FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center ___________at The Bellevue YMCA ________
April Newsletter & Calendar of Events
The J. L. Turner Center is open Monday—Friday, 9 am—3 pm Contact us at 646-9622 and ask for FiftyForward Center Director, Megan Roller mroller@fiftyforward.org Program Director, Kristin Blackburn kblackburn@fiftyforward.org Transportation Program Coordinator/Program Assistant, Nicole Longuevan nlonguevan@fiftyforward.org On the Road with Joan Travel Coordinator Joan Sincerbox 646-0059 or joan.sincerbox@comcast.net The Bellevue Family YMCA/FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center is a partnership between the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and FiftyForward.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Turner Center Members, Now that Spring has arrived, we have many fun activities planned that will allow us to take advantage of the warmer weather and sunshine. One example is that we will be attending a “Music for Seniors� performance at Cheekwood on 4/11/13, which is always a huge hit! We will once again be returning to participate in the monthly Senior Day at the Kroger on Highway 100 on 4/3/13. Kroger offers a Senior Day the first Wednesday of every month and those individuals over the age of 60 receive 10% off their entire purchase. Come look for some of our members who will be sitting at a table inside the store informing the local community about all of the wonderful programs being offered at our Center. As you know, the Turner Center instituted several new policies at the beginning of March which are helping us run things more effectively. We have received feedback that we also need to have a policy in place that addresses when a member needs to cancel their spot in a program or trip. Member Cancellation Policy A FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center member may cancel their spot in a program or trip if the member has an emergency where they can no longer attend. The member may notify the staff of their need to cancel via phone, email or in person. Credits for the cancellation will be issued with staff discretion. In the event that the member is given a credit, the credit will be issued within 5 business days of the cancelled program or trip. The list of credits will be maintained by FiftyForward staff and volunteers. The credit can be redeemed for another class, day trip or program and will expire at the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2013). If you have any questions about this policy or anything else, please see a FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center staff member. Fondly, Megan
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT Nicole Longuevan: Often when people see the FiftyForward van outside the J. L. Turner Center on Monday and Wednesday mornings I am asked "What trip are you taking today?" The trip that the van takes on these mornings is the most important trip that we make with our vans. I travel out each Monday and Wednesday to pick up seniors in the Bellevue community who have no other means of transportation to get to the Turner Center. Being Transportation Coordinator, I could go on and on about how wonderful this program is but I want you to hear it from one of them. I recently asked Connie Lord a few questions about her involvement in the Transportation Program offered by the FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center and this is what she had to say: How did you first learn about the Transportation Program? I heard from Y members about the Transportation Program, and I immediately went to the Y to apply. Then I met Nicole Longuevan, Transportation Coordinator, and the rest is history! What has coming to the center for the past year meant to you? Since the bus-plus-Nicole availability, my 90-plus years feel more like 60-plus! I have been able to build my endurance and accept the challenges that physical exercise has had to offer. What is your favorite part about coming twice a week? Other than the physical exercise, I enjoy visiting with my “busmates,” exchanging thoughts and light-hearted and serious stories; watching the very young imitate the old and the old pretending to be and actually are – young! If only we could ride to the Center three times per week! What would you be doing if you were not able to come here? I thank God every day for being alive and for the Center that gives me a new outlook on life. At home, I pray for eye-vision improvement, listen to TV, work with decades of paper accumulation, and wait for friends, church members, family, and/or neighbors to take me to the grocery store, doctors’ visits, church meetings, and other routine trips. What do you want other people to know about the program? The Transportation Program is vital to the success of FiftyForward’s mission. Please help support – to the best of your ability – a cause that will keep seniors moving.
