connections SPRING 2016
Volume 40, Issue 2
March for Meals
Learn about the ways you can support the campaign
Time to Get Comfortable ACCA welcomes Creature Comforts to the March for Meals team
A publication of the
Check inside to find where you can purchase retroProm 16 Tickets!
prom 2016 retro
May 21, 2016 Georgia theatre Doors open at 8 pm featuring the highballs
tonight we’re timeless
Tickets on sale now Pre-sale $30 presented by
WWW.ACCAGING.ORG/PROM2016
table of contents
spring
ISSUE 2016 20
march for meals
Discover how the annual campaign benefits Meals on Wheels at the local level and how you can get involved. From running a race to visiting a local brewery, you can make a difference for Meals on Wheels at ACCA.
Pictured: Special March for Meals t-shirts. ACCA sold 110 raising $1300!
features 6 did you hear...?
22 get comfortable
11 unlicensed personal care homes
26 family matters
24 caregivers corner
12 makings of a great volunteer
28 meals on wheels
17 meet our people
30 cal+ highlight
18 winterville center
29 houseguest program 31 cal event calendar
Letter
from the
CEO
Let's Move! We have a lot of exciting activities to share in this Spring edition of Connections! The focus is on March for Meals. This annual campaign joins ACCA with Meals on Wheels America to raise awareness of senior hunger and isolation and to celebrate the invaluable services provided by ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program. Our goals this year are to recruit new Meals on Wheels volunteers and to increase fundraising from local businesses and supporters. Each week, our Meals on Wheels programs in Clarke and Barrow counties deliver over 1500 meals! We are able to serve as many as we do because of an amazing and committed group of volunteers. Not only do volunteers selflessly give their time to deliver meals, they provide much needed socialization and daily safety checks. In return, they hear wonderful stories, gain wisdom from their older friends and receive genuine smiles and hugs of gratitude. This month, I’m inviting everyone in our community to ride-along with a volunteer on their meal route. I promise you it will be a rewarding experience you’ll never forget! Our annual March for Meals 5K is an opportunity for runners, walkers and our supporters to help us raise money while sending a message that ending senior hunger and isolation in our community is a priority. More details start on page 20. We join our aging advocate partners, across the state, asking our state legislators to recognize that Home and Community Based Services, including Meals on Wheels, are essential to keep our older adults safe and in their homes. The services we provide are an alternative to nursing home care and save dollars. The average annual cost, per client, of Home and Community Based Services is $2,055 compared to $19,200 for nursing home care. We are asking for $10 million to take approximately 5,000 people, statewide, off the waiting lists for these aging services. Our community currently has over 75 of our neighbors waiting for Meals and Wheels! Join our voice and ask your local legislator to increase funding for these invaluable services! Please visit http://www.gcoa.org/2016-issues-presented for more information. Will you stand with us and support March for Meals? By volunteering, donating or speaking out, you can ensure that your older adult family members, friends and neighbors can live healthier, happy and independent lives. We couldn’t do the important work we do in the community without champions from the community. Thank you! P.S. It’s almost time for the 2016 Retro Prom!! Check out the inside cover for more details on how to get your tickets!
4 Connections
CEO/President (Interim) Eve Anthony Connections Editor Chad Conner Board of Directors Shannon Wilder, Chair Paige Otwell, Vice-Chair Gary Franklin, Treasurer Julie Gaines, Secretary Charles Auslander, III Annette Barfield William Baxter (Honorary) Henry Brown Dr. Katheryn Davis Dawn Donovan Laurie Douglas Mary Erlanger (Honorary) Dexter Fisher Robert Hardell Mary Ann Johnson Tommie Mullis Mariah Pierce Dr. Ram Reddy, MD Ross White Evelyn Wright (Honorary)
135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 706-549-4850
www.accaging.org Š 2016 ACCA Connections is a quarterly publication distributed by ACCA throughout Northeast Georgia. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Advertising in this publication does not imply a relationship with ACCA. ACCA is a contract agency of the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging.
did you hear...? highlights from around acca
Turkeypalooza is Bigger than Ever!
This past November, ACCA initiated the Turkeypalooza crowdfunding campaign in partnership with Campus Kitchen at UGA raising money to feed our clients a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Funds raised were used to purchase turkeys and all the fixings of a traditional holiday meal. In 2015, our community rallied and donated over $6000 in just one week! With those funds raised, we were able to send out over 1000 meals! We could not do all we do without the generosity of our supporters. ACCA also owes many thanks to our partners that helped with Turkeypalooza. Campus Kitchen at UGA packed the boxes of food, preparing the items to be delivered or picked up as well as fixing the meals delivered to Meals on Wheels clients. FedEx in Athens not only raised money for the campaign, they also created a plan to deliver packages of food to our clients across the community! The UGA Atheletic Assocation sent UGA atheletes to ACCA on pick-up day to help load boxes of food into clients’ cars. Again, the graciousness of our community made this a huge success.
Wrapping Up Cheer
The holiday season brought supporters out in droves for Be a Santa to a Senior. ACCA collected over 3000 gifts given by people all around the community! The halls at the main ACCA building were packed with the generosity of Athens up until December 7 when we held our annual Wrapping Party. Over 75 volunteers showed up to wrap and prepare the gifts to give to our clients. ACCA would like to thank everyone involved in the campaign. Through the generosity of volunteers, donors, and businesses the event is able to serve so many seniors in the Athens community. A very special thank you to the businesses hosting the Christmas trees and wreathes: Dance FX, Hawthorne Drugs, Body Works Collective, Farmer’s Rx - Winder and Athens, Walmart - Epps Bridge, Raymond James Financial, UGA School of Agricultural Science, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Uniform Shop, Bella Salon, and Athens Regional Medical Center. 6 Connections
Here is a great place to call home. 706.357.7070 | afbtbank.com
Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.
did you hear...?
Be there for Seniors Rally
On Thursday, January 28, several CAL+ members rallied at the state capitol with other advocates at the Be There 4 Seniors rally. This year advocates gathered to call on legislators to support budget requests that would remove seniors on the waiting list for aging services. ACCA proudly supports the initiative to End the Wait. We are very proud of our clients, who made the trip to ensure their voices were heard. Special thanks to GA House Representative Tommy Benton for inviting our CAL+ folks to stand behind him at the podium. According to the Georgia Council on Aging, over 400 people were in attendance.
Call for Garden Volunteers
Do you have a passion for gardening? What if you could put those skills to use for the benefit of your community? Athens Community Council on Aging’s community garden needs you! Our garden is managed and sustained by volunteers, and the produce grown helps feed ACCA clients. The garden is located on the ACCA campus at 135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601. This is a great opportunity to use or hone your skills. No major experience is necessary. Volunteers will work under the guidance of a Master Gardener to assist with the preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvest.
The time commitment we ask for is flexible. If you are interested in participating, please sign up today. We will be in touch with more information in the coming weeks. If you would like to sign up, please complete the Registration form and the Volunteer Handbook form and return to us. If you need more information or would like to sign up, please contact David Lorren at dlorren@accaging.org or 706-549-4850.
SLA Kicks Off
The Senior Leadership Academy Class of 2016 officially kicked off in February. Senior Leadership Academy is hosted by the Senior Corps Program at ACCA. This eight week program provides an opportunity to build relationships with fellow participants, explore current issues in Athens, meet community and business leaders, and discover opportunities to contribute leadership skills for the well-being of the community. For more information on SLA please call David Lorren at 706-549-4850. Spring
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did you hear...?
