MISSION: To create opportunities that allow Douglas County residents 60 years and older to remain independent and active in their homes and communities.
SSeptember eptember 2013
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INSIDE Menu............................................PG 4 Active Living Community Design Survey........PG 7 Calendar of Events .....................PG 7 Legalese .......................................PG 9 Featured Activities ...................PG 10
SMART 911
ADVANTAGEOUS IN AN EMERGENCY Seniors in Douglas County have an advantage in emergency response thanks to the implementation of Smart911, a national safety database that provides 9-1-1 and response teams with enhanced data in emergency situations. Smart911 allows citizens to create a free Safety Profile of the critical data on their household that they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. Once created, when a citizen places an emergency call, their profile is immediately made available to 9-1-1 and responders. This data is far more detailed than what is currently available and allows response teams to have a better understanding of an emergency situation before they arrive on scene. A Safety Profile can be created and maintained online by visiting the Smart911 website at www.smart911.com. Douglas County Senior Services is also offering assistance with completing a safety profile for seniors who need it. DCSS staff will schedule a home visit anywhere in the county to assist you with the completion and maintenance of your Safety Profile. This service is available to all seniors regardless of income. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call the Community Services Department at 785-842-0543, or toll-free at 1-877-295-3277.
DCSS CHILI SUPPER October 26
Please plan to join us October 26 for our annual Chili Supper and Prize Bingo. Good food and good fun! Watch for details in the next issue of “60 and Better.â€? Happy campers! DCSS Leisure and Learning Manager Rebecca Clancy took a group of local seniors to Hidden Valley &DPS WKLV VXPPHU ZKHUH WKH\ HQMR\HG D FDPSÂżUH OXQFK RI hotdogs and s’mores. Purchased in 1956, Hidden Valley Camp is one of the few privately owned wilderness areas in Lawrence. Primarily used for Girl Scout events, it has shelters, a cabin, beautiful trails, and year-round campsites.
Skillbuilders Fall Session | Sept. 12 - Nov. 14 Skillbuilders resumes on Thursday, September 12 at 10 a.m. in the Garden Room at Drury Place at Alvamar, 1510 St. Andrews Drive. SKILLBUILERS is a series of programs aimed at those learning to adapt to major life changes. It provides helpful information for anyone making life changes due to the loss of a loved one, illness or other circumstances. It is a comfortable, informal discussion where questions are encouraged. New topics have been added to the list of familiar and popular programs. The series continues through November 14. September 12 - Surviving & Thriving - Paul Reed, VNA chaplain September 19 - /HJDO 3ODQQLQJ &KHU\O 'HQWRQ DWWRUQH\ DW 3HWHÂżVK ,PPHO Heeb & Hird LLP September 26 - Aging in Place - Linda Crabb, VNA Occupational Therapist Come for all of the programs or choose those that pique your needs or interest. There is never a charge for the programs and registration is not necessary. Transportation is available by contacting Douglas County Senior Services, 785-865-6925. Skillbuilders is sponsored by the Outreach Services of the Lawrence Public Library, Visiting Nurses Association and the Douglas County Senior Services. For more information on Skillbuilders, contact Pattie Johnston at the Lawrence Public Library, 785-843-3833 extension 115.