07-06-2017 Letters and Commentary

What your grandchild can teach you about Social Security

 If using the internet feels like a challenge, let your grandchild be your guide. You’ll get your business done online, and they’ll be proud to have helped their grandparent. Take advantage of your grandchild’s computer skills and navigate Social Security’s website together!

Once your grandchild has explained the basics of going online, you can use our website to find information and services for everything from benefit planning, to filing online, to replacing your lost Medicare card.

Open your own my Social Security account for easy access to benefit estimates. Your grandchild can help you navigate to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to set one up. You can use our Benefit Planner tool at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners to learn if you’re eligible for benefits, eligibility requirements, payment rates, and other rules about receiving each type of benefit. And when you are ready to file for retirement or disability benefits, you can do it online! To apply for survivors’ benefits, you or your family will need to contact us by phone or visit an office.

Once you’re receiving benefits and have an account, you can continue to do business with us online with your my Social Security account. You can get a benefit verification letter, change your address or phone number, start or change direct deposit, get a replacement SSA-1099 for tax purposes, or check your benefits. In the District of Columbia and many states, you may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online. With the time you save by using our online services, you’ll have more to spend with your grandchild!

Make a date with your grandchild to visit www.socialsecurity.gov together.

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.

Fishing for life

When Jesus recruited His disciples He met them where they lived and worked. Much of the economy of the time was fishing-based. No surprise then that He connected with at least a few of His prospective followers at the wharfs and moorings on the Sea of Galilee. Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen by trade. Jesus’ invitation as they cast their nets into the sea was for them to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:20).

Fishing has changed over the years. Now, huge factory ships travel the oceans of the world, harvesting all manner of fish from fin to freezer. Oh, the basic idea is the same, but the technology would be totally unrecognizable by Peter and Andrew if they were to see it.

With so many technology changes, how is Jesus’ message contemporary or relevant in any way? It is relevant because while technology has changed, people have not. People’s needs remain the same.

Jesus did not come to improve our technology or to give us better quality of material life. He came to give purpose beyond the limits of a life that is defined by what we can physically touch, see and feel. Accepting Jesus’ invitation, Andrew and Peter were to discover just how life-changing it would be.

Jesus and His message will always be relevant because everyone needs what He has to offer – hope and purpose beyond the fishnets of life. Human efforts improve technology. Following Jesus Christ changes life itself.

Over the next three years Jesus’ disciples would also learn that all is not “peace and love” for Christ’s followers. But nothing would turn them back from following the One who called them.

Jesus still meets us where we live and work, and He invites us to experience a new life with Him.

KARLS KOLUMN

WOW WBA… This past weekend’s Independence Weekend Celebration was by far the best I’ve seen in the 33 years I’ve been attending.

Hats off to the Watervliet Business Association for a great show; special kudos to celebration co-chairs Amy Loshbough and Rochelle Ulleg for bringing all the many pieces together for a great 3-day event.

I’m very pleased the Record can publish all the photos and copy that chronicles the celebration.  Special thanks to Kristy Noack for providing pictures and the story.

Kudos as well to all the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, public servants, and merchants for providing all the goods, services, and logistics to make the festival such a success.

And last but not least, thanks to the many spectators that made it all such great fun.

FIREWORKS BAN?  I thought I was dreaming at 6:15 a.m. on the Fourth of July, that I heard the bang and crackle of fireworks. At first I thought it was a dream, the night before there was an hour or so of a steady roar of pyrotechnics coming from the shores of Paw Paw Lake. Adding to the cacophony were neighbors joining in with their own fireworks.

Now I’m wondering if it is at all necessary. Since we have a couple years of legal fireworks sales and use in Michigan, it may be time to revisit the law that allows it.

I recall legislators defending the law’s passage with the logic that the revenue gain (taxes) would outstrip any damage touching off rockets and mortars could do to humankind.

Perhaps there hasn’t been a spike in maiming and mayhem that will set off alarms. The medical community estimates visits to the ER over the fourth increase by 20% with most being from fireworks mishaps. I caught a snippet on the morning news that reported there were 11,000 serious accidents with fireworks last year.

