ELDER CARE AUTHOR DOCTOR MARION LAUNCHES SECOND NATIONAL TOUR TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT AGING & ELDER CARE ISSUES IN AMERICA
67-Year-Old Great-Grandmother & Geriatric Care Manager Marion Somers, PhD is Visiting 15 Cities in a Greyhound Bus to Meet with Local Communities, Leaders, and the Media
New York City – September 21, 2007 – Leading elder care expert Doctor Marion® (www.doctormarion.com), author of “Elder Care Made Easier,” today announced her second national bus tour this year to raise awareness and offer advice for the elder care issues currently facing Baby Boomers and other caregivers across the country. Doctor Marion is a 67-year-old great-grandmother with over 35 years of experience as a geriatric care manager and elder care expert. On Monday, September 24, she will climb aboard her converted 1966 Greyhound bus in New York City, and go on to visit 15 cities in the southern U.S. over a seven-week period. The tour will end in Albuquerque, NM in November. Sponsors include BoomerTowne.com, Jitterbug, QuietCare©, and RetirementHomes.com.
Doctor Marion’s goal is to raise awareness about elder care and caregiving resources, and to offer practical tips and insight to the millions of Americans caring for aging parents and loved ones. Her previous tour took her from Los Angeles, CA to Washington, DC this past summer, where she met with residents, community leaders, political officials, and corporate organizations to discuss the “elder care tsunami” we are facing. This upcoming tour includes one-on-one meetings, public talks, and media interviews about the topic in the following cities: Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, VA; Raleigh, NC; Atlanta, GA; Sarasota, FL; Tampa, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Dallas, TX; Santa Fe, NM; and Albuquerque, NM. *(See below for the current schedule)
Along the tour, Doctor Marion is also launching a nationwide poll about the state of elder care in America to discover the most pressing elder care issues caregivers face today. This is a critical concern heading into an election year. The results from each city will be made available on Doctor Marion's blog and web site.
To invite Doctor Marion for a speaking opportunity or media interview, please contact Jesson Burnam at 609-279-0050 x104 or jesson@resoundmarketing.com.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Spring into Health Mayor's Walk, Denver, CO (Connie Larscheidt)
"We couldn't have been more thrilled with Doctor Marion as our keynote speaker. What a fun, informative woman! Her vivaciousness set the tone for a truly exciting event and her genuine care of the elderly and professional know-how clearly shone through in her sparkling, inspiring speech. Not only was she a fantastic speaker, but an available one as well. Immediately after she spoke, she was walking around, interacting with caregivers and the older adults in attendance. She made herself available until every last person's questions were answered and didn't turn even one person away. I believe everyone on our committee will agree when I say, we would have her back to speak in a heartbeat."
First Union Baptist Missionary Church, San Francisco, CA (Pastor Dewayne Byrdsong)
"Doctor Marion's presentation at our church was absolutely wonderful! My congregation as a whole found her extremely encouraging, entertaining and inspiring. Since her visit to First Union Church, I've seen first-hand the change in my congregational members' outlook. Doctor Marion helped them break down the overwhelming task of caring for aging parents into very manageable bites and explained things in such a way that even the elderly themselves could benefit from. My only wish is that she would come back sooner."
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, NJ (Migdalia Rivera)
"...everyone loved you...you are very empathetic and compassionate about your field. It is so great that you are willing and able to share your knowledge and compassion with others. Thank you for contributing your time and giving a wonderful presentation...everyone was very grateful."
Park Slope United Methodist Church, Brooklyn, NY (Zoe Moffitt)
“We were so grateful to have this opportunity to hear your stories and advice. Everyone at the event walked away with practical information that they will be able to use to better handle these often challenging and emotional situations. The tips and suggestions were really helpful, but beyond that, you inspire new confidence and a sense of 'can do' in people caring for aging parents in some of these quite overwhelming situations.”
Making Choices for Independent Living, Baltimore, MD (Andrea Bunicontro, Executive Director)
“When Doctor Marion visited our Center, it was a wonderful opportunity to learn about ways that we could improve and expand services and supports to the elderly in a holistic and person-centered way. She has a wealth of information and ideas.”
GLCCB, Baltimore, MD (Gary Wolnitzek, Programs Manager)
“Doctor Marion’s visit to Baltimore and to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) was timely. As the baby boomer population begins to age, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community will need to begin a dialogue on how to provide the best continuous care for this segment of our community. Doctor Marion’s insight and advice provided us with the tools to begin this dialogue.”
Department of Elder Affairs, Tallahassee, FL (Christine R. Kucera, Caregiver Support Programs)
“Doctor Marion delivers her 10 steps to help care for an aging loved one based on hands on experience and knowledge in a manner that any caregiver or professional can understand and appreciate. Her commitment to advocate on behalf of caregivers nationwide is noble and admirable.”
