Say It with a Song This Valentine's Day!
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Serving AUGUSTA & the CSRA Information For Ages 50 PLUS! SaySay itit withwith aa songsong thisthis Valentine’sValentine’s Day!Day! StoryStory onon PagePage 66 February 2012 Vol. 26, No. 2 Page 2 • February 2012 • Senior News • Augusta Love Shouldn’t Hurt by Marie Young of Walton Options depression many of the group mem- Lauren Hoffman, will be sponsoring on February 14, 2012 from 1 p.m. - Member of the Elder Rights bers expressed and the violence they the award this year. The idea origi- 3 p.m. in North Augusta. Please con- Team of the CSRA. had previously endured. Jean shared nally was to have the winner keep tact Laura Smith at (803) 279-9611 a very personal poem she had written the bear for a year and then present it v/tty for more information about how years earlier with her group at their to the next year’s winner along with you can participate. Walton Options for final meeting. It was entitled, “Love their personal journey story; howev- Independent Living came out of a Shouldn’t Hurt.” From this another er, it became quite obvious that the vision from the Director of Walton idea was born; why not offer the winners simply would not part with Rehabilitation Hospital to have avail- independent living’s vantage point their award. Letters able a continuum of services in the through a workshop? The workshops range in atten- CSRA for persons with disabilities, A committee was formed and the dance from 15 to as many as 60 peo- Article Appreciated which may begin with their entering first year, two workshops/seminars ple. However, it is not the number of a hospital or rehabilitation facility were held on or near Valentine’s people who show up that drives this Dear Publisher/Editor: and ending with their living at home Day. All of the key stakeholders labor of love; it is the survivors, their Just a note to say that, as long- and independently in the community. were invited and many either attend- stories, their courage and persever- time square dancers, we greatly But as many of us already know, far ed or actually spoke. Some of the ance, and their support of one anoth- appreciated the article about square too many people with disabilities are organizations were: Safe Homes of er that really makes this event so dancing that was written by Carolyn vulnerable to physical, psychological Augusta, the Cumbee Center to near and dear to our hearts. People Brenneman and which appeared in and sexual abuse. So living inde- Assist Abused Persons from Aiken, with disabilities are much more like- the January 2012 issue of Senior pendently is often the goal but fear the Guardian Ad Litem Program, ly to be abused for a longer period of News, Serving Augusta and the of being hurt can be a barrier. South Carolina Department of Social time and to suffer abuse from more CSRA. We congratulate Ms Awareness of the problem is a step Services, DFCS, the Sheriff’s than one individual, many times their Brenneman for doing such a fine job toward solving it. Empowerment is Department and local public safety, caregiver. of recounting the many health bene- another step toward solving the prob- Legal Aid, Counselors from the We here at Walton Options for fits and pleasures that are inherent lem. Teaching the tools to prevent Center for Care and Counseling, and Independent Living are committed to to square dancing and that are abuse - violence - neglect is crucial several others. Each year the pro- “empowering persons of all ages enjoyed by all participating dancers, to ending its cycle. gram has refined itself. Somewhere with all types of disabilities to reach especially our empty-nested seniors. Approximately 9 years ago, a along the way, another idea came to their highest level of independence, She did this by keeping the piece staff member by the name of Jean fruition. community inclusion and employ- light, informative, interesting. As asked if she could develop and run a The Vicky (or Victor) Victorious ment.” To truly be independent, we time and space may allow, we hope support/advocacy group for people Award is given to the person/sur- understand that a person must also she will continue to explore and with depression. The group met reg- vivor nominated and chosen to repre- be free from fear of abuse. Love report on this family-oriented tradi- ularly and near the end of the first sent someone who has not only sur- Shouldn’t Hurt is one avenue Walton tional American folk-dance recre- group cycle, it became overwhelm- vived, but thrived since the time of Options takes to help educate others ation. We thoroughly enjoyed her ingly clear to Jean that there was a their abuse. The community relations about this all too often silent epidem- work. direct correlation between the representative from Build a Bear, ic. This year the event will be held Dan and Mary Martin T OUCHING LIVES Security... Services... Southern Hospitality! At Thomson Health and