The Chatham Senior Times

www.chathamcouncilonaging.org

What’s Inside

Director’s Note 2-3 Why I Serve 4 Aging Plan Update 5 Scammers 6 Advocacy 8 Health 9-10 Non-profit Spotlight 11 New Beginnings 11 Volunteer 12 Food & Fun 13 Dates to Remember 14-15 Senior Education Conference 16 Special Events 17 Falls Prevention 18

Fall 2018

Be Wise and Have FunBe Wise and Have FunBe Wise and Have FunBe Wise and Have Fun

This SeasonThis SeasonThis SeasonThis Season

Fall is the Time for Falls PreventionFall is the Time for Falls PreventionFall is the Time for Falls PreventionFall is the Time for Falls Prevention

Time for Change and Changing the TimeTime for Change and Changing the TimeTime for Change and Changing the TimeTime for Change and Changing the Time

FriendsFriendsFriendsFriends FellowshipFellowshipFellowshipFellowship

FaithFaithFaithFaith FamilyFamilyFamilyFamily

Director’s Note Page 2 The Chatham Senior Times

Fall?Fall?Fall?Fall? By Dennis W. Streets, Executive Director

Our English language is both interesting and challenging. One word can own multi-ple meanings. Take the word ‘fall’ for ex-ample.

This is our “fall” quarterly newsletter. In American and Canadian English, autumn is also known as fall—the months of Octo-ber, November and December—when we see the changing and falling of leaves, the shortening of daylight, and the cooling of the temperature.

But there are other meanings of the word “fall.” As a verb, it can mean: moving

downward, typically rapidly and freely with-out control, from a higher to a lower level;

losing one's balance and collapsing; decreasing in number, amount, intensity, quality or status; or being captured or defeated.

We can find these varied meanings in titles of songs, some of which we can recall and still hum:

Why Do Fools Fall in Love—Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, 1956

Catch a Falling Star—Perry Como, 1958

I Fall to Pieces—Patsy Cline, 1961

Free Fallin ’ —Tom Petty, 1989

Fall—Justin Bieber, 2012

Tumble and Fall—Little Big Town, 2014

Carolina in the Fall—Kruger Brothers, 2015

So=as we celebrate the colors and festivities of another fall season—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and others—we must also take note of some of the meanings of “fall” having special relevance to those of us who share the distinction of being members of the growing “older” population.

This past September 22nd

, we joined others nationally in emphasizing the importance of preventing

physical “falls.” See page 17 for some important fall prevention tips and our new Tai Chi class.

“Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten older adults’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.” [See https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-awareness-day/ for further information.]

COA Harvest Hoedown

Director’s Note Fall 2018 Page 3

The good news is that we at the Council on Aging can help. See www.chathamcoa.org for our well-ness activities, including some evidence-based falls prevention programs. We also loan donated

assistive equipment that can steady those needing help walking and those recovering from falls.

Our Senior Centers (both State-certified “Centers of Excellence”) also offer many pick-me-up activi-ties that boost one’s emotional spirits. Again check out our website’s calendar of activities or just visit either or both of our centers.

Our community partners contribute significantly to preventing or mitigating the effect of adverse cir-cumstances that sometimes befall us seniors. The article from the Chatham Sheriff’s Office warns us of potential fall scams. Our Public Health Department cautions us to beware of ticks. Cardinal Inno-vations shares how we can cope in the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Florence.

I hope you have a joyous fall season. We might do well to remember these words from 18th century

English author Samuel Butler:

Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flow-ers we more than gain in fruits.

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS!

Set Your Clocks Back Set Your Clocks Back Set Your Clocks Back Set Your Clocks Back

on Saturday Nighton Saturday Nighton Saturday Nighton Saturday Night

November 3rdNovember 3rdNovember 3rdNovember 3rd

Why I Serve Page 4 The Chatham Senior Times

Why I ServeWhy I ServeWhy I ServeWhy I Serve by Nansi Greger-Holt, Member of the Board of the Directors

My name is Nansi Greger-Holt. I am in my second stint as a board mem-ber of the Chatham County Council on Aging. My first term was from 2010-2012 and my most recent appointment began in 2015. Both times I have served as the secretary; I’m a really fast typist, since my handwriting is terrible. So here is my story: I grew up in New York City and at age 12, we moved to Vermont where I went to high school and college. While in Vermont, my mother was the Volunteer Director of our local Senior Center, and I used to hang out

there and go on fun field trips. Since my grandparents still lived in New York City, and I couldn’t see them as much, the seniors at the Senior Center became my surrogate grandparents.

