The Claude Pepper Foundation Newsletter

Commemorative Stamp Honors Pepper

Fri, Nov 6th, 2009

Senator Claude Pepper was honored by the United States Postal Service on September 7, 2000 with the issuance of a postage stamp bearing his image. The stamp was the second one released in the new Great Americans Series, recognizing the Senator's numerous contributions to his country and its people, especially the elderly. Pepper is the first Florida political leader to be featured on a postage stamp.

Search Finds Florida's Oldest Stamp Collector

Fri, Nov 6th, 2009

As part of the celebration surrounding the issuance of the Claude Pepper commemorative stamp, the Pepper Foundation conducted a statewide search for the oldest stamp collector in Florida. This was seen by the Foundation as a way to enable older Floridians, who were a prime concern of Pepper, to be honored along with him. Working with the United States Postal Service, the Foundation contacted some 40 stamp collecting clubs in Florida. The search yielded dozens of nominations from individuals ranging in age from 70 to 98.

Tallahassee Senior Center Alzheimer's Resource Center Claude Pepper Saturday Retreat

Fri, Nov 6th, 2009

More than half of all older persons with severe mental impairments are victims of Alzheimer's. Characterized by a progressive deterioration of the mind and body, Alzheimer's can last from two to 20 years. More than 2,400 persons in Leon County, age 60 and over, suffer from Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Of the 4 million people with Alzheimer's disease in the United States, 70 percent live at home, often receiving part or fulltime care from family members. Caregivers are expected to be strong, patient and accept new responsibilities on an ongoing basis. The freedom to go to the store, to dine out or to sleep soundly through the night become distant memories. Caregivers feel overwhelmed, disconnected from friends and removed from activities of normal living.

Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter

Fri, Nov 6th, 2009

In 1986, after several Tallahassee homeless people died from exposure to the freezing weather, a makeshift shelter was opened in a church basement. Today, the Shelter has its own facility where it provides a bed to over 5,000 persons a year and is the leader in Leon County in providing free meals seven days a week. Services provided include lodging, dinner, breakfast, showers, laundry service and emergency assistance to families and individuals with special needs, such as a bus ticket to reunite the homeless person with

The Claude Pepper Senior Walk/Run

Fri, Nov 6th, 2009

There is much that can be done to delay or prevent the occurrence of age-related disability. Life style changes such as increasing exercise, maintaining proper nutrition and weight, and not smoking can make a real difference. Event such as the Claude Pepper Senior Walk/Run are designed to promote healthful life styles, this improving quality of life and delaying disability. This event is representative of Senator Pepper's belief in and personal adherence to active aging. He once said, "Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless you stop peddling."