Forum Informs Seniors About Their Options

West Michigan Long-Term Care Connection Partners
With Renaissance COGIC To Empower Seniors

Grand Rapids Times
5-30-2008
By Allison Groce

Grand Rapids - Sandra Peacock is one of many Americans for whom the roles have reversed. Peacock, 54, of Grand Rapids said that she and four siblings now help care for their mother, Minnie Whitley, age 77.

“I found that she needed more attention and love,” Peacock said explaining the difficulties her mother faced when coming to an age when she couldn’t do many of the things she was used to.

Also, Peacock said, her mother suffered a stroke about one month ago.

While Peacock said that the fact that she comes from a praying family keeps her from becoming overwhelmed, she still actively seeks advice on how to aid in caring for her mother.

Peacock said she found a good source of information at the “Abundant Living For Seniors Forum,” held recently at Renaissance Church of God in Christ.

The event was sponsored by West Michigan Long-Term Care Connection WMLTCC), a federally and state funded non-profit organization that helps people navigate the often confusing question of “Who can help me?” when planning long term care.

The organization helps seniors ages 60 and above and individuals with disabilities who are 18 or older.

The event, which featured a panel and ended with a Q& A, featured representatives Beth Markham, Betty Burton- Groce, Daniel Groce and Denise Price, from WMLTCC who presented information about living independently, home care, referrals to other agencies, and benefits counseling.

Diann Gilliam Johnson, marketing and admissions coordinator for Maple Creek nursing home, also presented information on selecting nursing homes.

Bernice Otterbridge, 84, of Grand Rapids, one of about 30 attendees, said that she benefited from the forum.

“I was trying to get some information, especially about medication,” Otterbridge said. “I found out many things that may be useful to my daily life.”

With statistics showing persons ages 85 and above as the fastest growing population, the WMLTCC and over 1400 organizations in Michigan that serve seniors may have a lot of work ahead.

According to Robin Parks, the health and wellness coordinator at Renaissance church, this form is the beginning of what will be a continuing effort to empower seniors.

“The system can be very frustrating when you’re trying to find out information. It’s not clear cut,” Parks said.

“It’s important to get the message to seniors and their families of what services are available and how to navigate the system.”

Renaissance will be hosting sessions regarding “Abundant Living For Seniors,” the second Tuesday of every month.

Mfume Civil Rights Keynoter, Says Grand Rapids
Ahead Of Its Time, Still Has Work To Do

Grand Rapids – Former U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume addressed a crowd of more than 500 at the 55th Anniversary Civil Rights Dinner Gala presented by the Community Relations Commission and Equal Opportunity Department last Wednesday at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

The event, sponsored by the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission is held every five years and honors community members who have worked to maintain positive race and ethnic relations in greater Grand Rapids with the Helen Claytor Civil Rights Award.

Honored at the event were Reverend Lyman S. Parks, Sr., Karen Henry and Robert and Aleicia Woodrick.

Rev. Lyman S. Parks, Sr. is the first and only African American to serve as the Mayor of Grand Rapids. Parks Sr. was also the first African American to serve on the Grand Rapids City Commission.
In his speech, 91-year-old Parks told the audience, “It’s good to be alive.”

[To read more, click here to log in (if you have a subscription).  Or, click here to buy a subscription.]

Jo Ann Russau Remembered

The Grand Rapids Times
5-30-2008

Grand Rapids – Family and friends celebrated the memory of Jo Ann Russau, May 17, 2008 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Jo Ann, daughter of John and Helen Russau, passed away in her home in San Pedro California on May 11, 2008 surrounded by family and friends.

She had been courageous in her long battle with breast cancer.

Jo was a Christian, an artist, art teacher, educator, painter, graphic designer and writer. She graduated from South High school in Grand Rapids in June 1967.

She attended Aquinas College and received her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
 
She earned a Master of Arts degree from California State University at Long Beach in painting and drawing.

Jo moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1972 where she started her teaching career that spanned more than 20 years with the Los Angeles school system.

She also taught at local community colleges, art institutes and in the California State University system.
 
In the early 1990’s Jo moved to the Washington DC area, where she started the Hattie Sims Learning Center, a special needs school for children with learning disabilities. The school bore the name of her much loved grandmother.

Jo also taught at art Howard University.

She returned to southern California in 2002 where she was very active in the arts community of San Pedro and held numerous art shows, opened galleries and was commissioned as a portrait painter. She also taught art at LACES in West Los Angeles. LACES is recognized as one of the top 100 public schools in our nation.

Jo’s marriage to Gary Washington ended in divorce. She was predeceased by her mother, Helen Russau on 2001. Jo is survived by her father, John H. Russau of Grand Rapids, and her sister, Beverly Russau Weaver, Brother-in-law, Robert Weaver, and nephew, Robert Weaver 111, of Washington D.C. Numerous cousins in California, Michigan and Washington D.C., and many loving and caring friends also survive her.

A memorial in her honor has been established at LACES school in West Los Angeles.

The Grand Rapids Times
5-30-2008
By Richard Pulliam

[Click here to download Page 9 of the Grand Rapids Times as a PDF]

Local World of Entertainment:

• 2nd Annual Hip Hop Awards Show Draws Huge Support

• Mayweather Fashions Go On Stage

• Live Comedy Show Taping

• New Location For Ballroom Steppers
  
  [Click here to read all about it.]

RETURN TO TOP

  Log In