In this issue
	On The Hill The Evolution Will Be Televised Behind The Scenes With The Director of Development Do What Moves You You Say Go, Dad Says No

The Evolution Will Be Televised

Some things just seem to get better over time--fine wines, gourmet cheeses, and... cable shows! MVES recently released a new episode of its cable show, A Community of Elders, for spring 2007. Viewers may notice that there is something that sets this episode apart from those that have preceded it-- A Community of Elders is evolving from modest beginnings into a more polished-looking program. Since the first episode aired in September 2004, A Community of Elders has delivered valuable information and resources to elders in the communities of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. The high level of quality information included in the half-hour program remains unchanged. But over time, the show has matured into a more professionally produced and visually pleasing program. With practice, the cable show crew, made up of MVES staff and volunteers, is gaining experience and as a result is putting together a more technically advanced end product. Read more... »

Behind The Scenes With The Director of Development

Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon is considered by many to be the center of the entertainment universe. This is the basis behind the game, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, of which the objective is to connect any celebrity to Kevin Bacon through six degrees of separation. Jenny Vanasse relates her role as MVES' director of development to playing this game--only she mixes it up a bit. She imagines instead that it is Six Degrees to MVES and it's her job to make all the right connections. It's Jenny's objective to find people who have an interest in our mission and the ability to give and connect them to our agency. It's all about making connections that benefit MVES and local elders that need our services! Read more... »

Do What Moves You

People come up with lots of reasons to avoid physical activity. They feel too tired, too busy, too out of shape, too old... and the list goes on. But these obstacles pale in comparison to the many benefits of boosting your activity, even by a modest amount. Regardless of your age, gender or athletic ability, physical activity can enrich your health and well-being. What can physical activity do for you? Coupled with a healthy diet, it can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It can help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some types of cancer. Your overall well-being may brighten as well, because physical activity can help you reduce stress, gain energy, sleep better, and fight depression and anxiety. Read more... »

You Say Go, Dad Says No

Quetion: My parents divorced when I was quite young and I didn't spend much time with my father while growing up. He had a hard life, struggling with alcohol and health problems. He lives in a run down apartment house in a crime-ridden part of the city. He is in a wheelchair and really can't take care of himself. I think he should be in an assisted living facility but he refuses. I was told by one of the homes that I can't do anything to change his environment if he doesn't want to cooperate. I am only thinking of his well-being so why don't I have the right to make sure he is cared for? Answer: There are several answers to your question. They range from a philosophical point of view to a strict legal interpretation, along with some ideas that may help provide the support your father needs now and in the near future. Read more... »