1998 Success Stories
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Date: Thu Jun 11 11:17:53 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Bess Hester-Whitt
The first area Aging With Gusto Conference was held April 28th in Caswell County as a result of acollaborative planning effort between both Person And
Caswell County Extension Centers, EH Organizations and the Person County Council on Aging. The conference format included workshops presented by
Extenion personnel and area resource persons as well as presentations by the NC Division of Aging Director. The day was deemed a success by the 150+
participants. Comments from the audience include,"this is the best workshop I've been to, you are to be commended for organizing such a top notch conference,
We're looking forward to next year! The 1999 conference is set for May 6, 199 in Person County.
Date: Wed Jun 17 15:15:36 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: pamlico
Person Reporting: Fonrose Rice
Estate Planning continues to be an important aspect of planning for possible future dependency as exhibited in The Living Will segments. With high costs of
medical care, many are turning to estate planning for future medical impacts. Approximately seventy five Living Wills have been distributed in the last six
months. A Living Will seems to prompt the need for estate planning - it is the motivator.
Date: Wed Jun 24 16:03:40 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: wilkes
Person Reporting: Donna Edsel
A Nutrition and Fitness Task Force was created through collaboration with other agencies, health professionals, and community volunteers. The purpose of the
task force is to increase awareness of fitness and nutrition programs and opportunities for people in the workplace, youth, and senior adults. 18 senior adults
have been trained in the Active for Life senior fitness program and have thus far established 5 community fitness groups for seniors.
Date: Fri Jun 26 12:28:15 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: mecklenb
Person Reporting: Babs Merrill
Mecklenburg County HR was "sold" on a day-long seminar targeting employees elegible to retire within 2 years.The 59 attending recommended it become
annual training. Local specialists donated time & expertise ($500) focused on investments, Soc. Sec.,taxes, SHIIP, County & NCLGERS. Agent input on social
aspects. Evaluations reported useful materials, information, identification of decisions to be made prior to retirement, and indicated that such gave peace of mind
to replace fear of the unknown. Asked for longer time frame. Agent was commended for insight and structuring seminar to address needs. Private seminars of
this type offered locally at a cost of $300 - $350/person.
Date: Mon Jun 29 14:34:42 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: lincoln
Person Reporting: Melinda Houser
Since cancer is the second leading cause of death, our interagency network presented cancer awareness workshops in strategic areas of the county. Extension
provided the nutrition portion of the program. Grant money from The Division of Aging totaling $2,171. was used to administer the programs. Approximately
75 individuals learned prevention methods, self examinations and the importance of a healthful diet.
In addition to providing nutrition lecture and discussion, healthful meals were provided. Trained volunteers purchased, prepared, and served the meals.
Extension volunteers also recruited and trained other volunteers to help. This provided a means to market Extension Programs. Participants expressed that the
program had given them more understanding of prevention techniques.
Date: Tue Jun 30 15:20:59 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: buncombe
Person Reporting: Lynda Spivey
Changing the attitudes of senior citizens is sometimes a challenge, especially when they believe that it is too late to change eating habits because of their age. A
special program was organized in a community to focus on the large number of widows and widowers that found it was too much trouble to cook for
themselves. A meal was provided and the group has been meeting for six months. Extension has provided educational programs and a visual display of fat
tubes, five pounds of fat, an artery with plaque, how to prepare a balanced meal and educational brochures. In a recent follow up the group leader reported that
eighty five percent had changed their eating habits and started preparing more meals,and doing meal planning. They also reported that they believed they could
make some changes in their health regardless of their age.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:08:09 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Deborah D. Womack
Safety for the elderly population is most important for seniors to become and maintain a certain level of independency.Cooperative Extension Service in
conjunction with the W-S Urban League provided sessions to limited resource seniors on the benefits of practicing safety habits for personal well-being.In these
sessions, the participants acquired knowledge on how to recognize consumer fraud as well as practicing safety tips inside and outside the home. By using these
tips,50 percent of the seniors reported that they are becoming more aware of the scams and schemes targeted towards them as well as safe-proofing their homes
to avoid accidents which may impair their physical & financial well-being.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:24:21 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: gaston
Person Reporting: Elaine Roux
Two SHIIP volunteers visiting a congregate meal site were approached by a senior citizen who shyly asked if there was some way she could get some help from
Medicare for her arthritis, maybe through disability? The volunteers were concerned because she was eligible, according to the information she provided them
upon questioning about age, employment, spouse, etc. They could not understand how she could be over 65 and never have been asked by her doctor about
Medicare or insurance coverage.