What a Waste
This past December, ACCA and the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH) in Washington, D.C. initiated a year-long partnership to reduce food waste at the Center and ensure our seniors receive the nutrition they need. The What A WasteTM program will build on, and complement, existing senior hunger and food waste initiatives at ACCA, and will create a customized waste reduction plan that includes collecting and analyzing daily waste data, menu planning, composting, and gardening. ACCA is proud to be one of four sites in the U.S. selected to pilot this innovative program. On April 7, 2016, ACCA gets things blooming with a Planting Day in the garden, with representatives from NFESH and local media in attendance. Over the coming months, ACCA will develop a core curriculum— in partnership with UGA’s Cooperative Extension, UGArden, St. Mary’s Healthcare System, ACCA’s master gardener and volunteer-run gardening club, among others — to draw attention to issues of senior hunger, food sustainability and senior nutrition. The theme this year is “The Journey of the Zucchini”, an engaging series of educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations that show the lifecycle of what’s on our plate, from planting and harvesting, consumption to composting. CAL+ members will enjoy field trips to UGArden, cooking lessons on how to create healthy recipes using vegetables and herbs grown in the garden, demos on composting, and much more. So far, CAL+ members have been integral to the early success of the program. During congregate lunch, seniors separate leftovers into pans, which are deposited into composting bins. Each week, the waste is delivered to UGArden and composted into rich soil, a portion of which returns to the ACCA garden for fertilizing and planting. To learn more, contact the Center for Active Living or visit www.nfesh.org/what-a-waste/.
Refined Singles Unwind Launches
Refined Singles Unwind is a new social club whose sole purpose is to encourage older adults in the Athens community to get out and have fun! The first mixer/ social event will be held from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the Georgia Museum of Art. The first club meeting will be an art themed scavenger hunt at the museum followed by dinner and drinks at the Hilltop Grille. Members will receive cards with their contact information that they can exchange at the event. There is limited space available so make sure you RSVP by contacting Erin Beasley 706-549-4850 or ebeasley@accaging.org. 8 Connections
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Make your steps count this year. Join the March for Meals race to raise awareness and funds for hungry seniors in the Athens Area.
Let’s fill this plate.
Ray Goff wasn’t sure he was having a heart attack. Pain in his arm. A burning sensation in his chest. Feeling tired. At his doctor’s urging, he came to St. Mary’s. Fast diagnostics confirmed a heart attack. Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation saved his heart. Now, with the help of St. Mary’s Cardiac Rehab, he is eating right, exercising, and feeling better than he has in years.
“My procedure was a success, my care was excellent, and I was in and out of the hospital in less than 48 hours. I would recommend St. Mary’s to anyone.” —Ray Goff, Oconee County businessman Former UGA head football coach
2015
Large
Hospital
Year
Read Ray’s story at stmarysathens.org/services/cardiology
10 Connections
©2016 St. Mary’s
OF THE
Unlicensed Personal Care Homes What you should know
ltco
The Ombudsman program has seen a sharp increase in complaints about unlicensed personal care homes. Newspaper articles regularly highlight the plight of frail elderly residents being abused, neglected, and financially exploited by “caretakers.” The motive for this crime is financial: operators are able to obtain residents’ benefits checks and other money. Residents frequently are kept in horrific conditions, often being kept locked into basements in filthy conditions, with little or no access to food, running water, or toileting facilities. Georgia law enforcement agencies are aware of this increasing problem, and the legislature has passed laws to protect adults against abuse. The legislation toughened penalties for operating an unlicensed personal care home, raising a first offense involving abuse or neglect to a felony. Since these homes frequently operate “under the radar”, raising public awareness about the growing problem is critical in identifying and reporting these situations. The Northeast Georgia Ombudsman program has a fact sheet (see below) about Unlicensed Personal Care Homes, including information about how to refer a suspected home for investigation:
The 1, 2, 3’s of Unlicensed Personal Care Homes
1 2 3
According to the RULES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CHAPTER 111-8 HEALTHCARE FACILITY REGULATION; 111-8-62 PERSONAL CARE HOMES: (x) “Personal Care Home” means any dwelling, whether operated for profit or not, which undertakes through its ownership or management to provide or arrange for the provision of housing, food service, and one or more personal services for two or more adults who are not related to the owner or administrator by blood or marriage; (y) “Personal Services” includes, but is not limited to, individual assistance with or supervision of self-administered medication, assistance with ambulation and transfer, and essential activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting;
You can find a list of all licensed facilities in Georgia, by category, at the website for the Office of Regulatory Services: A) Google Office of Regulatory Services: Facility Location and Information Guide B) Then choose “Personal Care Homes” from the second list of options (under Nursing, Personal Care, and Community Living Arrangements) C) Last, pick the county and hit “SEARCH” at the bottom of the page. If the PCH has a license, you should be able to find the name of the home on that list.
If you believe that you know of an unlicensed Personal Care Home, please contact The complaint intake hotline at the Healthcare Facility Regulator’s (HFR) office by calling: (800)878 6442 or faxing to (404) 6575731 or you can visit https://services.georgia.gov/ dhr/reportfiling/searchFacility. do?action=constituentComplaint
Spring
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FOSTER GRANDPARENTS Share Today. Shape Tomorrow. The Makings of a Great Volunteer David Lorren
At last, we finally did it. “This is the one,” we proudly proclaimed to one another. Emory, Erin, and I finally recruited the volunteer we had been searching for to serve with the Morgan County Early Childhood and Development Head Start Center (ECDC) – the perfect Foster Grandparent volunteer by all accounts. If you are not familiar with the Foster Grandparent Program, volunteers are seniors 55 and older who serve between 15-40 hours per week in early learning and classroom settings to mentor students who have particular needs that could be met with additional instruction. The perfect volunteer is someone who has a love for children: someone who has experience working with younger students and shows genuine excitement and enthusiasm when they tell you their experiences, and lives within a close proximity to the location of one of our partner schools that is in need of a grandparent to assist in the classroom. That is the makeup of a perfect FGP volunteer. At this point, you are probably waiting to read how it all went south. Because let’s face it, we have all at some point, “finally did it,” or so we thought, only to find out later we had the recipe off by an ingredient, and instantly regretted eyeballing that last measurement. Well not this time. We really did it. But the success of this recruit doesn’t fall to the Senior Corps team and the effort we collectively gave to make this placement. Without the relationships that have been built with the ECDC Head Start Center and their affiliates since 2004 by all of those who have come before me, and their trust in ACCA and the Foster Grand Parent Program, none of this would be remotely possible.
