– In the spirit of compassion and giving, Bay Aging is delighted to announce the success of its recent initiative to bring joy to the lives of over 70 low-income older adults in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Through the overwhelming support of local residents, churches, and generous individuals, Bay Aging collected a staggering number of gifts for those who needed it most. This heartwarming endeavor was made possible by the incredible generosity and charitable spirit of our community, whose unwavering commitment to supporting one another truly shines during the holiday season and made a significant impact on the lives of these seniors, many of whom may otherwise have faced a challenging holiday season. Bay Aging extends its deepest gratitude to The Town of Urbanna, River House Creations, Buoys and Gulls Preschool, Bethpage Campground-Resort, UPS of Gloucester, and every member of the community who contributed to this initiative. Your generosity has not only provided material gifts but has also served as a reminder of the strength and compassion that bind our community together. “We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Together, we have made a meaningful difference in the lives of over 70 older adults, bringing joy and warmth to their holiday season,” said Kathy Vesley, President and CEO at Bay Aging. Bay Aging looks forward to continuing its mission of serving and supporting those in need, thanks to the ongoing spirit of generosity that defines our wonderful community.

From left: Sandy Markwood, USAging CEO and Kathy Vesley, Bay Aging President and CEO

Bay Aging’s President & CEO, Kathy Vesley, was selected as USAging’s Excellence in Leadership Award recipient for 2023. Her nomination was supported by Bay Aging staff and several community leaders including congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03). In his letter to the USAging’s award selection committee, Congressman Bobby Scott stated, “Bay Aging has been a shining example of how an Agency on Aging can assist seniors live their goldens years with dignity they have rightfully earned.” This prestigious national award recognizes Vesley’s efforts to advance the mission of the Older Americans Act, and was presented to Vesley by Sandy Markwood, USAging CEO, on July 16 at the USAging Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kathy Vesley leads a multi-county, diversified Area Agency on Aging, employing over 350 people. She is a visionary and practical executive of great skill who, through innovative thinking, data-informed knowledge, and intense drive has fueled Bay Aging’s impact on its planning and service area, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the USAging network by expanding capacity to address the critical issues faced by older adults, people with disabilities, and those of all ages who are disadvantaged economically.

Vesley joined Bay Aging in 1998 as Chief Operating Officer following nearly two decades in leadership positions in state government, including the Acting Director of the Department for Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Deputy Commissioner for the Virginia Department for the Aging. Her most significant accomplishment from those years endures today: Virginia Relay, the statewide telecommunications relay system established through her advocacy, action, and superior negotiation skills generating sustained corporate financial support.

Vesley’s initial contracting venture in 2009, while COO, was with the Veterans Administration to provide Financial Management Services and Options Counseling for Veteran Directed Care (VDC). Starting with just four local veterans, today the program serves 600 Veterans in seven states and the Virgin Islands. VDC serves eligible veterans of any age who are at risk of nursing home placement and helps veterans continue to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible by allowing veterans to choose their own paid caregivers, including family members.

Appointed President & CEO in 2011, Vesley foresaw the declining ability of typical aging funding streams to meet the growing needs of older Americans. She understood Bay Aging, AAAs, and community-based organizations throughout U.S. Aging network needed to shift to more sustainable funding strategies. She also recognized that as a single AAA serving a rural area, partnerships were essential to achieve the scale she envisioned. Employing her knowledge of revenue sources, experience in building relationships, and with the support from her Board of Directors, she began building new funding streams to support vulnerable populations.

In 2012, with funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center Community-Based Care Transitions Program (CCTP), Vesley spearheaded the development of the Eastern Virginia Care Transitions Partnership (EVCTP) with four other AAAs, five health systems, 11 hospitals and 69 skilled nursing facilities covering 20% of Virginia. EVCTP completed over 26,000 in-home visits and reduced readmission rates from 18.2% to 8.9% among Medicare beneficiaries, saving CMS over $20 million.

The Virginia Center for Health Innovations, in 2015, recognizing EVCTP’s success, requested Vesley to develop a statewide plan for transitional care services. Integral to the plan was building the capacity of AAAs statewide. Through her leadership VAAACares® was established, developing the value proposition of a trusted, high-quality, cost-effective, community-based network for Managed Care Organizations and health systems to meet the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) of their members. Additionally, she successfully advocated for Virginia’s capitated Medicaid Program to offer the opportunity for AAAs to provide HRSN services for people not only living in the community but also in long term-care facilities.

Carefully led successful negotiations with multiple MCOs, and painstaking attention to delivering consistent, quality services, resulted in the VAAACares® partnership becoming a reliable and sought-after statewide community-based provider. Over 45,000 Medicare and Medicaid patients have been assisted by VAAACares®, to date. For this work, in 2017, VAAACares® received the John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award.

