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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN November 8, 2018

CANTON - INKSTER

Join in

Inkster seniors enjoy wide range

of programs, events and trips

Julie Brown Champagne notes transportation
Staff Writer within a 7-mile radius for seniors via 12-
passenger bus on Mondays, Wednesdays
Seniors in the City of Inkster have a and Fridays. The Dozier complex
wealth of activities to choose from at the recently got a smaller van, not equipped
Dozier Recreation Complex where they for handicapped people, but able to
meet from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on transport a few seniors short distances
Thursdays to play cards, bingo, domi- at a time.
noes, and socialize with members of the There is an every second Thursday
Friendship Club. Breakfast Club at Applewood Coney
The local seniors participate in work- Island and other short treks for which
shops and field trips as well, and in 2017 transportation is available. “They have
went to Zingerman's Road House in Ann the ability to come and go.”
Arbor to share a meal, also dined at She's proud too of the Tuesday shop-
Detroit's Traffic Jam & Snug restaurant, ping center transit for seniors, and of
and even visited the Morley Candy busi- senior fitness program in cooperation
ness. with The Senior Alliance and the
Denise Champagne is the program National Kidney Foundation of
director of the Inkster Commission on Michigan as partners. The Senior
Aging, which is governed by a board of Alliance helps to fund the program
commissioners. She's been with the city while the National Kidney Foundation
since 1974. helps in running fitness classes.
“Everybody's welcome. We don't have Inkster seniors sew quilts for Inkster
many men that get involved,” she said. Police to carry in squad cars to give to
“We'd like to change that,” and are work- victims and children. “They'll give them
ing to establish a Men's Club. a quilt to comfort them,” Champagne dchampagne@cityofinkster.com. She's pleased with “brain games”
Tickets go on sale Nov. 15 for the Dec. said of police calls. Services provided enable those 55 offered to keep seniors mentally
3 Inkster Seniors Christmas Party, a The Inkster senior sewers can't do years of age and older to remain inde- engaged. Studies have shown socializing
perennial popular offering. It will start clothing repairs, she said. That group pendent. and even reading can boost seniors'
at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 3 at the Recreation has dubbed itself the “Sewing Sisters” “I've done probably every job but memory and cognitive abilities.
Complex, 2025 Middlebelt Road. as they help police and residents with drive the big bus,” the veteran program A Sip and Paint art event has been
“It's a well-attended one,” needle and thread. director said. “I started as a secretary,” offered, and the seniors partner on a
Champagne said. Most of the Inkster Two drivers transport home-deliv- and took over when her predecessor bake sale with the Inkster Police
seniors live on their own and drive ered meals for Inkster seniors Monday passed away. Department four times a year. That
themselves to the Dozier Recreation through Friday. Those folks are helped “The exercise program, that's proba- raised in 2017 some $2,000 to buy a pop-
Complex. While there is no separate by a Saints Inc. organization with a van bly one of our most successful. The type corn machine and snow-cone machine
senior center building in Inkster, chil- that helps mentally and physically chal- of services they look for has changed,” for community movie nights.
dren and teens are in school during the lenged people. she said of the baby boomers. “It helps to fund other community
daytime which frees up space for the The Saints staff drives that van for Senior Services has computer classes programs for the children,” said
seniors. meals, Champagne said, getting help at the Dozier Recreation Complex. Champagne, noting the Police
“I think we're probably one of the from the challenged people to complete Champagne's pleased this year sewing Department staff weighs in on bake sale
best-kept secrets in the city,” said the tasks. and computer classes are up and run- proceeds uses.
Champagne. She said daytime programs Details are on the City of Inkster web- ning, and the Commission on Aging is A newsletter offers program informa-
help, as, “a lot of them don't want to site, www.cityofinkster.com. The using focus groups to help make senior tion in more detail for the Inkster
drive after dark. That's definitely a hin- Commission on Aging phone number for programs user-friendly and relevant. Seniors.
drance for them.” They do attend in Inkster is (313) 561-2382 or (313) 561-2650.
evenings if they have transportation. Champagne's email is
Salute to Service is set

Canton Township will once again ues to nationally assist veterans.
honor area servicemen and service- The Canton Salute to Service pro-
women who have served and who are gram will also feature musical tributes
currently serving in the armed forces in sung by the Workman Elementary Choir,
a special “Salute to Service” ceremony under the direction of Keri L. Mueller.
which will begin 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov.11 In addition to the formal presenta-
at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill. tion, items for service men and women
Doors open for this special communi- will be collected by the Michigan
ty event will at 6 p.m. for military dis- Military Moms, including individual
plays and reception. The mainstage size or travel size: disposable hand and
presentation is scheduled to begin at 7 foot warmers; foot and body powder; Q-
p.m. tips; beef jerky; hot chocolate mix;
This year, the distinguished keynote wipes; granola/power bars; and mone-
speaker is Brigadier General Carol Ann tary donations to offset postage. All
Fausone, who received her commission items must be small enough to fit a 12-
in 1977 in the United States Air Force as inch by 12-inch by 8-inch U.S. Mail
a medical officer after graduating from Priority box.
college. The public is encouraged to attend
Fausone served on active duty in var- this free event - no tickets are required,
ious nursing staff positions and transfer all ages are welcome to attend.
in late 1981, to the Michigan Air The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is
National Guard. From 2003-2011, she located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in
served as the Assistant Adjutant Canton.
General for Veterans Affairs in the State For more information about this free
of Michigan. event, call (734) 394-5300 or visit
After 36 years of service, she contin- www.cantonvillagetheater.org.