Aging and Volunteer Services Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania Counties
Vol I - Issue 2: May - July 2012
A&VS May is Older Americans Month
Never Too Old to Play!
May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans. The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities. As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults—many of whom remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups. Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots. While Land-of-Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging provides services, support, and resources to older Americans year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation for some of our most beloved citizens. We have many reasons to celebrate them. We are joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with activities and events to promote intergenerational engagement and recreation. We invite you to join in the fun! To find out how you can support Older Americans Month 2012 and take part in intergenerational play, see page 5.
Website: www.landofsky.org Phone: (828) 251-6622
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Area Agency on Aging FCSP
AAA
The Area Agency on Aging helps to determine the needs of older adults and works with counties to plan services to meet those needs. The goal of providing these services is to enable older adults to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. The AAA is responsible for the management and delivery of the programs listed.
Caregiving: This Wasn’t in my Plan Are you prepared for caregiving? Attend Caregiving: This Wasn’t in my Plan Wednesday, June 13, 2012 First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville, NC
Surveys show that about 25% of the adult population provides care for a disabled child or adult or a frail older person. Caregiving may creep up on a person and slowly develop into a full time job. The caregiver might begin the journey by providing limited assistance such as driving mom or dad to the doctor or picking up their groceries and prescriptions, or it may strike suddenly as a result of a crisis when a parent falls and breaks a hip, has a heart attack or stroke, or is diagnosed with a chronic illness. In either case it’s often something the caregiver did not plan and prepare for. Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter said “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been a caregiver, those who are caregivers, those who will be a caregiver and those who will need a caregiver. That’s pretty much all of us.” Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program invites caregivers and those who are interested in learning more about caregiving to attend “Caregiving: This Wasn’t in my Plan” at the First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville on June 13, 2012. Local experts will talk about legal and financial planning for caregiving, how to get the person you care for to accept help, coping with family conflict about caregiving, considering facility care and how to choose a facility, types of respite (relief for the caregiver) and how to use respite effectively. Aging and community services providers and organizations will be there to answer questions. There is a $10 registration fee and lunch will be provided. Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee for those in need of financial assistance. Registrations are due June 6, 2012. For more information about the conference contact Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver Specialist at 828-251-7439 or carol@ landofsky.org. Please do not call the church.
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Area Agency on Aging
Third Annual Scam Summit - Financial Fraud, Scam and Exploitation Prevention CRC
LTCOP
In these times of financial constraints, scam artists appear to be growing in number and expertise. It can be complicated to identify a scam or scammer and protect one’s self or others. The Scam Summit is making efforts to bring forth current information and education to various businesses throughout our regional counties, enabling them to better protect and serve their clients. One of the speakers, Karen Daeke of the NC State Employees’ Credit Union, talked about educational programs their bank has put into place to train their employees to recognize warning signs of possible exploitation and appropriate ways to intervene and prevent the crime. She freely offered other bank representatives attending the summit, the program to provide education in their banks. The Scam Summit was attended by nearly 90 business people, representing all four counties in Region B. It continues to attract additional local businesses who strive to protect their customers from fraud and exploitation which makes for a much safer community. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make the event this year such a huge success.
FCSP
Family Caregiver Support Program
The Family Caregiver Support Program provides support for caregivers of frail elderly persons and grandparents or other older relatives who are raising children. FCSP also provides caregiver counseling, training, respite and case assistance to help support families with the emotional and physical stress of dealing with caregiving for their lived ones disabilities or illness.
SCSEP
SCSEP Senior Community Services Employment Program
The Senior Community Services Employment Program is a job-training employment program for low-income adults. SCSEP provides temporary work experience assignments for people age 55 and over whose incomes fall at or below the federal poverty line and are currently unemployed. Participants work with community organizations to sharpen and develop skills while searching for a permanent job.