For more information regarding Foster Grandparents visit accaging.org/fostergrandparent or call 706-549-4850 and speak with David Lorren. 12 Connections
The moment when Mrs. Pamela Sullivan of Bright from the Start and their ECDC affiliates told me that she “treasures the partnership we share” and that their organization “values the Foster Grandparent volunteers,” I knew that our team finally mixed the right ingredients. Emory, Erin, and I are proud to represent ACCA and the Foster Grandparent Program, and we are proud of the work that has been done by those that came before us. Collectively, that is why the program is successful, and our partners continue to choose the
outcome that produces the best long term results. In the past 7 months throughout Northeast Georgia ACCA has placed 36 Foster Grandparents with almost 70 students in and around our community classrooms. Together these dedicated men and women have logged more than 17,000 hours to ensure that their students are prepared to advance to the next level by overcoming the early barriers to success that many young students often face. Those figures alone are staggering, but I want to highlight a few others who benefit from this program. FGP volunteers receive an hourly stipend for their service, 12 paid holidays per year, 8 hours per month accrued leave, and reimbursement for meals and mileage. If you are an educator, or know someone in education who would like to learn more about partnering with ACCA and the Foster Grandparent Program, let us know. Or perhaps you have a love for children and want to help make a difference in their education, give us a call. We would love the opportunity to show you how easy it is to get started and engage in the success of the Foster Grandparent Program.
Pictured: Emory Griffith, David Lorren, and Erin Beasley - ACCA's Senior Service Corps team.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving, we strongly encourage active adults age 55 and older to stop by and see us at Athens Community Council on Aging to explore the many benefits of service. We are conveniently located in the heart of downtown Athens on Hoyt Street. Here you will find a friendly face to answer all of your questions and assist you in writing a new chapter in your life. For more information contact David Lorren, Senior Service Corps Coordinator by phone at 706-549-4850 or email at dlorren@accaging.org
New to Medicare? Questions about your Medicare coverage? Need help with prescription costs or Medicare premiums?
Join us for a a brief presentation, followed by a time to meet one-on-one with a trained counselor to answer your Medicare questions. Greene Senior Center
March 10
10:00 a.m.
Jackson Senior Center
March 17
10:30 a.m.
Morgan Senior Center
March 22
10:00 a.m.
Oglethorpe Senior Center
March 24
10:30 a.m.
Barrow Senior Center
April 18
11:00 a.m.
Jasper Senior Center
April 22
10:30 a.m.
Newton Senior Center
May 4
11:00 a.m.
Madison Senior Center
May 12
10:00 a.m.
Oconee Senior Center
May 18
10:00 a.m.
Walton Senior Center
May 27
11:00 a.m.
For more information about GeorgiaCares, please call 706-549-4850 or 1-866-55-AGING or visit GeorgiaCares on the web at mygeorgiacares.org
ARE YOU LOOKING TO
VOLUNTEER?
GeorgiaCares has many opportunities to meet your skills and interests. If you have Medicare, loved ones with Medicare or simply wish to help people, GeorgiaCares may be the volunteer opportunity for you. Volunteers promote the program, educate the community on issues related to Medicare and provide counseling to beneficiaries. This volunteer work is challenging and rewarding and the hours are flexible. Call GeorgiaCares at 1-866-552-4464, Option 4 to learn more.
Protect: Detect: Learn to detect and know how to act on it. If you suspect that you have been a target type of abuse, report immediately to the rePort: ofSMPanySenior Medicare Patrol. Protect yourself from Medicare errors, fraud, and abuse.
coNtAct:
FUNDED IN PART BY THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION ON AGING
COMING TO
THE CLASSIC CENTER
MARCH 1
DISNEY FANTASIA LIVE
@ THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE Tickets on sale now!
APRIL 2
MOON TAXI
@ 440 FOUNDRY PAVILION Tickets on sale now!
APRIL 8
BILLY CURRINGTON
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JOIN THE CLASSIC CENTER CULTURAL FOUNDATION AND ENJOY...
• • • • •
Member receptions Cast meet and greets Annual trips Celebration of the Arts Classic Conversations
For more information contact Beth Turner at 706.357.4521 or Beth@ClassicCenter.com.
APRIL 21
CELTIC WOMAN
@ THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE Tickets on sale now!
APRIL 27
ALABAMA SHAKES
@ THE AKINS ARENA Tickets on sale now!
706.357.4444 • ClassicCenter.com • 300 N. Thomas St. • Athens, GA
Athens Regional Home Health Services
Did you know that home health care is one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare? As individuals get out of the hospital quicker, home becomes the place of choice for healing and recovery. Athens Regional Home Health Services provides skilled care in the home where registered nurses, physical, speech and occupational therapists work closely with patients and their families to provide a seamless transition back home after a hospital stay. We provides these services to patients living in Jackson, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee and Madison counties. We also provide Home Infusion Services where antibiotics, chemotherapy, fluid replacements and immune therapy ordered by the patient’s doctor is dispensed by a pharmacist and delivered directly to the home.
706.475.5500 athenshealth.org/homehealth
To learn more about the one-on-one care provided in the comfort of home by Athens Regional Home Health, visit www.athenshealth.org/homehealth or call 706-475-5500 for information.
meet our people Annette Barfield – Board of Directors ACCA is incredibly fortunate to have a Board of Directors made up of men and women, who live to serve. That’s certainly the best way to describe Annette Barfield. She has served on ACCA’s board since 2013, after completing her reign as the first Ms. Senior Athens. Participating in the pageant showed her “what an incredible place ACCA is,” stating she was blown away by all the offerings for active, older people. “There is something [at ACCA] for everyone,” Mrs. Barfield said. “The people here are amazing. I’ve never seen such a wonderful and happy atmosphere.” She went on to say she feels like part of the family. Mrs. Barfield was born in South Georgia and came to Athens in 1996. She was educated at the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Atlanta, receiving her RN. Her career started in nursing, but ultimately she moved into the HR Department for Bell South Corporation, where she retired as the HR Department Staff Manager for Planning. In her spare time Mrs. Barfield likes to travel, garden, and participate in ballroom dancing, which is significant because that is how she met her husband, Buddy. The two have been married for 63 years. “He asked me to dance one night, and we’ve been dancing ever since.”
Allyn Rippin – Center for Active Living Plus Allyn Rippin joined ACCA last year as the Center for Active Living Plus Manager, where she makes sure CAL+ clients have a great experience daily. The Georgia native was born in Savannah, lived in Atlanta, and completed high school in Athens. Allyn was an undergrad at Vassar College and completed her master’s at Georgia Tech. Allyn says she loves spending time with her clients, it’s the best part of her job: “I love helping them blossom and discovering their talents and creativity.” Activities in CAL+ are geared towards making clients stay active and vital. “Arts and crafts are my favorite things to do with my clients,” Allyn says. “Knowing how important ACCA is for them and seeing the effects of being here daily, makes my job so rewarding.” Allyn said she knew when she first accepted her job at ACCA, she “would be in a good place no matter what the job, because of the people working here.” She cites her co-workers as the greatest aspect of working at ACCA. But she also loves working at the depot, saying, “it’s so unique and special … a hidden gem.” When she’s not making one of our client’s days even better, Allyn likes to spend her free time cooking for friends, swimming, and spending time in nature. She’s also a health and lifestyle coach. She says she loves spending her time championing people. A secret passion of hers is writing. She has been published in several newspapers and a peerreviewed journal for some of her research. Spring
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The Winterville Center for Community & Culture is Open! Jack Eisenman
The old Winterville High School sat vacant for sixty years. The last graduating class walked through its doors in 1956. As the ravages of time took a toll on the once proud building, the roof began to leak, windows were broken. Mold and mildew covered the walls and no one seemed to care. What a difference in 2016. Through the combined efforts of Winterville citizens and city leaders, a re-birth has taken place. The building is proud once again. Come visit us and see the modern demonstration kitchen with a gas range, two dishwashers, a commercial ice maker, a refrigerator, a freezer and counter space everywhere. Sit with fifty of your friends at round tables in the dining and activity room. Watch a movie or a PowerPoint presentation shown through the ceiling projector. Take an art or a creative writing class in one of the brightly colored classrooms. Come walk the soon-coming hallway art exhibit. Enjoy our new facilities; share in Winterville’s pride. So what is the Winterville Center? We aspire to be a regional enrichment center which serves adults of all ages. Seniors will always be a priority. Daytime senior activities and classes will abound. We’ll take trips, we’ll socialize, we’ll garden, and we’ll eat together. In this sense, we are a classic senior adult center. But there will be evening activities, classes, and a variety of other opportunities for all adults. The Center Lecture Series will feature experts in the cultural, arts and academic disciplines. Are we bragging? Yes, because we have seen the old and the new. It’s a great day to be in Winterville. This article would not be complete without a shout out to the ACCA Staff. Throughout our renovation process, they have unselfishly shared their knowledge, time and expertise. ACCA is our colleague and friend. 18 Connections
Jack Eisenman is the Executive Director for the Winterville Center for Community & Culture. For more information please call 706-742-0823.
