UPCOMING EVENTS:
RATH MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
These meetings will be held at the Rath office located at College Heights United Methodist Church, 934 South Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33803.
Time: 9:00 AM Date: 2nd Tuesday of each month
March 11: CARING DECISIONS, Terry Dennis, Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens: Prepaid funeral plan arrangements are not always on the top of one’s “Things to Do List”; however, it is important to consider to prevent crisis at end of life.
April 8: ALZHEIMER’S STATISTICS, Jody Streussnig, Alzheimer’s Association
Friday, April 25: RATH SENIOR SUMMIT, EmPOWERing YOU: Mind Matters
May 13: Jaya Koovackal for pharmacy information
June 10: Resources for parents of people with IDD
July: No meeting
FEBRUARY 2025 EDUCATIONAL MEETING
FEATURING
More Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors
FEATURING
VISTE — Kayla McClenthen, Volunteer Manager
READ Lakeland — Beth Hesseltine
LVIM — Eva Hawkins
SENIOR SCHOLARS BEGINS FEBRUARY 17th!
See the flyer on the Senior Scholars page
JANUARY 2025 EDUCATIONAL MEETING
FEATURING
Ingrid Burch with Saving Grace Consulting
Samantha Carter with Family First Senior Solutions
Lori LeGrand with Oasis Senior Advisors
Discussing
Which road do I choose?
A candid conversation with local senior placement resources and solutions.
Facilitated by Jody Streussnig.
RATH JUNE 2025 Educational Meeting
9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025
RATH October 2024 Educational Meeting
CANCELED
DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON
The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center
PRESENTS
JEAN BERKEN and KAREN DEAN
We are excited that Jean Berken and Karen Dean will speak at our next meeting:
Make-up to be announced at a later date
“Understanding Your Medicare Options and 2025 Medicare Changes”
Between October 15th and December 7th each year people who are already on Medicare can change their Medicare coverage. Our Medicare experts will give you guidance on how to:
- Recognize the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Understand your Medicare options and 2025 Medicare changes
- Review and compare your current health and drug plans
- Learn how to decide to switch, add or stay with your current coverage
Presenters:
Jean Berken has been helping Medicare beneficiaries in Polk County for over 15 years as a SHINE Medicare Counselor. SHINE is a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) funded by the federal government to give local health insurance counseling. Medicare-trained volunteers, like Jean, provide free, unbiased, personalized counseling by phone or in person. Jean will highlight the important changes affecting Medicare in 2025 and help you make good use of the Annual Enrollment Period.
Karen Dean has been an independent insurance broker/agent for 8 years with DFG & Associates, LLC. Karen provides her clients with personalized Medicare health insurance solutions, including Medicare Advantage, Drug, and Medigap plans. She is a VISTE volunteer and meeting facilitator for Catholic Charities’ senior resource centers around Polk County. Karen will cover Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage plans.
“Research shows you could lower your costs by shopping among plans during the annual enrollment period.”
Important Note:
This is an educational event only. There will be no sales presentations.
PAST EVENTS:
RATH August 2024 Educational Meeting
Tom Phillips
Director of Citrus Connection
RATH MAY 2024 Educational Meeting
SHARMALEE JONES!
MSG/MPA, CMC
of
Sonshine Elder Advisors
DISCUSSED the Functions of an Aging Life Care Professional (aka Geriatric Care Manager)
SENIOR SUMMIT 2024!
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
See our Flyer on the Senior Summit Page
2024 FUTURE PLANNED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The Second Tuesday of each month
2024 SENIOR SCHOLARS CLASSES
TO RETURN THIS FALL!
STAY TUNED!
The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center
PRESENTS
Dr. Tonya LaLonde
Outreach Audiologist for Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center
Mary Beth Rutlege, MSW
Social Worker/Resource Specialist for Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center
We will be speaking on a bit of the history of Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, what we do for our patients, and who we serve in our community.
Monthly Educational Meeting
9:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024
SENIOR SCHOLARS RETURNS!
