WASH I NG TON B E A CON — MAY 2 0 1 2 29

VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE 5 A newsletter for D.C. Seniors May 2012

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging

“Never Too Old to Play” is the themethat the U.S. Administration on Aginghas adopted for May 2012, which isOlder Americans Month. As I reflect onmy past 12 months with the District ofColumbia Office on Aging, I must saythat the thousands of seniors that I havemet across the District truly embracethis theme! They are physically activethrough their participation at one of thefive operational Senior Wellness Centersacross the city and are contributing toour society through their passion forserving people.

Unfortunately, there are still seniorswho suffer the effects of social isolationand the lack of family support. There-fore, I urge our seniors and others whohave a desire to help, to reach out tothese vulnerable persons and connectthem with the programs and services of-fered by the D.C. Office on Aging SeniorService Network. Our intake specialistsand social workers are happy to assist allclients directed to our offices.

While we’re still on the topic of OlderAmericans Month, I encourage you toattend some of our special events for themonth of May as we celebrate the con-tribution of seniors to their communi-ties. I would like to especially highlightthe first ever Mayor’s Senior Sympo-sium that will assemble over 300 sen-iors, advocates, and providers of senior

services who will address issues thatmatter the most to our seniors. It will bea great opportunity to fine tune ourfocus on how to better serve the Dis-trict’s seniors.

The Office on Aging is working dili-gently to improve the way we provideservices through the D.C. Office onAging Senior Service Network. Our newapproach means better access to moreservices for seniors, persons living withdisabilities, and family caregivers. It alsoresults in increased funding and re-sources for our community-basedproviders who do an excellent job inserving our stakeholders. I trust thatyou will notice an improved service de-livery model in the next several months.

The D.C. Office on Aging is in themidst of facilitating community engage-ment meetings around the District onour State Plan on Aging. The state planserves as our agency’s strategic planthat highlights our goals and objectivesfor the next three years. We encourageyou to attend one of these communityengagement meetings and give us yourinput on shaping this plan. Please seethe dates listed in this issue for upcom-ing meetings or contact our office at 202-724-5622. You may also contact us if youwould like to host a community engage-ment meeting on the State Plan onAging.

25th Annual Salute to Districtof Columbia Centenarians

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGEBy Dr. John M. Thompson

Senior advocate and volunteer 101-year-old Mary “Sue” Whitman was also honored during the an-nual event. Whitman, a retired federal employee, was a former D.C. Commission on Aging memberand also served on the Mayor’s Health Policy Committee.

Laura Genus, 106, was the oldest cente-narian present and the honoree chosen tocut the ceremonial cake at the recent 25thAnnual Salute to District of Columbia Cen-tenarians. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, theD.C. Office on Aging and Family Mattersof Greater Washington presented theevent to honor morethan 175 residentsregistered with theD.C. Office onAging. The lunch-eon was attended by34 centenarianstheir caregivers,family members andfriends.

Mayor Gray ad-dressed those in at-tendance and posedfor a few photoswith honorees. Thecentenarians in at-tendance were pre-sented with amedallion and JerryPhillips, master ofceremonies, readinformation on theirlives. , D.C. Officeon Aging Executive Director John M.Thompson, Family Matters of GreaterWashington CEO Tonya Jackson Small-wood, Ms. Senior D.C. Emma P. Ward, andD.C. Commission on Aging Chairperson

Jacqueline C. Arguelles posed for photoswith the centenarians and their guests asthe medallions were presented.

Veteran Alyce Dixon, 104 years old, com-mented on how more seniors are livinglonger and they enjoy staying engaged in ac-tivities. Dixon who was one of the first

women to serve as amember o f t heWomen ' s A rmyCorps (WAC), is stillan active member ofher facility commu-nity. She receivedthe Good ConductMedal for her mili-tary service and wasa noted volunteer atvarious hospitals inthe area.