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MARCH FOR MEALS Take a Stand for Our Seniors
Photo Courtesy of Meals on Wheels America
Every March, ACCA designates the month as a time to highlight the importance of the Meals on Wheels program. March for Meals is a national campaign sponsored by Meals on Wheels America aimed at building support to enable agencies (like ACCA) to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to America's seniors. This year our focus is on empowering our community to volunteer. Meals on Wheels is driven by our volunteers. Donations and advocacy for the program are incredibly important, but without the support of our volunteers, we couldn't accomplish as much as we do. In fact, ACCA serves over 1500 meals each week to seniors in Clarke and Barrow Counties! That's a huge undertaking made possible by the faithful men and women who show up every day to pack their cars with food and go serve our communities. If you're interested in becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer, talk with us this March. We can schedule a ride-along with one of our veteran volunteers for you to see what it takes to deliver meals to our community. Meal routes take place Monday through Friday starting around 10:30 a.m. Routes take about one to one and half hours. Contact ACCA for more information.
Will You Stand with Us? Of course, volunteering is a commitment, and sometimes that isn't feasible. If you cannot volunteer, you can still make a difference with the Meals on Wheels program. Donations help us continue to serve seniors who need us as well as eliminate waiting lists for our Meals on Wheels service. Please consider donating. Just $20 could help us continue feeding hungry seniors. Here are some upcoming March for Meals events you can participate in:
Get Comfortable
Every Wednesday in March, join ACCA at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. in Downtown Athens. Take a tour of company, taste several of the beers, and paint inspiring messages on canvases for our clients. Read more about the Get Comfortable campaign on page 22.
Champions Week
From March 21st through 25th look for local business leaders, legislators, law enforcement, and community activists speaking out about the importance of Meals on Wheels as they complete ride-alongs with our volunteers. 20 Connections
March for Meals 5K
March for Meals Virtual 5K
Make your steps count! On Saturday, March 26, ACCA will hold the 6th Annual March for Meals 5K. This year the race will begin and end at Creature Comforts Brewing Company in Athens. The race will follow the Twilight race course. Proceeds from registration will benefit the March for Meals campaign. Just one registration can provide an older adult one week of Meals on Wheels Services
You don't have to be in Athens to participate in the March for Meals 5K. Your steps can still count! Register for our virtual race and receive your race t-shirt and bib. You can run your March for Meals race anytime between March 1st and 26th. Don't forget to post the pictures of your finish line using our hashtags so we can see your victory!
#MarchforMeals
#MFMAthens
Register online:
www.accaging.org/2016mfm
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONORS
B&D FABRICATORS, INC. LUKE DOROSHENKO SWEANEY + SWEANEY
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Time to Get Comfortable There’s nothing quite like being comfortable, so there’s hardly any hesitation to follow the orders of Creature Comforts Brewing Company: Get Comfortable. The campaign was created to raise awareness and funds for non-profits that focus on hunger, poverty, and homelessness in Athens. Creature Comforts graciously chose ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program as one of five non-profits to highlight and raise money for over a five-month period. Meals on Wheels will be highlighted in the Get Comfortable campaign during March, perfectly timed to coincide with the March for Meals campaign. 100 percent of Wednesday tour profits will be divided amongst the nonprofits. Guests attending the community tours also have the opportunity to purchase a special tour that includes a specialty ‘Get Comfortable’ glassware and an option to take home a souvenir crowler of the newest limited-run beer created for the cause—Get Comfortable IPA. If you can't make it on Wednesday nights, you can bring in a donation – food or toiletry item – and receive a $2 discount off the tour on other nights, too.
Wednesdays 5 pm - 8 pm 271 W. Hancock Ave Athens, Ga 30601
Several local Athens partners have also stepped up to help raise funds for the campaign including premiere pizza-makers, Your Pie; woodworking company, Sons of Sawdust; bean-to-bar chocolatier, Condor Chocolates; social service experts, Community Connection; and My Athens. So please join us at Creature Comforts from 5pm to 8 pm every Wednesday this March. We will be sharing information about how you can get involved with Meals on Wheels as well as hosting fun activities that help our organization, like painting inspirational messages on canvases for our Meals clients. Learn more at www.getcomfortableathens.com. Photo courtesy of Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
Spring
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CAREGIVERS CORNER
You’re Getting Sleepy
Tips for Caregivers Getting the Sleep They Need Abbie Vogt, MS, CMC The physical and emotional consequences of sleep deprivation can shorten one’s life span by a considerable amount. In addition to lack of sleep, family caregivers are often times overwhelmed by the physical demands of care giving as well as the unending obligations that come with managing someone else’s affairs in addition to your own. All of this can take a serious toll on one’s health even if they have had no previous medical problems. Some of the bodily consequences of sleep deprivation are changes in appetite (including weight gain or weight loss), frequent infections, inability to focus, increased sensitivity to pain, higher risk of depression and addiction to alcohol or prescription drug medications. In addition to the risk of developing some of these disorders, if one continuously goes without adequate sleep, the body’s ability to regulate insulin production and sugar metabolism is impeded and one is more likely to develop diabetes. Sleep deprivation can cause immune imbalances, inflammation and higher level of stress response making one more susceptible to various diseases. Sleep studies suggest that the majority of healthy adults require approximately 7-9 hours of restful sleep per 24 Connections
night. Research shows that sleep stimulates higher rates of ‘trash removal’ in the brain than during waking hours. This reinforces the position that those who sleep well are less likely to develop dementia and other debilitating disorders. It is common to see both the caregiver and the individual being cared for suffering from the effects of sleep deprivation. For caregivers, poor eating habits and continuous stress can place you at risk for fatigue, illnesses and ultimately burnout. For those needing care, sleep habits change and they begin to confuse their days and nights due to effects of dementia or other chronic conditions. In addition, taking multiple medications puts your loved one at risk for negative side effects associated with polypharmacy one of which is disturbed sleep. Pain can also prevent sufficient sleep due to the fact that our bodies produce lower amounts of adrenaline in the evening hours therefore making pain more evident. Quality sleep is as important to the caregiver as it is for their loved one. Caregiver fatigue can manifest in anyone taking an active role in the care of another individual with a chronic condition. Often times sleep becomes a low priority when
other obligations exist, yet sleep is absolutely essential for optimal functioning. Caregiver fatigue can produce feelings of anxiety, anger, irritability and guilt; all of which do not help the situation. Sleep is essential to physical health and emotional well being. Here are a few tips to help you as a caregiver get the rest you need: Consult your doctor. Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, arthritis and other underlying health problems could be contributors to your body’s ability to not get enough sleep. Talk with your doctor about doing a physical examination or participating in a sleep study to find out if there are underlying factors that could be keeping you awake. Your doctor can also evaluate the medications that you are on to see if there is a side effect or synergistic reaction caused by what you’re prescribed. Set a regular sleep schedule. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day and take short naps when needed. Try to synchronize your sleep schedule with your loved ones so that when they nap, you nap. Have something planned during the daytime hours that gets you exposure to sunlight and provides
