AARP

The Moore County chapter of the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) usually meets on the third Tuesday at 10 a.m. at First Bank, 205 SE Broad St., Southern Pines.

The group meets January through June and August through December.

In June and December, the meeting is on the second Tuesday at Penick Village.

Aging Outreach Services

Aging Outreach Services is a private geriatric care management company with professionally trained and certified care managers who implement plans to assist elders and their families with all the aspects of aging.

Services (for a fee) include care advocacy, assistance with shopping and appointments, assistance in organizing and paying bills, placement assistance and coordination of financial planners, attorneys, physicians and other professionals.

For further information, call Phoebe W. Robertson or Amy Natt at (910) 692-0683 or visit the Web site at www.agingoutreachservices. com.

Barbara Mark

Barbara Mark provides short-term or long-term assistance to adults who are busy, stressed, need extra support during a crisis or who want to use their time and energy in other pursuits.

Mark assists with downsizing, paying bills and payment records. She reconciles medical bills with insurance payments, including Medicare; arranges appointments, completes correspondence and assists with the management of personal business.

Contact Mark at (910) 639-0982.

ComForcare Senior Services

ComForcare Senior Services is a national organization providing companion and personal care services for senior citizens throughout Moore County. The non-medical home care agency is licensed by the state of North Carolina. Its goal is to maximize the independence of its clients.

Services available (for a fee) include light housekeeping and laundry; medication reminders; help with bathing, dressing and eating; errands; transportation to doctors' appointments; meal preparation; and grocery shopping.

Services are offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All caregivers are thoroughly screened and the company is licensed and bonded.

For more information, call (910) 246-0200 or visit the Web site at www.comforcare.com.

Moore County Department of Aging

The Moore County Department of Aging was created in 1984 to provide services that promote the well-being of older adults.

The agency serves those 60 years of age and over. There are no income requirements.

Among the services offered are transportation for medical and general (shopping, nutrition, human service) needs and in-home aide services, featuring three levels of home management and personal care. Caregiver support also is provided.

Other programs include home improvements/repair and nutrition programs, including both congregate and home-delivered meals, as well as several others.

Information and referral are important components of what the department offers, as well as Medicare counseling.

The office is located in the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center, 8040 U.S. 15-501, just north of the Traffic Circle.

For the Department of Aging, call (910) 215-0900.

Moore County Health Department

The Moore County Health Department is at 705 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage. Robert R. Wittmann is director.

The county health department offers programs for residents of all ages and incomes.

Services for older adults include breast and cervical cancer, Wise Woman program, flu and pneumonia vaccinations and a foreign travel clinic. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale.

The department uses the services of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, health educators, social workers, nutritionists and registered dieticians.

Appointments are required. Call the department for more information at (910) 947-3300.

Moore County RSVP

RSVP (Moore County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the county. Whether you have one hour per month or several per week to give back to your community, there is something to fit everyone's interests, talents or skills.

The office works to meet community needs by providing assistance through volunteer service in more than 35 nonprofit and public agencies.

As a volunteer, you will find that your experiences, knowledge and life skills are a rich resource. In return for your gifts, volunteering offers the chance to make new friends, participate in social activities and receive recognition for a job well done.

Residents 55 years of age or older are eligible to register in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP is a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is sponsored locally by Moore County.

A local advisory council assists and supports the staff in forming local policy as well as in planning and developing operational procedures and practices.

RSVP offers additional benefits to Moore County volunteers such as supplemental auto and personal liability insurance, travel reimbursement or tax vouchers, eligibility for membership in the local government credit union, a quarterly newsletter and invitations to special activities and events throughout the year.

Call (910) 215-0900 for more information.

Moore County Senior Enrichment Center

The Moore County Senior Enrichment Center provides programs, classes, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and programs, all of which are available to adults age 50 and over.

The Center is home to the Moore County Department of Aging and its miscellaneous services, including the senior volunteer program known as RSVP, and the Moore County Veterans Services Office. FirstHealth also has an office there.

One of the many amenities offered at the Center is a 1,450+ square-foot fitness room that plays a vital role in providing healthy lifestyle education and exercise resources, such as state-of-the-art strength training and cardiovascular equipment.

A qualified staff member is on hand at the center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist fitness room users.

The Moore County Senior Enrichment Center is at 8040 U.S. 15-501, just north of the Traffic Circle. For information, call (910) 215-0900.

Moore County Veterans Office

The Moore County Veterans Office has moved to a new location, 302 Monroe St., Carthage. This new location provides easier access tfor residents and larger offices for the Veterans Office team.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone numbers are (910) 947-3257 and (910) 947-3334 (fax).

North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

The Division of Aging and Adult Services works to achieve successful aging for North Carolina's older population by providing a system of services, opportunities and protective supports.

These include supporting home and community services to promote independence and self-sufficiency; promoting opportunities for citizen involvement to allow seniors to contribute in civic affairs and public policymaking and through volunteerism; ensuring the rights and protections of older people for their social, health and economic well-being; and preparing younger generations to enjoy meaningful lives in their later years.

To contact the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, call (919) 733-3983.

Sandhills Center for Creative Retirement

Operating through the Division of Continuing Education at Sandhills Community College, the Sandhills Center for Creative Retirement's purpose is to provide programs and resources to enhance the intellectual, physical and personal well-being of the large number of active retirees in the Sandhills area.

The Sandhills Center for Creative Retirement is a peer-led volunteer program geared toward and taught by retirees.

For information, contact Teresa Reynolds at (910) 695-3775.

Sandhills SCORE Chapter

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), "Counselors to America's Small Business," is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. More than 10,500 volunteer counselors provide individual counseling and business workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.

SCORE has assisted more than 7 million Americans with online and face-to-face small business counseling. The SCORE Association was formed in 1964.

The Sandhills Chapter is very active in counseling, mentoring and presenting free business seminars. It is currently expanding these activities and is seeking motivated volunteers.

For information, call the Sandhills Chapter No. 0364 at (910) 692-8126 or visit www.sandhillsscore.org.