WRC to collect furniture Saturday
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Women's Resource Center of Grand Traverse needs to increase its supply of furniture and household goods such as plates, glasses and linens. The WRC Thrift Shop truck will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the By Candlelight Amish Furnishings parking lot on the corner of Front and Hall Streets.
Although the WRC receives state and federal grants, approximately 45 percent of its operating budget comes from public support that includes thrift shop sales. The WRC Thrift Shop gives an average of $9,500 worth of merchandise to clients and others in need each month. For details, call Carol Rose, 946-4180.
Alzheimer's group discusses programs
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Alzheimer's Association is planning to expand its outreach by focusing on empowerment and encouragement while still offering supportive services.
The agency is opening its doors from 4 to 6 p.m. March 25 at 1040 Walnut St. to offer information on its community educational series, volunteer opportunities, youth program and resource library as well as provide a time to meet the Alzheimer's Association staff. For details the open house and the programs and services that the association offers call 929-3804.
Stimulus package tax preparation help
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency is offering free tax preparation service to help those with low-to-moderate income, seniors, persons with disabilities and limited-English proficiency qualify for the 2007 stimulus payment. Some low-income workers and recipients of Social Security, veterans' benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits or disability compensation may qualify for the stimulus payment.
The free tax service is offered at locations throughout northwest lower Michigan. Call Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency, Traverse City, (800) 632-7334; Cadillac, (800) 443-2297 or Petoskey, (800) 443-5518.
Help also is available at the Michigan Department of Human Services in Cadillac, 779-4537; Kalkaska, 258-1233; Bellaire, 533-7034; Roscommon, (989) 275-6834; or at Michigan Works Traverse City, 922-3717.
Clients should bring Social Security, pension and interest statements, wage and earnings statements (W-2 forms) from all employers, and other relevant information about income and expenses, as well as, their Social Security cards and photo ID.
Better health with START NEW
CADILLAC -- A START NEW Basic Training Orientation will be held at 2:30 p.m. April 5 at the Cadillac Seventh Day Adventist Church, 801 E. Division.
The orientation is free. Reservations are not needed, but are encouraged as space is limited.
The START NEW program is an eight-week healthy living course leading to better health through employing God's eight laws of health in everyday lifestyles.
Cost of the program is $65 per person and includes: Pre- and post-program blood tests, weight, measurements and total body fat testing, hands-on cooking demonstrations, a full meal each week with easy-to-follow recipes and live, multi-media health, cooking and spiritual presentations.
A cookbook is included. Scholarships are available. Call 775-3378 or 839-2101, or visit www.start-new.net.
Tips on discussing driving with seniors
TRAVERSE CITY -- The workshop, "We Need to Talk" sponsored by AARP is being offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 24 at Munson Community Health Center, Room A, 550 Munson Ave.
Munson senior occupational therapist Laura Martin, a certified driver rehabilitation specialist, will assist adult children or family members in learning how to have sensitive and successful conversations about driving with adult loved ones or friends. The program is free. Registration is required, call (877) 926-8300.
Self-help group for alcohol addiction
BELLAIRE -- A self-help group for women dealing with alcohol addiction will be starting on April 7 in Bellaire.
The group will learn and practice the "New Life" program from Women for Sobriety, a national self-help program for women. To join the group, contact Angela, 675-9898.
To receive free program literature, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to WFS, Inc., P.O. Box 618, Quakertown, PA 18951-0618.
Unwanted medicine disposal workshop
LANSING -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will sponsor the workshop "Unwanted Medicine Disposal: Doing it the Right Way" on April 2 at Cleary University, Johnson Center in Howell.
The workshop will provide information and tools for community pharmaceutical collection programs as well as for pharmacies and medical facilities to safely manage unwanted medicines.
Workshop presenters will focus on proper disposal methods, including best practices, from solid waste facilities in Michigan. Registration is $75 which includes continental breakfast, lunch and materials. Deadline to register is March 27. Call (800) 662-9278.
Pregnancy center's 20th anniversary
GAYLORD -- New Life Pregnancy Resource Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a banquet April 14 at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church.
Christian comedian Mike Williams will be the entertainer and keynote speaker for the event. Tickets are $20. Call (989) 732-1626.
Health insurance through PPWNM
TRAVERSE CITY -- Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan health centers are now certified to enroll clients online for several medical insurance programs offered through the Michigan Department of Community Health including the Plan First! program.
The online application process through www.healthcare4mi.com often results in immediate approval and can significantly speed up the process for clients to receive sometimes critical health care services and financial coverage.
Plan First! is a Michigan Medicaid program designed to expand subsidized family planning services for women ages 19-44 whose household incomes are at or below 185 percent of the poverty level.
Many Medicaid programs require proof of identity (picture ID) and citizenship (birth certificate). PPWNM recommends that clients bring these documents when they visit a Planned Parenthood health center. Call Julie McKeiver, (616) 774-7005, or log on to www.ppwnm.org.
Enroll in Combined Federal Campaign
SAULT STE. MARIE -- Applications to be a part of the Up-North Michigan Area Combined Federal Campaign are being accepted from local nonprofit organizations. Approved organizations will be listed in the 2008 fall CFC brochure and eligible for designations from federal employees. Organizations must have a strong local presence, IRS Tax Determination Letter, filed an IRS 990 and audited by a certified public accountant.
The Up-North Michigan area covers Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.
Applications must be postmarked by April 5. Contact Barbara Reed at the United Way, (906) 632-3700.
