Did you remember? To read the LCOG Newsletter in September? Our great news will change the minds of pretenders, and chase the clouds away.

This edition of the newsletter includes details on a multimillion dollar project in Walterboro, a home repair program that could help prevent falls, news about an upcoming Business Services event, and information about World Alzheimer's Day.

Happy Reading!
$3.3 Million Awarded to the city of Walterboro for Wastewater Systems Upgrades
It was announced that the U.S Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.3 million grant to the city of Walterboro, South Carolina, for the construction of new sewer lines in support of economic growth in a region impacted by the declining use of coal. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan and EDA's $300 million Coal Communities Commitment.

This project will provide the wastewater infrastructure capacity needed to service a new manufacturing firm and to accommodate other existing and future business needs. The EDA investment will be matched with $814,375 in local funds and is expected to create 50 jobs and generate $1.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

This project is funded under EDA's American Rescue Plan, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA's most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.
Virtual Employee Roundtable with Business Services
The month of September has been designated as Workforce Development Month in South Carolina. As a result, the Business Services Team at LCOG will engage the local business community by offering a Virtual Employee Roundtable on September 27th, 10 a.m.-- 12 p.m. It will be hosted at the Don Ryan Center, 7 Venture Drive, #100, Bluffton, SC 29910.

"This roundtable is an opportunity to engage industry employers to further the understanding of their unique workforce needs and challenges. This includes attracting, developing and retaining skilled employees," said Tony Pollen, LCOG Business Services Manager. "It is an industry led conversation facilitated by LCOG Business Services Staff."

Working with new and existing employers to understand their challenges is a critical step toward addressing their needs. "We must listen first," said Pollen. "In doing so, this opportunity will act as a launchpad for change and improvement across our entire region."

Over 15 business representatives are currently set to join the Virtual Employee Roundtable, and each county and work cluster served by the LCOG Business Services Team will be represented. Space will be available for those joining both virtually and in person. If you are interested in participating, please RSVP by Friday, September 16th at [email protected].
National Falls Prevention Awareness Day
This autumn the only thing that should be falling are the leaves.

Thursday, September 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. According to the Mayo Clinic, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults and more than 3 million seniors are treated for fall-related injuries each year. Physical changes, health conditions, and sometimes medications make falls more likely. You can prevent falls by staying active, wearing sensible shoes, reviewing your medications, and hazard proofing your home.

Did you know the most dangerous place in your home is your bathroom? LCOG offers a Minor Home Repair and Safety program that can help increase your safety in the bathroom and in other areas of your home to help prevent a fall.


Alzheimer's Awareness & Respite for Caregivers
September is World Alzheimer's month where people aim to educate and challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer's disease and various types of dementia. September 21 is the the National Day for Alzheimer's awareness.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. According to a study conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease. Alzheimer's goes beyond the scope of normal cognitive decline with aging. The disease affects parts of the brain that control memory, thought, and language. A person with dementia experiences severe damage to their nerve cells, which interferes with their daily lives and activities.

People with dementia usually require high levels of care, most of which is provided by family members. Caregiving does have positive aspects, however it can be a difficult task and become overwhelming at times. LCOG has a program that may be able to help provide respite care for a caregiver.
National Senior Center Month
The National Council on Aging has selected the theme for 2022 as "Strengthening Community Connections". The 11,000 senior centers in communities and neighborhoods across the nation provide access to information, opportunities, and support to improve the lives of people in their communities as they age. Senior centers have evolved since their beginning in the 1940s, but the mission has remained the same: to be the local, trusted place in the community that connects people to the programs, services, and opportunities they need to age well.

The Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging works closely with the senior centers in our region on a daily basis. Senior centers give senior adults the opportunity to socialize, make new friends, gain access to programs, and get them involved in activities. Through our assessment program, we are able to connect eligible individuals with their local center to receive nutritious meals, nutrition education, and provide transportation to most centers. All centers offer daily programs which may include card games, bingo, arts & crafts, computer classes, and fitness classes. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a senior center in our area or volunteering some of your time to help at a center, please call one of the numbers listed below.
  • Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging         843.473.3991
  • Colleton County Council on Aging         843.549.7642
  • Hampton County Council on Aging        803.943.7555
  • Jasper County Council on Aging            843.726.5601
  • Beaufort County Parks and Recreation 843.255.6680
Together, we can strengthen our communities by connecting those in need with resources available. For more information on Senior Center Month, please visit the NCOA website.
If you would like further assistance with enrolling in Medicare, please contact Dieesha Hicks at 843-473-3996 or by email at [email protected].
If you have questions concerning any of the information contained in the newsletter, please feel free to contact Nikki Leak at 843.473.3956 or by email at [email protected].