COA Welcomes Newest 2012 Board Members

The Council on Aging of Nassau welcomed 3 new Board Members for the 2012 season — Annette Calfee-Wells Fargo, Barbara Gingher-Baptist Medical Center Nassau, and Ed Kane- Ocean Club Villas HOA President.  The Board also bid farewell to outgoing Board Secretary, Darrell Heun. 

 ”All of us are looking forward to an exciting 2012 as we continue to provide  services to more than 2,800 Nassau residents this year while also developing plans  to increase the number of  recipients of these services by 20-30% ,” stated Fran Shea, Board President.

 The COA is in the process of relocating from their current location across from Baptist Medical Center Nassau to property north of Atlantic Avenue between North 13^th and 14^th Streets.  A new Transportation Center building is currently in the construction phase and plans are completed for a new East Nassau senior center tentatively to be named The Life Center, although a naming opportunity for the center does exist should a major benefactor step forward.  The COA is currently in the midst of an aggressive Capital Campaign to raise funds to allow relocation in the summer of 2013.

  ”However, construction of the Life Center is only partially funded, so much work remains to be done.  We need our community’s help in accomplishing this task,” stated Allen Lennon, Capital Campaign Chairman.

Arlyse McDowell holds her 2012 SHINE award

Congratulations to Council on Aging’s Arlyse McDowell. She was recently named winner of the 2012 Serving Health Insurance Needs of Seniors (SHINE) Award for highest percentage of eligible beneficiaries served in a large fringe metro county.  Arlyse has been a case manager at the Council on Aging (COA) of Nassau since 2008 but just recently took on the duties as our county’s SHINE representative in 2011. The COA could not be prouder of Arlyse, not only for volunteering for this difficult additional duty, but also for winning this statewide award in her first year in the program!

 Last year, ElderSource sent out a call for volunteers to help them manage the state-wide SHINE program.  Arlyse immediately volunteered and after completing an extensive 6 day training class from The Department of Elder Affairs received her SHINE certification.  With the knowledge she obtained from the training, Arlyse has been able to figure out a solution to almost any health insurance problem. Arlyse has met with several seniors who were losing sleep over problems they were experiencing with their Medicare insurance coverage.  Often the problem was as simple as understanding a correspondence or a bill.  Sometimes it is quite difficult–finding a solution to fix a claim, billing problem, or prescription coverage.  Arlyse says that she has had a number of seniors come to her with cleverly worded letters that looked official but were really just advertisements.  With her training Arlyse cuts through the “mumbo-jumbo” and “too-good-to-be-true” sales gimmicks that entrap so many seniors in today’s complex world, and advises them on their options–if action is really needed or if they can just toss the solicitation away and toss their worries away with it.

 Arlyse will continue to work with COA clients with their SHINE needs in fall of 2012.  Arlyse’s best tip to seniors as they head into the 2012 Medicare insurance open season is to never sign anything that they don’t understand.  And if you need help understanding anything, please make an appointment at one of the COA centers and become a client of The Council on Aging of Nassau and Arlyse will be glad to assist you.

 Although there are over 500 SHINE volunteers statewide, there are not enough volunteers here in Nassau County to meet the need of the local population.  As the number of Medicare beneficiaries needing assistance increases, the need for volunteers increases too.  If you are interested in helping meet the need of this workload by becoming trained and being ready for the busy fall re-enrollment time, please contact Marilyn Parker, SHINE Liaison, ElderSource, 4160 Woodcock Drive, 2nd Floor, Jacksonville, FL  32207 Telephone:  904-391-6645 or 1-888-242-4464. 

 Robison’s customers are encouraged to “Double The Love” of their Valentine’s Day gifts on these two days knowing they are supporting the COA’s many services which serve the needs of Nassau County’s senior citizens.

 “We believe that a lot of good work is going on at the COA, so we wanted to do something significant to support them. It will be an opportunity to let more people know about their building fund campaign,” said Brett Whitaker, co-owner of Robison’s Jewelry.

