September is here! With the change in temperature, it is evident that the seasons are changing. As we gear up for Fall, LCOG wants to help prevent falls. According to the Mayo Clinic, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Physical changes, health conditions, and sometimes medications make falls more likely. You can prevent falls by hazard-proofing your home, staying active, wearing sensible shoes, and reviewing your medications. Lowcountry COG would also like to remember the victims, the families, and survivors of the September 11th attack.

This edition of our newsletter includes the long-awaited Long Range Transportation Plan survey and more information about public transit in the Lowcountry. You will find out about SC Works Lowcountry's upcoming Open House and how to enroll in a nearby senior center.

Happy Reading!
We Need Your Input!
Long Range Transportation Plan Survey
The Lowcountry Council of Governments (LCOG) is working to update the Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS) 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Rural Area LRTP. The goal is to create an efficient, multi-modal transportation system which will increase the mobility of people and goods within the Lowcountry. The plans will identify transportation needs for the urbanized and rural areas over the next 20 years and provide a set of multimodal strategies to address these needs. The LRTP survey will help shape the vision of the plan and identify the incremental steps to achieve it.

Click the link below to let your voice be heard.

For more information, please visit LATS - LCOG 2045 LRTP's website or contact Stephanie Rossi, Planning Director, at srossi@lowcountrycog.org or 843-473-3958.
September is National Senior Center Month!
September is dedicated to highlighting the vital role that senior centers play in the lives of seniors in the Lowcountry. Senior centers provide various tools to help older adults age well and remain independent. They empower older adults to socialize, engage in activities, learn healthy ways of living, volunteer their time, and enjoy nutritious meals.

The pandemic has significantly impacted our seniors. Some do not have friends outside of the center, family in close proximity, or anyone to check on them consistently. Due to centers closing for over a year, many seniors who were once motivated to get out of the house have become lonely. Being isolated and shut-in has the ability to affect the mind, body, and spirit. Fortunately, we are happy to announce that our centers in Hampton and Jasper Counties have re-opened! The staff is ready and prepared for the seniors who missed their daily routine & socialization.

We encourage everyone who is eligible to attend a senior center. Transportation is provided to your local center and meals are offered to those 60+ years of age, and their spouses, at no charge. All staff and seniors are taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy during the second wave of the pandemic. If you are interested, please call your local Council on Aging for more information or contact the Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging to sign up. 

Hampton Council on Aging: 803-943-7555   
Jasper Council on Aging: 843-726-5601     
Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging: 843-473-3991
SCWORKS Open House!
Are you a dislocated worker? Are you looking for a change in careers?

SC Works Lowcountry is hosting an Open House on September 16, 2021 from 4PM to 7PM. The event will be held at the Beaufort/Jasper Office (164 Castle Rock Road, Beaufort, SC 29906). SC Works Lowcountry provides services such as career guidance, job referrals, and testing and training to meet the needs of jobseekers, employers and those looking to further their careers. At Open House, you will have the opportunity to learn about and enroll in FREE services such as Workforce Training, Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and more.

For more information, please contact Mark Williams, One Stop Operator, at 843-525-3351.
Public Transit Has Arrived in Bluffton!
Palmetto Breeze Transit has launched weekday, fixed-route public transportation in Bluffton. The Bluffton Breeze is an economical and environmentally-friendly alternative for commuting around the town. It runs Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM with more than 50 bus stops.
Palmetto Breeze advertises that The Breeze can "connect you to work, shopping, medical appointments, school, and wherever you want to go".
 
Every Bluffton Breeze vehicle is equipped with bicycle racks and a deployable lift for anyone who may need assistance in boarding. The cost to ride is $1 per trip. You may pre-pay for bus fares with the BreezePass app. A route map and more information are available on Palmetto Breeze Transit's website.
If you have questions concerning any of the information contained in the newsletter, please feel free to contact Kira Fuller at 843.473.3956 or by email at rfuller@lowcountrycog.org.