In 1978, after graduating from the University of Vermont with degrees in Psychology and

Nursing, I moved to North Carolina. At that time, there was a nursing shortage in the south, so I thought it would be fun to try out the south for a year or so. Well after 40 years, I’m still here.

I started my first job as a Registered Nurse at Duke Hospital in 1978, where I worked full- and

then part-time, retiring from Duke in 2010. I’ve earned two Masters degrees from UNC—Chapel Hill. My first was a Master in Public

Health - Health Education in 1986, and then in 1997, I graduated from the UNC School of Nursing with a Masters in Nursing, as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Since my passion has always been in geriatrics—as has most of my working career—in 2003, I attended UNC—Greensboro, School of Nursing for a few courses, to become certified as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner.

I’ve worked at the Chatham County Public Health Department, Carolina Meadows, Carol

Woods, the Minute Clinic, Duke and UNC Schools of Nursing, East Chatham Medical Center, and in Geriatric Neuropsychiatry. Since 2012, I have worked at the UNC Department of Neurology in the Memory Disorders division, as well as UNC Hospice. I recently resigned from UNC Hospice. I also have a small Geriatric Care Management practice.

My basic philosophy is to partner with patients and their families to gather information to help

them make realistic and informed decisions about their health care while maintaining maximum qual-ity of life, function, and motivation toward wellness. I am also very passionate about Advanced Care Planning and share this information whenever I can.

In my spare time, my wonderful husband and I have raised 2 lovely daughters and now have

a fabulous granddaughter. They and their families live in Asheville, and we ‘burn the rubber’ on I-40 at least twice a month to visit. I love to exercise, quilt, and hang out with family and friends.

I am proud to be a Chathamite, and as such, I feel very strongly about giving back to my com-

munity, and so that is why I volunteer at the Chatham County Council on Aging. I hope my strong knowledge base in nursing, geriatrics and our community is an asset to our board, the Council on Aging and most importantly to the seniors whom the Council serves. As a resident of Chatham, I am excited to be part of an organization that offers so much to our community.

Spotlight Fall 2018 Page 5

Update: Aging Plan and the New Capstone TeamUpdate: Aging Plan and the New Capstone TeamUpdate: Aging Plan and the New Capstone TeamUpdate: Aging Plan and the New Capstone Team

Work on Chatham’s 2018-2023 Aging Plan has not stalled. Summer was busy and productive, and this fall things will really pick up. This should be an exciting year for aging in Chatham.

This summer we were fortunate to have Hilary Pollan, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate student, who did essential preliminary work for designing a Senior Leadership Program. This program, to be launched next summer, would develop a volun-teer corps of ambassadors across the county to help people learn about available community re-sources and help identify and respond to needs. This leadership program is an important over-arching strategy of the plan.

We were also able to present the aging plan to the Chatham County Board of County Commis-sioners at their June meeting. The plan has been chosen by the County’s Human Services Col-laborative Impact Team as a priority, linked to the County’s comprehensive long-range range plan(PlanChatham).

As we renew efforts to implement other activities

associated with the Aging Plan, we will once again benefit from a group of Capstone graduate students of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health. Five Capstone students were instrumen-tal in the development of the Aging Plan this past year, and a new team of four students will now help with the plan’s implementation.

The four students from the School of Public Health’s Department of Health Behavior are: Becky Payne (Housing), Afsaneh Mortazavi (Transportation), Bernadette Aylward (Social Connectedness/Community Engagement), and Anna Leonard (Health Care Services and Cover-age). In addition to their overall support of the plan, each will take responsibility for one of plan’s priority areas (as indicated). They will be working with the Council through April. The fifth priority area—Care Services and Care-giving—will be led by Susan Hardy, Caregiver Specialist of the Council on Aging. Assisting her in this work will be Amanda Cowell, a Masters in Social Work student from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Amanda will also be with the Council through April. An Advisory Committee will help guide the overall work on the Aging Plan. The committee began meeting in September. Co-Chairs of the Advisory Committee are Amy Gorely (Carolina Meadows’ Director of Community Relations), Anne Kissel (Chatham’s Delegate to the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature), and Stephanie Watkins-Cruz (Chatham County Policy Analyst). Each of the five priority areas will also have its own implementation group. These groups will start their work this fall as well. If you would like to participate on one of these groups, please contact Dennis.Streets@chathamcoa.org.

