Commission on Aging
AGING IS THE ONL Y WAY TO LIVE
Aging is the only way to live. But what are we doing about it in the Diocese of Southern Virginia? About 35 years ago our Diocesan, Bishop George P. Gunn, decided something had to be done, particularly about the housing needs of older Virginians in our midst. First he organized a committee, chaired by the Rev. Sydney Swann, then Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd, Norfolk, to survey our housing situation. From that study was to come the Westminster Canterbury Life Care Retirement Home at Virginia Beach.
In the early 1980’s that housing committee grew into a Diocesan Commission on Aging as a standing commission to respond to other needs of Southern Virginia’s aging – and soon to be booming – population. Among the early chairs of the commission were Connie Laws, Meg Duffey and Bill Egelhoff
The Commission worked closely with the national Episcopal Society for Ministry, bringing to Southern Virginia some of the country’s leading gerontologists for diocesan conferences on aging issues. These conferences reached out not only to seniors, but also to adult children with aging parents. Later the Commissions organized seminars for clergy in an effort to help themserve as better informed referrals in the area of aging problems. These seminars brought in aging experts from local Area Agencies on Aging, sharing the services offered to enable seniors to remain in their community, thus avoiding institutionalization.
As members of the Tri -Diocesan Commission on Aging in Virginia the Commission promotes a three-day Fall Camp each October at Shrinemont in Orkney Springs. Held at the height of Virginia’s fall foliage, these conferences draw seniors together from all comers of the Commonweath.
This year’s Fall Camp will be held October 27-30. Look for further information in the next issue of the Jamestown Cross.
In an effort to strengthen and expand its reach, the Commission on Aging has been brought under the aegis of Christian Formation. This move recognizes the growing needs of Southern Virginia’s seniors and helping all of them to enjoy a healthier and happier quality of life.
The Commission always welcomes laity or clergy interested in spreading the good news of aging in southern Virginia. For more information contact either co-chair, Bob Lovegren at (757)229-1794 or boblove@nexet.net or Betsy Elliott at (757) 229-6521 or betsyell@cox.net.
And remember, Aging is the Only Way to Live!
Bill EGELHOFF
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Caroline Black