The work continues, as does Vesley’s vision of older adults achieving positive health outcomes, better health care self-management, and greater independence. Awarded one of 11 two-year national grants in 2021 from the Administration for Community Living to act as a Community Care Hub for a statewide Community Integrated Health Network, Bay Aging has assembled a collaborative of over 250 stakeholders representing 100 organizations throughout Virginia, including health plans, health care entities, community-based organizations, and consumers.

VAAACares®, Virginia’s Community Care Hub, is now well positioned to contract with Managed Care Organizations, Health Systems, and other private-pay organizations to provide the much-needed HRSN programs and services critical for people of all ages as Virginia begins its next iteration of integrated Medicaid managed care: Cardinal Care.

“She has been a transformative figure for the organization, and she has been largely responsible for Bay Aging’s transition from relying solely on grants, government appropriations and donations to a more sustainable business model.” said Congressman Bobby Scott. “Because of her vision and strong execution, Bay Aging has expanded its services to include resources for senior housing, housing support services and transportation. “

Bay Aging’s mission is to provide the programs and services people of all ages need to live independently in their communities. As we celebrate Bay Aging’s 45^th anniversary, Bay Aging continues Vesley’s vision by making tremendous strides to provide much-needed assistance for those in our community. Last year, Bay Aging prevented 137 people from facing homelessness with rapid re-housing services, delivered over 185,000 meals to homebound older adults, provided over 41,000 hours of day care and in-home personal care, offering respite to caregivers as well as individual and counseling and supports, and provided over 127,000 rides to people of all ages commuting to work, healthcare, shopping, and more!

Meals on Wheels may be Bay Aging’s most well-known service, but the benefits of meals on Wheels extend beyond the obvious. Bay Aging’s dedicated volunteers provide friendly visits and safety checks, while delivering meals, nourishing souls as well as bodies. As documented by the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory on loneliness, social connection is essential for good health. Bay Aging welcomes new volunteers. If you’d like to brighten the day of an older adult in your community by delivering food and a smile, call Bay Aging at 800-493-0238.

Recently, Bay Transit rolled out a service called Bay Transit Express, which is similar to Uber and Lyft. Bay Transit Express serves the area from Gloucester Courthouse to Gloucester Point and operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Popular destinations include Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Walmart, Gloucester High School, Urgent Care, Kroger, Walgreens, and Food Lion. Rides are one dollar per trip and can be booked straight from your phone! To learn more about Bay Transit Express, download the Bay Transit Express app, visit www.BayTransit.org/Express or call Bay Transit’s Gloucester Office at 804-693-6977.

In June, Bay Aging’s Housing Division celebrated the grand opening of Daffodil Gardens II, their eleventh service-enriched rental housing community for older adults. These apartments provide affordable housing that is safe, energy-efficient, and enjoyable. Housing also operates one workforce housing complex, provides Homeless Solutions, supports emergency home repairs, manages Housing Choice Vouchers, and offers weatherization services.

Bay Aging newest initiative is caregiver support. Bay Aging recognizes the need to support caregivers of all income levels in the community. Bay Aging offers support groups, Caregiving 101 class, and Adult Day Care for those who need respite. The schedule for free support caregiver groups is available on Bay Aging Facebook page in the events section. Call us at 800-493-0238.

Vesley’s optimism, excitement, and enthusiasm impact everyone she engages. Highly respected by her staff, colleagues, policy makers and business partners, she exemplifies quality leadership and serves as a role model and mentor to all. A sought-after speaker, she generously shares her knowledge and experiences with individuals, organizations, and governments at all levels.

Vesley is an experienced leader who grasps Virginia’s and America’s changing health, and human service needs and emerging policy and financing models. She combines astute business acumen, a commitment to quality care as evidenced by Bay Aging’s National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) accreditation of Case Management for Long-Term Services and Supports, and a servant-leader’s compassion and connection to her staff and those she serves. She is a nationally recognized leader by the Archdale Foundation Award for Innovation and Patient Care in the Community and multiple other organizations.

Vesley’s servant leadership extends to her personal life where she was named Grand Marshal for the 65^th Urbanna Oyster Festival in 2022 and was trusted by her community’s leaders to be a judge for the Little Miss Spat and Oyster Queen competition. Vesley claims being named grand marshal as the highlight of her life, second only to meeting President Jimmy Carter.

URBANNA, VA – Abingdon Ruritan Club representative Andrea Crawford, M.D., visited Bay Aging’s headquarters in Urbanna on July 20 to present a donation to the Bay Aging Foundation Board. The Club contributed $2,000 for Meals on Wheels, $1,000 for Bay Aging’s Active Lifestyle Centers, and $1,000 for the Gloucester Adult Day Care, for a grand total of $4,000.

