End Senior Hunger in Georgia

By Deborah Britt and Jeffrey Smythe


For the second time, Georgia has been ranked among the top 10 states for senior hunger — a dubious distinction for a state that typically considers a top 10 ranking a good thing.

This disturbing news comes from “Senior Hunger in America 2010: An Annual Report,” a research study prepared by respected economists Dr. James P. Ziliak and Dr. Craig Gundersen and issued in May by The Meals On Wheels Research Foundation.

As of 2010 (the latest year for which data is available), more than 17 percent of Georgia’s seniors faced the threat of hunger — an increase from 14.8 percent in 2007 and well above the current national average of 14.85 percent. That put Georgia seventh among the Top 10.

Nationally, 8.3 million seniors were threatened by hunger, an increase of 78 percent from 2001 to 2010. Notably, six of the Top 10 are in the South: Mississippi (No. 1), Tennessee (No. 5), Alabama (No. 6), Georgia (No. 7), South Carolina (No. 8), and Florida (No. 9) — a shocking reality that the entire region needs to recognize.

Georgia’s ranking reflects the increased demand that we are experiencing for services such as Meals On Wheels.

In Atlanta, we’re seeing the largest waiting list we’ve ever experienced, while south of the city, Fayette County is home to one of the fastest-growing senior populations in Atlanta.

There’s no question that we can do better, and we must. Part of the challenge is a refusal to acknowledge that there is a problem.

As a society, we do not like to think about the fact that our parents and grandparents, the very people who raised us, might be going without a meal — much less many meals. But it happens every day, and if programs such as Meals On Wheels were not there to provide seniors with nutritious meals, many of them simply would not eat.

It’s often assumed that hunger is a problem limited to the poor — but that is not the case. This latest research shows that the majority of seniors facing the threat of hunger have incomes one to two times the poverty level. Too many of them are forced to make the choice between buying medications or a meal.

Our own senior nutrition programs are struggling to keep pace with demand, and costs are rising. Food prices have risen 6 percent nationally in the past year, and rising gas prices are an added burden — especially for Meals On Wheels programs that depend on volunteers to deliver the meals.

Given this stark reality, one might reasonably ask how a solution can be found.

Fortunately, the cure for senior hunger exists. In the richest nation on the planet we have an abundance of food. We have an abundance of ingenuity, generosity and compassion. We also have an existing infrastructure for delivering that food.

What we need now is to recognize that the problem is growing and take action.

Georgia owes it to its senior citizens to end senior hunger for good.

Deborah Britt is president and CEO for Fayette Senior Services. Jeffrey Smythe is executive director for Meals On Wheels Atlanta.
This editorial originally appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on July 27, 2012.

Tips for Keeping Senior Loved Ones Safe in the Heat

Heat kills more Americans in a typical year than any other weather disaster - more than hurricanes, tornadoes, fires or any other – according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, we have already seen at least 30 people die in the heat wave that has gripped much of the U.S. to kick off Summer 2012. As in most years, senior adults make up most of those deaths, a fact driving Senior Care Corner to offer tips for keeping senior loved ones safe in hot weather.
Seniors are most often hit hardest by hot weather because their systems often don’t adjust as well to extreme changes in temperature as do those of people who are younger. On top of that, many are taking medications or have medical conditions that affect their ability to cope with temperature changes, which is compounded because they often don’t recognize thirst and can quickly become dehydrated in the heat, compounding their illness. This makes it most important to plan ahead to protect older adults who are aging in place during periods of very hot weather for their location, especially for family caregivers who live at a distance.
“The most important part of planning is assuring senior loved ones ride out extreme heat in air conditioning” says Barry Birkett of Senior Care Corner. “If their home is not air conditioned we need to arrange to get them to the home of someone who is or a location such as a mall where they can relax out of the heat.”
Planning Ahead to Protect Seniors from Severe Heat

If their home has air conditioning, make sure it’s in good working order with regular inspections to minimize the risk it will quit on the hottest day.

Make sure senior loved ones use the air conditioning when they have it. Financial strains have driven many to cut back, but keeping the A/C off on the hottest days can be deadly.

