Social Security benefits will be paid on time; other updates related to pandemic
    Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, reminds the public that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments will continue to be paid on time during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The agency also reminds everyone to be aware of scammers who try to take advantage of the pandemic to trick people into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain Social Security benefit payments or receive economic impact payments from the Department of the Treasury.
     “Social Security will pay monthly benefits on time and these payments will not be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Commissioner Saul said.  “I want our beneficiaries to be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping or somehow changing your Social Security payments, but that is not true.  Don’t be fooled.”
     The Department of the Treasury will soon provide information about economic impact payments under the recently enacted law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act.  Treasury, not Social Security, will be making direct payments to eligible people.  Please do not call Social Security about these payments as the agency does not have information to share.
     The agency continues to direct the public to its online self-service options whenever possible.  Local offices are closed to the public but are available by phone.  People can find their local field office phone number by accessing the Field Office Locator. 
     To allow available agents to provide better phone coverage, the agency is temporarily changing the National 800 Number hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time to 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time.  The agency is experiencing longer than normal wait times on the 800 Number and asks the public to remain patient, use its online services at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call their local office.
     Please visit the agency’s COVID-19 web page at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/ for important information and updates.

Family Impact Center’s Food Pantry here to help those in need
    Family Impact Center’s Client-Choice Food Pantry is here to help you during these very difficult times.  On any day of the week, please call 517-223-4428, listen to the recording and then leave a clear message along with your phone number.  
    Upon returning your call, we will read a list of available items from which you will choose and then set up a day and time for you to come.
    Pick-up options will be from within the following days and times:  Tuesdays (10:00 – 3:00 p.m.), Thursdays (10:00 – 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) and Fridays (10:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
    Whether you are in need of assistance or are wanting to make a donation, please call first so that arrangements can be made. 
    The following verse is prominent on our Pantry wall along with the beautiful mural painted by Sheila Wise: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised." (Psalms 113:3)  
    We praise and thank God continuously for His protection, love, grace and mercy; and we pray that you have the same peace that comes from knowing and trusting Him. Thank you all so much for your continued help and support!  And know that we are praying for you and your family.

Williamston Area Senior Center

APRIL 2020 EVENTS

    Because of circumstances beyond our control (the Covid-19 Virus) the Williamston Area Senior Center has been closed since March 17, 2020 and will be closed until this emergency is over.
    On March 23, 2020 Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmore issued Executive Order 2020-21 “Suspending all activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.”  This Order is in effect through April 13,2020 and could be extended if the Covid-19 Virus continues.  During this period of time our Senior Center will be closed.  Please check our website williamstonseniorctr.com or our Facebook for any announcements as to when we will resume our normal activities.
    During this temporary closure any Williamston area senior who may need meals can pick up a seven-day supply of frozen meals here at the Williamston Center every Wednesday. To participate in this temporary meal program please contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1393 to set up a time to pick up your meals at the Williamston Area Senor Center on any Wednesday during this emergency.
    Please take the advice of our medical experts and wash your hands often, avoid gathering of over 10 individuals, practice social distancing and if you feel ill please state home and, if you believe your illness is serious, please contact your personal physician. 
   Finally, we ask that you be a good neighbor and keep in contact and/or phone your seniors neighbors to make sure they are ok and not in need of any service. 

Livingston County Sheriff Dept. to help delivery groceries, medicine 
    Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office are helping bring groceries and prescription medicines to higher risk persons who request their assistance due to concerns about coronavirus exposure and/or a lack of transportation.     The program, at this time, is restricted to residents 65 and older, or for those who have a documented medical condition that puts them at greater risk of harm from COVID-19 exposure. Residents must be able to order their food or medicine online from a Livingston County-based grocery store or pharmacy. They must also not have any other means of securing these essentials, and an exterior door to which the products may be delivered.      Livingston County residents meeting these criteria can call the Sheriff’s Office tipline at (517) 546-8477 and leave a message to make arrangements. 

