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FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Rochester Mills Brewing

Join us for the Oakland County Polar

Plunge on Feb. 23, 2019 at Rochester

Mills Brewing Company! Registration

will take place from 8-9 am with the

Plunge taking place at 9:30 am. The

After Splash Bash will immediately fol-

low the last plunger.

Visit https://www.firstgiving.com/

team/382972 to join Team Expert-

Care!

Not interested in jumping? Feel free to

come and cheer along those who are.

EXPERTCARE CHRONICLE

FEBRUARY GIVEAWAY

Winter is the perfect time to get cozy and catch up

on TV shows or movies that you have been mean-

ing to watch. We would like to help make that pos-

sible for one Caregiver this month by giving away

a Roku and a Netflix gift card.

We will draw one winner at random and announce

the winner in next month’s newsletter.

Congratulations to

David King &

Rachel White-

Whisenton for

winning the movie

gift cards!

Employees should review

their current federal and

state withholding status. A

change in status may be ap-

propriate due to marriage,

divorce, birth or adoption of

a child or a change in the

dependent status of a

child. They should consult a

tax professional for assis-

tance in determining their

correct federal and state

withholding status.

Employees who claim ex-

empt status are required to

submit a new W-4 by Febru-

ary 15, 2019. If they do not

submit a new W-4, their with-

holdings will be automatical-

ly adjusted to Single Zero

until they submit a form for

the 2019 tax year.

IRS form W-2, Wage and Tax

Statement, were mailed the

week of January 25 to the

mailing address we have on

file for each employee. If

you receive two W-2’s in

your envelope from us – you

will need to use both W-2’s

when filing your taxes.

W-2 copies are also available

at the payroll portal which

can be accessed at https://

ser-ep.prismhr.com/#/auth/

login. Remember both

username and passwords

are case sensitive. If you do

not remember your pass-

word, you can reset it by

clicking on Forgot Pass-

word. A temporary code will

be sent to the email on file

for you. Once you are logged

-in select Payroll, and then

W2 Reprint to retrieve your

electronic W2’s.

Programs and websites mentioned within this newsletter are for the sole purpose of providing information of inter-est. ExpertCare Management Services does not endorse these websites, the content, and/or programs mentioned. ExpertCare takes no responsibility for loss or damage suffered as a result of using the information contained in these websites or participation in the aforementioned programs and events.

Free Tax Preparation Service Providers in Michigan

Below is the contact information of organizations that provide free tax preparation assistance in Michigan.

ACCOUNTING AID SOCIETY

Serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties Phone: 313-556-1920 or 1-866-673-0873

web: www.accountingaidsociety.org

ALLEGAN COUNTY UNITED WAY

Serving Allegan County Phone: 269.673.6545 ext. 13 email: [email protected] web: www.acuw.org

ASSET INDEPENDENCE COALITION

Serving Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties Phone: 517.256.1466 email: [email protected]

web: www.lansingfreetaxes.org

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

Serving Washtenaw County Seniors Phone: 734.712.0588 Volunteer: 734.712.0588

or email: [email protected] web: csswashtenaw.org/seniors/tax-assistance-program/

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY (Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties)

Serving Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties Phone for Jackson: 517.784.4800 or 800.491.0004 Phone for Lenawee:

517.263.7861 or 800.438.1845 Phone for Hillsdale: 517.437.3346 or 800-750-9300 Volunteer: 517.263.7861 web: www.caajlh.org

COMMUNITY ACTION OF SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Serving Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St Joseph counties Phone: 269.441.1378 email: [email protected]

web: www.caascm.org

DICKINSON IRON COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY

Serving Dickinson & Iron Mountain – Appointments only Phone: (906) 774-2256 ext. 217 email: [email protected]

web: dicsami.org

GENESEE COUNTY TAX COALITION

Serving Genesee County Phone: 810.767.0500 email: [email protected] web: www.resourcegenesee.org

