HEALTH: Eat, drink, and play golf, all for Meals on Wheels

The Judy Fike Annual Golf Outing is Monday, July 16, at Reddeman Farms. This will be a great day with every player receiving some sort of door prize, as well as a tasty breakfast and lunch — all to help support Meals on Wheels. There are still openings for teams of golfers or individuals interested in joining the fun.

Meals on Wheels delivers to the home-bound in Ann Arbor, regardless of age or income. Generally, two meals a day are delivered, a hot entree meal and a sack lunch. Meals are provided at no cost, although voluntary contributions are very welcome.

Beth says they have been busy with more than 100 new clients since last October. Most routes are getting full, and they could use more volunteers. Volunteers can help as little as a couple hours a month. As a volunteer myself, I completely agree with Beth that it's a great volunteer experience. It's very tangible; you see who you are helping and maybe even get to know them a bit.

To hear this 13-minute discussion, click the audio link:

To get in touch with Beth, or to learn more about the fundraisers, contact Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels at 734-998-6686 or click here for the website.

During the recent Senior Living Week Expo, we were pleased to meet Rochelle Chatman, the Property Manager of Towne Centre Place in Ypsilanti. We were extra fortunate to have Rochelle on the program this weekend.

Rochelle's facility provides independent living for seniors with 170 one-bedroom apartments. Rents are a very reasonable $477 to $620 per month, with potential subsidies available based on income.

Having visited the building recently, it's a happening place! The Residents Association comes up with lots of great activities for the community. The calendar might include bingo, horseshoes, other games, birthday parties or a potluck. There's coffee hour every morning to get the day started.

Towne Centre Place is right in downtown Ypsilanti on Michigan Avenue, and residents take full advantage of the local stores, restaurants, library and post office. In the summer, there's the farmers market right across the street.

Rochelle proudly spoke of their Care Program that is raising money for the Special Olympics. Throughout the summer, the facility will hold fundraisers for this charity, and we're all invited to participate.

There are some extra-special residents at Towne Centre Place. Two sisters have lived there since the doors opened in 1976, and one of the sisters is 102 years old. "They will never go anywhere else," Rochelle says.

A lot of special friendships develop among the residents of this community. Rochelle spoke of how neighbors become good friends and they really watch out for each other.

While there aren't any open apartments at the building right now, Rochelle can usually get people off the wait list within a couple months.

To listen to this 13-minute talk, click the audio link:

To get in touch with Rochelle or Towne Centre Place, call 734-482-5500 or click here for the website.