Conversation on Aging slated

By April Holmes
Special to The Eagle
Published: May 15, 2008

It is time for this year’s Community Conversation on Aging, a public forum for citizens and organizations in Madison County. This two-way conversation is an opportunity to the community to hear about progress and provide feedback on senior needs and issues. All community members are welcome, including older adults, their families and all concerned with senior quality of life and services.

(The event is set for 10 a.m.-noon May 29 at Beth Car Baptist Church in Madison.).

The theme of this year’s conversation is “Celebrating the Value of Seniors to Our Community.” The featured guest speaker is Dr. Mark E. Williams, Ward K. Ensminger Distinguished Professor of Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine at the University of Virginia.  Dr. Williams will address the group on “The Four Secrets of Successful Aging.”

Madison County Administrator Lisa Kelley will welcome the group to Madison’s fourth annual Community Conversation.  The morning session will be moderated by Nan Coppedge, Madison Aging Together chairman and director of Social Services, and will include reports on the work of Madison Aging Together and regional Aging Together committees addressing such issues as caregiver support and transportation. Participants will then break into groups to discuss contributions of seniors to our community. This will be followed by transportation presentation and survey facilitated by staff of the Regional Commission

As a special feature this year, Bonnie Vermillion will lead participants in Lebed Method (TLM) exercises. The Lebed Method is a therapeutic exercise and movement program that uses gentle physical therapy motions done to music to increase range of motion, and improve body alignment, flexibility and strength. These can be done seated, standing, or in a pool. Vermillion is currently a TLM instructor at The Powell Wellness Center and Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community.

The Community Conversation will also be an opportunity for the public to meet Allison Smith, the new Aging Together resource specialist for Madison County.  Smith, a native of Madison County, supports the county Aging Together team in enhancing services for older adults and their families.
Lunch will be provided along with information about local resources for older persons.
RSVPs are requested.

For information, call Allison Smith at (540) 948-5521, extension 230, or contact her via e-mail at . Call the Aging Together Regional Office at (540) 829-6405.

Come join the celebration!