The Pines of Sarasota, Sarasota, FL (JoAnn Westbrook N.H.A)
“I wanted to take time to thank Doctor Marion for the time she spent with us at the Pines. I only wish we could have had more time. She is a wealth of knowledge and our staff truly enjoyed her presentation. We were interested in her book as we are starting a program that will reach out to the community and her message and ideas were very helpful. Please thank her for us and we hope that if she takes another tour she will let us know and we will find more time to explore with our families.”
Hopkins ElderPlus, Baltimore, MD (Karen Armacost, RN, BC, MSA, Program Director)
“The highlight of Doctor Marion's visit was the time that she spent talking with family caregivers. She connected with the caregivers and engaged them easily.
She was warm and supportive as she encouraged the caregivers to be sure to take care of themselves. She showed genuine interest in the caregivers' stories and seemed to learn from them as well. Overall, it was a very pleasant morning and lunch, especially for the caregivers.”
The Laurels and The Haven Assisted Living, Charlotte, NC (Stacy Carter, Regional Director of Public Relations)
“I had the pleasure of meeting Doctor Marion on October 25, 2007 in Charlotte, NC. She made a visit to our Alzheimer's and Dementia assisted living residence, The Haven in Highland Creek. During her time with at The Haven, I learned more about her and the Aging in America Bus Tour. Doctor Marion quickly absorbed our culture and embraced our accomplishments within minutes of her arrival. She talked with staff, residents and family members and took the time to learn more about what drives us to work in a setting such as The Haven. I applaud her efforts and support her cause and I look forward to learning more about our industry upon the summation of her tour.”
National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Centers, Washington, DC (Terry Stone, Executive Director)
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Doctor Marion. It was a great experience for me to be able to share my personal and professional experiences of being part of and working in the LGBT community. Thanks for sharing the laughter and tears.”
TOUR SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY 9/26 in WASHINGTON, D.C & BALTIMORE, MD
9 AM
Meeting with the National Alliance of LGBT Centers
11 AM
Radio interview on WTTR-AM, Public Affairs Sunday
1 PM
Presentation to GLCC
3 PM
Meetings with the Director and community leaders of LGBT
THURSDAY 9/27 in WASHINGTON, D.C.
9 AM
Meeting and Presentation at the Adventist Community Services
12 PM
Meeting with staff of Community Ministries of Rockville
FRIDAY 9/28 in BALTIMORE, MD
8 AM
In-studio TV interview at WNUV-TV
10 AM
Meeting and lunch at Hopkins Elder Plus(Pace Program)
2 PM
Tour and meetings with staff of Choices for Independent Living
SUNDAY 9/30 in BALTIMORE, MD
9 AM
In-studio TV interview at WBAL 11 News Weekend
MONDAY 10/1 in WASHINGTON, D.C. & RICHMOND, VA
10:30 AM
Meeting with Frederick Isasi, Legislative Counsel for Senator Jeff Bingaman
12 PM
Radio interview on National Public Radio's "Tell Me More" show with Michel Martin
1 PM
Radio interview with WFTI
3:30 PM
Meeting with Senior Connections Capitol Area Agency on Aging
TUESDAY 10/2 in RICHMOND, VA
10 AM
Public talk/Q&A at Senior Center: A Community Partnership
1 PM
Public talk/Q&A with Bon Air Presbyterian Church
3 PM
News interview with the Richmond Free Press
WEDNESDAY 10/3 in RICHMOND, VA & COLUMBUS, GA
8:30 AM
In-studio TV interview on CBS 6 Morning Show
9:15 AM
Radio interview with WEEB-AM
7 PM
Banquet Speaker at National Association of Retired Federal Employees
THURSDAY 10/4 in RALEIGH, NC
2 PM
Meeting with elder attorneys at Law Offices, Jeffrey G. Marsocci
7 PM
Presentation at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
TBD
Event Coverage by The News & Observer
TBD
News interview by the Herald Sun
FRIDAY 10/5 in CHARLOTTE, NC
11 AM
Presentation at The Place at South Park/Caregivers Coalition
2:30 PM
Tour and staff meeting with the Resources for Senior Living at The Haven in Highland Creek
MONDAY 10/8 in ATLANTA, GA
8 AM
In-studio TV interview on Good Day Atlanta (FOX)
9 AM
In-studio radio interview on Elder Talk with Miles Hurley-Radio
10:30 AM
Meeting with Caregivers Initiative (Coalition of Greater Atlanta Jewish Federation) at Lifespan Resources Inc.
