AARP Chapter 4401 will hold its annual Summerfest at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Point Senior Center, 2701 West Main St. The theme for Summerfest this year is Get Fit! Have Fun!
Movement is good for your body, but you don’t know how or what kind of exercise is safe for you. Where do you go to find a group where you feel comfortable? You can get your questions answered at our Fun and Fitness Summerfest. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., representatives of various fun and fitness organizations will have informational tables set up to highlight the programs they offer.
Representatives from the YMCA, Healthplex and The LINC will offer information about memberships and calendars of activities at their fitness centers that help you stay strong and have fun with other older adults who are also interested in healthy aging.
When you’re feeling fit, then you want to get out and enjoy life. The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau will highlight activities and events right here in our backyard that can keep you busy all year.
Nothing speaks physical and mental fitness and fun better than dance. There is a large dance community in Jefferson City that knows no age barrier. If dance is your thing, a representative can tell you where to dance almost every day of the week.
Learn about Tai Chi and see a demonstration. Several seniors get together at the Senior Center for Tai Chi at 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday to improve balance and flexibility, and keep mentally alert. Learn what its all about.
Come early and enjoy lunch at the West Point Senior Center. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., they will be serving barbeque chicken and brats, baked beans, cole slaw, macaroni salad and cobbler. For a suggested conrtibution of just $5, you can’t get a better deal anywhere.
We invite all 50-plus members of the community to attend this meeting. You do not have to be a chapter 4401 member to attend, but it is a good opportunity to join the local chapter. Bring a friend and learn how to get fit and have fun together. There is always a 50/50 raffle, many door prizes and AARP promotional giveaways at the local chapter meeting. Summerfest is always a good time so plan to join us at the West Point Senior Center.
Senior Resource Fair
AARP Chapter 4401 participated in the Senior Resource Fair organized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on May 24 at the Capital Mall center court area. This informative event highlighted the numerous resources available to seniors in the area.
About 30 exhibitors were represented at the event including Sam B. Cooke Healthplex, YMCA, Wolfner Library, University of Missouri-Columbia Parent Link, Claim-MO-SHIP, MO Veterans Commission, Independent Living Resource Center, Cole County Nutrition Center/Aging Best and Show-Me State Games.
More than 80 people visit ed the AARP booth where they found member benefits books, information on exercising and staying healthy, books on scams and fraud and how to avoid being a victim, information on help for caregivers plus promotional items like bag clips, eye glass cleaner, pens, pocket size containers of wet wipes. A free membership to the local chapter was won by Kathy Cooper.
Legislative update
The General Assembly passed the initial bill four years ago and funded it this year resulting in Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) now having a dedicated revenue stream. The state budget includes $32 million which covers both the upcoming fiscal year as well as back payments. This money will help the AAAs improve systems, facilities and efficiency. Aging Best is the AAA that covers Mid-Missouri.
The General Assembly fully funded the State’s Long Term Care Ombudsman program. This important and highly cost-effective program has used volunteers to identify the majority of neglect and staffing issues found in Missouri nursing homes. If you would like to become a volunteer or find out more information about this valuable program, contact Aging Best at 800-369-5211.
The General Assembly also passed Senate Bill 190, which exempts all Social Security income and some public pensions from personal income tax. The bill also includes provisions for local taxing districts to exempt some or all older Missourians from real property tax increases. It will be up to the local taxing district (county, city, school district, fire district, etc.) to enact any changes to their local property taxes.
From Loss to New Life
A free grief and loss program sponsored by AARP, Freeman Mortuary and the First Baptist Church begins 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, through Aug. 23. From Loss to New Life is specifically designed for those suffering from grief or loss of a loved one through death or divorce.
The eight-week program will be held at the First Baptist Church, 301 E. Capitol Ave. Topics covered by facilitator Linda Sullivan will include the normality of grief, identifying the source of grief and loss, understanding grief and coping with grief and loss.
Taking care of yourself and accessing the support of friends and family can help you cope with your grief experience. Previous participants said they found the sessions helpful in dealing with their loss and would recommend them to others. One of the biggest benefits participants cited was learning they were not alone, that grief is a process and that other people are experiencing the same feelings.
Registration for the From Loss to New Life program is required to participate. You don’t have to belong to the AARP or be affiliated with the church to participate, but you do need to register to ensure that there are enough materials and participants to hold the class. To register, call 573-634-3603 or email [email protected]
In addition, an open enrollment AARP Grief and Loss Support Group meets at 12:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month in Room 101 at the First Baptist Church. This is a carry-in lunch for those who would like the continued support of others who, like themselves, have experienced the loss of a loved one. Participants bring a dish to share or if you are on a special diet, bring your own lunch. Individuals who wish to participate in this informal AARP Grief and Loss Support Group may contact facilitator EthelMae Champ at 573-821-4810 for more information.
Membership information
If you are not a member of the Jefferson City AARP Chapter 4401, dues are $8 per year and you may join at the June meeting. You may also send a check to AARP Chapter 4401, P.O. Box 105965, Jefferson City, MO 65110.
As a member of the local chapter of the AARP, you will receive by email the AARP Volunteer Update which features news of AARP happenings and legislative news about current bills concerning older adults and information on how to let your voice be heard. You will also receive information on Chapter 4401 meetings, speakers and events either by mail or email.