After consideration, they asked her to look through her purse for a red, white and blue card. She said she had such a card and showed it to them, verifying that
she had Part A and B coverage. They explained the process of presenting the card at the time of treatment. Then the client stated that she had not known what
the card was or that she was eligible because she
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:01:02 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: union
Person Reporting: Gloria Baker
Many senior citizens become caregivers for ailing parents and/or ailing spouses. To help this target audience, the agent networked with Council on Aging to
present an educational program on "Caregiving" to the four organized senior sites throughout the county. All in attendance, approximately 80 participants, were
especially interested in the 10 Commandments for Caregivers which guide the caregiver to take care of him/herself. They also became aware of both the burdens
and blessings of the caregiver's role.
Date: Wed Jul 1 08:25:11 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Cathy Lowery Graham
Provided leadership to the 36-member Board of Directors for
the Robeson County Partnership for Children (RCPFC)as Board Chair. The RCPFC oversees $3.8 million in Smart Start funds. In 1998, we reevaluated our
mission,and completed an annual strategic plan. Over 29 different programs such as Parents As Teachers, Childcare Resource and Referral, increasing slots for
infants/toddlers, and safe playground updates have
been implemented to address the needs of young children
in Robeson County.
Date: Thu Jul 2 11:24:29 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: brunswic
Person Reporting: Pearl Watson Stanley
(87) Child Care Providers in Brunswick and Columbus counties received 22.0 professional development credit hours to enhance their skills in human
development, health, safety and preparations for the Child Development Associate certification. (14) providers received 3 year certification from American Red
Cross in Health and Safety Units by scoring 80 per cent or above on unit evaluations. Child care training is giving providers the opportunity to deliver quality
education and care to children.
Date: Thu Jul 2 16:48:36 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: iredell
Person Reporting: Lucille Carter
With 19 percent of the population 65 and older in Iredell County being above the state average, the Family and Consumer Science Agent tries to provide some
programs and activities for this audience. During May the national month for recognition of senior citizens, "Aging With Gusto" was a day of celebration for
senior citizens in Iredell. One hundred and fifty four persons heard a local attorney with a very timely educational presentation on legal matters including wills,
living wills, health care power of attorney, durable power of attorney and tips for selecting and dealing with lawyers. The group lated divided into 2 groups
where they learned about medicare updates and scams and fraud among the elderly 1998.
Date: Fri Jul 3 13:39:49 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: richmond
Person Reporting: Mary B. Bowles
Richmond County is able to expand the 4-H program to reach more youth through the use of volunteers. Richmond County had 120 volunteers that were
instrumental in helping plan and teach educational programs. Fifty volunteers assisted with fundraising efforts raising over $4000. Over seventy volunteers
assisted with 4-H Summer Fun, Science Adventures, Cotton Picking Adventure and Embryology. As a result of this effort, Richmond County was able to reach
over 1500 youth with educational programs
Date: Wed Jul 8 17:06:56 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: rowan
Person Reporting: Amelia J.Watts
1.1 "Retirement Planning-Replacing the Three Legged Stool"
presentations reached 192 industry employees. The challenge: motivating people to save for retirement. Rowan Co. CES focused on 'How Long Will the
Money Last'. Participants were agape at how short a time frame their savings would last. Feedback was they needed to work longer, save larger blocks of
money bi-weekly and
invest for retirement years. Knowledge gained inspired better prepared retirement plans, 80% improved plans. Industries, Social Security and CES collaborated.
Industries' human resources offices will continue to track employees and offer assistance.
Date: Mon Jul 20 14:27:00 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Donna Pointer
The number of elderly in Caswell County is continuing to increase and this population runs disproportionate risks of malnutrition, poverty and poor overall
health. An Aging With Gusto Seminar sponsored by Caswell & Person and located in Caswell was held in April with sessions designed to address these issues,
as well as living arrangement choices for the elderly. Over 160 attended the day long event. Many agencies and health centers supported the program.
Preliminary feedback indicates high retention of knowledge. Two participants have stated that they have started planning for future dependency as a result of the
seminar. Others have stated that they have made advance directive.
Date: Wed Jul 22 13:45:15 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: ashe
Person Reporting: Carolyn Goodman
Seventy four citizens gained knowledge about telephone and credit card fraud and how to protect themselves from becoming a victim. The program was a
collaborative effort with the Sheriff's Office.
Date: Wed Jul 22 13:49:04 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: ashe
Person Reporting: Carolyn Goodman
Random sampling showed that participants are practicing techniques learned. A couple was approached by a business who cleans heating systems by drilling
holes in the system. The same company claimed to remove excess moisture from under their home (crawl space) with a one time "treatment." The couple
contacted the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service two days before the work was to be done requesting information to better inform them of the
process the business was planning to use. The couple cancelled their appointment with the business (saving $3,000.00 plus the cost of additional repairs that
would be needed) after learning the procedure used was unhealthy, ineffective and not recommended.
