Page 26 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - June 2020 - 27-06

Page 26
Senior Times - June 2020 Update On Your
SENIOR PROGRAMS
Helen Guzzo, LMSW, Special to Senior Times
MASK COLLECTION PROJECT A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Probate• Elder Law Estate Planning
Erin L. Majka Phillip E. Harter
395 S. Shore Drive, Suite 205 Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 963-3900
www.mielderlaw.com
National and state health guidelines now require wearing a mask when going out in public. Michigan Executive Order 2020-60 created the rule that requires that customers who can medically tolerate a face covering must wear one when enter- ing a grocery store or pharmacy.
purchased or donated from numerous churches. Kits of 25 pre-cut masks were then distributed to sewers in the commu- nity. As masks were being distributed to different locations, sewers would drop off completed masks as they were needed each day. The generosity of the commu- nity has been amazing. Note: Disposable gloves are not being distributed, because to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through touch, regular hand washing is recommended.
The purpose of a cloth face covering, or a mask, is to stop the spread of respi- ratory droplets, particles that spread from person to person in the air through sneez- ing, coughing, talking, and even breath- ing. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) this is the most common way that COVID-19 is spread. The evidence is that people can have and spread COVID-19 without experiencing symptoms. Wearing a mask, even if it is uncomfortable, can protect others because you might be a carrier and not know it. We especially need to protect older adults who are more likely to become seriously ill and those with low immunity because of asthma, or other preexisting conditions. A mask may also encourage you to pause and refrain from touching your face.
Mask donations are still needed, although all the pre-cut mask kits are gone, masks may be dropped off in a bin next to the yellow Lions Club donation box at the Kool Family Community Center, M-Th, 8:30am-4:30pm, or during regular business hours at WW Thayne Advertising, the publishers of Senior Times at 4642 Capital Avenue, SW, Battle Creek. Individual seniors in need of a mask may call CareWell Services at (269) 441-0930 to have a mask mailed.
If you have questions regarding instruc- tions reach out to Sherii Sherban at (269) 979-1411, ext. 302.
When using a face covering, remem- ber that the mouth and nose must be fully covered; the covering should fit snugly against the side of the face so there are not gaps; the covering should be secured to prevent slipping; and you should be able to breath normally using the mask. Face coverings should not be used on children under the age of two, or anyone unable to remove the mask without assis- tance.
Thank you to everyone who has donated masks to the effort. Many hands have made the mask project possible. Among many who contributed, Gallagher Uniform donated 275 masks, a retired nurse in Penfield Township made 275,
a member of Springfield Assembly of God church donated 350, and the sewing group at First Presbyterian Church in Battle Church donated material and made masks. Special effort was made by the SWMI Protective Gear Project in the BC Zone that completed 500 masks. Their group was instrumental in the sewing
the kits that were made. Numerous other community members have sewn 25 or
50 masks from kits provided. The com- munity support has been miraculous. I know that this community generosity has also been experienced at Bronson Battle Creek, Oaklawn Hospital, and other first responder locations.
Because of these guidelines regard- ing wearing a mask in public, Calhoun County Senior Services, CareWell Services, and Senior Times staff led a col- lection of homemade masks sewn by peo- ple in the community and then distributed these masks to low-income older adults living in affordable housing apartments, those receiving food box distribution, recipients of Meals on Wheels, and other seniors living in the community. Often, older adults have limited transportation and many times limited opportunity to order things online. If they do not know a sewer, many older adults were wondering where to get a mask. Handmade masks are reusable and easily washed. Using homemade masks, saves professionally made ones for use by medical staff and first responders.
Even with COVID-19 changing our lives, Calhoun County Senior Millage
is still up for renewal on the August 4, 2020 ballot. Calhoun County passed its Senior Millage for the first time in 1996 and it was last renewed in 2010 with 79% approval from those voting. Calhoun County Senior Millage raises about $2.7 million annually to fund 22 different pro- grams that provide services to Calhoun County seniors, age 60 and over. In 2019, over 6,500 older adults participated in the different programs.
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Phone: 269.762.6110 • Fax: 269.762.6109
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Since April 28, when the first appeal for donations of masks was posted on Facebook, over 2,000 homemade masks have been contributed. We have distribut- ed masks door-to-door at Peabody Place in Albion, and Westbrook Place, Kellogg Manor, and Cherry Hill Manor in Battle Creek. Seniors have been so grateful say- ing, “Thank you, I did not know where I was going to get a mask.” “Bless you, I needed one of these.”
Wear a mask when out in public. Stay safe. Reach out to your neighbors, family, and friends. And – wash your hands.
Sherii Sherban, publisher of Senior Times has been a key partner. She has cut out over 1,200 masks from material
Helen Guzzo, LMSW, is the Manager of Calhoun County Senior Services, which funds service programs for resi- dents age 60 and over to promote health, safety, and wellness. The Calhoun County Senior Millage will be up for renewal on the August 4, 2020 ballot. Call (269) 781- 0846 or email seniormillage@calhoun- countymi.gov for more information.