Connections Summer 2016 by ACCAging

connections SUMMER 2016

Volume 40, Issue 3

ACCA GARDEN IN FULL BLOOM A publication of the

Also inside…. Legislative Update Athens Farmer’s Market and ACCA Partner for Fresh Food Bus Refined Singles Unwind Social Club

Transit Transit Transit forfor for Everyone! Everyone! Everyone! Athens Athens Athens Transit Transit Transit is is now isnow now serving serving serving the the the Athens Athens Athens area area area 6:00 6:00 6:00 AM AM AM toto 9:45 to9:45 9:45 PM PM PM 7 days 77days days a week. aaweek. week. 65+ 65+ 65+ Bus Bus Bus Fare: Fare: Fare: $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 ForFor For additional additional additional information: information: information: 706-613-3430 706-613-3430 706-613-3430 www.athensclarkecounty.com/transit www.athensclarkecounty.com/transit www.athensclarkecounty.com/transit

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SUMMER on the cover

2016 Through a grant from the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger ACCA’s Center for Active Living participants are getting a hands-on education in food systems.

table of contents 6

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

MEET OUR PEOPLE

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

AROUND THE BEND

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

CAREGIVER’S CORNER

BEYOND THE ARCH: REFINED SINGLES UNWIND

AT THE STATION: VISITING ARTIST SERIES

CAL CATALOG

ON THE SCENE: MARCH FOR MEALS

features 8

THE ACCA GARDEN IN FULL BLOOM

13 RESIDENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS 21 RETURNING TO THE CLASSROOM 22 FRESH FOOD BUS summer 2016 3

LETTER

from the CEO

OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZED Older Americans Act Reauthorized On April 19, 2016, President Obama signed a bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). Nearly five years after it expired, the reauthorization of the OAA is a huge success for advocates as this legislation allows older adults to remain at home and in the community. The Older Americans Act funds critical services that keep older adults healthy and independent. Many of these services are provided locally by the ACCA and include: • Meals on Wheels • Center for Active Living • Transportation • Caregiver support through our Adult Day Health programs • Job training through the Senior Community Service Employment program • Benefits counseling and enrollment through the GeorgiaCares program • Advocacy for long term care residents through the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Several important features of the final bill include: • A 6% increase in funding levels over the next three years • Greater inclusion of local fresh fruits and vegetables • Improved training on elder abuse prevention and screening Please join ACCA in thanking our federal legislators for their support of this important legislation. Looking ahead, we will continue to advocate for programs and funding support at levels that match the needs of a rapidly growing older adult population. As we move into the summer months at ACCA, our campus is alive with blooming flowers, aromatic herbs growing in the courtyard, and bountiful vegetables ripening in our community garden. I welcome each of you to visit our weekly produce stand or to simply stop in to say hello. As always, we are thankful for the support of so many in our wonderful community! Best wishes for a fantastic summer! 4 connections

Eve Anthony

CEO/President (Interim) Eve Anthony Connections Editor Eve Anthony Erin Beasley Heather Sweaney 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 ÂŠ 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.

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Legislative Update Older Americans Act is Reauthorized

The Older Americans Act funds critical services that keep older adults healthy and independent. Many of these services are provided by ACCA and include Meals on Wheels, job training through the Senior Community Service Employment Program, the Center for Active Living, caregiver support through our Adult Day Health Programs, transportation, health promotion, benefits enrollment, and more. Nearly five years after it expired, legislation to reauthorize the Act was passed with unanimous, bipartisan support. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on April 19, 2016.

Almost 7 Million New Funding Approved for Aging Services in Georgia

$2.05 million was added for home and community-based services. This includes several of ACCA’s programs including Meals on Wheels, Center for Active Living and the Adult Day Health Programs. $500,000 was funded specifically for Meals on Wheels programs in Georgia. In addition, almost $5 million was allocated for in-home services and $2.3 million was allocated to the Community Care Support Program that funds services which keep people out of nursing homes. $1 million was funded to transition people from nursing homes back to the community and $1.02 million was added for additional adult protective service workers who work to keep older adults safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

House Bill 1037

HB 1037 expands the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) registry to nursing assistants providing services in private homes. This registry allows Georgians to file complaints against CNA’s. Up to now, it only applied to those working in nursing homes, personal care homes or assisted livings. According to the Georgia Council on Aging, there are currently 1,350 “adverse findings of abuse” listed on the registry against certified nursing assistants. They include complaints of physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Federal regulations require each state to maintain a registry of nursing assistants. In Georgia, there are 73,000 active CNAs and 210,000 inactive CNAs on the registry.

Ask Your Representative to Cosponsor the Deliver Act

The current charitable mileage rate of 14 cents per mile, which has remained unchanged for nearly two decades, does not begin to cover the driving expenses incurred by volunteers. In contrast, the standard business rate is currently 54 cents per mile. H.R. 4942, the DELIVER Act – Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursements – if enacted, would increase the charitable mileage deduction for the delivery of meals to the elderly, disabled, frail and at-risk individuals you serve. Encourage your Representative to cosponsor this important legislation today. For more information about any of these issues, please contact Eve Anthony at 706-549-4850. 6 connections

Do you take blood sugar lowering medications? The Kinesiology Department at the University of Georgia is conducting a research study to learn more about how blood sugar lowering medications affect health. We are seeking men and women between the ages of 18-75 who are currently taking blood sugar lowering medications*, but not on insulin. This study will involve completion of 2 parts over the course of 1-2 weeks. Participants will wear a glucose monitor for 4 days. Participants will be provided with 7 prepared meals during this time. Participants will walk on a treadmill for one short session and one long session. Information gathered from this study may be used to improve future medical treatment. If you participate, you will be provided information about your body composition and health, and also receive a financial incentive. Please contact Melissa Erickson with further questions through e-mail: melissa9@uga.edu (best contact method) or phone 706-829-2560. *Qualifying drug classes include: biguanides, sulfonylureas, α-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones (TZD), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4-I), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, bile acid sequestrants, dopamine receptor agonists, sodiumglucose cotransporter 2-inhibitors (SGLT2)

“St. Mary’s saved my life.” Val Valencic dropped a plate. No big deal. But when he couldn’t form words to tell his wife that something was wrong, Bev knew he was having a stroke. She called 911. St. Mary’s stroke team worked fast to reopen a blocked artery in his brain. Within days he was back to doing the things he loves: working in his yard, building model airplanes and playing golf with friends.

