Your June/July GCCOA Newsletter Is Here

June/July 2017, Vol. XVII, No. 6

Honoring Our Seniors!

The Council’s Senior Recognition Luncheon was held April 26th, with over 150 coming together for a wonderful meal from McCoy’s Catering, encouragement for ‘telling our stories’ by featured speaker Dr. Sarah Scott Dietz from Wright Patt Medical Center, and the presentation of awards to twelve deserving Greene County seniors. Our Master of Ceremonies, Tony McIlvaine, kept us on track and a lovely time was enjoyed by all!
 
Selecting Greene County seniors for various awards is challenging, as the pool from which to choose is overflowing. It is a known fact that our seniors get things done. They seek out opportunities to share their time and expertise as well as say yes when sought after and asked to be of help. There is no question local organizations, clubs, schools, churches, and of course senior centers and the Council, would not be as impactful without the countless hours and endless energy provided by Greene County seniors.

More than half of our honorees had no idea they would be called to the stage, adding some extra excitement to this special day. And all of the honorees accepted their award with a smile and a readiness to get back to being of service to their center and community! Ten seniors received the Leadership Award recognizing their work with their senior center and the Partners in Vision and Outstanding Senior Citizen awards were also presented. 

Our congratulations to this year’s award winners who are pictured below, back row/front row: Dianne Becknell of Cedarville, Butch Horney of Bowersville, Jim Bailey of Jamestown, Linda Bullock of Bellbrook, Chandra Shrader of Clifton, Partners in Vision Honoree Barbara Brookshire of Yellow Springs, Outstanding Senior Phil Houston of Beavercreek/Joanne Earley of Xenia, Bobbie Voehringer of Fairborn, Hilde Stepler of Spring Valley, Rosalie Smith of Yellow Springs, and Janet Wills of Beavercreek.
 
 
Special Thanks to our Table Sponsors:
 
Elmcroft of Xenia 
Friends Care Community
  Legacy Village
Pristine Senior Living —Jamestown
Senior Helpers
Village at the Greene

Upcoming Educational Presentations
The Council presents Medicare 101 and Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease programs on a regular schedule, as well as when requested by a community group/organization. Please share with anyone who might benefit and if your group/organization would like to host either program, or if you would like to register, please contact the Council at 937-376-5486 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MEDICARE 101
Wednesday, June 14th, 2017
 3:30—5:00pm
Greene County Council on Aging
1195 W. Second Street, Xenia

This session includes a review of options available to Medicare beneficiaries, the process and timing for signing up for coverage, and what you can expect for your first year and subsequent open enrollment periods. Our objective is to reduce the understandable confusion regarding Medicare and prepare you for your next step.
Another session is scheduled for August 9th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in the Council’s Beavercreek space.
And for those already enrolled in Medicare, the Council’s Medicare Check-Up during Open Enrollment is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25th from 11am to 6pm at the Xenia Community Center next to the Council’s office. 
 
MEMORY LOSS, DEMENTIA & ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017

2:30—4:30pm
Greene County Council on Aging
1195 W. Second Street, Xenia
 
We ALL experience memory loss at one time or another and many of us are fearful of what it might mean. Is it ‘normal’ memory loss or caused by dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This session includes an overview of memory loss and the types and symptoms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, consideration for caregivers and those wanting to learn more about memory loss and dementia, and an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns about loved ones or themselves.
Another session is scheduled for September 13th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Council’s Beavercreek space.

Annual GCCOA Yard Sale

On Thursday and Friday, June 1st and 2nd, we are holding our annual yard sale in our parking lot. We will have household items, small appliances, clothing, books, craft items, holiday decor, and more. Stop by to see us between 9am and 3pm either day, rain or shine.

For a printable flyer, click here.

It's All About Fun!

Thank you to those who came out for and supported the 2017 SeniorPalooza. The energy was high and the fun level was off the charts! We were not able to have the 5K because of the Hamvention set-up, but the Obstacle Course was a terrific replacement and something we just might have to continue. The weather was warm and sunny and smiles and laughter filled the Assembly Building.
 
We took our best shot at mini golf and skeeball, tabletop foosball, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, ping pong, hula hoops, ring toss and more. There were no empty seats for chair volleyball and there was a steady line for pinball. The GCCOA marble game was popular, with Mary Hamer (below) scoring the most points with 425! The sounds of drills and hammers competed with the laughter, as we made a clip photo frame and shared our ‘guesses’ for the close-up photos in the What in the World display.  
After a filling box lunch, we continued to play as well as participate in a boxing-inspired exercise led by Shawnah Tibbs-Sergent. The grand finale of our day was the Take a Shot Trivia competition which came down to several overtime questions in order to name the winning team. We have plenty of photos from our day of fun posted on Facebook and we are already planning for 2018! 