For those living in homes without air conditioning, agree on plans for them to go to a location that has it, including arranging in advance for transportation when needed.

Stress upon them the need to drink a lot of cool, nonalcoholic beverages –especially water - in the heat, even if not thirsty.

Check in on senior loved ones who are aging in place at least twice a day in extreme heat, even if they have air conditioning. Talking on the phone may not be sufficient to determine if they are suffering from the heat, so those living at a distance may want to arrange in advance for Skype video calls.
Taking these precautions won’t guarantee senior loved ones stay safe from heat-related illness or worse, but they will improve the chances they won’t become one of the summer statistics.
About Senior Care Corner

Senior Care Corner (on the web at SeniorCareCorner.com) provides solutions, information and tools to family caregivers and others who care for and about senior adults to help them improve the lives of the seniors in their lives. Their blog, biweekly podcast and bookstore address a wide variety of topics family caregivers can use to better understand the wants and needs of their senior loved ones.

Originally posted at http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/7/prweb9679810.htm.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?


Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, no one is immune to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It occurs in every demographic, and can happen to anyone- a family member, a neighbor, even you. Yet it is estimated that only about one in five of those crimes are ever discovered.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

How Can I Be Involved?

Each year on or around June 15th, communities and municipalities around the world plan activities and programs to recognize WEAAD. We encourage you to join others around the nation and world in observing WEAAD by carrying out activities such as:

•Developing an educational program or press conference;
•Volunteering to call or visit an isolated senior; or
•Submitting an editorial or press release to your local newspaper to create awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an excellent opportunity to share information about abuse, neglect, and exploitation in later life. However, raising awareness of mistreatment of older persons is an ongoing effort, not limited to one day. There are many ways to become involved, from the simple yet meaningful, to planning events that require a little more commitment and time. Visit the “Join Us in the Fight Against Elder Abuse” section of the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) website for more information and activity ideas for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Whether the effort is great or small, once a year or throughout, all of these efforts empower us to make long-lasting differences in the lives of vulnerable elders.

More info can be found at:  http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/EA_Prevention/weaad.aspx

Santa for Seniors Collects Gifts at Christmas in July

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but in a small way, all believe in the spirit of Santa. On Wednesday, July 25, Santa for Seniors will hold its annual “Christmas in July” cocktail party at TEW Galleries. Party organizers are Jill Sherman, Dottie Smith (Executive Director), and Jade Sykes Slover.


Santa for Seniors exemplifies the spirit of Santa by providing volunteers the opportunity to purchase inexpensive “senior friendly” items such as magnifying glasses, neck pillows, blankets, and many other gifts that can be given to lonely and homebound seniors on special occasions and especially during the holidays.

“Senior citizens are probably our loneliest and least considered group,” Chairperson Jill Sherman explained. “A little bitty gift makes them smile like the days when they were young and Santa Clause came to see them.”

Meals On Wheels Atlanta, through its Santa for Seniors program collects new, unwrapped “senior friendly” items such as big print books, bath or personal hygiene products, small blankets, slip-resistant slippers, personal fans, flashlights, or stationery. Items can be dropped off at SCS, 1705 Commerce Drive NW between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. For ticket information about the Christmas in July party, please contact Steve Hargrove at shargrove@scsatl.org or 404-605-8450.

MEALS ON WHEELS ATLANTA ANNOUNCES SUNDAY SUPPERS

Local Chefs Prepare Intimate Dinners in Private Homes

Meals On Wheels Atlanta (MOWA) will hold a series of Sunday Suppers this spring to raise money to help feed homebound seniors. Currently, more than 100 people are on the waitlist in need of daily nutrition that Meals On Wheels Atlanta provides.