Of the 34 cente-narians present atthe event, only fourwere men. Many ofthe centenariansstill participate inprograms and serv-ices provided bythe D.C. Office onAging. Kelso Stew-

art and Flora Mitchell, both 100, and Ms.Rozalia Simmons, age 102, all attend sen-ior wellness centers on a daily basis. Dea-con Willie Darby, age 100, attends a daycare on a regular basis.

Centenarian Edna Hardmon, 103 years of age, seated with her daughter, poses for pictureswith DCOA Executive Director John M. Thompson, Family Matters of Greater WashingtonCEO Tonya J. Smallwood, Ms. Senior D.C. Emma P. Ward, Commission on Aging ChairpersonJacqueline C. Arguelles, and Mayor Vincent C. Gray. Hardmon attributes her longevity to herwork helping others and their causes.

Joel Emmett McLeod, Sr. , age 102, has beenmarried to his wife Eva for 72 years. He retiredfrom the Department of Labor, Division ofLabor Statistics. The couple has six children,three grandchildren and three great-children.

Older Americans Month is celebrated eachMay to honor and recognize older Americansfor the contributions they make to our families,communities and society. This year's theme“Never Too Old to Play” encourages olderAmericans to stay engaged, active and involvedin their own lives and in their communities. TheDistrict of Columbia will be holding citywideand ward events throughout the month inrecognition of the 100,000+ Older Washingtoni-ans to play, learn and have fun.

“Innovations in Aging 2012- Expo/ Conference” in partnership MD & VAState Agencies on Aging — May 3-5Event: Expo, job fair and conference work-

shops for seniors in the DMV.The job fair and the expo are free and open to

the public. The professional conference (Thurs-day and Friday) has a $125 registration fee tocover meals and CEU costs.Location: Gaylord National Hotel and Con-

ference Center, National Harbor Center. For more information, contact 410-767-1100.

D.C. Parks and Recreation “Senior Golden Olympics” — May 7-11, Event: Bowling, track, relay, swimming, golf

and more sportsLocations: Deanwood Recreation Center,

Coolidge Field, Bowling Arena, Takoma Com-munity CenterFor more information about times and locations,

contact 202- 664-7153 or http://www.drp.dc.gov

“AARP Senior Community ShredEvent”— May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Event: Opportunity for seniors to dispose of

any papers with confidential printing, archiverecords, colored stock folders. No business orcommercial materials will be accepted Locations:Washington Seniors Wellness

Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. SE and TakomaCommunity Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW, 202-434-2099 or LCESMP@aarp.org

“Senior Day at UniverSoul Circus”— May 8, 10:30 a.m. (other dates May 3-20)Event: Featuring high wire, clowns, trick

dogs, elephants, dance, aerial ballet, dancers,tigers and soul music.Location: 6900 Annapolis Rd., Landover

Hills, MD. For tickets call 800-316-7439 or bookonline at www.universoulcircus.com.

Silent Partners Senior Citizens “HIV Train-ing Workshop” — May 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event: Training opportunity to learn, advo-

cate, identify resources and be informedLocation: Temple of Praise Church, 700

Southern Ave. S.E.For more information and to RSVP contact:

202-832-3127 or 202-487-9525

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative “Senior Prom” (Ward 7),May 17, 4 p.m.Event: Senior Prom with dancing and more.

All invited.Location: St Luke’s Center 4910 East Capitol

St. SE For more information and tickets, call 202-

534-5880

Family Matters (Ward 2) “Fun Day” May 25, 10 a.m. – 2p.m. Event: Fun Day out and indoors for seniors

in Ward 2. Location: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1300

7th St. NWFor more information and to RSVP contact:

202-232-4202

IONA Senior Services “Advocacy 101”on May 15 at 12:30 p.m. Event: Be an advocacte for yourselfLocation: Tenleytown-Friendship Neigh-

borhood Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW For more information contact 202-966-1055

Seabury Resources “Health Fair and Expo”(Ward 5) May 18 at 11 a.m.Event: Health and information exhibitors,

lunch and entertainment for seniors in Ward 5Location:North Michigan Park Recreation

Center, 1333 Emerson St. NWContact 202-529-8701 to RSVP

Barney Program “Senior Talent Show”(Ward 4) — May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Event: Senior talent and fashion show and

lunch for seniors in Ward 4Location: The Nineteenth St. Baptist

Church, 4606 16th St. NWCall 202-939-9030 to RSVP

Family Matters (Ward 8) — May 24, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Event: Health and information exhibitors,

lunch and entertainment for seniors in Ward 8Location: DCARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SEFor more information contact 202-562-6860 to

RSVP.

