Elder care topic at Eastside group meeting

Bonnie Kelley, owner of Alternative Elderly Care, was the guest speaker at the Eastside Business Association Aug. 25. Kelley employs about 20 area residents in her 24 hours a day health care business.

"We provide respite care on a short or long term basis — even through holidays," Kelly said. "Besides respite care we offer our clients transportation for errands, appointments and activities. We also have personnel to provide bathing assistance, dressing, laundry, meal preparation and light housekeeping.

She said all employees are screened before they begin service with extensive reference checks and a criminal background check and they are bonded.

"Our mission is to help relieve stress within families by providing assistance to ailing, elderly or recovering loved one," Kelley said.

City employee Rhoda Matthews distributed information on the new Blight Elimination Program. She asked that residents use the Blight Elimination hotline, (810) 237-2090, to report trash in yards or exterior areas, high weeds and grass, broken windows, inoperable vehicles on lawns and the street or basketball hoops in the streets.

"We need your help," Matthews said. "The city's legal department is set to issue tickets to offenders on any property within the city."

Secretary David Caswell provided the group with a calendar of speakers for the September meetings. They are Ryan Satkowiak, Fourth Ward blight control officer, Sept 1; Dr. Thomas Svitkovich, Genesee Intermediate School District superintendent, Sept. 8; Judge Cathy Dowd, 68th District Court, Sept. 15; Elaine Conklin, Genessee County Mental Health, Sept. 22; and Gary Hartley, a retired police officer, Sept. 29.