Date: Tue Sep 22 18:00:19 EDT 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: granvill
Person Reporting: Johnsie C. Cunningham
As a result of the Extension Homemakers/Family and Community Education Association identifying the need for estate planning for all age groups, a special
interest program was offered with 87 persons in attendance. Specialist, Attorney Carol Schawb, conducted the three hour seminar, and included information on
how to financially and emotionally protect a family's future. Covered was information on wills, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney, the
living will and trusts. As a result of the seminar, several individuals revisited their estate plan and were able to make corrections and changes to better reflect
their true desires and two mothers and daughters established an estate plan for the distribution of their property.
Date: Mon Dec 21 16:19:03 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Deborah D. Womack
In Forsyth Co., the aging population is steadily growing and older adults need information.Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with CONTACT(a 24
hour crisis intervention agency) and provided training to 23 volunteers.50 percent of the participants increased their knowledge on correct facts associated with
the aging instead of myths.Also, the participants learned about community resources that provides information and help to the elderly.The volunteers will share
information with elderly callers via Telephone Reassurance Program).
Date: Tue Dec 22 09:45:24 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Martha H. Isenberg
With over 1000 foodservice establishments & rapid turnover of employees, Forsyth County restaurant managers have a challenge to train employees in safe food
handling practices. The Cooperative Extension Service in cooperation with the county department of public health conducted an 18 hour ServSafe training for
24 managers representing 21 businesses. 21 passed the certification exam. 3 months later a survey showed that 80 percent had conducted food safety training at
their business. 60 percent had purchased instant read thermometers & 50 percent had posted reminders about food safety. The National Restaurant Association
states that the average cost to a facility for a foodborne outbreak is $75000. If applying the information from the course prevents one foodborne outbreak per
establishment then $1575000 could be saved.
Date: Wed Dec 23 17:33:45 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: brunswic
Person Reporting: Pearl Watson Stanley
Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program Volunteer Counseling Reports (57) for 1998 revealed 175 counseling hours at $10.00 equals $1,750.00 Dollar
Value. Data revealed (324) participated in Health Fairs, receiving Medicare information; 63 percent requested Medicare Supplement Policy information due to
seniors having HMO'S or seeking less expensive policies; 17 percent needed help with filing claims; 3.5 percent were preparing for Long-Term Care Insurance
Policy; 16.5 percent changed from out-of-state HMO'S to "Fee for Service."
Date: Tue Dec 29 09:21:40 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: washingt
Person Reporting: Sharon Kinion
As a result of sn entire year of volunteer service in Washington County, 28 Extension Homemakers celebrated their annual Fall Achievement Day. The them for
the celebration was "Cherish the Past; and Chart the Future". 3538 Total hours were volunteered, 245 people assisted, 12 members were recognized with
Perfect Attendance, and 1791 hours were spent participating in the Book Worm Reading Program to promote literacy. The Extension Homemakers enjoyed
time together with other club members, as well as a delicious meal.
Date: Wed Dec 30 16:21:35 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: beaufort
Person Reporting: Ann Darkow
In response to a need to address issues that concern grandparents raising grandchildren, Cooperative Extension nad the Beaufort County Human Service
Coalition have formed a task force to look at the issues and what can be done to help. As a result, Beaufort will serve as a down-link site for the National
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren teleconference. Professionals with an interest in this will attend to gain knowledge about the issues that grandparents face.
Date: Wed Dec 30 14:20:56 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: buncombe
Person Reporting: Lynda Spivey
Working with senior citizens to change eating habits and to cook for themselves can be difficult but to work with legally blind elderly consumers to achieve these
same goals can be very challenging. Working with a rehabilition teacher we developed a microwave cooking instruction book and special recipes for one person.
The recipes were done in large print and demonstrated to the clients. In a letter from the district rehabilitation teacher she stated,"The information the
Cooperative Extension Service supplied enabled us to develop a cooking instruction book which is a model for our entire state independent living program".
Over fifty legally blind senior citizens received the training in Buncombe County and the contractual teachers are now using the training in other counties.
Date: Wed Dec 30 14:47:11 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: hertford
Person Reporting: Deborah J. Howard
Aging With Gusto! programming has been a success for the Northeast District and Hertford County. Thirteen participants attended the multi-county seminar.
Participants said if they had to pay for the information they received from the seminar the average cost would be $75. Some even reported they would pay $200.
