From Michael Lamothe
Media Specialist – Central Alabama Aging Consortium
Central Alabama Aging Consortium threw its annual Christmas party for seniors from Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery Counties Friday at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Over 400 seniors attended, filling the civic center to near capacity. The party got rolling even before the official start of 9 a.m. as seniors could not wait to grab a table.
“This is the best crowd we’ve had since the Covid pause. These are pre-Covid attendance figures,” said one CAAC program coordinator.
A big tradition at the party is dancing to golden oldies and to favorite Christmas carols. Lunch was served, with chicken, macaroni, black eyed peas, and cornbread washed down with juice or milk. Nobody went home hungry. So many people came to the party that Daisy Bolden, our organizer, and our Nutrition Coordinator had to order more meals.
In between songs, Daisy offered door prizes, which included everything from a set of Rubbermaid storage containers, to air fryers and three TV sets.
CAAC provides free assistance to individuals throughout the River Region Area through multiple programs. Some of the programs aren’t just for seniors but individuals of any age. For example, the Medicaid Waiver program helps (in home help, case manager, and supplies) in the home for children and adults. Free assistance includes legal help with wills and Powers of Attorney for those 60 or above, home modification, home delivered meals, health, caregiving respite services, incontinence supplies, and help with paying for expensive medications and counseling on Medicare insurance to residents of all ages living in the tri-county area. If you want to know more about our services, contact our Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 334-240-4680.
Don’t forget that in the early spring you can apply for the Farmers’ Market voucher cards that carry a $50 dollar stipend. The cards are good at any State-run farmers’ market from May 15 to November 15. It is first come, first serve. If you have a card from last year, you will need the number on the card to order a money refill for 2024. You can apply online at the Farmers Market Authority in late January. Central Alabama Aging will fill out the online paperwork for you, if you call us at 334-240-4680 beginning in February.
For more information about services and who is eligible, visit the website at Home – CAAC (centralalabamaaging.org)
