D.C. Office on Aging: DCOA E*News

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December 4, 2012

Vol. 1, No. 17

D.C. Office on Aging

John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA
Executive Director

Mission

To advocate, plan, implement, and monitor programs in health, education, employment, and social services which promote longevity, independence, dignity and choice for our senior citizens. The Office on Aging also administers the Aging and Disability Resource Center, a one-stop shop resource center, designed to assist seniors, persons with disabilities 18 years of age and older, and family caregivers navigate the long-term services and supports system.


December issue of the Spotlight on Aging Newsletter

December Spotlight on Aging
        (Click image to view)

Click here to view full edition of The Beacon Newspaper


December issue of the Spotlight on Community Living Newsletter

December Spotlight on Community Living

Click here for the DCOA Calendar of Events.


DCOA Calendar of Events

Grade DC

Take a minute and tell us what you think! 


DCOA Media Links

Wall Street Journal GradeDC Article


DCOA Social Media

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

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D.C. Office on Aging
500 K Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C.  20002
Located at the corner of
5th and K Streets, NE
in the former Hayes School
Main: (202) 724-5622
Information: (202) 724-5626
Fax: (202) 724-4979
Website: www.dcoa.dc.gov
Email:communications.dcoa@dc.gov

DCOA E*News At-a-Glance


Director Gets Cover Story

Thompson Cover Story

John M. Thompson, Ph.D., executive director, DCOA is featured in a front page article in the December issue of the Beacon Newspaper.  The article discusses several new initiatives for the office and provides some background information on Dr. Thompson and his career progression. The cover photo features him with Hayes Senior Wellness participant Doris Droughn.  Check out this great story to find out more.


Wanted: Very Special Seniors

Submit Your Nominations by December 19

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the DC Office on Aging (DCOA) would like to recognize very special seniors in the District of Columbia and they need your help in identifying these seniors!  If you know of a senior who has improved the lives of District seniors through the creation of community-based programs and/or advocacy in 2012, please tell us about this individual.  MPD and DCOA are also looking for seniors who simply need holiday cheer.  If you know of seniors who fit in either category, please send us their name, home address, phone number, and 2-3 sentences explaining why this person is deserving of special recognition from MPD and DCOA.

Send all nominations to Tiffany Holodnak, special projects coordinator at DCOA, at tiffany.holodnak3@dc.gov by 5 PM EST on December 19.  If you have any questions, you can reach Ms. Holodnak at 202-741-5875.  Selected seniors will receive a hand delivered special treat from MPD and DCOA on Monday, December 24.   Happy Holidays!


Wall Street Journal Coverage

The Wall Street Journal printed a story on November 28 on the District's GradeDC reporting tool. DCOA is mentioned as the latest agency to be added and received the rating of A overall during its first grading period. GradeDC allows customers to grade 10 city agencies on their customer service and service delivery. Since the article was published, DCOA has received another "A" for the month of November.  Check the left panel of this newsletter under DCOA Media Links to read the full article. 


Home Fire Safety Inspections

Seniors make sure your home is free of fire safety hazards.  Call to schedule a home fire safety inspection today.  These home inspections are conducted as a courtesy of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (F&EMS) Department's Firefighting Division. The  inspection will ensure that there are no overloaded outlets, that your smoke detectors are functioning, exit routes for your home are unobstructed and there is good visibility from the street. A copy of the inspection findings will be given to the resident along with suggestions. A follow-up appointment may also be requested. D.C. Fire & EMS provides this service to make sure that your home is as free of fire hazards as possible. Call 311 to schedule your inspection.


Center Adds Programming

The Hayes Senior Wellness Center which opened in August has a lot of great activities and programs to offer participating residents.  Activities being held include a walk club, weight lifting, focus training, fall prevention, memory screening, cardio, zumba, vision care, computer lab and medication brown bagYou can now add a free, nutritious lunch to the great options available. All registered participants can eat lunch beginning at 12 pm.  To begin your wellness and fitness activities at the Hayes Senior Wellness Center located at 500 K Street, NE, call 202-727-0357 or just stop by!


Next Caregiver Online Chat

The next D.C. Caregivers Online Chat at noon is scheduled for Tuesday, December 11.   Join the chat on Tuesday as they discuss Holiday Survival Tips for Caregivers or replay older chats at http://dcoa.dc.gov/DC/DCOA/ADRC/Chat+Live. For more information, call Linda Irizzary, Lifespan Respite Project Lead at 202-535-1442.