Summer Creativity Expo

Friday, June 30th
10:00am to 2:00pm
Xenia Community Center
1265 West Second Street, Xenia
(next to Council office)
 
Greene County adults are invited to join us for the Summer Creativity Expo where you will choose two of four creative sessions to enjoy with your fellow participants. Our patient session leaders will be ready to assist you with whatever help you may need. Supplies for all of the projects are provided, along with a grab n’ go lunch, for the $5 registration. 
Our projects include a mixed media seascape, origami boxes, paper bead bracelets, and string art. All projects can be duplicated at home or with friends and family. We will have a few displays and door prizes and no matter our ‘skill level’, we will feel accomplished. Registration is required and the deadline is June 16th. Brochures are available at the senior centers, the Council offices and on the Council’s website. You can also request a brochure by calling or e-mailing the Council at 937-376-5486 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Kinship Care 

Are you or someone you know a kinship caregiver — a grandparent or other relative providing primary care to a child or children in the absence of parents? Your Council is a resource for Greene County kinship caregivers, providing information and support via phone, e-mail and in-person. To share your story, be linked to available resources, and troubleshoot some of the challenges unique to kinship care, please contact the Council’s kinship liaison, Susan Finster, at 376-5486 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You are not alone!

Company is Coming!

We are thrilled to be hosting the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on July 13th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This will be close to our two year anniversary in our W. Second Street home and we look forward to welcoming all who come to enjoy homemade treats & refreshments, doorprizes, live music and great company!

Mark Your Calendar!

Wednesday, August 16th
4:00 to 6:30pm
Xenia Community Center
 
Please join us for a delightful afternoon of music by local band The Hoppers, plentiful appetizers, sweets, & beverages, homemade baked goods and other creations to buy at the Country Store, a 16 bracket Cloud Racing Tournament at 4:45pm with Announcer Paul Newman Jr., 

and the unforgettable Homemade Treats & Jam Auction at 5:30 with auctioneer Lee Duteil and his trusty sidekick Ed Marrinan. 

We are excited to announce that culinary star “Juliette Child” will be making an appearance during the live auction, something you don’t want to miss! We appreciate your help in spreading the word and encourage you to tag a friend or two to bring to this fun and one-of-a-kind event! Tickets are $10 and all proceeds are used for senior and caregiver programs and services.
 
We will also have a pre-sale of select cookies, pies and jams the first two weeks of August for those unable to join us. The order form will be available on our website and Facebook Page, as well as at our office. For more info or to purchase tickets, please contact Susan Allen at 937-376-5486 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
For a printable flyer, click here.

Donor Spotlight

Our appreciation to these generous donors who shared a gift since the last newsletter.    
 
In Memory Of:
Ruth Lentz
Richard M. Mosier
Vera Richardson
Kenneth Ryan
 
Donors
Amy Crawford & Family
C. A. Grieve
Margaret Mosier
Caroline Mullin
Francis & John Richardson
Diane Speakman
Pamela & David Schley
Jack Walker
Robert & Ann Williams
Alpha Delta Kappa Epsilon Sorority
 
Organizational Donors
Brentwood Builders
Elmcroft Senior Living
Friends Care Community
Greene County Parks & Trails
Greene Memorial Hospital/Soin Medical Center
Homecare by Blackstone
Legacy Village
Pristine Senior Living
Senior Helpers
Senior Pathways
Village at The Greene

GCCOA Energizers Since Last Newsletter:

Elizabeth Bair
Jim & Ina Barney
Pat Beal
Linda Bullock
Jack Busby
David Cusack
Phyllis Desch
Evelyn Ferguson
Betty Gibson
Bill Greenawalt
Cyndamarie & Nigel Gunn
Alforetta Hughes
Linda Jones
Muriel Keyes
George Knight
Tony McIlvaine
Sondra Morckel
Kathy Morgan
Foy Neff
Joe Radin
Ken Richardson
Pam Sowder
Sam SanGregory
Priscilla Stephens
Ginny Vikmanis
Lisa Weinstein
Shawnah Tibbs-Sargent
Barb Werth

Your Council has a great Facebook page, but we are missing you!  Our Facebook friends receive regular posts about upcoming programs and events and see pictures that most people don’t get to see.  We hope you will “LIKE” us!

Upcoming Programs & Meetings
GCCOA Yard Sale & Baked Goods Sale
Thursday & Friday, June 1st & 2nd ~ 9am to 2pm
GCCOA Office, 1195 W. Second St,  Xenia
 
GCCOA Annual Luncheon Meeting
Tuesday, June 20th ~ 12:30pm
Xenia Nazarene Church
 
Medicare 101
Wednesday, June 14th ~ 3:30pm to 5pm
GCCOA Office, 1195 W. Second St,  Xenia
 
Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
Wednesday, July 12th ~ 2:30pm—4:30pm
GCCOA Office, 1195 W. Second St,  Xenia
 
Summer Creativity Expo
Friday, June 30th ~ 10:00am to 2:00pm
Xenia Community Center (next to GCCOA Office) 1265 W. Second St,  Xenia
 
Homemade Treats and Jam Fest
Wednesday, August 16th ~ 4:00 — 6:30pm
Xenia Community Center (next to GCCOA Office), 1265 W. Second St, Xenia  

We have several mailing lists tailored to specific interests, from special events to educational programs, and more. Click here to select which mailings you receive.

Greene County Council on Aging
937-376-5486
Committed to Seniors and Caregivers

Our mission: To promote 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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