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March 2024

Newsletter at a Glance

  • Message from the President & CEO
  • Senior Life Magazine
  • Friendly Visitors
  • "Mayor for the Day"
  • County Proclamation
  • AIP 50th Anniversary Exhibit
  • Duplicate Bridge Check Presentation
  • NassauTRANSIT Spotlight
  • Membership Update: Classes & Renewals
  • Volunteer Spotlight
  • Senior Happenings
  • News from The Club
  • NCCOA on Social Media

A Message from Janice Ancrum, President & CEO

Dear Friends,

 

It seems as if 2023 passed by in the blink of an eye…2024 is off to a similar start. The first quarter is more than halfway over. Looking back over the past few months, it’s quite unbelievable what we’ve accomplished…so far.

 

Our 18th Annual Salute to Seniors 50th Anniversary Gala, held January 20, is in the record books as the most successful ever. This milestone signifies NCCOA’s achievement as the longest serving nonprofit in Nassau County. During this year’s gala, we saw record attendance and fundraising, thanks to our generous community. Celebration was definitely in the air as we shared conversation with friends, ate wonderful food, danced the night away and raised money for our local senior population. Mark your calendars for next year’s gala – Sat., Jan. 25, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

 

We held our annual meeting on January 30, where I reported on 2023 accomplishments to 100 attendees in the Clear Grand Hall, Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center. Some of the highlights included:

  • 6,897 seniors and families served
  • 47,913 meals provided through Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs in our senior life centers
  • 19,000+ hours of in-home care provided through Advocate Home Healthcare
  • 16,000+ hours of member activities and caregiver respite through The Club adult day program
  • Close to 900 volunteer support hours for CHORE small home repair, serving 120 seniors through 68 projects
  • More than 1,800 classes, workshops and activities offered at our senior life centers
  • 54,557 trips via NassauTRANSIT
  • 10,965 hours for 325 volunteers, valued at close to $350,000

 

February 5 saw the dedication of the Berkman Pavilion & Memorial Garden, with a full house as the first event in this new venue. We will forever be in Betty Berkman’s debt for her continued support of our mission to be there for Nassau County seniors. Proceeds from pavilion rentals will benefit our seniors through Meals on Wheels, home health, adult day program, socialization, transportation and other critical deliverables.

 

In the very near future, I will share an extremely exciting announcement, thanks to one of our longtime supporters. This announcement involves an especially meaningful donation that will position NCCOA well for years to come. More soon…

 

With thanks and appreciation,

Donate Now

Senior Life Magazine

Our latest Senior Life Magazine will be distributed via the News-Leader and Nassau County Record on March 13, so keep an eye out! You may also pick up a copy at our Fernandina Beach and Westside Senior Life Centers.

Friendly Visitor Program is Open to Seniors!

NCCOA's Friendly Visitor Program is designed to serve seniors who are isolated and home-bound. Many seniors in Nassau County live far from family members, have lost old friends and would benefit greatly from the fellowship provided by this program.


Through the Friendly Visitor Program, seniors receive a home visit or call once per week for a full year. You and your Friendly Visitor can decide how to spend your time. Some suggested activities include:


• Reading • Working on a Hobby • Going for a Walk

• Letter Writing • Talking about Life Events or Special Memories


If you would like to sign up for the program, or if you would like to volunteer to be a Friendly Visitor, contact the Friendly Visitor Coordinator at 904-775-5484.

Gala Auction Winner is

"Mayor for the Day"

During NCCOA’s 50th Anniversary Gala, Mark Gallagher made an important purchase in the silent auction. Mark, general manager of CJ Bass Plumbing Inc., won the highly sought after “Mayor for the Day,” prize, hosted by Fernandina Mayor Bradley Bean.


On February 27, Mark and a few team members ventured to City Hall to begin a tour of local facilities. Due to his plumbing business, the agenda included a stop at the water and wastewater treatment facilities and Plant and Public Works/Operations.


“Everything went really well,” said Mark. “We all enjoyed the treatment plant tours, especially being a plumbing company. It was a great experience.” Lunch followed, then stops at the fire station, municipal airport, police station and harbor marina. Mayor Bean issued a special proclamation in his honor; Mark even sat in the Mayor’s chair to cap off the day.


Thank you to Mark for your generosity, and to Mayor Bean and his staff for their time and enthusiasm!

Mayor Bradley Bean reads a proclamation for the

"Mayor for the Day."

Fernandina's new firehouse was an important stop on the afternoon portion of the tour.

Mark Gallagher (center) finds the Mayor's seat 'just right.'

