Need to Know
CO-AGE priorities for 2025 legislature
The advocacy arm for the Georgia Council on Aging, CO-AGE, is working on several issues for the upcoming legislative session, including study committees for Medical Aid in Dying and using Medicaid for assisted living facilities.
A new priority this year is legislation that creates a formal process for supported decision making as an alternative to adult guardianship. Currently, guardianship is the only formal process for providing help in decision making to elderly adults or those with disabilities. These decisions can range from health care, finances, living arrangements, education, and work. Guardianship immediately grants power to the guardian in making all decisions. Supported decision making will allow more discretion and flexibility.
The need is great
Meals on Wheels has a waiting list of about 30 seniors, according to the Athens Community Council on Aging. The program provides not just nutrition but companionship as well since the volunteer delivering the meal may be the only person they see that day. To donate to Meals on Wheels, go to https://www.accaging.org/support/donate/.
A Memory Cafe
The first Monday of every month, the Area Agency on Aging is providing activities and socialization for those with dementia and their caregivers. It’s at the Georgia Square Mall, 3700 Atlanta Highway (Main entrance; #112), from 10 a.m. to noon. Register by emailing Katrina Ogbe at kogbe@negrc.org.
Athens Wellbeing Project
The fourth iteration of the Athens Wellbeing Project, a countywide data collection survey, is underway. Open to all local households, the survey consists of questions related to health, education, community health, civic vitality and housing. The results guide the work of local healthcare systems, public schools, philanthropic entities, and the nonprofit sector. Take the survey online at athenswellbeingproject.org or request a paper copy be mailed. It takes about 20 minutes.
State of Homelessness in Athens
Envision Athens and the Athens Homeless Coalition invite community members to attend a community-wide event dedicated to understanding and addressing homelessness in the area. This will be on Jan. 30 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 1055 Barber St. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit envisionathens.com.
Good to Know
Volunteer for research studies
The UGA Clinical and Translational Research Unit and the AU/UGA Medical Partnership are seeking volunteers for various healthcare-related research studies. Compensation is provided for participating. To sign up for new study alerts, visit ctru.uga.edu.
Fun to do
Break out the wine glasses
Athens Wine Weekend returns to The Classic Center, Feb. 7 – 9, kicking off with “A Little Surprise,” Friday night from Athens area chefs and paired with the perfect win. Saturday is filled with the Grand Tasting, wine tasting classes, and a Gourmet Dinner, and Sunday wraps up with a Sparkling Wine Brunch. To get more information, go to ClassicCenter.com/AthensWineWeekend.
UGA Theatre
Spring semester brings an interesting lineup of plays to the Fine Arts Building. In February, “John Proctor is the Villain,” opens in the Cellar Theatre. Set in rural Georgia, the play depicts the ways in which a high school class assignment on “The Crucible,” raises uncomfortable questions amid the school’s salacious rumor mill. March will feature the annual New Georgia Award show, and original play with the working title, “The Art of Noticing” by undergraduate Dyllon Glaze. Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” will close out the season in April. For tickets and times, go to ugatheatre.com.
Lyndon House new exhibits
Two new exhibits open on January 16 at the Lyndon House with an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Distillations, drawings on paper and wall-bound constructions bring together the work of life-partners, the Pizzutos, recent retirees to Athens. Twist: Carol John is a selection of paintings by the artist described as “vibrating forms and surfaces that resonate with playful pop color.” Both exhibits run through March 15.
Town & Gown
The third play of the season is scheduled for Feb. 7 – 16. “For Peter Pan on her 70th birthday,” is a “look at siblings being called back to their own Neverland 50 years later, as they face their own inevitable aging, the death of their father, and the dreamy allure of never growing up.” For ticket information, go to townandgownplayers.org.
Marigold Auditorium line-up
The newly renovated Marigold Auditorium in Winterville has a varied line-up to start off the new year. Topping the list is “The Vagina Monologues,” to benefit The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center Feb. 6 – 8. Other highlights in the calendar include The Original Splitz Band on Feb. 14, Free Bird – a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band on Feb. 22, and The Vintage Vixens on March 22. There’s more, comedy and acoustic guitar – go to marigoldauditorium.com for times, dates and ticket prices.
Community Activated Art
A call is out for organizations interested in hosting a gathering/event at which artist Maria Ava Totina creates a work of art that includes a word that best represents the work the organization does. The art is “activated” by attendees placing a handprint and writing a few words about what that organization means to them. Some funds may be available. For more information, email Totina at matxr23@yahoo.com.