Family Matters “Ward 6 Open House”(Date to be announced), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event: Open House for new headquarters for

Ward 6 Lead Agency for aging servicesLocation: 1318 H St. N.E.Call 202-547-7503 to RSVP

Terrific Inc/Bernice Fonteneau SeniorWellness Ctr. “Ward 1 St. Festival” —May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Event: Outdoor and indoor street festival for

seniors in Ward One. Location: Bernice Fonteneau Senior Well-

ness Center, 3531 Georgia Ave. NWFor more information, contact 202-234-4128

National Senior Health and Fitness Day— May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Event: Open House at Senior Wellness Cen-

ters with activities and tourLocations:Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center,

3531 Georgia Ave. NWCongress Heights Senior Wellness Center,

3500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SEHattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, 324

Kennedy St. NWModel Cities Senior Wellness Centers, 1901

Evart St. NEWashington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001

Alabama Ave. NE For more information, contact: 202-724-5626

30 MAY 2 0 1 2 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

Spotlight On Aging is published by the In-formation Office of the D.C. Office on Agingfor D.C. senior residents. Advertising con-tained in the Beacon is not endorsed by theD.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher.

500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002

202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.govDr. John M. Thompson, Executive Director

Darlene Nowlin, EditorAdrian R. Reed, Photographer

The D.C. Office on Aging does not discrimi-nate against anyone based on actual or per-ceived: race, color, religion, national origin,sex, age, marital status, personal appearance,sexual orientation, familial status, family re-sponsibilities, matriculation, political affilia-tion, disability, source of income, and place ofresidence or business.Sexual harassment is a form of sex dis-

crimination which is prohibited by the Act.In addition, harassment based on any of theabove protected categories is prohibited bythe Act. Discrimination in violation of theAct will not be tolerated. Violators will besubjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia

Recycling Program.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

Older Americans Month Events

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — MAY 2 0 1 2 31

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

“Never Too Old To Play”Older Americans Month 2012Skip the cost of gym member-

ships. Join thousands of seniorsacross the city as they participatein fitness activities at on one ofour wellness centers located inyour neighborhood. All servicesfocus on wellness, health promo-tion and disease prevention. Nu-trition, exercise, reflexology,smoking cessation and otherhealth dialogues, seminars, sup-port groups, creative arts andmuch more to provide promotethe health and wellness of Dis-trict residents age 60 and older.

Bernice Fonteneau SeniorWellness Center3531 Georgia Ave. NW202-727-0338

Congress Heights Senior Well-ness Center3500 Martin Luther King, Jr.Ave. SE

202-563-7225Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center324 Kennedy St. NW202-291-6170

Hayes Senior Wellness Center(New location currently takingregistrations)500 K St. NE202-727-0357

Model Cities Senior WellnessCenter1901 Evarts St. NE202-635-1900

UDC Institute of Gerontology BODYWISE Senior Program4340 Connecticut Ave. NW202-274-6697

Washington Seniors WellnessCenter3001 Alabama Ave. SE202-581-9355

First Annual D.C. Office on AgingOlder Americans Month Senior Symposium Never Too Old to Play: Understand-

ing your Options as a Seasoned Citizen!Friday, May 259 a.m. to 4 p.m.Park Hyatt Washington 1201 24th St, NWWashington, DC 20037Join us for a day of education, dis-

cussion and community engagement.