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— Bev Valencic

Is it a stroke? Think FAST – Face drooping? Arm weakness? Speech difficulty? Time to call 911! Ask for St. Mary’s: Northeast Georgia’s first advanced primary stroke center.

See a video of Val’s story at stmarysathens.org

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summer 2016 7

The ACCA Allyn Rippin

Garden In Full Bloom

Tucked quietly behind the ACCA’s Bentley Center is one of the agency’s best-kept secrets: its vegetable garden. Visit on any given day and you’ll find dedicated volunteers tending to a cornucopia of leafy greens, tomato plants and herbs. You’re also likely to find CAL members on a morning walk, debating which are collards or mustards, recalling family recipes or sharing gardening lore. In the corner of the yard, a compost heap brews with decomposing vegetable matter earmarked for the raised beds. As the plantings of spring come into full bloom this summer, the garden has become something of a showpiece at the Center, not to mention a centerpiece for many of its educational programs. Last November, ACCA was awarded a prestigious grant from the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH) to participate in their innovative What a Waste (WAW) initiative. The program is helping to reduce food waste at the center while ensuring our seniors get the nutrition they need. In April, the garden hosted an official planting

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season kickoff with Heather Cosson, Director of Communications for NFESH, leading members in a hands-on demonstration. Cosson invited CAL+ seniors to roll up their sleeves and help plant seeds while discussing the benefits of composting and eating fresh, seasonal and local produce. The WAW grant is now past the halfway mark and ACCA continues to streamline its food service operation based on data collected by NFESH. Meanwhile, CAL+ members have become active stakeholders in the lifecycle of their food. “Through the What A Waste project, made possible with funding from the Walmart Foundation, the seniors at the Center for Active Living are separating their leftover food, sending it to be composted and using that composted soil to complete the food cycle and grow new, healthful produce,” said Cosson. “The garden engages Athens’ seniors in a healthy physical activity while providing a new source of fresh vegetables for seniors in need.”

to look at their personal impacts as well as reflect on earlier times when food waste and production were not issues. I’ve been amazed to hear their nostalgic stories of how they dealt with food waste in the past. Rather than throw food away, they actively shared produce from their gardens with neighbors or fed leftover waste to their animals.” The garden is not only a living classroom for new knowledge, it is eliciting generations of wisdom for younger generations. “We have a lot to learn from our seniors,” adds Tweedy.

The program has been so successful that it has inspired a new continuing education program for CAL+ members called HealthyU. Based on the core principles of WAW, the 6-month curriculum follows the “Journey of the Zucchini” from seed to plate to soil. The goal is to empower seniors with the information, skills and confidence they need to achieve a healthy diet and lifestyle while reducing food waste in the home. The tagline “Eat well. Live well.” (a play on “Live well. Age Well.”) recognizes that the foundation of good health starts with what’s on your plate. Each month’s calendar features field trips, presentations and activities focused around a theme. These themes are intended to make healthy eating more accessible, affordable, appropriate and appealing to seniors. Local wellness professionals are invited to share their expertise on a variety of related topics, including food handling and safety, cooking meals based on dietary restrictions, and how to make groceries and food dollars stretch. Participants in the program receive a “Passport to Health” in which they can receive stamps and credit for activities attended. Students also receive a notebook to fill with handouts, recipes and ideas — it’s a fun, motivational approach that is generating lots of interest, not to mention some friendly competition. Composting is, of course, a big part of the curriculum. Christy Tweedy, Senior AmeriCorps VISTA, talks with CAL+ members regularly about the benefits of composting and how to live a lowwaste lifestyle. “The seniors have really stepped up

Experiential learning is one of the hallmarks of the What a Waste and HealthyU curriculum. For instance, when Tweedy wants to demonstrate a concept, she can simply invite seniors out back to the compost heap. She has even set up a resident worm bin indoors so that participants can feed vegetable scraps (of zucchini, no less) to the worms and watch the process unfold. UGA intern, Aiden Holley, who leads the CAL+ Gardening Club every Tuesday, uses the smaller herb garden just outside the Center’s doors for lessons in planting as well as daily maintenance. Basil, oregano and mint from the container garden have been known to make their way into a few food demonstrations and onto plates during lunch. The garden is nurturing good stewardship, too. HealthyU participants can earn points by assisting Christy at the ACCA Produce Stand every Tuesday from 11-2. Bundles of kale, collards, turnips and other garden spoils from UGArden and the agency veggie patch are available at discount to the public and CAL members. CAL+ seniors can also help bag groceries for Takeout Tuesday and the Mobile Food Pantry -- two of ACCA’s senior hunger initiatives. In the end, what’s on our plate comes from our soil. A garden nourishes not only the seeds but those who tend to them. “The garden gives everyone a chance to reconnect to the earth,” says ACCA’s Master Gardener BJ Revill. “Our volunteers and members get a chance to learn, share their experiences, enjoy the sun, be outdoors getting great exercise but also give back to the community.” summer 2016 9

