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Franklin County Times
September 26, 2018
• www.franklincountytimes.com • 3
Country Cottage offers loving assisted living for seniors By Alison James alison.james@franklincountytimes.com When it comes to senior living in Franklin County, one assisted living community prides itself on providing a caring, comfortable place for seniors to call home. Country Cottage has been in operation in Russellville for 19 years. Tucked just outside of downtown at 900 N. Jackson Ave., the cozy Cottage has 27 private apartments for residents – residents like James Cecil and Suzanne Langcuster, who made the Cottage their new home last year. The Langcusters, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, were at first uncertain about the idea of moving into an assisted living community. Although Suzanne’s mother and Cecil’s aunt had both previously called the Cottage home, and Suzanne also knew friends who had lived there, they couldn’t help a little feeling of hesitation at the idea of such a change – but Suzanne said it wasn’t long before she came to realize what a wonderful place the Cottage is. “When I first started living here, I did some crying, but let me tell you, this place is unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Suzanne said. “The people who work here – the way they treat people is incredible … I feel like this is where I need to be. I’m happy here; my husband’s with me; and my children come to see us.” Denette Nichols, Cottage resident service director, said Suzanne has become the socialite of the Cottage. When potential new residents come to visit, Cottage staff members always make sure they meet with Suzanne. She is also diligent to visit current residents, spreading cheerfulness throughout the Cottage. “If they’re sick, she’ll go and tell them she loves them and missed them at the meal. She’s wonderful about doing that,” Nichols said. “She loved getting out and visiting, and it was easy because everyone was right here. She didn’t have to go anywhere.” Suzanne said she loves that living at the Cottage allows her two sons and their families not to worry about her. Instead of feeling like a burden, Suzanne and Cecil can simply enjoy their children and grandchildren when they come to visit. The Cottage hosts a number of groups providing church services throughout the week, and attending those services is one of Suzanne’s favorite activities. Even outside of organized services, she often passes the time singing hymns – sometimes with Nichols singing along. Suzanne said she also enjoys going for walks up and down the sidewalk outside the Cottage – she’s up to four laps now. “I can go out there, feeling tired and not much in the mood to do anything, and I’ll look at the beautiful skies and the things around – little animals that come out early in the morning, and birds I sing along with,”
See COTTAGE, Page 5
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
Country Cottage resident service director Denette, or “Dee” Nichols and Cottage resident Suzanne Langcuter share a rocking bench on the front porch of the Cottage. The porch is a favorite spot for residents to enjoy a little fresh air and watch the day slip by.
“I
t’s the best place you can go that I know of.”
4 • Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com
September 26, 2018
“I
feel like this is where I need to be.”
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
Cecil and Suzanne Langcuter have adjacent rooms at Country Cottage. They use one as their bedroom and this one as a living room, where they can watch TV, enjoy the view out the window or host visitors like their children and grandchildren.
We’re here for you
“The people who work here – the way they treat people is incredible. I feel like this is where I need to be. I’m happy here.” - Mrs. Langcuster
Call Now - 256-277-4081
Cottages The
www.cottageassistedliving.com
907 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville, AL
September 26, 2018
Franklin County Times
• www.franklincountytimes.com • 5
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
Suzanne loves music, and she will often taking time to play her harmonica or ukele or singing a few gospel tunes with Dee. said Suzanne. It’s a pastime that cheers her right up. Other residents will tap on the window and wave as she walks by, and sometimes a friend at the Cottage will walk with her. “I like to do things. I don’t like to just sit.” A lifelong creative, skilled at painting as well as piano, Suzanne said she particularly enjoys the crafting times and other activities provided by the Cottage. Residents are treated to games of Bingo, singing groups and special guests, in addition to times spent chatting with Cottage homemakers who provide for daily needs of the residents. Suzanne is also a fan of mealtimes. “I love the food. It’s just like my momma made it,” she said – and meals are made more fun because Cottage residents enjoy them together. “When we eat together, we have the best time. We laugh and cut up.” Cottage rooms come unfurnished, and families are encouraged to furnish and decorate rooms with items that will make residents feel at home. The Langcusters’ sons and their families filled their rooms with two cozy armchairs, a sofa for
visitors and walls full of artwork, mementos and family photos. “They put up the things that were most important to us,” Suzanne said. Country Cottage has a team of 14 loving employees. Managing director is Regina Lawler, and regional manager is Selena Jackson. Country Cottage will be celebrating 20 years of service to Russellville and its seniors in March 2019. For more information about life at the Cottage, call 256-3324707 or visit www.cottageassistedliving.com. “It’s the best place you can go,” Suzanne said.
