http://www.candgnews.com/news/group-aims-provide-voice-senior-citizens-78944

Madison Heights

November 12, 2014

Group aims to provide voice for senior citizens

Efforts include care packages for widows and lawn care

By Andy Kozlowski C & G Staff Writer

MADISON HEIGHTS — Gloria Moore, a resident of Madison Heights since 1977, served on the city’s senior advisory board as recently as 2013, but felt there was a disconnect between the needs of the seniors and how the city was addressing them.

For example, she said changes to busing services have made it more difficult for some seniors to get from their homes to the senior center, or from the senior center to the store or their doctor for scheduled appointments. She said this has resulted in some seniors becoming shut-ins.

“The board is more focused now on the senior center than the seniors,” Moore said. “The seniors should have a bigger say in what’s happening. They need a voice.”

That’s why, in the summer of 2013, a group formed called the Friends of the Madison Heights Area Senior Citizens. Moore currently serves as the president of the group. Her husband, Wayne, is also involved. Veronica Hall is the vice president, and Barbara Perkins is the treasurer. They’re always looking for new members, and all ages can join.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m., usually at the Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile. The next meeting is Nov. 18. All are welcome to attend, and share their ideas and concerns.

“The leaders of the new Friends group want to fill the vacuum of services currently provided to local seniors,” said Madison Heights Mayor Pro Tem Brian Hartwell in an email. “My neighborhood is occupied by many of the original owners that built Madison Heights in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of them are widows and widowers. As an attorney and councilman, I am often frustrated by the few resources that are available to struggling seniors. Nowadays, with budget cuts and pension taxes, seniors in Madison Heights are hurting, especially those on fixed incomes.

“The new Friends group is bucking the trend of declining interest and membership in community service clubs,” Hartwell continued. “The project ideas the new group has discussed focus on supporting seniors during their most trying times, like after the death of a spouse or when medical emergencies hit.”

On the topic of widows and widowers, one plan is to arrange care packages to provide comfort to those experiencing the loss of a spouse. This can include essential items such as food and other supplies, since sometimes the deceased was the main source of income, and their passing comes as a financial blow to the widow or widower.

“We want to put a smile on their face,” Moore said. “We also want to know what their needs are so we can better meet those needs with the care packages, whether that’s food or connections to services, and so on.”

There are also plans to mobilize volunteers and resources to supplement the city’s lawn care services for seniors. Those with handyman skills would be especially appreciated for anything they can do to help senior citizens with maintaining their yards. This includes shoveling the snow during the winter.

“Right now, we’re too small to do anything major, but as more people volunteer, we can take on more and more work,” Moore said.

Hartwell encourages everyone to get behind this group and support the area’s seniors.

“Any group that generously gives of their time freely for our vulnerable community of seniors has my support,” Hartwell said.

The Friends of the Madison Heights Area Senior Citizens will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile. All are welcome to attend and share their thoughts and concerns.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at akozlowski@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1104.