Documentary on aging features Mennonites

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HARRISONBURG, Va.—A new Mennonite Media-produced TV documentary that examines the ups and downs of aging began airing on ABC-TV stations Jan. 6.

Embracing Aging: Families Facing Change probes the difficult passages of the later years, including the stories of the Paul and Marjorie Guengerich family of Harrisonburg, with their sons and daughters-in-law. Other Mennonites featured in the documentary include Lynn Miller, author and stewardship counselor for MMA (Mennonite Mutual Aid), and four volunteers with SOOP (Service Opportunities for Older Persons) at the International Guest House in Washington.

Residents of ElderSpirit, a cohousing community for ages 55 and up in rural Abingdon, Va., tell why they wanted to explore alternatives to typical retirement communities. The community’s founder, Dene Peterson, says one of her passions is to change the way elders are treated in American society.

The documentary was produced for the “Vision and Values” series for ABC-TV by Mennonite Media in partnership with the Catholic Telecasters Group and released to ABC stations by the National Council of Churches through the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission. Local affiliates may air the documentary at their discretion.

For updates on stations airing the program check www.EmbracingAging.com, a full Web site created to complement the documentary. The program will also be available at www.store.mennomedia.org in January on DVD for $24.95 with study guide and bonus content.—Mennonite Media

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