Intimate dinners prepared by the finest Atlanta chefs will be held throughout the city in April and May. Chefs include Joe Truex (Watershed), Paul Albrecht (Paul’s), Liz Cipro (A Legendary Event), Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Todd Ginsberg (Bocado), Olivier Gaupin (Eleven at Loews Atlanta), Bennett Hollberg (Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse), Shaun Doty (Yeah! Burger) and more. Hosts include Joanne and Charles Ackerman, Sandra and Dan Baldwin, Cindy and Bill Fowler, Elizabeth and Carleton Allen, Jack Sawyer and Bill Torres, Sharon Umphenour, Judy Zaban, Paul Hagedorn, Su and Al Longman, Leslie and David Wierman, and others.

Meals On Wheels Atlanta delivers more than 100,000 meals a year to Atlanta seniors who, for a variety of reasons, may be unable to meet their own nutritional needs. From short-term to long-term assistance, the difference MOWA and its volunteers makes to these seniors is undeniable. In addition to the nutrition aspect, the daily visits made by staff and volunteers to individuals whose lives are mobility-limited, make such a difference to these seniors’ lives. More than 6,000,000 seniors go hungry in the U.S. each day and Georgia ranks sixth for senior food insecurity.

Dates for the dinners are April 29, May 6, and May 20. Tickets are $300 per person and may be purchased by phoning 404-604-8450.

About Meals On Wheels Atlanta / Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (SCS), a nonprofit, community-based organization, has been providing services since 1965 and supports senior independence through meals, shelter, education and community. Their programs include Meals On Wheels Atlanta, Home Repair Services, Vivian T. Minor Adult Day Care for Alzheimer’s/Dementia, and Fulton County Neighborhood Senior Centers. For more information on programs, please visit www.scsatl.org.

Senior Driving

Each day since January 1, 2011, more than 10,000 Americans have turned 65.  That's an amazing number and the trend will continue for the next 20 years as baby boomers continue to age.

Seniors in this age range typically have a half-century of driving experience under their belts -- yet while they've experienced countless situations on the road, there are new high-risk situations that may lie ahead.

Aging effects people so gradually, they often don't realize how their capabilities may have changed over time.  To keep senior drivers safe behind the wheel, AAA has developed an improved Senior Driving website, complete with safety tips, helpful videos, educational slide shows and many more helpful resources.  The site's redesign has rendered it more user friendly, and its fresh content will help seniors objectively assess their driving abilities.

Just because someone is 65, 75, or even 85 years old doesn't mean their ability to drive safely has been compromised.  In fact, research has shown that senior are crashing less often than they did just a decade ago.

For more information and tips about senior driving, please visit www.SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

Meals On Wheels Atlanta Announces New Look, Name

Atlanta Student Designs Winning Logo

Meals On Wheels Atlanta announced today that Bill Ellington, a student at American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, is the winner of the new logo contest for Meals On Wheels Atlanta. Bill will receive a $1000 prize this Wednesday generously donated by Monica and John Pearson.

The logo contest was judged by local artists: photographer Lucinda Bunnen; painter Radcliffe Bailey; Cartoon Network Creative Director, Damon Pittman; the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s political cartoonist Mike Luckovich; David Cohen, brand strategist; Equation Arts and High Museum of Arts curator, and Michael Rooks.

“We are so excited about our new look and new name,” stated Jeffrey Smythe, Executive Director. “Meals On Wheels Atlanta has such great name recognition and trustworthiness.”

Meals On Wheels Atlanta will become the new name for Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta (SCS) this spring. SCS began delivering nutritious meals to seniors through its Meals On Wheels Atlanta program in 1970 and is the oldest provider of home-delivered meals in the city. Meals On Wheels Atlanta delivers more than 300 meals daily and nearly 106,000 meals each year.

The award announcement will take place Wednesday, March 28th at 2 p.m. at Senior Citizen Services, 1705 Commerce Dr NW, Atlanta, 30318.

Meals On Wheels Association of Georgia to Hold March for Meals Campaigns

Meals On Wheels Association of Georgia to Hold March for Meals Campaigns
Mayors and Commissioners assist in feeding homebound seniors throughout state

Atlanta, GA –Various chapters of the Meals On Wheels Association of Georgia (MOWAG) announced today that they will be participating in the national 2012 March For Meals campaign. March For Meals is a national campaign held during the month of March, initiated and sponsored by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of local communities.