Rehabilitation we believe in resident-centered care. Preservation of our residents’ dignity, self-respect, rights and privacy is our primary concern. Our programs focus on assisting residents to live each day to their fullest in a caring and professional environment. We believe this means developing personal relationships with our residents and their families. Our professional staff provides compassionate, individualized care in a home-like, family atmosphere... including, but not limited to: 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care, Pharmacy Service, Physician Services, Restorative Program, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Short or Long Term Rehabilitation, Subacute/Post Hospitalization Care, Dining and Nutrition Services, Specialized Wound Care, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, Pain Management and Palliative/Hospice Care. We look forward to the opportunity to provide tours and answer any questions you may have regarding short or long term care services. Thomson Health and Rehabilitation 511 Mount Pleasant Road • Thomson, GA 30824 706-595-5574 February 2012 • Senior News • Augusta • Page 3 Poets’ Corner PRECIOUS GIFTS THE VIRTUE OF LOVE Christine, that’s who I love my sister, she is my heart by Nina Clauss by Vera King I am so very lucky to A sister is a forever friend My greatest gift since I was born Jesus said to me, I am the way, Should I dare to She is always in your heart Christine, that is you Come early morning with Bible I pray. Attempt a love poem And makes your life so much richer Early morning when others are asleep, One with no rhyme And missed when we are apart ********* His book I read, strength and courage Or reason for being to reap. Except for its mystery That mystifies the masses At five A.M. the phone does not ring, The ecstasy of escape Concentration unbroken by anything. The tenderness of togetherness I understand better, nothing to disturb, Where two are twined My mind is ready to read God’s word. For a lifetime of giving And shared secrets bring bliss. God is listening when we pray, He answers prayers His own way. ********* It’s not always what we want to hear, We can trust His decision without fear. SISTER by Frankie Lee We know our Father gave His own son, I have a sister. She is so great And by that gift our freedom was won. And means the world to me Give problems to God and live with She is always there out sin, In good and bad A home in Heaven our gift to win. No matter where I’ll be Unite with Jesus, and you will see, She is the youngest of us two Brothers and sisters in Christ you’ll But oh so smart and wise be. She is so beautiful too ********* My greatest gift since I was born Staff Members Receive International Certifications It’s just as easy to protect against the high cost of long-term care. by JEANETTE CUMMINGS people and services together. The The need for long-term care may Mike Ekre CLU®, ChFC® Director, Area Agency on Aging certification demonstrates the Financial Advisor not be the first thing you think of (706) 855-8811 x 215 A Division of the CSRA Regional Agency’s quality assurance and when you think of protecting your Development Center strong commitment to constantly nmfn.com/mikeekre improve human service delivery. family, but preparing for it is easy. To learn more about aging and The CSRA Area Agency on disability resources or volunteer Aging, a division of the CSRA opportunities, contact the CSRA Regional Commission, is proud to Area Agency on Aging at announce that three 706.210.2018 or toll free members of the 866.552.4464 or log onto HYPER- agency’s staff have LINK "http://www.AreaAgencyon successfully passed Aging.com. an international cer- tification examina- tion for the aging profession. The Jeanette exam is adminis- Cummings tered by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). The exam was hosted in Atlanta on October 20th by United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Jackie Sparks, Lead Information and Screening Specialist; Lee Walker, Education and Resource Specialist; and, April Young, Information and Screening Specialist, are now Certified Information and Referral Specialists - Aging (CIRS-A). The AIRS Certification Program awards profes- sional credentials internationally to individuals who have demonstrated competencies in the field of informa- tion and referral (I&R) that include the knowledge, skills, attitudes and work-related behaviors needed by I&R practitioners to successfully perform their duties. AIRS is the professional associa- tion for over 1,200 community I&R providers, primarily in the United States and Canada – which brings Page 4 • February 2012 • Senior News • Augusta AGENCY ALERT: Your New Year Money Checklist! by KATHLEEN ERNCE Whether you want to be debt- for contributions to be made auto- Executive Director free in 10 years or own a house in matically from your checking or The Senior Citizens Council 5, you’re more inclined to save if savings account.