Left to Right:

Aylward, Leonard, Mortazavi and Payne

Scammers Page 6 The Chatham Senior Times

Don’t Fall for It: Autumn Scams to AvoidDon’t Fall for It: Autumn Scams to AvoidDon’t Fall for It: Autumn Scams to AvoidDon’t Fall for It: Autumn Scams to Avoid By Sara Pack, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office

Autumn months bring out some of our favorite things—crisp fall air, colorful leaves, cozy attire and time with family. Scammers love the season, too, but for different reasons. Here are some of the most popular fall scams and how to avoid them: CHARITY SCAMS – Many legitimate charities conduct major fundraising efforts in the fall. For instance, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a popular time for many charities to raise money to support cancer research and treat-ment. The season is also a popular time for schools to conduct raffles, host festivals, and promote fundraisers for athletic programs, etc. Scammers may attempt to impersonate a representative of a real fundraising association or school in order to prey on your generosity. Often, con artists will exploit a recent natural disaster or attempt to play on your emo-tions by claiming to benefit children. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from a state or national organization, athletic asso-ciation, PTA, or charity board, USE CAUTION and never give out any personal or financial informa-tion over the phone. If a caller attempts to rush or pressure you into providing funds or information, consider it a red flag—you may be speaking with a scammer! Hang up and contact the REAL organi-zation to make a donation, if you are so inclined. Channel your inner detective and investigate po-tentially fake charities, fraudulent websites, phishing scams and emails requesting financial informa-tion or donations. Don’t just take their word for it! HOME REPAIR SCAMS – Autumn is a common time for household repairs, maintenance, and yard work. As leaves fall and heating issues become a concern, scammers may go strolling door-to-door to offer their services. Be wary of any “contractor” or self-employed stranger who claims they can perform repair work quickly in exchange for a cash deposit. Whether you need lawn or gutter clean-ing or heating and air services, always get references, use reputable contractors, ask for everything in writing, and NEVER pay for work in advance! UTILITY SCAMS – It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your home utility bills, their due dates, and average costs. As nights grow chillier, scammers may attempt to reach you by phone or email to suggest you are past due on your utility bill. Often, they threaten to cut off your lights, heat, gas, or other vital services if you do not provide credit card information or other payment immediately. You may be tempted to argue with them or ask follow up questions, but they generally have answers pre-pared for this possibility. For instance, if you say you have already paid, they might claim your pay-ment was not received or could not be processed. If you ask why you did not receive notice in the mail, they could say a notice was sent, but must have been lost or misplaced. Don’t fall for it! If you have any doubts, hang up the phone and call the number provided on your last official bill to confirm there are no issues. Let the company know if someone is posing as one of their employees so they can provide notice to your fellow customers. Stay aware to help prepare! Knowledge is your best defense. By educating yourself on the latest fraud tricks and trends, you stay one step ahead of the scammer. Help spread the word to empower others to do the same. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 919-542-2811.

Etc. Fall 2018 Page 7

Question: Why did the police officer arrest the

turkey?

Answer: They suspected fowl play.

November 6November 6November 6November 6

Election Day Election Day Election Day Election Day

November 9November 9November 9November 9

Veteran’s Day EventVeteran’s Day EventVeteran’s Day EventVeteran’s Day Event

Chatham Agriculture & Chatham Agriculture & Chatham Agriculture & Chatham Agriculture &

Conference CenterConference CenterConference CenterConference Center

November 20November 20November 20November 20

Thanksgiving CelebrationThanksgiving CelebrationThanksgiving CelebrationThanksgiving Celebration

Siler City CenterSiler City CenterSiler City CenterSiler City Center

Advocacy Page 8 The Chatham Senior Times

Advocacy and Action: Food InsecurityAdvocacy and Action: Food InsecurityAdvocacy and Action: Food InsecurityAdvocacy and Action: Food Insecurity By Anne Kissel, Chatham’s Senior Tar Heel Delegate and Chair of CAST (Chatham Advocacy for Seniors Team)

