The Link
In This Issue
A Summer Message from Our CEO
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying all the beauty this summer season brings—sunshine, fresh air, and time with those you love.
At Legacy Link, we remain deeply committed to serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. While this fiscal year brings new challenges, including uncertain funding, our mission remains clear and our determination strong. We continue to adapt and advocate so that we can continue to provide our community with the support they need.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming community events this summer, such as a local senior farmers market. You can find a full list of events on our website, www.legacylink.org. We’d love for you to stop by and say hello.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support, encouragement, and partnership help us make a lasting impact—one life, one family, one legacy at a time.
Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restorative summer!
Melissa Armstrong Chief Executive Officer
Socialization and Aging Adults: Summer Activities for Seniors
Summertime activities for seniors have more advantages than just blowing your loved one out of a winter funk. Increased sunlight lets them absorb more vitamin D, which is essential for brain, bone, muscle, and possibly cognitive function. In addition, the increased socialization that often occurs is sure to be mentally uplifting as well. With benefits like these, there’s no reason not to take advantage of everything summer has to offer!
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Take Walks
Walking around outside can be a great experience for older adults, provided they do so according to their level of stamina and ability. If independent mobility is an issue, make sure they have someone to accompany them.
Have a Picnic
Picnics are a classic summer tradition. Enjoy good food and drink while people-watching at the park or beach..
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Go Swimming
Enjoying the water during summertime can be as simple as putting your feet up in a kiddie pool. If an older adult wants something more robust, they can swim laps or even stretch or aerobicize in the pool.
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Go Fish!
Fishing is a great summertime activity for older adults. It’s ideal for those with extremely limited mobility, because ambulating is not required.
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Go to a Ball Game
If an older adult is a sports fan, now’s the perfect time to attend that ballgame, or even watch the grandkids play soccer.
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Enjoy a Holiday
If a full-blown vacation isn’t in the works for your loved one, there are still plenty of holidays to celebrate right at home. From fireworks to Labor Day barbecues, your community is probably full of events such as concerts and outdoor movies that are sure to satisfy.
Get Involved
Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View
Volunteer Recognition - White County Senior Center
White County Board of Commissioners and the Senior Center hosted a reception in June to honor their volunteers. Many predate their RSVP service as they have supported center programs for many years by delivering meals, assisting the respite program, and helping at the Senior Center in many other ways.
Special honors were given to six volunteers with over 20 years of service. RSVP volunteers received AmeriCorps Seniors recognition gifts.
Senior Center Director Barbara Overton said “We were grateful to honor over 35 (of our 70) volunteers who were able to attend Monday’s reception. We could not do the work we do without the support of our amazing volunteers!”
We echo these sentiments and send many thanks to all the volunteers for donating their time to help provide services for their neighbors.
Pictured above: Dave and Virginia Fortner - 20+ years as Respite Program entertainers
Susan and Stewart Tyler - 20+ years as meal deliverers to homebound seniors
Jerry Gooch - 25+ years as a meal deliverer to homebound seniors
Not pictured: Ovie Seabolt - 20+ years as a Respite Program volunteer and snack provider
Back Row: White County Board of Commissioners: Shan Ash, District 1; Craig Bryant, District 4; Travis Turner, Chair; Lyn Holcomb, District 2; Edwin Nix, District 3
We are proud to cite Georgia’s contributions to AmeriCorps Seniors programs last year.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers support veterans, youth mentoring, natural disasters and many aging programs (Meals on Wheels, Respite, Medicare, Educational Outreach). Our sister programs Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions provide student mentoring and assist older adults in their homes.
Contact the RSVP office at Legacy Link for RSVP volunteer opportunities or a referral to your local county: djsuchke@legacylink.org or 770-535-2650.
Monthly Medicare Classes
Medicare Drug Coverage
Since 2006, Medicare has included prescription drug coverage through Part D. This means that any beneficiary who has either Part A or B can sign up for an optional - but usually recommended - drug program. Since Original Medicare doesn’t cover most prescriptions most of the time, this ensures that seniors don’t have to go without often needed treatments.
While Medicare Part D covers your prescription drugs in most situations, there are circumstances where your drugs are covered under either Part A or Part B.
• Part A covers the drugs you need during a Medicare-covered stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF);
• Part B covers most drugs administered by your provider or at a dialysis facility, when the provider or facility buys and administers the drugs. Part B also covers some outpatient prescription drugs, mainly certain oral cancer drugs (chemotherapy). Part D cannot pay for any drugs that are covered by Part B;
• Part D covers most outpatient prescription drugs (drugs you get at a pharmacy with a prescription). Check your plan’s formulary (its list of covered drugs) to find out whether it covers the drugs you need.
