01-04-2018 Letters and Commentary

New beginnings

 Our first “New Beginnings” was when we first went to school. The first time we mounted those steps into that big yellow bus we were both frightened and excited. Frightened by the unknown and excited for the possibilities. One new first-grader told everyone he was excited because he was going to school to learn to read! When the first day was done he was very disappointed. His expectations were not met. He had not learned to read at school at all! We chuckle at his childishness, but that boy’s impatience sometimes marks our own new beginnings. He would learn to read, but not in one day.

How about our own “new beginnings” this year? Most would like to do better at something or other. January 1 marks an appropriate time to accomplish those goals, right?

The young student knew nothing of phonics, pronunciation, or of nouns, verbs or adjectives. Reading could not happen if the learning process was not followed.

A church’s “New Beginnings” class for those who were new to faith in Jesus Christ went deeper than a mere overview. Details of discipleship were Biblically defined and discussed. That thirteen-week class gave the attendees a foundation on which to build.

That first-grader should have been more patient. Hopefully his persistence finally won out and he was able to personally apply the principles of reading.

Whatever our new beginning looks like this year, we are all learners in new areas of faith. We can apply three timeless principles for a good start:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t rely on your own understanding.”

“Seek first God’s kingdom.”

“I (Jesus) am with you always.”

Then go forward excited about the possibilities! He will guide your paths, supply your needs, and be with you all the way.

Check out these new my Social Security features in the New Year

 2018 is here! It’s the New Year. There’s no better time to tell you about the new features we have in my Social Security. They not only save you time, but also put you in control of your retirement future.

There are a growing number of states (and the District of Columbia) where, if you’re a resident, you can request a replacement Social Security card online. Our new online version of the Application for a Replacement Social Security Card can make getting a replacement easy and stress free. It allows people to apply for a replacement card through my Social Security without traveling to a field office or card center, as long as you’re not requesting a name change or any other change to your card. We are working to add this capability to every state.

Your personal my Social Security account is secure and gives you ready access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and printable statements. Those who already receive benefits can view their payment history, current status, and manage their benefits.

Social Security has also made replacing your annual Benefit Statement even easier. The Benefit Statement (known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S) shows the amount of benefits you received the previous year and is needed for filing taxes. Now you have the ability to download it using our online services. There’s no need to visit a field office. A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available after February 1 for the previous tax year.

If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating a secure account is very easy to do and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Putting you in control of your future is a key part of securing today and tomorrow. With my Social Security, we give you the power to steer your future in the direction you deserve.

Vonda VanTil is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan.  You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.

H-B H-P… Happy 150th birthday to The Herald-Palladium. The H-P will be celebrating the milestone throughout this year. All the best to a fine newspaper.

According to a front-page story in the H-P January 1 issue, the paper got its start in 1858 when Civil War veteran LJ Merchant began publishing the weekly Palladium in the village of Benton Harbor.

We are indeed fortunate to have a daily newspaper servicing our area. Since the onset of the digital age, many communities have seen their newspapers become absorbed by larger publications and/or ceased publication altogether.

OUR 136th… The Record added another year to its annual volumes this week with Volume 136 Issue #1 on the front page. The Weekly Record saw the first light of day in early 1882, publishing on Friday.

BRRR… The year 2018 came in on an ice sled. Temperatures plummeted to zero in most areas of SW MI following three days of system and lake effect snow. I noted six inches on Saturday and 10 more inches of snow on Sunday (New Year’s Eve). Now the weather forecasters are promising more of the white stuff over the weekend.

I did see many youngsters sledding on the bluffs of Hays Park. While it appeared they were dressed warmly, none seemed to be hanging around for long.

THANK GOD, FOR OUR HOSPITAL… Anne commented Saturday morning as severe chest pains prompted us to go to the ER in Watervliet.

By the time I got our car parked, she was already hooked up to an EKG monitor and two nurses were checking her vitals.

Happily, the EKG and x-rays showed there were no issues with her heart or her chest but for some indication of early onset bronchitis. In less than five hours she was tucked in her own bed at home and taking her prescriptions.

The next morning, she admitted she was very scared with the chest pains and she was glad the hospital was nearby.

Our trinity community is indeed fortunate to have a quality emergency hospital centrally located and well staffed.

LETTERS

Van Buren Tech students raise funds to provide shoes for children in Haiti

Dear Editor,

Hello, our names are Angela, and Payton. We are both high school students, and also attend the Van Buren Technology Center. Our dreams are to become teachers, and this year we are doing an internship in classrooms, through the Cadet Teacher Academy to get us a step closer to our dreams. This experience has been amazing.

We aspire to make a difference in children’s lives and especially in the lives of those in need. Therefore, for our FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) project, SOLE Purpose-Changing Lives; we have decided to raise money to distribute The Shoe That Grows to children in Haiti in need of shoes!

Something as simple as a pair of shoes can make a BIG difference in the life of a child living in poverty. A pair of shoes helps keep a child healthy, in school, and in a position to succeed. Often times in Haiti, children walk miles to school every day and most schools don’t allow children to attend school without shoes, as it is part of their dress code.

The Shoe That Grows has been designed to grow with the foot of a child, adjusting and expanding to become five sizes bigger, and lasting for years. Please help us get pairs of shoes distributed to kids in need, and make a difference!

We appreciate any and all help to raise money for this amazing cause, and to make a difference. Each pair costs $15 to produce through their factory in Utah, but any monetary donation is greatly appreciated! We would also appreciate any fundraising help or ideas you may have.