SCSEP Update
The third quarter has been a very productive quarter. We began January with all 19 of our 20 slots filled. Then four participants left the program (three were hired for unsubsidized employment), four new enrollees and one re-enrollee were accepted and placed with host agencies. As we begin the last quarter of the grant year, we now have 21 slots filled. With this over enrollment, we should spend all of our funds for the year. I’m happy to say that Ronnie Stewart, who came to us in December, left in January to go to work through Manpower, to work at the Forest Service in Brevard as a camp assistant and counselor. He has great potential for being hired at the Forest Service. Next came Ronald Nesbitt, who left in January to go to work for a cleaning company in Skyland, to work at cleaning buildings in Asheville. And most importantly, Lionell Heath left the program in February to go to work in maintenance and cleaning at the Church Residences Vanderbilt Apartments. Lionell’s story is an amazing one that I wish to share with all of you. I met Lionell in October 2010. He was living on the street, no employment, finding shelter only at night, first and the Salvation Army and later at the city’s shelter. I enrolled Lionell in the program and was quickly able to get him doing community service our Host Agency Church Residences Battery Park Apartments as an assistant to the Maintenance Manager. Lionell wanted to continue some of his studies, and we got him into classes for training (for which we paid him for his time in class), as well as paying him for his work time. He was soon able to find an affordable apartment and finally off the streets. He had shelter and could afford to take care of himself with utilities and food. He continued to work at Battery Park Apartments until February 2012, when he called me to say he had been hired at Vanderbilt Apartments. What good news! In a year and a half, he went from having nothing on the streets to having unsubsidized employment. Lionell’s good nature, wonderful work ethic, tenacious focus on his goals, and desire to learn all served him well in reaching his successful end. Yes, I’m proud of Ronnie Stewart; yes, I’m proud of Ronald Nesbitt, but Lionell Heath makes my heart just sing. What a pleasure it is to be able to help such great people, who come to Title V with such serious needs and able to see their life change so much for the better. Please, contact employers, whom you may know, and let them know about the SCSEP Title V with our capable older Americans. They may contact Jennifer Atkinson at 251-6622.
Strive Not To Drive! May 21 - 25 Pave the way in creating a more sustainable Buncombe County by limiting your use of a single occupancy vehicle during Strive Not to Drive Week. Walk, Bike, Carpool, Bus. You may choose to “Take the Pledge” at any of the locations listed below and be a community role model by: Striving Not to Drive during May 21 25. Look for the Strive Not To Drive Bus poster. Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth, Asheville, NC 28803 Lakeview Senior Center, 401 Laurel Circle, Black Mountain, 28711 NC Center for Creative Retirement, UNCA Campus, Reuter Center Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove Street, Asheville, 28801 Vanderbilt Apartments, 75 Haywood Street, Asheville Battery Park Apartments, 1 Battle Square, Asheville 28801
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HPDP
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
LH
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention provides support to older adults in maintaining optimal physical, mental and emotional health. Administers funding and program support for Senior Centers and a variety of regional health and wellness activities.
HPDP
Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition or Diabetes
Living Healthy also known as Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program, developed through Stanford Patient Education, is a six-week workshop for people with any type of ongoing health problem. Participants learn to manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue & depression; increase endurance; use medication effectively; improve communication skills, eat well; handle stress; and more!
