Centered & Connected
FiftyForward supports, champions, and enhances life for those 50 and older.
FIFTYFORWARD.ORG | FEBRUARY 2022
Dr. Paul T. Kwami is committed to mentoring students and preserving the legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers Photo Credit: Bill Steber and Pat Casey
The theme for Black History Month 2022 is "Black Health and Wellness," as established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The Theme examines the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine and the legacy of Black people in general. FiftyForward, a longtime advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion of older adults, features Dr. Paul T. Kwami, the Musical Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and the therapeutic potential of Negro spirituals in our monthly podcast, Squeeze the Day. Fisk University was the first American university to offer a
liberal arts education to "young men and women irrespective of color" in 1866. The school was in severe financial hardship five years later. Fisk treasurer and music professor George L. White formed a nine-member student choral choir and took it on tour to raise money for the university. Now, 150 years later, their musical legacy is known worldwide. We interviewed Dr. Paul T. Kwami, the Musical Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, about his journey to Nashville from Ghana and his commitment to preserving the Fisk Jubilee Singers' music and tradition. Read the Blog. Listen to the Podcast.
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Our Centers BORDEAUX COLLEGE GROVE DONELSON STATION J. L. TURNER CENTER KNOWLES MADISON STATION MARTIN CENTER
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Policy and Important Center Updates COVID-19 Information & Safety Practices Tennessee this month even though it is currently continuing to cause high rates of infection in our area. We have reason to be hopeful because of indications from around the country where cases spiked earlier than they did here and are now decreasing in numbers. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to: 1. Be vaccinated and receive a vaccine booster to increase levels of protection. 2. Wear effective masks (N95 or KN95) or double masks. Here is a helpful video about how to double mask: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=oeS4W1Aon_s 3. Practice good hand hygiene, social distance, get tested and stay home if ill.
Masking Guidelines at FiftyForward Based on continued high levels of COVID infection in our area, everyone entering a FiftyForward location must wear a mask and keep their mask on at all times. Drivers and passengers must wear masks at all times in FiftyForward vehicles. We are committed to doing our part to keep each other and our community safe. Important note: We have recently reviewed our masking protocol. Due to high COVID transmission levels, we decided to continue masking at all times at FiftyForward in February. We’ll review our guidelines again this month. Once the current Omicron surge passes, we'll be taking your input into account to determine the next steps as we examine how to balance both: 1. Our essential need to be together and freely participate in activities, and 2. FiftyForward's responsibility to create safe environments for everyone.
COVID-19 Resources Free at-home COVID tests. Use this link to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests per household: https://special.usps.com/testkits
Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson Co. COVID-19 Response: https://www.asafenashville.org/
Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone over the age of five. COVID-19 boosters are available to anyone aged 12 and up. Testing, vaccinations, and boosters for COVID-19 are available at many area pharmacies and clinics.
Tennessee Department of Health Are you exhibiting possible symptoms of the coronavirus or concerned about exposure to the virus? Follow the public health advice and contact your health care provider for guidance. If you are unable to reach your medical provider, you can call the TN Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline: 1-877-857-2945; Available daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., CST For more info, visit the website: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
Follow this link to Medline Plus which provides various helpful resources to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. Center for Disease Control (CDC) & Prevention Website: https://www.cdc.gov/ Phone: 1-800-232-4636
Follow this link to the Williamson County Office of Public Safety
February Virtual Programming To participate and connect to any of the virtual programs below, please sign up in advance via the Membership Portal to receive Zoom links and additional information. The hosting center is listed to the right of the program name (if the program is on Zoom).
Mixed Media Book Art Series with Ashley Mintz (Knowles & Madison Station) Wednesdays, Feb. 2 & 16, 11:15 a.m. on Zoom These workshops will incorporate creative writing, mixed media art, bookmaking, and collage art. Each week, participants will create different crafts and mixed media pieces. Writers Group (Knowles) Mondays in February, 1 p.m. on Zoom Join The FiftyForward Knowles Writers group shares their memoirs, which is a great way to travel down memory lane and connect with fellow FiftyForward members. Dementia Care Education (Martin Center) Monday, Feb. 7, 2:15 p.m. on Zoom Your memory changes as you grow older. Some memory loss is normal, but memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Join us to find out when memory loss is more than normal aging. Bluebird Café Senior Show (College Grove) Monday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. We’ll stream a virtual performance of the monthly Bluebird Café Senior Show! The Assistance Fund Presentation (Martin Center) Monday, Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. on Zoom The Assistance Fund is an independent organization that helps patients and families who are facing high medical out-of-pocket costs by providing financial assistance for their copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.
Armchair Travel (Martin Center) Monday, Feb. 14, 2 p.m. Get those passports ready! Travel the world with your friends, all from the comfort of the Martin Center. Call the center if you would like to watch from home. This month we will travel to Paris! Chat & Chew (Bordeaux) Thursday, Feb. 17, 12 p.m. on Zoom Join Bordeaux Center Director Melvin Fowler for a current events discussion. Bible Study (Donelson Station) Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. on conference line The bible study group will be meeting through a conference line. Please sign up through the portal to receive an email with the login information. Armchair Travel (College Grove) Monday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m. Get those passports ready! Travel the world with your friends, all from the comfort of the College Grove center. Call the center (615-368-7093) if you would like to watch from home. This month we will travel to Paris! Walgreens Health Talk (Madison Station) Thursday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. on Zoom Join pharmacists from our local Madison Walgreens to discuss Heart Health.
