Area Agency on Aging to Host Free Conference in Pittsburg

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • May 3, 2024

“Power in Community” Conference Will Cover Medicare Basics, Savings Programs, Preventing Fraud, Health and Wellness, and Community Resources

As we embrace Older Americans Month this May, ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging of East Texas proudly announces its upcoming conference, “Power in Community,” dedicated to empowering and celebrating the senior community. This event will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Douglass Alumni Community Center in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM – 2 PM. It will gather esteemed healthcare professionals and advocates to explore crucial topics surrounding Medicare and the well-being of older adults.



With the "Power in Community" theme, the conference aims to provide invaluable insights, resources, and strategies to help seniors optimize their healthcare experiences. From understanding Medicare coverage options to navigating healthcare challenges, attendees will gain actionable knowledge to enhance their quality of life.


"As we honor Older Americans Month, it's imperative to recognize the invaluable contributions and wisdom of our senior population," said Colleen Halliburton, ETCOG’s Director of Aging. "Our Power in Community conference serves as a platform to not only celebrate their achievements but also to address the unique healthcare needs they face."


The event’s joint focus is celebrating our seniors during Older Americans Month and empowering them with community resources. The agenda will include fun activities such as bingo, door prizes, a Tai Chi demonstration, and interactive workshops led by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, the Area Agency on Aging of Ark-Tex Region, and the Texas Legal Services Center. The conference is geared toward seniors, children of aging parents, and caregivers.


"We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where older Americans feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being," added Halliburton. "Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, we can ensure seniors lead fulfilling and dignified lives."


Registration for the Medicare Conference is now open. To ensure their meal, guests are asked to RSVP to Nellie Spencer-Henry at 903-747-1319 by May 9th. For more information, please visit www.easttexasaaa.org.

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Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
Champion Your Health poster with older adult holding a child on a purple background

Area Agency on Aging to Host Three Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 30, 2026
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
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