By Sara Greer
Mower County Senior Center

 

My name is Sara Greer.  I recently graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor’s degree in gerontology and a minor in communication studies.

Gerontology is the study of aging; especially the way it affects all of us within society. Ever since the days I spent picking summer ripe tomatoes with my late grandfather, or having tea parties with an elderly neighbor, I have had a deep respect and appreciation for my elders.

This summer, I am very fortunate to be the intern in the advocacy office with Nancy Donahue and Marianne Zahorik.

The idea of advocacy can be summed up as any support or protection of a cause. Senior advocacy is at the same time a broad blanket of support for aging adults while important at an individual level. In terms of scale, the role of a senior advocate could be to improve a system for a large group of seniors, or to improve the quality of life for one. In just a few short weeks I have found this office is involved in the entire spectrum of advocacy.

On a large scale, the advocates work with the Southeast Minnesota Area Agency on Aging.  SEMAAA is actively involved with the federal and state policies that directly affect the aging population. On a community level, Marianne and Nancy coordinate the Senior Service Providers meeting, which is a chance for any agency or organization that provides a service to older adults to meet-and-greet and discuss area services for seniors. While the national, state, and community functions of advocacy are necessary, this office maintains sight of what is the most significant cause: the people.

Both Nancy and Marianne devote most of their time in the office and within our community working with families and individuals.  The needs of each family and each person vary greatly. They assist with everything from going through technical paperwork, referring someone to another agency who can help with a specific need, providing support for caregivers, and doing whatever it takes to keep an aging person independent, safe, and well for as long as possible. It has been wonderful to observe the many instances where exploring one question or problem is only the tip of the iceberg, and delving into it often lays a foundation for a positive relationship with Marianne and Nancy.

No matter which facet of advocacy Nancy, Marianne, and even myself are working with, there have been multiple times where I have witnessed firsthand the difference advocates can make in the lives of other people.  I have learned something new every day about advocacy, about the world we live in, and about myself. I am tremendously grateful to have the opportunity to work with this office, and especially these advocates.

I would like to close with an invitation to stop by the advocacy office the next time you’re at the Senior Center. Even if only to introduce yourself, or simply to learn more about what exactly the advocacy office does, Nancy, Marianne, and I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you. Don’t forget to join us at the Pizza Ranch Monday night, July 2, for our fundraiser.

 

Upcoming Events

July 2nd-6th

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.; Support the Senior Center, 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge) 12:30 p.m.; Zumba, 3 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Closed for Independence Day

Thursday: Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba, 3 p.m.; Zumba, 3 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

June 18, three tables

1st Mabel Vaale, 2nd Bud Higgins, 3rd Loretta Nelson, 4th Russ Vaale, 5th Jaynard Johnson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

June 19, five tables

1st Russ Vaale, 1st Mabel Vaale; 2nd Gail Schmidt, 2nd Ray Schmidt; 3rd Loren Cleland, 3rd Dave Ring; 4th Lorraine Lippert, 4th Millie Seiver

Tuesday “500”

June 19, four tables

1st Dorothy Stern, 2nd Dennis Bray, 3rd  Gene Rauen, 4th Helen Broitzman

Pinochle

June 18

1st Hilton Henchen

June 19

1st Jessie Swain, 1st Jaynard Johnson

Friday Bridge

June 22, four tables

1st Dave Ring, 2nd Betty  Jorgenson, 3rd Pat Swenson, 4th Larry Larson, 5th Theresa Baldus, 6th Loretta Nelson

Weekly Cribbage

June 20, 3.5 tables

1st Dorothy Schloo, 2nd Hilton Henschen, 3rd Val La Vallie, 4th Mercedes Nordstrom

Weekly “500”

June 22, five tables

1st Wayne Chilson, 2nd Dorothy Stern, 3rd Helen Broitzman, 4th Eddie Hall

 

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Onion-smothered beef steak

Tuesday: Grilled chicken salad

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: Spaghetti/meat sauce

Friday: Baked fish. Alt: Pork steak