Allendale Lifelong Learners
6676 Lake Michigan Drive
PO Box 539
Allendale, MI 49401
www.allendale-twp.org/senior
www.allendale-
This newsletter is a service of the Allendale Charter Township Senior Citizens organization.
If you know somebody who would benefit from the information included in this newsletter,
please contact Kathy Hanes at 616-895-5073 or email [email protected]
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16
Lifelong Learners
Allendale
May 2017
What’s inside…?
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Page #
A little bit of this and that...
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Did You know...
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Calendar of events...
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What’s Happening...
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Looking Ahead...
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Just to Warm Your Heart...
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Volunteer Opportunities...
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What is a palindrome? According to The Oxford English Dictionary the word is based on Greek root words meaning “back” and
“running.” Palindromes are words or phrases that read the same backward and forward, letter for letter, number for number, or word for
word. Some palindromes seem philosophical. Do geese see
God? Others tell a story. A man, a plan, a canal: Panama. Still others
are silly and rather nonsensical. Straw? No, too stupid a fad; I put soot
on warts. Which of the following palindromes is your favorite?
A great bargain: A nut for a jar of tuna.
A permissive friend: Al lets Della call Ed “Stella.”
An Italian palindrome: Amore, Roma.
A long example: Are we not pure? “No, sir!” Panama’s moody Noriega
brags. “It is garbage!” Irony dooms a man—a prisoner up to new era.
A moral dilemma: Borrow or rob?
Follow the words, not the letters: King, are you glad you are king?
A weird concept: Taco cat
Bad eyesight: Was it a car or a cat I saw?
A list of naughty people: Dennis, Nell, Edna, Leon, Nedra, Anita, Rolf,
Nora, Alice, Carol, Leo, Jane, Reed, Dena, Dale, Basil, Rae, Penny,
Lana, Dave, Denny, Lena, Ida, Bernadette, Ben, Ray, Lila, Nina, Jo,
Ira, Mara, Sara, Mario, Jan, Ina, Lily, Arne, Bette, Dan, Reba, Diane,
Lynn, Ed, Eva, Dana, Lynne, Pearl, Isabel, Ada, Ned, Dee, Rena, Joel,
Lora, Cecil, Aaron, Flora, Tina, Arden, Noel, and Ellen sinned.
A news report: Ed, I saw Harpo Marx ram Oprah W. aside.
A record, set straight: Madam, in Eden, I’m Adam.
A hitman for hire: Murder for a jar of red rum.
Call your mother: Mom.
A gross creature: Oozy rat in a sanitary zoo.
Verbal abuse: Yo, banana boy!
Would you try: UFO tofu?
These are just a few examples. There is a great palindrome poem
called “Doppelgänger” by James A. Lindon that you might enjoy. It
reads the same from bottom to top as it does from top to bottom.
Though a poem might be too hard for your first attempt, why not try to
create your own palindrome phrase?
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
•
•
Ripple Effect—Life Stream Church has a thrift store
in the west end of their building on Lake Michigan
Drive. The proceeds from this store will be used to
support mission work in our community and abroad.
They are in need of volunteers to help sort store donations and to work in the store. If you are interested in helping,
please stop by and let them know.
Love INC—Volunteers are needed for this ministry as they continue to supply help to the needy in our community. You can work in
their “New to You” store or in the office. Contact them directly at
895-5629 for more information.
• Reading Buddies—Allendale Public Schools is
looking to partner with some ‘grandpas’ and
‘grandmas’ to be reading buddies to budding readers.
This would be a commitment on Wednesday mornings through the end of May from 8:45 to 9:15. If
you are interested in learning more, please talk to Kathy.
([email protected] or 616-895-5073. This is a great
opportunity for you and for these students! It’s never too late to
sign up!! Volunteers still needed!
I was really inspired by this:
A boy asked his father "Dad, how big is GOD?" Looking up at the sky
his father saw an airplane and asked his son, " How big is that airplane?" The boy responded," it's small Dad! You can hardly even see
it!"
Then the father took his Son to an airport hanger. Standing in front of
one of the airplanes, the father asked, " and now how big is this airplane?" The boy responded," Oh Daddy, this plane is enormous!" At
this point, the father said to him," that's how it is with GOD!
"How big HE is, depends on the distance
between you and Him!"
The closer you are to
Him, the bigger HE is
in your life!"
GET INSPIRED!
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From the director’s desk...
Inspire! What inspires you? I get inspired by sunny days and great
ideas shared! This spring has been very inspiring with the arrival of
sunny days, but I’m still waiting for some great ideas! Please share
some things you’ve done, seen or been to that you think would be great
ideas for the Lifelong Learners to learn more about.