Photo – from left: Ron Saunders, Foundation Board Secretary; Stanley Clarke, Foundation Board Treasurer; Barbara Fentress, Foundation Board Director; Jim Dudley, Foundation Board Vice-Chair; Andrea Crawford, M.D., Abingdon Ruritan Club representative; Kathy Vesley, Bay Aging President and CEO; Jimmie Carter, Foundation Board Director; Barry L. Gross, M.D., Foundation Board Director.

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But if you are age 60 or older, you can enjoy a free lunch and activities such as music, arts & crafts, and socialization opportunities at Bay Aging’s eight Active Lifestyle Centers (ALCs) in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. The ALCs are funded by the Older Americans Act of 1965 and are part of an array of services provided to help older adults maintain their health and independence.

In recognition of Older Americans Month, each Bay Aging ALC will host an open house in May. First up is the Lancaster ALC, whose May 11 open house will feature music by Ann and Milton Kingsbury. The Gloucester ALC open house on May 17 will feature a presentation by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission about fishing. The Mathews ALC open house, also May 17, will showcase guest speaker Mary Arthur, Dementia Focused Options Counselor. John Murphy hosts trivia at the Westmoreland ALC open house on May 17.

Four ALCs will host open houses on May 31. Investigator Bill Riley from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will discuss safety and scam awareness at the Middlesex ALC. Liz Hayes from the Virginia Cooperative Extension will speak about nutrition at the West Point ALC. The Northumberland ALC open house will include a scavenger hunt! A pizza party and dancing await attendees of the Richmond/Essex ALC open house. For details on all eight open houses, call 800-493-0238 or visit bit.ly/ALCopenhouse.

Many older adults experience social isolation, which is unhealthy. The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory on the epidemic of loneliness states that social connection improves health and reduces the risk of premature mortality (view the report at surgeongeneral.gov/loneliness). Attending an ALC is one way that older adults can build relationships and reestablish social connection. Bay Aging’s ALCs welcome new participants throughout the year, but the open houses provide a special opportunity for the public to drop in, tour the facility, and meet ALC managers. While attendance at ALCs is typically limited to those age 60 and up, open house attendees may be accompanied by a guest who does not meet the age requirement

Checker playoff at the Gloucester Active Lifestyle Center

Arts & crafts at the Mathews Active Lifestyle Center

Arts & crafts at the Westmoreland ALC

Open house dates and locations:

Gloucester ALC: May 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 6654 Main Street, Gloucester

Lancaster ALC: May 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 112 Shamrock Court, Kilmarnock

Mathews ALC: May 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 10494 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews

Middlesex ALC: May 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 111 Port Town Lane, Urbanna

Northumberland ALC: May 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 39 Courthouse Road, Heathsville

Richmond/Essex ALC: May 31, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 121 Jones Lane, Warsaw

West Point ALC: May 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 310 Winters Point, West Point

Westmoreland ALC: May 17, noon-2 p.m., 400A Meadow Avenue, Colonial Beach

Residents who need transportation can schedule a ride with Bay Transit by calling the Ride Line, 877-869-6046, at least 24 hours in advance. There is a $2 fee to ride the bus, but participants who complete paperwork to become registered clients of an ALC may qualify for free bus rides to and from the ALC. There is no charge to join and attend an ALC.

Every March, Bay Aging celebrates “March for Meals,” the anniversary of the 1972 amendment to the Older Americans Act that established a national nutrition program. With the assistance of more than 400 volunteers, Bay Aging’s Meals on Wheels program delivers over 185,000 meals annually to residents of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.

Bay Aging’s eight Active Lifestyle Centers (ALCs) coordinate meal delivery and serve as sites providing congregate meals. On Monday, Jimmie Carter, Chair of the Bay Aging Board of Directors, visited the Lancaster ALC in Kilmarnock to thank staff for their efforts in ensuring that older adults can access nutritious meals. Carter then accompanied volunteer William “Billy” Lee, a member of the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors, on Lee’s Meals on Wheels delivery route.

Bay Aging prides its Meals on Wheels program on delivering much more than a meal. “Loneliness and isolation impact many of the homebound older adults in our community,” explains Carter. “Our Meals on Wheels volunteer may be the only person they see that day. This program provides not just food, but companionship and the reassurance of a daily check-up.” Carter encourages community members to become Meals on Wheels volunteers, describing his ride-along as “a very satisfying experience. When you see people’s reaction to receiving Meals on Wheels, it really makes you feel good.”

If you or someone you know is age 60 or over and experiencing hunger, call Bay Aging at 800-493-0238 to see if you qualify to receive Meals on Wheels. To volunteer your time to deliver meals, contact Ken Rogers at 804-758-2386 x1302 or krogers@bayaging.org.