VOLUNTEER & STAFF NEWS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT — Donna McKennon Chances are very good that you have received at least one phone call, if not several, from our volunteer spotlight— Donna McKennon. Donna is one of our awesome volunteers who loves to make calls and she is really good at it too! Donna always has a smile on her face and she is willing to lend a hand whereever it is needed. Recently, Donna became an Ambassador in addition to the time she spends making calls. The Turner Center staff are especially grateful for her diligence in making follow-up phone calls to businesses we are soliciting for MarketFest silent auction items. While these calls can be tough, Donna is always polite, kind and exudes her Southern charm while on the phone. Through her efforts, we are able to secure additional items for the auction which will help support the Transportation and ABC Programs! Way to go Donna! Coming in May—A ‘shout out’ to our men! Bob Allen, Jay Armstrong, Willard Dean, Jim Horde, John MaGuirk, David Martin, Herschell Martin, Ed Neal, Howard Pink, Ron Prater, Ed “Poppy” Sanders, Charles Scott, and Marshall Snyder.
Ask the Staff: What do you like most about spring and why? Megan, Director: Even though I have been in Middle Tennessee for almost four years, I am still amazed at the beauty that comes with the changing of the seasons. Being from Southern California, I had never really experienced what happens when the Winter melts into Spring. I love driving around town to see the buds on the trees and the tulips and daffodils that have sprung up in my neighbor's yards. Another thing that I love about Spring is that the weather starts to warm up enough for me to hit some hiking trails over the weekend! Nicole, Transportation Coordinator/Program Assistant: Love this question! Spring is my favorite time of year. The weather is what I like most. After months of dreary, cloudy skies and cold temperatures, I enjoy waking up to skies that are partly cloudy, blue and sunny. There is often the smell of fresh cut grass and the beautiful colors of blooming flowers and trees. Spring weather is a visual reminder that I can have a time of renewal anytime, anywhere. It is lovely to stop, take a deep breath, give a quick prayer of thanks, and start again. Kristin, Program Director: These are some of my favorite things: sitting on my porch, in the country, on my blue Adirondack chair watching the Purple Finches building a nest under the eaves, wearing skirts and sandals, and the breeze coming though open windows. Why? These things make me happy.
__________NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Focus Group Session at Turner Center Wednesday, March 27, 10—11 am We need your input! Help us guide our programming!
The RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is conducting a Magazine and Book Drive, in partnership with the American Red Cross, to benefit the veterans at the VA Medical Center. A donation box will be located in the Turner Center lobby, Monday, April 1—Friday, April 19.
________________________________GAMES Sudoku: Mondays, April 8 and May 6, 10:30 am—Noon Whether you are an advanced Sudoku player or just wanting to learn, this group is for you. For more information, contact the coordinator, Howard, at hnphorn@aol.com.
Bingo: Mondays, April 8 and May 13, Noon—2 pm Let’s play Bingo! Join us for a few games of Bingo, lots of fun and great prizes.
Game Days: Wednesdays, April 17 and May 15, Noon– 2 pm Game day is an afternoon of games, laughter, food, and fun!
Mah-Jongg: Tuesdays, 9:30 am—12:30 pm For information, contact Jane at 218-7647 or janemock@comcast.net.
Bridge: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Noon—3 pm For information, contact Ed at 646-9202 or Cat at 646-5632.
Canasta Players: Tuesdays, 9:30 am—3 pm For information, contact Sharon at sharonreesor@bellsouth.net.
Tournament Bridge 101 Fridays, April 5 & 19, 11:30 am—2 pm Your introduction to playing and enjoying duplicate bridge! We play "user friendly" duplicate! For information, contact the coordinator, John, at 584-2717 or email chuckwagoncharlie@me.com.
FIELD TRIPS Advance Sign-up & Payment is Required! See a volunteer in the Turner Center Lobby, Monday—Friday, 9 am—3 pm to sign-up.
Fisk University Carl Van Vechten Gallery & Soul Food Lunch: Thursday, April 4 at 9 am Let’s see Georgia O’Keefe’s ‘gift’ before it leaves the city! Works by Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, etc! Meet us by 9 am in the seating area behind the Y greeter. We will leave by 9:15 am. Lunch will be at Harper’s. Trip is $12 plus lunch.
Shopping & Lunch: Saturday, April 6 at 8:15 am We will shop at the Franklin Goodwill on Hillsboro Ave, then have lunch downtown. Meet us by 8:15 am behind the Y greeter. The bus will leave at 8:30 am. Trip is $6 - due when you sign up! Lunch will be on your own.
