Gus Volunteer Spotlight. ....Pg 3 l Café Corner....pg 5 l Caregivers Play a Pivotal Role in the Lives of Loved Ones...pg 6 Differences in Care....pg 8&9 l What a Day!....Pg 10 l River House Classes ....Pg 12 l Be a Santa to a Senior ....Pg 15

NOVEMBER 2017

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GIVE THANKS!

We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. — JOHN F. KENNEDY

The Council on Aging is here to help with programs and services ranging from Meals on Wheels and Coastal Home Care to dementia care, caregiver support, and adult day care/respite care.

NOVEMBER IS CAREGIVER APPRECIATION MONTH

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How will you give?

HTTP://WWW.COASJC.ORG

VOLUNTEER

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTMercedes Vidal – Coastal Community Center, Development, Administration, Events, Sunshine Center, Spanish Teacher

For how long and why do you volunteer at COA?

I have volunteered for two years now! I love people and love to help others. At COA I meet lots of different people, many who need a little help. I work in several different departments and help in a variety of ways which keeps me learning new things. I love COA because here we have fun and we understand that it is never too late to learn. We have fun while we learn!

What did you do before you came to COA?

I was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. in 1966. I have lived in CA, NY, NJ, KS, and now FL. I worked for Texas Instruments as a Quality Control Inspector then as a Human Resources Assistant and finally a Certified Trainer.

What do you like to do outside of COA?

I love to sew, read history, self-help, and spiritual books, and listen to soft music. I have one son and one daughter and five grandsons and one granddaughter. I just adore my grandchildren!

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Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good. — MAYA ANGELOU, Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer

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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORThis month is the time we all try to take a moment and reflect on the things we are thankful for. At Council on Aging, we feel a special debt of gratitude for everyone who cares for older adults. We all want to age in place and we all want our loved ones to have the best possible quality of life. Council on Aging is dedicated to providing the means for our older residents to enjoy well being and independence.

Connecting people who really care with those who are in need is one of the ways COA helps make this happen. Gratitude is what happens when people are really reaching each other, making those meaningful connections. It shows us that we are accomplishing our mission to help people age with dignity. Gratitude is the light that shows us the way forward.

During this season of gratitude, we want to thank the amazing people who make it possible for us to accomplish what we do -Our Board & leadership, our volunteers, our staff, our donors and the wonderful people who let us into their lives. We are honored to be of service and truly grateful for every single connection that brings a little more light into our lives.

Becky YanniExecutive Director, COUNCIL ON AGING

Advertise in Gus!Gus! Magazine is the recipient of the 2011 ElderSource “Night With the Stars” Outstanding Media Award the 2012 Quality Senior Living Award in the Media Vision category! Gus! Magazine gives great information about community events and services ~ and great results for our advertisers. Gus! is inserted into 10,000 home-delivered copies of the St. Augustine Record on the second Thursday of every month.

You can also find Gus! at all branches of the St. Johns

2017NO

VEMBER

County Library, River House (179 Marine St.), and the Coastal Community Center (180 Marine St.)

Want results? Grab Gus! Call the Record at (904) 819-3458 or fax (904) 819-3557PUBLISHER: TONY BERNADOS EDITOR: BECKY YANNI GRAPHIC DESIGN: RIMA SHIURNA

VISION STATEMENT of ST. JOHNS COUNCIL ON AGING

“To promote the opportunity for every person in St. Johns County to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality of life choices within a

strong, healthy community.”

Ameris Bank - Amistad - Centerstate Bank

Community Hospice and Palliative Care

Vicar's Landing

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Online security sounds like a scary and complicated thing – hacks, scams, viruses, and phishing –how can you stay safe? Consider a few tips to keep your information safe and the bad guys away:

• Have an antivirus program and keep it up to date. A good antivirus program will keep your computer clear of viruses and can also alert you to malicious websites or email attachments that may be harmful. You don’t have to shell out big bucks, either – companies like Kaspersky, Avast, and AVG provide free antivirus software.

• Be mindful of email scams that ask for your login, credit card info, or other personal information. These scam emails can be very convincing, and will usually ask you to click a link or attachment. Instead, don’t click anything! To find out if the email is legitimate, go to the company’s website directly instead of clicking any links, and either login or contact the company by phone. They’ll tell you if there is a legitimate need for updated information or if the email you received was a scam.

