DF@W Virtual Workshop Open To Area Businesses and Organizations
April 18, 2024 - Fortunately, a dementia-friendly movement is underway to ensure that people living with dementia have the resources and support they need to live independently and well for as long as possible. VPAS is seeking Dementia-Friendly designations in communities throughout our entire service area.
You can make a difference by participating in a Virtual Dementia Friends at Work (DF@W) session. This workshop is for anyone associated with a business, organization, or faith community that would like to learn more about the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, learn how to better communicate and be helpful, and then understand how this might relate specifically to the work they do.
Date: Thursday, May 16th from 10:00-11:00am
For more information and to join the session, please email Regional Director Joyce Nussbaum at joyce@vpas.info or call 540.615.5341
Maury River Senior Services Pickers' Concert
April 18, 2024 - The Maury River Players and Singers will host a concert on Friday, June 4th at 12:00pm at Maury River Senior Services, 2137 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, VA. There is no cost to attend the concert. The Pickers have been playing old time music together for many years and this is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of some fine local musicians.
Do you play an instrument? Interested in joining other senior musicians to practice a variety of musical selections which change on a monthly basis? Join the Pickers on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am-11:30am at Maury River Senior Services. All skill levels on any instruments are welcome. Printed lyrics and chords are provided for each session. No need to register, just drop by!
For more information call 540.261.7474
Changes to Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled
April 11, 2024 - The Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program has changed to allow for a greater number of residents to be eligible and to help more residents who are in the greatest need of relief. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on April 10, 2024, the Board approved an ordinance amendment to Chapter 22 of the Augusta County code related to the Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program. The changes to county code will allow for a greater number of residents to be eligible.
The expanded conditions for eligibility include:
• Total Combined Income: The total combined income from all sources in a household should be $55,000 dollars or less. [Before the amendment, the threshold stood at $40,000.]
• Net Combined Financial Worth: All assets and equitable interests of the owner and spouse - not including the value of the house - should be $125,000 or less. [The previous version of code stipulated a net worth of $100,000.]
The deadline for filing an application to determine eligibility is Friday, April 19, 2024 in Augusta County. Individuals who have not already filed an application are encouraged to call the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office at 540-245-5647 to learn more about eligibility and to start an application. Helpful information to gather in order to complete the application are the following documents:
• Statements of Gross Income : Information can often be found on the SSA1099-Social Security Benefits, W2s, December 31st bank statements, 1099 forms
• Net Financial Worth : December 31st bank statements, investment accounts, and a list of all vehicles
Applicants must be at least 65 years old or permanently and totally disabled prior to January 1, 2024, to be eligible for the real estate tax relief program.
Learn more at https://www.co.augusta.va.us/residents/taxes/tax-exemptions-for-elderly-disabled-disabled-veterans.
Real Estate Tax Relief Information Chart - Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro
Opening Minds Through Art Projects on Display
April 5, 2024- Opening Minds through Art is a national arts program for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. Artists are partnered with trained volunteers who guide them through the process of creating abstract art. During these sessions, participants enjoy positive rapport with volunteers and time to engage in the creative process with autonomy and fun. All levels of artistic ability are welcomed.
Kathy Guisewite, Caregiver Outreach Coordinator for VPAS, is facilitating four weekly Opening Minds through Art (OMA) sessions at Maury River Senior Center in Buena Vista between March 26- April 16, 2024. Nine artists and nine trained volunteers are participating. Artwork will be selected to be on display in the gallery Art on Magnolia in Buena Vista in time for the local Artpolooza event on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Art on Magnolia will also be hosting a reception of this OMA exhibit on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 1:30-2:30. The community is invited to celebrate the talent of these local artists!
https://www.bvarts.org/
Valley Program for Aging Services Celebrates 50th Anniversary
with Special "No Senior Eats Alone" and "March for Meals" Observances
February 9, 2024 - As part of a year-long 50th Anniversary Campaign, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) will launch “No Senior Eats Alone” and “March for Meals” to highlight their congregate and home delivered meal programs for older adults.
In February, VPAS will seek to serve at least 50 new older adult residents at a VPAS Café for lunch and socialization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a quarter of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially-isolated, putting them at risk for malnutrition, dementia, and other serious medical conditions. “No Senior Eats Alone” is a call-to-action for all community members to improve the quality of life of our elderly population by inviting them to join VPAS cafes.
In March, VPAS will host March for Meals, a month-long recognition of Meal on Wheels and the vulnerable seniors who rely on the home-delivered meal service to remain independent at home. The program not only improves senior nutrition, but also provides vital human contact for homebound older adults.
VPAS encourages the public to participate in the following events:
- VPAS Cafes – VPAS will ask local businesses, churches, and organizations to help bring at least 50 older adults into a VPAS café in February. Cafes, which are located throughout our service area, offer a delicious meal, as well as social activities, games, exercise and other programming. Learn more here.
- Casks for a Cause – On St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg will host Casks for a Cause in celebration of VPAS’ 50th Anniversary. Attendees will enjoy a special raffle and a custom brew to benefit VPAS Meals on Wheels program. Music will be provided by Dwight Martin and food will be available.
- Community Champions Day – During the week of March 18, local leaders throughout our service are will volunteer their time to deliver meals to homebound older adults, as well as learn how Meals on Wheels delivers critical nutrition and human connection to a rapidly aging population.
For more information about how to participate in No Senior Eats Alone, Casks for a Cause or Community Champions Day, call 1-800-868-VPAS (8727)
VPAS Releases FY 2022-23 Impact Reports
January 19, 2024 - VPAS has made public their Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Impact Reports. These reports summarize the successes and the impact VPAS services have made in the lives of older adults in all of the regions served. In total, 4578 individuals were served in five counties and the cities within: Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham. The reports can be reviewed here.
Highlights include:
Opening new VPAS cafes in Weyers Cave, Churchville, Hot Springs and Goshen.
Implementation of a new Telephone Checking program.
Launching of the Intergenerational Respite Care Program
VATS Resource Guide Now Available
Virginia Assisted Technology Systems (VATS) is a program designed to be sure Virginians are aware of, and able to access, assistive technologies and equipment they may need to participate in society. VATS has specifically highlighted these products to help older adults live independently and with greater function in their daily lives.