Letter from the President/CEO

A B O U T T H E C O V E R

Cover photo by Aline Harrell “This photo was shot Dec. 4 in Southport as the shrimp boat was coming into the ICW,” says cover photographer Aline Harrell. “I was celebra ng my birthday with my daughter and her husband at Provisions.... of course we were having shrimp!”

T H E C O A S T A L B U Z Z

EDITOR Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org (910) 622-1036 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Klahre, Joan Leotta, Veronica Lett-McGee, Mike McGurn, Donna Ruth Morgan, Pat Naughton, Marilou Smith, René Tarquinio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Melissa Catlett, Casey Freed, Jillian Hardin, Veronica Lett-McGee, Mike McGurn, Pat Naughton, Holley Norris, Amy Segen, Kevin Whitheart ADVERTISING SALES (910) 754-2300 Anita Langin alangin@bsrinc.org Shelagh Clancy buzz@bsrinc.org

2021 Accomplishments

Happy New Year! I love the spirit of renewal and all the opportunities that lie ahead with the dawn of a new year. Half of 2021 seemed like a carryover from 2020, but the second half reminded us of what our future will be. Despite the circumstances, it was incredible year with many achievements. Looking back, here are just a few things that happened:

January 2021 – Volunteers and case management staff served over 2,300 clients for Medicare Open Enrollment. Capital improvement projects that began during COVID closings came to their respective conclusions as the centers anticipated opening in the spring. BSRI also began its quest to update its logo and marketing efforts and begin planning for the 20-year anniversary of the organization.

February 2021—BSRI commissioned a full-scale evaluation of all its information technology platforms, hardware, and cyber security protocols. We launched improved internal and uniform operating systems to enable the safest and securest data operating systems. Case Management and its volunteers began a new initiative to teach Medicare 101 classes to assist new retirees with navigating information associated with accessing benefits.

March 2021 – BSRI served as a partner agency with Brunswick County Health and Human Services for vaccine distribution. Senior Centers became locations for drive-through vaccinations as Case Management Services and Center Directors contacted thousands of participants to schedule vaccinations. Outdoor

Jim Fish, BSRI President and CEO

2021, con nued on page 6

A March COVID Vaccine Clinic at The Brunswick Center at Shallo e was a great success. Staff from Commwell Health helped make it possible.

2021, con nued from page 5 programming began as the weather warmed and indoor restrictions remained in place.

April 2021 –BSRI partnered with Brunswick Community College to begin a collaboration with its updated Culinary Arts program. The partnership allows for students to learn about large-scale food operations and assist with preparing Meals on Wheels. Three years after its announcement, seniors were able to witness the fruits of their fundraising efforts as Brunswick County dedicated its new Charters of Freedom monuments in front of the court house in Bolivia.

May 2021 – Building Plans for the Ash-Waccamaw multipurpose building were completed by the County and Sawyer Sherwood and Associates. While construction was postponed due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, the building and site are ready when funds are allocated. For the first time in organizational history, the BSRI Board of Directors unanimously voted to allocate $250,000 for future rental assistance grants. The grants are intended to assist those that qualify when senior living apartments are completed in Calabash.

June 2021– Senior Centers finally reopened at full capacity! For the 11th year in a row, BSRI closed its fiscal year on time and on budget. BSRI’s years of emergency planning came into effect as financial reserves provided for increases in meal and commodities distribution during the pandemic. The organization remains well-positioned to meet its financial obligations with no reoccurring debt.

July 2021 – The Town of Calabash approved the revised 74-unit senior living apartment project slated to be constructed behind the Brunswick Center at Calabash. Brunswick County Planning and Zoning assisted with the proposed Calabash Meadows Senior Living Apartments scheduled to be constructed on Calabash highway. The County’s efforts helped save this important project as construction delays due to COVID restrictions threatened its approval. Case Management was able to provide $100,000 in Family Caregiver support!

August 2021 – BSRI signed a 3-year management contract with Nielson Inc. to manage ASH Mini Storage. The storage facility provides much-needed expansion for office space, and storage for BSRI Thrift Stores and for emergency preparation. The affiliation will assist with the organization’s senior living projects.

September 2021 – BSRI took possession of a new generator for the Brunswick Center at Shallotte. The

In April 2021, the Charters of Freedom monuments were dedicated at the Brunswick County courthouse. Seniors throughout the county contributed to the project.

In July, the Town of Calabash approved a 74-unit senior living apartment project for behind the Brunswick Center at Calabash.

generator will provide important emergency options for food preservation in the event of power loss due to natural disasters.

October 2021 – Mask mandates were lifted and became optional in all Brunswick Centers. Medicare Open Enrollment began and continued to provide in-person and video conferencing appointments. Case managers and volunteers helped clients get an average of $5,000 to $20,000 in annual health insurance cost savings. BSRI set a record by helping one client save $118,704 annually.

