2026-2027 Speaker Series

Live Safe, Healthy, and Smart 

Our purpose is to provide services and support to St. James' residents to enhance your ability to make 'aging in place' a reality. Each year NEST supports that goal with current topics the community will find valuable and interesting.  This year’s topics include:  The Market Outlook Now Through 2027; Six Pillars of Brain Health; Scams: What to Watch For and How to Handle It; Fall Proof Your Life; and, Signs of Aging - What's Normal? We have a great lineup of speakers this year who are knowledgeable in their respective topics. Please join us for another exciting NEST Speaker series! All programs will be held at the Homer E. Wright Event Center and are open to all St. James residents.

Scams:  What to Watch For and How to Handle It

Tuesday, March 16, 2027 - 3:00-4:30 pm

Speakers:  Holly Pilson and Carrie Herstine (Cape Fear Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging; officials from the Brunswick County Sheriff's office

Among the millions of Americans who lose money to scammers, older adults lose the most, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). And the losses are astronomical: a record $12.5 billion was reported stolen through scams and fraud in 2024, up 25 percent from $10 billion in 2023. No one is exempt from being a potential target of a fraud, and many con artists prey upon seniors who are well-educated and have above-average incomes. They use sophisticated, convincing sales pitches that sound legitimate, making it easy for anyone to become a target. Brunswick County Sheriff's office officials will share with you what you need to know and how you can protect yourself and your family and Holly Pilson and Carrie Herstine of the Area Agency on Aging (Cape Fear Council of Governments) will share how to avoid getting caught up in Medicare Fraud.

Key Learning Objectives include:

• How to recognize a scam
• Identify who to call and report details of scam
• How to protect yourself against being a victim of a scam 

Don’t let yourself or a loved one fall for a scam. This program will provide you with the necessary tools to avoid one.

Location:  Homer E. Wright Event Center

Date:  Tuesday, March 16, 2027

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm, including a question and answer session

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early such that the program can begin on time. The program is FREE to attend, but we strongly suggest you pre-register due to limited seating capacity, in order to ensure you are able to participate.

Please register by clicking on the Registration button, or via the Help Desk at (910)250-8388. Registration closes on March 15th at 12 noon.

In case you cannot attend, following each event, the materials and recording of the presentation will be posted on the 2026-2027 Speaker Series page, under the Events tab on the website.