• When shopping online, make sure you are at the real website and that it is secure. Look out for typos or incorrect wording in the website address (for example: wamlart.com instead of Walmart.com). You also want to make sure the website is secure; many browsers use a small padlock icon (or sometimes the word “secure” in green) to indicate it is encrypted and secured to keep your information safe.

• This is a big one that many people don’t like, but it can definitely help: use strong, unique passwords for each site! Don’t reuse the same password across sites. If one site is hacked and your password is stolen, hackers will try to use that same password on other sites to see if you’ve reused it. Avoid using simple or easy to guess passwords, and include capitals, numbers and symbols. To help you remember them, you can use password manager programs like 1Password, Lastpass, or a trusty pen and paper kept in a safe, secret place.

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River House Café- 179 Marine St. 904-209-3636Open Monday- Thursday 11am-2pm

I N G R E D I E N T S

5 lbs sweet potatoes

1- Roasted red bell pepper (optional) cut in

half and deseed

2 tsp butter

4 cups veggie broth

1/2 c heavy cream or half and half

1-2 Tbsp cinnamon (or to taste)

1-2 Tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

I N S T R U C T I O N S

Preheat oven to 350*. Wash potatoes and poke holes in sweet potatoes, place on baking sheet. Bake until very tender about 1 hour.

On a separate baking sheet place red bell pepper and roast until tender about 20 mins. Allow to cool. Remove skin from sweet potatoes and place in a blender or food processor along with red bell pepper. Pulse food processor to break down potato and bell pepper, add 1 -2 cups of veggie broth and pulse to loosen. Once all sweet potato and bell pepper are broken down, move to a small stock pot.

Add butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Add additional veggie broth to thin out sweet potatoes. Place stove top on med-low heat cook for 10 minutes, add heavy cream allow soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes and adjust all seasonings to taste. Enjoy!

Fall is here and so is soup season. We have a very simple and delicious soup for you this month. This is a café favorite!

Al l Proceeds Benef i t Counc i l on Ag ing 's Sunsh ine Fund!

S t Johns County Agr icu l ture Center

3 125 Agr icu l ture Center Dr

St August ine , FL 32092

$20 per person/ $35 per couple

Sponsored by Women of the Moose #1101 & St. Augustine Line Dancers

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November is Caregiver Appreciation Month. As a former caregiver, I get it. Caregiving can be difficult, time consuming, and unpleasant. At the same time, caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding. While you are caring for someone, one of the most important things to remember is to care for yourself first. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to help your loved one. The Council on Aging can help you stay healthy and happy while caregiving. We offer a myriad of programs and services for caregivers and non-caregivers. Call us at 904-209-3700 to learn more about COA.As I was researching Caregiver Appreciation Month, I came across some very interesting statistics on the Caregiver Action website: http://caregiveraction.org/resources/caregiver-statistics. There was a lot of statistics there, but in my opinion, these were the most enlightening:The value of the services family caregivers provide for “free,” when caring for older adults, is estimated to be $375 billion a year. That is almost twice as much as is actually spent on homecare and nursing home services combined ($158 billion). Resource: Evercare Survey of the Economic Downturn and Its Impact on Family Caregiving; National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare. March 2009More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per

week providing care for their loved one. Resource: Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP; November 2009The typical family caregiver is a 49-year-old woman caring for her widowed 69-year-old mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 66% of family caregivers are women. More than 37% have children or grandchildren under 18 years old living with them. Resource: Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP. November 200920 hours per week is the average number of hours family caregivers spend caring for their loved ones while 13% of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more. Resource: Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP. November 200951% of care recipients live in their own home, 29% live with their family caregiver, and 4% live in nursing homes and assisted living. Resource: Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP. November 200936% of family caregivers care for a parent and 7 out of 10 caregivers are caring for loved ones over 50 years old. Resource: Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP. November 200978% of adults living in the community and in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as

their only source of help. Resource: Thompson, L. Long-term care: support for family caregivers. 2004The average family caregiver for someone 50 years or older spends $5,531 per year on out of pocket caregiving expenses in 2007 which was more than 10% of the median income for a family caregiver that year. Resource: Valuing the Invaluable: The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update. AARP23% of family caregivers caring for loved ones for 5 years or more report their health is fair or poor. Resource: Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP; November 2009Stress of family caregiving for persons with dementia has been shown to impact a person’s immune system for up to three years after their caregiving ends thus increasing their chances of developing a chronic illness themselves. Resource: Drs. Janice-Kiecolt Glaser and Ronald Glaser, “Chronic stress and age-related increases in the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 30, 2003.Nearly three quarters (72%) of family caregivers report not going to the doctor as often as they should and 55% say they skip doctor appointments for themselves. 63% of caregivers report having poor eating habits than non-caregivers and 58% indicate worse exercise habits than before caregiving responsibilities. Resource: Evercare Study of Caregivers in Decline: A Close-Up Look at Health Risks of Caring for a Loved