A Rainbow of Safety, Accessibility and Equality in the Land-of-Sky Region
Increasing diversity is a defining feature of our aging population. Within this, the number of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) older adults in our region, state and across the nation is on the rise. These individuals were the leaders of yesteryear in bringing LGBT needs to the forefront of public awareness. Unfortunately, many of these seniors don’t have the same sense of safety and openness with today’s social and health care service providers. The result of LGBT elder community “going back in the closet” is social isolation and this exacerbates unequal access to community, social and health care resources. Research suggests that LGBT individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide (HealthyPeople.gov). Although there are health disparities to be addressed it is also important to acknowledge the positive signs of health and resilience of this community. For example, most of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults (91 percent) engage at least weekly in leisure and wellness activities and 82 percent engage in moderate physical activities. Eighty-nine percent feel good about belonging to their communities. More than one-third (38 percent) attend spiritual or religious services or activities at least once a month (National Academy on an Aging Society, Public Policy and Aging Report, Volume 21, Number 3). The Land-of-Sky Regional Council, Area Agency on Aging staff is facilitating a group of LGBT Elder Advocates to improve the quality of life of the aging LGBT community. This group includes community advocates and representatives from NC Division of Services for the Blind, MAHEC, Deerfield’s Retirement Community, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc., Campaign for Southern Equality and Mountain Sexology. We have been working together since October of 2011 to connect people to resources and promote culture change by raising awareness and providing education. We have created an online LGBT Elder Resource List for older adults, family and professional resources. In addition, this resource list will be included in the online version and the next printing of the Buncombe County Senior Services Directory. We are also coordinating a sensitivity training for health and social service providers who serve older adults to take place on October 5th followed by the Blue Ridge PRIDE Festival on October 6. A showing of award-winning documentary, GenSilent, will take place at the Fine Arts Theatre on October 7. In the meantime, look for our panel discussion at the Successful Aging Conference on Monday, May 14. Please feel free to contact me for resources, support or more information at 251-7438 or email rebecca@ landofsky.org. Thank you for learning and co-creating a safer, friendlier and healthier community. Rebecca Chaplin, Aging Program Specialist
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FP
Home and Community Care Block
Fall Prevention
HCCBG Grant
The WNC Fall Prevention Coalition is committed to reducing the number of falls and fall-related injuries in Western North Carolina. The Coalition is comprised of community volunteers and representative of 35 local agencies. The Coalition has three areas of focus: provider education, community awareness and education, and community screening and referral.
A&VS
The Home and Community Care Block Grant, or HCCBG, allows local groups to make decisions about what services are most needed by older and disabled adults in their county, how much money needs to be allocated to the service, and what agency will provide the service. Last year more than 3600 seniors were assisted in our region.
Older Americans Month (OAM) 2012 Activities
Enjoy Older Americans Month by participating in one or more of the activities list below or celebrate your way. Visit www.olderamericansmonth.aoa.gov to find a Day of Play toolkit that can help you coordinate your day. You can also share your event or story with pictures or videos on this site. May 8
Transylvania County TRIAD will be hosting a presentation on “YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS - A PAIN, A PROBLEM OR A PAIN-RELIEVER?” by TCSD Silvermont in Brevard at 12:30 pm.
May 14
Reader’s Theater Class will be “open” to the public at Silvermont from 1 - 2 pm.
May 14 ,16,18 Adult Tennis Lessons will be FREE at Silvermont from 9 - 10 am on W & F and 10 - 11 am on M. May 14
Successful Aging 10 will be the Crowne Plaza from 8:30 am - 3 pm. Contact Buncombe County Council on Aging for more information at 277-8288.
Century Club Celebrations - The Century Club cordially invites you and your guests to join in a celebration honoring our Centenarians. In recognition of OAM, we pay tribute to the region’s oldest citizens. RSVP to Rebecca Chaplin at 251-6622. Three events are listed below. May 15
High Tea and Dessert Party at 1:30 pm at The Health Adventure at Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville.
May 16
High Tea and Dessert Party at 2 pm at Kingsbridge House, Brevard.
May 17
High Tea and Dessert Party at 2:30 pm at Hot Springs Health Program at Mashburn Medical Center.
May 17
Karen Stark, BSRN, who works in the Cardiac Rehab Unit at Transylvania Regional Hospital, will present on “Preventing Heart Attacks; Knowing the Signs” at 1 pm at Silvermont.
May 18
“Wellness Walk”, what a way to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Walk will start at 10 am at Lowe’s parking lot in Brevard. It will be about an hour roundtrip walk. Water and snacks provided.
