Area Agency on Aging Programs (Fall 2019)

A few months ago, I would be offering A Matter of Balance program in Hunt County for individuals with advanced birthdays that were concerned about falling or that wanted to start activities to decrease their likelihood of falling.  The first program session was extremely successful, and I am happy to announce Hunt County Texas A&M AgriLife is partnering with the Greenville Fire Department and the Area Agency on Aging to offer a second session.  This program will be offered on Thursdays in Greenville at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center, 5501 Business Hwy, 69 S. Greenville, TX 75402 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am beginning September 26th. 

A Matter of Balance, an eight-session evidence-based fall prevention program, has been specifically designed to help seniors age sixty and older reduce their fear of falling and increase activity levels. Many older adults who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Activities are conducted in two-hour sessions once a week over an eight-week period (North Central Texas Council of Governments, 2017). Please join us if you are concerned about falls, have fallen in the past, have restricted your activities due to falling concerns, or have an interest in improving balance, flexibility, and strength.

In addition to A Matter of Balance, Hunt and Rockwall Texas A&M AgriLife will be joining together to offer another Area Agency on Aging program in September, Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM).  CDSM is a six-week program was designed by Stanford University to help individuals living with a chronic disease build confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Participants will learn techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communication techniques, proper nutrition information, and decision-making skills. If you are living with a chronic disease or are a caretaker of someone with a chronic disease, please join us.  CDSM will be held every Monday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm beginning September 9th at the Hunt County AgriLife Extension Office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, TX 75401.

Both programs are open to all and free of charge; however, space is limited and we ask that you please register by emailing Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu or calling (903) 455-9885.

If you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to call (903) 455-9885, email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu, or come by the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401.

Favorite Time of Year

I think autumn is my favorite time of year.  After a hot summer, almost nothing beats a crisp cool day.  It is especially difficult to work a desk job when I know what is waiting for me outside.  I love watching college football on a Saturday morning, the changing colors of the leaves, the first smell of wood burning in a fireplace, Halloween, Thanksgiving, pulling my sweatshirts out from storage, I could go on forever.  I just love fall.  I even think people are nicer this time of year.  Leora (our office administrator) and I try to go for short downtown walks throughout the day and I have noticed lately that people genuinely seem happier.  If you are having a bad day, go for a walk downtown, it is good for the soul.  It may seem as if I am rambling without a true direction, and I will admit, when I started writing that was the case.  However, after I started listing all of the things that make me happy about this time of year I noticed that I was sitting in my office feeling relaxed with a smile on my face.  It is important to stop and appreciate the things that bring you joy every now and then.  Try to take five minutes and let yourself enjoy the moment.  So often we are in a hurry we end up missing the little things that make us happy, they get lost in the everyday bustle.  With all of this being said, I challenge you to take some time to sit down and relax.  Reflect on a happy memory and let yourself absorb the little things.  Is autumn your favorite season? I would love to hear your favorite things, send me an email or picture, sarah.latham@ag.tamu.edu and I will add it to my Fall Favorites blog post. 

In addition to my morning reflection, I would like to mention two upcoming events of the Extension office, our annual pecan sale and annual holiday program.  Please read below for additional information.  

PECAN SALE! The 2016 Pecan Sale has begun.  Place your order today!  All orders must be received by the Extension office by October 14th and orders will be available for pick up before Thanksgiving.  Halves and pieces are available in one, three and five pound boxes.  To order, please call (903) 455-9885 or stop by the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, TX 75401. 

MAKING MEMORIES, the annual holiday program, is scheduled for Friday, November 4th at the Ben E. Keith Community Room in Commerce.  Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.  FCS agents from area counties will demonstrate a variety of different ideas to help make your holidays joyful.  Holiday craft and gift ideas will be presented and you will receive a booklet including information on each item.  Tickets are available for purchase at the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, TX 75401. Tickets are $5.00 each and tickets are limited.  Registration fee includes morning refreshments and the holiday idea booklet.  If you are interested in paying over the phone using an electronic payment, please call (903) 455-9885.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County AgriLife Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.