Age Friendly Tucker: Pray, Play, Participate LOIS RICCI
W
hen members of Tucker Civic Association (TCA) Lifelong Community Committee began the Age Friendly Project, they used eight domains as a guide to maximizing livability in the city for all ages: housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and building, community support and health services, civic participation and employment, social participation, communication and information, and respect and social inclusion. Places of worship are all about inclusion and participation. They provide valuable contributions to the community, including socialization for all ages, community services, community volunteering, and other benefits that positively improve communities both directly and indirectly. They are places for people to come together and to feel supported. Whether the places of worship are standing buildings, old community structures, or even old store fronts, the activities that happen inside depend on how well the place is working for the people who use it. The activities and services offered at places of worship are varied and numerous. Although skepticism of religion has emerged, most people feel positive about the role places of worship play in the community. A nationwide study shows that 75% of those interviewed believe that the presence of a place of worship is very or somewhat positive. A majority of every key demographic group studied believes that churches have a positive influence in their communities. Tucker is home to seventy-seven places of worship that cover all denominations, each one offering what their members need. There is sharing and caring, and social inclusion and participation. All the churches offer various and diverse social resources, including men’s clubs, women’s groups, teen activities, volunteerism, and family functions. There are places of worship which offer child day care and preschools, including First Baptist of Tucker, Tucker First United Methodist, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, St. Bede’s Episcopal, and Rehoboth Baptist. In addition to the many choirs and choruses, First Christian Church of Atlanta hosts Tucker Young Festival Singers and the adult Tucker Community Singers; it also currently is recruiting for Tucker Community Orchestra. NETWorks Cooperative Ministry is supported by twenty churches to address the food and financial needs of vulnerable residents in the Northlake-Embry HillsTucker community. In the colder season, First United Methodist operates a cold
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weather shelter there. Places of worship have historically served as anchors in the community, providing the backbone for a healthy community. Their presence is definitely felt in Tucker. DR. LOIS RICCI is a longtime resident of Tucker, where she chairs the Tucker Civic Association Lifelong Community Committee. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches gerontology courses and the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Class. Ricci also serves as an official representative for American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), co-facilitator for the Rosalyn Carter CareNet, and on the board of the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging. Contact Dr. Ricci at loisricci@bellsouth.net.