“W
hen we eat together, we have the best time. We laugh and cut up.”
6 • Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com
September 26, 2018
Extension, Foster Grandparents collaborate for
Senior Health Fair By Alison James alison.james@franklincountytimes.com A Senior Health Fair will be held Oct. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Center in Russellville. This will be the fourth year for the community health fair, which is
jointly hosted by the Franklin County Cooperative Extension and the Foster Grandparents Program. “It benefits the Extension and it benefits us because we need the outreach for our volunteers, and Katernia (Cole-Coffey) needs the
See HEALTH, Page 7
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Franklin County Times
September 26, 2018
• www.franklincountytimes.com • 7
Franklin County Senior Centers NACOLG/Department of Aging Services operates 25 senior centers throughout the five-county region of Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties, along with the municipalities therein. Four are located in Franklin County. The Elderly Nutrition Program provides seniors with nutritious meals and the opportunity to be active while building new friendships. A variety of services are provided at local senior centers in a social meal setting. Russellville Senior Center (A.W. Todd Center) 205 Montgomery St. Russellville 256-332-8780 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Center manager: Cathye Garrison Nutrition aide: Arnetta Sears Custodian/maintenance: Hugh Garrison
FILE PHOTO
outreach for the county,” said Foster Grandparents directory Jessica Latham. “It was just a win-win for both of us.” Foster Grandparents volunteer coordinator Rena Prince said the fair is designed to education senior citizens on a variety of health issues and other topics of interest to the senior community. Seniors are invited to learn more about Social Security updates, weight management, healthy eating, estate planning, funeral planning, exercise, breast cancer, tours and trips and more. Lunch will be served, and exhibitors and vendors will also be on site. “It’s always an excellent turnout, and we’re happy to keep the senior community informed on education topics they need to promote lifelong learning,” Extension director Katernia Cole Coffey has noted. Cole-Coffey said Russellville and Red Bay hospitals both contribute to the health fair by providing speakers and materials. She said the fair is integral to keeping the senior community informed and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing good health. Pre-register by calling the Franklin County Extension at 256-332-8880 or the Foster Grandparent program at 256-332-6800. The Senior Health Fair is free to attend and open to senior citizens throughout the community.
The Russellville Senior Center is known for having the best quilters in town, in addition to offering lively games of Rook, dominoes and pool, with two pool tables. Almost two dozen seniors enjoy games, activities and informative guest speakers, along with once-a-month Bingo. Lunch, for ages 60-plus, is served at 11 a.m., and the center also coordinates delivery of two dozen homebound meals. *** Red Bay Senior Center 115 5th Ave. SW Red Bay 256-356-9450 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Center manager: Peggy Benn Senior center visitors enjoy games, activities, group birthday parties and plenty of time to socialize, in addition to lunches. The center also provides
home delivery lunches for homebound seniors who qualify. *** Phil Campbell Community Center 132 Sherry Bryce Drive Phil Campbell 205-993-4221 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Center manager: Eileen Wooten Seniors in Phil Campbell walk together and enjoy games of cards or dominoes. Lunch is also provided. About 18 or so seniors regularly take advantage of the activities offered. A $1 donation is requested for lunch but not required. *** Hodges Community Center 1942 Highway 172 Hodges 205-935-5403 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Center manager: Julia Suggs The Hodges Senior Center, adjacent to Town Hall, offers games, gardening, crafts, trips and more, in addition to a hot meal. *** Vina Senior Center 7053 Highway 19 Vina 256-356-4908 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Center manager: Dorothea Kinard Seniors in Vina enjoy games, speakers, and a good home-cooked meal. About 10-15 seniors enjoy the activities, and younger adults – 30s, 40s, or any age – are also invited to join in the fun. Source: www.nacolg.org/aging-services/senior-centers
8 • Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com
September 26, 2018
Living the healthy life at Red Bay Hospital By Red Bay Hospital Red Bay Hospital offers several programs that focus on senior living, designed to promote a healthy lifestyle that is so important later in life, as it is for those of every age. Active Lifestyle Class is offered three days a week. This class is aimed toward promoting cardiovascular exercise and core strengthening in seniors. Improving core strength and stamina can help with the quality of lifestyle led by many seniors. Paula Farley, director of rehab services and the Wellcare Center at Red Bay Hospital, said several people who have attended the class have mentioned they can tell an improvement in their daily lifestyles and routines, since beginning the class. Water aerobics is also offered from June through the end of August. This class focuses on cardiovascular exercise and core strengthening, as well. Seniors can make fitness a priority at Red Bay Hospital’s Wellcare Center. The difference between the active lifestyle class and water aerobics is that in this capacity. Many people who were previously water aerobics is much lower impact than tradi- limited to 5-10 minutes in an exercise session have tional exercise classes, Farley explained. Numerous been able to exercise 45 minutes in water. This popular class grew to upwards of 25 people seniors who have trouble with joint pain during traditional exercise are able to complete water aero- toward the end of the summer. “An improved quality of life is what we try to bics with little to no pain. Water aerobics also offers more range of motion to individuals who are limited achieve with these classes,� Farley said. “Many