CEUs may be available for profes-sionals attending the event.The event is free, but registration is

required to participate.Continental breakfast and lunch will

be provided to all registered persons.To reserve your space today, please

call the D.C. Office on Aging at 202-724-5622.

District to Hold Public Meetings on Proposed PlanThe Office on Aging is seek-

ing public comment on the draftDistrict of Columbia State Planon Aging for Fiscal Years 2013-2015 as required under theOlder Americans Act (P-L 109-365) as amended in 2006. TheDistrict of Columbia is requiredto submit a State Plan on Agingin order to receive more than $6million in federal dollars underthe Older Americans Act.The plan gives the District’s

older residents, caregivers andother stakeholders an opportunityto express their views on the cur-rent services, future needs andpriorities of the Office on Aging. In addition, a survey is being

distributed throughout the city toassess programs for the elderlyand persons living with disabili-ties aged 18-59. The Draft StatePlan on Aging is also available forreview. To access the survey orthe draft plan, access either on-line at http://dcoa.dc.gov or con-tact Courtney Williams at 202-727-

8370 or courtney.williams@dc.gov.Copies of the draft plan and thesurvey can also be picked up atthe Office on Aging.Comments on the Draft State

Plan on Aging may be mailed to:D.C. Office on Aging, 500 KStreet, NE, Washington, D.C.20002 by May 25, 2012.

Community Input MeetingsMay 7, 1 p.m., Bernice Fonte-

neau Sr. Wellness Center, 3531Georgia Ave NW May 8, 10:45 a.m., Congress

Heights Senior Wellness Cen-ter, 3500 MLK Ave. SE May 14, 12:30 p.m., Asian

Service Center, 417 G Place May 16, 1 p.m. Hattie

Holmes Senior Wellness Cen-ter, 324 Kennedy St. NW May 22, 12:30 p.m., Wash-

ington Seniors Wellness Cen-ter, 3001 Alabama Ave SE May 23, 1 p.m., Model Cities

Senior Wellness Center, 1901Evarts St. NE

Operator for New WellnessCenter Selected

The D.C. Office on Aging has se-lected an entity to operate theHayes Senior Wellness Center inWard 6. Howard University Geri-atrics Division has been awardedthe grant to operate fitness andwellness programs at the HayesSenior Wellness Center, located at500 K St. NE.

“I am pleased with the recommen-dation of the external review paneland feel confident that Howard Uni-versity will provide an excellent coreof programs to assist Ward 6 seniorsas they begin living healthierlifestyles through fitness and exer-cise. Howard University is a leader inadministering evidence based well-ness programs that have beenproven to improve health outcomes,”

stated John M. Thompson, executivedirector of the D.C. Office on Aging.Registration for programs was

expected to begin April 30.District and federal funds in the

amount of $170,555 were awardedto Howard University to operatethe newly constructed facility forthe remainder of FY 2012. Opera-tions will include services that pro-mote healthy habits, enhance so-cial, mental, spiritual and physicalwell-being and help to prevent un-necessary and costly medical prob-lems associated with the agingprocess. Currently approximately11,000 seniors reside in Ward 6. The features of the Hayes Senior

Wellness Center include:• Nutrition counseling and in-

structional kitchen• Aerobics room and total fitness

area• Massage area• Computer training center • Multipurpose room• Offices for Wellness Center

staff• Locker rooms with shower and

bathroom facilitiesIn 2000, the D.C. Office on Aging

requested and was granted capitalauthority to construct a multipur-pose senior wellness center in Ward6 and a new office headquarters forthe D.C. Office on Aging. The oldRutherford B. Hayes ElementarySchool property was purchased andacquired for the project from D.C.Public Schools in 2001. After severalcommunity meetings and approvalby the Historic Preservation Office,the building plans were developedand approved. Upon completion, theOffice on Aging relocated to the sitein October 2011.For more information or to register

for the program, call 202-727-0357.

Howard University Geriatrics Division willoperate the new Hayes Senior Wellness Cen-ter, located in the former Rutherford B.Hayes Elementary School.