The Robison’s Jewelry promotion is just the latest in community-based outreach.  Besides gracious donations from individuals and businesses the COA continues to actively seek grants from government organization and foundations that support senior projects.  With everyone’s help, The Life Center will become a reality.  Any and all donations allow the COA to significantly increase and improve services provided to today’s seniors and generations of seniors to come

 In 1952 K.W. Robison established Robison Jewelry Co. in downtown Fernandina Beach then sold it to Bob Whitaker in 1966. Robison’s has thrived at 217 Centre Street for years, currently under the management of Bob’s sons Jeff and Brett Whitaker, who balance family responsibilities with the daily challenges and rewards of operating a full-service fine jewelry store, with the support of their dedicated staff of jewelry professionals.  Their mother, Melba, is a valued member of The Advisory Council to the Board of Directors of COA. 

Did you know the COA accepts donations of gently used medical equipment?

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be made at the Atlantic Rec Center and the Peck Center by calling the Fernandina Beach Library at 277-7365. Walk-ins will be assisted after those with appointments. Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

• Photo ID
• Your 2010 Tax Return
• All 2011 Tax Documents such as W-2s, 1099s and SSA-1099s.

VITA volunteers cannot work from year-end documents.

Appointments at the main auditorium of the Atlantic Rec Center, located at 2500 Atlantic Blvd, are Tues and Thurs. from 1 to 5 pm beginning on Jan. 24th to April 12th.

Appointments at the Peck Center, located at 516 South 10th St. are Weds from 4 to 7 pm begining  Jan. 25th to April 11th in the reception room. 

Tax assistance will also be available at the WorkSource office located at 96042 Lofton Square Court, Yulee until April 12th. on Tues. and Thurs from 9 am to 3 pm. Please call 432-0009 ext 2660 to make a reservation.

L to R: Susan Steger, COA Advisory Council member; Greg Frick, COA Transportation Manager; Steve Kelley, Chairman of the TD LCB and County Commissioner; Danny Leeper, County Commissioner ; Walter Boatright, County Commission Chairman; Philip Worth & James Bennett FDOT District 2 Management; Fran Shea, COA Board of Directors President; Tom Moss, COA Executive Director; Tom Henderson, Campaign Committee; Allen Lennon, Capital Campaign Chairman of COA Board of Directors; Arlene Filkoff, City of Fernandina Beach Mayor; Tom Silverio, COA Board Member Emeritus; Bill Hardy, ElderSource ready to break ground.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 6, to celebrate the start of the construction phase of the Council on Aging of Nassau County’s relocation project.

Auld & White Construction Company recently completed all the site prep work and Bush Construction Company is in place to begin building The Transportation Center. A Dispatch Center, Driver Room (an area for training, and utilization between trips for safety breaks), and
staff offices will be housed at The Transportation Center. The site will include functional exterior areas for cleaning and maintaining the fleet, with a locked vehicle storage area plus camera surveillance for improved security. The Transportation Center will also allow the COA to improve working conditions of their employees and provide better service to their clients. Construction is expected to be completed in April.

Artist's rendering of COA's new Transportation Center

L to R: COA Transportation Manager Greg Frick, James Bennett, Philip Worth and Tom Moss COA Executive Director.

Doran Donovan, A COA supporter, signs a special matte to mark the occasion.

In attendance were Philip Worth and James Bennett, representing FDOT who funded a major portion of the project along with representatives from both the County and City governments, who also provided funding. These individuals joined with members of the COA Board of Directors, and other friends and donors to COA, to turn the first shovelfuls of dirt to signify the official start of construction. Light refreshments were served following the ceremony at the existing Senior Center for all those who attended the ceremony, including government officials, donors, volunteers and COA staff.

While The Transportation Center is fully funded, the COA’s greatest challenge lies ahead as they continue their efforts to raise funds to complete the new senior center building, deemed The Life Center, to replace the existing building across the street from Baptist Hospital Nassau. COA’s goal is to begin construction of The Life Center as soon as possible after the completion of the Transportation Center. Through donations and pledges, we are well on our way towards having the funding we need. The COA will continue reach out to the local community seeking individuals and businesses looking for their support, while also actively seeking grants from government organization and foundations that support senior projects. With everyone’s help, this dream can become a reality. Any and all donations will allow the COA to significantly increase and improve services provided to today’s seniors and generations of seniors to come. If you would like to be part of the of this worthwhile project please contact Susan Lee, Community Relations Director at slee@coanassau.com or 904.261.0701 x 120.

The Council on Aging is a 501-c-3 non-profit agency. We cheerfully deliver critical services to Nassau County seniors in five categories including Meals on Wheels, COA Transportation, In-Home Care, and Adult Day Health Care, while operating two senior recreation centers. We are partially funded by government grants and donations from private individuals.