February 5 through 15, 2024
See the class listing and dates on the Senior Scholars page!
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 10:00 AM
Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center
Presents
Open House and Holiday Celebration
The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center is inviting all participants to attend our Tuesday, December 12th meeting at 10 A.M. We will have an Open House and Holiday Celebration at our office and classroom located at College Heights United Methodist Church. Hope to see you there!
Join us at 934 South Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803
November 14, 2023
A speaker from Polk County Veteran Services.
Please come and join us to learn more about the many resources that are available in Polk County.
PAST EVENTS
October 10, 2023
Medicare Open Enrollment
September 12, 2023
Cindy Sharp and Gwen Stanislowski of the Lakeland Police Department speaking on LPD’s Elderly Services Program.
August 8, 2023
Amanda Porter LCSW
and
Danielle Clinton Family Advisor
Senior Housing: Levels of Care and Funding
June 13, 2023
Alzheimer’s
by Jody Streussnig
April 11, 2023
Earnest Faust, Jr.
Lakeland Housing Authority, ROSS Coordinator
(863) 687-2911
March 14, 2023
Margaret Xanthopoulos
Palliative and Hospice care.
February 14, 2023
Michelle Shiver
Success and the Senior Volunteer
Michelle Shiver, CVA, is the RSVP Polk Coordinator for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
January 10, 2023
Nicole Ramer
Certified Move Manager and founder of Organized Haven.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 10:00 AM
Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center
Presents
Open House and Holiday Celebration
The Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center is inviting all participants to attend our Tuesday, December 12th meeting at 10 A.M. We will have an Open House and Holiday Celebration at our office and classroom located at College Heights United Methodist Church. All are invited to bring food to share! Hope to see you there!
Join us at 934 South Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803.
Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 9:00 AM
Samantha Kotz
South Central District Manager
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program •Elder Affairs
Long-Term Care volunteers improve the quality of life and care for people who live in licensed long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes throughout Florida.
Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 9:00 AM
Our panel of experts will cover aspects of Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment.
You can view details in the Post HERE.
Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 9:00 AM
Our speaker is June May, Director of 2-1-1 for United Way of Central Florida.
The 2-1-1 program is a vital service that connect
June began working as the Director of 2-1-1 for United Way in 2000. She is a graduate of Delaware Law School of Widener University.
She practiced law in Philadelphia and New Jersey. She was an adjunct professor teaching Legal Research, Writing and Paralegal Studies for the Law School.
For the last 22 years June has worked as an advocate for the citizens of Polk, Hardee and Highland Counties.
This is a Zoom only meeting. If you haven’t received an email with the Zoom Link, call 863-220-7002.
Rath does not have a July meeting.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 9.
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 9:00 AM
>>>>In-Person AND via Zoom<<<
Current State of Affordable Housing in Greater Lakeland-Polk County
Cedric Cox, SR, Housing Administrative Supervisor, Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development Presentation HERE
View the PowerPoint Presentation HERE
Brian Rewis, Director of Community & Economic Development, City of Lakeland
View the PowerPoint Presentation HERE
Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 9:00 AM
>>>>We are Back In-Person AND via Zoom<<<
ADVANCE Planning – What’s Your Plan?
The majority of Americans do not have a will or have done any estate planning.
Is this you? “I just keep putting it off!” “I just haven’t gotten around to it.”
Our panel of experts will present all you need to know about getting your affairs in order NOW for the future.
Where: Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center located at St. Joseph’s William McDonald Center, 210 West Lemon Street, Lakeland, FL 33815
When: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
How: In-Person or Via Zoom
Speakers: Our panel includes these experts:
Ben Darby, Elder Law Attorney, Darby Law Group, PA
Lanet Owen, BSN, RN-BC, Faith Community Nurse, BayCare Health System
Armand Rapetti, Financial Services Professional, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company
January 11, 2022, ZOOM, at 9:00 AM
An update on transportation needs for older adults and those persons with disabilities, by Steve Bissonnette from VISTE and a representative from the Citrus Connection.