We still have some seats left for our trip to Shipshewana on Wednesday, June 7 but you must pay by May 3. $80.00 for transportation,
dinner at the Blue Gate and Jeanne Robertson show at night. A fun day
in a unique town.
There are some of our regularly scheduled events this month, as well
as dinner and a movie that you won’t want to miss. No talking animals
are involved and it is a part of our American history that is very inspiring!! (There’s that word again!)
I want to challenge you to do some searching this
summer. A friend of mine finds heart shapes in
everyday objects (clouds, stones, watermarks,
etc) She posts these pictures on Facebook and has
found about 50 so far. My friend tends to be a
“glass half full” kind of gal so she just brightens
up the day every time I see her! I want to be that
kind of a person, so I’ve started to look for hearts
in unexpected places and it brightens my day. If you happen to find
one, snap a picture and share it with me. You would brighten my day!
Make sure to sign up for the upcoming events so we can make sure we
have room for you. Have a blessed month and I hope to see you at
something! Until next month...hugs,
Kathy
Call Kathy at 616-895-5073 or
email [email protected]
if you would like more information on the
Allendale Lifelong Learners or any of
the activities listed in this newsletter.
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☻A
A Little Bit of this and that...☻
that...
Give me a sense of humor, Lord—Give me the grace to see a joke.
To get some humor out of life and pass it on to other folk!
Before you cook beans you go through a selection process in which all the seemingly bad
beans are thrown away so only the good beans
remain for cooking.
However, when rain comes, the bad beans you
threw away in the backyard become seeds, germinate and grow into beautiful crops, with luscious leaves.
From them come plenty of bean seeds and the
very same person who judged and threw them
away will pluck the leaves and seeds for a healthy meal.
You may be judged, despised and discarded today, but, who knows,
the same people judging you will turn to you in your moment of glory. Do not curse yourself when the world look down on you, your
rain could be a matter of time.
Your germination moment could just be around the corner!
My dog used to chase people on a
bike a lot. It got so bad, finally I had
to take his bike away!
How many opticians does it
take to change a lightbulb?
Is it one or two? One... or
two?
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An engineer in a car manufacturing company designed a world class car.
The owner was impressed with the outcome and showered him with praises. While trying to take the car from the manufacturing area to the front
office, they realized that the car is few inches taller than the entrance.
The engineer felt bad that he didn't put that into consideration before creating the car. The owner was at loss on how to take the car out of the manufacturing area. The painter suggested they force out the car and then repaint the few scratches this will cause to the top of the car. The engineer
suggested that they break the entrance and after taking the car out, they
can renovate it.
The owner was not convinced with any of the ideas. He felt that it is not
good enough to break or scratch. The watchman, who has watching all the
drama, slowly approached the owner. He wanted to give an idea if they
have no problem taking it. They thought what is it that this guy have to say
that the experts have not said. They allowed him, nonetheless. The watchman said that the car is only few inches taller than the entrance so if they
let out some air from the tire, the height of the car will reduce and can be
easily taken out. Everyone there was surprised and clapped in appreciation
of his ingenuity.
Don't approach problems only from the expert point of view. There is always a layman point that may provide needed solution. Everyone around
your life has a key role in your life accomplishment. Don't look down on
anyone in your life. Take note, everybody is important.
A Zen Master saw a scorpion drowning and decided to pull the scorpion from
the water. He calmly extended his hand out to reach the creature when he did,
the scorpion stung him. With the effect of pain, the master let go the creature
and it fell back into the water. The Master realizing that the scorpion is
drowning, he got back and try to rescue the scorpion but the scorpion stung
him again. The master let it go again.
A young disciple standing by, approached the Master and said, "Excuse me
Master, you are going to hurt yourself trying to save that vicious creature!
Why do you insist on saving this evil scorpion? Don't you realize that each
time you try to help the creature, it stings you? "
The master replied, "the nature of the scorpion is to sting and mine is to help
and it will not change mine in helping the scorpion." So the teacher thought
for a while and used a leaf from the nearby tree to pull the scorpion from the
water and saved its life, then turning to his young disciple, he continued: "Do
not change your nature if someone hurts you, just take precautions.
Some pursue happiness, others create it. Preoccupy yourself more with your
conscience than your reputation. Because your conscience is what you are and
your reputation is what others think of you. When life presents you with thousand reasons to cry, show it that you have a thousand reasons to smile."
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Just to Warm your Heart...