MEET OUR PEOPLE MORGAN O’KELLEY Meals on Wheels

DEXTER FISHER Board of Directors Dexter Fisher became involved with ACCA several years ago when his late wife, Vivian Fisher, served on our Board of Directors. Through ACCA’s many events and activities Dexter says, “I got a chance to see first-hand all of the wonderful things that ACCA provides for this community.” Dexter cites the commitment of ACCA staff, and the variety of programming offered as two things that motivated him to join the Board. “I feel that Athens needs an agency like ACCA to make sure that our older population has all of the resources that they need to have a great quality of life in this community. I hope that I can provide ideals that will move the ACCA forward and that ACCA will continue to be an agency that is one of the best in the country.” Originally from Greenwood, South Carolina, Dexter moved to Athens for graduate school 30 years ago and never left. Dexter states, “I love living in Athens and would not want to live anywhere else. Athens will be where I will retire.” For the past 28 years, he has worked at the University of Georgia as the Director of Facilities and Human Resources. Dexter is married with three children and one granddaughter. 10 connections

Morgan joined ACCA in November of 2014. “I was job hunting with an eye towards finding a job with community interaction. I was familiar with all of the great programs and initiatives ACCA had to offer and wanted to be part of it.” An Athens resident for the past 8 years, Morgan says, “I’m excited to be a part of an agency that is recognized throughout our town for providing support to and advocating for older adults. It’s cool to be kind.” You may be surprised to learn that Morgan is the team captain of the Classic City Rollergirls, and has been skating in the league since 2011. On the track, she’s a fierce competitor going by the name “Louis Strongarm”. Morgan says that her favorite part of working at ACCA is the daily interaction with volunteers and clients. “Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the program. They volunteer their time week after week to provide a meal and a moment with our clients. I’m thankful for each of them and have enjoyed getting to know everyone over the last year and a half. They are truly extraordinary.”

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT By Nikaela Frederick, CAL Program Manager

ANGELA IRVIN has been a volunteer at ACCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center for Active

Living since 2012. She is the epitome of what it means to be a dedicated volunteer, arriving bright and early each morning to make coffee for the older adults who visit the center each day. On an average day, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find Angela doing anything from serving meals to cleaning bathrooms. Angela greets everyone with a smile and genuine care. Everyone loves her and the staff appreciate her. Angela Irvin is a selfless, humble and joyful volunteer and ACCA is beyond fortunate to have her on board.

summer 2016 11

AROUND THE BEND Learn How To Ride The Bus

Are you interested in taking advantage of the public transportation system but aren’t quite sure how it all works? Well here is your chance to learn! ACCA and Athens Transit invites you to join us as we learn how to “Ride the Bus” and come along on a guided field trip to see firsthand just how easy it is! On Friday, June 10th, ACCA will welcome Athens Transit as they teach us how to navigate our Athens public transportation system. This educational seminar will be followed by a field trip and is designed for all ages and for those with or without a means of transportation. So, whether you need a ride to the grocery store or doctor appointments, or you simply just want to keep your car parked as you run errands around town, this two-part event is for you. What will the Ride the Bus program teach us? • All about the Athens Transit transportation system • How to read and understand route schedules • Hours of operation and operational area • How to correctly use the farebox • How to use Park and Ride • How to transfer busses at the Multi-Modal Transit Center • What Athens Transit does to ensure rider safety • New Bus Tracker Technology using your smartphone or computer • How to Bike and Ride • How The Lift can best serve persons with disabilities • How to sign up for the Half Price Fare program A Few Fun Facts: In the last 5 years, public transit has increased faster than any other mode of transportation. Every $1 invested generates $4 in economic returns. Investments in public transit produces 4-16% gains in revenue at the state/local level due to increases in income and employment. According to the American Automobile Association, the annual cost of operating a car is $9,122.00 as opposed to the annual cost of a daily bus rider at $800.00. 12 connections

If 1 in 5 Americans used public transit daily, carbon monoxide pollution would decrease by more than all emissions coming from chemical processing plants in the US.

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RESIDENT’S BILL of RIGHTS: A resident has certain basic rights in a Personal Care Home. These rights include expectations of certain things from the Home Provider and the freedom to make basic decisions. Residents have the following rights: • To be informed of your rights as a resident. The Home Provider should give you a copy of the admission agreement which lists fees, services, and includes the responsibilities of the Home Provider and residents. • To be treated with respect and dignity. • To leave and enter the Personal Care Home as you wish. • To have privacy in your room and a place to store your belongings. • To have reasonable access to telephones and to make and receive phone calls. • To visit and talk privately with people of your choice. • To participate in community activities as desired: (going to Senior Centers, shopping, voting, etc.) • To get up and go to bed as you wish. • To receive and send unopened mail. • To refuse medication and/or treatment. • To receive 30 day written notice prior to discharge (with certain exceptions) and 60 days written notice prior to change in fees or closure of facility. • To voice complaints with freedom from reprisal, revenge, threats, or interference. • To manage your own personal financial affairs. • To be free from mental or physical abuse, humiliation, physical restraints, and withholding of monetary allowances. • Not to work for the Home Provider unless you choose to do so of your own free will. If you know of a resident in a Personal Care Home whose rights are being violated, call the Ombudsman program. For more information about resident’s rights or the Ombudsman program, feel free to call us at 706-549-4850.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE Volunteer Opportunities l Meals on Wheels Drivers and Substitute Drivers needed to deliver lunchtime meals, Monday through Friday. l Community Garden Volunteers to help on designated work days throughout the season. l Take-Out Tuesday Volunteers needed to deliver food on the last Tuesday of each month, late afternoons. l Bentley Adult Day Health Center needs volunteers to spend time with our clients throughout the day to keep them engaged in activities. We are also always looking for hair stylists, manicurist/pedicurist, and pet therapist willing to give of their time. l Mobile Food Pantry – in partnership with the Northeast Georgia Food Bank, ACCA hosts a mobile food pantry the third Wednesday of every other month. We receive at least 10,000 pounds of food via a semitruck. Working together, we unload, sort, bag and distribute the food to more than 225 area families. We need volunteers from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on the following dates: July 20th and September 21st There are many other opportunities to volunteer with ACCA. Please call or e-mail Susan Jacobs and find a great fit for your talents and abilities – 706-549-4850 or sjacobs@accaging.org.