The busy season is fast approaching as crisp fall days replace summer’s heat and humidity. The upcoming holidays often include gathering around

dinner tables filled with good food and good com-pany. For many older persons, however, holiday meals are no different than any other day when they do not have enough to eat. The official term for this is ‘food insecurity’, which means an ongo-ing lack of adequate nutrition or amount of food. But that sounds so clinical. It really means many older persons are hungry. Did you know North Carolina ranks 2nd in the na-tion for numbers of older residents (age 60 and over) who experience a moderate lack of suffi-cient food and 5th in the country for a more seri-ous level of food insecurity? Inadequate daily nu-trition is a serious problem for elders and can lead to other health issues. Malnutrition is associ-ated with increased hospital visits, longer hospital stays and complications related to chronic dis-eases, falls and other health issues. Most often food insecurity occurs when people don’t have funds to regularly purchase enough healthy food. However, it isn’t just low incomes which lead to poor nutrition. Many Chatham County elders are also unable to prepare nutri-tious meals or do not have transportation to res-taurants and grocery stores or live in a ‘food de-sert’. Others live alone; not having the social component of sharing a meal can lead to poor eating habits. Meals on Wheels and its sister program of week-day lunches at the Council’s two Senior Centers help. These nutritious meals can provide a third of the daily dietary needs and the socialization adds another important ingredient. Other re-sources include food assistance programs (i.e.: ‘food stamps’) administered by County Social Services as well as other community services. In

Chatham, the CORA food pantry and several faith congregations offer food commodities and meals to those who can reach their locations. Unfortunately, the statewide waiting list for home-delivered meals is approximately 4,000 older adults. Our Council on Aging just opened a new, 12

th Meals on Wheels route located in Siler City

to help reduce its wait list. Funding for meals pro-grams is never adequate. These services have been operating for decades yet many seniors are not aware of them or how to access this help. Meals on Wheels, CORA and similar services also depend significantly on volunteers and most need more hands on board. This fall is also a season of heightened political activity and advocacy; campaigns and elections will be in the headlines. It is important to keep in mind that advocacy is at heart local. Helping with challenges such as food insecurity for Chatham’s older residents is one way to advocate ‘at home’. The issue of food insecurity is identified in Chat-ham’s Aging Plan. How can you help? Consider becoming a volun-teer with the Council or other food service pro-vider. All of the Council’s home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) are delivered by volunteers. Monetary donations to the Council's meals pro-grams are always needed. Contact state and fed-eral legislators and let them know you want more support for nutrition services. Become involved with helping implement Chatham’s Aging Plan. Educate others that adequate food and nutrition are the foundation for overall health and well-being. Let’s all advocate for making sure the ta-ble is well set for all Chatham’s older residents.

Health Page 9 Fall 2018

Is Tick Season Over Yet?Is Tick Season Over Yet?Is Tick Season Over Yet?Is Tick Season Over Yet? By Anne Lowry, Environmental Health Director, Chatham County Public Health Department

Tick “season” should no longer be a term we use to determine when we stop actively preventing tick borne illnesses. Ticks have been shown to be active during all seasons in North Carolina. Tick activity certainly can decrease in the fall and winter, but people are still at risk for contracting tick borne illnesses any time of year. We can expect to see black legged ticks all seasons, even winter when the days are above freezing. Black legged ticks can transmit the bacteria associated with Lyme Disease and Erhlichiosis. The Lone Star Tick is still active through late fall and can transmit

Ehrlichiosis and Southern Tick associated rash illness (STARI). Even during fall and winter people should continue efforts to prevent tick borne illness by using DEET repellent or other proven tick re-pellents when outdoors including working in gardens or going on hikes, and always check for ticks when returning inside from outside activities. Contact your doctor if you believe you have any symp-toms associated with a tick borne illness including aches, pains, fatigue, fever, or chills. To find out more about ticks please visit the Chatham County Environmental Health website or contact the Chatham County Environmental Health Division at 919-545-8310 to pick up your tick kit today. Did you know that ticks transmit various illnesses right here in Chatham County?Did you know that ticks transmit various illnesses right here in Chatham County?Did you know that ticks transmit various illnesses right here in Chatham County?Did you know that ticks transmit various illnesses right here in Chatham County? And did you know there are things you can do tAnd did you know there are things you can do tAnd did you know there are things you can do tAnd did you know there are things you can do to o o o

prevent ticks from transmitting illnesses?prevent ticks from transmitting illnesses?prevent ticks from transmitting illnesses?prevent ticks from transmitting illnesses? Visit theVisit theVisit theVisit the Chatham County Public Health Department tick pageChatham County Public Health Department tick pageChatham County Public Health Department tick pageChatham County Public Health Department tick page to find out how to protect to find out how to protect to find out how to protect to find out how to protect

yourself from ticks!yourself from ticks!yourself from ticks!yourself from ticks!

