The Link
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In This Issue
Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the spring edition of our Legacy Link newsletter, The Link!
As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, spring reminds us of growth and fresh opportunities. It’s a season that reflects the heart of our mission of providing comprehensive support to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers within our community.
As we look ahead, this time of year also brings a special celebration for our organization and our closest partners. May is Older Americans Month, a meaningful opportunity to recognize the countless contributions, resilience, and wisdom of older adults. We are proud to honor the amazing individuals that we have the honor of serving. Be on the lookout for activities and initiatives that allow us to celebrate older adults throughout the month of May.
Throughout this issue, you’ll find updates on programs and services, helpful resources for caregivers, upcoming events, and ways to stay engaged. Whether you are seeking support, looking to volunteer, or simply wanting to learn more, we are here for you.
Thank you for being part of our community. Your trust, partnership, and commitment make our work possible. Together, we continue to strengthen connections, foster independence, and ensure that every individual we serve feels valued and supported.
Wishing you a joyful and refreshing spring season.
Melissa Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer
Our Mission in Action
This May, Older Americans Month celebrates the theme Champion Your Health, highlighting prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as foundations for healthy aging.
At Legacy Link, we are proud to walk alongside aging adults in our community, providing programs and support that help them live well and stay engaged.
During this month of awareness, we are raising funds to sustain the vital programs that empower older adults across northeast Georgia.
Your donation helps us continue to meet our mission. Scan the QR code below to donate.
92,473
Meals were provided to 1,418 participants attending 11 Senior Centers
376,895
Meals were provided to 2,256 participants through Home Delivered Meals
2025 Impact
Bring this flyer with you when you go to Panera.
Spring Activities for Older Adults
After months of colder weather and gray skies in many parts of the country, springtime is a welcomed season. It can be especially refreshing for older adults who have spent the winter cooped-up indoors. Fresh air, warmth and sunshine can play an important role in renewing the spirit and enhancing quality of life.
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Take a Walk
• Short, daily walks help maintain strength, flexibility and balance.
• Explore local parks, nature trails, or simply stroll the neighborhood.
Visit a Farmers Market
• Enjoy the sights, smells and colors of seasonal produce and flowers.
• A great way to pick up fresh, healthy food and socialize.
Picnic or Outdoor Dining
• Turn a meal into a picnic in the park or enjoy dining at a restaurant with outdoor seating.
• Bring a friend or family member to share good food and sunshine.
Gardening & Birdwatching
• Plant a garden with flowers, herbs or vegetables — a therapeutic way to enjoy nature.
• Install a bird feeder and watch birds from a favorite window or porch.
Get Active & Social
• Attend a sporting event or outdoor community activity.
• Low-impact exercise like yoga, swimming, or walking boosts energy and supports overall health.
Enjoy Simple Pleasures
• Bring back kid-friendly fun — fly a kite, look for four-leaf clovers or blow bubbles with grandchildren.
• Spring cleaning opens windows for fresh air and can be a satisfying way to refresh the home.health.
Georgia SHIP
Free, Trusted Help for Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare can be confusing, whether you’re preparing to enroll or already have coverage and want to make sure you’re getting the most out for your benefits. Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Georgia SHIP) at Legacy Link is here to help. Our services are always free, confidential and unbiased, and we’re dedicated to helping Medicare beneficiaries understand their option with confidence.
Personalized One-on-One Counseling
Every person’s Medicare needs are different. Georgia SHIP provides individual counseling to help you understand how Medicare works, and how to have your needs met.
Enrollment Assistance
Joining Medicare or changing plans can feel overwhelming. We offer hands-on help with:
• Enrolling in parts A and B
• Comparing and selecting Medicare Advantage and Part D plans
• Reviewing Medigap options
• Understanding Special Enrollment periods
We also screen individuals for financial assistance programs such as Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, which may reduce premiums and prescription drug cost.
We at Georgia SHIP do so much more, such as help with claims, appeals and billing questions. We also help you understand the many preventive care services Medicare covers, often at no cost, so you can stay healthy and informed.
In The Community
Strike Up the Applause!
Team members from the Forsyth County Victory Rollers and Forsyth Strikers are celebrating big wins after competing in The National Senior League 2025 Wii Bowling Competition! The Victory Rollers earned runner-up honors in the Elite 2 Division, finishing just behind the division champions, the Forsyth Strikers. The teams proudly held their awards, representing Forsyth County with skill, teamwork, and plenty of fun. Congratulations to all the players for showing that friendly competition and staying active never go out of style!