Nashville Food Project & Lunch: Tuesday, April 9 at 9 am We will do light volunteer work (chopping veggies, etc) at the Nashville Food Project in Green Hills from 10 am – Noon, and then have lunch at Newk’s in Belle Meade (near White Bridge & Harding). We’ll meet at the Y by 9 am in the café area behind the greeter and leave at 9:15 am. Only $5 plus lunch.
Columnist LookIn: Tuesday, April 9 at 4:15 pm Come "look in" at what happens before the curtain goes up. Walk into the private world of rehearsal and learn about the creative process of the director, set designer, and costume designer. View an excerpt of the performance as it is being shaped in the rehearsal process. Meet us by 4:15 pm in the seating area behind the Y greeter. The van will leave by 4:30 pm. Trip is only $5!
Cheekwood Music for Seniors: Thursday, April 11 at 9 am Celebrate spring at Cheekwood with the Nashville in Harmony community chorus. The concert is from 10:30-11:30 am, and then we will have time to tour the gardens. Bring a picnic lunch or make a reservation for the Pineapple Room (352-4859). Meet us by 9 am in the seating area behind the Y greeter. The vans will leave by 9:15 am. Admission to Cheekwood is free! Trip is only $5!
Bowie & Lunch in Fairview: Wednesday, April 17 at 9:15 am Have you been to Bowie Park? It’s fabulous! We will visit the nature center, take a walk under the tall pines, then go out to lunch in Fairview. Meet us in the seating area behind the Y greeter by 9:15 am. We will leave at 9:30 am. Only $6!
FIELD TRIPS Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra (NPO) Sunday, April 21 at 6:30 pm “Season Finale” concert! Meet us by 6:30 pm in the seating area behind the Y greeter. We will leave by 6:45 pm. Only $5!
NPO: Sunday, April 28 at 6:15 pm “Season Finale” concert! Meet us by 6:15 pm in the seating area behind the Y greeter. We will leave by 6:30 pm. Only $5!
Supper Club to Corner Pub: Monday, April 29 at 4:30 pm Meet us for great food and even better company — new people are always welcome! Corner Pub is located in the plaza across the street from the Y/FiftyForward. RSVP please, so we can expect you at the restaurant!
Owl’s Hill Adult Owl Program: Wednesday, May 1 at 8:45 am Nature lovers this one is for you! Meet us by 8:45 am behind the Y greeter. We will leave by 9 am. Bring a picnic lunch. Dress for the outdoors! Trip is only $12.
Chaffin’s Barn Theatre: Meet at 11:15 am—Show at Noon Shows are $19. Meet us at Chaffin’s Barn at 11:15 am—check in with the FiftyForward staff member or volunteer. Bring your own lunch. Chaffin’s will provide a drink. If you would like to be seated as a group, please tell us when you sign up. Show details are available at the center or visit the Barn’s website! Red Herring: Thursday, May 9 Who’s Under Where?: Thursday, June 6 All for a Song: Thursday, July 25 Southern Fried Nuptials: Thursday, August 29 Seniors of the Sahara: Thursday, October 24 Sanders Family Christmas: Thursday, December 5
Music for Seniors Chicago Children’s Choir Friday, May 10 at 9:15 am We will see a performance by the renowned Chicago Children's Choir at Second Presbyterian Church, and then have lunch at Vittles meat n three in Brentwood. Visit the choir’s website: www.ccchoir.org. Meet us by 9:15 am in the seating behind the Y greeter. The van will leave at 9:30 am. Only $5 plus lunch!
FIELD TRIPS General Jackson Showboat: Tuesday, May 14 at 9:45 am Trip is wait list only. This Older Americans Month outing is a two and a half hour voyage on the Cumberland River. Trip is $33 (all inclusive).
Nashville Zoo on Senior Day: Monday, May 20 at 9:15 am We will hang out at the zoo, and then have lunch at Siam Café. Meet us by 9:15 am behind the Y greeter. The van will leave at 9:30 am. Only $7 plus lunch.
