H.O.M.E.S.

Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.....Our 5 Great Lakes.
My boyfriend, Jay, recently returned from a business trip he took to North Carolina.  Saturday, as we were swimming at the Genev-on-the-Lake township beach, Jay said he was asked about the "Big Lakes" while he was down there.  Someone wanted to know what they looked like.  He told them, it's like looking at the ocean....you can't see across them or where they end.  I sometimes forget how lucky we are to have this opportunity right in our "back yard". 
The 5 lakes form the largest group of fresh water lakes on Earth and they comprise 21% of the world's surface fresh water.  They are sometimes referred to as the North Coast or the "Third Coast" by some U.S. Citizens. 
Some people have mixed opinions when it comes to swimming in our lake, Lake Erie, but I for one love to enjoy a relaxing day of hanging out at the beach, swimming, picnicking, playing volleyball and enjoying our long awaited summer weather. We typically visit Fairport Harbor's beach or Mentor Headlands or Geneva on the Lake. (Unfortunately, even though I live in Eastlake--which has the name "lake" in it....I do not have easy access to the beaches.) Walking/Jogging on the beach is a great calorie burner as well as kayaking and swimming.  Jet skiing, boating and skiing are also well loved lake activities, as long as you have access to that type of equipment--or know someone who does.  Fishing can be enjoyed from the shore--the "Eastlake Wall" is a popular spot or from a boat or charter  One of my classmates told us his fishing charters are booked well through August--Jay and some buddies quickly grabbed one of his last open dates for the middle of August. 
The lake can also be a peaceful time to just sit and enjoy it's beauty.  I have seen plenty of gorgeous sunsets right on our little Lake Erie, that can take your breath away.  If it's been awhile since you've enjoyed a day at the beach or watched a beautiful sunset, go enjoy our natural resource that we are privileged to have easy access to.
If you would like more information on fishing charters, you can contact Captain Rick Hildebrand at DB Sport Fishing Charters, Madison Oh, 1-800-769-1750.
Enjoy!
Aimee

Madison Senior Center Luau--Wed 7/11/12

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love our local senior centers and the activities they have to offer.
This Wednesday the Madison Senior Center, located at 2938 Hubbard Rd will be having a Luau Luncheon--cost is $8, from 12-2:00 pm.  The Tri-County Senior Consortium will be there along with 104.7 WKKY broadcasting from 11:00-1:00.  Come out and join in the Island Spirit and enjoy some lunch! 
And if you see mee--come say HI!!

Also, if you are a member of the Mentor Senior Center, be sure to join me the last Wed. of every month for Bingo!

ALOHA!!!!

The Mini-town of Holiday Campland

Last weekend my boyfriend Jay and I spent the weekend at our friend JB's trailer, out in Andover, OH, at Holiday Campland.  I had been there before many years ago (another friend's mom, comes up from Florida and spends the summer at her place there) and one thing I did remember: just how large it is.  For those of you who are looking for a summer retreat to buy into, Holiday sits on 650 acres.  It is a private, members camping community located next to Pymatuning which is an area well known for it's beautiful state park system, Walleye and Crappie fishing, hunting, sailing and other natural recreation.  The Campground itself features a Clubhouse, Recreation Center, a Par-3 golf course, mini golf, 2 pools, a lake, mini mart, ice-cream and laundry.  When you arrive at the gate, you can ask for a "Smoke Signal".  This is an agenda of events going on for the weekend and upcoming week.  Last weekend while we were there, we cheered our buddy on to 3rd place in a corn-hole tournament, then we cooked out, went up to the fair that was going on for the weekend, complete with rides and funnel cakes. There was also a dance at the Recreation Center--which I believe they have every weekend. 
Earlier during the day we ran into some old co-workers.  They invited us over to their campsite to hang out and meet some of their friends.  We met up with them later--via golf cart (almost everyone drives around in their golf cart) played more cornhole and socialized.  It was a fun relaxing weekend with a "camping feel" to it.  Even though there was running water, showers, airconditioning and electricity....you still feel like you are away from it all, out in this mini camping city.
If you would like to learn more about Holiday Campland visit their website at http://www.holidaycamplands.com/
I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!

