I am writing to encourage you, my fellow citizens of Bowling Green/Wood County, to vote “yes” on Nov. 3 to support older adults in our community – please vote “yes” on the Wood County Committee on Aging 1.0 mill renewal levy.
Although I have been a member of the Bowling Green/Wood County community for more than 25 years, I did not appreciate the services of the WCCOA until my retirement from BGSU. At that time, I realized what a great organization we had right here in our own backyard.
My academic area is Exercise and Sport Psychology, which was in the BGSU School of Human Movement, Sport, and Leisure Studies. It was a “great find” when I learned the WCCOA offered classes at the senior center that include yoga, Pilates, tai chi, balance enhancement, and other exercise activities. Staying active is such an important part of aging well, and these classes make it fun and easy.
The WCCOA has evolved though an impressive 51 years to be a strong resource for the entire county. Eight sites in various locations provide needed resources. Programs include meals, transportation, social services, caregiver support, wellness programs, and other opportunities for senior adults to remain intellectually engaged and to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
On Nov. 3, voters in Wood County will have an opportunity to support older adults by voting “yes” on the WCCOA 1.0 mill renewal levy. This is not a new tax – it is a renewal levy to continue existing funding without increasing your taxes. The levy is greatly needed, because it provides approximately 70% of WCCOA’s operating funds, and thus enables the WCCOA to continue delivering critical services and strong programs to thousands of older adults across Wood County.
The WCCOA is a careful steward of these taxpayer dollars as approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent directly on programs and services that contribute to seniors’ intellectual and physical well-being. Although you may not yet personally be interested in these services and vibrant programs, it is encouraging to know the WCCOA (if funded) will be there in our community to offer these services for you and your loved ones.
Please join me in voting “yes” on Nov. 3 for the WCCOA’s continuation of the 1.0 mill renewal levy as we continue our support for this important community resource.
Bonnie G. Berger, Ed. D.
Bowling Green