MOWAG’s March For Meals events will include a Mayors For Meals event that will have mayors, various elected officials, public safety officials, and community partners throughout the state deliver meals to homebound senior residents. Some of the chapters that will be participating in the program include DeKalb County, Clayton County, Fayette County, North Fulton County, Coweta County along with the cities of Athens, Winder and the city of Atlanta. Mayor Kasim Reed has agreed to join hundreds of other volunteers with meal deliveries in an effort to bring about a greater awareness of this very serious issue among our country’s senior population.

Jeff Smythe, president of MOWAG is excited about the various events taking place throughout the month of March that will help shine some light on the issue of senior citizens going hungry.

“With Georgia’s ranking as #6 in the nation for incidence of senior hunger, our dozens of local meals on wheels programs are a safety net across the state. March For Meals and Mayors For Meals bring recognition to the critical daily efforts of so many volunteers and staff members.”

As the problem of senior hunger in America is getting worse this year, Meals On Wheels programs across the country are also celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the inclusion of Senior Nutrition Programs in the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA is the primary piece of federal legislation that authorizes and supports vital nutrition services, both congregate and Meals On Wheels, to Americans age 60 and older.

To find out more information about MOWAG or to locate a chapter in your community visit www.mowaa.org/state_ga.

When Is a Refund Not a Refund? When It's Phony

From the Wall Street Journal:

The Internal Revenue Service is warning senior citizens and others to beware of come-ons that use the promise of tax refunds to tempt them to file returns. The agency said it has seen a surge of fraudulent claims coming in from across the U.S.

The IRS, which said it has detected and stopped thousands of fraudulent claims, warned that promoters charge large upfront fees to file the claims and then have disappeared by the time taxpayers discover they’ve been scammed.

“This is a disgraceful effort by scam artists to take advantage of people by giving them false hopes of a nonexistent refund,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

In most of its guises, the scheme promises refunds to people with little or no income who normally don’t need to file a tax return. Promoters promise victims they can obtain a tax refund or other payment based on the American Opportunity Tax Credit - which couples with adjusted gross incomes of less than $160,000 can use to help cover higher-education costs – even if the victim isn’t enrolled in or paying for college.

The agency says that con artists often falsely claim that refunds are available even if the victim went to school decades ago. It added that the victims often include senior citizens, people with low incomes and members of church congregations.

To avoid being entrapped by this scheme, the IRS is warning taxpayers to beware of the following:

• Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on false statements of entitlement to tax credits.


• Unfamiliar for-profit tax services selling refund and credit schemes to the membership of local churches.


• Internet solicitations that direct individuals to toll-free numbers and then solicit Social Security numbers.


• Homemade flyers and brochures implying credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.


• Offers of free money with no documentation required.


• Promises of refunds for “Low Income – No Documents Tax Returns.”


• Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or for economic-stimulus payments.


• Unsolicited offers to prepare a return and split the refund.


• Unfamiliar return-preparation firms soliciting business from cities outside of the normal business or commuting area.
  

For additional information on tax scams, see “IRS Warns on ‘Dirty Dozen’ Tax Scams for 2012.”

March 6, 2012
http://blogs.wsj.com/totalreturn/2012/03/06/when-is-a-refund-not-a-refund-when-its-phony/?mod=google_news_blog

Letters to My Grandchildren

Letters to my grandchildren: Atlanta Senior Citizens Oral History Project


Tuesday, February 28, 201211:00 AM-1:00 PM
Central Library Auditorium1 Margaret Mitchell SquareAtlanta, GA 30303Google Maps - MapQuest

Seniors from Senior Citizen Services of Metro Atlanta will talk about their experiences growing up under segregation and during the Civil Rights Movement.