Needed: Fans for Meals on Wheels Clients Many of the older adults served by ACCA’s Meals on Wheels are on a fixed income. During the summer months, they may not be able to afford to run their air conditioner or buy a fan to keep cool. According to the CDC, older adults are more prone to heat stress than younger people. Heat stress includes heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Please help us to keep our older adult neighbors cool, comfortable and healthy by donating small personal electric fans, box fans, and oscillating fans that we can deliver to clients. You can help by purchasing a fan or you can make a monetary donation toward the purchase of fans. If you would like more information about donating, please call Jessica, Morgan, or Christa at 706-549-4850. 14 connections

CARGIVER’S CORNER

Driving Conversation

Abbie Vogt, MS, CMC ACCA Care Manager

Research indicates that those recently diagnosed with dementia are no more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than the average population. However, within two years after diagnosis and, depending on the progression of the disease, their chances of a fender bender or a more severe accident grow exponentially, clearly indicating that those with moderate to severe dementia should not drive. This leaves a small window of time for individuals to make a plan for a life without driving.

Tips to stay safe behind the wheel. Reduce the Need to Drive: Arrange for friends or family to accompany you to appointments, errands and social outings. Have groceries, prescription medications and Meals on Wheels delivered to the home. Be proactive: Complete an approved defensive driving course or a driver evaluation through the Department of Driver Services. In addition to evaluating your ability to drive safely, completion can also get you a discount on your car insurance. Check with your health insurance to see if they will cover a clinical driving evaluation offered at Athens Regional Medical Center. (http://www.athenshealth. org/clinical-driving-evaluations) Get your CarFit- a national program offered free to older adults to ensure a ‘proper fit’ and increase driver’s safety. CarFit Check Station: The University of Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute in Conyers 1-800342-9819 www.car-fit.org

Check Medications for safety: Roadwise RX (www.roadwiserx.com) is free service where individuals can anonymously check their Medications that could affect their ability to drive safely. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any negative side effects. Don’t drive after taking any medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy. Report dangerous drivers: If your loved one insists on driving, get the support of their physician to evaluate whether he or she should ‘retire’ from driving. Send a ‘Request for Driver Review’ to the Department of Driver Services. This initiates a testing process to determine if the individual is fit to drive. This can be temporary and an individual can appeal this process to prove their driving capability. Watch for signs of diminished capacity: minor accidents or fender benders, ignoring road signs or stop lights, getting lost in normally familiar places, inability to see pedestrians or other vehicles, irritability or slowed reaction time. summer 2016 15

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THANK YOU!

ACCA once again had the pleasure of working with first year medical students from The Georgia Regents University and University of Georgia Medical Partnership on their Community Health Project. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project addressed loneliness, and resulted in the development of our new Refined Singles Unwind Social Club (see page 18 for more information). Thank you to our great team of students: Thomas Beckworth, Jane Chang, Max Green, Saadia Hasan, Adolphia Lauture, Sean Olinger, John-Michael Perez, and Daniel Steinberg!

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 patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctor is dispensed by a pharmacist and delivered directly to the home.

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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.

summer 2016 17

Refined Singles Unwind Refined Singles Unwind, a social club that is designed to connect those who are interested in getting out, having fun and meeting new people, is one of the newest initiatives at ACCA. The club resulted from a partnership between ACCA and the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership. “The Partnership has worked with ACCA for the past six years as a community partner. Each year a team of eight first-year medical students work with ACCA on a topic to address a need in the older adult population. This work will have a great impact on their future careers as physicians,” said student Faculty Coach Julie Gaines. This year the project focused on older adults and social relationships. First year medical student Daniel Steinberg added he and his colleagues found that “there was a need for fostering friendships and companionships among older adults. In our research, we found that lack of these types of relationships may be associated with poor health outcomes and higher health care costs. We developed the social club, Refined Singles Unwind, to increase social opportunities for older adults in the Athens community.”

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The club’s official launch event in March included a fine art scavenger hunt at The Georgia Museum of Art and dinner at the Hilltop Grille. At the end of the night, each participant received a stack of calling cards that can be used to invite others to future events. After the Medical Partnership’s successful launch of the club ACCA will now incorporate it into our Center for Active Living (CAL) programming. The students developed a strong product complete with a classic logo, created by John-Michael Perez, reminiscent of the past but with a modern twist. This image perfectly captures the essence of what it means to be a refined lady or gentleman. CAL Wellness Coordinator Nikaela Frederick is continuing the initiative, and hosted a game night at the Rook and Pawn Board Game Café in downtown Athens. Participants chatted over drinks and appetizers, then played a round of games together. If you are a refined single that’s ready to mingle you can reach Nikaela at (706) 549-4850. Refined Singles Unwind meets monthly to learn, create, play and dine together.

Visiting Artist Series draws local and national talent to CAL+ Athens is known for many things: good food, a lively music scene, a burgeoning retirement community and, of course, football. As many Athenians know, this dawg-loving town also has an artsy side. Artists have long called Athens home, and today the creative culture here remains vibrant with photographers, painters, sculptors, musicians, makers, dancers, chefs, and writers.