One; National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare. 2006.American businesses can lose as much as $34 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones 50 years of age and older. Resource: MetLife Caregiving Cost Study: Productivity Losses to U.S; MetLife Mature Market Institute and National Alliance for Caregiving Business. July 2006Caregivers caring for elderly loved ones cost employers 8% more in health care costs estimated to be worth $13.4 billion per year. Resource: MetLife Study of Working Caregivers and Employer Health Costs; National Alliance for Caregiving and MetLife Mature Market Institute. February 2010Up to 70% of family caregivers manage medications for their loved ones. Resource: Caregiver Action Network (National Family Caregivers Association); Insight into the activities, concerns and interests of higher-burden family caregivers, October 2012.As you can see from these statistics, caring for a loved one is not easy, and it is imperative that as a caregiver we take care of ourselves first. Don’t be a statistic. Know when it is time to get help, and don’t be afraid to ask. The Council on Aging is here to help with programs and services ranging from Meals on Wheels and Coastal Home Care to dementia care, caregiver support, and adult day care/respite care. We also have five senior centers if you’re looking for something fun to do. All of our programs and services are available

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CAREGIVERS PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE LIVES OF LOVED ONESby TOM TORRETTA

to the public via private pay. You do not need to be frail and fragile to come to COA or get assistance from us. Stop by or call us at 904-209-3700 to learn more about all the programs and

services we offer and how we can help you succeed as a caregiver. We are here for you!

Assistance with Personal CareHomemaking Services

CompanionshipRespite Services

Geriatric Case Management

Need a helping hand?

Call Us:904-209-3681 HHA # 299993305

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.— MARCEL PROUST

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When it became obvious that my grandmother could no longer live in her own home, my family and I had a lot of hard decisions to make. We had to come together as a family to determine which options would be best for her. Luckily, I didn’t have to make these

decisions alone and neither did gramma; we made them as a family. That isn’t always the case. You may find yourself in a similar situation one day, so it is best to start determining your options now, so you are fully prepared when the time comes.This article will guide you through the different types of care (independent living, assisted living, integrated memory enhancement program and adult day care, and hospice), how each of them differ, what questions to ask, and how to find a local provider.

Independent Living:Most of us desire to live independently in our home for as long as safely possible. Independent living is for seniors who are able to live on their own in a house or an apartment but want or need service and other amenities such as housekeepers, meals, activities, and transportation. This help could come from professional services, like Council on Aging Coastal Home Care, Care Connection, and Meals on Wheels. It is the goal of Council on Aging to support efforts of seniors to live independently in their home for as long as possible. Our services provide seniors with someone who will come to their home and spend a few hours assisting with household chores that he/she may not be able to do otherwise. We also provide lawn service and minor home repairs. Meals on Wheels deliver meals, so that a senior who may not be able or want to cook a full meal will be able to have that one hot meal per day.There are also independent living communities that offer separate, private living space and often offer a common social space where other community members can gather. There

are also several active adult, 55+ communities in our area.Assisted Living:Assisted living is a great option for individuals who have difficulty with daily activities at home. Residents at assisted living communities are free to live an independent lifestyle, but also receive regular support for a range of daily activities ranging from cleaning to meal preparation. Housekeeping and maintenance services are also included in the monthly rental of an apartment, along with laundry services, utilities, transportation, and meals. In addition to enjoying the peace of mind that comes from this maintenance-free lifestyle, residents can take advantage of a full calendar of events, activities, out-trips, and countless opportunities for social engagement. Additional care services, such as medication management or assistance taking a shower, are also readily available. Nursing Home:Nursing Homes, also called skilled nursing centers, are mainly for adults with serious medical needs. According to a 2005 AARP study, nearly half of nursing home residents had dementia, and more than half spent most of

