VPAS Augusta News


Older Americans Month Activities Fun at Staunton Senior Center

ssc-older americans monthOlder Americans Month activities held at the Staunton Senior Center last week were found to be both fun and successful. Activities ranged from the reading of humorous stories focusing on light-hearted aging and special recognition of ten wonderful members who have attained the ninety and above age status.

Members performed quite well on the group crossword puzzle, and the Open House was very lovely with sandwiches donated by Anna Stell of Intrepid Health Care Services and a veggie tray brought in by Brittney Shetter of Team Nurse. The stringed performance by Quail Hill Quartet was exquisite, and the four musical siblings captured the hearts of members and staff alike!

Three members and the SSC Program Director were fortunate to be able to attend the Ms. Virginia Senior America Pageant upstairs in the nTelos Theatre with complementary tickets from the Pageant. Two local contestants were recognized at the end of the event, one as second runner-up and one as Ms. Congeniality! What an exciting way to end a week full of celebrating the wonders of all older adults!




Karen Hurt Named New Director at Waynesboro Senior Center

karen hurtThe Waynesboro Senior Center is pleased to welcome Karen Hurt as the new WSC Center Director.

Karen is a retired teacher looking for a new career that enables her to use her experience in administration and the arts while continuing to work in social services.  She has program development, marketing, fundraising, and people management experience along with community ties primarily in the areas of education, theater and the arts.  We are excited to have her become part of the Senior Center team.

Karen will start her new position on May 28.




Farm Market Fresh for Seniors

The Farm Market Fresh for Seniors program will be held in the SAW Region again this year. This program gives eligible older adults $40 in coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at the Staunton, Verona, and Waynesboro Farmer’s Markets this summer. In addition to supporting senior nutrition, the program also supports local farmers and farmers’ markets.

The coupon books will be distributed at enrollment sessions at Staunton Senior Center on Thurs., June 27, 10:00am – 2:00pm and at Waynesboro Senior Center on Fri., June 28, 10:00am- 2:00pm. The coupons are valid from July 1 – Nov 16, 2013.

To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, live in Staunton, Augusta County, or Waynesboro, have a monthly income of no more than $1,436 (single) or $1,939 (couple), have transportation to one of the Farmer’s Markets, and be present to pick up the coupons. Individuals cannot be an immediate family member or live with a participating farm market vendor. Only one coupon book per eligible senior or two coupon books per eligible couple per Market Season will be permitted.

VPAS Outreach Coordinator, Debbie Branham will also be at the enrollment sessions to conduct eligibility pre-screening for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formerly known as Food Stamps for persons who are interested in extra help with groceries throughout the entire year.




Staunton Senior Center Members Recognized

90s plus celebration 5Staunton Senior Center members show off their certificates of recognition Tuesday, May 14. These five and four others were recognized for reaching age 90 or greater as part of SSC’s celebration of Older Americans Month (May). They are (from left): Warren Olson, Dot Harvey, Ernest Boone, Ethel Clifton, and Laura Luziach. Not pictured are: Daisy Curry, Martha Deavers, Paul Thacker, and Sarah Willauer.




Staunton Senior Center Announced Quilt Raffle Winner

Staunton Senior Center member Grace McGovern won a quilted wall hanging during the SSC Open House. The raffle and Open House were part of SSC’s celebration of Older American’s Month. The week of special events concluded with the Senior Ms. Virginia pageant in the Ntelos Theater of Gypsy Hill Place on May 17.





More News