AACOG Region May 2005 Newsletter

Americans are living longer and staying healthier than ever before, according to the Alamo Area Council of Governments’ (AACOG) Alamo and Bexar Area Agencies on Aging (Alamo and Bexar AAA). “Older Americans now have more choices than the long-term institutional care that once was the primary option for our senior citizens,” said Debbie Billa of the AACOG Bexar AAA. “More and more people of San Antonio are remaining in their own homes and communities well into their later years,” said Billa. “Keeping older adults healthy, independent, and engaged benefits all generations.”

We are entering a new era in this country and in our community. Next year, the 78 million baby boomers will begin turning 60. This May, as we celebrate Older Americans Month, AACOG Alamo and Bexar AAA will consider this a momentous demographic change in the aging of our population. The theme “Celebrate Long-Term Living” honors older Americans as a national treasure, and highlights the need for mid-life and older persons to be prepared to live longer than previous generations. Older adults and baby boomers need to make thoughtful choices now to remain healthy, productive, and financially secure in their later lives.

Bexar Aging Point of contact: Debbie Billa

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Walk & Roll 2005

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Walking, biking, and wheeling are clean and healthy forms of transportation, recreation and exercise. Physical fitness, air quality, and better transportation choices are several important reasons why San Antonio and Bexar County will celebrate walking and bicycling for the 9th year. In previous years we celebrated Hike and Bike Month in May. This year we changed our name to Walk & Roll 2005 to emphasize walking as a healthy means of transportation, as well as to promote walking and cycling all year around. While San Antonio is a great place to live, work, and play, it could be even better if we made it more hike and bike friendly.

Bexar Aging Point of contact: Scott Ericksen

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WMD Senior Officials Training Workshop

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The AACOG Department of Emergency Preparedness and Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC), will be holding a Senior Officials Workshop for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Incident Preparedness.

WMD Training Point of contact: Adrienne Cohen

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Air Quality Health Alert Fair

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AACOG's Air Quality Health Fair was held on Saturday, April 9, 2005 at San Pedro Springs Park. The fair was a successful air quality education event. Approximately 1,000 people attended the event to educate themselves about air quality and what they can do to clean up San Antonio area's air. City Public Service gave away 430 free trees to the public and at least 28 exhibitors promoted the protection of our environment and air quality.

Several people drove through Car Care Alley to have their emissions checked and receive free car inspections with tips from certified mechanics on how to get better gas mileage in the vehicle. Over 100 children participated in a Scavenger Hunt in which they visited the exhibitors to find the answers to questions about air quality and environmental conservation.

Bike City performed numerous bike tune-ups for adult's and children's bikes, getting them ready for the summer. Many attendees were intrigued with the hybrid vehicles on display. Exhibitors were happy with the turn-out of people and their visitors' genuine interest in learning what they can do to help improve our region's air quality.

Click here for a recent press release about our new Commute Solutions incentive program.

Air Quality Health Fair Point of contact: Alison Young

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Classic Cruise Along the Corridor

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The 16th Annual Classic Cruise Along the Corridor will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2005. Car clubs will depart from the San Antonio Botanical Gardens between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on their journey down the historic Alamo-La Bahia Corridor. From there they will travel various routes along the Alamo La Bahia Corridor visiting the communities of Floresville, Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Poteet, Poth, Falls City, Cestohowa, Panna Maria, Goliad, Sutherland Springs, Stockdale, and Seguin. Aside from the refreshments that will be served at the local hospitality stops, many communities will feature other activities such as live entertainment, historic tours, community museums, and fun shopping at market days and craft fairs.

Cruise Point of contact: Burma Hyde

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CPS Energy Air Conditioning Rebate & AACOG Weatherization Kick-off Event

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The Neighborhoods First Alliance, CPS Energy and the AACOG have partnered to launch the CPS Energy Air Conditioning Rebate and AACOG Weatherization Program. The groups will hold a Special Kick-Off Event on Tuesday May 31, 2005, 6 p.m. at Claude W. Black Community Center, 2805 E. Commerce. The event is free and open to the public. More Housing News

Weatherization Point of contact: Rose Jackson

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Celebration of Seniors Ice Cream Social	Go to webpage
Bexar Seniors are cordially invited to a very special Older Americans Month first-time event—an old-fashioned ice cream social, celebrating long-term living. The event will include dance, music, fun, and entertainment! The event will be held Friday, May 20, 2005, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Lion's Field Adult and Senior Center, located at 2809 Broadway (Broadway & Mulberry) in San Antonio.
Ice Cream Social Point of contact: Burma Hyde	Top

AACOG seeking applications for the
2005 Regional Awards

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AACOG is now accepting nominations for the 2005 Regional Awards. Recipients will be honored at a special ceremony on June 22, 2005. Any person, corporation, community project, or governmental regional project that has contributed to the significant positive advancement of the region and/or any communities in the twelve counties of the Alamo Area (Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson Counties) is eligible for nomination. Current elected officials and public sector employees are not eligible for nomination, unless involved in a governmental regional project. Nominations are due Monday, May 2, 2005. For more information on how to submit a nomination, click here.

Regional Awards Point of contact: Tiffany Pickens

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Newsletter and calendar submissions are encouraged. Please submit any newsletter ideas to mail@aacog.com.

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