Theron Ralph Holbrook

    Theron Ralph Holbrook, 95, of Fowlerville died Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at The Guest House of Fowlerville of natural causes.
    He leaves his wife of 57 years, Helen (Buco) Holbrook of Howell Michigan; his sister Jane Holbrook of California, and sister-in-law Katherine Buco of California.
   He was born in Coyle, Oklahoma on Sept 18, 1924 to Clarence R. Holbrook and Irma Love-Joy Bentley.
     Family soon after his birth moved to Fullerton California in 1925, where he resided until joining the Navy in 1942. He was in the Navy and proudly served his country in WW2, and was honorably discharged in 1946.
    After his service to his country, he was employed by the Federal Prison System in Alcatraz California from 1953-1955, then moved to Terminal Island California where he retired in 1975. Some of the inmates he watched over were Alven (Creepy) Karpos, The Birdman of Alcatraz and Al Capone. He also watched over Charlie Manson.
    Married to his wife Helen Buco in February 23, 1963 in Long Beach, California.
    He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was also a pilot who flew Piper Cub airplanes. He had a love for cats and dogs and at one time had a total of 18 cats.
     Funeral services will be private and he will be laid to rest at St. Agnes Cemetery in Fowlerville MI. Arrangements entrusted to Herrmann Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com

Livingston County Catholic Charities continues to remain open to clients 
     As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, Livingston County Catholic Charities has had to make modifications to protect our clients and staff. LCCC will be open for individual counseling with the goal of providing Telehealth (phone counseling) during the listed dates and times.  LCCC plans to resume normal business hours on April 14, 2020 unless further advised.
    For those that require a face-to-face session, please advise your counselor. The reception area is open for the client only (parents may come in to check in a child). All drivers or family members must remain in their cars while your loved one is in session due to the limited space in our reception area.
       Tuesday, March 31, 12 – 8pm
       Wednesday, April 1, 9am – 5pm.
       Friday, April 3, 9am – 5pm.
       Tuesday, April 7, 12 – 8pm.
       Wednesday, April 8, 9am – 5pm. 
   For your protection, we continue to maintain CDC suggested cleaning protocol.
   Senior Community Liaisons (formerly Resource Advocates) are still providing services to all seniors over the phone (in person only if necessary to obtain signatures/proofs for applications for essential services i.e. health care coverage / food support; delivery of essential items).  
   Much can be done over the phone to assist seniors:   low income applications, Medicare info and enrollments, connect to resources, info on Long-term Care options, census reporting, Home Heating Tax Credits and Property Tax Credits, prescription assistance and more.
    The Volunteer Caregiver program is still operational with staff and volunteers who are picking up and delivering food boxes from Gleaners and other essential needs, prescriptions and more for home-bound seniors.  For any senior in need of assistance, please have them call our office and ask for Jamie or Katie at 517-545-5944 x 121. All other direct contact with seniors is suspended until April 14.
Reminder: LCCC has suspended all groups including Engagement, Substance Use, Caregiver Support along with all Special Ministries programming and Be Our Guest Adult Day until April 14. LCCC will continually be monitoring the situation and adjust the schedule as the situation evolves. Up to date information and community supports can be found on our Facebook page and web site . http://www.livingstoncatholiccharities.org/
As developments continue, we will respond accordingly in order to protect the health of our coworkers, volunteers and the people that we serve. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we all navigate this difficult time. 

Williamston Senior Center among sites where older adults can pick up meal
   As a provider of essential food and safety services for older adults, the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) remains open with limited staff on-site to manage program logistics. Among other services, the Meals on Wheels home delivery program continues to operate with increased health and safety precautions in place.
     While all TCOA Congregate Senior Dining sites are currently closed due to the risk of spreading COVID-19 through large group gatherings, individuals age 60 and over and their caregivers are eligible to participate in a food pick up opportunity at locations across the region in all three counties. Pickups will include packs of 7 frozen meals with fruit, bread and milk.
     Meal pick up must be arranged in advance by calling Tasha Stetler at 517-887-1393 to schedule a pickup appointment. Callers will be asked to give their name, phone number, address and birthdate. The only qualification is to be over 60 years of age or providing primary care for someone age 60+. Please make sure you have a way to heat the meals, microwave is preferred. Special arrangements may be available to those that cannot heat the food, and for those unable to get to a pick up location.  
    For other food access questions or to address other needs, please call 211 or visit http://www.centralmichigan211.org/.
 MEAL PICK UP LOCATIONS:
Ingham County
  Williamston Senior Center -201 School St, Williamston
   Haslett: Grange Acres Community Room Parking- Lot 6101 Marsh Rd
   East Lansing: Hannah Center- 819 Abbott Rd
   Holt: Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St 
   Mason: First Church of the Nazarene- 415 E Maple St
   Okemos: Meridian Senior Center at Chippewa MS- 4000 N Okemos Rd
   Stockbridge Township Hall- 125 S. Clinton St, Stockbridge
   Lansing:
TCOA Central Kitchen-5303 S Cedar St, Bldg 1
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center-5825 Wise Rd
Letts Community Center- 1220 W Kalamazoo