Beacon of H.O.P.E. to hold three-part O.W.L.S. series
The Beacon of H.O.P.E. is offering a three-part O.W.L.S. (older, wiser, laughing souls) series, which will highlight health insurance, vision and memory.
Beacon of H.O.P.E. Board of Director President Elsie Stearns said she is really excited about the series. At the beginning of the year, Beacon officials decided they needed to focus on the seniors of the community.
“I felt there was a need to look into some of these life situations,” she said of some of the needs seniors may have. “We bring so many agencies to the island through the United Way, Ifelt that we were missing that link with the seniors.”
With the help of the Matlacha Hookers Afternoon Delights fund-raiser in April, the Beacon of H.O.P.E. is able to host three series.
“They are helping us achieve these goals,” Stearns said of the Hookers.
Julie Talmage, who is on the wellness committee for the Beacon of H.O.P.E., said she and Carol Reagan wanted to help the seniors of the island by helping them take more responsibilities for their health.
“The whole point is not to make it heavy, but fun, informative and short,” she said of the series.
The first series, “Saving $ on Health Insurance: Is it Possible?” will be held Thursday, Aug. 8, from 8-10:30 a.m., at the Pine Island United Methodist Church with Buzzy Phillips of Raymond James Financial Services.
The second series, “Simple Steps for Better Vision,” will be held Thursday, Sept. 12, from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Pine Island United Methodist Church with Mary Von Burg, president of the Lions Club.
Talmage said they did not want to have vision testing for the second series, but rather information about things that would help individuals see better.
The last program of the series, “Memory, I think . . . ?” will be held Friday, Oct. 4 from 8-10:30 a.m., at the Pine island United Methodist Church with Emily Reese of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Each of the programs in the series will include a free breakfast, gentle stretching, 20 minutes of knowledge presentation, as well as a basket raffle.
Talmage said the breakfast served will correspond with the series. For example, she said they will serve food that will help an individual’s vision in September, as well as foods to improve memory in October.
Stearns said the raffle basket will be comprised of items from the Beacon of H.O.P.E.
In addition, Stearns said the series will include some funny jokes that correspond to the topic.
“The whole emphasis was to focus on helping seniors be more responsible and know about (their) resources,” Talmage said.
Those interested in attending the series can call the Beacon of H.O.P.E. at 239-283-5123 to pre-register.
The Pine Island United Methodist Church is at 5701 Pine Island Road in Bokeelia.