Land art by Chris Taylor, one of the Visiting Artists at CAL+ this year (image courtesy of Chris Taylor)

With such an impressive roster of talent, the Center for Active Living has created a monthly “Visiting Artist” series. Each month, a guest artist is invited to share his/her work and engage CAL+ seniors in thoughtful dialogue and, in many cases, active participation. With some of the health and mobility challenges that can come with aging, seniors may be less apt to take part in cultural happenings around town. Initiatives such as these help them stay connected to their community while bringing the world to their doorstep. Guest artists have included Wing Young Huie, a Minneapolis-based photographer whose work explores issues of race and cultural identity. Thanks to the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, Huie was able to stop by CAL for his inspired “Chalk Talk” workshop this Spring. Participants were asked to write the answer to a key question on a chalkboard, then hold the board while posing for a photo. The results were both illuminating and deeply moving. In May, land artist Chris Taylor (34 Degrees North) led members on an expedition to gather rocks, sticks, leaves and other natural materials from ACCA’s grounds. The materials were then used to construct ephemeral works of art that recall the playfulness and wonder of childhood. Taylor, who leads workshops for all ages, is passionate about facilitating experiences that are “inclusive” — an approach that fits perfectly with the spirit of CAL and the Visiting Artist series. The program looks forward to hosting many others, including acclaimed photographer Rinne Allen, later this summer and fall. summer 2016 19

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Returning to the Classroom Lydia Hall, SCSEP Coordinator

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps low-income, unemployed individual’s aged 55+ find work. SCSEP matches eligible older job seekers with local nonprofits so they can increase skills and build self-confidence, while earning a modest income. The SCSEP experience most often leads to permanent employment. Alvin Carson came onto the program in December 2015 in need of current job skills training. During his orientation he beamed from ear to ear and was dressed the part of a teaching professional. Mr. Carson has an enthusiasm and energy that belied his years, and this first impression permeated throughout his participation in the program. He consistently followed through, going above and beyond his responsibilities as a participant. Mr. Carson’s first training assignment placed him at a school for special needs children, and required training in specific behavior modification techniques and teaching methods. Shortly after he began training his school supervisors reported that he was quickly adapting to the diverse learning environment which differed from his previous experience teaching in the public school system. Mr. Carson’s supervisors described his presence in the classroom as warm, enthusiastic and professional, and his training was expanded to include independent instruction. He frequently shared his gratitude with SCSEP staff for the opportunity to teach again. In March a position became available at the school and they immediately contacted SCSEP with a request to hire Mr. Carson. His supervisors were sure to highlight his outstanding work ethic and “way with the children, especially the teenagers” as reasons he would be a great fit for them where he remains employed today.

For more information on the Senior Community Service Employment Program please contact Lydia Hall at lhall@accaging.org or (706)549-4850.

summer 2016 21

Fresh Food Bus, Your ride to a healthier you!

Fresh Foo d

Bus

Kaela Horne, Athens Farmers Market The Athens Farmers Market (AFM) and ACCA believe that access to good, healthy food is a basic human right. This simple belief underlies all of the efforts to support and grow our local food economy here in Athens. When we begin to explore the realities of food accessibility, it becomes obvious that getting good food into the hands of those who need it is a deeply nuanced issue. Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG), a state-wide charter of the national organization Wholesome Wave and longstanding partner of AFM, has developed several programs aimed to directly address barriers to good food access. Most notable is their Double Value Coupon Program, which doubles the value of SNAP dollars at farmers markets across the state. Despite this incentive, many SNAP recipients continue to struggle with logistical barriers to shopping at farmers markets - chiefly a lack of reliable transportation. Last year, in an effort to mitigate this obstacle, WWG partnered with the Athens Farmer’s Market, University of Georgia Transit, Athens Transit, and the University of Georgia’s Office of Sustainability to develop the “Fresh Food Bus”, a free transportation alternative for potential and regular market shoppers. The 2015 pilot season of the Fresh Food Bus (FFB) was successful, but also revealed areas for necessary improvement. The FFB, which operated as a charter of the existing UGA Transit system, ran on 12 Saturdays between August and December.

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The partnership with UGA made initial development much simpler and reliable, but also naturally led to a more campus-centric route; while this provided beneficial opportunities for students to ride this bus, it did not necessarily service the broader marginalized populations affected by food insecurity within Athens. Over the course of those 12 Saturdays, the bus transported 240 riders to and from the Athens Farmer’s Market. Periodic surveys reported that 75% of riders would not have been able to visit the market without the Fresh Food Bus. In an effort to broaden its scope, the sophomore season of the Fresh Farm Bus will feature a few programmatic changes. The Fresh Food Bus will now be chartered through the ACCA. Here at ACCA, we are passionate and demonstrate a strong commitment to food accessibility within our community, with an emphasis on senior populations. ACCA and the Athens Farmer’s Market are confident that this new partnership will allow the Fresh Farm Bus to better serve all community members impacted by transportation barriers. Beginning in May through December 17th, the Fresh Farm Bus will operate each Saturday, with three full route runs per Saturday market. The bus will depart and dock at ACCA, and its route will feature 20 stops encompassing nearly all of Athens. For more information on the Fresh Food Bus, visit the Athens Farmers Market website at athensfarmersmarket.net.

DOUBLE FOODSTAMPS

$1=$2

AT FARMERS MARKET

The Fresh Food Bus Stops Here 1. ACCA

7:40 9:07 10:35

12. Baxter St @ Newton St

8:18 9:46 11:14

2. Denney Tower

7:42 9:09 10:37

13. Clarke Central HS

8:22 9:50 11:18

3. Hotel Indigo (College Ave)

7:45 9:12 10:40

14. Rocksprings St @ Rocksprings Ct

8:25 9:53 11:21

4. Willow St @ North Ave

7:47 9:14 10:42

15. W Broad St @ Minor St

8:28 9:56 11:24

5. Multimodal Center

7:49 9:16 10:44

16. HT Edwards/Dickens Bldg

8:31 9:59 11:27

6. Nellie B Ave @ Fairview St

7:55 9:22 10:50

17. Baxter St @ Moe’s Grill

8:36 10:04 11:32

7. Cone Dr @ Zebulon Dr (Nellie B)

7:57 9:25 10:53

18. Columbia Brookside

8:43 10:11 11:39

8. Carver Dr @ Zatella Ln (Nellie B)

7:58 9:26 10:54

19. ATHENS FARMERS MARKET

8:46 10:14 11:42

9. Agriculture Dr @ Hardin Dr (Bldg G)

8:03 9:31 10:59

20. Young Harris Church

9:00 10:28 12:10

10. Millege Ave @ Lumpkin St (The Pine)

8:09 9:37 11:05

21. Daily Groceries Coop

9:02 10:30 12:12

11. Soule Hall/Myers

8:13 9:41 11:09

22. ACCA

9:06 10:34 12:16

Every Saturday through December 19th

Your Ride To The Athens Farmers Market, Where You Can Find The Freshest, Tastiest Food In Town!