Cost: Free and open to the public

Isolation

I met Mr. Roy three months ago when he visited the Northside Shepherd’s Center, which occupies a section of the main Senior Citizen Services building. Roy loves to play Wii Sports, but coming to the Center more often is difficult because Roy is legally blind. When we met, he told me, “I can see you’re there, but I can’t see your face.” He can see the outline of the Wii bowling alley, though, and he will play peers, staff members, volunteers, kids, or anyone who picks up the Wiimote. Roy is a social butterfly who is at ease cracking jokes in groups of strangers. As his ability to see the world around him faded, it quickly became apparent that spending most of his day alone, staring at the blurry walls of his apartment, isn’t his idea of a good time.

Isolation can be a serious problem for seniors and it sometimes leads to depression or substance abuse. Addressing hearing loss early is an easy way to prevent isolation, as seniors who have trouble hearing may be less likely to engage others in conversation. If you or someone you love suffers from hearing loss, a trip to the doctor’s office might solve the problem and open the door to opportunities for interaction. Many seniors benefit from using technology to maintain contact with old friends or to make new ones. Online photo albums and instant messaging services can help keep seniors connected to the outside world. Plus it’s never too late to learn new skills – just ask Roy! You can learn skills like these from classes at neighborhood senior centers.

To make sure seniors like Roy have a place to go, Senior Citizen Services runs seven neighborhood senior centers, in collaboration with Fulton County. Seniors age 55 or older are provided transportation to local centers for activities that strengthen, stimulate, enliven, and empower. Centers provide lunch and create opportunities for developing critical relationships, socializing, health and wellness activities, arts and crafts, field trips, and education.
This is just one way that we make sure that no Atlanta area senior is hungry, cold or forgotten.

For more information, see http://www.myseniorcare.com/health/mental-health/overcoming-senior-isolation-article

How to Organize a Book Club for Seniors

Senior Citizen Services has book clubs in the Fulton County Neighborhood Senior Centers. Here are some tips for starting your own "senior book club."

Hold a pre-meeting before the start of the book club to decide if one person will act as a host, or if the group will take turns. Also discuss what type of book the group will focus on reading - classic literature, detective novels, popular fiction, etc. Seniors may enjoy discussing history, authors who research and write about pre-and post-World War II, and art, culture and politics relating to mid-century Americana, for instance.

Many books now come with reading guides to facilitate discussion. When the book selection is made, the host can provide the group with the name of local bookstores or online resources to buy the book or check your local library. The host is also responsible for initiating discussion on the book, ensuring that everyone who wants to is able to contribute, and keeping the tone of the club congenial.

Plan to meet once a month for 1-1/2 hours to allow everyone time to read the selection beforehand. Limit the number attending to no more than twelve so that everyone can share in the discussion.

It's a good idea to have snacks (cheese and crackers, dessert and soft drinks) on hand.
If a particular selection turns out to be a favorite, consider reading other books by the same author. If the book being discussed is also a movie, the group can plan an outing to see the movie or rent the DVD to watch for a movie night.

Read more: How to Host a Book Club for Seniors eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4422811_host-book-club-seniors.html#ixzz1l8podc2a

Senior Citizen Services Wish List

Can you donate any of the following items? Call 404-351-3889 or email shargrove@scsatl.org.

• Microwave ovens for seniors to warm their meals


• Reliable truck for Home Repair program


• Any painting items: paint, brushes, rollers, pans, etc.


• Power tools: drills, pressure washers, paint sprayers, etc.


• Lawn mowers


• Ceiling fans


• Digital cameras


• Energy efficient light bulbs - 60 watt


• Exercise bikes and/or treadmills for Neighborhood Senior Centers


• Large plastic storage containers


• Ten sets of 2 lb. dumbbells


• Defibrillator


• Exercise mats for Senior Centers


• Kiln supplies for Senior Centers


• Permanent markers (bold point)


• Pens


• Dry-erase board


• Small filing cabinet


• 1, 1.5, and 2 inch binders


• Printers


• Paper shredder

Thanks so much.

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

As tough as the cold weather is on everyone, it’s particularly dangerous for senior citizens. Jim Miller, editor of Savvy Senior, a syndicated newspaper column, was invited on the "Today” show to share some steps seniors should take to stay safe as the mercury plunges.

