The Culpeper Senior Ministry will offer additional educational programs for older adults starting this winter thanks to a recent $14,000 donation to Reformation Lutheran Church, 415 S. Main St.

"We could see a great need for seniors in our community and this money will be solely used for programming to enhance the lives of seniors here in Culpeper," said Pastor Brad Hales, noting the increasing rate of aging adults in the region.

In 2004, Reformation Lutheran Church members created a program offering an array of free activities for adults 50 and older such as bus trips, retreats and caregiver and grief support groups.

The ministry also provides monthly meetings such as: "Lunch and learning," "Senior bible study" and "Senior's united now."

According to Hales, the local donor - who wants to remain anonymous - delivered the check to the church last month.
In an effort to assist more seniors, Hales has joined forces with Aging Together, a regional partnership dedicated to providing programs for senior citizens in various ways.

Jenny Biche, a Culpeper County resource specialist at Aging Together who works out of the Piedmont United Way office, wants to use the money for computer classes.

"For instance, it's important for seniors living in nursing homes to stay connected with family and friends," said Biche. "We want to encourage them to use the computer for things like online banking and shopping, too."

Biche talked about creating a partnership with area public and private schools where students could teach seniors basic computer skills.

"We've found that when seniors take the classes they are motivated in class, but once they're home they are not as motivated," Biche said Wednesday afternoon. "We're hoping that the students will inspire the seniors to practice at home."
Biche has plans to invite speakers to events where they can talk to the older adults about senior-related issues.

Those topics could include "How to organize your estate" and "How to declutter your home."

"It's especially difficult for families that have to go through their loved ones personal items and decide what's valuable or not," Biche said. "It's an overwhelming path to determine what's worth saving and what's got sentimental value."

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .

Want to participate-

What: Culpeper Senior Ministry, for 50 year olds or older
Where: Reformation Lutheran Church, 415 S. Main St.
When: First and third Tuesdays, "Lunch and Learning;" second Tuesday, "Senior Bible Study;"fourth Tuesday, "Seniors United Now"
Cost: Free
Contact: Pastor Brad Hales at 825-1376 or e-mail him at
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