May 21-25
Seniors - Strive Not To Drive Week: Walk, Bike, Carpool, Bus. Look for the SNTD pledge poster at Lakeview Center, Senior Opportunity Center, Vanderbilt Apartments, Battery Park Apartments, NC Center for Creative Retirement and Harvest House.
May 24
Historic walk and tour of beautiful downtown Brevard with historian, Dottie Tinsley. Walk/tour starts at Silvermont at 10 am. Water provided.
May 26, 27
Transylvania County Council on Aging and providers of services to Seniors will have a booth at Brevard’s White Squirrel Festival. Providers will have brochures and info to share with the public.
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CRC
Community Resource Connections for Aging and Disabilities
Community Resource Connections is a federal and state initiative to reduce the confusion that many have experienced in trying to find services, often resulting in making multiple telephone calls before finding help. CRC core functions include information and assistance; options counseling; streamlined access; transitions partnership with hospitals and nursing facilities.
STHL
Senior Tar Heel Legislature
The Senior Tar Heel Legislature promotes citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues before the General Assembly. STHL provides information and education to Senior Citizens on the legislative process and matters being considered by the General Assembly. Each of the 100 NC counties is entitled to one delegate and one alternate to the STHL.
LTCOP What is an “IMD”? If you have been following the news, or interacting with adult care homes or assisted living facilities this past year, you have probably heard this acronym used. An Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, (42 CFR 435.1009) as a hospital, nursing facility, or other institution of more than 16 beds that is primarily engaged in providing diagnosis, treatment, or care of persons with mental diseases, including medical attention, nursing care and related services. The primary criteria for the determination of the IMD status is that more than 50% of patients in the facility have a primary diagnosis of major mental illness. Medicaid reimbursement is prohibited for IMD residents from the ages of 21 through 64 years of age, even for treatment unrelated to mental illness. (Title XIX of the Social Security Act, Section 1905(a) (24) (B) History - State psychiatric hospitals were first created in 1848, when social activist Dorothea Dix successfully lobbied Congress to finance her asylums for the insane – a humane alternative to the poor houses and jails, where the severely mentally ill had previously been abandoned. In 1854 President Franklin Pierce rejected the creation of a system of federally funded asylums because the public provision of “care and cure” for “human infirmity” was a state responsibility under our federal system of government. As a result, the states were left to build and finance their own hospitals to care for the severely mentally ill. Congress again addressed the issue of the severely mentally ill in 1963. Rather than strengthen the state hospitals, Congress funded construction of community mental health centers. These centers were to include inpatient and outpatient services, emergency psychiatric units, rehabilitation programs, diagnostic and evaluation services and more. Soon after, Medicaid was enacted under the 1965 Amendments to the Social Security Act. For the first time, states could use a formula for federal financial participation for individuals with mental illness. Medicaid opened the door for the states to begin to shift costs for the care and treatment of the mentally ill to the federal government. Congress expanded the use of federal financial participation to include services to the mentally ill in general hospitals. Since the 1960s, we have seen a massive transformation in the providers and sites of psychiatric services. The movement has been from inpatient to outpatient settings and from public (state) providers to private providers. The IMD rule was the federal government’s attempt to make the states continue to pay for the care of the seriously mentally ill. “Deinstitutionalization” became the state’s attempt to make the federal government pay. Last year, the IMD issue came to focus on North Carolina and our adult care home system of care. The state, (NC DHHS), the federal government (CMS), and the adult care home providers and their advocates are attempting to find a viable solution. In the meantime, will residents and other individuals with chronic mental illness become lost in the process? If you have ideas for a reasonable solution, please contact your Ombudsman and your state legislators. Geller, Jeffrey L., M.D., M.P.H., Psychiatric Services, November 2000, Vol. 51, No. 11 Elder Abuse Awareness Month, May 11 - June 18
Each year, more than two million vulnerable and older adults are victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Research has shown that older adults who are abused, neglected and exploited are three times more likely to die within ten years than those who are not. Elder Abuse affects men and women of all ethnic backgrounds and social status; it occurs in private residences and in facilities. In 2010 there were more than 18,000 reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults made to NC’s 100 county departments of social services (DSS). Reports are made not only by doctors and other professionals but by family members and concerned citizens in our communities. Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable or older adult is in need of protection is required by NC General Statute (GS 108A-102) to report this information to the DSS in the county where the adult resides.