Home heating safety

More home fires happen during the winter months than any other time of the year mainly due to home heating devices and people age 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire as those younger. In addition, heating devices and household appliances that are fueled by gas, oil, kerosene or wood in a closed up house can also produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Some simple things seniors can do to protect themselves are:

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and check the batteries every month and change them at least once a year.


• If you’re using a space heater remember that space heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heater, and if you’re looking to by a new space heater get one that automatically shuts off if the heater falls over.


• If you use a wood burning fire place make sure you have a glass front or screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs and have chimney flue pipe checked once a year.


• Get an ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher for the home; learn how to use it and check it yearly to be sure is working.

Winter auto safety

To ensure winter time driving safety — if you live in a cold climate — have your vehicle serviced and winterized so it’s ready for winter driving and winter road conditions.

Some specific items to be checked are the:
Tires: check the tire air pressure and make sure your tires have sufficient tread.
Radiator: have the anti-freeze levels checked.
Belts: inspect the belts and hoses for cracks or leaks.
Oil: ask you mechanic about switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures.
Wipers: inspect the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility.
Battery: make sure the battery is fully charged.

Preventing wintertime falls

A common problem among the elderly is broken hips, which happen more frequently in winter due wet and slippery conditions. To help prevent wintertime falls seniors should wear shoes with non-skid soles, stay only on sidewalks or areas that have been cleared of snow and ice, use handrails when available and avoid getting out after dark or in hazardous weather conditions.

For more information, go to: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/10806061/ns/today-today_health/t/brrrr-winter-safety-tips-senior-citizens/

Santa for Seniors Collects Gifts at Holiday Luncheon

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but in a small way, all believe in the spirit of Santa. On Tuesday, December 13, Santa for Seniors will hold its annual Holiday Luncheon at 103 West. The luncheon is hosted by Jill Sherman, Dottie Smith, and Jade Sykes. Attendees will bring unwrapped, new gifts that will be used by Meals On Wheels Atlanta on Christmas Eve for its clients.

Santa for Seniors exemplifies the spirit of Santa by providing volunteers the opportunity to purchase inexpensive “senior friendly” items such as magnifying glasses, neck pillows, throws, and many other gifts that can be given to lonely and homebound seniors on special occasions and especially during the holidays.

“Senior citizens are probably our loneliest and least considered group,” Jill Sherman explained. “A little bitty gift makes them smile like the days when they were young and Santa Clause came to see them.”

Gailen Rosenberg, Gift Wrap Chair, has scheduled Dec. 21 for a day of wrapping. Each gift will be wrapped and individualized for each client recipient.

Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, through its Santa for Seniors program is collecting new, unwrapped “senior friendly” items such as big print books, bath or personal hygiene products, small blankets, slip-resistant slippers, personal fans, flashlights, or stationery. Items can be dropped off at SCS, 1705 Commerce Drive NW between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. If you would like more information, please contact Steve Hargrove at shargrove@scsatl.org or 404-605-8450.

Paper Clip Becomes Charity Auction Item

How did a paper clip become a valuable, $1660 antique French footstool? And how did that footstool turn into a life-saving charitable gift? Through kindness, of course!

Here’s how it all started… The Networks of 11 Alive employ an outside sales training organization to help the sales people become confident and brave. The trainer gave each team of sales people a simple challenge as he handed them a small paper clip. The challenge? Go outside the station and meet with people you don’t know. Try to trade the paper clip for something of greater value, then take that item, go somewhere else, and trade it for something greater, and so on.

Two and a half hours later, one team came back with an amazing story.

The team consisted of Steve Pumillo, Amber Guyton, and Cindy Setlock. They started out in the drizzling rain at 10 am and headed just down the street from the station. From there, it was a whirlwind of meeting one truly good person after another. Although none of these shop owner knew why they were doing it, they knew the reputation of 11 Alive, where we make “kindness cool” and they were willing to play the game.

Here’s how it happened:

1. The paper clip was exchanged at The Gables Midtown Apartment complex for a pencil.

2. The pencil was exchanged at the American Red Cross for a personal safety/first aid kit.

3. The Personal Safety/First Aid Kit was traded at Atlanta Water Gardens for a Christine Sibley ceramic sculpture entitled “Fire” with a retail value of $99.