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times aging individuals neglect exercise due to health problems or belief that they can't do the necessary things to stay healthy. We try to promote that anyone at any age and health condition can improve.â&#x20AC;? Farley said each person is evaluated for what type exercise program is best for them. Nutritional guidance and lifestyle changes are also part of the process and are offered with both classes, as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By increasing exercise and watching nutrition, it can help them reduce the number of medications that are taken, which will decrease out of pocket medical expenses,â&#x20AC;? Farley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Attending these programs also offers seniors social interaction with their peers, creating improved mental health.â&#x20AC;? Red Bay Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life for all of the CONTRIBUTED community. The hospital offers a variety of rehab services, from short-term, in-patient rehab stays to out-patient physical therapy. The Wellcare Center is open Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. To obtain information about wellness programs, call 256-356-9532 and ask to speak with Chris Austin, fitness specialist, or Paula Farley, director of rehab services/Wellcare Center.
September 26, 2018
Franklin County Times
• www.franklincountytimes.com • 9
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
Foster grandparent Irene Raney maintains her workspace outside Amy Hamilton’s classroom in the first-grade pod at West Elementary School. Working one on one with students who need a little extra help, Raney can help struggling students finally understand the concepts that are challenging them.
Care in the classroom “T Foster Grandparents bring kindness, support to Franklin County students By Alison James alison.james@franklincountytimes.com When Irene Raney retired from her full-time job, she found herself sitting at home with nothing to do. Boredom set in, and Raney, 69, said she knew she had to find a way to fill her empty days. That was when she discovered the Foster Grandparents Program in Franklin County. “I saw the ad in the paper, but I thought, ‘I don’t know if I can handle that,’” Raney said. “But I kept thinking about it and thinking about it, and I thought, ‘Well, I’m going to try it.’”
She is now in her sixth year of being a foster grandparent. The Foster Grandparent Program is open to people age 55 and over with limited incomes. A little more than a dozen Foster Grandparent volunteers serve as mentors, tutors and caregivers for at-risk children and youth with special needs at schools across Franklin County. “I love it,” said Raney, who works at West Elementary School in Russellville. “I love interacting with the kids. If I can do one little thing that will help them, that’s what I’m after.” In Tracey Potter’s kindergarten classroom at East Franklin Junior High School, students enjoy the
he students and faculty love them. They always put a smile on my face.” – Heath Grimes
extra attention they receive from foster grandparent Shirley Rambo. She is sometimes mistakenly called “Ms. Rainbow” by well-meaning students – and she’ll answer to either one. “I just enjoy working with the kids. Every day is a new day,” said Rambo, 76, who has been a foster grandparent for 12 years. “If you enjoy children, it is a wonderful program. You never know when they might need someone.” In Rambo’s case, she was connected with the education system throughout her career, working in the Child
See CLASSROOM, Page 10
10 • Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com
September 26, 2018
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
First grade is a place where numerous discoveries are made, and Raney is along for the ride.
Rambo makes it a point to share individualized attention with students whenever she can, like Rita McGee.
Raney can give a student extra attention in the classroom or pull them away from the group for focused one-on-one attention.
Nutrition Program for 24 years, but program director Jessica Latham said volunteer foster grandparents come from all former careers and walks of life. “We have stay-at-moms, nurses, factory workers, retired military. It doesn’t matter what your background is as long as you have a love for kids,” Latham said. Raney has 18 students who receive her special attention in 15-20-minute sessions. “Some of them I help with the ABCs, reading, math, writing – whatever they need help with,” Raney said. “I love to see the look on their face when they do something they thought they couldn’t do … They run up and hug me, and that’s most precious to me. The kids just brighten your day.” That’s where Rambo said she finds value as well – “working with the children and seeing from day to day the progress we’ve made with them and getting to be a part of their lives.” Like Raney, and like all foster grandparents, Rambo is assigned to children who need a little extra help – with everything from their numbers, to the alphabet, to reading and more – but she makes it a point to interact with each child in the classroom, as well. “We have special bonds with each child,” Rambo added. WES Principal Deanna Hollimon probably shares the sentiments of most school principals who have one or more foster grandparents in their schools.