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Long-Term Care Ombudsman
LTCOP Program
An Ombudsman is an advocate for long-term care residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.
AAA
Other AAA Programs & Services
Other programs and services that the AAA manage include: • Century Club honors people on their 100th and subsequent birthdays. • Operation Fan/Heat Relief ia a special assistance project that provides people 60 and over or with a disability fans and air conditioners during the hot summer months.
A Statement from the Secretary LTCOP Sebelius on the Administration for Community Living All Americans – including people with disabilities and seniors – should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions – rather than in nursing homes or other institutions. The Obama administration and my department have long been committed to promoting community living and finding new mechanisms to help ensure that the supports people with disabilities and seniors need to live in the community are accessible. Today, with the creation of the new Administration for Community Living (ACL), we are reinforcing this commitment by bringing together key HHS organizations and offices dedicated to improving the lives of those with functional needs into one coordinated, focused and stronger entity. The Administration for Community Living will bring together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency that supports both cross-cutting initiatives and efforts focused on the unique needs of individual groups, such as children with developmental disabilities or seniors with dementia. This new agency will work on increasing access to community supports and achieving full community participation for people with disabilities and seniors. The Administration on Community Living will seek to enhance and improve the broad range of supports that individuals may need to live with respect and dignity as full members of their communities. These support needs go well beyond health care and include the availability of appropriate housing, employment, education, meaningful relationships and social participation. Building on President Obama’s Year of Community Living, the ACL will pursue improved opportunities for older Americans and people with disabilities to enjoy the fullest inclusion in the life of our nation. For more information, please visit http://dhhs.gov/acl
New CAC members receive Sensitive Training during their April orientation. From L to R: Mary Kate Griffin, Voncil Penland, Sandra Treadway, Wyllene Skipper, Lee Orowitz, Gene Knoefel, Chuck Moseley
CAC
Community Advisory Committee Member
The Ombudsman Program works in conjunction with Nursing Home (NH) and Adult Care Home (ACH) Community Advisory Committees (CACs) in each county to serve residents in longterm care facilities. CACs are volunteers appointed by county commissioners who visit facilities, interact with residents, and advocate for quality care in the homes.
Welcome New CAC Members Welcome: Peggy Bierer - BC ACH CAC David Hinton, Lee Orowitz and Cesar Romero - BC NH CAC Larry Kosowsky and Arthur Lebowitz - HC ACH/NH CAC Mary Kate Griffin, Voncil Penland and Wyllene Skipper MC ACH/NH CAC Thanks and Farwell to: Joe and Ramona Andersen - HC ACH/NH CAC Thank you for your services! You will be missed!
CAC Meeting Calendar Buncombe County ACH: May 18, June 15, July 20 Buncombe County NH: July 19 Henderson County ACH/NH: May 9, June 13, July 11 Madison County ACH/NH: TBA Transylvania County ACH/NH: July 9
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Volunteer Services
VS
VS
Volunteer Services
Volunteer Services connects today’s over 55s with the people and organizations that need them most. VS helps them become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Their contributions make a real difference to individuals, nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations throughout our region.