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2022:
(WHEN JOINING A ZOOM MEETING PRESENTATION, PLEASE “MUTE” YOUR AUDIO)
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2021:
August 10th, 9:00 AM
Our special guest speaker is: Vashtie Ragbir-Bhagan Adult Protective Investigation Supervisor Adult Protective Services, DCF She will cover the services provided to vulnerable adults by Adult Protective ServicesJune 8th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on June 8th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. We hope to resume in-person meetings soon and provide Zoom access.
COVID Update: Dr. Daniel Haight, Lakeland Regional Health TO VIEW THE RECORDING, CLICK HERE.May 20, 2021
See the SOUL (Senior Organizations Uniting Locally) Spring flyer below–this organization helps Seniors in our community to meet their needs. They need your help!!!Soul Spring Flyer
May 11, 2021
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on May 11th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. “Communities of Strength” Older Americans Month 2021, Charlotte McHenry, CEO & President, Senior Connection CenterApril 13, 9:00 AM
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on April 13th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. “The Best Way To Find Yourself Is To Lose Yourself In The Service Of Others.” Mahatma Gandhi As a volunteer you can learn new skills and connect with the community. Indeed, volunteering can even add joy and health to your life and others. Our April program “Volunteering – Virtual and In-person Opportunities” will feature Eva Hawkins of LVIM and Michelle Shiver of RSVP.February 9
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs with Barbara Stone covering Guardianships. Topic: Guardianship: All You Need To Know You may view the slideshow: Guardianship _All you need to know_. 02092021 Below is an additional video you might find interesting:Getting old should not mean losing control | Nicole Ruggiano | TEDxFIU LINK
First Meeting of 2021 – Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00 via Zoom. Topic: Homelessness in Lakeland- Mayor Bill Mutz of Lakeland
- Ben Stevenson, Executive Director of Lakeland Housing Authority
- Jeff Bagwell, Director of the Keystone Challenge Fund a nonprofit helping low/mid income families find homes
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2020:
JANUARY
January 14
Respite Care –Alice Brown Polk County Aging & Social Service Manager Health & Human ServicesFEBRUARY
February 11
Hailey Aversa, Noah’s Ark of Central Florida SENIOR SCHOLARS–February 3 through March 16, nine classes.MARCH
March 10
SOUL – Senior Organizations Uniting Locally – Barb CageAPRIL
April 14
Meeting canceled due to Covid-19MAY
May 12
Self Care, Health Care & Benefits during Covid-19 Panel (Via Zoom)JUNE
June 09
Hurricane Preparedness During Covid-19 – Carolyn Bluhm (Via Zoom)JULY
July 14
Dr Joy Jackson, Director, Florida Department of Health for Polk and Hardee County – Covid-19 Summary and Community Call to Action (Via Zoom)RATH WEBSITE REDO!!!
AUGUST
August 11
Long Term Care panel of experts “Looking Ahead Right Now” covering various levels of care and costs provided by home care agencies, senior living facilities, skilled nursing centers, and Long Term Care Insurance (Via Zoom)SEPTEMBER
September 8
Learn About LkldNow with our guest speaker, Trinity Laurino, Community Engagement Director SENIOR SUMMIT—-Stay tuned for 2021!!!OCTOBER
October 13
Medicare Open Enrollment Panel of Experts covering 2021 Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Via Zoom) SENIOR SCHOLARS—-Stay tuned for 2021!!!NOVEMBER
November 10
Christine Samuel, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for City of Winter Haven (Via Zoom)DECEMBER
December 8
Celebrate the Holidays and Recognize our Wonderful Volunteers (via Zoom)December 14, 2021
Rath Annual Holiday Celebration
was enjoyed
Tuesday, December 14th at 12 o’clock Noon
Here is a LINK to pictures of the Event!!!
Thanks to all attendeees!!!
