Happy Galentine's Day

Have you heard of this new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day—a day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends. It’s Valentine’s Day with your gals.

Many people have a kind of love-hate relationship with Valentine’s Day: the holiday is disparaged as a manufactured holiday foisted upon us by greeting card companies, and there’s often a sense that it’s only for people who are romantically paired, making it feel rooted in exclusion. All of which sets the stage perfectly for Galentine’s Day.

The word—a blend of Valentine’s Day and gal—was introduced to the world by the chipper and dedicated Leslie Knope, the fictional Deputy Director on the TV Show “Parks and Recreation”.

Hmmm…sounds like a great excuse to plan a Girls Night Out.

Introducing Senior Planet from AARP

I came across this program from AARP recently and thought I would share. Senior Planet is an online community of seniors committed to finding ways to learn, work, create, exercise, and thrive in today’s digital age. Their programs are built around five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation.

All the programs that I have watched were very well done and achieved their purpose of connecting you with a broader community.

To learn more and see what you might want to participate in, I encourage you to go to their website and sign up for their newsletter. I think you will be impressed.

Live Online Classes for Seniors

If you’re a senior aged 60 and older, these live online classes are designed just for you! Learn about Finance, Wellness, Fitness, Computers and Technology, and so much more. You’ll learn so much, and also find a real community of fellow life-long learners.

When the weather is bad

Winter Weather Advisories

It looks like we have a pretty good chance of a major storm for Christmas this year, which makes this a good time to review winter driving safety and traveling to client’s homes. First and foremost, we always want you to be safe. Shifts can be rescheduled if the roads are not safe to drive on. A bit late is always better than having an accident pushing things to get to a client’s home.

If you are going to be late, call your Client. You can view your Client’s phone number in the Well Sky Go app by selecting Client from the Menu, then selecting their Name. Their profile with their address and phone number are displayed. The office will call to check on you if you are more than 20 minutes late, but we look to you to connect with your senior.

If you actually need to reschedule with your Client for another time, then please do that directly also. Reminder, all rescheduled shifts must be completed by Saturday of the same week. Text the reschedule information to the office at 616-234-0190 as soon as you and your client have agreed upon it.

I am also re-sharing our annual winter driving safety tips. Take a minutes and double check you have all the things you need in your car, before you go out in the snow. Bundle up and thank you for all you do.

What to Carry in Your Car in Winter 2022

Winter travel can be tough on car and driver, to prepare:

• Check your tires and make sure your chains fit before the first winter storm and check tire pressure during cold weather. Remember, tire shops and mechanics are busiest just before and during winter storms.

• Get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up. Don't wait to check your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster and wipers.

• Keep your fuel tank full — don't let it fall below half a tank on winter trips.

• Program your radio for traffic reports and emergency messages (for WSDOT radio: 530 and 1610 AM).

What to carry on winter trips:

• Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle: flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, first-aid kit.

• Load your car with winter travel gear : tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, road flares.If you find yourself stranded, be safe, stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

https://www.wsdot.com/winter/files/WhatToCarry2016.pdf