Senior Hunger Mini Grants
Legacy Link is excited to announce the distribution of $5,000 in Senior Hunger Mini Grants.
The Hope Center of Toccoa, GA
The grant funds will be used to purchase and distribute meals to vulnerable senior citizens in Stephens County who face foo insecurity due to limited income, health concerns, or lack of transportation. Providing consistent access to nutritious food, helping to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Hart Interdenominational Ministry
The grant funds will be used to provide $100 Quality Foods Gift Cards to the first 30 clients, aged 60 or older, who demonstrate a financial need and are struggling to pay for normal expenses on a very limited budget.
Legacy Link was proud to be in Washington, DC for the 32nd annual Aging Policy Briefing & Capitol Hill Day alongside the Atlanta Regional Commission.
During the visit, our team met with staff from Senator Jon Ossoff and Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, as well as Representatives Hank Johnson, Mike Collins, and Nikema Williams to advocate for policies that support older adults and strengthen our communities.
Chamber Chase
Legacy Link had a fantastic time participating in this year’s Chamber Chase! Our team enjoyed a fun-filled day of friendly competition, teamwork, and connecting with fellow community partners. Events like this highlight the power of collaboration and strengthen the relationships that help us better serve our region.
Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View
Volunteer Recognition - Dawson County Senior Services
In December, Dawson County Senior Services thanked their dedicated AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers for their continued service all year long. RSVP volunteers deliver meals to homebound residents each weekday across Dawson County and teach yoga, swim, art, crafts, and also support Senior Center activities for participants.
As part of the recognition, Senior Services honored Sandra and George Askew as their RVSP Volunteers of the Year. Sandra and George donate their time to coordinate and organize activities for seniors at the center including craft activities, program support, and senior trips. Dawn Johnson notes that “Dawson County Senior Services is a much better place thanks to Sandra and George Askew.”
Georgia Mountains RSVP provided RSVP logoed gifts and Certificates of Recognition for volunteer service. Many thanks to all the volunteeers for their contributions and time to help make their Center so successful!
Volunteer Recognition – Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
In December, RSVP hosted a lunch for the hardworking, federally certified Medicare SHIP volunteers. These volunteers work all year helping Medicare beneficiaries resolve increasingly complicated questions and coverage issues. Whether working on the phone, in the office, researching new coverage rules each year, or spreading Medicare information across north Georgia, these committed volunteers offer their time to assist those receiving Medicare.
For their dedicated efforts, volunteers received RSVP logoed volunteer gifts, and Certificates of Recognition. Thanks to all of them for their constant research and study efforts to keep up with Medicare changes so they can help beneficiaries across our region!
Pictured (l to r) Bobbie Cox, SHIP Coordinator Tia Davila, Judy Walsh, and George Jacobs. Not pictured are Mary Bach and RSVP Director Dottie Suchke
Spring Recipe:
Salmon Tacos
Ingredients
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the baking sheet
• 2 tsp. chipotle chile powder
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• Grated zest and juice of 2 limes, plus wedges for serving
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
• 1 1/2 lb. center-cut salmon (in one piece), skin removed
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh dill
• 4 scallions, roughly chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) bag of shredded slaw mix
• 12 fajita-sized flour tortillas, warmed
• Sliced avocado and thinly sliced radishes, for topping
1. Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Combine the chile powder, honey, garlic, the zest and juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
2. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and rub both sides with the chile powder mixture.
3. Bake the salmon until the thickest part flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine the yogurt, dill, scallions, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
5. Toss the slaw mix with the yogurt dressing in a large bowl.
6. To build the tacos, flake the salmon into large pieces. Add a couple pieces of salmon and some slaw to each tortilla and top with avocado and radishes. Serve with lime wedges.
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
When Sheila Lowery discovered SCSEP in 2022, she had been out of the workforce for more than twenty years. She wanted to return to work but knew she needed more training and support to become competitive.
“SCSEP gave me the training and confidence I needed to better my life and support myself,” Sheila shares. “I learned so much during my time as an Intake assistant and was able to get a job at a tele-center. I know that many, many men and women depend on this program to bring them back up to speed so they can become employable.”
Through SCSEP, Sheila gained job skills that made her productive in the workforce again—training she says she could not have afforded through traditional schooling.
“I owe so much to this program,” she says. “Since my training I have been able to better myself with employment and affordable housing.”
Sheila is now thriving, and she wants others to have the same opportunity. Her message is simple: “Keep funding for SCSEP strong! So many older Americans depend on SCSEP for a better life and future. It is the stepping stone to employment!”
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!