Act Now! Open enrollment for Affordable HealthCare

 Affordable healthcare is something that all Americans deserve. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of people and their families were at risk of financial ruin because they were uninsured. Health insurance companies could also deny health insurance coverage due to a preexisting condition like cancer or diabetes. Fortunately, you are now protected with the ACA.

Open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act begins November 1 and lasts until January 31, 2017. If you want your coverage to begin on the first of the year, you will have to enroll by December 15. Now is the time to compare healthcare plans so that you can find the best one for you. You and your clients can learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace and how to apply for benefits at www.healthcare.gov.

Signed into law on March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act provides Americans with better health security by expanding coverage, lowering healthcare costs, guaranteeing more choice, and enhancing the quality of care for all Americans. As of March 2016, 20 million people have gained health insurance coverage – more than 6 million of them uninsured young adults – because of the Affordable Care Act. We now have the lowest uninsured rate in the country’s history.

No matter who you are, you are entitled to affordable healthcare. It is a crucial part of securing today and tomorrow. The Affordable Care Act also ensures that even if you have a preexisting condition you will be covered.

If you are already covered and want to change your plan, this is the time to do it. Factors might have changed over the last year that would make you want to update your coverage. Even if you are just curious about the many plans in the open marketplace, you can compare healthcare plans at www.healthcare.gov.

Having coverage for you and your loved ones is a critical part of a healthy and happy life. Make sure you are covered with the plan that best suits you.

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.

Moving boundaries

 Mile markers along the highway are a common sight when traveling interstates. Every tenth mile is posted just off the side of the road.

According to Eric Sloane in his book “Our Vanishing Landscape,” mile markers were first used when Ben Franklin was Philadelphia’s postmaster way back around 1763. The markers helped determine the price for delivering postal letters based on distance traveled, and may have first been set between Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey.

Another type of marker, a property marker, is sometimes set at a corner of land to define legal boundaries of ownership. These metal stake markers are sometimes searched out and rediscovered using metal detectors. Traditionally, stone markers or walls could also be used. It was this type of marker that the Bible refers to in Proverbs 23:10,11: “Do not move the ancient boundary or go into the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.” (NASB) This was a warning to not steal property or cheat those that are unable to either realize that they have been robbed or are defenseless to protect themselves. Those who are foolish enough to offend in this way will find themselves face to face with an angry God.

There is another type of ancient boundary that when moved is like dishonestly encroaching on property. It happens when religious leaders and religious systems move ancient boundaries set by God that define holy ground – boundaries distinguishing between right and wrong. Those who move those boundaries and invade property not their own will also answer to an angry God. Do we arrogantly think God will change His mind because we disagree with Him? Ludicrous! It will not go unnoticed.

A safer approach would be to accept God’s Word and maintain His boundaries.

I VOTED FOR HILARY… But the election is over and we need to move on and support the office of the President. (I am a lifelong independent conservative who votes the issues.)

I am disappointed there were demonstrations against the election results. As usual, from the news clips; it looked like many of the demonstrators destroying property were likely non-voters due to age or disrespect for the laws.

I am more disappointed that some Democrat leaders are joining a campaign to recount votes in some states. As the recount is unlikely to cause any change in the results, it is a waste of time and money.

As Donald Trump hinted he would not accept the results if he lost, claiming in advance the election was rigged, this is an opportunity for the losers to take the high road and accept the results as Hilary did the night of the election.

Many of us wanted a political outsider for president, now we have one. Let us hope he brings change to our country through the political process for the betterment of us all.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS… while many folks hedged and put their Christmas Decorations up early; many more put theirs up this Thanksgiving weekend. How nice our downtowns and neighborhoods look all decorated to welcome the Christ child and Santa Claus for this holiday season.

Make sure you check out our front page this week with the Home Town Holidays feature highlighting all the wonderful local events. I hope you can attend them all and show your appreciation for all those doing the work to add to the holiday excitement.

WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING… I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as mine presiding over the family dinner.

