Community
Council on Aging Opens Central Location
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Ann Watts has a passion to serve our senior citizens. When she heard that the Council on Aging was being approached about opening a location to serve Central, she knew she wanted to be part of it. That was almost a year ago, and now the moment has come. The Council on Aging will have a grand opening for its newest location at 17070 Greenwell Springs Road on July 12. “I’m very excited to get it open!” Ann enthused.
It all began 4 years ago when Mayor Mac Watts approached the COA about the possibility of having a branch here in town. The COA was all ready to do just that, but no facility could be found. About a year ago, the COA was invited to address the Central Chamber of Commerce. Ron Erickson heard the speaker and offered his church, Future Hope Ministries, as a likely locale. The Central City Council then approved funding in the budget.
The spacious location at Future Hope, located behind Frog’s at the corner of Greenwell Springs Road and Morgan Road, has room for lunch tables and a large screen TV, along with chairs and activity tables. 5 days a week, the center will offer coffee and a light breakfast, morning snacks, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack, eat in only. Anyone 60 or older is welcomed to participate, and it is all free.
In addition to meals, the COA will offer homemakers and personal care assistants who provide light housekeeping and errand running to qualified individuals. COA also participates in the National Family Caregivers Program, which offers respite to senior caregivers by providing sitters. Parish wide, COA also has activities such as Fishing Rodeos, Candidates Forums, Thanksgiving Dinner and Dance, tours of New Orleans, and other offerings.
Ann has been busily planning an activity calendar which will include health checks, discussions on timely topics such as legal issues and nutrition education, fitness programs, arts and crafts, games, movies, Wii, and Bible Study. Ann initially plans to hold “Let’s Talk About It” chat opportunities to discover what her clientele desires to have as activities. The Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every weekday.
Volunteers are needed to help in many capacities. Do you have a talent or skill such as knitting, crocheting, painting, music or crafts you’d be willing to share? Do you enjoy helping with activities? Are you good with people and just want to spend time with our seniors? Contact Ann at [email protected] and let her know. “Let’s work together for our seniors!” Ann encourages, “I want to show Central supporting our seniors. Everyone is invited to our Open House. The young can visit too!”
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