In 1896, Thomas Edison, the great inventor who invented the electric bulb,
was working on an idea to design a car when he heard that a young man who
worked in his company had created an experimental car.
Edison met the young man at his company's party in New York and interviewed him about the car. He was impressed!
He had the same idea as the young man but he was considering electricity as
the power source while the young man used a gasoline engine to power the
car. He slammed his fist down and shouted "young man, that's the thing!
You have it! I think you are on to something! I encourage you to continue
your pursuits!"
With these words of encouragement from the most highly respected inventor
in the United States at that time, HENRY Ford continued his work, invented
a car and became wealthy.
On December 9, 1914, Thomas Edison's laboratory and factory got burnt. He
was 67years old and the damage was too extensive for insurance cover. Before the ashes were cold, Henry Ford handed Edison a check of $750,000
with a note saying that Edison could have more if he needed it!
In 1916, Henry Ford relocated his home to the building next to Edison's
home and when Edison couldn't walk and was confined to a wheelchair by
his doctors, Henry Ford also bought himself a wheelchair so that he could
run wheelchair races with his friend and mentor!
Thomas Edison made Henry Ford believe in himself and got a friend for life!
Don't ever be jealous of other people's success. If you can't win a race, help
the person in front of you break the record!
Putting out the candle light of your neighbor in the dark will never increase
the brightness of yours.
Your candle will not
lose its light when it
lights up another
candle. Getting the
job done is more
important than who
gets the glory!
Be inspired, speak
positively
into
someone's
life
today, and possibly
save a soul.
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A woman and a lawyer were seated next to each other on a
flight from LA to NYC. The lawyer asked if she would like
to play a fun game.
The woman, tired, just wanted to take a nap and politely declined and rolled over to the window to catch a few
winks. The lawyer persists and explains that the
game is easy and a lot of fun. He explained, “I ask
you a question, and if you don’t know the answer,
you pay me $5.00, and vice versa.”
Again, she declines and tries to get some sleep.
The lawyer, now agitated, says, “Okay, if you don’t
know the answer you pay me $5.00, and if I don’t
know the answer, I will pay you $500.00.”
This catches the woman’s attention and, figuring there will
be no end to this torment unless she plays, agrees to the
game. The Lawyer asks the first question. “What is the distance from the earth to the moon?”
The woman doesn’t say a word, reaches into her purse,
pulls out a $5.00 bill and hands it to the lawyer. “Okay,”
says the lawyer, “your turn!”
She asks the lawyer, “What goes up a hill with three legs
and comes down with four legs?”
The lawyer, puzzled, takes out his laptop computer and
searches all his references, no answer! He taps into the air
phone with his modem and searches the internet and the library of congress...no answer!! Frustrated, he sends email to
all of his friends and coworkers, to no avail. After an hour,
he wakes the woman, and hands her $500.00.
The woman says, “Thank you,” and
turns back to get some more sleep. The
lawyer, who is more than a little miffed,
wakes the woman and asks, “Well,
what’s the answer?”
Without a word, the woman reaches into
her purse, hands the lawyer $5.00 and
goes back to sleep!
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God Is Patient
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the
weekend at the husband’s employer’s home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous
about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this
rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband’s employer was
quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew
she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance
again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening,
the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the
ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few
cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great
treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why
would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it
no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man’s face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was
the point of this?
“Look at it,” he said. “Read what it says.”
She read the words, “United States of America?”
“No, not that; read further.”
“One cent?”
“No, keep reading.”
“In God we Trust?”
“Yes!”
“And?”
“And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I
find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States
coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me
telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I
stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as
if it were gold. I think it is God’s way of starting a conversation with me.
Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!”
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped
and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• When paying for an activity with the group, please make your checks
out to Allendale Lifelong Learners. Thank you!
• Please note that if Allendale Public Schools are
closed due to weather conditions, all Lifelong Learners events scheduled for that day will also be cancelled. If school is closed and we have an evening
event planned you will receive a call regarding
whether we are still going or not. BUT ONLY IF
YOU ARE SIGNED UP.
Here is information on area businesses and individuals who provide classes or events for your needs.
• SNAP FITNESS—If you are members of a Medicare health plan, you
may have access to the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program. SilverSneakers is offered through many Medicare plans and includes a Snap
Fitness membership. Stop in and see for yourself or visit the website
www.silversneakers.com/snap/
• PICKLE BALL—Every Wednesday from 9:30 AM –Noon at Life
Stream church. Not sure if you like to play? Stop by and check it out.
There are many friendly people there to help! Equipment is provided.
