By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County voters ensured vital services that local senior citizens have come to expect will continue for years to come.
With an unofficial tally of 15,673 to 5,623 (74%), voters comfortably passed the renewal of the current 0.7 mills, and a new 0.3 mills for the Wood County Committee on Aging.
County voters have always been supportive of senior levies – even more so after the pandemic when the Wood County Committee on Aging was there to feed and check in on seniors.
“During COVID, people recognized the effect on vulnerable populations,” said Denise Niese, executive director of the Wood County Committee on Aging.
“We were able to maintain services during the pandemic,” Board President Eric Myers said.
And now the WCCOA has a new building in Bowling Green, where more services can be offered.
“It’s what the seniors of the county deserve,” Niese said.
The Wood County Committee on Aging operates eight senior centers across the county providing essential services to older adults.
“This reaches into every element of the county,” Dick Edwards said. “I can’t believe what it would be like without these services.”
“Everybody, if they don’t qualify for services here, they know someone who does,” Myers said.
Wood County residents over 60 years old now number more than 30,000. That means more seniors are looking for more services, Niese pointed out.
“Our baby boomer generation are the ones that are accessing our services now,” Niese said. “We have to plan for the future. Many of us won’t be here in 15 to 20 years, but we have to plan for those who come after us.”
During 2020, the senior services levy supported 63% of WCCOA’s operating budget.
“The levy is the reason why we can operate,” Niese said.
This is the first request by the Wood County Committee on Aging for an increase in millage since November 2002, when the present 0.7 mill levy was initially passed by voters.
The current levy generates about $2.6 million a year for senior services. The renewal, with the addition of 0.3 mills, will generate $3.36 million annually.
The senior centers across the county offer meals, programming, and companionship.
There are fitness classes with yoga, tai chi, and balance skills – plus virtual classes for those hesitant to join group activities. There are art classes, matinee movies, knitting groups, programs on American military history, classes on avoiding scams, Family Feud games, and “breakfast for the brain” gatherings.
And of course there are the meals – many served up at the facilities for seniors who want to dine with others, and the majority delivered to seniors’ homes across the county.
During COVID, the number of meals delivered to homes jumped from 690 to 950 a day. Once COVID restrictions were lifted by the state, congregate meals are again being served up at all eight of the senior centers. In 2019, the WCCOA served 71,089 meals at the centers.
“That takes a burden off of a lot of people – you know they are getting good food,” said Paul Herringshaw, president-elect of the WCCOA Board.
The agency is seeing a spike in raw food costs – with the bill increasing by $150,000 so far this year and expected to hit an annual cost of $675,000.
Additionally, the agency offers round-trip non-emergency medical escorts, loans of durable medical equipment, social services support from WCCOA social workers and registered nurse, wellness and educational programming, and opportunities for socialization.
Adult day care services are expected to start up next year at the senior center in Bowling Green.
“We want that service in the county,” Niese said.
