By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer
Atlas Twp. – Seated on metal folding chairs in a circle, 20 senior citizens cool down from their workout.
The Silver Fox Folks have been using stretchy resistance bands to exercise their muscles, thanks to Community Development Block Grant funding, which may soon be challenged in the United States House of Representatives.
CDBG is a federally-funded program, administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to address community needs.
Although some fear the block grant program will be affected proposed changes in the budget presented by President George W. Bush, nothing is yet definite, says Sylvia Warner, press secretary to Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-08).
‘There is no specific legislation that actually makes the change that concerns your communities,? said Warner.
‘It was a proposal in the president’s budget, but that has to work its way through the budget process this summer, and then any changes, if they are made, have to be dealt with in the appropriations legislation. All of that is months away, with the appropriations bills not finalized until fall or later in the year.?
In the past, Atlas Township has turned over funds to Flushing and Davison townships because of more stringent program restrictions, says Atlas Township Clerk Tere Onica.
‘They have really tightened their requirements. The usage is very strictly monitored and dictated.?
Sometimes funding, like that used for road repairs, requires residents to turn over personal finance information, Onica said.
‘We have gone door to door asking for information, trying to get things like youth employment going.
‘We have gotten no reponse. People are just very leery of financial surveys or giving any kind of information.?
After Atlas Township ‘gave a big chunk? of CDBG funds to Davison Township, area senior Carol Powers suggested keeping funds for local seniors.
The program provided resistance bands and instruction to senior citizens, along with computer classes, summer hydration packs, first aid kits, nutritious foods, carbon monoxide detectors, and transportation for Atlas Township seniors.
Using the resistance bands to exercise is an especially important technique for older adults, said trainer Everitt Pipkins, since it increases bone density.
‘I don’t think I’d have done the bands if we hadn’t gotten them here,? said Goodrich resident Audrey Coffee, 80, who used the bands. ‘I don’t think so. They’re about 20-some dollars.?
Don Crumm, 79, began workouts several years ago after his doctor asked, ‘Do you have a death wish??
Although most seniors said exercise was important, it ‘takes a lot of nerve to go to the gym when you’re 70-something,? said Barbara Crumm, who feels regular workouts positively affects seniors? lives and attitudes.
Some seniors now use the bands at home, said Powers, who hopes to continue offering low-cost classes through Goodrich Community Education.
The Village of Goodrich received approximately $10,000 to use by April 30 through the CDBG program. The funds were used for the municipal complex elevator.
Since the program requires no matching funds, the block grants are especially welcome, said Village of Goodrich Administrator Jakki Sidge.
‘I’ll always use anybody’s free money,? said Sidge. ‘I’ll jump through any hoop for free money.?
‘It’s a lot of work, but also rewarding,? Powers said.