their time in bed or in a wheelchair. Many nursing home residents have physical or mental health issues that require attention from nursing professionals. That care must be available 24 hours a day, every day. Still, many people in nursing homes stay for just a few months to receive rehabilitative care after incidents such as strokes or heart attacks. Integrated Memory Enhancement Program (IMEP) and Adult Day CareFor people exhibiting signs of dementia, there are many different programs and care options, depending on the level of need. For those in early stages of dementia or those who just want to take part in a program designed to help mental sharpness, Council on Aging offers Integrated Memory Enhancement Program (IMEP) classes and adult day care. For those in need of more guidance, assistance, supervision, or nursing care, Council on Aging offers the Sunshine Center, an Adult Day Health Care program. Open Monday through Friday 7:30am – 5:00pm, this program is designed as an activity center for adults with special needs. Care is available for any chronic illness: stroke, Parkinson’s

disease, and dementia. Staff is specially trained in nursing care needs and a licensed nurse is available for health, wellness, and medication monitoring. Participants receive a well- rounded day of activities including cognitive stimulation, cardio exercise, games, music, art therapies, meals & snacks. Physical and Occupational therapies are also available on premise per MD orders. 24 Hr. Memory Care:For those needing 24 hour care, there are communities that offer residents accommodations, meals, on-staff medical personnel, and endless options regarding programming to help keep residents engaged in a safe, secure environment.Hospice and Palliative Care:There are several Hospice programs available in St. Johns County and they offer help not only to patients, but to families and caregivers in the way of Palliative Care. Hospice seeks to enhance the quality of life, not the quantity. This type of care focuses on providing spiritual and emotional support, comfort measures, personal care, and guidance that allows one to live out the remainder of their life with dignity.

DIFFERENCES IN CARE

It is also helpful to have an advocate or case worker (these can be provided from your insurance company) to help you navigate the ins and outs of the system. Not only do they know insurance, but have experience with most local facilities and know which one is the best option for you or your loved one.My grandmother ended up going to a nursing home, because this environment best suited her needs. She was later transferred to hospice care when the time was right. I was very satisfied with both care options because they provided the services she needed at the time and also provided me with the support and knowledge I needed to make informed decisions.For a list of some of local care providers, contact Council on Aging at coasjc.org or 904-209-3700.

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When evaluating a community/ facility for yourself or a loved one, it is important to ask:1. Does this feel like home? Are there enough activities and

like-minded people around for your loved one to be happy?

2. What is the quality of care in the community/ facility? Are there enough medical professionals present? Do the workers seem stressed or overworked? It is best to make a “surprise” visit to evaluate this.

3. How does the community/ facility handle emergencies- from a medical emergency to a hurricane? What is expected of caregivers during an emergency- from transportation issues to increased costs?

4. What level of care do you or your loved one need? Does this community/ facility provide that level of care? What level of care may I/she/he need in the future and does this community/ facility offer varying levels of care?

5. How will the cost differ as your loved one needs additional care? Is it affordable?

6. Are you comfortable with this community/ facility and the staff? Do you feel supported? As a caregiver, it is easy to forget that you have needs, too.

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WHAT A DAY! Some days, things just don’t seem to go right, and Murphy’s Law just finds some days to work at full capacity! However, when Murphy’s Law is working, Council on Aging volunteers and employees are working overtime. When COA is short staffed, volunteers roll up their sleeves and help however they can- from cleaning up dishes to saying the mealtime prayer. It is this dedication and flexibility of volunteers and employees that allows COA to be the organization it is! Volunteers and employees know the value for the services they provide and understand the importance and the need for reliability in these services. “The measure of a person’s strength is not his muscular power or strength, but it is his flexibility and adaptability.” – Debasish MridhaIf you are interested in volunteering, please contact Amy Leach at 904-209-3686 or aleach@stjohnscoa.com.

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Council on Aging – River House

River House is located at 179 Marine St., St Augustine, FL 32084. Hours of operation for River House are from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Friday. To register for a class, please call 209-3655.

SPECIAL CLASSES

River House Christmas Extravaganza

Calling all interested vendors who would like to participate in the Annual River House Christmas Extravaganza! This arts and crafts event will be held Thursday, November 30, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., at River House. Please contact Tiffany at 209-3646 / tbennett@stjohnscoa.com or Debbie at 209-3643 / dvangemert@stjohnscoa.com to register and for more information.

Senior PilatesPilates is a form of exercise that will result in an improved core of stability, flexibility, strength and energy. This is accomplished by efficient mindful movement, emphasizing the balanced development of the body and mind. Modifications will be offered for every movement shown. It is also a lot of fun! This course is taught by Susan Patterson, a former English teacher of 38 years and an avid lifelong “exerciser”. Susan earned her Pilates Mat 1 certification to help seniors (like herself) develop and feel the benefits of Pilates. Pilates will be on Mondays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at River House Cost is $4 for members or $5 for

non-members. Students will need to bring a yoga mat. If you have straps, please bring those as well.