Dominion Energy has awarded Bay Aging a $2,500 grant for Emergency Prescription Assistance. Bay Aging Board Vice-Chair Barry L. Gross, M.D. and Board Director Ron Saunders, both residents of Gloucester County, joined Stephanie Hutton, Bay Aging Manager, Administration & Operations, in accepting a check from Crystal Bright, External Affairs Manager, State and Local Affairs – Virginia, Dominion Energy. Saunders remarked, “With rising costs, so many folks are struggling nowadays to pay for prescription medications. Bay Aging is grateful for Dominion Energy’s donation, which will help our lower-income clients obtain the medicines they need.”

October is Residents’ Rights Month, a celebration recognizing the individual rights of residents of long-term care facilities and raising awareness of the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law, which guarantees nursing home residents individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices.

 

To assist in resolving problems affecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the federal government funds Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs in every state. Lisa Walker, Bay Aging Vice President, Advocacy Resources, leads a team of five certified Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. “We receive, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of local long-term care facilities,” she explained. “We serve the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, and Hampton Roads.”

 

Walker and her team recently attended “Strengthening Connections for Resident Protections,” a three-day training program held in Richmond. Sessions included presentations by specialists in geriatric medicine, elder law, and dementia. Participants reviewed regulations, examined case studies, and discussed issues of frequent concern such as involuntary discharge of residents from nursing homes. Bay Aging’s newest ombudsmen, Ann Gause and Lynette Thurston, were introduced during the meeting as newly initiated members of Virginia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Gause, who joined Bay Aging in May, enthused, “I’m excited to be part of a team that advocates for the rights of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”

 

The services provided by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program are free. If you have concerns about the dignity, respect, and rights of a resident of a long-term care facility, call your local Ombudsman program for assistance.

• 804-758-2386: Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula
• 757-220-1577: Hampton, James City, York, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg
• 757-222-4542: Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach
• Elsewhere in the US, call 800-677-1116 to find your local Ombudsman program

Photo: from left, Bay Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Ann Gause, Lisa Walker, Willie Alston, Lynette Thurston, and Carol Turner with Joani Latimer, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, at an ombudsman training in Richmond.

Bay Aging Leadership Institute Class of 2022. Seated, from left: Abigail Grewell, Fiscal Assistant; Janice Burse, Housing Program Support Specialist; Michelle Seldon, Community Action Program Manager; Jessica Gardner, Options Counselor. Standing, from left: Kari Russell, Fiscal Assistant; Frances Thurston, Community Health Coordinator; Alex Baughan, Budget, Invoices & Timesheet Specialist; Brianna Noel, Enrollment Specialist; Kenisha Martin, Housing Case Manager for Older Adults; Randolph Logan III, Weatherization Housing Program Manager; Joshua Gemerek, Senior Vice President, Housing. Not pictured: Saidah Israel, Community Action Program Manager; Ivony Kennedy, Americorps VISTA, Community Housing Strategist; Darlene Watson, Housing Navigator.

Fourteen Bay Aging employees recently graduated from the third session of the Bay Aging Leadership Institute, a six-month training program based on leadership principles developed by author Dr. John C. Maxwell. John Skirven, principal of Skirven Consulting and former CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, delivered the commencement address. Skirven’s uplifting remarks quoted Winston Churchill and Buddha and reminded the new graduates that “leadership is living out your values.”

 

The Bay Aging Leadership Institute is the brainchild of Kathy Vesley, President & CEO. MaDena DuChemin, Human Resource Manager, helps facilitate the sessions. The curriculum centers on Maxwell’s 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. The course also includes guest speakers, participant-led assignments, opportunities to practice public speaking, and a group presentation. Feedback from program participants has been overwhelmingly positive. 2022 graduate Kenisha Martin, Housing Case Manager for Older Adults, remarked, “I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Institute, it was an amazing journey. This course has taught me not only the qualities of a leader, but has tremendously improved my self-confidence and social skills, which are key aspects of leadership.”

 

Since the Leadership Institute’s creation in 2020, 48 Bay Aging staff have completed the course. Eighteen of those employees have already earned promotions, with six additional graduates taking on expanded roles. Participants represent a broad cross-section of Bay Aging’s services, with employees from Bay Aging’s finance, home care, community action, multifamily and single-family housing, transportation, adult day care, and veteran directed care programs. Joshua Gemerek, Senior Vice President, Housing, observed, “As a member of Bay Aging’s Leadership Team and a department director, I understand the value of the Leadership Institute for all employees working in my area of operations. I enthusiastically completed the curriculum in order to enhance my professional skills and better understand the concepts being taught to those I supervise. This course is a must-have for employees working at any management level: front line, supervisory, or executive.”

 

DuChemin is proud of the Leadership Institute graduates. “We are excited to offer this special professional development opportunity,” she explained. “We believe investing in leadership training for our workforce is key to our continued growth and success in the community.”