Northland Shepherd’s Center has been working to update our vision statement. We incorporate our vision statement into how we think about what an “ideal world” would look like for you and for each of us in the future. The statement begins to direct how we work into the future.
A vision statement also helps us tell others where we are going. It is a stretch beyond where we think we can go. It is motivating and inspirational aligning with our values. It helps us to say what we want the mission to ultimately achieve for the organization, for who we serve and/or for society as a whole. That is why YOUR input is so valuable to us.
I am curious what is YOUR vision for aging and how do you live out that vision? Is it all you hoped it would be, or what would you like to see change?
In looking online, I have found vision statements come in various shapes and sizes. A vision statement is defined as: Description of the desired future state of the organization. An effective vision inspires the team, showing them how success will look and feel.
Share your thoughts on how Northland Shepherd’s Center casts its vision. Allow your imagination to soar. Here is our current vision and a few examples to help get your juices flowing.
• NSC current vision: Northland Shepherd’s Center will be a leader in the field of aging, bringing knowledge and opportunities to a community of older adults and working with other organizations in the community in building programs and services.
• AARP: A society in which all people live with dignity and purpose, and fulfill their goals and dreams.
• Clay County Senior Services: Clay County is a community that values productive, healthy living.
• Platte County Senior Fund: To enhance the senior’s quality of life and independence. PCSF recognizes there is no place like home.
• Just for fun, here is what Artificial Intelligence (AI) shared: We envision a community where every adult 60 and better will be connected to the resources they need, and the opportunities that interest them, throughout the entire aging process.
I would love to hear your ideals of what would make this a better world for you. You can reach me at jan@northlandsc.org or 816-844-3963. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your thoughts. Hearing from you always makes our day!
Warmly, Jan
Clay County Commission Passes Ordinance Adopting the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program
The Clay County Commission passed the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief November 30, 2023. Provisions of the ordinance take effect January 1, 2025. The Commission and Clay County staff crafted a plan that applies to all eligible Clay County residents who are 62 years old or older. Under Clay County 2023-ORD-42, eligible Clay County residents will be able to apply to participate in the program beginning in 2025. To be eligible, the Clay County resident must own, or have a legal interest in, a home within the county, claim that property as their primary residence and be responsible for paying real estate taxes on that property. The resident may only claim one home as a primary residence.
The tax relief is not retroactive and all Clay County residents eligible for the tax relief in 2025, and who apply in 2025, will have a base tax year of 2024. The tax relief is calculated by subtracting the real estate property tax of the base year from the current year’s real estate property tax.
Questions and comments can be submitted online (claycountymo.gov). Or if you would rather call and leave a message, please call (816) 407-3600 and mention it is in regards to Senate Bill 190.
Clay County plans to host an educational seminar at Northland Shepherd’s Center this coming fall.
VOLUNTEERS . . .
You will be missed Dave! We would like to take a moment to wish a Northland Shepherd’s Center (NSC) volunteer well as he embarks on a new journey away from the Kansas City area. Upon retirement, Dave Crawford began his volunteerism with NSC in 2019 to present day. Throughout his time with us, Dave has been an involved and dedicated driver for Meals on Wheels regularly driving his designated route and also saying “Yes!” when a route needed a substitute. This past year, Dave took on another volunteer role of riding the Market Bus and assisting the driver with client notifications, shopping packages and an entertaining spirit. In preparation of his move, Dave has already located the local Meals on Wheels program and looks forward to continuing his volunteer service in his new community. Dave, your positive attitude and willingness to help will be sorely missed by our volunteer team. We wish you and Daisy the best of luck in your new chapter!