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2021:
August 10th, 9:00 AM
Our special guest speaker is: Vashtie Ragbir-Bhagan Adult Protective Investigation Supervisor Adult Protective Services, DCF She will cover the services provided to vulnerable adults by Adult Protective ServicesJune 8th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on June 8th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. We hope to resume in-person meetings soon and provide Zoom access.
COVID Update: Dr. Daniel Haight, Lakeland Regional Health TO VIEW THE RECORDING, CLICK HERE.May 20, 2021
See the SOUL (Senior Organizations Uniting Locally) Spring flyer below–this organization helps Seniors in our community to meet their needs. They need your help!!!Soul Spring Flyer
May 11, 2021
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on May 11th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. “Communities of Strength” Older Americans Month 2021, Charlotte McHenry, CEO & President, Senior Connection CenterApril 13, 9:00 AM
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on April 13th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. “The Best Way To Find Yourself Is To Lose Yourself In The Service Of Others.” Mahatma Gandhi As a volunteer you can learn new skills and connect with the community. Indeed, volunteering can even add joy and health to your life and others. Our April program “Volunteering – Virtual and In-person Opportunities” will feature Eva Hawkins of LVIM and Michelle Shiver of RSVP.February 9
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs with Barbara Stone covering Guardianships. Topic: Guardianship: All You Need To Know You may view the slideshow: Guardianship _All you need to know_. 02092021 Below is an additional video you might find interesting:Getting old should not mean losing control | Nicole Ruggiano | TEDxFIU LINK
First Meeting of 2021 – Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00 via Zoom. Topic: Homelessness in Lakeland- Mayor Bill Mutz of Lakeland
- Ben Stevenson, Executive Director of Lakeland Housing Authority
- Jeff Bagwell, Director of the Keystone Challenge Fund a nonprofit helping low/mid income families find homes
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2020:
JANUARY
January 14
Respite Care –Alice Brown Polk County Aging & Social Service Manager Health & Human ServicesFEBRUARY
February 11
Hailey Aversa, Noah’s Ark of Central Florida SENIOR SCHOLARS–February 3 through March 16, nine classes.MARCH
March 10
SOUL – Senior Organizations Uniting Locally – Barb CageAPRIL
April 14
Meeting canceled due to Covid-19MAY
May 12
Self Care, Health Care & Benefits during Covid-19 Panel (Via Zoom)JUNE
June 09
Hurricane Preparedness During Covid-19 – Carolyn Bluhm (Via Zoom)JULY
July 14
Dr Joy Jackson, Director, Florida Department of Health for Polk and Hardee County – Covid-19 Summary and Community Call to Action (Via Zoom)RATH WEBSITE REDO!!!
AUGUST
August 11
Long Term Care panel of experts “Looking Ahead Right Now” covering various levels of care and costs provided by home care agencies, senior living facilities, skilled nursing centers, and Long Term Care Insurance (Via Zoom)SEPTEMBER
September 8
Learn About LkldNow with our guest speaker, Trinity Laurino, Community Engagement Director SENIOR SUMMIT—-Stay tuned for 2021!!!OCTOBER
October 13
Medicare Open Enrollment Panel of Experts covering 2021 Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Via Zoom) SENIOR SCHOLARS—-Stay tuned for 2021!!!NOVEMBER
November 10
Christine Samuel, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for City of Winter Haven (Via Zoom)DECEMBER
December 8
Celebrate the Holidays and Recognize our Wonderful Volunteers (via Zoom)November 9, 2021
Our guest presenters are:
Barb Cage, Program Manager, Senior Wellness Services for Catholic Charities
Barb has been with nonprofits since 1979. She joined Catholic Charities in 2014. She was instrumental in the development of mobile services throughout Polk County, including the Lakeland location.
April Sanchez, Nutrition Program Manager for Senior Services, Mid Florida Community Services, Inc.
April is a registered dietitian with a background as a clinical RD working in a rehab center with the aging population. In April, 2020 she became Mid Florida’s Nutrition Program Manager.