Supper Club to Nacho’s Monday, May 27 at 4:30 pm Meet us for great food and even better company— new people are always welcome! Nachos Mexican Restaurant is located across the street from the YMCA/FiftyForward. RSVP please, so we can expect you at the restaurant!
Nashville Symphony Rehearsal Titans: Thursday, May 30 at 8:45 am To be fair to all who would like to attend, each member will be able to attend one rehearsal per season. The Titans: Guerrero, conductor; Edgar Meyer, bass; Joshua Bell, violin; Mahler -Sym. No. 1: Blumine; Edgar Meyer - Dbl Concerto for violin and Dbl Bass Nashville Symphony co-commission; Mahler - Sym. No. 1 in D major “Titan”. Trip is only $5!
ON THE ROAD WITH JOAN UPCOMING TRIPS Harrah’s Casino: Tuesday, April 9 at 8 am Spring in the Hollow—Lynchburg, TN: Saturday, April 27 at 8:30 am Milky Way Farm—Pulaski, TN: Thursday, May 23 at 10 am Amber Falls Winery & Cellars—Hampshire, TN: Thursday, June 20 at 8:30 am For information, call On the Road with Joan Travel Coordinator, Joan Sincerbox, at 646-0059 or joan.sincerbox@comcast.net
SPECIAL EVENTS Advance sign-up is required as we may need to contact you if an event is postponed or cancelled! Sign-up in the Turner lobby, call 646-9622 and ask for FiftyForward or email kblackburn@fiftyforward.org.
Social Security Presentation Monday, April 1 at 9:30 am & 5:30 pm Join us for a discussion on SS. Snacks provided! Sponsored by Doug Park of Prudential.
Home Modification Talk: Wednesday, April 3 at 10 am Roy Miles will discuss modifications to make your home safer and more usable for your golden years. Many of these changes you can do yourself!
The Garden Project OUTBACK Starting April 11 at 8 am Every 2nd & 4th Thursday at 8 am, we will be working on the garden area behind FiftyForward. There are many projects to help beautify this area. For more information, contact Jim, at jhordetn@comcast.net or 406-7879.
Techie Help with Kristin–First Come, First Served! Facebook: Friday, April 12, Noon-2:30 pm. Internet Searching, Shopping, and Payment: Tuesday, April 30, 9:30 am—Noon
Ice Cream Social: Tuesday, April 16 at 11:30 am Join us for an old-fashioned ice cream social! A big thank you to our sponsor Barton House for providing ice cream and all the fixings!
Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center Lunch & Learns Thursdays, April 18, 25 and May 2, 11:30 am—1 pm Thursday, April 18, 11:30 am—1 pm Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Overview Thursday, April 25, 11:30 am—1 pm Alzheimer's Disease Risk Factors and Prevention Thursday, May 2, 11:30 am—1 pm Alzheimer's Disease Treatment and Research Options
SPECIAL EVENTS MnemeTherapy® and Preserving Memory Free Presentation and Demonstration: Monday April 22 at 10 am Join FiftyForward member Donna T. Colelli, Member of Art Without Boundaries Association, for a lively session on MnemeTherapy. MT is a cutting -edge whole brain therapy for individuals with brain disorders or issues. It has been used successfully with individuals with all types of dementia. MT uses every day pleasurable experiences such as singing, movement, painting and storytelling in a unique combination to create whole brain communication and stimulate a natural process called neuroplasticity. A must attend event!
Medicare Part D: Wednesday, April 24 at 10 am Kathleen Kennedy Jones, from Pharmacy Home Delivery (PHD), will present an informative education session on this important topic!
Spring Potluck: Wednesday, April 24 at 11:30 am Join us for food, fellowship and fun! Everyone is welcome to attend!
Vision Care Seminar: Thursday, April 25 at 1 pm Renowned eye surgeon, Dr. Ming Wang, will present an informative and educational vision care seminar. In addition to some great vision care information, attendees will also be afforded the unique opportunity to meet Dr. Wang and ask him direct questions about their respective eye care concerns.
Potluck Grill-out: Wednesday, May 29 at 11:30 am Join us for food, fellowship, fun and grilling! Everyone is welcome to attend!