The group tours the

city's sanitation facility.

Nassau County Issues Anniversary Proclamation

NCCOA President & CEO Janice Ancrum (center) and Marketing & Communications Director Liz Dunn (right), attended the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting, February 12, to hear Chairman John Martin issue a special proclamation (above right) for our 50th year of serving seniors in Nassau County. Click here for the video, and a reading of the proclamation.

NCCOA Hosts AIP 50th Anniversary Exhibit

Historic photos, documents and text chronicle the history of Amelia Island Plantation in a traveling exhibit hosted by Nassau County Council on Aging, 1901 Island Walk Way in Fernandina Beach, through April 27. (Photo courtesy AIPCA)

Fifty years of Amelia Island Plantation history will be on display at Nassau County Council on Aging through April 27.



This year, AIP is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its grand opening on July 4, 1974, and community volunteers have created a traveling history exhibit, "The Last 50 Years: A Photo Journal," to mark the occasion. Historic photos, documents and newspaper clippings are combined with narrative text to chronicle the progress and setbacks this influential community has experienced over the last five decades.

 

Divided into decades, the exhibit guides visitors through AIP's rich history, starting with the purchase by environmentally-conscious developer Charles Fraser in 1970 of 3,700 acres on the south end of Amelia Island that had been eyed as the site for a titanium strip mine. Other highlights include the heyday of the women's professional tennis tournament which spurred tourism to the island, two developer bankruptcies and today's thriving community that includes the Omni Amelia Island Resort, the Amelia Island Club and Osprey Village senior living community.

 

"I think our neighbors on Amelia Island will find this history exhibit both entertaining and informative," said AIPCA President Walter Cox. "If you dig deep into the past 50 years, they were not always easy or joyful years but, collectively, the great residents of Amelia Island Plantation overcame a variety of challenges and have delivered us successfully to today."


“We are thrilled and honored to host this traveling exhibit, celebrating AIP’s 50th anniversary,” said NCCOA President & CEO Janice Ancrum. “As a matter of fact, Nassau County Council on Aging celebrated our own 50th anniversary on February 15. We understand the significance of this important milestone and look forward to continuing the celebration with our AIP friends.”

 

The exhibit may be viewed through April 27, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way in Fernandina Beach. For additional information about viewing the display, contact NCCOA at 904-261-0701.

Duplicate Bridge Club Presents Donation to NCCOA

The Amelia Island Duplicate Bridge Club made a generous donation to NCCOA, February 24. Pictured are (from left to right) Elsa Mitschele, Kathy Montgomery, NCCOA President & CEO Janice Ancrum, Debora Mitchell and Susan Kressy.

Correction: In the February newsletter, it was stated that NCCOA is the sole recipient of all charitable Amelia Cruizers donations. It should have read that we are an annual recipient of charitable donations, as written in the Amelia Cruizers bylaws. We apologize for the error.

NassauTRANSIT Spotlight: Meet the Drivers!

Tom Gagne joined our team of drivers a little over a year and a half ago. He had been spotting NassauTRANSIT buses around the county for years and contacted us when he heard we needed drivers. We are so grateful he did because Tom is a valuable addition with his cheerful demeanor and eager-to-help attitude. He thoroughly enjoys assisting our customers by providing them with friendly company on the way to appointments, and prides himself on being early to offer a helping hand if a little extra support is needed. 


Tom is busy in his second retirement. When he’s not driving for NassauTRANSIT, he can be found volunteering at a local hospital or NCCOA, kayaking or hiking. He is a long-time resident of Amelia Island having moved here 29 years ago from New Hampshire. Prior to moving here, he ran a martial arts studio up north for 20 years and earned a 5th degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate which is where his love of Tai Chi (Chuan) began. After receiving his 6th black belt in recognition of his many years of contributions to martial arts, Tom continued his lifelong practice of Tai Chi which is the practice of “Soft Energy.” By sharing his passion with our seniors at the Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center, his students learn to enjoy the many health benefits of practicing active mediation, breathing techniques and balance in his classes.


His second career was Recreation Director and Loss Prevention Director on Amelia Island for 16 years before he retired again at 68. Because they enjoy travelling, he and “the love of his life” Gloria, his wife of almost 55 years, have explored the many U.S. national parks and monuments in an RV. Their top two favorites are the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park. Both experiences left them speechless. “We were in awe watching the sun rise on the walls of the Grand Canyon.” Tom explained. “And it’s hard to beat watching and waiting for Old Faithful to shoot its geyser of water into the air.” 