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF

GEORGIA ®

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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. Please call to make an appointment. Barrow July 18th @ 11:00 80 Lee Street, Winder 30680 Jasper July 22nd @ 10:30 26 Mack Tillman Rd, Monticello 31064 Walton* July 22nd @ 11:00 1400 S Madison Ave, Monroe 30655 *Walton is 4th Friday of every month (Aug 26, Sept 23) Newton Aug 3rd @ 11:00 6183 Turner Lake Rd, Covington 30014 Madison Aug 11th @ 10:00 1265 Hwy 98 N, Danielsville 30633 Oconee Aug 17th @ 10:00 3500 B Hog Mountain Rd, Watkinsville 30677 Elbert Sept 6th @ 10:00 1041 Mobley Hill Rd, Elberton 30635 Greene Sept 8th @ 10:00 1031 Silver Drive, Greensboro 30642 Jackson Sept 15th @ 10:30 151 Stan Evans Dr, Jefferson 30549 Oglethorpe Sept 22nd @ 10:30 19 Oglethorpe Dr, Crawford 30630 Morgan Sept 27th @ 10:00 991 South Main St, Madison 30650 24 connections

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

The Center for Active Living (CAL) is a multi-purpose center offering older adults in Athens and surrounding communities opportunities to stay active and engaged. CAL provides unique social, educational, and wellness related classes and activities, group trips, and supportive services. For membership information, or to register for trips and classes, contact Nikaela Frederick, CAL Wellness Coordinator, at (706) 549-4850 or nfrederick@accaging.org.

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

educational classes and events

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing fitness & wellness classes

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

trips and off site adventures

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing social programs

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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.

Tips for Re-Entering the Workforce

Have you been out of the workforce for a while but plan to re-enter it soon? Would you like some tips on how to spruce up your resume and how to stand out in interviews? Join us for this seminar. Wednesday, June 8th at 11:00am ACCA Hudson Conference Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

How to Ride the Bus

Are you interested in taking advantage of the public transportation system but aren’t quite sure how it all works? Well here is your chance to learn! According to statistics, riding the bus is actually safer than a car. A representative from Athens Transit will be here to teach a seminar on the ins and outs of the local bus system. Come find out how you can reap the benefits of the bus, which operates 6 days a week from 6AM to 9:45PM picking up and dropping off from roughly 500 different stops throughout Athens-Clark County. To conclude the presentation, the group will go on a guided field trip around town that will show you exactly how to navigate the bus system. Friday, June 10th at 2pm ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free

Men’s Health Talk

June is National Men’s Health Month. In observation, ACCA will welcome local physician Dr. Farris Johnson to the Center for Active Living to chat with the men. He will provide a general overview of topics specifically related to males and will answer any health related questions you may have. Monday, June 13th at 10:30am ACCA Brick Room Cost: Free for CAL Members 26 connections

Alzheimer’s Association Educational Series

This series of educational seminars presented by the Alzheimer’s Association will take place on the third Thursday of each month and will feature a different topic in each session. Whether you have a direct connection with Alzheimer’s disease or not, 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 topic of the first session in June is “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors”. July will be “Dementia Conversations” and August “Legal and Financial Matters”. Thursday, June 16th, July 21st, and August 18th at 10:30am ACCA Bentley Conference Room Cost: Free

Self-Defense 101

You don’t have to have a martial arts black belt to know some basic moves to protect yourself. There are certain parts of the body that it doesn’t matter how big or strong you are, we all have certain weak spots that can come in handy for self-defense measures. If you are interested in learning some basic techniques please join us. Nina Cleveland, who holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and specializes in assault and rape prevention will visit ACCA to instruct us. Thursday, June 30th at 11am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Land Art Demo

Join local artist Chris Taylor of 34 Degrees North for a demo on land art. Using natural materials from the land such as sticks, flowers, bark and leaves, he creates beautiful displays. Come get ideas for creative ways to spruce up your yard or to just admire and enjoy seeing this unique form of art in person. TBA- Call CAL Office for more information Cost: Free for CAL Members

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.

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, the proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, new technologies used in cars, the effects of medications on driving, and the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cellphone use. Space is limited, call the Center for Active Living at 706-549-4850 to reserve your spot! Thursday, July 7th and Friday, July 8th, 8:45am12pm (both days) ACCA Hudson Room Cost: $15 AARP members, $20 non-AARP members

Paint Your Own Canvas

Have you always wanted to create your own artistic masterpiece but didn’t know where to start? Now is your chance to make that dream a reality! Local artist Broderick Flanigan will be coming to ACCA to give step by step instructions on how to paint a beautiful portrait to take home. Canvas and all other materials are included in the price. Thursday, July 28th at 3pm ACCA Brick Room Cost: $25

Body Composition Screening

The human body is composed of water, fat, protein and other vitamins and minerals. If there is not a proper balance between all of these components, the body will not function optimally. This screening will reveal what is going on inside of your body TBA- Call CAL Office for more information Cost: Free for CAL Members

Chat with a Therapist

Summer is here! We may not even be aware of everything that the extreme heat does to our bodies. There are extra precautions we need to take to protect our skin and to make sure that we stay cool internally. 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 how to protect your body from head to toe in the summer heat. July 12th at 10am ACCA Glass Dining Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

Summer Foot Care

Between regular trips to the nail salon, water parks and public swimming pools, our feet are exposed to a lot during the summer. Did you know that there are times when a routine pedicure can end up leading to a need for toe amputation? Come hear Dr. Todd Herron share tips on how to best protect your feet from nasty germs and other types of harm. Friday, August 5th at 10am ACCA Brick Room Cost: Free for CAL Members summer 2016 27

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.