Jerry Plemmons Receives the Kathleen Godwin Cole Award for Volunteerism
Madison County native Jerry Plemmons was awarded the Kathleen Godwin Cole Award for Volunteerism at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council meeting on April 25, 2012. This award is given annually to one volunteer, age 55 or better, who has made major contributions to better our region. Plemmons served on the Land-of-Sky Regional Council board for numerous years primarily as an economic development advisor. He has been actively involved as a volunteer in Madison County and WNC creating community development and economic development opportunities including work with Smokey Mountain Development L to R: Steve Garrison, Madison County Manager; Jerry and Carolina West Economic Development. Mr. Plemmons also Plemmons; Debbie Ponder, Chair of the Madison County currently serves on the Madison County Economic Development Commissioner Board, Madison County Courthouse Renovation Committee, Hot Springs Health Program Board, the Madison County Child Protection Team, the Madison County Child Fatality Team, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Area Work Force Development Board and the Madison County Arts Council, and more. Plemmons has a great passion for community development on many levels and this is demonstrated by the magnitude of hours he volunteers engaging with the people of the region and Madison County to make communities a better place to live. He has an innate ability to speak with a diverse group of people on multiple topics tied to community development and economic development and is well thought of and respected in the community. For this reason, he has faced very few mentionable obstacles in his attempts to foster creative and innovative change in the community and region. The following quote from Plemmons taking from an interview conducted by Mr. Rob Amberg in November of 2000 seems to sum up the approach that he has taken toward influencing community and economic development in Madison County and the region as a whole, “I believe so strongly in community development that what I’d really like to see is a reinvigoration or a retooling of this whole community concept. Build community in its truest form—getting folk in a certain geographic area to come together and work on common issues and common problems in a spirit of creativity, [and] do interesting and innovative things to make their community the most livable and most enjoyable possible. Where people really did care for each other, really did take care of each other. I think if we have that a lot of our other issues would certainly be diminished.” Other nominees included RSVP Volunteer Judy Deutsch, RSVP Volunteer Madeline Royes, Madison Community Health Consortium member Nancy Porter, and Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee member Sonya Friedrich. The Kathleen Godwin Cole Award was established in 1990 in memory and honor of Kathleen Godwin Cole who served for several years on the LOSRC Advisory Council on Aging and was Chairman of its Contractor Relations Committee. She was also Chair of the Buncombe County Domiciliary Home Community Advisory Committee for several years.
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SCP
Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program brings together volunteers age 55 and over with adults in their community who have difficulty with the simple task of day-to-day living. Companions help out on a personal level by assisting with shopping and light chores, interacting with doctors, or just making a friendly visit.
VS
National Volunteer Week Honored
The Volunteer Services Department celebrated National Volunteer Week on April 15-21, 2012, honoring the volunteers that help make our community the great place it is. A proclamation “Celebrating People in Action” for National Volunteer Week was presented to the Land-of-Sky Regional Council board and signed into place by Board Chair Jason Chappell. Three Henderson County volunteers from the Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program were honored on April 17 at a “Thanks a Latte” reception sponsored by Henderson County Association of Volunteer Administrators (HAVA). Foster Grandparent Mary Lou Herlihy, Senior Companion Sarah Roberts, and RSVP volunteer Patricia Pirog were recognized for their outstanding service and dedication to the community. National Volunteer Week is not only our moment in time to celebrate our volunteers, but to enable a nation to share ideas, practices, and stories, wherever they happen, and shaping a movement to re-imagine the notion of citizenship for the 21st century.
Pictures from “Thanks a Latte” reception sponsored by HAVA Tracy Ash with SCP volunteer Sarah Roberts
Stacy Friesland with FGP volunteer Mary Lou Herlihy
L to R: RSVP volunteer Particia Pirog, Patti Cameron, Sigi Hendrickson
FGP
Foster Grandparent Program
The Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with children with exceptional needs. Their efforts enhance a child’s physical development, improve the children’s self-esteem and, in general, they serve the children as invaluable role models. Their service and kindness fosters hope in the hearts of the children.
