia Hovey-Wright, Ken Mahoney, and Rillastine Wilkins; Peggy Foster, Nancy McCarthy, Janet Perreault, Greg Scott, and Pat Shafer.

Senior Resources of West Michigan, the area agency on aging for Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties, is the administrator of grants, and produces this monthly newsletter update. If you have questions about the Muskegon County Senior Millage, please contact Karla Betten at Senior Resources, 231-733-3593, or email kbetten@seniorresourceswmi.org. Contact Lisa Tyler, communications director, at ltyler@seniorresourceswmi.org, if there is something specific you'd like to see covered in a future newsletter.
SPARK! program offers art exploration to adults with dementia

The SPARK! program, offered by the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Arts Center, got underway this fall with a virtual tour of the arts center, followed by discussion of self-portraits of artists Picasso, VanGogh, and Rembrandt. ACWL-Nuveen partnered with White Lake Assisted Living, with 11 residents participating. They related stories of the artists, asked what each saw in the portraits, and asked them about their own story.

The second session was at the Playhouse at White Lake, with 7 attendees. They toured the theater, reviewed artificats, and did a creative story building program.

Facilitator Nancy Armitage has connected three National Honor Society students with a resident to stay connected through phone and postcards, focusing on stories. They will also hold window conversations with their residents in December. The connections are important for both the residents and students, Armitage said.

SPARK! programs began in Wisconsin in 2009. This is the first SPARK! program in Michigan. You can learn more here: http://www.sparkprograms.org/, or on the center's page, https://www.artswhitelake.org/spark-white-lake. The program is funded in part by the Muskegon County Senior Millage.
Grab & go crafts and bingo keep OV older adults busy
“It has meant a lot for our seniors," Jenni Bowen of Orchard View Adult Education reports of the senior millage funding. "One of the seniors calls me every day to thank us for this opportunity to get out and have some fun! Another senior and her husband make time every Tuesday afternoon to complete their craft and enjoy the snacks that are in the bag. Thank you for allowing us to provide this service to our community."
County Commissioners approve FY21 program funding

The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners this fall approved funding for several programs for FY21, which began on October 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021.
AgeWell Services - congregate meals/lunch & activity centers, health promotion classes, home delivered meals, SafeSeniors Muskegon County, senior center activities, and senior medical transportation
Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center - Spark! program
Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired - counseling, low vision rehabilitation, and support groups
Casnovia Township - congregate meal
Christians for Health - Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) and Matter of Balance classes
City of Muskegon - major home repair
City of Muskegon Heights - major home repair
Community enCompass - major home repair
Disability Network West Michigan - transportation vouchers
Egelston Township/Egelston VFW - congregate meal
Fair Housing Center West Michigan - education & outreach services and enforcement services
Fruitport Lions Senior Power of Produce - farmers market tokens
Legal Aid of Western Michigan - legal services
Living Word Church - lawn maintenance and snow removal
Love, INC - ramps
Muskegon Community Health Project - community health worker and senior navigator
Muskegon YMCA - enhance fitness and Veggie Van
Orchard View Community Education - senior center activities
Pioneer Resources - Eastern Muskegon County recreation and Northern Muskegon County recreation
Ravenna Township - full-service grocery and meal and activity
Senior Resources - in-home care, supports coordination, and Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
The Arc Muskegon - legacy planning
Trinity Village Non-Profit Housing Corporation - major home repair
United Way of the Lakeshore - Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
Volunteer for Dental - dental care, dentures, and preventative services
White Lake Area Community Education - Matter of Balance classes
White Lake Senior Center - senior center operations
Your senior millage dollars at work!
 
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