Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a great opportunity to celebrate African Americans’ many achievements throughout U.S. history. Since 1976, this annual celebration has recognized the contributions of black
Americans to our country. Here are five important things to know about this meaningful commemoration:

It Started as a Week: In 1915, Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland founded what’s now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. That organization established Negro History Week in 1926, which strived to inspire schools and communities to organize local celebrations.

Carter Woodson - The Father of Black History: Woodson was tireless in his lobbying to establish Negro History Week as a program to encourage the study of African-American history. He dedicated his career to the subject and wrote many books on the topic including The Mis-Education of the Negro (1933), which has become required reading at numerous colleges and universities.

February Was Chosen for a Reason: Negro History Week was the second week of February. Why? To coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. President Lincoln, of course, was the 16th U.S. president and paved the
way for the abolition of slavery with his Emancipation Proclamation. Douglass was an escaped slave turned activist and author, and a prominent leader in the abolitionist movement to end slavery.

A Week Becomes a Month: The civil rights movement of the 1960s helped elevate Negro
History Week to national prominence… and turn it into a month-long celebration. As a result, in 1976, President Gerald Ford made things official, proclaiming February to be Black History Month.

Adapted from: https://blog.frontrange.edu/2019/02/18/five-fascinatingfacts-
about-black-history-month/

During the month of February, Canton Club 55+ will be featuring prominent figures on our Facebook page @cantonclub55 to celebrate Black History Month!

Stay in the Know

Follow Canton Club 55+ on Facebook to keep up-to-date with new programs, events, and activities. Just search www.facebook.com/cantonclub55 to learn about special notices, program offerings, and special events.

CANDID Conversations with Canton Club 55+

This month's conversation is with John O Wright, who has lived an amazing and very active life. He is originally from Quincy, Florida, however, work brought him to Michigan. John served 4 years in the Air Force from there he went to work for Ford Motor Company. He then retired from the North End Post Office after 36 years and 2 months as the Custom Service Supervisor. He also received his Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University in Interdisciplinary Studies as well as his Ordination training at Eastern Michigan District-Church of Nazarene. In addition, John has been a Pastor for New Hope Nazarene for 38 years and is very passionate about sharing the word of God with everyone and loves meeting people of all ethnicity and races. In addition to John’s love for the Lord, he met his beautiful wife, Eunice, while working at the post office, where they went on to have 3 sons and 9 grandchildren. John is also quite active in sports! He has been an Official for the State of Michigan for the last 48 years in Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Football. (At the time of this interview-John had 2 games he was refereeing) In fact, John’s dream was not to be a pastor but to be a coach! Yet, being a Pastor was in the family, John’s father was a pastor for the Church of God. In his early life John did not accept this calling but later in life at the age of 29 he did and is continuing to spread the word of God today!

John is a member of the Summit, enjoys going to the spinning classes, playing billiards, meeting with friends and reminiscing about the past. John has been a Club Member for 5 years!

Some Fun Facts:

• John’s Quote to live by was from Proverbs 16:7-King James- “When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
• John is an avid bowler. His highest score ever was 296 and his average is 213.
• He and his wife used to travel religiously to Florida every year to visit family.
• His favorite place to visit was Funtana Dam, North Carolina-which was 43 miles up in the Smokies

Get Dancin' at the Summit on the Park

Registration begins January 3 online or in person at the Summit on the Park.

Country Line Dancing

Wednesdays, February 2 - March 9
7:00-7:55 p.m.
Learn line dances including: Cowboy Hustle, Watermelon Crawl, Country Cha-Cha and more.
Fee: $35M / $39R / $51NR
Activity Code: CL1539

Latin Line Dancing
Wednesdays, February 2 - March 9
8:05-9:00 p.m.
Learn and practice Line Dances with a Latin flair!
Fee: $35M / $39R / $51NR
Activity Code: CL1543

Crafting at the Club: Hearts Galore Pin!

Tuesday, February 8
1:00-2:00 p.m., Arts I
Join master crafter, Suann Dibble, to make this wonderful pin and gift bag to surprise a loved one or keep for yourself on Valentine's Day. Bring a glue
gun or purchase one from Club 55+ desk ($4).
Fee: $8M / $10R / $13NR
Activity Code: CB2700

Blood Pressure Screening is BACK!

Monday, February 14
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Parkview
Get you blood pressure checked the 2nd Monday of each month by retired nurse, Mary Pilgrim. Bring something to write your results on.
Fee: FREE
Activity Code: CB2100

BINGO with Canton Club 55+

Thursday, February 24
2:30 p.m., Chestnut
Join us for our monthly BINGO Program. Fee includes 8-10 games of BINGO (1 card each). Participants are encouraged to bring their own markers (BINGO dabbers, etc). Players can only win a prize twice. Register by February 20. Sponsored in part by ProMedica.
Fee: $5M / $7R / $9NR
Activity Code: CB2501 (limited space available)

Don't Miss These Special Performances at Canton's Village Theater

Radium Girls
February 11-13, time varies
Use Promo Code: RGIRL15 at checkout to purchase tickets for only $15!

Mario the Maker Magician
March 19, 3:00 p.m.
Use Promo Code: MARIO15 at checkout to purchase tickets for only $15!

For complete details or to purchase tickets visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call 734/394-5300.

Free Tax Preparation Available!

Appointments for 2021 taxes preparation services for low to moderate income adults, with a special focus on seniors will be accepted starting February 1,
by contacting the Canton Clerk’s Office at 734/394-5120. This tax program will be limited this year with tax document drop-off times every Monday and Tuesday, from 9-11:30 a.m., from February 7 through April 12 at the Township Administration Building. This year AARP-sponsored program will have morning drop-off times and early afternoon pick-ups available with tax preparations being completed by an AARP counselor volunteer on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Appointments are very limited and must be scheduled in advance, with no walk-in times available. Only 2021 taxes will be accepted. Neither Canton Township, the individual tax counselors, nor AARP assume liability for tax preparation.

Sports

Indoor Pickleball (Drop-In)
Offered now through May at the Summit on the Park. Please register at the Club 55+ front desk and sign a medical waiver prior to your first time playing. Paddles are also available to borrow at the Canton Club 55+ desk.

Mon - Beginners: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Tue/Thu - Advance: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Tue/Thu - Int/Novice: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Wed/Fri - All levels: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $0M / $3R / $5NR per day

Mark Your Calendars
Program Cancellations/Changes:

• February 4, 18, 21: Pickleball Cancelled

FREE Workshops & Presentations

Caregiver Support Workshops
Thursday, February 10
2:00-3:00 p.m., Arts I Room
Even though each caregiver has a different story, most caregivers share a core struggle.  How can you reach out to alleviate the suffering of others and continue to give with an open heart? How do you avoid the immobilizing despair community relief workers call compassion fatigue? In this group we will explore how to: Be who you are; Know what you know; and Do what you need to do. We are also open to the topics you, as caregivers, would like to discuss. These workshops will  be held on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Fee: FREE
Activity Code: CB3100

Elder Abuse Presentation
Thursday, February 17
1:00-2:00 p.m., PDC Room
Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman, Michelle Danou and Brian Hutcheon
will present information of Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. This presentation will include who are vulnerable adults, recognizing signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation and how to report potential abuse of vulnerable older adults. Resources will be available along with time for questions and answers.
Fee: FREE
Activity Code: CB2400