Welcome to the February 2010 Seniors Digest!

Timmie Faghin, Advisory Council Chair

Our community is enriched by the contributions of Tekle Hagos, who came to Seattle after a life of many challenges and a wealth of experience. To learn more about Mr. Hagos and how SCSA programs helped him help others, see the second article in this issue of Seniors Digest. ___________________

Every year, Advisory Council members head down to Olympia for Senior Lobby Day—and this year's event on February 18 will be especially important for aging network programs. We would like to share an update with you about the status of funding for the Senior Citizens' Services Act: since the January issue of Seniors Digest, Governor Gregoire has proposed to restore the previous funding cut, but challenges still exist.

Do you have a story to tell? The Advisory Council offers suggestions for using your own experience to advocate for programs that support seniors and people with disabilities. See "Telling Your Story: How to Be an Effective Advocate" in this issue to find out more about how you can bring home the point that we can't have a "public-private partnership" if the public partner opts out.

Also in this issue….

• Charlotte Ruff of the Mayor's Council for African American Elders shares ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure, a common cause of disability in older adults.
  
  
• Elder abuse is a crime we don't like to think about—but it is unfortunately very common. Page Ulrey from the King County Prosecutor's Office tells what to do if you suspect a senior is being victimized.
  
  
• More information about Senior Lobby Day, Sound Steps Spring Training, and Coffee Hours at the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens
  
  
• February is American Heart Month! Give your brain a workout with the "Have a Healthy Heart" wordfind!