Programs

Programs available:

• Computer Training
• Senior Citizen Council
• Caregiver Information

---

2007 Senior Citizen Council Awards

 

Each year, the Senior Citizen Council announces the Senior Citizen of the Year and the Community Leader of the Year. Those nominated are chosen by ballot from members of the council. The Senior Citizen of the Year is chosen by the Executive Board of the Senior Citizen Council. Nominations for Community Leader are sent to Cobb Senior Services' Board of Advisors for final selection.

 

Betty Sisk was chosen as Senior Citizen of the Year and Sam Olens, Chariman of Cobb County Board of Commissioners, received Community Leader of the Year at the 24th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

                                   

      Pictured: Betty Sisk; Nysia Lanier, President, Senior Citizen Council

Betty Sisk

2007 Senior Citizen of the Year

Betty Sisk has served as a loyal volunteer of C. Freeman Poole Senior Center in numerous capacities for many years. For the past 6 years, Betty has always “been there” to lend a helping hand, whenever needed.

 

Once a month, the Center hosts a Meet and Eat and Bingo, which entail many hours of preparation to provide a successful event for our seniors to enjoy. Prior to the event, Betty makes it a point to volunteer her time when ever possible to assist with preparations, arriving at the Center early. Whether it's collecting tickets at the door, assisting with setting tables, or clearing tables following the event, Betty is always willing to help any way she can. This is just one example of how she goes out of her way to lend a helping hand when she sees the need to do so.

 

Betty has also graciously given of her time and talent as the Poole Center's Senior Citizen Council delegate. Before attending a Council meeting, Betty always approaches this office to ask if there is any issue we would like to have addressed at the meeting or if we have any specific need with which council may be able to help us.

 

As a member of AARP Sweetwater Chapter and Friendship Club, both of which meet here monthly, Betty can always be seen volunteering her time in whatever manner she can. She assists in the kitchen, cleans up and serves on numerous committees for these clubs to assist in their success. She seems to be one of the first to arrive and the one of the last to leave.

 

Not only is Betty a great asset to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center, as a volunteer and supporter of the Center and the classes and programs we provide, she is also a friend to many and a helper to all who need a hand.

Pictured: Bill Enete, Chairman, Board of Advisors; Sam Olens; Pam Breeden, Executive Director, Cobb Senior Services

Chairman Sam Olens

2007 Community Leader of the Year

This prestigious award is in recognition of our Community Leader of the Year 's commitment to the quality of life of the seniors of Cobb County . He has been successful at bridge building between governments, the faith based community, non-profits and the private sector. This is so important for the challenges and opportunities we will be experiencing in the future. He has a reputation for integrity, hard work and intelligent management, which has earned him many accolades, but his heart has earned him respect from the people who advocate in the aging community.

When Medicare Part D was in the registration phase he partnered with Representative Gingrey to facilitate educational seminars on the complexities of the legislation.

 

As a recent panelist at Georgia State University's “Georgia's Aging Population: What to Expect and how to Cope Conference. The audience was largely made up of City and County Managers from all over Georgia, as well as legislators, educators and professionals in the field of aging. He spoke from no notes, just his knowledge of what is happening in the Region and how proud he is of Cobb Senior Services and their successes.

 

He led the way for Cobb DOT to use some of their grant funds to partner with Cobb Senior Services on a Senior Adult Transportation Study. When the study was completed he voted to fund a Mobility Manager position at DOT, who will work to create a Mobility Council in Cobb to assure that transportation resources are maximized.

 

He was a champion of Cobb's Senior Housing Ordinance in 2005, when he brought developers and home owner associations to the table to come up with solutions. He continues to promote affordable housing choices for seniors in Cobb. With his encouragement Cobb's Community Development Department focused on senior issues in housing and transportation for their annual Symposium at KSU yesterday.

 

We can be proud of his work for the seniors of Cobb and we are happy to present this award to Chairman Sam Olens!

  
Senior Citizen Council

The Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County was organized in 1973. It is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to further advocacy for the common good and general welfare of Cobb County adults over the age of 55.

The Council currently embraces over 100 senior clubs and 3,500 individual members. Other senior organizations that strive to meet the senior needs of their community consider the Council as a role model.

The Senior Council participates on a delegate capacity in community organizations such as Co-Age, Atlanta Regional Commission Task Force on Aging, and Cobb Services for the Elderly. By providing a forum for communication, the Council creates the vehicle to encourage seniors to stay involved in the community and to have a voice on aging issues. It also provides encouragement by awarding Community Awards for outstanding seniors and community leaders at a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held annually.

The Bulletin, a monthly newspaper published by the Council, provides space for the Senior Centers to advertise schedules of events, activities, classes, and inform the senior of current events and legislation pertinent to their interests and age.

Additionally, the Senior Council takes on projects to promote senior issues within the community. Recently, the Council sponsored many popular programs such as the Vial of Life, Medical Information Cards, Resource Directory, SafeAmerica, as well as offer annual scholarships to students enrolled in Gerontology programs through the CAREing Center at Kennesaw State University.

For more information on the Senior Council or membership, please call (770) 528-1447.

Senior Citizen Council Application