The fitness session was requested by one participant to use with 3 groups she works with in her community. Some of the most valuable information came from
the cancer specialist. The Elder Care Directory printed in a former Elder Care project for the Northeast is also still popular. A Psychological and Behavioral
Center in Hertford County requested another copy of the booklet. They provide information to about 30 residents yearly.
Date: Wed Dec 30 22:16:16 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: mecklenb
Person Reporting: Ronald W. Bailey
In an effort to reach children in communities where they live and to heighten the awareness of families to the richness and diversity of 4-H. The Mecklenburg
4-H program offered five day camps using the theme of science, technology and safety in five different communities in 1998. The five camps were planned and
designed by 4-H staff utilizing input from parents and volunteers who supported the theme of science technology and safety. The camps implementation was a
team effort by county extension staff involving eight extension staff and thirteen volunteers. Ninety-three children participated in the camps, which were held in
collaboration with, Matthews Park and Recreation, Bethlehem Center, Pineville Parks and Recreation, Double Oaks Community, J.H. Gunn Community
Organization.
Date: Thu Dec 31 13:51:28 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: chowan
Person Reporting: Sharon T. Farless
Chowan County has 2380 residents over the age of 65. Many of these people do not understand the components of Medicare such as statement reading,
benefits, supplements and various aspects of this program. 15 volunteers have recently completed the Senior Health Insurance Information Program provided by
the NC Department of Insurance and the NCCES. As a result of this course 3 volunteers have utilized information gained for estate and financial planning and
have been able to make informed decisions regarding longterm care and supplement insurances. The volunteers also continue to do community outreach by
providing free counseling services to the general population in an attempt to help create an awareness of available resources.
Date: Thu Dec 31 16:56:58 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: perquima
Person Reporting: Jewel Winslow
The 1998 Aging with Gusto Extravaganza was held to promote awareness of issues relating to older audiences. Topics targeted food safety, sittercise fitness,
herb gardening, colorectal cancer, hearing impairment, urinary incontinence, modifications in the home, and stress management. By networking with local aging
contacts, 230 families were able to learn about available services and meet specialist face-to-face-. Evaluations indicated that knowledge was improved at least 2
or more degrees on the Likert Scale. With an estimated value of $75 or greater, this program saved participants at least $17,250 in needed services.
Date: Thu Dec 31 16:57:22 EST 1998
SMP #: 1
Local System: perquima
Person Reporting: Jewel Winslow
As of December 31, 1998, 200 individuals have successfully completed Perquimans County Aging with Gusto Trainings. Topics addressed covered
Understanding Alzheimer's, Aging Sensitivity Issues with Seniors, Sittercise and Fitness, Estate Planning, and Activities for the Homebound. These programs
targeted paid caregivers as well as family members. Workshops were valued by the community and reported saving participants $50,000 in possible training fees
and services by outside consultants. Based on future trends with Perquimans population, this training program will continue in 1999.
Date: Tue Jan 5 12:08:24 EST 1999
SMP #: 1
Local System: currituc
Person Reporting: Georgia Kight
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in six counties in the Northeast District collaborated with the Albemarle Hospital to sponsor a Regional
Aging with Gusto Extravaganza. One hundred seventy adults attended the program which included a keynote speaker, eight educational workshop sessions,
exhibits, entertainment and lunch. $3,000.00 private dollars were secured to conduct the program. The evaluations noted a very high level of satisfaction by all
participants in attendance. Participants reported they saved $12,875 by receiving information from this program rather than paying for professional services.
They also reported being motivated to making 292 changes such as begin exercising, follow American cancer guidelines, use food safety tips, etc. Some of their
comments were: "Delightful, informative. Enjoyed every minute." "A very good, enjoyable day!", "Sitting exercises were very helpful, will share this." 15 other
agencies/groups were also recruited to exhibit their educational information.
Date: Tue Jan 5 12:10:54 EST 1999
SMP #: 1
Local System: currituc
Person Reporting: michelle Cabrera
The students of the SOS Stepping team were invited to perform in the NC Homemakers Parade by the SOS Director. The team was lacking in confidence and
hesitent to perform. They had little time to practice. Stepping is one of the many classes created through the Support Our Students after school program. This
class provides students, especially minority students a chance for self expression. I had only been working with these young ladies for a week. I could clearly see
their talents and lack of self esteem. We started to practice, and I reassured them of the wonderful talent that they were projecting. I praised them over and over.
As a result of praise and confidence the SOS Steppers performed admirably that day and won third prize. SOS lets them express themselves through creative
dance and music. They raised their confidence, self-esteem, and enhanced their team
Return to 1998 Success Stories Index