KALAMAZOO COUNTY TAX COUNSELING INITIATIVE

Serving Kalamazoo Appointments Call: 2-1-1 web: freetaxes.goodwillswmi.org

KENT COUNTY TAX CREDIT COALITION

Serving Kent County Phone: 2-1-1 web: www.hwmuw.org/kctcc

MONTCALM IONIA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COALITION (United Way Montcalm Ionia Counties)

Serving Montcalm & Ionia Counties Phone: 616.794-9840 or 800.417.2622 web: http://volunteer.liveunitedm-i.org

NORTHERN MICHIGAN FREE TAX SERVICE

Serving Crawford and Roscommon counties and surrounding areas Free tax sites located in Grayling and Prudenville

Call: 989.889.1141 for an appointment web: www.nmfts.org

NORTHWEST MICHIGAN TAX COALITION

Serving Antrim, Benzie Charlevoix,Emmet,Grand Traverse,Kalkaska,Leelanau,Missaukee, Roscommon,Wexford counties

Phone: 231.947.3780 email: [email protected] web: www.nmcaa.net

OAKLAND LIVINGSTON HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

Serving Oakland & Livingston Counties Phone: Central Oakland: 248.209.2600 South Oakland: 248.542.5860 Livingston

517.546.8500 web: www.OLHSA.org

OTTAWA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

Serving Ottawa County. Call for an appointment Phone: 616.393.4433 email: [email protected]

UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

Serving Washtenaw county Main Phone: 734-677-7235

web: www.uwwashtenaw.org/freetaxhelp

Volunteer Information: www.uwwashtenaw.org/volunteerforvita

For Appointments: Sign-up online or call 734-677-7235.

WAYNE METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

Serving Wayne County Main Phone: 734-284-6999 Email: [email protected] web: www.waynemetro.org

DIY Option!

Want to prepare and file your taxes for free on your own? There is a free on-line option that you can use and, best of all, if you

run into any issues, free assistance from a trained preparer is only a telephone call away. Go to MyFreeTaxes.com and use this

professional, web-based software to prepare and e-file your state and local at no cost. This is a great option for any taxpayer

comfortable with using a computer or the internet or folks without a free tax site in their immediate area.

Gigi’s Mission: To increase positive awareness of

Down syndrome through national campaigns,

educational programs, and by empowering indi-

viduals with Down syndrome, their families and

the community.

Gigi’s Vision: To see a world where individuals

with Down syndrome are accepted and em-

braced in their families, schools, and communi-

ties.

Visit them at https://gigisplayhouse.org/detroit/

for more information.

Motown Winter Blast Weekends 2019

Motown Winter Blast has expanded to 4 weekends with

all of your favorite activities – including recurring activi-

ties such as ice skating, ice sculptures, marshmallow

roasting, food trucks, family activities and live music, as

well as rotating activities including Boyne City Slopes,

The Winter Slide, zip lining down Cadillac Square, car-

nival rides, and the opportunity to skate for free all

weekend long at Campus Martius Park. See schedule

below to learn which weekends host your favorite activi-

ties.

Admission for Motown Winter Blast Weekends is now

FREE.

WEEKEND III – February 8-10 – 4p-11p

Friday /11a-11p Saturday / 11a-8p Sunday

Special Olympics Polar Plunge, Food truck rally, Ice

sculptures, Family activities, Marshmallow roasting,

Winter slide, Local music showcase

WEEKEND IV – February 15-17 – 4p-11p

Friday /11a-11p Saturday / 11a-8p Sunday

Free skating at Campus Martius Rink, Ice sculptures –

courtesy of US Ice, Marshmallow roasting – courtesy of

the DDA, Zipline, Local music showcase, Family activi-

ties, Strolling entertainment

To inquire about becoming a sponsor, vendor or per-

former of Meridian Winter Blast, please call 248-541-

7550.

No one under 18 will be admitted without parent or

guardian over the age of 30 after 5p. All guests under 18

must remain with parent or guardian at all times. No

dogs are allowed at Winter Blast.

