The Council on Aging in Union County won the 2019 Positive Images of Aging Award by the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging for its Next Door Group Respite Program. Photo courtesy of Council on Aging
MONROE – The Council on Aging of Union County offers programming throughout the year to enhance the lives of older adults. Here are some of the agency’s biggest events through March.
Memory Café: Author Talk
Frank Morelli, author of “No Sad Songs,” and Senia Owensby, author of “Finishing Well,” participate in a free author discussion and book signing as part of the Council on Aging’s monthly Memory Care Cafés program for those with memory loss and their caregivers. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Call 704-292-1797 to register.
• When: 10 a.m. Jan. 17
• Where: Next Door, 104 Lydia St., Monroe
Memory Loss Seminar: Effective Communication Strategies
Elizabeth Novak, of the Alzheimer’s Association, will explain how to communicate with those with Alzheimer’s. Learn to decode messages through attitude, tone, facial expressions and body language. Call 704-292-1797 to register.
• When: 10 a.m. Feb. 7
• Where: Next Door, 104 Lydia St., Monroe
Black History Month
Gene Stowe will discuss the documentary based on his book, “Inherit the Land: Jim Crow meets Miss Maggie’s Will,” for Black History Month He’ll talk about the local trial surrounding the will of two sisters in the early 1900s. A light lunch will follow.
• When: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 11
• Where: Langford Chapel, 113 S. Johnson St., Monroe
Advance Directives seminar
Make Plans to Document Your Healthcare Choices in an Advance Directive offers a free opportunity to create a living will and healthcare power of attorney. An advance care planning facilitator and notary from Atrium Health will assist with completion documents. Call 704-292-1797 to register.
• When: 10 a.m. Feb. 13
• Where: Council on Aging, 1401 Skyway Drive, Monroe
Memory Café: Bowling
Enjoy an hour of bowling, sportsmanship and fellowship as part of the Council on Aging’s monthly Memory Care Cafés program for those with memory loss and their caregivers. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Call 704-292-1797 to register.
• When: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 21
• Where: Fox’s Bowling Alley, 1901 Skyway Drive, Monroe
Alternatives to Medicine Discussion
Dr. Tene Osahar, Gracienne Jean Pierre and Wil Dees answer questions surrounding alternative therapies for pain and sleep. An optional light lunch will follow the program.
• When: 10:30 a.m. March 10
• Where: Langford Chapel, 113 S. Johnson St., Monroe
Welcome to Medicare Information Session
Council on Aging, in conjunction with SHIIP (Seniors Health Insurance Information Program), will hold an info session for anyone new to Medicare or interested in learning more about Medicare choices. Register by calling 704-292-1797.
• When: March 19
• Where: Indian Trail Town Hall, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail.
Memory Café: Animal Therapy
Two by Two Petting Zoo is bringing animal therapy in the form of sheep, goats and bunnies as part of the Council on Aging’s monthly Memory Care Cafés program for those with memory loss and their caregivers. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Call 704-292-1797 to register.
• When: 10 a.m. March 20
• Where: Next Door, 104 Lydia St., Monroe
Family Caregiver Support Group
Family caregivers can get support and encouragement from their peers in a support group. Call 704-292-1797 for details.
• When: Third Tuesday of each month
• Where: Ellen Fitzgerald Senior Center, 327 S. Hayne St., Monroe