5 Keys to Managing Your Health After A Disaster5 Keys to Managing Your Health After A Disaster5 Keys to Managing Your Health After A Disaster5 Keys to Managing Your Health After A Disaster By Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

After a serious disaster strikes, the first concern is address-ing the physical destruction left in its wake. But what about the damage that we can’t see? This hurricane season (the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30), we take a look at how to bounce back mentally and emotionally from a disaster.

We know that natural disasters like Hurricane Florence can have real impacts on our mental health. Just like we take inventory of our physical safety and wellbeing, it’s critical to take care of our mental and emotional health after a crisis. We talked to two of our psychiatrists about the feelings and emotions that come after a natural dis-aster and how we can help ourselves or loved ones who may be affected.

Know what’s normal.

After a serious disaster, it is natural to experience a wide range of feelings and responses, says Dr. Winston Lane, Associate Medical Director at Cardinal Innovations Healthcare. “It’s important to nor-malize the typical experience following a natural disaster,” says Lane. “Many emotions are normal, for example: anxiety, sadness, fear, shock, disbelief.” Continued=.

Your Mental Health Page 10 The Chatham Senior Times

Continued from previous page.

Although these responses are normal, they can still be difficult to manage. “We have to be mindful about the impact of psychological distress,” says Dr. Tedra Anderson-Brown, Medical Director with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare. “Just like taking care of our physical health – drinking water, get-ting exercise, washing our hands – we must be intentional about our mental health as well.” Make sure you’re finding healthy ways to cope, such as talking to friends or family, spending time with animals, joining support groups, or volunteering. If these emotions persist over an extended period of time or begin to affect your ability to function in daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.

Recognize who is at risk.

There are several key groups that are at increased risk for experiencing mental health symptoms following a crisis. “It’s important to recognize who might be most affected after a natural disaster,” says Anderson-Brown. “We know that children, people who experience loss, and people who have existing mental health conditions are at an increased risk for experiencing symptoms. It’s important that they understand help is available from a variety of sources.” People who are displaced after a disaster are also at risk. “Displacement means more than the loss of a home. Oftentimes displacement can mean the loss of a job, community, or support system,” says Lane. A 2017 study showed that people who were displaced after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 were more likely to have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxi-ety.

Find balance.

There will probably be physical reminders of the destruction around long after the disaster strikes. Similarly, there will be ongoing reporting on the aftermath of the disaster, which can be harmful. “It’s important to recognize the direct and indirect exposure,” says Anderson-Brown. “There is a bal-ance between being informed and overexposure. The chronic constant exposure (to news about the disaster) can be very impactful, especially on children and people with special needs. Make sure you’re staying informed but also taking time to step away.”

When in doubt, reach out.

It’s critical to stay tuned into the emotional wellbeing of your friends and family who’ve been af-fected by the disaster. “We know that there are people who might try to hide their emotions,” says Lane. The number of calls to Puerto Rico’s suicide hotline more than doubled just four months after Hurricane Maria hit the island in September 2017. “A phone call or text just to ask how someone is doing in the days, weeks and months after a disaster can make a difference.”

For more information and to access mental

health services call Cardinal Innovations

Access Call Center (24/7) at 1-800-939-5911. Or Daymark Recovery Services at 919-663-2955,

located at 1105 East Cardinal St., Siler City

New Page 11 Fall 2018

CORA provides assistance to income-qualified individuals who face food insecurity in Chatham County. Their primary goal is to serve an increased number of families and individuals who are in need of food assistance and facing either personal or economic crises.

CORA is working to end hunger in our community by soliciting, collecting, and purchasing food for distribution through their food pantry. The pantry is a place of hope and comfort for many in our community, a respite from their struggles where there is always an empathetic ear, supportive smile, and shelves of food to help meet their needs. CORA currently fills 100% of client requests--no one is turned away. For more information go to corafoodpantry.org

The Council on Aging is partnering with CORA and utilizing a grant from Farmer Food Share (www.farmerfoodshare.org) to provide fresh produce to our participants. Farmer Food Share is a non-profit and has two strate-gies for getting fresh food to the under-served: 1. Volunteers collect food and monetary donations from market shoppers, buy from the farmers at market, and donate the resulting food to a local hunger relief agency. 2. Purchases food from small to mid-sized farms looking for new markets, and sells it to nonprofits serving low-wealth communities, schools, gro-ceries and other institutions.