We have a website for online donations, going directly to our project. Once the online donation is made a receipt can be generated for tax purposes, OR you can donate with cash or a check, and we will gladly come pick it up from you, or you can mail it to us!

For any questions, concerns or to pick up a donation please call or text (269) 944-6104, or email Priebepayton@gmail.com.

For online donations or more information, please visit our website:

http://fundraise.theshoethatgrows.org/sole-purpose.

Thanks so much for your generosity!

Payton Priebe & Angela Saldana

Proos supports bill to protect rape victims

 A struggling mother whose child was conceived in rape would not have to worry about sharing custody with the father under legislation supported by Sen. John Proos.

“A rapist should never have access to a child conceived as a result of his rape of the mother,” said Proos.  “While parental rights can already be terminated after conviction of rape, this legislation would give additional protections by ensuring that rape victims applying for public assistance do not need to include the name of the biological father.”

In Michigan, when applying for Family Independence Program benefits with the Department of Health and Human Services, a parent must disclose the identity of the other biological parent, if known. Under department policy, an exemption is made for rape victims.

Senate Bill 650 would ensure that applicants know that they do not need to disclose the biological father’s identity if the child was conceived due to criminal sexual conduct committed by that parent.

The legislation was the result of a Michigan case, where a judge in Sanilac County awarded joint legal custody of a child to a convicted sex offender after the child’s mother had filed for child support and was required to list the biological father. The judge in the case was not presented with evidence that the father had raped the woman before signing the order awarding him joint legal custody, which includes the ability to argue for parenting time.

“Thankfully, after the information about the rape was brought to light, the order was reversed,” Proos said. “This bill would help ensure that no mother has to go through this in Michigan.”

SB 650 has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.

4 ways parents should comfort their kids after a tragedy

 In an ever-dangerous world reported on by round-the-clock media, the emotional effects of major tragic events transcend local boundaries. They trouble the national psyche, bringing sadness, anger, fear and anxiety throughout the country, and they can make a particularly heavy impact on children and teens.

Two of the five deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history occurred in a recent five-week span – the killing rampage on Nov. 5 at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that left 26 dead, which followed the murder of 58 at the Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas. Such horrific news, for which there are no easy answers, often prompts questions from kids to their parents. Parenting experts say that while these tragedies are difficult to explain, it is vital that parents be especially tuned in to their kids and help them through a period that can be confusing, scary and traumatic.

“All parents want to protect their children from pain, including emotional pain,” says Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio (www.greengateleadership.com), a family therapist and author of Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents.

“These crimes frighten and confuse all of us, regardless of age and whether or not the latest one happened near where we live. We want our kids to know that we’re right there with them, and that we’ll help them get through the mess of feelings they must be having.”

Dolan-Del Vecchio gives four tips to help parents comfort their kids in the wake of national tragedies:

Listen. Children need a sounding board for their questions. “It would be great if there were magic words to take away their upset feelings, but there are none,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “There is a certain degree of magic, however, in just listening and reassuring our child that their feelings of shock, fear and anger are normal. And when they ask questions about why people do such terrible things, we can let them know that we wrestle with the very same questions.”

Be real, be calm. Sometimes the best reassurance is two-fold: Acknowledging that there is danger in the world and, also, reminding our child that their school and neighborhood do everything possible to keep everyone safe. “Our calm demeanor, honesty and reassurance demonstrate courage, put the news in perspective, and help our kids manage their fears,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says.

Limit exposure to graphic details and images. Exposure to the constant news stream or repetitive, graphic images can be damaging. “This is an event they’ll long remember,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “Over-exposure to the news unnecessarily heightens their fears and anxieties. It reinforces the traumatic impact.”

Observe them closely.  Engaged parents pay attention to their child’s emotional health “and seek assistance if needed, just as they would for any other health concern,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “They recognize when their child feels emotional distress.” Parents should watch for any dramatic changes in behavior or a dip in school performance.

“Our kids are always watching us. Everything we do teaches them something about how to live,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “In times of national tragedy, we can reinforce their safety and teach them not to live in fear.”

2017 Cancer Care Report highlights oncology milestones

 Lakeland Health recently released the 2017 Cancer Care Report from the Marie Yeager Cancer Center which outlines data collected to create more meaningful improvements for cancer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and support.

The report highlights the addition of three new physicians who will provide specialized cancer care, including plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Ginard Henry, MD; radiation oncologist, Peter Paximadis, MD; and neurosurgeon, Rafeek Woods, MD.

In addition, Lakeland introduced the ZEISS INTRABEAM Intraoperative Radiation (IORT) therapy system for breast cancer patients which delivers a targeted single-dose of radiation to the site of the tumor after a lumpectomy. Shortly after introducing this new technique in radiation treatment, Lakeland Health was asked to participate in two clinical trials which will potentially expand this treatment option to patients of all ages who are both high and low risk.

Since December 2016, 31 patients have received IORT therapy; 52 weeks of radiation therapy and over $1,000,000 in costs to patients have been saved.

In an effort to target cancer education toward African American women, Lakeland partnered with Strong Women of Faith, a local, community-based support group to train members on the importance of breast health. As a result, 157 mammograms were performed on African-American women, including 44 first time mammograms. Four cases of breast cancer were diagnosed.

In 2016, 926 total cancer cases were treated at Lakeland Health and added to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

Of these patients: Four most common cancer sites: lung, female breast, prostate, and colorectal; Gender distribution: 52.92 percent were female and 47.08 percent were male; Age distribution: 71.14 percent were 60 years and older, 26.81 percent were between the ages of 30 and 59, and 2.05 percent were 29 years or younger.

For more information or to read the full report, visit www.lakelandhealth.org/cancer.