Sincerely, Northland Shepherd’s Center Staff
Volunteer Appreciation ~ Celebration
Northland Shepherd’s Center was recently filled with volunteers, community leaders and staff for a most welldeserved time of celebration, appreciation, refreshments and fellowship! Smiles, laughter, and conversation intertwined within Legacy Hall as attendees partook of delicious pick-up foods, appreciation tokens including cards made by local Boy and Girl Scout troops and NSC clients, lemonades and coffee provided by Antioch Starbucks while enjoying a pictorial video highlighting volunteers involvement throughout the year. Our first “Go Light Your World” award was presented to Dolores Riley for the many devoted hours of encouragement and help she has given unselfishly to our organization. A video highlighting Dolores’ involvement is available for viewing on our website: www.northlandsc.org. We truly appreciate all our volunteers and their contributions to our organization! Please look for future opportunities to come together! - Laurie Roebbeke, Volunteer Coordinator
Aging with Excellence Classes
Free Health Screening
North Kansas City Hospital will be at Northland Shepherd’s Center Monday August 5 to provide FREE health screenings. The nurse will be testing:
- Fasting Blood Sugar
- Cholesterol
- HDL & LDL
- Triglycerides
- Blood pressure
The nurse will also provide education with the results of your test. Come anytime between 9:00 and 11:00. Walk-ins welcome!
Nutrition As We Age
On August 30 at 10:00 Kendra, NKCH Outpatient Dietitian will be at Northland Shepherd’s Center to discuss ways to:
- Improve Inflammation
- Lower Cholesterol
- Reduce the risk of various diseases
- Ways to Promote Heart Health
- RSVP by calling 816-452-4536
Improving Your Mind, Body and Soul
The Aging With Excellence programs
hance the well-being of senior adults. From Chair yoga and Tai Chi for mobility and balance, to LIFT and PEPPI exercise classes to increase strength, there's something for every aspect of health. We also offer Bridge, Book Club and educational classes. Our newest class is Line Dancing and we get such a good workout while having fun. You don’t have to register ahead of time for these class, just drop in and check out a class. If you have questions, call Chanel at 816-452-4536.
Chair Yoga Mondays & Fridays 9:30
L.I.F.T. Mondays 10:30
Line Dancing Mondays 11:30
Tai Chi Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30
P.E.P.P.I. Fridays 10:30
Bridge Fridays 11:00
Book Club 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 1:00
Life Enrichment Opportunities
Learning & Laughter A Jazzy Little Book Club
The Jazzy Little Book Club is thrilled to announce that Ida May Willhaus will be leading our book discussions each month. We are excited for her to lead the group! Thank you, Ida May! The Book Club meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 1:00. Those interested in joining can reach out to Chanel at 816-452-4536. Books are provided by the Antioch Mid-Continent Public Library.
Happy reading!
July 10
The Golden Spoon
July 24
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me
August 14
The Music Shop
August 28
To Kill A Mockingbird
Friday Market Bus
Need a ride to the grocery store? There’s space available on our bi-weekly bus route. Our route covers the area between NE Parvin Rd, N Oak Trfy, NE 72nd St & N Brighton Ave.
• Choice of Hy-Vee or Walmart.
• 1.25 hours shopping time.
• Departs every other Friday starting at 9:00.
• The bus has 3 steps. No lift is available.
• Enjoy the ride, shop & socialize with neighbors! Call 816-452-4536 to see if you are eligible.
Crafts, Speakers, Lunch and More! Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 10:00 Limited space so register today! ($10) Northlandsc.org or 816-452-4536
Lunch–Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy & green beans
July 24
Crafts with Pam Balance tips to prevent falls
Lunch–Baked ham, au gratin potatoes & corn
August 14
Walmart Health
BINGO with Wexford Place
Lunch–Pizza & Salad
August 28
Crafts with Pam Lakeside Nature Center
Lunch–Parmesan crusted tilapia, rice pilaf & green beans
Mother’s Day Appeal Thank You
Thank you to everyone who made a Mother’s Day gift! Your support helps us continue to provide exceptional care for aging adults in our community! We would still love for you to share your stories – about your mom, dad, or other loved one. Stories like this: My mom and I used to travel together – before I got married and became a mom myself. We had fun adventures in Mexico, Belize, Hawaii, and leaf peeping in New England. We would look for hidden gems and go where the day took us. Now we’re on a new journey. The locations are less exotic – doctors’ offices, grocery stores, short walks, but the time is just as precious. After years apart, I cherish every moment rediscovering life by Mom's side.