Here at the Council, we are excited and proud to have such impactful, community partnerships. Thank you CORA and Farmer Food Share!

Welcome Beth Moran

as Care Services

Assistant at the

Western Chatham

Center.

Welcome Sophia Martin

as Finance Assistant. Welcome Lacee Monte as Finance Officer/Deputy

Director

New Beginnings

Congratulations to Allison Andrews for her promotion to Volunteer

Coordinator.

Non-profit Spotlight

= = = = Healthy Seniors!Healthy Seniors!Healthy Seniors!Healthy Seniors!

Volunteer Page 12 The Chatham Senior Times

Volunteer Opportunity SpotlightVolunteer Opportunity SpotlightVolunteer Opportunity SpotlightVolunteer Opportunity Spotlight–––– By Allison Andrews, Volunteer Coordinator

Helen Maness and her Volunteers will be hosting their 8th

Year

Anniversary Dance, on Friday, Oct. 12th

. “Southern Exposure”, the

original house band, will return to play their “live” covers of your

favorite country, classic, and rock tunes. There will be a huge

collection of home-cooked food and desserts, and water/soda for

sale. Doors open at 5:30pm, music starts at 7pm, and admission is

$10 at the Western Chatham Center in Siler City. The Council is a

direct benefactor of proceeds from these dances. Please come!

Are you interested in giving back to your Chatham County community? Meals on Wheels is the perfect opportunity! We are in need of Meals on Wheels driv-ers in Bennett, Goldston, and Bear Creek to deliver hot, nutritious meals to home-bound older adults. Routes take about an hour to deliver. Volunteers also spend a few minutes visiting and checking on each senior. Mindy Brown, who has delivered meals for almost 5 years, said “I enjoy being able to get out and see people. I have such a loving relationship with the seniors I deliver to; I love them all.” Patricia Robbins added, “As much as the clients enjoy the vis-its, I think I enjoy them more.” In 2017, Chatham County Council on Aging volunteers delivered 13,507 meals. If you would like to be a part of this re-warding experience please contact Allison Andrews, Volunteer Coordinator, (919)-542-4512 or allison.andrews@chathamcouncilonaging.org. David Clement, MOW Driver

Council on Aging Seeking Board Members The Chatham County Council on Aging is seeking several individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. “We are eager to recruit persons who can further strengthen our capacity to help provide the vision, oversight and technical assistance that will sustain and enhance our Council’s ability to serve,” remarked David Marty, chairman of the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee. “We are especially eager to add some individuals

with legal and financial backgrounds and also hope to broaden our Board’s membership in terms of diversity to better reflect Chatham’s population,” added Marty. The Council’s Board is a governance and working Board that requires participation in its various activities and to be ambassadors in the community at large. If you are interested in learning more about the Board and are interested in pos-sible membership, contact Dennis Streets, the Council’s director, at 919-542-4512 or Den-nis.Streets@chathamcoa.org.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is currently recruiting volunteers. VITA

offers free tax help to seniors and low to middle-income clients who

need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. We are looking for

tax preparers (IRS training provided), site support coordinators for

checking clients in/out and computer assistants to handle minor

trouble shooting. Please contact Allison Andrews at 919-542-4512.

Food & Fun Fall 2018 Page 13

COA Word Search

Kielbasa with Potatoes and Peppers

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 (16 ounce) package smoked kielbasa sausage, diced

• 6 medium red potatoes, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Place kielbasa and potatoes in the saucepan.

Cover, and cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

2. Mix red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper into the saucepan, and continue cooking 5 minutes, until peppers are just tender. Serves 6. Make ahead and freeze in single servings in aluminum foil to reheat easily.