Free Stuff on Your Birthday in Metro Detroit Entertainment Free Comedy Show at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle – Receive 4 free tickets on the Friday of the week of your birthday (7:15p show) to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Reservations are required. Special events are not included in this promotion. Call 248-542-9900 to make reservations or visit http://comedycastle.com/ for details. Free Laser Tag at Paradise Park on Your Birthday – 1 FREE game of laser tag on your birthday with ID at Paradise Park – a great place to take the kids on their birthdays!

Car Wash Jax Kar Wash Free Birthday Wash – Jax Kar Wash has 9 Metro Detroit locations that offer free birth-day car washes. Just present your driver’s license within 2 weeks of your birthday, and Jax will wash your car free! You must be a Rewards Customer to get your choice of Full-Service or Exterior. Non-Rewards customer get a free Exterior-Only Wash.

Birthday Coupons 30% Off Dunham’s Sporting Goods on Your Birthday – Dunham’s sends out quality deals as part of their e-mail club. If you sign up, you’ll receive a coupon for 30% off any 1 item in stock for the month of your birthday. 20% Off Jo-Ann Fabrics Coupon –Jo-Ann Fabrics offers a coupon that is good for 20% off your total purchase, the coupon is valid for an entire month. $5 Off any item at DSW – Just sign up for DSW rewards to receive a $5 Birthday coupon good for your entire birthday month. $10 off any Kohl’s purchase* – This offer can be used ONCE during your birthday month. Sign up for Kohl’s rewards. *Purchase must be at least $10. $5 off coupon of $10 spent at Thee Office Pub in Romeo –Offers good for 2 weeks during your birth-day month. Sign up at http://theeofficepub.com/.

Free Food Free Buddy’s Pizza on Your Birthday – Buddy’s Pizza sends you a coupon for a free 4-Square pizza when you dine-in at Buddy’s or 10% off any dine-in, all-you-can-eat dinner party package. Offer is good 2 weeks before and after your actual birthday. Simply visit Buddy’s Pizza website and sign-up for their email club. Free Meal at Lockhart’s BBQ – Choose either Lockhart’s location (Royal Oak or Lake Orion) when you sign-up for their Birthday Club and receive a Free Meal during your birthday month! You’ll also re-ceive exclusive offers and information on all brewery special events. Sign up http://www.lockhartsbbq.com/Home. Free Birthday Meal at bd’s Mongolian Grill – bd’s gives you 14 days to cash in on your free birthday meal. Simply sign up at gomongo.com and they e-mail the coupon to you to present at any Metro Detroit, Michigan bd’s participating location. Present the coupon (and your ID) when you dine-in and the meal is yours. Tell your server it’s your birthday the fun Mongo chefs will make you a special hilarious tinfoil birthday crown! bd’s has 6 Metro Detroit locations. Free Birthday Meal at Rochester Mills Beer Co. – Rochester Mills Beer Co. might be the best birth-day deal of the bunch. Not only do you receive a free birthday entree (max value $15), you also receive a free Rochester Mills Beer Co logo pint glass. Sign-up at http://www.beercos.com/. Free Burger at Fuddruckers – Fuddruckers gives away a free 1/3lb burger with the purchase of another Fuddruckers entree of equal or lesser value. You have to present the physical coupon when you receive your free birthday burger from Fuddruckers so you have to sign up for The Fudd Club on their website. 3 Metro Detroit Locations BOGO Birthday Entree at QDoba –On your birthday, QDoba gives you a BOGO offer to print from your e-mail.