November 2021 – BSRI introduced its new logo after approval by its Board of Directors. BSRI set a record by helping local participants save over $8.7 million on medications. The Prescription Drug Assistance Program has saved $35 million since the program began in 2004.

December 2021– The Brunswick Center at Shallotte hired Jillian Hardin as its new director. BSRI engaged in several capital improvement projects to bring the latest and greatest to our Brunswick Centers for January 2022. Open Enrollment part one concluded with Case Managers and volunteers assisting over 2,000 clients.

The most important thing we did in 2021 was stay true to our mission. My hope for 2022 is health, prosperity, and happiness!

SHIIP volunteers and case managers helped with Medicare Open Enrollment in Fall 2021, saving clients thousand of dollars annually. One client saved $118,704! In November, the BSRI Board of Directors approved a modern new logo for BSRI.

Your Devoted Servant, Jim

Join Our Medication and Wellness Event in Shallotte

Come join us at the Shallotte Senior Center at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 13. You will not want to miss this Medication and Wellness event!

You will learn the proper ways to dispose of your outdated medications and how to obtain medications at a low to FREE cost.

Oh, how can I forget the wellness! You will learn how to read labels and how to properly dispose of old food. That’s not all you will learn. Come and join us for the rest of the excitement!

Shop BSRI Thrift Stores!

SHOP our BSRI thrift stores for the best selection! Two locations: 10001 Beach Dr. Calabash 5302 Main Street Shallotte SHOP ONLINE: www.bsrincthrift.org

DONATE your extra items to help senior programs and services in Brunswick County! For free pickup, call (910) 712-6458 VOLUNTEER at our thrift stores— it’s fun! Apply online at www.bsrinc.org/volunteers.html

Step Back in Time

By Mike McGurn Thrift Store Operations Manager

Idon't know about you, but for me, it really is hard to believe that it is going to be 2022! Where does the time go? It does indeed seem to fly by, year after year.

For those of you yearning for the good old days of yesteryear, you just might find a few reminders at BSRI Thrift Stores, where every now and then some very cool vintage and antique items show up and take you back in time. Like this A&P Coffee Clock: This particular clock is labeled on the back as Model No. 1 and is stamped with a manufacture date of May 3, 1959. It was made by the Gibraltar Manufacturing Company in Jersey City, New Jersey.

This 61-year-old clock has been around for some of the biggest events and most transformative changes in the history of humankind, and yet reminds us, perhaps, of a simpler, happier, and slower-paced time. A time when we had a little more quality time for ourselves and our families and were able to enjoy the finer things in life at a more reasonable pace.

So, if you ever want to step off the high-speed escalator that is life in today's hectic society, and take a stroll down memory lane, stop by our Thrift Stores in Calabash and Shallotte where you'll be sure to find something to remind you of the good old days.

By the way, an antique dealer in Connecticut is asking $876 for this same clock on eBay and, of course, we sold this one for a small fraction of that, as we always try to keep our prices reasonable and affordable for our loyal and savvy thrift shoppers. Happy New Year, Everyone!

P.S. We will be open our normal hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Breaking Ground in 2022! BlueTide at Calabash

We are happy to nally announce the name of our rst senior living community! BlueTide at Calabash will begin pre-leasing units to future residents in 2022. Want to receive email noti cations about progress on this project? Email your contact information to BSRI’s Director of Corporate Strategy Courtney Bledose at cbledsoe@bsrinc.org to be added to our mailing list. You won't want to miss out on this opportunity to live in Calabash’s newest 55+ community!

Prepare For the 3G Network Shutdown

Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G wireless networks to make room for new technology. If you have an older device, you may need to change or update it.

Beginning in 2022, the 3G wireless network shutdown will stop older cell phones, life alert systems, certain medical devices, security systems, and watches from using data. Affected devices won’t be able to dial 911 without necessary upgrades or replacements.

What’s a ected?

Mobile phones are not the only devices affected. Home security systems, fire alarms, medical devices, and SOS systems in cars might be affected.

Carriers have different shutdown dates:

• T-Mobile will shut down Sprint’s 3G network by

January 1, 2022. • AT&T will shut down their network by February, 2022. • Verizon will shut down theirs by December 31, 2022.

If your mobile company is not listed here, you may still be affected. Many carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline providers use AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks.

How Can I Fix This?

Contact your mobile provider or consult your provider’s website for more information about their 3G shutdown plan and whether your phone, or other connected device, may be affected.

Some devices may only require a software update to enable VoLTE (HD Voice) or other advanced services. Or your service provider may offer deals on new devices, including some deals that might include a free cell phone.

Some FCC programs may be able to assist eligible consumers with the cost of phone or internet services:

• The FCC’s Lifeline program may be able to assist eligible consumers in getting connected to phone and internet services. • The FCC's Emergency

Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, go to https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/ guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3gcellular-networks-and-service, or contact your BSRI case manager at 910-754-2300.