Medicare Part D covers most vaccines and immunizations. The only exceptions, which are covered under Part B instead, are the flu, COVID, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines, and certain vaccines that you receive after being exposed to a dangerous virus or disease. Part D plans must include
Scan the QR code to get more information.
most commercially available vaccines on their formularies, including the vaccine for shingles.
As of January 2023, all Medicare-covered vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Vaccine Practices (ACIP) should be free to you. This means you should not owe any cost-sharing, such as a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for your covered vaccines. To avoid billing issues, it is usually best to make sure that your health care provider or pharmacy administering the vaccine will bill your Part D plan. When you get a vaccine at your doctor’s office, ask the provider to call your Part D plan first to find out if your provider can bill your Part D plan directly. If you qualify for these vaccines, Original Medicare covers them at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when you receive the service from a participating provider. This means you pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance). Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover these vaccines without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance when you see an innetwork provider and meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements for the service.
Lastly, Part B also covers vaccines used as treatment, not prevention, after you have been exposed to a dangerous virus or disease. For example, Part B will cover a tetanus shot if you step on a rusty nail, or a rabies shot if you are bitten by a dog. Regular cost-sharing rules apply to vaccines used as treatment.
If you have questions about Medicare, contact Legacy Link and ask for a SHIP counselor. Our certified, unbiased team can help you understand coverage, communicate with providers, enroll in savings programs, and more. Interested in volunteering? SHIP welcomes those who want to help others navigate Medicare.
In The Community
In April & May Legacy Link went to Washington D.C. to advocate for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers in partnership with USAging Policy Briefing and Capitol Hill Day and with the National Council on Aging (NCOA)’s Age + Action 2025 Conference.
Check out our blog for more information.
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.
Thank you for being a part of the Legacy Link family!
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Success Story: Karyl-Ann Layson
Community. Opportunity. Growth.
These words define Karyl-Ann Layson’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) journey.
A chance conversation while walking her dog led Karyl-Ann to SCSEP — and a new path forward. Through training at The Legacy Link and Ninth District Opportunity, she built clerical skills and found purpose in serving others.
After relocating to Jackson County during the pandemic, she stayed determined and began training at Jackson County EMS. With support from Assistant Director Tim Grice, she gained confidence, mastered new tools like Google Workspace, and earned a permanent role as EMS Secretary.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program helped Karyl-Ann secure stable housing and a brighter future. Now, she encourages others to give older workers a chance to thrive.
Nonprofits and government agencies can host SCSEP trainees at no cost through The Legacy Link!
Important Program Update
Due to delays in federal funding, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is currently paused. We value the contributions of our participants and partners, and we are hopeful that services will be able to resume soon. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time, and we will share updates as soon as they are available.
Summer Recipe:
Easy Avocado Tuna Salad
Avocados help lower cholesterol and are a great source of potassium. Like salmon, tuna is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit heart health and the immune system. This easy avocado tuna salad can be eaten in a wrap, on sandwich bread, or with crackers. This is a great lunch option that can be ready in less than 10 minutes.
Ingredients
• 3 cans tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
• 2 large celery stalks, finely sliced and diced
• 3 medium avocados, peeled, pitted, sliced and diced, (can roughly mash, if preferred)
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, (substitute with fresh parsley, if preferred)
• 1/2 medium lemon (lime juice will work), juiced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt + more to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper + more to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, diced celery, diced (or slightly mashed) avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
In a small bowl or jar, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Pour dressing over tuna mixture and toss to combine. Serve with chips or crackers, in a wrap, as a sandwich or in lettuce cups. Enjoy!
Why Seniors Should Spend Time Outdoors This Summer
Vitamin D: Bone & Immune Health
Exposure to sunlight boosts vitamin D production, which is crucial for maintaining bone strength, supporting the immune system, and aiding metabolic functions.
Cognitive Support & Dementia Prevention
Sun exposure and nature environments have been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and may help slow the progression of dementia .
Physical & Cardiovascular Health
Even “light” outdoor activities like walking, gardening, or swimming can enhance cardiovascular fitness, support digestion, and maintain muscle and joint mobility.
Mental Well-Being & Emotional Health
Exposure to green spaces helps increase serotonin levels—our “happy hormone”—and reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness .
Enhanced Mood & Stress Reduction
The soothing qualities of sunlight, fresh air, and natural surroundings can elevate mood and provide emotional comfort. https://elitehhc.com/blog/12-outdoor-summertime-activities-for-seniors
