Lisa Bond, left, and Paul Graves, right, pose for a photo announcing that Geezer Forum will continue under the direction of Sandpoint Area Seniors, inc., after the long-time elder advocate announced plans to move to Oregon to be closer to family.
Beloved long-standing community leader, Paul Graves, has made the decision to leave the area to be closer to his family in Oregon.
His early endeavors as mayor, minister and elder advocate are but a few of the contributions he has made to our small community. Graves' departure may have required the Geezer Forum, running for over a decade in this town, to fold and cease to exist.
However, through many conversations, brainstorming and dreaming it has been decided that the Geezer Forum will continue under the guidance of Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. With SASi’s longstanding presence in the community and attunement to the needs of the area's aging community, it is a perfect match.
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 2:30 p.m., Graves' farewell and final Geezer Forum being at the helm, we will together celebrate him as he passes the torch to SASi director Lisa Bond.
“We are excited to welcome the Geezer Forum and look forward to continuing to bring education, fun, and connection to the Sandpoint area community,” Lisa Bond, SASi director, said.
Both the Geezer Forum and Sandpoint Area Seniors have been separately serving the aging community in meaningful ways for several years.
Geezer Forum will continue to meet at Marigold Café (formerly Tango) on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
By Katie Begalke, Community Resource and EnVision Center
Aging is a universal journey, yet it comes with unique challenges that many of us don’t anticipate until we, or a loved one, are facing them firsthand. In Bonner County, where 25.7% of the population is aged 65 and older, seniors make up a significant part of our community. Their needs—ranging from healthcare access and financial security to social connection—are growing. That’s why we sat down with Lisa Bond from the Sandpoint Senior Center and Paul Graves, founder of the Geezer Forum and Elder Advocates, to explore the work being done to support our aging population and what’s next for these initiatives.
For years, Paul Graves has been a dedicated advocate for seniors, starting both the Geezer Forum and Elder Advocates to address the pressing concerns of aging adults and those caring for them. These forums have provided a space for meaningful conversations about everything from legal planning to end-of-life care, helping seniors navigate their evolving needs with dignity and support.
One of the biggest challenges seniors face nationwide—and here in Bonner County—is financial stability. Many struggle with fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, and housing affordability. In addition, physical aging presents obstacles that can make it harder to maintain independence. Common concerns include mobility issues, access to reliable healthcare, and finding support for daily living tasks.
As life expectancy continues to rise, more seniors are living longer, but they are also facing new hurdles that require community-driven solutions. That’s where the Sandpoint Senior Center and the Community Resource EnVision Center come in. With Paul stepping back, Lisa Bond and the Senior Center are stepping up to ensure that the work he started continues to grow and serve those who need it most.
The Next Chapter: The Geezer Forum Podcast - Listen to the first podcast on Spotify
A key part of this transition is transforming the Geezer Forum into a podcast hosted at the EnVision Media Center. This will not only preserve the vital conversations Paul has fostered but also expand their reach, capturing and documenting the stories of our aging population on air. By doing so, we can ensure that seniors' voices are heard, their wisdom is shared, and their concerns are addressed in ways that make a lasting impact.
Beyond storytelling, the Rural Resource Program will continue to provide practical support, helping those 50+ maintain their independence and stay in their homes longer. Whether it’s connecting seniors with financial assistance, housing support, or social services, the program ensures they have access to the resources they need to thrive.
At the heart of these initiatives is a simple but powerful truth: our community is stronger when we support one another. The transition of the Geezer Forum, combined with continued efforts to assist seniors, represents a commitment to making Bonner County a safe and secure place to age with dignity. We are proud to be part of a movement that champions our elders, amplifies their voices, and ensures that they receive the care and support they deserve.
Join Us in Celebrating This Milestone
We are incredibly grateful to Paul Graves for his years of service and dedication. As we move forward, we invite you to stay engaged—whether by tuning into the upcoming podcast, participating in discussions, or simply taking the time to have these conversations with the elders in your life.
