JCLC September 2023 Newsletter | |
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2023 Healthy Aging Fair
The 2023 Healthy Aging Fair is on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Kirkwood Regional Center, 2301 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241. There will be over 35 resource displays highlighting services for older adults, Tai Chi Demonstrations, flu shots, health screenings, refreshments and much more.
For questions, please contact Jeff Kellbach at 319-688-5842 or jkellbach@johnsoncountyiowa.gov
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Snow Removal
Nobody wants to talk about snow in September, but now is the time to plan ahead if you need assistance with having your driveway and sidewalks cleared of the white stuff. AbbeHealth Aging Services is currently accepting applications through October 13, 2023.
This service, which is very basic, is ideal for those who have physical disabilities, severe arthritis, neuropathy, heart conditions or other risk factors and cannot afford regular snow removal. For more information or to apply, please contact Aging Services at 319-398-3644.
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Older Iowans Legislature
The Older Iowans Legislature is holding their Annual Meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 8:30AM-2PM. There is an in-person (at State Capitol) and Zoom option to attend the meeting.
The Older Iowans Legislature is the only "Grass Roots" organization in Iowa that continually strives to produce an opportunity for older Iowans to complete their lifelong journey in dignity, with respect from others, and receiving support when necessary. Our members advocate State Legislators, the Governor and staff, and other organizations to assist in improving the “Quality of Life” for Older Adult Iowans. We have historically placed special emphasis on the frail elderly however our overall goal is to make Iowa that model state for all Older Adults. Get involved by joining the Older Iowans Legislators and stay active in assisting others.
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Caregiver Wellness Day
Registration for Caregiver Wellness Day is now open! This free event to celebrate local caregivers is on Monday, Nov. 6 at the Kirkwood Hotel, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids. Family, friends and neighbors who take care of an older adult in our region* are all encouraged to attend
Caregiver Wellness Day features informative speakers, and time to connect with fellow caregivers and local resources for older adults. The event also has massages available in the pamper room and flu shots during this all-day soiree to honor and treat caregivers. Respite care is available free of charge – just let us know if it’s needed when you register. For additional information or to register go to https://www.heritageaaa.org/cwd or call Heritage at 319-398-5559.
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North Liberty Events from the Senior Center
A new event series started on Wednesday, September 6th and will occur every Wednesday through October 25th at the Ranshaw House, 515 Community Drive, North Liberty.
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Death Café, 12-1 PM – A Death Café is a safe place for people to talk about death in order to make the most of life. New people are encouraged to join anytime. This is not a bereavement support group or grief counseling session. For more information o nthe purpose of this group, visit deathcafe.com or contact Michelle Buhman at 319-356-5222. This is open to people of all ages.
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Practical Planning for End of Life, 1-2 PM – This discussion group will answer general questions about end-of-life planning. We will also cover a specific topic each week in our discussion, such as starting an end-of-life conversation with important people in my life, burial options, designing a death plan, responding to a diagnosis of a terminal disease, and creating my celebration of life (religious, spiritual, or otherwise!).
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Caregiving Support Group, 2-3 PM – This ongoing, drop-in group will provide a space for sharing resources and support related to caregiving, with a focus on self-care. While the topic of grief may come up, this is not a grief support group. People may attend regularly or as they are able. This is a hybrid group, so participation via Zoom is an option.
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Respiratory Virus Protection for Older Adults
by Sam Jarvis, Community Health Manager, Johnson County Public Health
As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. All adults ages 65 and older should make sure they’re up to date on these vaccines:
Recently, the CDC endorsed the recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that adults ages 60 and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine based on shared clinical decision-making with a health care professional. You can read more about the newly approved vaccine and the recommendations here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7229a4.htm
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International Day of the Older Person- International Speedfriendshipping Event
Tuesday, October 3, 4:00 pm
Location: Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
In honor of the United Nations International Day of
Older Persons, celebrated each year on October 1,
Iowa City Senior Center will host an afternoon of speed "friendshipping" with an emphasis on making international connections. Everyone is welcome, and we’re extending a special invitation to those who were born outside of the United States or lived abroad for a number of years.
Using a speed dating format (but for making friends rather than dating), participants will have a chance to meet and chat with community members, have some fun, and maybe even take the first step in creating new and lasting friendships. The event will start with a group icebreaker activity, shift to timed 1:1 conversations, and wrap up with open socializing and refreshments.
For more information or questions, please call 319-356-5220.
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Upcoming Lego Builds
The Housing Action Team of the Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging’s Policy Board initiative in collaboration with the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition and the Greater Iowa City Homebuilders Association will host Lego accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competitions at community events.
These competitions funded by AARP are to inform the public regarding the community benefits of allowing ADUs within zoning and building code. Policy change to minimize lengthy application processes, decrease high fees, and eliminate harsh regulations associated with the development of ADUs will increase the supply of this more affordable type of housing for individuals 50-plus. Kids age 17 and younger are eligible to compete at each of the events for the $50 first prize and $25 2nd prize awards.
Upcoming Lego Builds: 9/23/23 Iowa City Farmer's Market from 7:30AM-12PM
10/7/23 Iowa City Farmer's Market from 7:30AM-12PM
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Winning design- Aubrey, age 8 | |  |
Runner-Up design- Milana, age 10 | | |
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Request an Absentee Ballot
You can now request an absentee ballot for the November 7, 2023 City/ School Election. Forms must be in the hands of the Johnson County Auditor's Office by 5pm on October 23, 2023.
For more information about the November 7, 2023 City/ School Election and absentee voting, visit this link: https://bit.ly/11-7-23-City-School
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Emergency Preparedness Month-Personal Preparedness for Older Adults
by: Nate Savage, Emergency Preparedness Planner, Johnson County Public Health
As an older adult, you may have specific needs before, during, or after a disaster. Planning ahead can account for all that may be needed.
Plan Ahead
- Plan how you will communicate if you have a communications need
- Plan for food, water, and essentials for your pets or service animals; Research pet-friendly evacuation centers
- Plan for your transportation if you need help evacuating
- Include items that meet your individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in your emergency supply kit
- Plan how you will have your assistive devices with you during an evacuation
- Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards
Visit ready.gov/older-adults for additional preparedness information
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LIHEAP
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications for the new program year,beginning October 1st. Individuals age 60 and better and/ or disabled will be able to apply October 1, 2023 and everyone else November 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024.
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Free Produce Stands
Free Produce Stands are open to all, regardless of income or household location. No sign-up or registration necessary. For questions, contact Table to Table at 319-337-3400 or email producestands@table2table.org
Location Addresses
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Western Hills: 3701 2nd Street, Coralville, IA
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Modern manor/ Sunset Village: 2 Apollo Place, Iowa City, IA
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Town & Campus Apartments/ New Life Apostolic Ministries: 1101 Arthur Street, Iowa City, IA
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Holiday Lodge: 1 Holiday Lodge Road, North Liberty, IA
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September Dates
- Tuesday, Sept. 12: Check Table to Table Facebook for location from 4-6PM
- Friday, Sept. 15: Western Hills from 4-6PM
- Tuesday, Sept. 19: Town & Campus Apts./ New Life Apostolic Ministries from 4-6PM
- Friday, Sept. 22: Modern Manor from 4-6PM
- Tuesday, Sept. 26: Holiday Lodge from 4-6PM
- Friday, Sept. 29: Check Table to Table Facebook for location from 4-6PM
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