170th CCNC-N Annual Gathering
Aging Gracefully
Room: Room 105
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art" - Eleanor Roosevelt. At the risk of stating what too many likely seems obvious, getting older is not easy. Aging is hard, regardless of what your age is. One day you're young, and the next you have a favorite PHARMACY. Many of us live in a society where aging leaves us feeling more and more left behind, left out or even invisible. In the United States our aging community are often regarded with some measure of disdain. So, how do we embrace aging, as it is - after all - inevitable. Men and women are often bombarded with images and advertising urging us to use "anti-aging" this, that, or the other thing. We are encouraged to fight wrinkles, cover up graying hair. We're told once we reach a certain age we'll lose our vitality and be more prone to illness and injury. We can't keep up with technology and we may feel as though the World is moving so fast, we can not keep up the pace. While some of this may be true, some of it is not. But there are steps we can take to embrace our advancing years, regardless of whether we are turning 30. 40. 50, 60, 70, 80 or older. One thing we can do to embrace our age is to remember and be thankful for all our bodies continue too allow us to do. During this workshop I hope to provide a safe space for attendees to voice their thoughts and concerns around aging and explore ways in which we can collectively age gracefully. In HAPPY moments praise God. In DIFFICULT moments seek God. In QUIET moments worship God. In PAINFUL moments trust God. in EVERY moment Thank God
Rev Leon Bacchues Ph.D.
Rev. Dr. Leon Bacchues comes to us with an extensive background in Nursing, Mental Health, Human Service, Health Care Administration, Ministry, and Health Law. Currently serving as Pastor at Tapestry Ministries (Disciples of Christ) Berkeley. Prior appointments: Pulpit Ministry and Director of Health and Human Services at Cosmopolitan Baptist Church - Oakland; Executive Leadership Level and Director of HIV/AIDS Health Ministry at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. Former Staff Nurse and Program Director in Residential Services at The Bancroft School in N.J. - a facility for persons living with disabilities - developing activity of daily living plans, monitoring care plans, provide psychosocial support, family engagement, community engagement and advocacy. As part of the Community Action Council and Program for Exceptional Students within the Oakland Unified School District - advisor to parents of students living with disabilities. Advocacy and psychosocial support to persons living with Alzheimer's disease. He has been a strong advocate and sponsor of several Legislative Bills covering Mental Health, Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS Care Plan. Strong advocate, educator, and clinician in concerns of the LGBTQIA Community inspired him towards developing special care programs in Southern New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pa, and Alameda County. Former Resident Therapist with the Peggy Bristol Springs Immigration Law Office. Former alum council, campus minister, and mentor at Pacific School of Religion where he is an alum. Former Chair of New Church Ministry and several committees in our Region and the General Church. Current Chair of the Pastors Relation Committee. Dr Bacchues is married to Rev. Bill Shive and they are proud parents to an amazing, gifted, aspiring Cosmetologist - Rodney Bacchues.