Maybe the carnage isn’t enough to change the law but I’ll bet most police and firemen would not be sorry to see it taken off the books. Add in the shell shocked veterans, pet lovers (and pets) and all those that don’t get a “kick” out of watching roman candles soaring over their rooftops and having cherry bombs going off in the back yard; it could be there are quite a few voters who wouldn’t be sorry to see (hear) their communities a lot quieter on the Fourth of July and New Years.

Besides where is all that extra tax income going? The explosions are going off in the communities; shouldn’t that be where the taxes benefit is spent?

Besides, where do those fireworks sellers come from. They spring up in tents (like mushrooms) on vacant lots, and sell products that aren’t made local. Before the smell of gunpowder dissipates, they have struck their tents and disappeared. When and where do they pay their taxes? Do the taxes cover the added expense of emergency response service coverage and medical care?

What do you think? Email me at karl@tricityrecord.com.

LETTERS

Nation’s Colors & Veterans cut off by other parade units

Dear Editor,

In the few days that have passed since Watervliet’s Independence Day parade and festivities, I have received numerous calls wondering why our Nation’s Colors were not carried in the parade. Fact of the matter is we were unable to lead the parade due to the actions of three other parade participants.

Watervliet VFW Post 6803 and Coloma American Legion Post 362 have been joining together for many years carrying our Colors, presenting and retiring these Colors at various events and parades thru out Southwest Michigan. Our group strives to carry these Colors with the dignity they deserve and are honored to carry our Nation’s Flag at these events.

Our group consisted of the Color Guard and a pickup pulling a trailer with veterans unable to march. We received our parade entry numbers, #1 and #2 with the Grand Marshall right behind us at #3. We then lined up behind the police escort vehicles waiting for the parade to begin.

Parked right next to the Color Guard and trailer was some sort of all-terrain vehicle and a vintage black and white police cruiser. As they were obviously not part of the escort vehicles leading the parade, we assumed they were other parade entries waiting to fall into the parade.

At 1 p.m. the parade kicked off and proceeded north on M-140. Before the escort vehicles had moved 10 feet, the ATV and the vintage police car cut us off before we took a single step, completely ignoring me as I tried to show them that the Colors and veterans were to follow the police escort. But wait, the plot thickens!! The final indignity came when the Berrien County Sheriff’s Posse also decided to cut us off and join the other parade intruders. Those two individuals and the entire Sheriff’s Posse totally disrespected our Nation’s Flag, the Color Guard, the veterans on the trailer, the Grand Marshall and all the other units in the parade who were forced to dodge piles of horse —- the entire parade route.

In closing, I would suggest these people learn a little flag etiquette or at least parade protocol. They will both tell you the same thing. OUR NATIONS FLAG WILL ALWAYS GO FIRST!!!

Thank you,

Glenn Openneer, Commander

Post 6803, Adjutant Post 362

Where were the veterans?

Dear Editor,

I’m sure this question was asked in Watervliet on Saturday during the Independence Day Weekend Celebration Grand Parade. We arrived at the assembly point; obtained our number for where in the parade we were to start. We were given the number one to start off the parade by carrying the American flag. We took our position behind the public safety officers who are there to keep the parade participants safe. We unfurled old glory; assigned the rifle guards to march with the flag to protect it. Our marching veterans were at the ready. Our older veterans were on our trailer. When the chief of police said start the parade, the public safety officers filed past. Then a vintage police car pulled out in front of us and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Posse on horseback followed behind. Our Commander tried to explain that we were assigned to start the parade. They continued to proceed down the street. We all agreed that marching the American flag through horse manure would be undignified and unacceptable to all the veteran’s past and present so we chose to pull out of the parade. I hope this disgrace to our flag doesn’t happen in the future.

Pete Petruk

Watervliet VFW

Coloma American Legion

Watervliet’s 4th celebration

Editor,

First, let me compliment the people who arranged the festival weekend. There were lots of activities, and it certainly drew a crowd. The fireworks were fantastic! Most of the events presented Watervliet in a very positive light. Unfortunately, the parade contained a truck flying the Confederate flag.

