There's plenty to celebrate at Veranda Ministries! Join hosts Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield as they share details about upcoming events and practical wisdom for dementia care partners.

First up is Veranda Church for Dementia and Loved Ones, October 15 at 1 PM, 650 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN.

Get ready for "A Night of Faith, Music & Gratitude," a benefit concert on October 20 at Three Oaks Church, 502 Douglas Bend Road, Gallatin, TN! Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring Billy Blackwood, The New Speer Family, Lauren Talley, Riley Harrison Clark, The Duffields, Dale Forbes, Dave Clark, and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly. A $15 donation at the door and a special love offering will support Veranda Ministries' life-changing work.

But this episode has more than music! Mary Anne and Sue explore PAS—Positive Action Starters—simple, meaningful ways for care partners to spark conversations, foster connection, and engage loved ones living with dementia. Because sometimes the smallest conversation can open the door to the greatest connection. And that's something worth singing about!

www.verandaministries.org

In this episode of *Aging Angst & Alleluias*, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly explains why caring for caregivers matters, the dangers of UTIs in older adults, and why the dementia clients at The Veranda still know how to laugh, celebrate, and have a whole lot of fun, despite their difficulties.

Mary Anne also reflects on the recent Celebration of Life for beloved Veranda client Lowell, complete with military honors. His story reveals two remarkable lives: the man he was before dementia and the man Mary Anne came to know after it. She knew only the latter—and he was still a great man, worthy of honor, dignity, and celebration. Because dementia may change the story—but it never erases a person's value.

Speaking of celebration, join us **Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m., at Three Oaks Church** for a special benefit concert for The Veranda featuring **Billy Blackwood, Lauren Talley, The NEW Speer Family, Riley Harrison Clark, Tribute Quartet, Dale Forbes, Dave Clark, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, and Jeff & Sue Duffield.**

Tickets are **$15**, with an additional love offering that evening to benefit The Veranda. For information, call **615-675-4345**.

www.verandaministries.org

What happens when you turn 70 in America? Does society still recognize your value, or does it quietly begin to overlook you?

In this candid and thoughtful conversation, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield examine aging from two perspectives: those living with dementia and the many older adults who are mentally sharp yet often stereotyped because of age. They discuss how dementia affects lives, why compassionate caregiving is more important than ever, and the often-overlooked fact that caregivers are aging, too. As strength declines, responsibilities grow, and cultural expectations evolve, what does healthy aging truly look like?

This episode offers hope, practical advice, and a heartfelt reminder that our worth is never defined by age, productivity, or physical ability. Whether you're caring for a loved one, approaching your own later years, or curious about life after 70, you'll find humor, inspiration, and meaningful discussion here. Growing older shouldn't mean becoming invisible—every season of life has purpose.

The Church has a special window of opportunity to be a place where older adults are not just cared for but truly seen, valued, and encouraged to use their God-given wisdom and gifts to nurture the next generation.

Join us on August 8, 2026, at 1 pm at the Troubadour Theater in Nashville for a special concert benefiting The Veranda Ministries—open to the public.

Join Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly for a heartfelt episode of Aging, Angst & Alleluias as she shares why compassion genuinely transforms dementia care. From Tennessee's Joint Proclamation recognizing dementia awareness to practical ways we can treat our loved ones with dignity and respect, Mary Anne gently reminds us that staying calm always helps reduce fear, and that caregivers need compassion just as much. Learn how the newly formed dementia-friendly church at the Veranda, gentle validation, and leading with soft persuasion can foster moments of peace, connection, and happiness—because every person living with dementia holds incredible value.

For online giving: www.verandaministries.org

In this important episode of Aging, Angst & Alleluias, host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly tackles a growing concern for caregivers and older adults: patient rights during hospital admissions and transfers. What happens when an elderly loved one is transferred to a geriatric psychiatric facility without the knowledge or consent of a caregiver, family member, or Power of Attorney? What if a dementia diagnosis has never been formally established?

With her signature blend of compassion, advocacy, and determination, Mary Anne exposes the frustration, fear, and anger families often feel in these situations. She offers practical guidance on why documentation matters, what questions to ask before admission, and the importance of having legal and medical directives clearly established in writing. This is a must-listen conversation for caregivers, family members, and anyone navigating the complex world of elder care.

www.verandaministries.org

mailto:mao1024@gmail.com

During a lively event filled with decorated walkers, Derby Day chaos, laughter, respite care, and lunch provided by Chick-fil-a, Veranda Ministries showed that joy and purpose can coexist despite the tough behind-the-scenes work, like running the Kentucky Derby uphill in orthopedic shoes. In this heartfelt and funny episode, we recount the Veranda Ministries Derby Day 2026 fundraiser — the fun, mishaps, horse-themed walker races, and a reminder that caregiving communities need fun, support, dignity, and connection. Sue and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveal the emotional and physical effort behind creating a dementia-friendly respite program that offers caregivers and loved ones hope, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

We also celebrate Mary Anne as the recipient of this year's Welch College's "Strong and Courageous" Award for her leadership in dementia care ministry, which highlights resilience, compassion, and community.

www.verandaministrires.org

On this episode of Aging Angst & Alleluias with Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, we're celebrating a landmark moment for Veranda Ministries—the official signing of new legislation by Bill Lee that expands their reach! This victory means more clients served and an additional day of respite care each week—real help, real hope, and real impact for families navigating dementia care. It's a joyful, hard-earned win you won't want to miss.

And the celebration keeps going! Join us Thursday, April 30, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day fundraiser—complete with six spirited horse-walker "racers," laughter, and community fun—all to support the life-changing work of The Veranda. It's more than an event… It's a "Standing Promotion" kind of day!

For more information on how you can contribute to Derby Day and choose your "horse", get on this link: https://verandaministries.square.site/product/2026-veranda-derby-day/XEMCXZ2T3ROAMUFF4QRZROEK?cs=true&cst=custom