I truly enjoy preparing the traditional dinner with all the kids and grand kids pitching in.  Granddaughter Zoya made the dressing this year (a school project that required food preparation from a recipe). It was delicious and she did not flinch at all when I upended the 23-lb. bird for her to stuff.

When the table was laid and food served, there were 15 of us gathered round, from the oldest (me) to baby William, just 5 days old!

Then everybody pitched in to serve desert and clear up. Amy and Billy loaded the dishwasher and washed the pots and pans.

By that time the youngsters were arranging for their own entertainment. Lainie and Zoya were spending the night at Karli’s, Willy and Brook headed for home with their newborn, Polly got to spend the night at Aunt Amy’s. Evie headed for her special spot at Grandma’s. With three of their four daughters visiting, Gill and Sergei got some quality time with Amy and Billy.

And Anne and I got a couple hours of quiet time with the dishes all done, everything in its place and another great memory of a family holiday. That is what it is all about.

THANKS TURKEY DRAWING PARTICIPANTS… Many, many thanks for all the sponsors of our Thanksgiving turkey drawing and all those that entered by visiting our hometown business sponsors.

I enjoy visiting with the folks that stop in to drop off their “turkey entry” here and tell me about the recent shops they have visited and the fun that it is.

That is what hometown is; fun and neighbors. I am glad the Tri-City Record is a full-time participant in being a hometown neighbor.

Mrs. Southwest Michigan, Ms. Southwest Michigan, Southwest Michigan’s Pre-Teen & Princess Scholarship Program entry forms now available

 The Entry Forms are available for 2017 Mrs. Southwest Michigan, Ms. Southwest Michigan, Southwest Michigan’s Pre-Teen & Southwest Michigan’s Princess.  The Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program focus is on teaching the young people here in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area –Leadership, Communication, Community Service, Respect & Honor.  All scholarships awarded through this Program are given to the young people in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area only.

The Princess Program is open to little girls between the ages of six & nine by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area.  There are four phases of competition with the Princess Program.  The first phase is Interview which counts for 50%, the second phase is Formal Wear which counts for 20%, the third phase is On-Stage Question which counts for 10%, and the fourth phase is Paperwork which counts for 10% of the contestants score.

The Pre-Teen Program is for the young women between the ages of 10 & 12 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area.  There are five phases of competition with the Pre-Teen Program.  The first phase is Interview which counts for 50%, the second phase is Formal Wear which counts for 20%, the third phase is Active Wear which counts for 10%, the fourth phase is the On-Stage Question which counts for 10%, and the fifth phase is Paperwork which counts for 10% of the contestants score.

The Mrs. Program is open to married women between the ages of 24 & 70 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area.  There are five phases of competition with the Mrs. Program.  The first phase is Interview which counts for 50%, the second phase is Formal Wear which counts for 20%, the third phase is Active Wear which counts for 10%, the fourth phase is the On-Stage Question which counts for 10%, and the fifth phase is Paperwork which counts for 10% of the contestants score.

NEW this year is the Ms. Program that is open to single women between the ages of 25 & 70 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area.  There are five phases of competition with the Ms. Program.  The first phase is Interview which counts for 50%, the second phase is Formal Wear which counts for 20%, the third phase is Active Wear which counts for 10%, the fourth phase is the On-Stage Question which counts for 10%, and the fifth phase is Paperwork which counts for 10% of the contestants score.

The 2017 Southwest Michigan’s Pre-Teen Scholarship Program & Southwest Michigan’s Princess Scholarship Program will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Bridgman High School Auditorium.  The 2017 Mrs. Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program & Ms. Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Bridgman High School Auditorium.  Over $5,000 will be awarded in scholarships and gifts in the four divisions this year.  For an entry form visit the web site at www.misssouthwestmichigan.org click on Princess, Pre-Teen, Mrs. or Ms. then click on “Compete.”    For questions, please call the Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program Office at (269) 428-4999.  Deadline for applications will be February 4, 2017.

