February 2025 / March 2025 | |
Preparedness: A Call To Action | |
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It has been quite a while since we kicked off the new year with so much snow! Hopefully most of us were prepared or are now prepared for whatever else Mother Nature throws our way. We cannot be ready for everything, but the better prepared we are the better our chances for a positive outcome.
It is important to consider reasonable ‘things’ that might happen to us—such as getting snowed in for a few days; what we might need—such as having enough food & medicine, adequate heat, a way to reach out if there is an emergency; and to whom we can turn —such as a family member, neighbor, friend, and so on.
We then move to making a plan. A plan we hope not to need, but a plan just in case. This plan should be realistic and one we have followed through on in terms of writing things down, having key information, planning for resources, and talking with and lining up those to whom we might need to rely on.
Being prepared is of course not just about the weather, but every aspect of our lives and the lives of those we care for. Anticipated and unexpected changes often trigger the need for a plan. Some of these
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changes your Council team regularly encounters with community members include acute and chronic health challenges, loss of a partner, taking on the role of caregiver, and experiencing memory changes. Planning for the possibility of such changes can make the world of difference, if in fact they become a reality.
We encourage you to give this some thought and hopefully initiate a preparedness plan of sorts. Ask yourself ‘what if?’ and jot down some notes about what you may already have in place and what next steps you can and should take. Talk with your partner, family, attorney, or other supports, asking for help as appropriate.
Take advantage of educational programs and resources from trusted sources to better inform yourself and possibly move you to action. Listen to others, but make decisions using multiple inputs. Don’t rely on the social media and whatever Mr. Google pops onto your phone or computer for your decision-making.
There is no one or magic plan for everyone, but everyone can benefit from a plan. And as always, if your Council can offer some guidance, please reach out.
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It's Your Money: Holiday Tax Scams To Look Out For
Financial scams are rampant, and you may already have been a victim and gone through steps to remedy the situation. This article attacks the problem from an angle you may not have thought about in your resolution steps. From charitable contribution scams to impersonating delivery services scams, the IRS is warning about scams, not all tax-related, for you to avoid.
Click here for an article that focuses on the financial aspects of that diagnosis.
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Calling All Senior Artisans
We invite you to show your work at our Senior Artisan Show March 9, 16, and 19 at the Fairborn Art Association. The show is open to all artists at least 60 years of age who live in Greene County. You don’t have to be formally trained, have shown your work outside your home, or have a connection to any art or senior group. Deadline for entries is February 21.
Categories for artwork are: ~ Oil or Acrylic paintings (framed, not under glass) ~ Mixed Media (framed, under glass; watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, pencil, pen & ink) ~ Photography (framed) ~ Three-dimensional work (sculpture, woodcarvings, hand-thrown pottery and ceramics, free-standing). All artwork MUST be original and should have been created after your 60th birthday, with recent pieces preferred. Go to gccoa.org for more information and to request a packet.
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Come to the 2024 Senior Artisan Show ~ Bring a Friend!
Come to the Fairborn Art Association Gallery (rear of Fairborn Senior Housing, 221 North Central Avenue) and check out the work of our talented senior artists. Sundays, March 9 and March 16 from 1 to 3:30pm, and Wednesday, March 19 from 11am to 2pm.
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Senior Fitness Fun!
Mondays, Feb 3 & 17 and Mar 3 & 17, 1 to 2:30pm
Thursdays, Feb 13 & 17 and Mar 13 & 17, 10:30am to noon. Come to the XCC gym and pick your activity: badminton, pickleball, corn hole, stretching, (and more). Reservations are appreciated (yourfriends@gccoa.org or 937-376-5486) and rubber sole shoes and smiles are required.
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A Winter Creativity Expo to Brighten your Day
Beat the winter doldrums this February! Join us at the Xenia Community Center on Wednesday, Feb 26 from 10am until 2pm for the Creativity Expo. There will be several special projects for you to create and take home, with a box lunch at noon.
Contact us for the brochure describing the projects as well as the registration form. Registration is required. Fee is $5 Invite a friend and plan to have some fun!