I thoroughly believe in any individual’s right to fly the Confederate flag on their vehicle or their home. That is what America stands for. However, the parade was a city-wide event and as such, represented all the citizens of Watervliet.

The Confederate flag represents an ugly, tragic chapter in American history. Many southern states have chosen to remove the flag from their state symbols and off their capitol buildings. Watervliet should follow their example and not allow the Confederate flag to be flown at events that represent the city.

Elizabeth Hosnedl

            Old Glory

The name of our Flag is Old Glory

Her colors are bright and bold,

She flies with pride over us

In the heat and when it’s cold.

She stands real tall and graceful

For all of us to see,

Old Glory stands for freedom

Where ever she may be.

Some Flags are small and some are tall

They all mean the same,

Fly with pride Our Red, White and Blue

For Old Glory is her name!!

Judy Hauch

Response to Schools of Choice article

Dear Editor,

I appreciated the article about schools of choice and thought there was a lot of good info in it. However I felt it was written almost as an opinion piece rather than a strict journalistic and well balanced article. Written in the first person, perhaps it should have been on the editorial page. You gave me good facts Jon (Bisnett), but you spoke from a pulpit in my opinion.

Matt Moser

Thank you for donation

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your donation toward our annual picnic bingo prizes. For the past 41 years, our senior citizens have enjoyed the picnic. It would not be a continued success without the contributions of local establishments such as yours!

Sincerely,

Sue Dahlquist, Director

North Berrien Senior Center

Veteran farmers’ service continues through agriculture

Dear Editor,

When I think of farmers, veteran farmers in particular, I think of hard working and innovative men and women. I see their work in rows of fields covering the rural landscape, in rolling green pastures dotted with livestock, and on shelves in grocery stores.

Farming is a livelihood, not an occupation. Family and community are at the center of its culture. These qualities help make farming an especially meaningful pursuit for many of our nation’s veterans. The Center for Rural Affairs provides resources and education to help veteran farmers succeed.

The Center recently hosted a beginning veteran farmer conference, an experience where, as a member of the Air Force, I could connect with those whom I consider my brothers and sisters. We were in a setting that felt central to my being – both as a veteran and as a sixth generation Iowa farmer.

The day began with a great example of what it means to serve your country. Matt and Emely Hendl told us about their transition from a U.S. Navy career to living their dream as beginning farmers in Nebraska.

Their story is one of hard work, goal setting, partnership, mentorship, dedication, and innovation. It is an example of what it means to be a contributing member of society, which directly correlates to the skills, values, and ethics that Matt demonstrated in his military career.

Veteran farmers like Matt are keeping rural America vibrant, providing a safe place to raise our children, and securing the American dream. Their service isn’t over – it continues on through their work in agriculture.

If you are a veteran farmer and would like more information, please contact me at 402.687.2100 x 1012 or coraf@cfra.org. For online resources, visit www.cfra.org/veteran_farmers_project (http://www.cfra.org/node/3739).

Cora Fox

Center for Rural Affairs

Critical Red Cross blood shortage prompts emergency call for donations

Give blood or platelets now and help save lives

The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives.

Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days.

“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Todd Kulman of the Great Lakes Michigan Blood Services Region. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.”

How to Help

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross has added more than 25,000 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

Summer months lead to shortage

Blood shortages often worsen around Independence Day due to many fewer volunteer-hosted blood drives at places of work, worship or community gathering, and this year is no exception. Nearly 700 fewer blood drives are scheduled during the Independence Day week than the weeks before and after the holiday.

Overall, the summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in summer activities. In a recent survey of Red Cross blood donors, more than 73 percent indicated vacation plans this summer, many of them occurring the weeks before and after Independence Day.

New donors and those who haven’t given in a while are especially encouraged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives. Nearly one-third fewer new blood donors came out to give last summer than during the rest of the year due in part to schools – where blood drives are held and where new donors give – being out of session during the summer months.

Who blood donations help

Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant procedures, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood donations every day for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 5-25 in St. Joseph:

7/10/2017: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Caretel Inns of Lakeland, 3905 Lorraine Path

7/14/2017: 12 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main Street

7/19/2017: 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., American Red Cross, 3838 Niles Road

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.