Senior Sexual Assault Lecture

The sexual abuse of elders is poorly understood and under-researched. The victims of senior sexual assault often have medical issues that result in difficulties communicating, confusion, or memory loss — all of which interfere with the ability of the elder to report the abuse. Join Jackie Meredith with the Betty Griffin Center, on Thursday, November 9, 10:00 a.m. at River House (179 Marine Street). She will be talking about Abuse in Later Life, which includes domestic and sexual violence. She will be also discussing what is DV/SA Violence, who is doing the violence, how it was reported in the past, generational concerns, what is happening now and how to stay safe! Learn the signs and how to help, join us for this complimentary and informative lecture. Please call 209-3655 to register and for more questions.

Ageless Grace Ageless Grace is a cutting-edge brain fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all 5 functions of the brain - analytical, strategic, kinesthetic learning, memory/recall, creativity and imagination - and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal function. The movements are designed to be performed seated in a chair. Almost anyone can do them, regardless of most physical conditions. This ongoing class will be held

River House, 179 Marine Street. Please call Tiffany Bennett at904-209-3646 for details on the following classes and events.

R I V E R H O U S E C L A S S E SVISION STATEMENT of ST. JOHNS COUNCIL ON AGING – “To promote the opportunity for every person in St. Johns County to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality of life choices within a strong, healthy community.”

Dear Wise Old Owl,I have this friend, let’s call him John, who is a complete know it all! John doesn’t think he is wrong about anything- even though he often is! I try to be nice and correct him, but he doesn’t take to criticism well. For example, he thought that St. Augustine was founded by European settlers. When I told him it was actually found by Spanish explorer, Pedro Menendez, he got very defensive. I still want to be his friend, but it is quite annoying. What should I do? Sincerely, Annoyed in Augustine

Dear Annoyed, You need to carefully consider how you are correcting John. Are you doing it as kindly as you think you are? Are you correcting him in front of other people and possibly embarrassing him? . If he is in front of his friends or feels threatened when you correct him, that may lead him to be defensive. If so, be sure to only correct him when you are one-on-one.

If that is not the case, you need to carefully consider if your friendship is worth it. He obviously thinks your opinion, whether it is factually based or not, is not valid. He does not take, or value, your constructive criticism, so it would be best not to give it in the future. If you are OK letting him think he is always right, then continue the friendship. But, if it bothers you, it will turn into a toxic friendship.

By the way, on the issue of who founded St. Augustine, you both are correct! It was founded by Pedro Menendez, of Spain, which is part of Europe.

Life is too short to be involved in bad relationships- take it from the Wise Old Owl!

Send your question to “Wise Old Owl” 180 Marine St,

St Augustine, FL 32084 or email us at wiseoldowl@stjohnscoa.com.

on Tuesdays, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Cost for each class is $4 for members and $5 for non-members.

Flagler College Tech HelpTechnology savvy Flagler College students will be offering complimentary help at River House, on Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m.! Please bring in your laptop, smartphone, iPhone, iPad, or tablet and a student will work with you one on one and answer all of your questions and technology needs!

iPhone/iPad ClassesiPhone/iPad classes are back with Kai Long on Tuesdays, beginning November 7 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Each class session will have a different topic discussed. Cost for each class is $8 for River

House members and $10 for all others.

Grief Support Group Finding a grief support group can make all the difference in healing from the hurt of losing a loved one. This complimentary support group led by Sheri Wallace, Bereavement Counselor at Community Hospice, is open to anyone grieving the death of a loved one. This group meets the third Tuesday of each month (November 21 and December 19) at 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine.

Caregiver Support Groups Gain valuable insight and emotional support with your journey as a caregiver. Caregiver Support Groups

meet each month on the 2nd and 4th Thursday (November 9 & December 14, 28) at 1:00 p.m., Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine Street.

Pole Walking for Fitness, Health and Feeling Happy

River House pole walkers meet 5 different times each week for group walking with an instructor. Pole Walking has a low impact on joints, improves balance, burns more calories, and improves posture. Join Sheila Vidamour at River House, 179 Marine Street, on Friday, (November 17 and December 15) at 10:00 a.m., for a complimentary Pole Walking Clinic. Reservations are required to register. (Must complete Pole Walking Clinic to participate in the Pole Walking Class).

