February Newsletter

AgeLinc, Your Link to Aging Well

Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala Rescheduled

Greetings!

Because of the high numbers of Covid-19 cases across the country, AgeLinc has decided to postpone its Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala until Saturday, May 14, 2022. The event will still be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL, and will begin at 6:00 pm. We will continue with our Mardi Gras theme for this year, even though we are a little delayed.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, and hope that you will be able to join us on May 14^th to help raise funds for emergency needs for older adults in our service area. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 217-787-9234, or email us at: cboerke@agelinc.org or caustin@agelinc.org.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission.

Ticket sales are still open. Click here to purchase tickets.

Senior Nutrition

Sandra Douglas and the Greater All Nations Tabernacle will be rolling out a home delivered meals program beginning this month. The program is being supported financially in part by AgeLinc through American Rescue Plan Act funds, and is designed to help address the issue of disparity of services to the racial minorities in our community.

Sixty seniors, located largely on the east side in homes, high rises and senior living facilities will be receiving meals delivered to their door. Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 meals will be served, and 1 meal on Fridays.

Tina Williams and Deshun Nelson are both caterers that will be preparing health-conscious meals from the kitchen of the Salvation Army. Volunteers will be delivering the meals to participants.

The Senior Ministry has touched the lives of many seniors in our community and has saved lives as a result of the ability to share information in the community regarding health and financial assistance. The ability to bring educational information with the meal deliveries will continue to help those who are not able to get out.

Sandra adds that without the love and support of Pastor, Superintendent Paul W. Davis and the church family, there would be no Senior Ministry or Meals on Wheels program. "Often you have to meet people where they are. You have to take the service to them."

There is no income limit to be considered. However, you must be 60 or older to participate. For more information, email skdwalking@aol.com or call 217.415.3642 at 5:00 pm.

AgeLinc Office Holiday Closings

Please note that the office will be closed Friday, February 11th in observance of Lincoln's Birthday and Monday, February 21st in observance of Presidents Day.

Community Education Program

Every second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm, we host a Community Education Program for the general public.

February 8th*:

Medicare and Healthcare Fraud

Presented by Jennifer Hopper,

AgeLinc

This session will cover key components of the Senior Medicare Patrol Program. Topics to be discussed include learning how to detect and report Medicare and healthcare fraud; understanding how to read a Medicare Summary Notice; identifying the different types of Medicare fraud and healthcare scams; and learning ways to protect yourself from Medicare fraud.

* This month's presentation will be held online and in-person. Technical assistance is available if needed in order to participate. Please contact AgeLinc for more information.

Lunch and Learn

Every Third Wednesday of the month at noon, we host a Lunch & Learn open to all past, present and future caregivers.

February 16th:

Improving Care at Home: Self-Care for the Caregiver

Presented by Rod Lane, Owner/Executive Director of Visiting Angels

This session will cover some key components that will help you become more mindful and begin a personal self-care practice. Topics to be discussed include having a deeper understanding of self-care; understanding the need for self-care and remedies that it can provide; how to begin a personal self-care and mindfulness practice; and identifying our 'gremlins' and how to confront them.

* This month's presentation will be held online and in-person. Technical assistance is available if needed in order to participate. Please contact AgeLinc for more information.

Black History Month

Springfield recognizes the achievements of African Americans during the month of February. Please visit sites and events to find out the remarkable history that you can celebrate.

American Heart Month

High blood pressure is often called the silent killer. You might not have symptoms, but it’s a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Monitoring your own blood pressure at home can help you keep your blood pressure under control. https://bit.ly/2iFB6U5 #HeartMonth

National Freedom Day

February 1

Groundhog Day

February 2

Lincoln's Birthday

February 12

Valentine's Day

February 14

President's Day

February 21

Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, Inc. (AgeLinc)

2731 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704

217-787-9234 or 1-800-252-2918 (Toll Free)