2011 Gala Chairs: Fran Shea and Jessica Styers

“The outpouring of local support from the community was something to see and experience! I want to let the community know that we were “sold out” and that the Gala exceeded our expectations for this year,” said Gala Co-Chair, Fran Shea. The Council on Aging of Nassau is very pleased with the results of its 8th Annual Fall Gala celebrating the “Season of Life” at the Omni Hotels & Resorts, Amelia Island Plantation last Sunday, October 9. We want to especially thank: Gold Sponsors — The Jane Adams House, Assisted Living Community; Janet Carver, Esq., Elder Attorney-at-Law; First Coast Community Bank; Heekin Orthopedic Specialists; Edward Jones, Pam Brown, Financial Advisor; Hoyt House, a Luxury Inn, Deborah Gold, Innkeeper; Omni Hotels & Resorts, Amelia Island Plantation; and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: Silver Sponsors — Baptist Medical Center Nassau, CBC National Bank, Nina Rodale Houghton, Stephen & Susan Kaye, Allen & Sharon Lennon , Thomas H. Moss, III, Joan Palazzolo, Publix Super Markets Charities, Robert & Janet Ross, Ed & Sandy Sproat, George & Fran Shea, Jessica Styers, and Wells Fargo: Friends of COA — Ron Anderson, Bill & Sue Bartholomae, Otis & Joan Bowden, James & Lois Callahan, Alan & Joan Donaldson, John & Frances Esposito, James & Attavia Facciolo, Steve & Arlene Filkoff, James Gildenston, Patricia Jacobs, Stephan & JoAnn Leimberg, Bill & Marcy Mock, Susan Murphy, William & Patricia Rabitaille, Don & Dee Stalcup, and Joe & Jeanne Wyatt and Elizabeth
Wilkes Photography (photo credit for attached photos.)

“We are grateful to everyone who attended and supported the mission of the Council on Aging of Nassau,” said Jessica Styers, Gala Co-Chair. “Although the live and silent auctions were well supported, many attendees went further — contributing monetarily to buy services for especially frail seniors in urgent need, even adopting a senior — what a way for the community to express their generous spirit to COA,” Gala Co-Chair Fran Shea added. A special thank you to all of our Live/Silent Auction Donors who contributed and helped to make the Gala a success: 2nd to None, Amelia Hotel at the Beach, Amelia National Golf Club, Amelia River
Cruises, Armoirs Etc., Arte’s Pizza, Bar Zin, Baxter’s Restaurant, Bonito Grill & Sushi, Mary Borshard, Mike & Charlotte Bowling, Brickyard Crossing, Tom Byrnes, Cafe Karibo, CBC National Bank, Cathy Chapman, Mike Clemens, Sandy & Mike Clower, Coastal Island Inshore Charters, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marlene Duetcher, Elements Salon, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Elizabeth Trading Company, Espana Restaurant & Tapas, Frugal Cachet, Front & Centre, Gander Mountain, Golf at North Hampton, Gourmet Gourmet, Greyfield Inn, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Captain Hendrix, Horizon’s Restaurant, Bill Houston, Hoyt House B&B, Island Photography, Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, Kayak Amelia, Kelly Seahorse Ranch, Jane & Bob Lindberg, Lee Chiropractic, Lott’s Furniture, Janet Lynne Salon, Magna’s Salon, William & Kathleen Maurer, Sean McCarthy, Merge Restaurant, Captain Mills-A.C. Charters, Gail Morgan, Nassau Diamond Showroom, Omni Hotels & Resorts AIP, Ocean Outboard Marine, Old South Yankee, Oyster Bay Harbor Club, Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, Peterbrooke Chocolatiers, Pinch-a-Penny Pool Equipment, Residence Inn, Robison Jewelry Company, RockTenn, San Jose Mexican Grill, Sawgrass Country Club, Scott & Sons Fine Jewelry, Sol Pedal, Spray Foam Insulation Co., Subway, Teresa Caine Jewelry Designs, The Ritz Carlton AIP, The Surf Restaurant & Bar, Twisted Sisters, Ron Turner, Bob Wells, Well Traveled Living, White Oak Nature Preserve, Wilson’s, Windy Harbor Mayport Country Club, Windward Sailing School. Please join all of us at Council on Aging in thanking our generous donors!