Save the Date! Open House and Art Show: Friday, May 3, 9 am—11 am Bring a friend and come learn about our activities and meet local organizations serving active older adults. Plus—see members’ art! Wills and Estates with Elder Law Attorney Marshall Snyder Wednesday, June 5 at 1 pm and Financial Planning, Basic Wills and Powers of Attorney: Wednesday, June 12, appointments 8 am—6 pm. Red, White & Bluegrass Concert & Potluck Wednesday, July 3 at 10:30 am Do not miss this event! We had a grand time last year!
ARTS & CRAFTS Crafting Workshop with Pam: Monday, April 15, 1 —4 pm What to do with Old Frames? Make a tray! Bring your own supplies. List of suggested supplies on the sign up sheet. Deadline for sign up is April 8th.
Intermediate Calligraphy: Wednesdays, 9:30 am—12 in May This class is designed for students who have taken beginning calligraphy with instructor Marie Wells. Class meets for five consecutive weeks. Cost is $25.
Sit & Knit: Tuesdays, 9:30—11:30 am Enjoy the company of others as you work on your own projects. For more information, contact the coordinator, Mary Lou, at mlpierce@bellsouth.net.
Quilting: Fridays, 11:15 am—3 pm Do you have a knack for quilting? Come stitch on your own or group projects. For more information, contact the coordinator, Eva, at evacrsy@hotmail.com.
_____________________________GROUPS Bellevue Caregivers Group: Second Tuesday, 1-2:30 pm For more information, contact the coordinator, Marshal, at 673-7636, marshall.snyder@earthlink.net or www.lewybodydementia.org
Book and Written Memory Group This group reads a book every second month and discusses it with the group. On alternate months, the group shares “Written Memories.” Thursday, April 25 at 1 pm: The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier; Thursday, May 23 at 1 pm: Written Memories ; Thursday, June 27 at 1 pm: The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier. For more information, contact the coordinator, Ann, at 646-8683.
Line Dance: Wed (beginners) at 1 pm & Fridays at 10:30 am Join us as we kick up our heels to some great country tunes! For more information, contact the coordinator, Louise, at lgoodman00@comcast.net.
Bellevue History & Genealogy Group: Fridays at 9 am This group welcomes new members! Meetings are every Friday (except in January and July) in the Zelle/West room to hear informative, dynamic speakers, do genealogy research and take field trips. For more information, contact the coordinator, Bob, at 218-4580 or rvallen@comcast.net. Friday, April 5 at 9 am: History of Fort Negley by Krista Castillo Friday, April 12 at 9 am: Bellevue the Early Days by Paula Winters Thursday, April 18 at 9:30 am: Trip to Mansker’s Station
Spring MarketFest is right around the corner! Save the Date: Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16 MarketFest benefits the Homebound Transportation and ABC (After Breast Cancer) programs at the Bellevue Y/ J. L. Turner Center. Help us raise money for these incredible programs by shopping at MarketFest! Also, consider donating new items for our popular gift baskets窶年o Pressure! If you would like to donate - we would love give you a donation receipt! For more information: call 646-9622 and ask for FiftyForward or email Kristin Blackburn at kblackburn@fiftyforward.org. Wine Baskets: bottles of wine, stemware i.e. wine glass/champagne flutes, gourmet snacks i.e. chocolate, summer sausage, cheese, crackers, etc. Relaxation Baskets: candles, bath gels, soaps & lotions Pet Baskets: dog toys/treats, cat toys/treats Gardening Baskets: gloves, seeds & gardening tools Golf Baskets: tees, gloves, towels & golf balls Date Night Baskets: popcorn, candy, movie tickets & DVDs Coffee Baskets: coffee mugs, coffee, cookies/biscotti, & tea/chocolate spoons Summer Baskets: sunscreen, beach towels, pool toys & travel games Grilling Gift Baskets: grilling tools, BBQ sauce, cookbook & wood chips Other Items Needed: baskets, basket bags/ribbon & gift cards Please bring items to the Turner Center by Thursday, April 11