October 14th, 9:00 AM
Medicare Annual OPEN ENROLLMENT
August 10th, 9:00 AM
Our special guest speaker is:
Vashtie Ragbir-Bhagan
Adult Protective Investigation Supervisor
Adult Protective Services, DCF
She will cover the services provided to vulnerable adults by Adult Protective Services
June 8th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on June 8th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. We hope to resume in-person meetings soon and provide Zoom access.
COVID Update: Dr. Daniel Haight, Lakeland Regional Health
TO VIEW THE RECORDING, CLICK HERE.
May 20, 2021
See the SOUL (Senior Organizations Uniting Locally) Spring flyer below–this organization helps Seniors in our community to meet their needs. They need your help!!!
Soul Spring Flyer
May 11, 2021
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on May 11th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
“Communities of Strength” Older Americans Month 2021, Charlotte McHenry, CEO & President, Senior Connection Center
April 13, 9:00 AM
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs on April 13th at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
“The Best Way To Find Yourself Is To Lose Yourself In The Service Of Others.” Mahatma Gandhi
As a volunteer you can learn new skills and connect with the community. Indeed, volunteering can even add joy and health to your life and others. Our April program “Volunteering – Virtual and In-person Opportunities” will feature Eva Hawkins of LVIM and Michelle Shiver of RSVP.
February 9
The Rath Center continues its monthly educational programs with Barbara Stone covering Guardianships.
Topic: Guardianship: All You Need To Know
You may view the slideshow: Guardianship _All you need to know_. 02092021
Below is an additional video you might find interesting:
Getting old should not mean losing control | Nicole Ruggiano | TEDxFIU LINK
First Meeting of 2021 – Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00 via Zoom.
Topic: Homelessness in Lakeland
- Mayor Bill Mutz of Lakeland
- Ben Stevenson, Executive Director of Lakeland Housing Authority
- Jeff Bagwell, Director of the Keystone Challenge Fund a nonprofit helping low/mid income families find homes
If you do not routinely receive the meeting notice and wish to participate, send an email to Andy Crossfield at usandy@aol.com for the meeting ID and password. Please indicate in the subject line “Request for Zoom ID/Password for Rath Center meeting.”
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2020:
JANUARY
January 14
Respite Care –Alice Brown Polk County Aging & Social Service Manager Health & Human Services
FEBRUARY
February 11
Hailey Aversa, Noah’s Ark of Central Florida
SENIOR SCHOLARS–February 3 through March 16, nine classes.
MARCH
March 10
SOUL – Senior Organizations Uniting Locally – Barb Cage
APRIL
April 14
Meeting canceled due to Covid-19
MAY
May 12
Self Care, Health Care & Benefits during Covid-19 Panel (Via Zoom)
JUNE
June 09
Hurricane Preparedness During Covid-19 – Carolyn Bluhm (Via Zoom)
JULY
July 14
Dr Joy Jackson, Director, Florida Department of Health for Polk and Hardee County – Covid-19 Summary and Community Call to Action (Via Zoom)
RATH WEBSITE REDO!!!
AUGUST
August 11
Long Term Care panel of experts “Looking Ahead Right Now” covering various levels of care and costs provided by home care agencies, senior living facilities, skilled nursing centers, and Long Term Care Insurance (Via Zoom)
SEPTEMBER
September 8
Learn About LkldNow with our guest speaker, Trinity Laurino, Community Engagement Director
SENIOR SUMMIT—-Stay tuned for 2021!!!
OCTOBER
October 13
Medicare Open Enrollment Panel of Experts covering 2021 Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Via Zoom)
SENIOR SCHOLARS—-Stay tuned for 2021!!!
NOVEMBER
November 10
Christine Samuel, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for City of Winter Haven (Via Zoom)
DECEMBER
December 8
Celebrate the Holidays and Recognize our Wonderful Volunteers (via Zoom)
EVENTS IN OUR AREA, 2022:
(WHEN JOINING A ZOOM MEETING PRESENTATION, PLEASE “MUTE” YOUR AUDIO)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.