Lessons with a Lawyer

Join us as delightful Mark Franklin, Attorney at Law, educates us on wills, current scams, estate recovery, increasing food stamp benefits, and other general information about long term care and Medicaid. He will allow time to answer any questions you may have that he able to assist you with. Franklin works with the Law Offices of Sherry Jackson and is the Program Manager for the NE Georgia Elderly Legal Assistance Program. Thursday, August 11 at 11am ACCA Hudson Conference Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

This is a 6-week educational program designed to provide family caregivers with tools to increase their self-care and confidence. Caregivers must first address their own needs before they can provide help others. The classes are designed for any family member who is a caregiver to a parent, spouse or other older adult. In the six 2½ hour classes, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to: reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate their needs to family members and healthcare/ service providers; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; recognize the messages in their emotions and deal with difficult feelings; plus make tough caregiving decisions (re: placement, driving issues, or finances). Date: TBA- Call CAL Office for more information

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 28 connections

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.

Balance Enhancement Activities with Michelle

Balance is critical to maintaining a healthy, independent life style. 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. Mondays, 1:00pm-2:00pm *will end June 13th and resume in August* ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

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 reenergize 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! Tuesdays, 11:00am-11:45am ACCA Harris Room 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. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm ACCA Harris Room 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 beneficial for those living with chronic conditions who require a low impact exercise program. Kevin has many years of experience working with chronic conditions and makes individual adjustments to the routine to better serve each participant. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Thursdays, 10:00am-11:00am ACCA Harris Room Cost: $5/class

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. Present your CAL membership key card at the front desk of the YWCO to get the NEW discounted CAL rate below. Fridays, 2:00pm-3:00pm YWCO Pool, 562 Research Drive Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card summer 2016 29

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing fitness and wellness classes

Class times subject to change or cancel, please check www.accaging.org or call 706-549-4850 for updates.

Smart Moves with Becky

This all around fun class, mixes the use of elastic bands, free weights, medicine balls to work your entire body. Similar to Silver Sneakers, it focuses on improved overall balance, flexibility, and strength while listening to music. Smart Moves is a low impact class that can be performed seated or standing and is appropriate for all fitness levels. Mondays, 9:00am-10:00am Thursdays, 2:00pm-3:00pm ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

*NEW* Summer Walking Group

Walking can help control weight and lower risk of complications with chronic diseases. Exercising can be more enjoyable when you participate with others. If you are interested in getting fit with your fellow CAL members, come out for the new CAL summer walking group. We will start out walking on the greenway conveniently located adjacent to ACCA. Once we build a solid group of walkers, we can decide if we would like to meet and walk elsewhere. Tuesdays, 8:00am Meet at ACCA

Yoga in the Harris Room

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 instructors 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! 30 connections

Mondays with Eleanor, 3:00pm-4:30pm Tuesdays with Chad, 2:45pm-4:15pm Wednesdays with Edna, 3:00pm-4:30pm Fridays with Anna, 10:00am-11:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members

YWCO Water Exercise

Water exercise provides general conditioning, flexibility, and cardiovascular workout done in the pool. Excellent for all ages. Present your CAL membership key card at the front desk of the YWCO to get the NEW discounted CAL rate below. Mondays: 9:00am, 11:00am, and 7:00pm Wednesdays: 9:00am, 11:00am, and 7:00pm Fridays: 9:00am and 11:00am YWCO Pool, 562 Research Drive 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. Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission is required. Present your CAL membership key card at the front desk of the YWCO to get the NEW discounted CAL rate below. Monday thru Friday, 2:00pm-3:00pm YWCO Pool, 562 Research Drive Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

trips and off-site adventures

We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

Family Feud

Did you grow up watching all the television game shows? Do you enjoy watching game shows while shouting out the answers before the contestants? Well, here is your opportunity to trade in watching from the living room sofa to watching from the actual game show television set! Come along as we experience being an audience member for the television taping of an upcoming episode of one of the most popular game shows on TV. Exact dates and times have not been released yet so keep an eye out for that information. Slots are limited. Date: June TBA (dates will be announced in June, call CAL Office to find out) Cost: $45

Lunch at Clarke Middle School

One of Athens most popular restaurants last summer was housed in one of the least suspecting places, Clarke Middle School. It was a result of a partnership between the school and several organizations around town. The restaurant will return this summer. Using veggies grown in the Clark Middle garden as well as veggies from the UGArden, the students prepare restaurant worthy meals. They are instructed by an Americorps volunteer as well as local chefs who donate their time to teach them how to cook. Though out for summer break, the students volunteer to prepare and serve the meals to guests. It is truly a full restaurant experience in a middle school classroom. June TBA (dates will be announced in June, call CAL Office to find out) Cost: $5

Escape the Space

Escape the space is a live adventure in which participants come in as a group, get locked in a room and work together to find clues and solve puzzles in order to get to the key that will open the

door. Participants can choose between different scenarios such as the SWAT Room, Detention Room, Murder Mystery Room and O’Malley’s Pub. The adventure lasts for an hour. Call in advance to sign up and the majority will determine which room scenario we will try. Afterwards we will have lunch at Marti’s at Midday. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Friday, July 1st at 12pm (Depart from ACCA at 11:30am) Cost: $30

Toccoa Falls Excursion

The 186-foot-high Toccoa Falls waterfall is located in the North GA Mountains on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. It is thought to be the highest single drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. It’s even taller than Niagara Falls. On this excursion we will take a scenic walk along the stream to get to the falls and have the option of exploring nearby walking trails. After taking in some nature and browsing the visitor’s gift shop, we will have lunch in downtown Toccoa at Cornerstone Restaurant. Friday, July 15th at 9am Cost: $30

Dahlonega Gold Tour

When we hear the word Gold Rush, we usually think about California but years before people were heading west for gold, northeast Georgia was a hot spot for the precious metal. We will start this tour at the Dahlonega Gold Museum before heading to the Consolidated Gold Mines just minutes away. We will escape the summer heat by exploring the cool mines and even get a chance to try our hands at panning gold. We will conclude the tour at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Friday, August 12th at 9am Cost: $50 summer 2016 31

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

trips and off-site adventures

Class times subject to change or cancel, please check www.accaging.org or call 706-549-4850 for updates.