mild exercise. Train your mind to associate your bed with sleeping by only getting into bed when you are ready to fall asleep. If you can’t sleep, get up and do something relaxing in another room. Avoid bright lights from TV/tablet screens and limit exposure to bright night lights. Be Mindful. Many caregivers don’t recognize their own decline until they reach burn out stage. Set limits as to what you can and will do to manage the care of your loved one. Attend a peer support group to find encouragement from others like you. Give yourself time to relax throughout the day and be mindful of your own wellbeing as you are assisting your loved one with their care. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day and decrease caffeine and sugar intake to let your body rest more easily at night. Although alcohol is a depressant, it is proven to create lighter sleeping so limit intake before going to bed. Use respite care. Whether you hire a caregiver service or choose to use ACCA’s Bentley or Winder centers for Adult Day Health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Often times hiring an outside professional or utilizing community programs are just as beneficial for you as it is for your loved one. If you need more ‘time off ’ ask your loved ones insurance carrier what benefits they have available for overnight respite services. Getting your loved one involved with their peers as well as giving yourself ‘time off ’ can encourage a more fulfilled day for both of you and therefore a better night’s sleep. Delegate tasks to your ACCA Care Manager. A Care Manager/Aging Life Care™ Professional’s role is to guide you through stressful decisions by defining your options and offering advice/recommendations for the next steps to take. Many people choose to use a Care Manager as the single point of contact in coordinating care for their loved one. Whether it’s attending doctor’s appointments, advocating for your loved one’s care or anticipating future needs, your Care Manager can do it all. Ultimately they can provide peace of mind which is essential for a good night’s sleep and your health and wellbeing.
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Family Matters Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Champions Families Paige Powell
When parents are not able to raise their children, we often see a relative who steps in to assume this responsibility. They take on this role to “keep the family together,” rather than having the children grow-up with non-family members in the foster care system. Statistics compiled by the AARP show that, 224,606 children, in Georgia alone, are living with their grandparent(s), and 76,648 living with other relatives, ranking Georgia as the 6th highest in the nation. According to the AARP, and seen through firsthand experience, “grandparents raising grandchildren face unique challenges as they become parents a second time around. Most of them often navigate a dizzying array of legal, financial, and social challenges as they step in to care for their grandchildren.” Regardless of these challenges, many take on the parenting role to ensure the safety of the children. Grandparents and relative caregivers often stretch their budgets when they take on the day-to-day expenses of caring for a grandchild. For these families, a little assistance from ACCA’s programs, especially Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, can go a long way towards helping them raise the children in their care. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren offers services to 26 Connections
families in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Walton counties. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey indicates that there are more than 4,000 grandparents raising their grandchildren in the six counties served by ACCA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program allows relative caregivers the social support services needed while facing new challenges. Support groups, events, and other activities, allowing the caregiver to discuss parenting issues and conflicts, frustrations, to relieve stress, and gain support from fellow peers who understand the challenges and issues faced while raising a child. Tynsia Allen, a grandmother currently enrolled in the GRG program, and who is currently raising three grandchildren, ages two through eleven states, “Through this past year with Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren and all they do, our family has moved from living in ‘survival mode’ waiting for something to change, to a thriving family living life and learning to lean on each other.” The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program offers supportive services, case management, health screenings and counseling, behavior management, transportation services, emergency assistance, parenting education, and support groups for both the caregivers and children. Utilizing the services provided by Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Grandparents and other relative caregivers have resources available to them to relieve stress that is related with the issues faced while raising the children in their care. For more information about the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren or how you can help this important program, visit www. accaging.org or contact 706-5494850. Pictured: Two of Tynsia Allen's grandchildren posing for the camera at the annual GRG Christmas party.
Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!
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assisted living like you've never seen before. It’s a safe place of detailed care where seniors can be social, stay physically and mentally active, and aspire to new goals.
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706-521-0550
2040 Resurgence Drive Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 ThriveAtAthens.com Hello@ThriveAtAthens.com
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Deliver Cheer over 2015 Holidays Meals on Wheels Staff ACCA’s Meals on Wheels Program had a 2015 holiday season worth noting. Many organizations around the community helped us show love and support to the heart and soul of our program, our clients and our volunteers. We want to thank everyone who contributed to this season’s success! We are overwhelmed by the compassion and commitment of our volunteers and partners in the community. Our friends at First Presbyterian Church graciously delivered a total of 237 meals to our clients on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day—giving our regular volunteer team the day off. We sincerely appreciate Mrs. Carla Buss’ efforts coordinating an enthusiastic group of helpers! We look forward to hosting your volunteers each year. The clients also enjoyed the holiday visit. Fred and Joyce Reifstick, of Athens, renewed their holiday tradition of donating gift bags filled with delicious candies for our Meals on Wheels volunteers to enjoy. They were able to secure a few more corporate sponsors to provide even bigger gifts to our volunteers! A very special thank you goes to Manor Holdings, McLane Southeast, and the Reifstick family for providing these thoughtful and tasty treats for our beloved volunteers who dedicate so much time to our program. Have we mentioned how much we love our volunteers? 28 Connections
Meals on Wheels also supplies pet food to our homebound seniors with animals. Members of the YWCO of Athens and Athens Area Humane Society held a food drive over the holidays to help our program replenish the pet food coffers. A local family had their friends and family donate pet food which they in turn donated to our program. Your generosity has brought many smiles to our clients, knowing they will be able to feed their four-legged and feathered companions. The agency capped off our successful 2015 campaign with the 11th annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, a partnership with Home Instead Senior Care, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors and their families. During the holiday season we were able to provide 178 gifts to the clients of our home delivered meals program in Clarke and Barrow counties. Our clients were touched by your kindness. So many have written and called to express their appreciation for donors going above and beyond. To accompany these gifts, boys and girls from 4-H clubs of Georgia created beautiful holiday cards for our senior clients. Thanks to everyone who helps make our program special. Whether as a volunteer or a donor, you make a difference in the lives of our clients. We look forward to another great year! Visit www.accaging.org to donate or to learn how you can volunteer.
