Summer preparations and other updates

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer President/ CEO

The calendar reads “June 1.” As I am writing this, I am reminded of the many things June 1st meant to me when I lived “up north.” Among them, school would soon be ending, pools and beaches would soon open, and for those of us who are fashionistas, we could wear white! In Florida, however, June 1st means something quite different … the start of hurricane season. As usual, weather forecasters are having a wonderful time predicting whether or not the season will be better, the same, or worse, than last year. I know we are all on the same page in hoping that it will be better.

Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN) has always taken the lead in disaster relief, and we are grateful to the Federation for supporting us in our efforts. I am reminded of our role with the pandemic and Hurricanes Irma and Ian. While we hope this will be a quiet hurricane season, we want to remind everyone that should disaster strike, we are here to help.

If you know of vulnerable seniors who are living alone, or living with partners who are vulnerable as well, please let us know (with their permission). We will add them to the list we put together of seniors who will need hurricane supplies, assistance with evacuation and on-theground help after the event. Our Geriatric Case Management staff members are often the first to respond after the storm, delivering food, water and other supplies.

Caregiver Boot Camp

BSCN had its quarterly “Boot Camp” for Caregivers. Thirty caregivers of loved ones with cognitive issues attended our fourhour educational program where experts presented on Medicaid planning, financial planning and the benefits of music therapy for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

2025 fundraising event

Please circle Jan. 11, 2025 on your calendars for our 13th annual Evening for Better Tomorrows, BSCN’s signature fundraising event. More information will follow!

Food pantry donations

For our friends heading to cooler places, as you clean out your pantries please remember our food pantry. And for those of you staying “in town,” think of us when Publix has its “buy one get one” sales. We need your pantry donations year-round. Thank you for your support, and best wishes for a healthy, safe and calm summer.