Free Stuff on Your Birthday in Metro Detroit Cont. Free Food Free Birthday Entree at Rojo Mexican Bistro – Sign-up for the Rojo Amigos Card and receive a “free birthday dinner”. You have to sign-up for the card and pay a one time charge of $10 to begin earning many rewards points. Free Submarine Sandwich + drink on Your Birthday from Jersey Mike’s Subs –Free regular sub and 22 oz drink at Jersey Mike’s Subs. Offer is valid ONLY on your birthday day and the coupon has to be printed and presented in person with proof of birthday. You can sign up for the email club at Jersey Mike’s website. BOGO DQ Blizzard on Your Birthday –Just join the DQ Blizzard Fan Club. Not only do you receive a BOGO Blizzard on your birthday… you get up to 6 BOGO coupons your first year of joining. Free Birthday Dessert at Smashburger – Smashburger sends you a coupon for a free Haagen Dazs Shake but you have to purchase an entree to receive it. You have to sign up for the birthday club on their website. Free Birthday Dessert at Chili’s – Chili’s gives you a free Brownie Sundae on your birthday. Just sign up for their free e-mail club and you’ll get a coupon to print for their free birthday dessert to use within 7 days of your birthday. Free Birthday Treat from Panera Bread – Panera Bread gives birthday rewards via-mail to your “MyPanera” card. Sure, it means you have to sign up to receive the card but the “special birthday sur-prise” offer gives you 60 days to enjoy your birthday surprise. Free Ice Cream on Your Birthday at Baskin Robbins – Baskin Robbins offers a free single scoop ice cream cone on your birthday. Signup is simple on the Baskin Robbins website. Free Meal on Your Birthday Week at Lily’s Seafood of Royal Oak –All you have to do is sign up for Lily’s Seafood mailing list. Free Dessert on Your Birthday at Olga’s – Free dessert on your birthday (or the month of) by signing up for Olga’s rewards. No purchase necessary. Free Steak Dinner on Your Birthday – Dave and Amy’s in White Lake (9595 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI 48386, 248-698-2010) offers a free steak dinner (or equivalent) on your birthday (up to $16.49, no drinks or sides included). You just need to show your server your ID proving your DOB. Birthday Meal Deal at Main Street Ventures Ann Arbor Restaurants – Birthday Meal Deal offers free dessert & dining discounts on your birthday at Real Seafood, The Chop House, Palios, Gratzi, and Carson’s. Discounts vary among # of people dining. Visit mainstreetventuresinc.com for details. Free Loaf of Bread on Your Birthday at Zingerman’s Bakehouse – Free loaf of bread up to $6.99 with any purchase. Benihana Birthday Meal Offer – Benihana offers a $30 birthday gift card during the month of your birthday if you sign up for the Benihana Chef’s Table email club. Free Pizza at Hungry Howies – Free medium pizza (1 topping) with purchase of Howie Bread in addi-tion to other coupons with a month expiration date. Check locations near you for more information. Free Sub from Firehouse Subs on Your Birthday – You have to download the Firehouse Subs App to receive free stuff on your birthday from Firehouse – a free medium sub on your birthday at any Fire-house Subs location nationwide within 6 days of your birthday. Free Red Robin Hamburger on Your Birthday – Sign up for the Red Robin rewards program and re-ceive a free burger in your birthday month. Many other great rewards too. Royal Oak Brewery FREE Meal During Your Birthday Month – Just sign up for the Royal Oak Brewery Birthday club (must be 21& over / restrictions apply).

Michigan Adaptive Sports (MAS) is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization established for the purpose of providing sports, recreation and physical fitness opportunities for persons with disabilities.

We offer a competitive aspect as a part of our program for those seeking a higher challenge. We host many annual clinics and events which provide ample challenges and opportu-nities for fun and excitement. We are able to provide these sports and activities to a very wide range of people.Our participants are of all ages, from young children to adults, and their disabilities include amputation, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, develop-mental disabilities, head injuries, and many others.

Learn to ski clinics

January 5, 12 and 26, 2019 - Pine Knob February 2, 9 and 23, 2019 - Pine Knob

March 2 2019 - Crystal Mountain March 3, 2019 - Crystal Mountain

Cost is $35/session for members

and $50/session for non members. Membership is $25

For further information please visit

https://www.michiganadaptivesports.com/

GETTING TO KNOW THE EXPERTCARE

OFFICE STAFF

We thought it would be nice to introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about each of our

office staff. Each month we will feature a new interview with someone from our office.

MEET

ELISABETH FREEMAN

ECare: Tell our Caregivers and Consumer families a little bit about you.

Elisabeth: I am Michigan born and raised; went to grade school in Macomb county, and college at Oakland

University. I love traveling and hope to continue to travel as often as possible. From February 2016 to Sep-

tember 2018 I worked in South Korea as an English teacher.

