The Link Summer 2026

SUMMER 2026

The Link

PUBLISHED BY

In This Issue 2 Message from the CEO

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Get Involved

3 Upcoming Events

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Summer Recipe

4 Summer Activities for Older Adults

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Eating Well After 50

5 Georgia SHIP

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SCSEP Success Story

6 In the Community

Message from the CEO Dear Friends, Welcome to the Summer Edition of The Link.

As the days grow longer and brighter, summer offers the perfect opportunity to connect and stay active. This vibrant season invites us to embrace healthy aging. Simple activities like taking a walk with a friend, gardening, attending a community event, or visiting a local farmers market can make a lasting impact on both our physical and mental well-being.

One of the highlights of summer across our region is the abundance of fresh, locally grown produce available at farmers markets. Legacy Link is proud to partner with local farmers to offer Senior Farmers Markets throughout our 13-county service area, making nutritious food more accessible to older adults in our communities. These partnerships not only support local agriculture but also promote healthy aging by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables while creating opportunities for social connection and community engagement.

In this issue of The Link, you’ll find a variety of programs, services, and resources designed to help you make the most of the season. Whether you’re seeking tips for healthy living, caregiving support, community activities, or information about available services, we hope these pages provide valuable tools and inspiration.

Thank you for being part of the Legacy Link family. We hope this summer brings opportunities to stay active, enjoy meaningful connections, and discover new ways to engage with your community.

Wishing you a safe and joyful summer.

Melissa Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer 2

Georgia SHIP State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Scan the QR code to get more information.

Medicare cost becoming too much?

Georgia SHIP is here to help.

If Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance or copays are a concern, Georgia SHIP is here to help review your options. Georgia SHIP offers free, unbiased assistance to help you navigate Medicare, from Open Enrollment to identifying programs and options that may help reduce Medicare related cost.

Georgia SHIP can help you apply for programs designed to alleviate some of the financial worries associated with Medicare expenses. Extra Help is a federal program that can lower your Medicare prescription drug (Part D) monthly premium and reduce or eliminate deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. You may qualify if you have a limited income and assets.

Another option is a Medicare Savings Program which assists eligible low-income Georgia Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in part A and or Part B with paying for Medicare premiums, deductibles and copayments depending on which of the four programs you may qualify for. Let Georgia SHIP help you understand your options and apply for programs that might be right for you.

Mark your calendars! Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner. The enrollment period begins October 15th and ends December 7th.

This is an important time to review your Medicare coverage and ensure it continues to meet your health care needs and budget.

Legacy Link’s Georgia SHIP team is here to assist you in every step of your Medicare journey. Give us a call today at 706-622-2399.

Call Georgia SHIP today to review all the preventive care benefits you have the right to under Medicare. We are your trusted, local source of help when it comes to Medicare.

706-622-2399 or 866-552-4464 Option 4.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $131,810 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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Summer Activities for Older Adults Summer is a great time for older adults to enjoy the outdoors, soak up some sunshine, and stay active. The longer days and warmer weather create the perfect setting for physical activity, social connection, and fun new hobbies. Whether living independently or in a care community, older adults can benefit tremendously from engaging in summertime activities.

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Go for a Swim

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Attend Community Events

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Start a Garden

• Gentle on joints and muscles • Great way to stay cool and active

• Enjoy local festivals and concerts • Connect with friends and neighbors

• Grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables • Encourages light activity and relaxation

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Take a Day Trip • Explore a new destination nearby • Enjoy a change of scenery

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Enjoy a Sporting Event

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Picnic Outdoors

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Go Fishing

• Cheer on a local team • Share the experience with family or friends

• Enjoy a meal in the fresh air • Perfect for gathering with loved ones

• Relax and enjoy nature • Spend time outdoors at your own pace

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Create a Scrapbook • Preserve favorite memories and photos • A fun and creative indoor activity

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https://www.silverts.com/blogs/givingcare/summer-activities-for-seniors

Connect with Us on Facebook & Youtube @LegacyLinkAging

Upcoming Events Scan below to see our full calendar.

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In The Community May 4 – Legacy Link wore gray to raise awareness of Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

May 7 – Legacy Link held its Spring Fling staff appreciation event. During the event, staff enjoyed lunch, played games, and spent time catching up with one another. Members of the team also painted bowls for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, helping support their mission to provide 500 meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity.

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May 20 – Legacy Link participated in the United Way of Hall County Mental Health Walk.

May - SCSEP attended the NCOA Age & Action Conference

May 20 – Legacy Link partnered with the Secretary of State’s Office and Senior Medicare Patrol to host “Savvy Senior: Empower Your Financial Wellness Journey” in White County.

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Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View RSVP Volunteers of Distinction As we celebrate the anniversary of our country, we would like to recognize some of those citizens who make a difference by donating their time to others. Every day across North Georgia there are RSVP Volunteers helping fellow residents in their communities. Most volunteers do not seek recognition. They want to help where they can as an effort to give back. We are lucky to have individuals who have spent many hours for many years assisting with programs for older adults.