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Do you have an elderly loved one who is in need of services? Or, are you a business whose primary service is for seniors and you are looking to expand? Well, look no further! SPIN, or Senior Provider Information Network, is a community oriented networking group that can help.

Call Wayne Reyes for more information:

Cell: 904-540-0237

Visit our website:http://www.stjohnscoa.org

Coastal TransportationShuttle services for group

transportation.

Accommodating 14-25 passengers.

WeddingsCorporate EventsSporting Events

SPIN was founded in April 2016 by Eddie Malone, of Boomer & Senior Resources, and Lynn Eberly, of Council on Aging. “SPIN is a membership group consisting of community based agencies and local businesses that provide reliable information, resources and local assistance to seniors and their families in the greater

St. Johns County area,” said Eddie Malone, SPIN Founder. “SPIN members assist senior citizens with aging-related concerns and provide information about services, products, educational opportunities and activities available throughout St Johns County.” The others on the leadership board are Carol Albanesi of Haven Hospice, Jennifer Hill of Home

Instead, and Kristen White of Allegro. SPIN meets the first Wednesday of every month at Haven Hospice (2497 US 1 S, St. Augustine, FL 32084) at 9am. Breakfast is served and then a guest speaker is introduced, which covers various senior topics. It is free for first time members and is $10 after that. All proceeds go towards Council on

Aging emergency funding, which includes: space heaters, wheelchair ramps, pest control, nutritional supplements, and electric bill payment for seniors who may not be able to afford it otherwise. If you are interested in donating or joining SPIN, please contact Eddie Malone at 904-810-8535 or spinstaugustine@gmail.com.

Legally Speaking Lecture Series

The Legally Speaking Lecture Series is presented by Attorney Megan Wall and is open to the public at no charge. The December 8 lecture topic to be discussed is “How to handle your kids on Legal Issues” from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Attorney Wall sees clients privately by appointment at River House. Clients must make an appointment by calling Legal Aid at 904-827-9921 ext. 206.

Creative Writing/Memoir Writing

Need an idea to start writing? Get motivated with Peter Guinta, whose background as a professional news reporter and author is the leader of this class. Anyone who has that inner desire to write a book is invited to join this group on Wednesdays at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Learn how to write your own history, ask for critiques or read your work aloud.

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ovember 9th, 2017

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‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ Program Provides Comfort, Companionship and Cheer to St. Augustine and St. John’s County SeniorsWhile many seniors enjoy being able to live independently, the holidays can be a difficult time for those who are unable to spend them with friends or loved ones. In fact, isolated seniors are at greater risk for loneliness, anxiety and depression. This is why the local Home Instead Senior Care® office serving St. Augustine and St. John’s County is inviting the community to come together to bring some comfort and holiday cheer to area seniors through its Be a Santa to a Senior® program. “Research suggests that feelings of loneliness can have a real effect on both mental and physical health. The holidays are a prime time for many people to feel lonely, and that may be especially true for seniors who cannot travel from their homes or have lost their support network,” said Diana Clark, General Manager of the St. Augustine Home Instead Senior Care office. “With Be a Santa to a Senior, we are able to

bring them some comfort through a thoughtful gift that they might not otherwise receive. But, more importantly, we deliver those gifts with a warm friendly face and kind words to remind them that their community cares about them.”Providing gifts and companionship at a time when seniors may need it most, the program is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community. The local Home Instead Senior Care office has partnered with St. John’s County Council on Aging to help with gift collection and distribution. Holiday shoppers are invited to support this local program by visiting a participating location where Be a Santa to a Senior trees will be on display from November 21st to December 21st. Those trees will be decorated with paper ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and their desired gifts. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached. There’s

no need to worry about wrapping. Community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors in time for the holidays.“We’re excited to get started and see the tree ornaments turn into meaningful gifts and interactions that can make a real impact on seniors’ quality of life this holiday season,” said Malorie Hill, co-owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office. “We know there are a variety of gift initiatives out there, and we are so grateful to have our partners and community come together to support this important cause that will bring some much-needed holiday spirit to many of our senior neighbors.”Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations: Bite a Bagel, 105 Nature Walk Parkway, #108, St. Augustine, FL 32092 and Bealls Outlet, 316 FL-312, St. Augustine, FL 32086For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com or call 904-794-9450.

BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR

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