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NEWS
To honor Georgia’s seniors who are examples of living well and aging well, the Georgia Division of Aging Services (DAS) established the “Live Healthy Georgia Champion of the Year Award” which is being given to Mrs. Odell Smith of Summerville, GA and Chattooga County. Mrs. Smith has been a regular participant at the Chattooga County Senior Center for over 23 years. In addition to enjoying a hot meal and socializing with friends at the center other activities include exercising, playing bingo, and quilting.
Mrs. Smith is 94 years old and enjoys working in her garden and yard as well as canning and freezing the fresh vegetables. Mrs. Smith’s message to young people today would be to, “Obey your parents without question. The Bible says “obey your parents that your days will be long on this earth.” She goes on to say, “I firmly believe that verse and I obeyed my parents, always… I believe that has contributed to my long life. Get right with the Lord at a young age and live for Him. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits and not so much fast food.” The award was given at the “Power of Food, Fun and Fitness in Promoting Healthy Aging 11th Annual Healthy Aging Summit” (sponsored by the DHR, Division of Aging Services) that was held June 4 – 6, 2008 at the Marriott Augusta Hotel & Suites in Augusta. Mrs. Smith was selected among other Georgia seniors represented in the Success Stores on the www.livewellagewell.info/ The Northwest Georgia Coosa Valley RDC Area Agency on Aging and the Chattooga County Senior Center will celebrate Mrs. Smith’s award with her family and friends later this summer in Summerville, GA. Last year’s Live Healthy Georgia Champion 2007 Award” was given to Darrell Stone, 95, of Gordon County. He attends the Gordon County Senior Center. Mr. Stone and Mrs. Smith represent the Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging district. To honor Georgia’s individuals who contribute so much to the health and wellness of the aging network, the Georgia Division of Aging Services (DAS) established the “Outstanding Senior Center Manager of the Year Award”. The 2008 award is being given to Lisa Burnett of the North Georgia Community Action, Inc. Gilmer County Senior Center Manager, Ellijay, GA. Mrs. Laura Rogne, Coordinator for the North Georgia Community Action, Inc. states, “Through her vivacious personality Lisa has brought new life and expansion to both congregate and home delivered nutrition programs.”
The award was given at the “Power of Food, Fun and Fitness in Promoting Healthy Aging 11th Annual Healthy Aging Summit” (sponsored by the DHR, Division of Aging Services) that was held June 4 – 6, 2008 at the Marriott Augusta Hotel & Suites in Augusta. Ms Burnett was selected among center managers representing the 12 Planning and Service Areas in Georgia. Criteria for the award are: 1) program innovation and creativity, 2) a champion of wellness promotion; 3) building community partnerships to improve quality of services provided at the Senior Centers; 4) leadership; and 5) volunteerism. Ms Burnett has been the center manager since January 2007. During this short time, her creative ideas have opened new avenues of personal development and expression for our seniors. At the center you will see art and pet galleries displaying seniors’ personal art work and loving pet photos; a book and video club began with a visit and tour of the local library and now is a resource for wellness topics; and many seniors playing around a pool table that was pulled out of storage. Ms Burnett tapped the talent of seniors to sing, dance, play musical instruments, and tell stories. The “Golden Gems” as they call themselves performed for over 500 seniors at the Live Healthy Georgia kick-off event in October and also at a fundraiser in Ellijay. Ms Burnett’s personal interest in food and nutrition has played a big part in generating discussion and shared information health and wellness among the clients. Senior participation in exercise activities has quadrupled under her leadership. Ms Burnett has developed new partnerships with the community, county and local business interest. By communicating the basic needs of clients and their lack of available transportation, the local food pantry delivers a box of food to the center weekly for each congregate client. When the telephone company learned a computer had been donated to the center, they donated free DSL service and have become a financial supporter for many special activities. A local bank offers assistance to clients on their banking needs. Clients give back to their center by helping conduct yard sales with baked goods and luncheon items for fund raisers. Through her restructuring of home delivered meal routes, Ms Burnett has reduced her site travel expense by over forty percent. Ms. Burnett is a single mother with twin teenage girls at home. She managers to keep the girls active in the community, school and church. Church is a regular media for her volunteer activities. She encourages clients to volunteer in community efforts as well as encourages her congregations from other churches to volunteer for homebound and senior clients. The Northwest Georgia Coosa Valley RDC Area Agency on Aging, The North Georgia Community Action, Inc and the Gilmer County Senior Center will celebrate Ms. Burnett’s award with her family and friends later this summer in Ellijay, GA. DAS is a part of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. For additional information about services for older adults and at-risk individuals, visit DAS’s website at http://aging.dhr.georgia.gov/ or contact your local Area Agency on Aging. For information on DAS’ Nutrition and Wellness Program, visit www.livewellagewell.info/
Noaleen Ingalsbe, Ed.D., RD, LD
The Caregiver Support Group of Rome meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month (except July and December) at Mercy Senior Care at 12:00 PM. Contact Virginia Sanders at 706-291-8496 for more information. Grands Who Care/Relatives As Caregivers Support Group meets at the Etowah Room of Sarah Hightower Regional Library in Rome on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM. Contact Claire or Irma Rose at 706-291-8496 for more information. Grands Who Care/Relatives As Caregivers Support Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Summerville Middle School in Chattooga County at 8:30 AM. Contact Claire or Irma Rose at 706-291-8496 for more information. Information regarding Alzheimer's Support Groups can be obtained from The Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900.
Upcoming Radio and Television Appearances
UCTV-3, Senior Moments Talk with Peggy Stanfield - Fort
Oglethorpe; TOPIC: CRITICAL™ Conditions
WRGA (95.3 FM - Rome), "Talk of the Town" with Nelle Reagan; TOPIC: Financial Facts You Should Know. July 17, 2008, 9:07 AM.
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