Briefs: Area Agency on Aging awards funds addressing social isolation

Staff report
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News in brief

Five programs to receive share of Area Agency on Aging levy dollars

ONTARIO — The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. has awarded $39,305 in Richland County senior services levy funds to organizations that have demonstrated a way to support Richland County seniors (age 60 and older) with effective methods for combating social isolation post-pandemic. Applicants were required to present a clear and innovative plan to interact and engage with at-risk seniors in a group setting.

Programs funded include:

  • Black Belt Pro Fitness, implementing their goal to increase lifestyle and health awareness through community classes that focus on fall prevention and mobility while providing a safe space to socialize.

  • Lincoln Highway Event Center will provide Penny Bingo each Monday for older Richland adults to socialize and interact.

  • Freedom Caregivers plans to harness technology to improve the quality of life through the Constant Care Program. This utilizes a two-way video call between an individual and a Freedom Caregivers professional. Their goal is to enhance social connection, health and wellbeing.

  • Ginger’s Signs and Designs/Rustic Market plans to use the funds to provide a creative space and materials for older adults in the community to connect and socialize through crafts. Idea Works, Inc. will provide a four-session cooking workshop designed to bring older adults together for a fun, interactive, hands-on cooking experience.

For additional information about a social isolation program, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144.

Bulldogs Backers Night set for Saturday

CRESTLINE — The Crestline Athletic Boosters Club and Crestline Youth Sports are hosting the second annual Bulldogs Backers Night from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday at The Hub at Village Square. The event will include a reverse raffle, silent auction and 50/50. Bulldogs Backers Night will also serve as Alumni Night for the Crestline Harvest Festival which is the same weekend.

Funds raised will be used to fulfill funding requests of Crestline High School sports teams and continued improvements to the ballfields and concession stands for Crestline Youth Sports.

The event is free and open to anyone age 21 and over. Local band Crossfire will play at the Central Park Gazebo from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. A cash bar and light snacks will be available.

Silent Auction items include tickets to the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers game on Oct. 9, a metal Brutus Buckeye sign, and various donated gift baskets and gift certificates.

Upcoming meetings:

  • Richland County Transit Board, 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, Richland County Regional Planning Commission office, 19 N. Main St., Mansfield

  • Pioneer Career and Technology Center Board of Education, 7 p.m., Monday, community room, Pioneer Career and Technology Center, 27 Ryan Road, Shelby

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Five local programs to receive Area Agency on Aging levy funds