4. The ceramic sculpture was traded at Lisa Thompson & Associates for a Waterford Crystal Lamp valued at $395.

5. The Waterford Crystal Lamp was traded at the Lamp Shoppe for an intricately carved Piano Leg Lamp valued at $495.

6. The carved Piano Leg Lamp was traded Edgar Reeves (correction) for an antique French pastel portrait valued at $1200.

7. The antique French Pastel portrait was traded at Roebuck & Company for the $1660 antique footstool.

The outside sales trainer from Indianapolis was shocked by the kindness of these Atlanta shop owners! Of course, here at 11 Alive, we immediately started thinking about how we could continue the chain of kindness. We want to do something really cool with the footstool.

The beautiful footstool will be auctioned off for charity to benefit Senior Citizens Services of Metropolitan Atlanta for their Meals On Wheels Atlanta program at their A Meal to Remember Event for 2011 to be held on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at The St. Regis Atlanta. For more information on the event or specifically the auction, contact Steve Hargrove, shargrove@scsatl.org.

Here are the details on the Bench/Footstool:

The Bench is a French Faux Bamboo Walnut Bench in the Empire Style with a saddle shaped seat with a turned stretcher and having elaborately turned finials – with upwardly turned bamboo feet. France. 1st Half 20th Century. Height: 14 Inches; Width: 19 ½ Inches; Depth 14 Inches. Retail Value: $1,660

Chef Tingaud Guest Chef for A Meal to Remember

PASCAL TINGAUD, Chef de Cuisine, Moët & Chandon, Eparnay, France

Pascal Tingaud always knew that he wanted to be a chef. After all, his father and grandfather were chefs. Home for him was the family restaurant, L'Auberge de Conde, a two-Michelin star restaurant in La Ferte-sous-Jouarre, France. Much of his youth was spent in its kitchen developing a love for the culinary arts. At age 16, he entered the Ecole Hoteliere Jean Drouant in Paris to begin his formal training. Since then, this amiable Frenchman has travelled the world to cook at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the industry, such as Les Freres Troisgros in Roanne, a three-Michelin star restaurant. He was also chef to former French President Giscard d'Estaing. He is now the appointed chef at Chateau de Saran, home of famed champagne label Moet & Chandon, where he works to create new food pairings with the tipple. The historic Moet family residence now hosts private guests such as visiting royalties and dignitaries.

A Meal to Remember benefits Meals On Wheels Atlanta. The black-tie gala will be held Friday, November 4, at the St. Regis Atlanta.

24th Annual A Meal to Remember Benefits Meals On Wheels Atlanta

This year marks the 24th anniversary of “A Meal to Remember” when it returns to Atlanta this fall to raise money for Meals On Wheels Atlanta, a program of Senior Citizen Services, that has been delivering daily meals to homebound seniors in the metro area since 1970. Joanne and Charles Ackerman will be honored this year for their commitment to Senior Citizen Services and Meals On Wheels Atlanta.

This year’s elegant black-tie reception is being chaired by Marjorie Harvey, Harrison Rohr, and Jack Sawyer. This year’s theme will be “Un Repas Mémorable” exploring the tastes France. The event will be held at the St. Regis Atlanta on Friday, November r. All the guest chefs hold the Master Chef of France distinction and are Chef Jean-Louis Dumonet, Chef Marc Ehrler, Chef Pascal Tingaud, Chef Nico Romo, and Chef Andre Renard. The dinner will be coordinated by Master Chef of France, Jonathan Jerusalmy, Executive Chef at the St. Regis Atlanta.

A live and silent auction featuring food and wine, trips, fine art, and more will be held in conjunction with the dinner. The event organizers hope to raise more than $400,000 which will provide more than 61,500 nutritious meals for homebound seniors.