Senior Health Fair, 6/27/12

Wednesday, June 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., there will be a Senior Health Fair at the Mentor Senior Center.  Please come and check us out.  My table will be the S&S Benefits table--information on Medicare plans and part D prescription, Long-term Care and the Tri-County Senior Consortium.

I'm back.....What's the Tri-County Senior Consortium?

My apologies for being away for so long.  I have been contemplating some different directions for the blog, and I want to share with you a group I have recently become a part of, The Tri-County Senior Consortium.  We are a non-profit organization that advocates for the needs of mature adults in Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties. 
What we do....
In our continuing efforts to serve the tri-county area 55+ population, TCSC offers referrals and consultations for individuals seeking information, advocacy and problem resolution.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Elder Care Attorney, Home Health Care, Rehab & Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Medicare Plans and Part D Prescription plans, Long-term Care Insurance, Financial & Retirement Income, Grant Assistance with Home Renovations, Home Sales/Purchase, Downsize/Right size, and durable medical equipment.
Our services are uniquely tailored to the needs of seniors.  Not only do we offer complete referral resources, but our panel of Specialists also travel throughout all 3 communities to provide education on an array of topics.....ALL FREE!
Our goal is to be a ONE-STOP-SHOP to our mature adults, as well as caregivers, adult children of seniors, and businesses who need resources for their Retirees and Baby Boomers.

We invite all of you to join us next Sunday, July 1st from 1p.m.- 7p.m. at Grand River Cellars in Madison for the Old Vine Community Celebration/Meet the Consortium Day.
There will be games, prizes, food, wine, music, a raffle to purchase a chance to win a 2012 Chevy Cruz and support local charities, live radio broadcast, and of course the opportunity to meet the members of the Tri-County Senior Consortium and ask questions.
You can continue to learn about us from local live broadcasts, on WKKY 104.7, 97.1, 102.5 and WELW 1330 am., and upcoming events. 
Our website is still under construction,  http://www.tri-county-seniors.com/, by phone 1-800-960-5368 or contact me directly through my blog and I can get you in touch with the professional you'd like to speak with.
We look forward to meeting everyone, and providing this wonderful service to our communities.
See you soon!

Aimee

Burn Baby Burn

I was out running errands today, when a jogger almost came running out in front of me.  He was on the jogging path and was just turning around to go back up the path.  He was probably in his early to mid-70's, bundled up to run on a cool, dreary April 1st day......Now that's dedication and I say more power to him. 
I try to be pro-active and get a work-out in a few times a week, but with 2 jobs and a busy schedule, that doesn't always happen.  Sometimes it's too easy to say....well, I don't have time to get dressed, then drive to the gym, come back home, shower....blah blah blah.  I say, why does a work out have to be so much WORK?  I enjoy a workout video, and I enjoy a workout class--motivates me when I work out with other people, but I also like to be active.  If you have activities you like to do, then by all means get up and do them.  Shopping at the mall, planting flowers, golf, even going to Bingo, burns calories.  I found a website where you can calculate how much you activity burns.  Check this out....you go on, put in your weight, the minutes you performed your designated activity, then click calculate and it will tell you.  I burned 115 calories unloading the car and putting groceries away....not too bad.  I didn't even count walking around the store shopping.
Give it a try to see what you're burning.
http://www.healthstatus.com/
I just burned 26 calories, writing this blog.

TRI-C's Kickoff Class to Turning 65

This week Cuyahoga Community College kicked off their "Happy Birthday, So You're turning 65" class at their Westshore campus in Westlake.  I was the co-teacher, along with my associate, Kathy Hirko.  The class will be offered at 4 locations over the next couple of weeks, with both day and evening times.  This gives Babyboomers and Retirees the chance to come into a classroom setting to learn the basics of Medicare--Parts A, B, C and D, the difference between Medicare Supplements and Advantage plans, Part D prescription plans and some basics about Long-term care.  We are available to answer questions throughout the presentation as well as to answer individual questions afterward. 
The first class on Tuesday consisted of 2 students, both having different scenarios for their retirement and different questions.  Although small, we felt our class was a success, and that as word spreads, we will continue to grow. 
If you have questions and enjoy a class like environment, we encourage you to join us at one of our Tri-C classes, or contact us to host your own.
Happy Learning!!