The Link
In This Issue
Message from Our CEO
Dear Friends,
As we approach Thanksgiving and look ahead to the winter holidays, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Whether you are a client, caregiver, community partner, donor, or volunteer, your connection to Legacy Link strengthens our mission and enriches the lives of those we serve.
This time of year invites us to reflect on the importance of care, compassion, and community—values that are at the heart of everything we do. At Legacy Link, we remain dedicated to supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and the caregivers who so selflessly walk beside them. Your involvement—whether through service, collaboration, or support—helps ensure that no one feels alone during this season of togetherness.
As the weather grows colder, our team is focused on expanding seasonal programs and outreach efforts to help our clients stay safe, connected, and supported through the holidays. From meal deliveries and caregiver support to wellness checks and winter preparedness, our work is made possible by the strong network we share with you.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and move into the holidays, I hope you find time to rest, reflect, and enjoy meaningful moments with those around you.
With warm wishes for a joyful and peaceful season,
Melissa Armstrong Chief Executive Officer
To join a Medicare health plan or drug plan, you generally must:
• Have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance)
• Live in the service area of the plan you want to join.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
• Have your Medicare Number and your Part A and/or Part B coverage start dates. Find this information on your Medicare card.
Things to Know
Medicare is proposing several changes for 2026, including updates to Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage rates and technical aspects of the program. Key changes include an increase in the out-of-pocket cost cap, changes to the Part D deductible and automatic enrollment for certain plans.
12 Fun Holiday Activities for Seniors
The holidays can be difficult for seniors — feelings of isolation, mobility challenges, or simple fatigue may make festivities less fun. Choosing inclusive, meaningful activities helps seniors feel connected, safe, and joyful, while allowing them to share in family traditions and make new memories. Here are 12 ideas to get you started!
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Join the Legacy Link community and make a lasting impact!
Scan to donate as a one-time contributor or become a monthly donor, ensuring a continuous flow of support for our mission. Your generosity fuels our cause and paves the way for a brighter future.
Fulfill our Amazon Wish List
You can purchase much-needed items from Legacy Link’s Amazon Wish List. These tools and materials help our team provide a better life to our clients. Scan the QR code to access the list.
In The Community
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Highlights
• 17 Farmers Markets hosted across 13 counties
• 844 older adults served
• $30 produce vouchers distributed
Program Goals:
• Access to locally grown fruits & vegetables
• Support local farmers
Legacy Link, along with community partners including Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Brenau University Ivester College of Health Services, Hall County Fire Services, Hall County Library System, Frances Meadows Aquatic & Community Center, and the J.A. Walters Family YMCA, Hosted a Fall Prevention Expo on October 17.
Attendees learned how our senses support fall prevention, ways to reduce falls, risk factors for falling, and local resources. Participants also received fall risk screenings, blood pressure checks, and balance exercise demonstrations.
Legacy Link staff attended the Georgia Gerontology Society (GGS) Conference as well as the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) Conference this summer. These conferences provide our team with valuable professional development, networking opportunities, and insights on new ways to fulfill our mission of supporting and advocating for aging adults and individuals with disabilities.
Get Involved
Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View
Volunteer Spotlight
Bobbie Cox – Legacy Link AAA SHIP Medicare. Bobbie Cox has been serving since February 2016 as a Legacy Link RSVP volunteer with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) which assists Medicare beneficiaries. Her employment experience with property insurance gave her a foundation for learning about the Medicare program. After retirement Bobbie heard about the SHIP program from another volunteer. Since that time, she has become an essential member of their team serving in several capacities. She began screening phone inquiries, doing data entry, and distributing information at outreach events. In February 2017 she was chosen as the GeorgiaCares (former SHIP name) State Volunteer of the Month for her dedication to the program. In 2018 she completed the SHIP training modules, passed the online and oral exams, and became a federally certified SHIP counselor. This is a process that involves much reading, study, and research. Federal standards dictate that all Medicare program staff and volunteers are certified to assist beneficiaries with options for Medicare health, supplement, and prescription drug plans. Bobbie likes the challenge of continuing to learn about Medicare and its changes. Medicare counselors must recertify each year by passing an exam. During her service she has become a volunteer leader on the SHIP team and now serves as a mentor to new volunteers. Bobbie also assists beneficiaries with Medicaid applications. She especially enjoys being able to help beneficiaries understand the complicated Medicare system and help them get the best coverage for their individual situations. This past year Bobbie served 317 hours and assisted 65 Medicare beneficiaries. She has donated almost 4,000 lifetime hours to the program. Her pleasant demeanor and willingness to help those needing Medicare assistance makes her a joy to work with and a huge asset to the Legacy Link team.
RSVP sites need you!
Meals on Wheels
Delivery & packing. Through your local county senior center - most need new volunteers.
Medicare SHIP
Counselors (requires certification), outreach and information distribution, clerical / database.
Senior Centers
Program assistance, presentations, administrative help, respite programs, kitchen help
Become a Volunteer - Make a Difference
Get involved and make a positive difference in your local area. Many organizations need volunteers to assist with their programs. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to helping others.
Just a few hours a month can contribute to the success of these programs and help keep you young by being mentally and physically engaged. Studies have shown that volunteers report a better mental outlook, less loneliness, and even physical benefits by being active as a volunteer in their community. Those interested in volunteering through RSVP can contact the program at Legacy Link 770-535-2650.
Mental Health and the Holidays: 9 Tips for Self-Care
The holiday season is often portrayed as festive and joyful, but for many people it can bring added stress, worsening mental health symptoms, and emotional strain. According to NCOA, nearly half of adults report increased stress during this time, and among those with mental health conditions, many experience worsening symptoms. Practicing self-care—through realistic expectations, self-compassion, and some practical strategies—can help buffer the emotional challenges and enhance well-being during the holidays.
Focusing on what you appreciate—keeping a gratitude jar or journal—can lower stress, improve sleep, and foster more positive relationships.
Engaging in creative activities—crafts, baking, writing, or art—can serve as an emotional outlet and also add joy and meaning during the season.
Prioritize your holiday obligations by listing what’s truly important. Set boundaries like attending only a few events to avoid overscheduling.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Allow yourself to feel what comes up—joy, sadness, or even conflicting emotions. Writing in a journal or talking with someone trusted helps clarify and validate those feelings.
Volunteering or helping others can increase life satisfaction, reduce symptoms of depression, and boost a sense of purpose. Giving back doesn’t have to be large— small acts count.
Keeping regular sleep, nutrition, and physical activity routines can stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and support overall mental health.
It’s okay to decline invitations or requests that feel overwhelming. Saying “no” without needing to justify it can prevent resentment and burnout.
If you’re feeling lonely or overwhelmed, connect with friends, family, or trusted support networks. In crisis situations, professional help (like calling 988) is vital.
Daily or regular writing— whether stream-ofconsciousness, listing struggles plus action steps, or just summarizing your day— can help process emotions and reduce overwhelm.
https://www.ncoa.org/article/mental-health-and-the-holidays-9-tips-for-self-care/
Holiday Recipe:
Mini CranberryPecan Pies
For those who want to make a festive dessert but don’t want to deal with rolling out pie crust, these mini cranberry-pecan pies are a great alternative. They’re easy to make, fun to assemble, and perfect for seniors to enjoy.
Ingredients
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles to fit a muffin tin.
3. Press the circles of dough into the muffin tin cups.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Stir in the cranberries and chopped pecans.
6. Pour the mixture into each mini pie crust, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Let cool before serving.