Technology Center
July August
July 17 9:00
Self-Checkout Demo
Target at169 & Barry – Come join us to learn how to use the self-checkout machines. Meet inside, near the front.
July 17 1:30
Cricut Users Group
Share ideas, meet creatives, use the Cricut machine!
July 23 1:30
Selling on Facebook Marketplace
Learn some basics about selling and staying safe while selling your items on Facebook Marketplace.
July 30 1:30
Appy Hour–Connect Your Car!
Learn some tips to connect your car to Bluetooth.
Feeling a bit tech-tangled?
Get your questions untangled with a volunteer tech coach! They can help you with anything from email, social media, video chat, or finally figure out that fancy new smartphone. Our tech coaches are here to empower you. Call today to schedule your one-on-one appointment. 816-621-2084
Sell or Display Your Art!
Attention Northland Artists, if you would like a place to display your art, consider Northland Shepherd’s Center. We have some plain white walls and an area where we add up to 2 or 3 paintings for display of sale. Contact Christina at the center for more information
August 13 9:00
McDonalds Kiosk
Use the touch pad kiosks to order from McDonalds! Let’s have an outing to McDonalds for coffee to talk about the Kiosk technology.
August 20 1:30
Cricut Users Group
Share ideas, meet creatives, use the Cricut!
August 21 1:30
Social Media Safety Checkup
Get in the habit of checking your privacy settings!
August 27 1:30
Work From Home
Is it for you? Some older adults are starting to work from home for many reasons. Learn some tips about working from home and where to find these jobs.
Wi-Fi Hotspots Available for Checkout!
If you are over the age of 60 and would like to connect to Wi-Fi in your home, Northland Shepherd’s Center now offers loaner Wi-Fi Hotspot devices! Check outs are 2 months. You must be a Clay or Platte County resident to participate. Contact Christina an NSC
Finance and Estate Planning
August 14 at 1:30 presented by Dr. Rusty Ryan and Trey Turley, CFP®
Fall Yards Wanted-Mid October
Leaf raking, weed pulling and picking up small sticks. Subject to volunteer availability. Call Laurie 816-844-3950
Plate of Hope Food Pantry Caring Corner
Attention BreakTime Club Members
Due to staffing shortages, BreakTime Club will be taking a summer hiatus effective June 19, 2024. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you again in the fall.
In the meantime, we're looking for a new BreakTime Club Coordinator to join our team! Northland Shepherd's Center is a family-oriented workplace that offers a strong sense of purpose and connection to the community. We are seeking a part-time, energetic individual to help us continue to provide exceptional care to our senior members. Know someone who might be a good fit? Help us spread the word!
Referrals can get more information by contacting Kelley Creek: kelley@northlandsc.org or 816-844-3951.
July 9 10:00
Healthcare Home and Older Adult
Programs
Are you caring for someone with Parkinson's Disease? Join us for an educational seminar. Learn about: symptoms and diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease; treatment options, management strategies and support resources. Leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to better support your loved one.
Register: AnnK@beaconmh.org or 816-468-0400 ext. 330
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is just as important as quality care for your loved one. Join our Caregiver Support Group to help keep your cup full:
• Connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caregiving.
• Learn strategies to manage stress, find time for yourself, and prevent burnout.
• Gain valuable knowledge and resources to navigate your journey (No meeting July 4 due to the holiday.)
July 17 1:00 Caring Cafe
Join us for a free educational session featuring guest speakers:
Celebrate your power & share your wisdom & strengths with others by joining one of our groups!
• Ron Braun from KC Care Patrol: In a moment, life changes. CarePatrol provides senior care options based on care needs and quality of life for your loved ones. Our services are available at no cost to you.
• Kim Ludwig from VA's Foster Homes for Vets: When living at home becomes difficult, most people would rather remain in a home-like setting than move to a nursing home. Discover specialized care options for veterans.
Caregiver Directed Respite Program: Struggling with caregiving costs?
Get reimbursed for paid respite care. 816-452-4536 for eligibility and enrollment. (Funding provided through Clay County Senior Services.)
Ready to Join? Call Charli for details or to register: Charli@northlandsc.org or 816-452-4536