Tom and Gloria recently sold their 14-year-old home on wheels and have plans to buy a smaller version very soon. Their family includes 2 grown children, their spouses and 2 granddaughters, all of whom they are very proud.


Tom’s love of helping people shines through during his work day each and every day. Thank you, Tom, for the extra care and attention you provide to our NassauTRANSIT customers!

Shana Gregory moved to Hilliard from Jacksonville 20 years ago and fell in love with the small town feel. When it was time to look for a new job, she took the chance to try something new. NassauTRANSIT buses are easy to spot across the county and after considering the idea of driving for a living, she decided to give it a try. 


Fast forward eight and a half years and Shana is now one of our most beloved drivers on the road today. Her passengers love her sunshine smile, friendly personality and warm welcome when they climb aboard her bus. She enjoys the opportunity to brighten someone’s day who may otherwise not have had anyone to talk to until Shana arrives at their door. Her customers appreciate the special care she gives to deliver them safely and on time wherever they need to go.


One of the funniest memories during her time with NassauTRANSIT was picking up a customer on a free range farm a few years ago. Having not had much experience with farm animals, she quickly learned not to clap her hands and holler “SHOO” at an irate rooster or turn her back on an overly friendly bull calf. The calf made his displeasure at her sharp reprimand known by ramming against her driver side door over and over during her next visit until she honked her horn long enough and loud enough for the owner to come and rescue her. 


When Shana isn’t behind the wheel of a NassauTRANSIT bus, she can be found enjoying the sights and sounds of her surroundings as she explores the back roads during her travels. Taking the scenic route has led to some wonderful discoveries even if it takes a little longer to get there. Her knack for finding delightful spots off the beaten path has led her to new favorite restaurants hidden away in Savannah, GA, and “Pretty Place” otherwise known as Fred W. Symmes Chapel at the YMCA Camp Greenville in South Carolina. A lot of people haven’t heard of it but if you take a look at the YMCA website, the photos of the view overlooking the valley are absolutely incredible. Lake Lure, NC, is another beautiful spot she shared with us that can be found in the Blue Ridge foothills. Relaxing in nature is her happy place as she takes part in photography, bird watching, sitting and enjoying a good book or listening to her favorite music. Shana treasures her close friendships and she and her friends make a point of meeting to enjoy quality time together at least once a year regardless of how far apart they live from one another.


Shana has always had customer-focused jobs and it’s no wonder – she enjoys getting to know new people and sharing her warm smile and bubbly personality. She has fond memories of working as a school crossing guard during her son’s early school years, as well as gaining work experience in the retail industry prior to driving for NassauTRANSIT.


Thank you, Shana, for your warm and friendly frame of mind and your dedication to helping our riders get where they need to go in Nassau County. Your customers are lucky to have you as their driver and we are lucky to have you as one of our team members!

Membership & Community Engagement Update

Is it time to renew?

Membership Program: Pay one fee, take unlimited classes

Check your membership and see if it's time to renew. Many folks renew at the beginning of the year -- that might be you! Our membership program at the Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center offers two membership levels:

  • Individual membership for $125.00 per year (unlimited classes)
  • Couples membership (2 people per household) for $195.00 per year (unlimited classes)


Memberships are valid one year from the date enrolled. Payment can be made online or with our receptionist. Nonmember rate is $5.00 per class or activity, payable at the time of registration.


If it's renewal time, call us at 904-261-0701 or stop by the front desk at 1901 Island Walk Way. Thank you for being a member...we're always happy to see you!

Click here or on the calendar below to expand
Renew or Join

Volunteer Spotlight

Dr. Brenda Nicholson: Living with Dementia

Brenda Nicholson, MD, facilitates a caregiver session, at The Club,

Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center.

What do you do when you are a brilliant board-certified internist and oncologist, and you are diagnosed with dementia? Ask Brenda Nicholson, MD…she can tell you from personal experience.


Dr. Nicholson, previous director of the Breast Cancer Program at Vanderbilt University and physician with Tennessee Cancer Specialists, was diagnosed in 2014 with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 49.

 

Rather than sitting around feeling sorry for herself, Dr. Nicholson has become a champion for dementia research and advocacy, working with Alzheimer’s Tennessee, the NIH, NIA and UCLA. Her diagnosis has empowered her to share personal insights and experiences with research and advocacy groups, governmental agencies and more. Since she and her husband moved to Amelia Island, Dr. Nicholson has been an invaluable volunteer, sharing her expertise as a member of the NCCOA Club’s Advisory panel, teaching caregivers and volunteers, and initiating a project to create a caregiver resource book.

