Seniors Connect, Learn, Volunteer and Play

Staying involved and connected is a vital part of our Healthy Aging message, and we find that Gwinnett Council for Seniors is a great resource available to us and our community. GCFS is an all-volunteer-led non-profit organization, that provides education and information on senior living and senior issues in our community. Senior Clubs, organizations and Patrons benefit greatly from joining GCFS and attending the informative monthly meetings. We connect.

This month’s meeting was no exception: With the upcoming November 5th election just around the corner, Guest speakers from various Gwinnett County departments provided senior specific information around how their department would allocate 2014 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds for senior needs, if in fact the 1% Sales Tax SPLOST is voted in. The proposed three year program would start next March just as the current SPLOST expires, and it is expected to raise $498 million, with 70% going to DOT. While SPLOST funds can only be utilized for funding capital projects (infrastructure only--no people or programs), all guest speakers reiterated the value of receiving SPLOST funding in their departments to help relieve already strapped budgets.

Guest Speakers were Lynn Ledford, Director Gwinnett’s Voter Registration and Elections; Kim Conroy, Director Gwinnett DOT; Chief Charlie Walters, Gwinnett County Police; Chief Casey Snyder, Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services; Pat Baker, Div. Director, Health & Human Services; and Tina Fleming, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. We learn.

Just a few of the suggested senior related 2014 SPLOST projects were: voting pens that allowed arthritic hands to grasp the pen more easily and help steady hand tremors; more sidewalks to encourage seniors to safely walk and exercise and stay connected with their friends and neighbors; road reflectors, striping and markings for improved driving visibility; street lights in older neighborhoods to reduce crime; additional police cars; equipment for aviation unit (in last several months alone the Gwinnett county Police Aviation Unit were able to find and return home seven different missing Alzheimer’s patients); replacement fire and emergency vehicles and equipment to ensure fast response time; cardio monitors on all fire trucks and thermal units to look for hot spots through walls (people can be located in the smoke and fire too!); expansion of Senior Centers to enlarge dining rooms and restrooms, and add more activity rooms and ADA features; Park security and safety expansion, and aquatic facilities renovation.

As the floor was opened to questions, it didn’t surprise as that the conversation shifted to volunteer opportunities in the county. Many of our fellow seniors include helping others as part of their active lifestyle, and Gwinnett County offers open arms to seniors with a passion to help. Volunteering is a subject near and dear to our hearts. Creating value keeps us on a healthy aging path!  We volunteer.

So what else is happening?

• The 14th Annual Gwinnett Senior Health Fair will be held Friday Oct 25th from 9am – 12 pm at Bethesda Park Senior Center, offering health screenings, demonstrations, fun activities, door prizes, goodie bags and more – this event is free!
• Delmar Gardens of Lawrenceville will be having their Fall Festival  Saturday Oct 26th from 1pm – 3pm…just $2 per person, this is a fun event for “kids” of all ages!
• Now through November 1st, Alternative Home Care for Seniors is taking donations for their annual “Sweaters For Seniors” drive, with proceeds to benefit Gwinnett County Senior Services
• GCFS Meeting Thursday November 21st at 10:30am at Bethesda Park Senior Center. The meeting is right down our “alley” with a focus on healthy living.  We will all enjoy an educational theatre performance from Kaiser Permanente, followed by a Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett.  
• And our personal favorite: the GCFS Annual Holiday Dinner and Dance will be held Saturday Dec 7th at 6:30 pm.  Sponsored by Garden Plaza of Lawrenceville, this evening will begin with a fabulous catered dinner, seasoned with dinner time holiday music by “yours truly” (Sheri& Bill),  topped off with a 2 ½ hour dance featuring the Continentals Band…a terrific bargain for $15.00 per person!    

We hope you will join in the fun…Come play with us!

Positively Speaking, Singing & Dancing, Sheri & Bill

As photojournalists, Sheri and Bill Eppright,  Positive Public Image, Inc. publish engaging articles, and colorful images, that champion Healthy Aging, and the value of seniors in America.

As entertainers and ambassadors of Healthy Aging, Sheri and Bill interact with their audiences using music, dance and multimedia presentations to encourage an Active Positive Lifestyle and connect with fellow Seniors.    Contact us at 678-672-7310, or by email: Contact Us!