“I
f you enjoy children, it is a wonderful program. You never know when they might need someone.” – Shirley Rambo
"West Elementary School is proud to partner with the Foster Grandparent Program. Our foster grandparent volunteers contribute a great deal to our purpose of educating the whole child,” Hollimon said. “They provide our students with nurture while supporting them on their academic journey. The bond that is established between an older adult and a child will last a lifetime and proves to be mutually beneficial. “Our foster grandparents are loved by all of us at WES, and we know that they love us too,” Hollimon added. “We value their contributions in ensuring that our students are provided the support they need to be successful." Rambo serves at EFJHS throughout the entire school day, Monday through Friday, but foster grandparents can also volunteer for as few as 15 hours per week. “She helps me prepare materials
and keep the classroom running. When I’m teaching, she’s really good about if she seems a child out of focus, she’ll redirect them. She’s another set of eyes helping me watch,” Potter said. “This is where her heart is.” Foster grandparents receive a modest tax-free stipend, reimbursement for transportation, meals during service and accident and liability insurance while on duty. Across the board, they serve as a critical part of love and learning at schools in Franklin. “I love seeing our foster grandparents when I visit the classrooms,” said RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes. “The students and faculty love them. They always put a smile on my face. “I think the Foster Grandparent Program provides a nurturing component that is extremely important at this point in society,” Grimes added. “We are grateful for the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, as we are all of partnerships. The grandparents make a difference in Russellville City Schools and in the lives of our students, which is the goal for everything we do.” In addition to meeting age and income guidelines, prospective grandparents must pass a number of background checks and be fingerprinted to ensure the safety of Franklin County students and must complete a physical every year to ensure the grandparents are physically able to serve in their busy classrooms.
Franklin County Times
September 26, 2018
• www.franklincountytimes.com • 11
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES
Foster grandparent Shirley Rambo reads with Payton Taylor during a little free play time in kindergarten at East Franklin Junior High School.
Rena Prince, volunteer coordinator, and Jessica Latham, director, manage the Foster Grandparent program for Franklin and surrounding counties.
And it’s easy to see the difference they make in those busy classrooms. “Last year I had a child who wouldn’t speak,” said Raney. “He wouldn’t talk to anybody, even the teacher. Finally, he started coming out to work with me, I got him talking. He would just sit there and stare at you, but I finally got him talking and interacting with me. The teacher said he wouldn’t talk to her the whole year – but he would talk to me.” Hamilton said the value Raney brings to her classroom is apparent. “She’s wonderful. She is very kind and very patient. A lot of them don’t have help at home, so she’s really able to get that extra work in,” Hamilton said. “If she ever sees a student not getting what I’m doing at the board, she’ll help
“T
hey run up and hug me, and that’s most precious to me. The kids just brighten your day.” – Irene Raney
that child follow along.” Latham agreed, as Hollimon said, that the foster grandparent partnership is mutually beneficial. Teachers and students both find their jobs a little easier with the aid of a foster grandparents, and for the grandparents themselves, the interaction helps keep their minds and bodies sharp. “It keeps them active. They’re not just sitting at
home, staring at four walls,” Latham said. “ “Teachers say so many times, they don’t know what they would do without them,” added volunteer coordinator Rena Prince. “You can tell they love what they do, and we appreciate them beyond what can be imagined.” For more information about becoming a Foster Grandparent, call 256-332-6800.
Apply for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program Around the beginning of each year, local seniors can apply for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Applicants must be 60 years or older at the time of application and meet household income guidelines. Income may not exceed the following: $1,669 monthly for a household of one; $2,263 monthly for a household of two; $2,857 monthly for three; $3,451 monthly for four; $4,045 for five; or $4,639 for six. In this program, participants receive a coupon booklet of vouchers they can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the local farmers’ markets. Fewer than one-third of senior citizens in the United States reportedly eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, which are vital to
preventing and treating health problems. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, operated through the Farmers Market Authority, addresses this public health concern by incentivizing seniors to buy fresh produce from local farmers. The goal of the program is to increase lowincome seniors’ access to nutritious, local foods and
to aid in the expansion and development of local markets. Residents must sign up again each year; there will be no carry-over from last year’s participants. Coupons are valid at both the Franklin County Farmers Market in Russellville and the Red Bay Farmers Market. SFMNP was established in 2001 as a USDA pilot program designed to improve low-income seniors’ diets. For assistance in signing up, call the Extension at 256-332-8880 or sign up online at http://www. fma.alabama.gov/seniornutrition. When calling the Extension, seniors are requested to have all information ready.
12 • Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com
September 26, 2018
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