Page 9 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - June 2016 - 23-06

Estate Planning and Elder Law
269-963-8222
130 East Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015 www.staceylottlaw.com
GIVING
Well, I’ve been gone for a couple months from this column because of vacation and somewhat of a “dry well” for writing, which happens to me from time to time. So I have not been faithful to this task and that’s my confession to you who read this column.
However, I was reflecting on things that matter most in my devotional read- ing this week, and I ran across a quote from a wise person who said, “Giving needs not be confined to money or material gifts, but I would like more people to give their hands to serve and their hearts to love – to recognize the poor in their own homes, towns and countries, and to reach out to them in love and compassion.”
Those are the words of Mother Teresa, one of the true saints to “walk the talk” with every fiber of her being – giving her very life for the poor and dying of Calcutta, India. A true role mode for all who believe in that which you cannot see with your eyes, but you
know is true in your heart.
Another wise man (Jesus) had some
important things to say about the poor (you will always have them) and about the opportunity they give us to respond to the needs that present themselves to us in this world.
In fact he said that if you want to truly find yourself and be at peace with your own soul... give yourself away. “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
This is the irony of faithfulness: By believing that which you cannot see or prove, but you know from the depths of your heart that to be true... and then acting on that belief by giving your time, your treasure, your prayers, your focus... then, and only then, will your purpose for living rise to the top and become clear. And honestly, it’s a great way to live out your days.
Go ahead and give in whatever way the Spirit directs you... even praying for the ones who neglect their tasks from time to time.... Yes, even me.
faith
MATTERS
Rev. Dr. James Gysel, Special to Senior Times
Senior Times - June 2016
Page 9
Can Get You There!
Branch Area Transit Authority
Curb to Curb Transportation • Half Fare for Handicapped and Senior Citizens Over 60 • Weekly Subscriptions Available • Equipped for the Handicapped • Open Seven Days a Week
CALL (517) 278-5889 306 S. Clay Street, Coldwater, MI • www.branchareatransit.com
World Series Baseball
Returns This Summer
By: Abbie Brennan
The National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) Charles Blackburn Major Division World Series returns to the Bailey Park Complex this August. The 103rd World Series will see twelve of the best amateur teams in the United States battle for the title over the
5-day, 25 game contest. Past tourna- ments have seen teams from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, and Ontario, Canada. NABF World Series teams
are comprised of established college players with a sprinkling of former pro- fessional athletes, making for a high- caliber competition. Battle Creek’s city champion will serve as the host team for the event. For the past three years HBC/Behnke Baseball has held the host spot.
Recognized as the amateur baseball capital of the United States, Battle Creek has a storied history when it comes to America’s pastime. We first hosted an Amateur Adult Baseball World Series in 1937, affiliated with the American Baseball Congress (ABC) founded by C.O. Brown. The World Series remained in Battle Creek until 2004. As a result of these amateur base- ball tournaments, Battle Creek has seen many famous faces roll through town, including the likes of Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, and many others.
The 103rd NABF Major Division World Series will be played Wednesday through Sunday, August 3-7. The entry fee for the entire tournament is $5, and is good for all 25 games on three fields. The World Series ticket will also be good for the 6-team NABF Regional at Bailey Park, July 16-17.
This year, the World Series will hold a Senior Day at the Park on Friday, August 5. Senior Day will include free admission for all seniors and their care- givers, as well as giveaways, vendors and lunch for up to the first 500. Gates will open at 11am. Watch for more details in future issues of Senior Times, or visit www.battlecreekworldseries. com for more information. Senior Day is made possible through a variety of local sponsors.
Opening night of the Series will feature the Battle Creek City Champion versus the 2015 NABF National Champion Buffalo, NY Diesel.
The National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) is the oldest ama- teur baseball association in the United States, founded in Louisville, KY
in 1914. The national office is now located in Bowie, MD under Executive Director, Charles Blackburn, who has served the NABF for over 50 years.
Battle Creek played host to the 100th NABF World Series in 2012,
and has continued to host for the years following, holding the contract for the tournament until 2021. It is estimated that the World Series has an economic impact of over $125,000 for the city of Battle Creek. The Bailey Park Complex holds over 30 tournaments each year, with an economic impact of 10 million dollars for Battle Creek.
The NABF World Series is joint ven- ture of the Battle Creek Parks and Rec Department and the Southern Michigan Amateur Baseball Associate (SMABA), a non-profit organization created by community members to facilitate the ongoing support of amateur baseball in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Name: Address:
City State Zip Code
One Year Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00
Mail to: Senior Times
4642 Capital Ave SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Make Checks Payable to Senior Times
P: (269) 979-1479 ext. 301 | www.scenepub.com/seniortimes
Evergreen Celebrates
Five Stars
Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab Center recently had an open house to celebrate their Five Star Quality Rating. This rating is determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. Refreshments, entertain- ment, and tours were on the agenda for the afternoon. Congratulations to Evergreen on their accomplishment.