LUNCH

ACTIVITES

EXERCISE

EDUCATION

IN-HOME AIDE

MEALS ON WHEELS

MINOR HOME REPAIR

TRANSPORTATION

SENIOR CENTERS

FITNESS ROOMS

VITA

SHIIP

Page 14

Page 15

Coming Event Page 16 Chatham Senior Times

Page 17

Candlelight Reflections Reception & CeremonyCandlelight Reflections Reception & CeremonyCandlelight Reflections Reception & CeremonyCandlelight Reflections Reception & Ceremony A time to remember those we have lost and honor those currently living with A time to remember those we have lost and honor those currently living with A time to remember those we have lost and honor those currently living with A time to remember those we have lost and honor those currently living with

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,

and their dedicated caregivers. We will recognize:and their dedicated caregivers. We will recognize:and their dedicated caregivers. We will recognize:and their dedicated caregivers. We will recognize:

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month & National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month & National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month & National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month &

National Caregivers MonthNational Caregivers MonthNational Caregivers MonthNational Caregivers Month Thursday, November 1stThursday, November 1stThursday, November 1stThursday, November 1st

5:305:305:305:30----7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm Eastern Chatham Senior CenterEastern Chatham Senior CenterEastern Chatham Senior CenterEastern Chatham Senior Center 365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro

Respite services provided if requested by Oct 25thRespite services provided if requested by Oct 25thRespite services provided if requested by Oct 25thRespite services provided if requested by Oct 25th

RSVP to susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org by Oct 26th if you plan to attendRSVP to susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org by Oct 26th if you plan to attendRSVP to susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org by Oct 26th if you plan to attendRSVP to susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org by Oct 26th if you plan to attend

(919) 542(919) 542(919) 542(919) 542----4512 ext 2314512 ext 2314512 ext 2314512 ext 231

Light refreshments will be servedLight refreshments will be servedLight refreshments will be servedLight refreshments will be served

Virtual Dementia ToursVirtual Dementia ToursVirtual Dementia ToursVirtual Dementia Tours

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018October 22, 2018October 22, 2018

Eastern Chatham Senior Center

365 Hwy. 87 N, Pittsboro

Chatham County Council on Aging is partnering with Homewatch CareGivers

in the Virtual Dementia Tour!

We know this will be a life-changing experience for caregivers, family members and any-one else who encounters people with dementia. You are invited to sign up now. We have only 18 slots available. The slots are for 20 minutes, starting at 4:30pm and ending at

7:30pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

Pre-registration is required in order to attend this event. For more information, please For more information, please For more information, please For more information, please

contact Susan Hardy at susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org or (919) 542contact Susan Hardy at susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org or (919) 542contact Susan Hardy at susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org or (919) 542contact Susan Hardy at susan.hardy@chathamcoa.org or (919) 542----4512 ext. 231. 4512 ext. 231. 4512 ext. 231. 4512 ext. 231.

Page 18

TAI CHI FOR

ARTHRITIS

Tuesdays at 9 am

Improve movement,

balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation.

Decrease pain and falls.

Eastern Chatham Senior Center

365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro

*Donation-based class*

Contact Liz Lahti for more information.Contact Liz Lahti for more information.Contact Liz Lahti for more information.Contact Liz Lahti for more information.

919.542.4512919.542.4512919.542.4512919.542.4512

Eastern Chatham Senior CenterEastern Chatham Senior CenterEastern Chatham Senior CenterEastern Chatham Senior Center

365 Highway 87 North

PO Box 715

Pittsboro, NC 27312

PHONE (919) 542-4512

FAX (919) 542-5191

Western Chatham Senior CenterWestern Chatham Senior CenterWestern Chatham Senior CenterWestern Chatham Senior Center

112 Village Lake Road

Siler City, NC 27344

PHONE (919) 742-3975

FAX (919) 742-7440

Serving Chatham Seniors for Over 44 YearsServing Chatham Seniors for Over 44 YearsServing Chatham Seniors for Over 44 YearsServing Chatham Seniors for Over 44 Years

• Assistive Equipment Loan Program • Caregiver Respite & Support Group • Chatham County Senior Games and

SilverArts • Congregate Meals • Diabetic Support Group • Disaster Preparation • Emergency Meals • Energy Assistance • Family Caregiver Support • Health Education • Heat-Relief Fan Distribution • Hiking Club • Housing Information • Income Tax Assistance (VITA) • Information & Options Counseling • In-Home Aide Service • Legal Services • Meals on Wheels and Frozen Meals

• Medical Transportation • Minor Home Repair • Reporting Neglect/Abuse/Exploitation • Senior Center Activities • Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program-SHIIP • Telephone Reassurance • Transportation • Travelers Club • Volunteer Opportunities • Wellness Program • Information & Assistance Mental Health Hospice Adult Day Care/Health Rehabilitation Services Medicaid and Medicare A/B Social Security Benefits

www.chathamcouncilonaging.org