•
•
•
Thursday, June 1, 5:30 PM—GRCT “Thoroughly
Modern Millie” will have West Michigan audiences
traveling to 1922 New York City. Millie Dillmount is
searching for a new life and the draw of all things modern: bobbed hair, short hemlines, jazz music, and women entering the workforce. Based on the movie, this stage version
puts roar into the 20’s with new songs and bright dance numbers.
Mystery Trip dates to save: All ar e on Wednesdays, J une 21, August 16 and October 18.
Wednesday, June 7, 12:00PM to 11:30 PM— Day Trip to Shipshewana. Shopping, Delicious food and Bluegate Theatre for supper and
to see Jeanne Robertson. This Miss Congeniality winner in the Miss
America Pageant, "Yearrrrrrrrrrrs ago," is a speaker who specializes
in hilarious humor based on her life experiences. Speaking to thousands of people annually, she utilizes her positively funny style to
illustrate that a sense of humor is much more than a laughing matter.
It is a strategy for success. Tickets are just $80.00 for transportation,
tips, supper and the show. NOTE THE
DEPARTURE
TIME CHANGE! Sign up and pay by April 26. RECRUIT
SOME FRIENDS FOR THIS FUN TRIP!
Please call, text or email if you plan to attend any of the
activities listed above. Call Kathy at 616-895-5073
or email [email protected].
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Monday, May 1 at 8:45 AM—Breakfast Club at Murphy’s.
Join us and get a free breakfast if it’s your birthday this month.
Maybe this month we can dine in the expansion!!?
Wednesday, May 3 at 11:45 AM—Lunch Bunch will meet at
the newly renovated Pizza Ranch (3492 Chicago Drive) in Hudsonville. Game for prizes and fellowship with other Lifelong
Learners. Let me know if you plan to join us.
mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, “In God We Trust,” and
had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
God’s signs are all around us. Sometimes, we just overlook them because of
their simplicity. Keep your eyes peeled, but more importantly, keep your trust
in Him!
Wednesday, May 10—12 Noon POTLUCK, Br ing your own
table service and a 9x13, or equivalent, dish to pass, or pay
$4.00 at the door. Be sure to sign up so we know how many to
plan for.
Thursday, May 18, 5:15 PM at The Stable Inn in Grand Haven—Supper Club. J oin the gr oup as we gather together for
a meal and free dessert if you are celebrating your anniversary
this month. Let me know if you plan to join us so we know how
many to plan for.
Wednesday, May 24 at 12 noon—Catered Lunch at the Allendale Town Hall. We will be visited by Sgt. Miller from the
Michigan State Police to learn of several scams targeting seniors and how you can avoid being scammed. Cost is still just
$6.00 per person and can be paid at the door. Please sign up by
Monday, May 22
Wednesday, May 31 at 5:30 PM—Dinner and a
Movie at Allendale Town Hall. We will eat at
5:30 and then watch the movie, Hidden Figures—The story of a team of African-American
women mathematicians who served a vital role in
NASA during the early years of the US space
program.
Cost is $5.00 and can be paid at the door.
NEW POLICIES:
• Trips will be rated so that you will know if you are able to participate easily, or not. Look for the star
rating to know if it is light
walking (one star), moderate walking (2 stars) or heavy walking (3
stars). It is recommended that if you use a walker or cane, then a 3
star will be too much for you to handle. For our regularly scheduled events, they are all 1 star, unless noted.
• If you are signed up for an event and don’t show or call to cancel
within 24 hours before start time you will need to pay the full price
due. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Have you heard about those new corduroy pillows?
They're making headlines.
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r
May 2017
e
h
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
e
1
8:45 AM—Breakfast
Club at Murphy’s. Join
us and get a free breakfast if it’s your birthday
this month.
2
3
4
—Lunch
11:45 AM—
Bunch. Meet at the restaurant we choose. Call
if you would like to carpool.
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6
7
8
9
10
11
12:00 Noon—Potluck
Noon
Lunch. Bring table service and a dish to pass
or omit the dish and pay
$4.00.
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13
14
15
16
17
18
19
5:15 PM—Supper club.
Meet at the restaurant or
carpool. Free dessert if
you have an anniversary
this month and join us.
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21
22
23
24
25
12 Noon—Catered
Catered
Lunch. Meet at the town
hall and enjoy a delicious lunch and always
interesting entertainment.
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29
30
31
Dinner and a
5:30 PM—Dinner
movie meet at the town
hall. Dinner is served
right away with the
movie following.
d
y
Mother’s Day
Memorial Day
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Want to sign up for something?? Call Kathy @ 616.895.5073 or send an email to [email protected]
khanes@allendale
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