Happy Older Americans Month!

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. We encourage you to explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and healthy aging by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues. Join us in promoting the benefits of connecting with others!

FREE HEALTH FAIR FOR SENIORS

Friday, June 7, 10am-2pm

At Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke

Come to Elmwood Park on Friday, June 7, as we celebrate healthy aging!

Seniors: pre-register and you will receive receive a free two-person emergency kit backpack, filled with first aid supplies and non-perishable food (while supplies last). Click on the button below to register!

Questions, please contact Robbie Boyd: (540) 345-0451.

LOA at First Fridays, May 3

Party with a purpose this Friday, May 3! LOA is one of the charities that will benefit from the proceeds of the May 3 First Fridays at Five event in Downtown Roanoke. From 5pm-9pm, on Franklin Road between Jefferson and Williamson, enjoy live music from the band "80z Nation" for just $5. Have fun and support LOA at the same time! We hope to see you there!

• More information
• And mark your calendar for Friday, July 12 - LOA will be one of the benefitting charities for that night's First Fridays event, too!

Farm Market Fresh for Seniors: Applications Open

It’s farmer’s market season! LOA is proud to announce that we will offer the Farm Market Fresh program for seniors again this summer! Low- to moderate-income older adults can receive vouchers for fresh and nutritious locally grown fruit, vegetables, and cut herbs. Seniors aged 60 and older with an income of less than $2322/month are eligible to apply. Qualified seniors will receive $50 worth of vouchers to buy fresh produce throughout June-November at local farmers’ markets with authorized farmers participating. Applications are now open for 2024! Vouchers will be available starting June 1st. Learn more about the Farm Market Fresh program here.

Seniors can apply online by clicking the button below:

Elaine Engleman Retirement

Fifty years of service to one organization is a rare thing. LOA is delighted to wish a very happy retirement to our own Elaine Engleman, who started with us 50 years ago! Elaine has held multiple positions since she started at LOA in 1974, from running Meals on Wheels sites, performing case management, overseeing transportation services, managing a home improvement program for seniors, to her most recent position as emergency services coordinator working with legal services and Medicare insurance counseling. She has been a wonderful leader for the VICAP program, where she has cultivated a fantastic group of volunteers. Her fun-loving personality has made us smile and laugh all through these years. She is dedicated to helping others and has spent her entire career helping seniors live better lives. Thank you, Elaine, for your devotion to LOA and older adults, and for your shining example of an active and fulfilling retirement! 

Give Local Alleghany Highlands

LOA will participate in Give Local Alleghany Highlands again this year, happening on May 21, 2024! The Alleghany Foundation hosts this online day of giving to support nonprofits in the Alleghany Highlands. Starting on May 7th, you can make early donations but donate on the event day, May 21st, to qualify your donation for more prizes for LOA!

• Click here to donate starting May 7th

Did you know that LOA has an Advisory Council? The Older Americans Act charges every Area Agency on Aging to have an Advisory Council consisting of older adults representing each part of the district served as well as representation from caregivers, direct services providers, the business community, and other entities. The Advisory Council advises LOA on matters important to the older community and expands LOA's ability to connect with other resources and populations we serve.

We have a wonderful Advisory Council member in Alison Jorgensen! Alison, who is the Chief Operating Officer at the Council of Community Services, regularly delivers Meals on Wheels as part of our March for Meals/Save Lunch campaign and volunteers her time at our annual Let's Give Lunch fundraiser. Alison is a tremendous advocate for LOA and older adults in our community and is a great leader for CCS and their annual GIVE Roanoke program. Thank you, Alison, for all that you do to raise awareness and resources for our older community!

Save the Dates:

Outdoor Senior Exercise Area Open House: May 14

Give Local Alleghany Highlands: May 21

Celebrating Seniors Health Fair: Friday, June 7, Elmwood Park

Let's Give Lunch: Friday, June 21

LOA in the community

LOA will have a presence at the May 3rd Botetourt Sheriff's Senior Social and at the May 18th Safe Community Expo at the Berglund Center. We'll be sharing information about LOA's services and resources for older adults in our community. Click on the images below to learn more.