The Council on Aging is a 501-c-3 non-profit agency. We cheerfully deliver critical services to Nassau County seniors in five categories: Meals on Wheels, COA Transportation, In-Home Care, and Adult Day Health Care, while operating two Senior Recreation Centers. We are partially funded by government grants and donations from private individuals.

“Jessica Styers and I have worked together to provide some new and different things to make this event extra special for this very worthwhile cause” says, Fran Shea, Gala Co-Chair. “We
baby boomers will eventually need the services of the COA– the time is NOW to make the COA what we all want it to be in the years ahead. Sunday Cocktail Casual is the attire. ”

“This Gala will fund today’s needs and make the community aware of the needs of the future. Our “Yes We Can” modest fee-for-services is here today for anyone needing our trained  professional, government-screened caregivers,” says Tom Moss, Executive Director. The $75 Gala ticket includes wine with dinner, dancing to Instant Groove’s tunes, cash bar, silent auction and live auctions called by local celebrity auctioneer Aaron Bean. The Bean School of Dance and their beautiful teenage performers are presenting 3 outstanding numbers. “Live” auction items include beautiful paintings by local artists, donated stays at Omni & Ritz Carlton properties, and two of our many special featured items are The Ritz Carlton’s prestigious Amelia Island Cooking School for two and the White Oak Nature Preserve Guided Tour for eight. We also have over 60 Silent Auction items that await the bidding — locals preparing dinner, fly fishing one-hour lesson, chefs cooking in your home, and many, many more! See you there! For more information, please call 904.261.0701 x 117.

The Council on Aging is a 501-c-3 non-profit agency. We cheerfully deliver critical services to Nassau County seniors in five categories including Meals on Wheels, COA Transportation,  In-Home Care, and Adult Day Health Care, while operating two senior recreation centers. We are partially funded by government grants and donations from private individuals.

The Bean School of Dance is presenting 3 entertaining numbers at the gala:

1.  A beautiful, contemporary ballet to Jai-Ho.

2.  A musical theater production to “America” from West Side Story.

3.  A great hip-hop number performed by our teenage dancers.

“We think you will enjoy our program,” stated Joan Bean, owner of the studio.

Jan Carver, President of the COA Board and Gold Sponsor for the Gala says, “It is a pleasure to sponsor such a worthwhile project. The Council on Aging provides much needed services to our seniors in Nassau County.”

“This year’s gala looks like it is going to be the best yet,” shared Gold Sponsor Pam Brown, of Edward Jones Investments, “I would encourage everyone who can to attend.”

Tickets are now on sale at The Council on Aging, 1367 South 18^th Street, Fernandina Beach (across from the hospital) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are also available at The Golf Club of Amelia, The Train Depot on Centre Street, Amelia Island Ocean Club, and online at www.coanassau.com/tickets. The $75 Gala ticket includes wine with dinner, dancing to Instant Groove’s tunes, cash bar, silent auction and live auction–with the possibility of owning the painting “Season of Life”, by featured artist, Kathleen Hardin Maurer in the live auction called by local resident and celebrity auctioneer Aaron Bean.  Other featured auction items include beautiful paintings by local artists; donated stays at Omni properties in Dallas and Atlanta; The Ritz Carlton stays at Atlanta, Buckhead and Reynolds Plantation Lodge locations, and The Ritz Carlton’s prestigious Amelia Island Cooking School for two.  For an Anniversary or special get-away, a 2 Day Romantic stay in the Fernandina Beach harbor aboard the 43 foot Nice Aft is included.  Naturalists will enjoy bidding on 3 Deep-Sea Chartered Fishing Trips, In-Shore Fishing with lunch for 2, and a1-Hour Flight over Fernandina for 4.  Everyone will want to bid on an unforgettable 14K gold, 8MM Tahitian Pearl ring with diamonds.  For more info on tickets, please call 904.261.0701 x 117.  Don’t forget, we also have over 60 Silent Auction items that await your bidding!  See you there!

The Council on Aging is a 501-c-3 non-profit agency charitable organization.  We cheerfully deliver critical services to Nassau County seniors in five categories including Meals on Wheels, COA Transportation, In-Home Care, and Adult Day Health Care, while operating two senior recreation centers.  We are partially funded by government grants which require matching funding that can only come through private donations.  The matching funds account for nearly a third of our program funding.