21 Years George Jacobs - Hall 23 Years of Service Al Johansen – Franklin Lyle Schroeder – Forsyth

19 Years Charles Krick – Union Stewart Tyler – White Susan Tyler – White Judy Walsh - Hall

18 Years Audrey Burke - Franklin Janice Brackett – Hall Jim Brackett - Hall Cynthia Furlow - Hall Bill Hess - Dawson

17 Years Joe Gaines - Dawson Marvin Grose - Union

This is a great time to thank those volunteers at your organization who help make programs successful for the benefit of everyone in the community. Please join us in recognizing these RSVP volunteers for their long and continued service, some for as many as 23 years! Some have additional service time at their sites before becoming part of RSVP and some have retired this past year. All have demonstrated their commitment to serving others for 10 years or more. They are noted by RSVP service years and their service county. Thanks to all for their dedication and compassion!

14 Years Moira Todd - Hall

16 Years Joan Walker - White

13 Years Tina Cobb – Dawson Carole Kinzie – Dawson Pat Kirton - Dawson

Meals on Wheels Delivery & packing. Through your local county senior center - most need new volunteers

11 Years Cathy Herdener - Hall Eliza Jones - Hall John Karsk - Union Sandra Karsk – Union Clara Levine – Union Richard Levine - Union Tamra Schardl - Hall Lillian Smith – Hall Linda Strawn - Hall

Medicare SHIP Counselors (requires certification), outreach and information distribution, clerical / database

10 Years Lynne Campbell – Dawson Becky Clark - White Bobbie Cox – Hall Marybeth Harris - Union Dot Harwell - Hall Betty Losh – Dawson Doug Shively - Towns Kathy Tidwell - Towns Mardi White - Towns

Senior Centers Program assistance, presentations, administrative help, respite programs, kitchen help

Contact the RSVP office at Legacy Link for volunteer opportunities or a referral to your county 770-535-2650 RSVP is an AmeriCorps Seniors grant program that matches adults ages 55+ with volunteer service opportunities at government and nonprofit agencies. Funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, with local sponsorship and funding provided by Legacy Link, Area Agency on Aging. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. Georgia Mountains RSVP serves 10 counties in north Georgia with over 200 volunteers.

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Senior Community Service Employment Program Do you need training to return to work?

Get paid while learning new skills through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

SCSEP Success Story After decades of experience in construction, home improvement, and millwork, Chris Thomas faced unexpected barriers reentering the workforce, including age discrimination and challenges during his job search.

Through SCSEP at Legacy Link, Chris found a supportive opportunity to rebuild confidence and showcase his skills without bias. He strengthened his digital skills in Microsoft Office, data entry, and even explored new tools like AI through Microsoft 365.

With his combined experience and new training, Chris stepped into his role as Facilities Coordinator, where he brings together his construction background and procurement expertise while continuing to grow professionally.

Chris encourages other older adults to stay active, keep learning, and continue building connections— because experience still matters.

Congratulations, Chris, and welcome back to the workforce!

Are you or someone you know aged 55 or older, on a limited income, and looking for a job? Call us at 770-538-2657 to explore paid job training opportunities that could be a perfect fit!

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Eating Well After 50: 5 Ways to Make Healthy Food Choices After 50, it’s more important than ever that you are eating well to get adequate nutrients. As we age, our weakening immune systems and other factors make us more prone to chronic conditions, falls, hospital stays, and illness.

Proper nutrition can help to prevent—or diminish the dangers—of these age-related risks. Use the tips below to help make healthy eating choices this year, even if you’re on a tight budget.

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Build a Healthy Plate • Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains • Use MyPlate as a simple guide for balanced meals Focus on Key Nutrients • Choose foods rich in protein, calcium, fiber, and vitamins • Prioritize nutrient-dense foods over empty calories Stay Hydrated • Drink water consistently throughout the day • Proper hydration supports digestion and overall health Read Nutrition Labels • Compare sodium, sugar, and fat content when shopping • Look for whole-grain and lowersodium options Make Healthy Eating Affordable • Use grocery assistance and nutrition programs when available • Shop smart by planning meals and comparing prices

https://www.ncoa.org/article/eating-well-after-50-5-ways-to-make-healthy-food-choices/

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Summer Recipe:

Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients - For Salad

Ingredients - For Dressing

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1 lb. fusilli pasta 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) 1 tsp. garlic powder Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 cups halved grape tomatoes 2 cups spinach, packed 1/2 cup crumbled feta 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped dill

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 clove garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fusilli according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to large bowl.

2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes, then cut into 1” pieces.

3. Meanwhile, make dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

4. In the large bowl with the pasta, toss together all remaining ingredients. Pour dressing over salad, toss until coated, and serve.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a25136514/chicken-pasta-salad/

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4080 Mundy Mill Road P.O. Box 1480 Oakwood, GA 30566

Contact Us Call us today and our staff will help to connect you with the programs & resources you need.

770-538-2650 or 855-266-4283 www.LegacyLink.org