Lake Michigan College seeks Alumni Award nominations

 The Lake Michigan College Alumni Association Board of Directors is seeking nominations for its 2017 Alumni Awards. The College first presented Alumni Awards in 1986. Since then, more than 80 recipients have been honored. Best consideration for the 2017 awards will be given to nominations received by February 28, 2017.

To be considered for the awards, nominees need to have attended Lake Michigan College or its predecessor, Benton Harbor Community College, and have earned at least 30 credit hours through the College.

There are three award categories (awardees are listed with their affiliation at the time of the award):

The Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award, named in honor of the first president of Lake Michigan College, is given to an alumnus who has accomplished significant success in his or her personal or professional endeavors. Recent winners of the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award include Dr. Marilyn J. Stolberg (retired dentist), Andrew Bauer (Conservation Officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources), Dr. Mark A. Kuriata (dermatologist and owner of Advanced Dermatology in St. Joseph), Valerie Dell Huber (president of the DC-based National Abstinence Education Association (NAEA)), Becky Kliss (business owner and board president of Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum), Richard Schinkel (naturalist), James F. A. Turner (founder/president/CEO of M&T Paradigm Group Financial One), Steven C. Fairbanks (president and CEO, Iowa Mold Tooling Co.), Mamiella Chavis-Brown (counselor, South Bend Community School Corporation), Dr. Gyl Kasewurm (owner, Professional Hearing Services, Ltd.), and Sam Monte (owner, Monte Package Company).

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to a recent alumnus who attended LMC within the past 15 years and has demonstrated significant achievement and distinguished themselves in their career, education or community such that they would be role models to current LMC students. Recent Alumni Achievement Award honorees include Brittnee Ashten Carter (PhD candidate at the University of Kansas), Brian Doak (Legacy Wealth Group), Stephanie Henderson (former LMC student athlete and collegiate softball coach), Mary Jo Tomasini (CEO, Competitive Edge), Brad Gorman (Whirlpool Corporation), Melissa Zmyslo (Berrien County Health Department), Dana Harris Slagle (Jet Magazine), and C. Jesse Green (Michigan Trial Lawyers Association).

The Alumni Service Award is given to an alumnus who has offered significant personal contributions to the College or community, with community being broadly interpreted as local, the state of Michigan, or the nation. Recent past selections for the Alumni Service Award are Edward J. Todd (retired businessman), Donald C. Mitchell (retired veteran, industrial engineer, and mortgage originator), Brenda Kniebes (elementary teacher at Decatur Public Schools), Dr. Susan Lentz (biology instructor at Lake Michigan College), Colleen Cullitan (attorney), Barbara Lane (retired executive director of the Berrien County Cancer Service), Diane Curry (principal and special education director, Niles Community Schools), Patrick Lynch (pharmacist and operator, Hill’s Prescription Shop), Nancy Conybeare (formerly of Lake Michigan College), Karen Kolberg Kietzer (Berrien-Cass-Van Buren County Counselors Association), Melissa Stolfo (Goodwill Industries), Paula Wygonik (Competitive Edge), Paul Landeck (Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant), Sharon Tyler (formerly of the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance), and Mary Goff (former mayor, City of St. Joseph).

To nominate an individual for an alumni award, access the nomination forms online at lakemichigancollege.edu/nom-ination.

For more information, contact Rita Whise, manager, advancement programs & stewardship at (269) 927-6278 or rwhise@lakemichigancollege.edu.

Upon nomination, an application will be sent to the candidate. Award winners will be recognized at the College’s 2017 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7.

Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary upcoming fundraisers

 On Monday, December 12 the Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary is hosting a Susie’s Goodies sale in the Interim Room at the hospital. Available for purchase from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. are delicious baked goods and candy.

Then on Monday, December 19 the auxiliary will have the annual holiday Bake Sale.  Just in time for Christmas, purchase homemade cookies, baked goods, and candy in the hospital’s Interim Room from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

All proceeds from all of their fundraisers are used for the hospital in Watervliet such as the pavilion across from the Emergency Department, the new entrance and equipment for the various departments.