The levees held. The whole world watched as the hurricane Gustav tested three years of restoration and prevention work. Could New Orleans and the mystical Mississippi Gulf Coast withstand another massive storm?

The world should be impressed! After high criticism of the USA’s handling of the Kristina storms devastation, and clean up, the audience should congratulate us on a well organized, life-saving operation. (Come to think of it, I did not see any headlines saying, “Five hundred thousand persons saved during Gustav.”)

The physical forces of nature cannot be ignored. What about the changes, onslaughts, and problems of aging we must face as time passes? Of course some of it can be prevented. Good nutrition (eight to nine servings of vegetables and fruits each day) weight control, exercise calcium for bones, and listening to doctors, can give us some control over our bodies.

But then what shall we do when a personal health disaster strikes? What happens when stroke, heart attack or memory loss hits us? Personal challenges can be as hard to deal with personally as a hurricane bombarding a coast.

Maybe the lessons are parallel. Gather forces, and bring in the troops. (Your own personal national guard of friends and family) Keep your spirits up with cheerful news and conversations. Take all the help you can get!

S.C.O.P.E.’s homemakers, personal care aides, and chore workers might assist you. Social workers can bridge the gaps and tie you to many resources such as home delivered meals, and in-home services Most of all, keep a grateful heart (even when you do not want to!) We live in a time of great medical knowledge, tested treatments, and in one of the most generous communities in the country. After all, Trumbull County did pass that wonderful senior levy for us three years ago. In 2007, S.C.O.P.E. delivered 47,000 hours of direct service to Trumbull County ‘s older adults.

Prevent, secure, adapt, and face it! Moreover, count on your friends at S.C.O.P.E. to help during the “hurricanes” of your life.

Sincerely,

Janet E. Schweitzer, Executive Director

All of the volunteers in the Program attend classes two weeks in January to prepare for IRS Certification. These classes review the tax laws and instruct on preparation of returns, both manual and computer generated. Then from February 1st through April 15th they give a few hours of their time to participate in the tax preparation. We urge you to volunteer and join in this very worth-while and rewarding experience.