GRANDPARENTS AS PARENTS
Losing state funding in 2009, Grandparents As Parents members decided the program was too valuable to die. Volunteers of America has supported the group and provides assistance to sustain the new and growing organization. Donations to the group can be made to Evangeline Bank.

Fundraisers will begin on June 3 with a Bake Sale and Free Car Wash at Advance Auto Parts on Highway 28 in Pineville across from Walgreens.  The event will be held from 8am until 2 pm.

All grandparents raising grandchildren are welcome to monthly meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month. Meeting are held at   Volunteers of America, 3900 Lee Street, Alexandria at 11 am.

Resources for grandparents are available through free membership.  Reservations for a free lunch can be made by calling 769-1662 or 443-1232.

LOCAL POETESS WRITES OF LADYBUGS ABD PEACH TREES
Elizabeth Trahan, Pineville, began to write poetry when she was 40 years old and today at 93 she says writing poems is still her favorite thing to do.

“The Peach Tree” was published in the May 2010 issue of Country Magazine. The poem is printed on a dark blue two-page spread with a peach tree branch covered with blossoms.
A new poem, “Ladybug” was featured in the May, 2011 issue of Extra Country Magazine.

SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM EXTENDED
The U. S. Department of Agriculture has provided additional grant funding to Louisiana’s Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program that wlll provide coupon booklets for free fruit and vegetable fresh produce to additional seniors.

Applications will be accepted until September 1, 2011. For more information and a directory of locations where seniors can use their coupons call Rapides Council at 445-7985.



COUNCIL DIRECTORY OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
By Lisa Lacour

Two months ago I began compiling, collating and cross-referencing data for a comprehensive Directory of Elderly Services and Programs located both locally and through national programs. In my research I have found many helpful devices offered at no charge to eligible elderly persons that permit them to live independently.

TLC - Techniques for Living Confidentially is a non-profit organization that provides low vision screen programs at no cost.  To apply call toll free 1—866-444-4496 to receive an application for services. When approved, a representative will visit you and demonstrate devices that help you live alone. They will instruct you on the use of talking money scanners, talking telephones, magnifying devices, talking clocks, diabetic devices that measure insulin dosage, talking strips that are attached to prescription bottles, cups that ring when a liquid reaches a certain level and many others.

You can enroll in Louisiana Newsline, a service to access over 200 newspapers daily using a toll free number or call the Council’s Information and Assistance Office at 445-7339

Nell Deville, executive director, Cenla Area Agency On Aging, (right) and Joyce Thompson, contract manager, (left) inform District Six Council On Aging Directors of the results of a comprehensive review and examination of bid applications for Louisiana four-year provider contracts for elderly services and programs.