2:30 PM
In-studio interview with Seniors Today on Community Television
4 PM
Meeting at Shepherd Rehab Center
TUESDAY 10/9 in ATLANTA, GA
9:30 AM
Presentation at GSUNC Metro Atlanta Senior Companion Program
2 PM
Presentation and site visit at the Jewish Federation-Toco Hills NORC
WEDNESDAY 10/10
2 PM
Radio interview on “Wake Up America” for AGIS.com
THURSDAY 10/11 in SARASOTA, FL
8 AM
Presentation and meeting at Sarasota Senior Friendship Center
4 PM
Radio interview on WTMY-AM
4:30 PM
Meeting with Hoveround
FRIDAY 10/12 in SARASOTA, FL
8:30 AM
Radio interview on “Health Beat of America”
9:30 AM
Meeting at The Pines of Sarasota
12 PM
News interview with The Pelican Press
1:30 PM
Presentation at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library
MONDAY 10/15 in TAMPA, FL
6 AM
In-studio TV interview on 10 News this Morning
9:30 AM
Meeting with Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, Inc.
2 PM
Meeting at Rocky Creek Village
THURSDAY 10/18 in TALLAHASSEE, FL
10 AM
Meeting at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs
11:30 AM
Meeting with the Executive Director of the Florida Assisted Living Affiliation
12 PM
Tour and presentation at Woodmont Senior Communities
5 PM
In-studio TV interview on WCTV
TBD
News interview with the Tallahassee Democrat
FRIDAY 10/19 in TALLAHASSEE, FL
7 AM
Radio interview on WAFT-FM
MONDAY 10/22 in MOBILE, AL
10 AM
Meetings and tour at Mary Abby Burg Senior Center
6 PM
Lecture with undergraduates at the University of South Alabama
TUESDAY 10/23 in MOBILE, AL
8:45 AM
In-studio TV interview on WKRG
10:30 AM
Presentation at the Creola Sail Center
2 PM
Radio interview with Today’s Seniors Network
WEDNESDAY 10/24 in MOBILE, AL
10 AM
Radio interview on WDLT-FM
THURSDAY 10/25 in NEW ORLEANS, LA
8:30 AM
Radio interview on WRJW-AM in Picayune, MS
10 AM
Presentation at the Central City Senior Center
1 PM
Meeting at the Uptown Shepherd Center
FRIDAY 10/26 in NEW ORLEANS, LA
2 PM
Presentation at Pace of New Orleans
MONDAY 10/29 in HOUSTON, TX
9 AM
Meeting and Presentation at Neighborhood Centers Inc., Ripley House
10:45 AM
Meeting and Presentation at Neighborhood Centers Inc., JW Peavy Senior Center
TUESDAY 10/30 in HOUSTON, TX
10 AM
Meeting with JCC Senior Companion Program
4:30 PM
Radio interview on KKHT-FM
WEDNESDAY 10/31 in HOUSTON, TX & SAN ANTONIO, TX
8 AM
In-studio TV interview on KRIV FOX 26
12:30 PM
In-studio TV interview on Great Day SA (CBS)
THURSDAY 11/1 in SAN ANTONIO, TX
8:30 AM
Radio interview on KKYX-AM
10 AM
Presentation at Antioch Baptist Church Sports Complex and Community Center
1 PM
Meeting at San Antonio Association of Residential Care Homes
FRIDAY 11/2 in SAN ANTONIO, TX
9:30 AM
Meeting with Good Samaritan Community Services
11:30 AM
In-studio TV interview on PBS San Antonio
1 PM
Tour and meeting with Resources for Senior Living at The Laurels in Stone Oak
MONDAY 11/5 in DALLAS, TX
1 PM
Meeting at the Richardson Center
TUESDAY 11/6 in DALLAS, TX
10:30 AM
Meeting at Irvine Heritage Center
12:45 PM
Radio interview on KVTT-FM
2 PM
Meeting with the Dallas County Area Agency on Aging
4 PM
Meeting with Color Pad for Seniors
THURSDAY 11/8 in ALBUQUERQUE, NM
8:15 AM
Radio interview on 570 KLIF in Dallas, TX
9 AM
Presentation at Manzano Mesa Multi-Generational Center/Senior Companion Program of Albuquerque
12 PM
Meeting at the Pueblo of Isleta Elderly Center
FRIDAY 11/9 in ALBUQUERQUE, NM & SANTA FE, NM
9 AM
Meeting at the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center
1 PM
Presentation at Aging & Adult Services
3 PM
Radio interview on KABQ-AM
SATURDAY 11/10 in ALBUQUERQUE, NM
7 AM
In-studio radio interview on Your Estate Matters-Radio