 

Because of Dr. Nicholson, Nassau County now has its first and only Memory Café. The group promotes social support, connection, health and well-being for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related disorders, as well as mild cognitive impairment, in a welcoming environment. The Café is a safe space to share experiences, focus on strengths and learn how to live well with disease. Members learn how to adjust to life changes, combat stigma and isolation, develop a safe social peer group and live their best life. NCCOA’s Memory Café meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 2-3 pm at our Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way.

 

Thank you, Dr. Nicholson, for sharing and caring!

Valentine's Day on the Westside: Royally Fun!

Sweetheart King and Queen -- John Jones and Lorraine Wilber -- rule over the Westside festivities.

Honorary King and Queen -- Sylvester Ross and Dorothy Richo -- are ready for some royal fun.

Nutrition Manager Frances Nobles and Nutrition Assistant/Activities Coordinator Missy Snead are majestic in the royal robes.

Wildlight Farmer's Market Outreach

Interested in learning more about NCCOA? Stop by our booth at the Farmer's Market in Wildlight or Fernandina on select Saturdays and pick up a brochure. Volunteer Coordinator Frances Bartelt (below) may be there to help you!

Monthly Calendars

Did you know you can print NCCOA's monthly calendars from our website? It's true! Click the buttons on the right to print your own calendars right at home.

Just Friends Calendar
The Club Calendar
Fernandina Beach Classes Calendar
Westside AM Calendar
Westside PM Calendar

NCCOA's Adult Day Healthcare Program – The Club – is a therapeutic day center enabling adults needing assistance or supervision due to chronic illness, age, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to socialize and enjoy activities. New Club offerings – and a new Club Manager – are here for our community.


New Club Manager

Jennifer Gundling is the new Manager for The Club. A NCCOA team member since 2021, Jennifer has hit the ground running with her special blend of senior care, along with past experience in social work and education. Working closely with Club members, caregivers and staff, Jennifer has big plans to further grow the program.

Kim Carroll, a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer, guides a Club member through a PT session. She also provides fall risk assessment, musculoskeletal screening and relevant education for members, families and caregivers.

“All seniors – no matter what challenges they may face – learn to be their very best through a wide range of Club activities,” she said. “We focus on a very holistic approach of therapeutic, educational, social, cultural and recreational activity areas, with an emphasis on both individuals and the group as a whole.”

NCCOA President & CEO Janice Ancrum is pleased with the program’s growth. “Since the pandemic, we have worked diligently to build our adult day offerings through The Club, and are now reaping the benefits with increased participation, multifaceted programming and social activities,” she said. “As always, a major focus is our caregivers who are the target audience for several new programs and support groups."


New Club Offerings

Therapies are an integral component of the day program. As people age, challenges include maintaining and/or improving daily functions such as communication, balance and strength. Two therapists specially trained in these areas now provide regular sessions to help keep Club members enjoying life.


  • Island Speech Therapy’s Michelle Appleby, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Florida-licensed speech language pathology therapist and a current member of the American Speech and Hearing Association. She received her bachelor and master of science degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Currently practicing at Baptist Nassau, Michelle provides a regularly scheduled program at NCCOA emphasizing speech and voice quality; expressive and receptive language; cognitive and social communication; and other relevant education, as appropriate and as needed by Club members and their caregivers.
  • Kim Carroll Physical Therapy is now on site to provide Club members with a regularly scheduled program to maintain and improve balance, strength, flexibility and conditioning. Kim Carroll, DPT, ATC, MTC, Cert. DN, is a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer, and is certified in manual therapy and other techniques. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Exercise Sport Science specializing in Athletic Training, and her doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. For Club members, she provides fall risk assessment, musculoskeletal screening, referrals to skilled and covered therapies/medical services and relevant education for Club members, families and caregivers.


For Caregivers

Caregivers are the focus of several new NCCOA programs, such as Caregiver 9-1-1 and The Successful Caregiver. Ongoing groups include the Caregiver Support Group, Memory Café and Grieving with Hope. Classes are free to all caregivers; NCCOA membership is not required. 


For more information, contact Emily Kunzelmann or Jennifer Gundling at 904-261-0701.

NCCOA Club members benefit from a regularly scheduled physical therapy program to maintain and improve balance, strength, flexibility and conditioning.

NCCOA Social Media

Many of you may already know that we have a Facebook page, but did you know we also have a YouTube channel and Instagram? Click the icons below to find NCCOA on all our socials!

Nassau County Council on Aging

Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center, Fernandina Beach

904-261-0701

Westside Senior Life Center, Hilliard

904-845-3331

www.nassaucountycoa.org


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