Houseguest Program
Caregiver Respite, Preparing Professionals Trippe Ross
Dementia is a group of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which affect memory, thought processes, and the ability to complete everyday tasks. The effects of dementia are not only felt by the individual, but also by the individual’s loved ones charged with their care. The World Health Organization estimates that the total number of people with dementia will rise to 75.6 million by 2030, and thus, the demand for professionals in the field will similarly rise. In the Summer of 2015, ACCA began a partnership with the University of Georgia’s School of Social Work to address this issue in two ways: 1) by providing a structured respite program for families currently experiencing the challenges of dementia while 2) providing future senior services professionals the opportunity to better understand these challenges. This service-learning partnership, called the House Guest Program was developed by Dr. Tiffany Washington, an assistant professor with the School of Social Work. It is a commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals working in aging services. The initial run paired seven sets of caregivers/care recipients with seven teams of students in the Masters of Social Work and/or the Masters of Public Health programs. The two-person teams completed weekly visits with the caregivers and care-recipients to identify activity strategies for successfully engaging the care-recipient as well as identifying activities that would
Because of the respite the Houseguest Program provided, one caregiver was able to take time to herself and work on her garden and water feature. allow the caregiver a break from their caregiving duties to rest or address their own needs. Students worked with care-recipients to help them identify and participate in meaningful activities, like taking a walk or assisting in meal preparation. Meanwhile, the caregiver used the structured time to accomplish their self-identified respite goals such as rest/relaxation, or non-caregiving related duties. Feedback from the pilot program was overwhelmingly positive, and participants found the reliable structure to be an instant relief. “Just the fact I knew they were coming for two hours on Monday helped me to be free, free. It was a stress reliever,” commented one caregiver. Many caregivers do not have access to additional support, leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. The Houseguest Program helps caregivers understand that there are resources available to assist them, as well as provide a fresh perspective
for planning for their loved ones’ care. The Houseguest Program has provided invaluable experience to the students involved too, by putting skills developed in the classroom to practice. One participant noted, “The opportunity to build rapport with a family in my community and to better understand their perceived strengths and struggles has been an invaluable experience for me. I will be a better future social worker because of the program.” ACCA is excited to partner with the School of Social Work again this semester as we offer the Houseguest Program to 9 families. We hope to continue this program as we work to decrease caregiver burden, and develop future leaders in aging services. For more information on the Houseguest Program, or other caregiving resources, contact Cheryl Dean, Director of Nursing, at 706549-7301. Spring 29
CAL+
When you hear the words “senior center”, what comes to mind? For many people, the term often conjures images of the elderly playing bingo and biding their time. Here at the Center for Active Living, we see aging as an opportunity for learning and growth, fellowship and fun. In short, this is not your granny’s senior center. Members of the Center can choose between two programs, CAL and CAL PLUS, depending on the individual’s level of interest and need. For on-the-go seniors, the CAL program offers a yearly membership, much like joining a gym, where members choose a la carte from a variety of classes like yoga and classical music appreciation, to events and trips. CAL+, on the other hand, operates like a traditional senior center, providing members with transportation, health and recreational activities from 10am30 Connections
Focus on Wellness:
A Fresh Twist on the Senior Center Allyn Rippin
1pm daily, monthly outings, plus a nutritious lunch…but CAL+ is anything but traditional. While bingo and arts & crafts are staples on the menu, our focus is creating a place of wellness that keeps our members independent, active and engaged. It’s this emphasis on the word active that our members love most. “The Center keeps me moving and involved and interacting with others and the community,” says CAL+ member David Coleman. At CAL+, we create programming that considers the whole person and all of the elements that contribute to overall vitality and longevity. This includes nutrition and exercise but also creative projects that spark the inner artist, group activities (such as our new men’s group and walking club) that promote socialization, games that stretch the mind, chair yoga to keep the body agile, food demos, even a monthly armchair travel series that brings the world to our doorstep. At CAL+, you’ll often
hear laughter and music drifting down the hall. Our success is due, in large part, to our partnerships with the Athens community. We regularly invite UGA students and faculty as well as local physicians, health and wellness professionals, artists, and other experts to lead presentations, health screenings and hands-on activities. As an agency, we also help connect members with the resources they need to stay healthy, including trips to the grocery store and doctor appointments as well as on-site physical rehab and fitness equipment. If you’re not familiar with The Center for Active Living and our programs, stop by for a visit. We are one of Athens’ (sometimes hidden) gems and an invaluable senior resource transforming how we define aging in America.
The Center for Active Living (CAL) is a multi-purpose center dedicated to offering a variety of opportunities for older adults to stay active while they age in Athens and surrounding areas. CAL provides learning opportunities to engage older adults (50+) by offering unique social, cultural, educational, and wellness-related classes and activities. Membership for Clarke County residents is $45 per year. These programs are designed for you and we want to see you here.
CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | trips and off site adventures CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing fitness and wellness classes CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing social programs CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | support groups and meetings
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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events Class times subject to change or cancel, please check www.accaging.org or call 706-549-4850 for updates.
AARP Smart Driver Learn how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. You will also learn the following: How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots, the safest ways to change lanes, make turns at busy intersections, new technologies used in cars, and more important topics. Space is limited, call the Center for Active Living at 706-549-4850 to reserve your spot! Where: ACCA Hudson Room When: Thursday and Friday, March 10th and March 11th, Friday, April 15th Time: 9:45am-12:45pm on March 10th, 8:45am-12pm on March 11th and 9am-4pm on April 15th Cost: $15 AARP members, $20 nonAARP members Posture Assessment Screening The way you sit and stand on a daily basis influences the overall function of your body. Incorrect body posture can increase chances of pain and other issues in muscles, discs and joints. The Exercise Specialist from St. Mary’s will check for incorrect posture and will provide recommendations for improvement. If you are interested, please call the CAL office to reserve a spot at 706549-4850. Where: ACCA Round Room When: Friday, March 11th Time: 11am Cost: Free for CAL Members A Matter of Balance Presented by the Area Agency on 32 Connections
Aging, A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based, eight-week fall prevention program that helps participants view falls and fear of falling as controllable to increase self-confidence and reduce fall risk factors. To register please stop by or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Fridays, March 11th-April 29th Time: 1pm-2pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Lunch with a Therapist: Knee Needs Knee problems are a common issue that many of us deal with. In this edition of Lunch with a Therapist, occupational therapist, Amanda Wagner, MSOT, from Genesis Rehab Services located at the ACCA Adult Day Health Center, will discuss tips on dealing with knee problems, pain and function. Lunch is included in the cost. Please call 706-549-4850 or stop by the CAL office to reserve a spot by Friday, March 11th. Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room When: Wednesday, March 16th Time: 11am Cost: $10 Safety Tips with a Police Officer In addition to keeping us safe in emergencies, police officers have a wealth of knowledge in regards to the prevention of danger. It’s not every day that we get to talk to police officers in a casual setting. Officer Jerry Johnson, from crime prevention at the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, will share important safety tips with the Center for Active Living. Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room
When: Wednesday, March 23rd Time: 10:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members March for Meals 5K Join us for our 6th annual March for Meals walk/run in support of Meals on Wheels at ACCA! All proceeds of the race go to ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides more than 300 healthy meals to homebound adults and seniors each day. If you have any questions about participating in the race or would like to volunteer, contact Carole Black at classicraceservices@gmail. com, or (706) 680-7223. Where: Start/Finish at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. When: Saturday, March 26th Time: 8:00am Cost: Begins at $25 How to Prevent a Broken Heart According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. How we treat our bodies greatly influences our overall health, especially our heart health. Some do not realize this until it is too late. The UGA Extension will present, the third installment of our heart health series is “How to respond if you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack”. Your knowledge can make a great difference in another person’s life. Where: ACCA Glass Room When: Wednesday, March 30th Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members Food Talk This six-week course focuses on cutting food costs while still providing healthy meals and snacks.
CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events
We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.
The UGA Cooperative Extension Office staff will cover: Taking the stress out of mealtime, shopping tips to save money, knowing what to look for on food labels, using herbs and spices to cut down on salt, keeping food safe, choosing healthier fast foods, and much more! During each session, there will be a cooking demo and tasting. At the end of the program participants will receive a certificate from the University of Georgia’s Supplemental Nutrition Education Program. Please RSVP to Nikaela at 706-549-4850 to reserve your seat today! Where: ACCA Hudson Room When: Wednesdays beginning April 6th- May 11th Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: Free Medication Screening Taking several medications a day is pretty standard in today’s society. Drug interactions may not always be considered. If you would like for a pharmacist to review your complete list of medications or if you would like to be better informed about your medications, please come out for this screening given by Hodgson’s Pharmacy. For more information or to reserve a spot, please call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Where: ACCA Round Room When: Wednesday, April 7th Time: 11:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members Urologist Talk Incontinence and other problems with the urinary tract may not be the most desirable subject matters to discuss but they are a part of life. Athens area urology specialist Dr.
Matthew Steele will stop by ACCA to share pertinent information concerning the urinary tract as well as to answer any questions you may have. Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesday, April 20th Time: 11:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members Alzheimer’s Association Educational Series The Alzheimer’s Association series will take place on the third Thursday of each month starting in April featuring a different topic in each session. No matter if you have direct connection with Alzheimer’s disease, this seminar can be beneficial. Rates of the disease are increasing by the year and will only continue to rise as more people live longer. It never hurts to be informed. The first session in April will focus on “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.” May session will be on “Effective Communication Strategies” and in June, “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors”. For more information or to RSVP, please call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room When: Thursday, April 21st, May 19th, June 16th Time: 10:30am-11:30am Cost: Free Older Americans Month Lecture Series The month of May is nationally recognized as Older American’s Month. The theme for 2016 is “Blaze a Trail”. In recognition of this month, we will host a lecture series that will
feature a variety of speakers from the fields of aging, medicine and public health to speak on various topics related to aging, wellness and leisure. Speakers, dates and times will be announced in April. For further information contact the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Where: ACCA Glass Room and Hudson Conference Room When: TBA Time: TBA Cost: Free for CAL Members Cinco de Mayo Celebration Join us as we recognize Cinco de Mayo, the popular Mexican celebration, at the Center for Active Living. Learn about the true history of the holiday then stick around for a salsa dance lesson. We will wrap up the celebration with a little socializing over light refreshments. Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room & Harris Room When: Thursday, May 5th Time: 10:00am-12:00pm Cost: Free retroProm 2016 Prom season is approaching. Ever wish you could relive those days? You can! For one special night, join us for the second annual senior prom. Pull out those pretty dresses and fancy suits. Put on your dancing shoes. Invite your friends. Get ready for pictures. See who will be crowned King and Queen. Where: Georgia Theatre When: Saturday, May 21st Time: 8:00 pm Cost: $30
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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | trips and off-site adventures We’re looking for suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a trip.
CAL Members: To ensure we are able to offer and provide you the most enjoyable experience possible, pre-registration and payment for trips will be required prior to the deadline noted with each trip. We strive to purchase tickets in advance and avoid wait time for on-site ticket purchase. A full refund will be available until the deadline stated for each trip. For non-CAL Members, an additional $10.00 is added to the cost of the trip. Atlanta International Auto Show Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, this annual showcase features over 400 new 2016 domestic and import automobiles. See cars, trucks, and vans from all the major car manufacturers. Representatives from each line will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. There is even an opportunity to test drive some of the cars! A variety of concessions will be available in the Congress Center. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Please RSVP by Friday, March 4th. Where: Depart from ACCA When: Thursday, March 10th Time: 10:00am-4:00pm Cost: $45 DeKalb Farmer’s Market Open since 1977, the DeKalb Farmer’s Market was voted as the best place to buy organic as well as the best specialty market in Atlanta. Complete with a bakery, coffee shop, deli, floral department, pastry shop and more, this world market offers a wide array of fresh produce and local as well as international foods and spices. We will pay the market a visit to shop for groceries. We will have lunch at the market’s very own restaurant. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Please RSVP by Friday, March 18th. Where: Depart from ACCA When: Thursday, March 31st Time: 9:30am-2:30pm Cost: $25 34 Connections
UGArden Tour Have you ever wondered where the produce sold at the ACCA produce stand comes from? Aside from the veggies grown in the ACCA garden, the majority of the produce comes from UGArden. This studentrun 4-acre farm is located near UGA’s main campus and is replete with vegetables, fruits, shiitake mushrooms and herbs. Following the tour we will have lunch at the Earth Fare Grocery and Cafe. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Please RSVP by Monday, April 11th.
visiting the Breman Museum. The William Breman Museum “celebrates and commemorates the Jewish experience and the universal themes of diversity and human dignity”. It features the permanent exhibit Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933-1945 as well as a variety of traveling and rotating exhibits. After the museum, we will have lunch at Fresh to Order located a few minutes down the street. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Please RSVP by Friday, May 6th.
Where: Depart from ACCA When: Thursday, April 14th Time: 10:30am-2:00pm Cost: $10
Where: Depart from ACCA When: Thursday, May 12th Time: 9am-4pm Cost: $45
Medieval Times Knights, horses, swords, falcons and a four course meal fit for royalty. If these words appeal to you, this is the outing for you! Join us as we take a trip to the past to witness this entertaining and educational show and epic battle set within the walls of an 11th century castle as we dine with the King and his Noble court at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. RSVP and payments are due by Friday, April 15th.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens: Gainesville Just established last year, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens' Gainesville location is a 5-acre spread complete with a visitor’s center, outdoor gardens, a model train garden, an amphitheater and walking trails. It also contains one of the largest and most diverse woodland gardens in the country. Come enjoy the blooming flowers as we approach the summer. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip but we will eat wherever the group decides to go in the area. Please RSVP by Friday, May 20th.
Where: Depart from ACCA When: Friday, April 29th Time: 9:30am-2pm Cost: $60 The Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum Join CAL as we recognize Jewish American Heritage Month by
Where: Depart from ACCA When: Wednesday, May 25th Time: 10am-2pm Cost: $35
CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing fitness and wellness classes We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.