Proceeds generated by “A Meal to Remember” benefit Meals On Wheels Atlanta, a program of Senior Citizen Services. To allocate every dollar possible to direct meal provision, organizers of the event require every expense associated with the dinner, reception and pre-event festivities be donated or underwritten by sponsorships or auction proceeds. Since the first “A Meal to Remember” in 1988, more than $4 million has been raised to support Meals On Wheels Atlanta.

Sponsorship packages range from $35,000 to $2,500. Patron tickets are $1,500 per. Tickets may be obtained by phoning 404-605-8450 or visiting www.scsatl.org.

VOTE REGULARLY TO SUPPORT SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES!

VOTE REGULARLY TO SUPPORT SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES!

From September 1st - September 30th, Senior Citizen Services will be one of four nonprofits competing for $25,000 from The Home Depot Foundation. Public support through Facebook will determine who wins the funding.

Please cast your vote for Senior Citizen Services regularly at @homedepotfoundation (http://www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation.

Funds raised for Senior Citizen Services will support future home repair projects for Atlanta seniors. Every vote is important so please help us get the word out!

Report: Atlanta region ranked as the worst metro area for seniors’ access to transit

September 14, 2011

By Maria Saporta for www.saportareport.com

The Transportation for America, a coalition that promotes smarter transportation investment, has ranked Atlanta as the worst metro area in providing seniors access to mass transit.

Such a ranking is especially devastating for metro Atlanta — a region that is projecting a dramatic increase in senior citizens.

The report — “Aging in Place, Stuck without Options” — determined that the majority of the nation’s metro areas with a population of more than 1 million people provided seniors with poor access to transit.

The number of senior citizens with poor access to transit will continue to grow as the baby boom generation continues to get older.

“While some aging baby boomers and empty nesters have been moving from suburbs to downtowns, the vast majority of older Americans continue to reside in car-dependent suburban and rural communities,” the report stated.

“Inevitably, their ability to navigate these communities by vehicle will diminish or disappear over time, and millions of older adults will need transportation alternatives in order to maintain their independence,” the report continued.
The Urban Land Institute, in its Urban Land publication, reported on the

Transportation for America’s ranking and determined that was a wide variation of metro areas providing seniors with access to transit.

The study defined seniors as people aged 65 to 79. And poor access was defined people having fewer than two bus, rail or ferry routes within walking distance of their home.

“Not surprisingly, the metros offering the best transit access for seniors are typically larger, coastal metropolises with larger transit systems, such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.,” the report stated.

“The worst metropolitan areas for seniors’ transit mobility tend to be more inland, with stagnant or shrinking bus systems,” the report continued. “Interestingly, the 11 worst metros include several places with rail systems, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville, suggesting their systems may be too small.”

The finding of this report comes at a particularly significant time for metro Atlanta. Currently, the Atlanta Regional Transportation Roundtable is considering a draft list of transportation projects that would be implemented if voters approve a one-cent regional sales tax next year.

The draft project list would invest 55 percent of the revenue in transit projects and 45 percent in road projects.

The Urban Land Institute said that the metro areas that rank the worst for seniors’ access to transit offers an opportunity for its members and real estate professionals. It stated that those metro areas could be “ripe” for senior housing projects that are part of a transit-oriented development with bus or rail stops.

The 11 worst metro areas for seniors’ having access to transit are:

1. Atlanta. In 2015, it is projected that the region will have 503,543 people between the ages of 65 to 79. Ninety percent of that population would have “poor transit access” in 2015.

2. Kansas City. Senior population in 2015: 230,023 with 88 percent with poor transit access.

3. Oklahoma City. senior population: 136,571; poor transit access: 86 percent.

4. Nashville. senior population: 151,995; poor transit access: 85 percent.

5. Raleigh-Durham. senior population: 127,931; poor transit access: 80 percent.

6. Indianapolis. 181,073; 79 percent.

7. Charlotte. 170,815; 79 percent (a tie).

8. Jacksonville. 127,958; 77 percent.

9. Virginia Beach-Norfolk. 147,285; 69 percent.

10. Rochester. 116,565; 69 percent (a tie).

11. Riverside-San Bernardino. 278,305; 69 percent (a tie)