“We are all of us clocks whose faces tell the passing years,” wrote the renowned astrophysicist, Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington.
Passing time is on my mind since visiting my aging parents in Florida this summer. Both my folks accomplished much in life. My father left the farm for the army and built a life as an accomplished executive. My mother worked in retail to support her siblings before settling down to rear four children. They have given much and deserve attention, care and comfort.
Often, however, we seem to push our older folks to the periphery, as if they no longer have meaning or purpose. Many lead lonely, stranded lives.
Thank goodness that in our community we have Senior Services North Fulton, Inc., a non-profit organization serving the 60+ year-old populations of Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Mountain Park, Johns Creek and Milton.
I spoke recently to Carrie Bellware, executive director of Senior Services North Fulton, and Melinda Ross, manager of the new Milton Senior Center. Both explained to me how the organization utilizes grants and government funding to offer a variety of engaging activities and vital health and safety services meant to ensure the needs of the growing elderly population.
“Our centers are community-based organizations that reflect the community in which they are found,” Bellware said. “Each center is a special place where seniors come to meet, learn, socialize and have fun – a ‘home away from home’. “
At the new center in Milton, which is temporarily housed at the Community of Christ Church on Francis Road, but will move next year to the refurbished historical Hopewell House, manager Ross is busy recruiting volunteers and promoting exercise classes, arts and crafts, social activities and presentations meant to enhance the lives of area seniors.
“We focus our activities on what our participants would like to do, and provide them with transportation and a hot, nutritious meal,” Ross told me. “Some may not enjoy participating in everything, but are still welcome to join in good conversation. We want our seniors to feel independent, not isolated.”
The Senior Services North Fulton organization has operated for 22 years and not only runs four neighborhood centers in Milton, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and Roswell, but offers comprehensive Meals on Wheels food delivery throughout the area. Other substantial programs include in-home health services, professional case management, referral services, and transportation assistance.
“Many of us in North Fulton think of our cities as young, but more people are retiring here or bringing their own parents to live nearby,” Senior Services Director Bellware told me. “With proper support we can ‘age in place’.”
Visit www.ssnorthfulton.org, or call 770-993-4524 to learn more about the senior centers, programs and services, as well as donation and volunteer opportunities that allow individuals, organizations and corporations to give seniors the support they deserve.
Veronica Buckman has been a resident of Milton for nine years. You can reach her at vrbuck01@aol.com.