The Little White House

Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA in 1932, a year before he became the president of the United States. He was drawn to the small town because of the natural springs, which he felt helped with his polio. Over the years of his presidency the house and the town of Warm Springs provided an escape to the simple life for him. The cottage houses artifacts from FDR’s life such as his bed, his car and even the portrait of him that was being painted at the time of his death. On a day trip to Warm Springs we will visit the cottage, its grounds and a historic natural spring pool. Afterwards we will eat at a local restaurant called Dinner’s Ready by Chad. Friday, August 26th at 9am Cost: $45

Join ACCA and the Alzheimer’s Association from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on the third Thursday of the month.

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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing social programs

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

Summer Ice Cream Social

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Come beat the heat and enjoy some ice cream with fellow CAL members and CAL staff. This will be a great time for the many people who come in and out of the Center for Active Living to get to know each other a little better. Monday, July 11th at 1pm Under the Pavilion at ACCA Cost:Â Free for Cal Members

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. Mondays, 1:00pm-4:00pm ACCA Bentley Conference Room Cost: Free for CAL Members Contact Sharon at 706-543-8524 for Reservation or Information

Toastmasters

This weekly meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure. Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, which includes a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking.

Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm ACCA Hudson Conference Room Cost: $60/6 months; $20 New Toastmaster Member Fee

Intermediate Bridge

Join us in an informal setting to play bridge and socialize with others that share common interest. No reservation needed. Tuesdays, 1:30pm ACCA Glass Dining Room 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! Wednesdays, 1:30pm ACCA Glass Dining Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

Grand Slammers Bridge Group

This advanced bridge group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. No reservation needed. Wednesdays, 1:30pm ACCA Glass Dining Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

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CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing social programs

Class times subject to change or cancel, please check www.accaging.org or call 706-549-4850 for updates.

Newcomers Card Group

Bible Study

Wednesdays, 12:30pm-3:30pm ACCA Bentley Conference Room Cost: Yearly membership fee of $20 for CAL Members Contact Nicki at 706-850-6615 for more information

Mondays and Fridays, 12:00pm ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for CAL Members

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. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:45am-11:30am Meet at ACCA Cost: Free for CAL Members

UGArden Produce Stand

The UGArden is a four-acre, student run garden on the University of Georgia’s property that provides fresh vegetables for the Produce Stand. 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. Tuesdays, 11:00am-2:00pm (April through November) Under the Pavilion at ACCA 34 connections

This is a non-denominational Bible study that includes a lesson and music in the fellowship. Classes are led by a volunteer from a local church.

Outsmart your Smartphone

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 dealing with smart phones, tablets and other gadgets or would just like to learn more about computers. Bring your questions and something to write with as you advance your knowledge. Wednesdays, 12:00pm, or by appointment ACCA Computer Lab Cost: Free for CAL Members

Refined Singles Unwind

This is a new social group that started as a result of a project between the UGA Medical Partnership and ACCA. The point of the group is for mature adults in Athens to get out, meet new people and have fun whether it’s through learning, playing, or dining. The group meets monthly at various locations around town. Keep an eye out for announcements on upcoming events!

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

support groups and meetings

We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

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. 3rd Tuesday each month, 12:00pm-1:00pm ACCA Bentley ADH Center

Alzheimer’s Support Group- Winder 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. Last Friday of each month, 12:00pm-1:00pm Winder Adult Day Care

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Athens Area

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 more information, please contact Paige Powell at 706-549-4850. 3rd Thursday of each month, 12:00pm-1:30pm ACCA Hudson Conference Room

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Monroe Area

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 more information, please contact Paige Powell at 706-549-4850. 4rd Thursday of each month, 12:00pm-1:30pm Rivers of Mercy, 714 Davis St, Monroe

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Thank you to our March for Congressman Jody Hice Daniella Perry, Senator Johnny Isakson Office State Representative Chuck Williams Mayors Nancy Denson, Dodd Ferrell, and David Maynard Commissioners Kelly Girtz and Sharyn Dickerson Matthew Purkey, United Way President Clarke County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office: Sheriff Ira Edwards, Chief Jimps Cole, Corporal Erika Murphy, Captain Hayden Hodges, Sgt. Dallas Pope, and Chaplain Toy Wilkins Sheriff Jud Smith, Barrow County Dr. Shelly Nuss, Dean AU/UGA Medical School

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Meals Champions Alexia Ridley, WUGA Radio Personality Robert Miles, UGA Athletics Chris Herron, CEO Creature Comforts Brewing Company Seth Herman, Business Development Director Creature Comforts Ken Manring and Melinda Edwards, White Tiger Gourmet Classic City Athens Rollergirls Jan Kozak and Kaela Horne, 1000 Faces Coffee and Athens Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Lindsay Lucas, Phil Hughes Honda Bill Douglas, President/CEO, Athens First Bank Â

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Our 2016 March for Meals events were a huge success thanks in large part to Creature Comfortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Get Comfortable Campaign. Through this partnership ACCA was highlighted each Wednesday during the month of March with 100% of brewery tour profits benefitting our Meals on Wheels program. We also asked brewery guests to lend their artistic talents by painting small canvases that were delivered to each Meals on Wheels recipient we serve. Over 200 paintings were delivered to our clients! One of our favorite new partnerships this year was with a local pizzeria, Your Pie. They donated 215 hot pizzas delivered to every Meals on Wheels recipient twice during the month of March. Many recipients commented that it had been years since they had a hot pizza delivered to their front door. We wrapped up our local March for Meals campaign with a successful and fun 6th Annual March for Meals 5k with 200 registered runners and the help of 40 recruited volunteers.

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