Yoga Come find your inner peace and tranquility through a number of gentle yoga classes we offer here at ACCA! These classes will stretch and empower your mind, body and muscles. The instructor’s welcome new participants and will gladly give modifications you can do if the move is more advanced than you feel comfortable completing. Please bring your own mat and a blanket for the relaxation portion of the class. CAL will provide a mat for those that want to try a class for the first time or simply just left their mat at home! Cost: Free for CAL Members Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays w/Eleanor Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm When: Tuesdays w/Chad Time: 2:45pm-4:15pm When: Wednesdays w/Edna Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm When: Fridays w/Anna Time: 10:00am-11:30am Free Style Dance Groove to the music! This energetic class takes various different dance techniques and combines them into fun and easy-to-follow routines. The music ranges from Oldies but Goodies to today’s Latest Hits. Burn calories and re-energize your day in one fun filled class. This class is designed to be enjoyed standing or from a seated position to best fit each participant. Jean, the instructor, does a wonderful job moving flawlessly between standing and sitting to keep everyone moving and engaged. Beginners are
welcome! Where: ACCA Harris Room w/ Jean When: Tuesdays Time: 11:00am-11:45am Cost: $2/class Line Dancing This is one of our most well attended classes here at the Center for Active Living. The class uses an eclectic mix of music to keep the class moving from beginning to end. Kathy, our dedicated instructor, will walk you step by step through the dances and there are tenured volunteers that will help keep you on track. Grab your dancing shoes and drop in for this excellent opportunity to exercise while having fun. Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members
Fortunately, the good news about balance is that it can be taught and improved at any age. Using low impact, easy-to-learn movements from Tai Chi and yoga, this course will focus on the systems that interact and coordinate our sense of balance with a special emphasis on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. In addition to practicing a variety of activities, participants will learn how to incorporate these balance activities into their daily routine in an enjoyable and efficient manner. Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays w/Michelle *start date: Monday, March 28th* Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members
On the Move with Kevin This class is a chair oriented class that includes: Aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises. It is especially Smart Moves with Becky beneficial for those living with This all around fun class, mixes the chronic conditions who require use of elastic bands, free weights, a low impact exercise program. medicine balls to work your entire Kevin has many years of experience body. Similar to Silver Sneakers, it working with chronic conditions focuses on improved overall balance, and makes individual adjustments flexibility, and strength while to the routine to better serve each listening to music. Smart Moves participant. This class is suitable for is a low impact class that can be all fitness levels. performed seated or standing and is appropriate for all fitness levels. Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Thursdays Where: ACCA Harris Room Time: 10:00am-11:00am When: Mondays Cost: $5/class Time: 9:00am-10:00am When: Thursdays YWCO Water Exercise Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Water exercise provides general Cost: Free for CAL Members conditioning, flexibility, and cardiovascular workout done in the Balance Enhancement Activities pool. Excellent for all ages. Present Balance is critical to maintaining your CAL membership key card a healthy, independent life style. at the front desk of the YWCO to Spring
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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing fitness and wellness classes We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.
get the NEW discounted CAL rate below. Where: YWCO Pool When: Mon., Wed., Fri. Time: 9:00am and 11:00am Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card Where: YWCO Pool When: Monday and Wednesday Time: 7:00pm Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card YWCO Arthritis Water Exercise An Arthritis Foundation Certified program for individuals with arthritis. Increases range of motion and develops strength in a warm relaxing environment. Doctor's permission is required. Present your CAL membership key card at the front desk of the YWCO to get the discounted rate below. Where: YWCO Pool When: Monday thru Friday Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card SilverSplash® SilverSplash is a universal, trademarked total body aqua conditioning class in a pool. SilverSplash focuses on increasing agility, range of movement and cardiovascular conditioning. Participants use the SilverSneakers kickboards to develop strength, balance and coordination in a safe, fun, and effective way. No swimming ability is required. Where: YWCO Pool When: Fridays Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card 36 Connections
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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing social programs
We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.
Mahjongg Join us to play Mahjongg, a Chinese Tile Game that is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Similar to the Western card game rummy, mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and involves a degree of change. Some knowledge of the game and reservations are required. The game is played in tables of four, however, the group is always looking for substitutes.
reservation needed.
Where: ACCA Bentley Conference Room When: Mondays Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Contact for Reservation or Information: Sharon at 706-543-8524
Where: ACCA Bentley Conference Room When: Wednesdays Time: 12:30pm-3:30pm Cost: Yearly membership fee of $20 for CAL Members Contact for more information: Nicki at 706-850-6615
Intermediate Bridge Join us in an informal setting to play bridge and socialize with others that share common interest. No reservation needed. Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Tuesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Advanced Bridge This advanced bridge group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. The group requires reservations; please call Mary at 706-549-3160 to reserve your spot today! Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Grand Slammers Bridge Group This advanced bridge group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. No
Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Newcomers Card Group Join other CAL members to play the Hand and Foot card game on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday and play Mexican Train on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday!
Belle Hill Singers Join fellow members to sing traditional church music in a group setting and inspire individuals through the power of song. Performances take place every Tuesday and Thursday at different community centers, nursing homes, assisted living, senior centers, and adult health centers. Transportation is provided but is optional. New members are welcome regardless of singing ability. Call the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for more information or for current performance schedule. Where: Meet at ACCA at 9:45am When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 10:00am-11:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members UGArden Produce Stand The UGArden is a four-acre, student run garden on the University of Georgia’s property and host a
Produce Stand here at the Athens Community Council on Aging and runs every Tuesday from 11am-2pm during the months of April-November. Fresh, organically grown vegetables are sold at below retail price and we offer them at half the cost for older adults at or below the poverty line, as well as those using SNAP benefits. We accept cash, check and credit/debit cards. Profits from the produce stand support efforts to eliminate senior hunger in Athens, Georgia. Where: Under the Pavilion at ACCA When: Tuesdays Time: 11:00am-2:00pm Cost: Prices Vary Spanish Conversation Group Do you speak some Spanish but don’t have much of an opportunity to use it in your daily life? Join fellow CAL members for weekly practice to brush up on your Spanish skills. Where: ACCA Round Room When: Mondays Time: 10:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members Computer Assistance For one hour a week, there will be an IT specialist on site to provide assistance for those who would like some help with specific tasks or would just like to learn more about computers. Bring your questions and something to write with as you advance your computer skills. Where: ACCA Computer Lab When: Wednesdays Time: 12:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Spring
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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | support groups and meetings Caregiver Support Group- Athens Area For any caregiver or any caregivers caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias to fellowship with other caregivers, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals. Where: ACCA Bentley ADH Center When: 3rd Tuesday each month Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: FREE
Alzheimer’s Support GroupWinder Area For caregivers or anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias to fellowship with other caregivers, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals. Where: Winder Adult Day Care When: Last Friday of each month Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: FREE
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren A support group provided for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Group topics vary in discussion from month to month and occasionally include informational materials and guest speakers. For specific dates and times, please contact Paige Powell at 706-549-4850. Where: ACCA’s Hudson Conference Room in Athens and Rivers of Mercy in Monroe When: TBD Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm Cost: FREE
A resource of business professionals providing services in the Senior Community. Serving Athens-Clarke, Oconee, and surrounding counties. Companies in our network represent the following categories: Assisted Living / Independent Living Financial Services • Home Accessibility Home Healthcare • Hospice • Hospitals Medical • Medical Equipment • Medication Services and Resources • Transportation and Much More...
www.athenssrn.com 38 Connections
DID YOU KNOW? 10%
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THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS
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A 30-40%
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• HEARING EVALUATION • EAR EXAM TO CHECK FOR WAX BUILDUP • CLEAN & CHECK
Early intervention with hearing aids has valuable benefits! Call: (706) 395-0997
Two Convenient Locations 700 Sunset Drive, Suite 103 Athens, GA 30606 259 North Broad Street Winder, GA 30680 John R. Simpson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Christy Berryman, Oto Tech
johnsimpsonmd.com | ((706) 395-0997
(706) 395-0997 Spring
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