ECare: What is on your bucket list?

Elisabeth: Visiting all 50 states.

ECare: What is your position at ExpertCare?

Elisabeth: Trainer

ECare: What are your job responsibilities?

Elisabeth: New hire, CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens training for caregivers.

ECare: How long have you been working at ExpertCare?

Elisabeth: 1 month.

ECare: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Elisabeth: I would probably spend all my extra time watching crime dramas, or Live PD.

ECare: What do you wish you knew more about?

Elisabeth: I’m considering taking an upholstery class, it seems like it would be an interesting hobby.

ECare: What are some things that help you have a great day?

Elisabeth: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food is life.

ECare: What do you like most about ExpertCare?

Elisabeth: I love how friendly and helpful everyone is. From day one I have felt welcomed and appreciated and

I am so thankful for everyone at ExpertCare.

Caregiver Milestone

Anniversaries

We would like to recognize and

congratulate the following Care-

givers for reaching a milestone

anniversary in January.

5 Years KRISTIAN GARRISON

LATISHA FICKES

JA'NAI JONES-SPANN

10 Years LINDA ANTONETTE

JOHN SCHOENHERR

BENJAMIN HAVEN

Thank you for demonstrating a

continued commitment to Ex-

pertCare and the clients we ser-

vice. You make a difference!

Recipient Rights Corner

ExpertCare would like to first thank you for providing the

highest quality care to your Recipient. ExpertCare wants to

ensure the safety of our Recipients and continue to give you

the tools to provide safe quality care and wellbeing. Below are

incidents that resulted in Recipient Rights violations. Please

review the following Rights reminders to prevent further viola-

tions.

While providing services, all Recipients shall receive ser-

vices suited to his/her condition. This can include but not

limited to, treatment in the correct environment and the

right setting for services. Services may only be provided in

the Recipient’s home or community. Caregivers cannot

have family, friends, or any visitors accompany them or

meet them at the Consumer home or out in the communi-

ty. Caregivers are to always protect confidential infor-

mation. Caregivers shall never share any confidential in-

formation with others such as; name, age, address etc.

When providing care to a Recipient there are many rules that

need to be followed and at times these can be difficult to re-

member. If you have questions or concerns about your case or

do not fully understand the IPOS, please call ExpertCare. We

are here to help you better understand the Recipient’s Rights

before it becomes a violation. We appreciate your attention to

this matter. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel

free to contact ExpertCare at (248) 643-8900.

Shaqe has been recognized for her hard work, reliability and dedica-tion to the person she supports. She is always willing to go above and beyond; helping in any way possible to ensure the success of her con-sumer.

The family recently expressed their gratitude to have Shaqe working with their loved one and that Shaqe is the best caregiver they have had.

ExpertCare appreciates all of Shaqe’s hard work and dedication.

Thank you for demonstrating Ex-pertCare’s core values of:

Helping People Succeed

Passion for Success

Can Do Attitude

LOOK WHO’S TALKING

JANUARY CAREGIVER

OF THE MONTH

SHAQE DEDVUKAJ

ECare: Tell us something about yourself that others find in-

teresting:

Shaqe: I laugh a lot and make others laugh as well, I also

see the good in things.

ECare: Three words to best describe you:

Shaqe: Trustworthy, caring, and I love my job

ECare: What is on your bucket list?

Shaqe: To travel to Hawaii.

ECare: You’re happiest when?

Shaqe: When my consumer is happy.

ECare: What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Shaqe: Time spent with my grandmother.

ECare: If given a chance, who would you like to be for a

day?

Shaqe: I would like to be someone that changes the world

to more positive, not what it is like now.

ECare: What’s the one thing, you can’t live without?

Shaqe: My mother.

ECare: What made you decide to become a Caregiver?

Shaqe: I love people.

ECare: What is your best piece of advice for other Caregiv-

ers?

Shaqe: To be patient and kind.

ECare: What is your proudest moment as a Caregiver?

Shaqe: To watch my consumer now as they develop and

grow. I absolutely love it, and it makes you have a meaning

in life that you did something for someone.