SCP
A Tribute to Senior Companion Ginger Bowen
Senior Companion Ginger Bowen with much sadness resigned from the Senior Companion Program on March 23, 2012. She was a volunteer at CarePartners Hospice for nine years and volunteered 4341 hours as a Senior Companion there. She provided respite to families with loved ones at the end-of-life and stayed with people who didn’t have family to be with them. Ginger went beyond the call of duty volunteering on weekends because she was needed. She reports she got so much out of her volunteering at Hospice and it was one of the greatest experiences she has ever had. She made lifelong friends with the families she helped. Ginger often stayed late or went in on her days off if she knew someone was nearing the end-of-life and was alone. She never wanted anyone to be alone. Ginger will always have a presence at CarePartners Hospice and will be missed by all the staff and her fellow Senior Companion volunteers. She plans to eventually move to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter. Ginger will be greatly missed and we appreciate all the people she touched in her nine years as a Senior Companion volunteer.
FGP
SCP Volunteer Ginger Bowen
In Remembrance of Bob Smathers
The Foster Grandparent Program lost a very special volunteer, Bob Smathers, in March of 2012. Bob volunteered at Black Mountain Primary for over six years and had donated over 4500 hours working one-on-one with at-risk or special-needs children. “Grandpa Bob” always had a story to share with the children he worked with and had a special way of connecting with them. Bob’s jovial personality was contagious and spread easily to those around him. His caring, gentle nature will be remembered by the hundreds of lives he touched through the Foster Grandparent Program and at Black Mountain Bob Smathers with a Black Primary. Mountain Primary teacher
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RSVP
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers make a difference.
RSVP
VS
Volunteer Services Funding
Volunteer Services is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. More than five million Americans are engaging in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and United We Serve.
RSVP Volunteer Center Grand Opening in Brevard
Through a campaign to better support the non-profits and volunteers in Transylvania County, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has decided to launch a volunteer center. To be hosted by Silvermont Senior Opportunity Center, the RSVP Volunteer Center will open its doors every Thursday from 12 - 4 pm starting on May 3, 2012. “The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has been serving Transylvania County for over 15 years assisting those 55+ to find meaningful volunteer opportunities,” noted RSVP Volunteer Center Ribbon Cutting L to R: Rodney Locks, Brevard City RSVP Coordinator Patti Cameron. “We recently asked our 100+ volunteer in Transylvania Council; Jimmy Harris, Mayor of County what RSVP needed to do to be even more successful in supporting volunteers and Brevard; Artie Wilson, Transylvania non-profits. They unanimously said a local visible presence was needed to get the word County Manager out about volunteer needs in the community.” The long-term goal for the Center is for it to be locally led, with volunteer staffing the information desk, helping with volunteer recruitment, advertisement, events and planning. “We really want to make sure this program is part of Transylvania County, and that is why we want volunteers to take the lead,” Cameron added. “It’s a big step but a step we hope will bring a higher level of service to Transylvania County.”
RSVP
New RSVP Station
RSVP is happy to announce the addition of two new RSVP Stations to our program. If you are interested in volunteering with either of these agencies or are already a volunteer with them and would like your hours reported, please contact rsvp@landofsky.org or 251-6622. Housing Assistance Henderson County The Housing Assistance Corporation provides safe and affordable housing for persons of limited income living in Henderson County and surrounding areas. Volunteers are needed in three areas: Shingling Roof Repair, Emergency House Repairs and assistance with the Fall Prevention Program. ABCCM’s Circles Program- Buncombe County Circles works family-by-family, bringing volunteers together with families in poverty to offer encouragement and wisdom. Circle volunteers meet with families monthly for eighteen months over a shared meal to discuss how to overcome barriers to getting out of poverty, such as improving self-sufficiency and expanding social networks.
