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Adults who are unable to visit the library can still access books, movies, magazines and audio books through the new Homebound Services program. The free program is open to individuals debilitated by short or long-term illnesses and physical and visual disabilities, and senior citizens who are no longer able to drive.

The service is open to residents of Albee, Brady, Chapin, Chesaning and Maple Grove Townships. Due to limited resources, the library is unable to offer the program to non-resident cardholders.

Library Director Erin Schmandt said staffers have helped homebound patrons in the past, but the development of the Homebound Services program opens up the service to the public.

"This is something that we have done informally when a regular library patron could no longer make it in to get his or her books. We thought 'Why not start offering this service to everyone? We believe the need is there,'" said Schmandt.

Patrons will be visited regularly at their place of residence. This service can be provided on a short-term or long-term basis.

Library employees will conduct a telephone or in-home interview to determine the patron's areas of interest. Staffers or volunteers will bring specific titles that have been requested or select books based on the person's preferences.

"If someone requests a fiction book with a female detective who lives in the west, we will do our best to find that book," Schmandt said.

After the interview, the library will set up a schedule for book delivery and return. Midway through the loaning period, a library employee will call to see what items can be brought to the next visit.

Materials may be checked out for three weeks, and can be renewed if there is not a waiting list. There are no overdue fines.

Patrons who are able to use the Internet can also use the library's online catalog at www.chesaninglibrary.org. Users can reserve books and search a materials database that includes other library systems. The books will be distributed to the library and then delivered to the homebound services patron's home.

The library hopes to find volunteers to help make the deliveries, especially to homes outside the Chesaning Township area.

For more information on the homebound services program, call the library at (989) 845-3211.

Heart Fair Set for Saturday, February 2 at Memorial

Physician Speakers Highlighted During Annual Event

Owosso - Memorial Healthcare will be hosting its annual Heart Fair on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon in Memorial's Auditorium, located at 826 W. King Street in Owosso.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are the nation's number one killer. Take the first step in controlling the risks of developing heart disease by attending this informative community outreach event.

Featured speakers include Owosso-based board certified and fellowship trained cardiologists Sherrie Brooks, D.O. and Juan Hernandez, M.D. Rounding out the speakers is board-certified and fellowship trained geriatrician Ly Gau, D.O.

Dr. Hernandez will be offering a question and answer series on "Cardiology Updates" at 9:30 a.m., Dr. Gau will discuss "Controlling Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease" at 10:30 a.m. and Dr. Brooks will offer insights on "The Effects of Salt on Your Heart" at 11:30 a.m. All presentations will be held in the Lower Level at Memorial's Auditorium.

Free health screenings include blood pressure, height/weight/BMI, heart health risk assessment, lower extremity arterial screening and more. Cholesterol screening will be available for a nominal fee of $10 (fasting, nothing to eat or drink except water for 12 hours, is recommended for cholesterol screening).

Individuals can talk to specialists and receive an abundance of information on keeping a heart healthy. Vendor booths will feature information on diabetes, cardiovascular disease risk factors, exercise, living with stress, dietary needs, and more. In addition to free heart-healthy snacks and cooking demonstrations, attendees can also register to win one month of free visits to the Heart and Fitness program at Memorial.

For additional information on speakers and vendors please contact (989) 729-4514 or visit www.MemorialHealthcare.org. This event is sponsored by Memorial Healthcare SmartHearts Program, Memorial Center for Senior Health, Owosso Heart Institute and the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute.

"Out of Africa" Dinner Dance Set for February 9

Owosso - Memorial Healthcare Foundation invites everyone to its annual dinner dance and charity silent auction set for Saturday, February 9 at the Baker College Welcome Center. Proceeds from this major fundraising event will benefit "Join the Courageous," a campaign for the Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center.

Highlights for the evening include a special live performance from Like Water Drum & Dance, a percussion and dance troupe, who will showcase traditional West African drumming and dancing; a charity silent auction featuring original pieces of art created by local artists who have been touched by cancer; and live music from Persuasion will be back by popular demand.

Camaraderie and cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. with elegant dining commencing at 8 p.m. Tickets for the dinner dance are $175 per person, $350 per couple. In addition to the dinner dance, cash raffle tickets are currently being sold at $100 each (you need not be present to win).

To make reservations, purchase a cash raffle ticket or for further information, contact the Memorial Healthcare Foundation office at (989) 729-4580 or via email at mhufnagel@MemorialHealthcare.org.

21st Annual Teddy Bear Reunion set for February 10

SAGINAW -- The St. Mary's of Michigan 21st Annual Teddy Bear Reunion has been set for Sunday, Feb. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw.

This is an open invitation to all past open heart patients from St. Mary's of Michigan to attend this free event. Attendees are welcome to bring one guest and their Sir Koff-A-Lot Teddy Bear.

The Sir Koff-A-Lot bear is given to patients after open heart surgery to hold to their chests when they cough to ensure their incision doesn't break apart as they heal.

Guests will be treated to heart healthy snacks and refreshments along with entertainment. Last year, over 600 people attended the Teddy Bear Reunion. Please register before Feb. 1 by calling 1-800-STMARYS (1-800-786-2797).