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It’s My Money, My Stuff and My Life!
Why not consider joining us for this popular 4-week program to start or continue planning for your future? The sessions, presented by local professionals, will be held in the Xenia Community Center on four Tuesdays from 6pm to 8:30pm starting March 4th. The cost is $40 per household and includes a binder with all program materials, and a box supper. Space is limited; reservations are required. For information or a registration form, please contact the Council. For more information, see gccoa.org/events
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Tax Preparation Assistance is Available
It is that time of year again. Free help preparing your taxes is available at the Greene County Public Library and some senior centers. Reservations are required. For information, contact the Council, Library or senior center, or check our website: gccoa.org/tax-help-2024
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Thank You!
Thanks all who came out to our beautiful Holiday Gift Soiree!
It was a great success for young and old!
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Weather Closing Policy
When schools are closed or on a delay, any Council activities in that community for that day are canceled. The Council itself is closed when Greene County is under a Level 3 category, which is issued by the Greene County Sheriff.
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Please join us in thanking these generous donors who shared time and talents or financial gifts since the last newsletter.
In Memory of:
Juanita McGlothen
George Hubbard
Donors:
Marlene Acus
Susan Allen
Millicent Bates
Rubin Battino
George Biach
Janet Grebner
Mary Hamer
Jeanette Johannes
Dora Lawson
Anne Lynch
Lauren Myers
Paul and Connie Newman
Ed & Fran O’Shaughnessy
Elisabeth Rath
Joe & Pam Sowder
Ginny Vikmanis
Polly Werth
David & Evelyn Whilding
Bob and Ann Williams
Wayne Zwart
Greene Valley American Business Women’s Association
Knollwood Gardens
Kroger Community Rewards
Premiere Lighting
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Volunteers:
Mary Lee Amlin
Becky Baker
Sharon Benedict
Cindy Clark
Deborah Dixon
Leah Donohue
Pam Dorsten
Jennifer Eddy
Kelly Jenkins
Jim & Linda Jones
Bonnie Judy
John & Beth Kinsel
Carol Kunze
Lynn Martin
Sherry Matsel
Mary Ann McCaskey
Barbara McKown
Chris Middleton
Chris Mignery
Lauren Myers
Linda Parsons
Debbie Patrick
Karen Paulsen
Fonda Setters
Ginny Vikmanis
Lisa Weinstein
Penny Wheeler
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For more information on any of these events, or to make a reservation, contact us at yourfriends@gccoa.org, or 937-376-5486.
◊ Senior Fitness Fun
Mondays, 1-2:30, Feb 3 & 17, Mar 3 & 17; and Thursdays, 10:30-12, Feb 13 & 27 and Mar 13 & 27, at the XCC
◊ Medicare 101
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2:30 to 4:00pm, GCCOA Xenia Office
◊ Legal Chat
Thursday, Feb 20 & Mar 20, 2:30pm, Peace Lutheran Church, Beavercreek
◊ Senior Artisan Show
Deadline to enter ~ Wed, Feb 21. Open to visitors: Sundays, Mar 9 & 16, 1-3:30
and Wed, Mar 19, 11am-2pm, Fairborn Art Association, 221 N. Central Ave.
◊ Creativity Expo
Wed, Feb 26, 10am-2pm, XCC
◊ Caregiver, Parkinson’s & Kinship Support Groups
Contact the Council for information
◊ Grief & Loss Group
2nd Mondays, 10am to Noon @ Peace Lutheran Church
◊ Weekly Programming with our Partners at Real Roots Radio, WBZI FM 100.3:
Boomers and Beyond on Wednesdays around 12:05pm
Partners in Caregiving on Thursdays soon after 6:00pm
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To ensure you receive information and alerts, share your e-mail at yourfriends@gccoa.org, visit our web site to sign up for our various mailing lists,
and LIKE us on Facebook.
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Greene County Council on Aging
937-376-5486
Committed to Seniors and Caregivers
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Our mission: To promote independence and quality of life for Greene County senior citizens and caregivers by facilitating and supporting the development, implementation and continual improvement of a comprehensive and coordinated system of contact and care.
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