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RSVP
RSVP information sessions in Buncombe County
Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Already volunteering but want to try something different? We invite you to attend a RSVP Information Session in which you will receive a short orientation to RSVP, enjoy a guest speaker and then receive volunteer placement assistance from our RSVP Coordinator. All sessions are 9 - 11 am. To register email rsvp@landofsky.org. April 24, 2012 - NC Center for Creative Retirement This month RSVP features Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater (SART) May 8, 2012 - NC Center for Creative Retirement This month RSVP features ABCCM’s Circles Program June 1, 2012 - NC Center for Creative Retirement This month RSVP features Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity July 6, 2012 - NC Center for Creative Retirement This month RSVP features Council on Aging of Buncombe County
May 1-31 Older Americans Month, Many events are scheduled to celebrate OAM, see page 5 for details. 7-11 8 8 9 10 10 11
National Senior Corp Week, LOSRC is thankful to be able to sponsor all three programs of Senior Corp. We take this time to thank nearly 1,000 Senior Corp Volunteers that are helping to make our region a better place to live, play and grow!
Calendar of Events
Teepa Snow Workshops, Givens Estate, see page 2 Living Healthy w/ a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Ardenwoods, Tuesdays, 2 - 4:30 pm. Contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 for more info or to register. CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Subcommittee Meeting, LOSRC, 8:30 - 10 am
May 11 - June 18 14 14 15 15 16 17 21
Elder Abuse Awareness Month, see page 6
Successful Aging 10, The Crowne Plaza, see page 5 Senior Companion Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Foster Grandparent Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Century Club Celebration, The Health Adventure, see page 5 Century Club Celebration, Kingsbridge House, see page 5 Century Club Celebration, Hot Springs Health Program, see page 5 Living Healthy w/ a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Transylvania Regional Hospital, Mondays, 2 - 4:30. Contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 for more information or to register.
21-25 Strive Not To Drive Week, see page 2 22 28
“Mental Health” CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, for more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622 Memorial Day, LOSRC offices Closed
June 6 8 11 12 13 13 15
NC Respite Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11 am - 2 pm. For more information contact Jane MacLeod at 919-740- 6605 or email jane.macleod@nc.eastersealsucp.com WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Subcommittee Meeting, LOSRC, 8:30 - 10 am Senior Companion Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Foster Grandparent Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm Senior Volunteer Services Advisory Council, LOSRC, 2 - 4:30 pm World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Wear something purple!
July 4 11 12 12 13 13 16 17
Independence Day, LOSRC offices Closed CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm Aging Advisory Council Meeting, Marshall Public Library, 10 - 11:30 am WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm LOSRC Blood Drive, LOSRC, 8 am - 2 pm WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Subcommittee Meeting, LOSRC, 8:30 - 10 am Senior Companion Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Foster Grandparent Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ASEHVILLE, NC PERMIT #367
339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: (828) 251-6622 Fax: (828) 251-6353 Website: www.landofsky.org/aging
We would like to hear what you think of the new Aging and Volunteer Services Newsletter. Contact Christina at 251-6622 or email christina@landofsky.org. Please recycle this newsletter!
Aging and Volunteer Services
Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania Counties Vol I - Issue 2: May - July 2012
A&VS
Aging and Volunteer Services’ Staff
LeeAnne Tucker - Aging and Volunteer Services Director Brenda DelaCruz - Aging and Volunteer Services Project Assistant
AAA
VS
Volunteer Services Staff
Patti Cameron - RSVP Coordinator Stacy Friesland - FGP Manager Tracy Ash - SCP Manager
Area Agency on Aging Staff
Barbara Hinshaw - Regional Ombudsman Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Christina Giles - AAA Project Assistant, Newsletter Layout & Design Jennifer Atkinson - SCSEP Coordinator Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman Linda Kendall Fields - CRC Coordinator Pat Hilgendorf - Caregiver Program Associate Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Programs Specialist - HPDP and Senior Center Sherry Christenson - Aging Programs Specialist - Contracts and ARMS Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman
Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others interested in our community.