August 2006 Vol. 25. No. 8

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Like mother, like daughter: Two singers find peace and quiet in Arcata
Preparing for winter: Firewood sales start Aug. 7
Area Agency on Aging: Building energy efficiency and preventing falls
Humboldt Classics Senior Softball: There's a new kid on the block
Schooling comes in many forms
Activities at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center

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A typical family spends $400-$1,000 a year to run its electric home appliances. Small changes in energy habits could save that family 50 percent. By using information from a new program of the Area Agency on Aging, you can make a big difference on your utility bill.

The Area 1 Agency on Aging (A1AA) has been awarded a $10,000 grant in the Flex Your Power project to design and implement outreach activities to raise awareness of energy efficiency products and practices in rural communities. See their ad on this page.

"We are very pleased to have been selected as one of 16 agencies statewide to participate in Flex Your Power," said Donna Chambers, A1AA executive director. "We have some great activities planned, including presentations, a pledge card drive and a drawing for a compact refrigerator, microwave oven and payments toward utility bills." The agency will be at Farmer's Markets, senior centers and at the Make a Difference Day event. For more information, call Senior Information and Assistance at 442-9591.

The project is funded by California ratepayers and administered by California investor-owned utilities under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. You can also learn more about it by calling toll free 866-431-FLEX or go to www.fypower.org.

Preventing falls

A1AA recently received one of only eight Archstone Foundation Senior Fall Prevention grants in California. The Archstone Foundation is collaborating with the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, www.stopfalls.org/, to help communities address falls in older adults and deliver integrated fall prevention services that allow seniors to continue to live vital, independent lives.

"Falls among seniors lead to injuries that can have long lasting effects like loss of mobility or loss of independence," said Donna Chambers, A1AA executive director. "Studies show that one-third of all older Californians fall each year. Our surveys have registered falling and fear of falling as top concerns for seniors and their caregivers. This Archstone Foundation award will help us address those concerns and raise awareness about ways to prevent trips and tumbles."

The A1AA's Senior Fall Prevention program will help older adults build muscle strength and balance, as well as fall-proof their homes. The program is a partnership between the A1AA and IHSS Public Authority, Humboldt Senior Resource Center, Humboldt State University, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, Mad River Home Health, St. Joseph Home Care, St. Joseph Rehabilitation Center, Vector Rehabilitation, physicians and STRONG exercise instructors. For more information contact 442-3763.