On The Senior Scene - News and Events for Georgia Seniors

Free Admission To Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens has thrown open the doors. It is offering free admission to everyone until February 28, 2010. No coupon, ticket or voucher is needed.

It may be winter, but there are lots of fun things to do and see at Callaway Gardens, such as visiting the warm, tropical Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center; seeing the free-flight Birds of Prey show and exploring in the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center. Through February 23, a fun nature photography exhibit showcases images found in nature that represent the alphabet and more. Or get some exercise on one of the many walking trails or meander through the gardens on the Discovery Bicycle Trail. (Bicycles are available for rent or bring your own.)

Callaway Gardens is open daily 9 am to 5 pm and is located in Pine Mountain, Ga. For information, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

Music For Your Heart

If you like music for the heart, then you’ll love the newly formed ShowTime Singers of Atlanta who will be presenting their first concert of 2010 to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13th. Their musical genre for the show’s love songs (naturally!) will range from Gershwin to Abba. The group of 18 skilled and widely experienced singers have been involved in music most of their lives.

The Valentine’s Day show will be held at the Unitarian Universalist of Metro Atlanta North (UUMAN) Church on Crabapple Road in Roswell at 7 pm and will include dinner as well. The dinner and show can be enjoyed for $30. For ticket info, call 770-814-8800.

Music Director Randy Wilbur says STSA plans to perform for corporate, civic and service organizations in the future and can tailor their songs for each group or event. Upcoming plans also include one or two cabarettype shows.

Bells Ferry Seniors Learn About Balance

Dr. Joe Haezebrouck of Bi-County Chiropractic Clinic and Founder of Life University’s Department of Functional Rehabilitation explained the importance of good balance to the Bell’s Ferry Seniors: “Balance is a priority concern as we age; keeping fit through observation of your surroundings, listening to your body and establishing an exercise program focused on balance specific training is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Dr, Haezebrouck will be evaluating individuals and teaching an eight-week course on “Better Balance” during the L.E.A.F. Program in conjunction with the Woodstock Senior Center. The L.E.A.F. Program begins on January 25, 2010. For more information please call: 678-455-6518.

In the photo, Linda Johnson, Petway Gregory and Dr. Haezebrouck help Nell Daws stand on balance stability trainers.

Ball Ground Seniors

The Ladies of Harmony on the Lakes in Holly Springs again presented the Ball Ground Seniors with groceries and gifts at their annual Christmas party. Community involvement and fellowship are what the holidays are about. (Seated l-r) Vivian Little, Inez Bentley, Jeannette Woodall, Jean Lucero, Louis Lucero. (Standing l-r) Sue Peterson, Helen Milton Beverly Hand, Harmony on the Lakes Representative, Deb Haezebrouck, Bob Poe, Joyce Vest, Mary Poe and Julia Mooney. 

Missing Savings Bonds

It happens all the time. People misplace or lose their U.S. savings bonds. Now, the Treasury Department has a way to help you find some of that missing money. On its website (www.treasurydirect.gov), there is a search function that confirms whether or not you have purchased bonds. Unfortunately, the database only includes Series EE bonds purchased since 1974; however, once you can confirm that you purchased bonds but have lost them, you can apply to have them reissued to you.

To search on the website, go to the link at the bottom of the column under “Individuals.” Click on “Treasury Hunt to see if you own matured savings bonds.” Scroll down that page and click on the blue box “Start Search” under the “Check Treasury Hunt!” headline. On the next page, enter your Social Security Number and click “Search.” If you own bonds, it will list them.

If you don’t have access to a computer or are uncomfortable using one, ask a relative or friend to assist you.

 Meals On Wheels Needs Volunteers

Cobb County is fortunate to have Meals on Wheels, a program, bringing homebound, frail seniors a hot meal on a daily basis. Each day, Cobb Senior Services prepares more than 225 meals (more than 50,000 a year) to be delivered to seniors in need.

Currently, there is an urgent need for volunteer drivers. There is a waiting list of seniors needing Meals on Wheels, but there is shortage of volunteers, particularly in Marietta, Mableton, and Austell. Cobb Senior Services is currently looking to churches, businesses and civic organizations to "Adopt-A-Route." Ideally, these groups will provide volunteers and take ownership of a specific route.

If you have some time to volunteer as a MOW driver, or if you belong to an organization that would like to "Adopt-A-Route," call Shelia Perkins, Volunteer Coordinator at 770- 528-5381. Cobb Senior Services will provide all the training for this wonderful outreach to Cobb's senior residents.