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New Additions to the Membership Portal Video Library Your access to the Membership Portal includes a video library filled with programs including Arts & Crafts, Fitness, Health & Wellness, Lifelong Learning, Entertainment, and Resources. We hope you check out the newly added programs in our video library this month: Black Voices of Nashville: An Intergenerational Panel Sharing Wisdom and Hope Cooking Vegan with Vickee: Orange Chocolate Mousse Cooking with Heather: Broccoli Cheddar Soup Access these programs by logging into your account here: https://fiftyforward.org/member/#myaccount
Our New Look We updated our look and hope you are pleased to see our new design! Our membership survey show that most of you receive your FiftyForward news from Centered & Connected. We hope you will keep coming back to learn about all of the excellent programs and news from FiftyForward. Like what you see? Please share the newsletter.
We hope you’ll invite your friends and family to try out our centers. FiftyForward membership gives you access to all of our 7 centers, which means more programming, trips, and socialization opportunities for you to choose from!
We hope our new and improved Centered & Connected newsletter is a welcome addition to your inbox!
February Center Day Trips If you are interested in participating in any of the following center day trips or would like more information, please call the hosting center, sign up in the Membership Portal, or refer to each center’s calendar. *FiftyForward Trip Guidelines: All members and drivers must wear masks while inside FiftyForward vehicles, whether they are vaccinated or not. Mask and safety guidelines required by each trip destination must be followed accordingly. FiftyForward encourages mask-wearing in crowded, indoor areas.
Mystery Lunch – Donelson Station Wednesday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m., Cost: $10 + lunch cost Nashville Opera “Opera Out Loud” at Martin Center & Lunch – College Grove Wednesday, Feb. 2, Noon Cost: $5 + lunch cost Nashville Opera “Opera Out Loud” at Martin Center – Madison Station Wednesday, Feb. 2, 1:15 p.m., Cost: $10 Monthly Grocery Shopping Trip – Bordeaux Friday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m., Cost: FREE Walk with a Doc (in Centennial Park) and All of Us Research Program – Bordeaux Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m., Cost: FREE Walk with a Doc and All of Us Research Program – Knowles Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m., Cost: FREE Lunch and Movie at Opry Mills Mall – Donelson Station Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $10 + lunch and movie cost
Bluebird Café Senior Show – Turner Center Monday, Feb. 14, 9:15 a.m., Cost: $5 Valentine’s Day Lunch – Donelson Station Monday, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $10 + lunch cost Tasty Tuesday at Madison Station – Martin Center Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10:15 a.m., Cost: $15 Tasty Tuesday at Madison Station – Turner Center Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $10 Supper Club – Donelson Station Thursday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m., Cost: $10 + dinner cost TN State Museum & Farmer’s Market – Madison Station Friday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m., Cost: $5 + lunch McKay’s Book and Music Store – Donelson Station Monday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m., Cost: $10 Meet & Eat at HoneyFireBBQ – Turner Center Tuesday, Feb. 22, meet there at 11:30 a.m.
Culinary Tourism Series: Italian at Pastaria – Madison Station Wednesday, Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m., Cost: $5 + dinner
Sugar Drop Cookie Decorating Class & Lunch at Herban Market – Madison Station Thursday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m., Cost: $45 + lunch
Antique and Garden Show – Martin Center Friday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m., Cost: $30
Lunch Bunch – Donelson Station Thursday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $10 + lunch cost
Eating Excursion – College Grove Friday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m., Cost: $5 + lunch cost Bluebird Café Senior Show – Martin Center Monday, Feb. 14, 9:15 a.m., Cost: $5
National Museum of African American Music – Bordeaux Friday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m., Cost: $25 (under age 65); $20 (age 65+)
Join your FiftyForward friends to explore and travel! FiftyForward has partnered with Premier World Discovery and See America Tours to offer travel opportunities for our members. There are numerous air and motorcoach trips being planned for 2022. Destinations include: Key West | Ark Encounter | Charleston & Savanah | Iceland | Yellowstone | Grand Canyon New England | Italy | Hawaii | New York City Holiday | Rose Parade New Year’s For more information, you can view the travel guide here: https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/9b0bb004140ad2 b04463b651b228cbd709134c0f202201.pdf.html
The next See America Tour Trip Presentation is Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about specific trips to Key West, The Ark Encounter, The Greenbrier, Savannah, the Passion Play, and/or Bavaria, the travel team will be presenting at Donelson Station while all other FiftyForward centers will stream the presentation live. You will be able to ask questions and sign up for any trips you are interested in! If you have any questions, please call 615-883-8375.
Aging Well with Dr. Amy Price Neff: Friday, February 4, 1 p.m. Topic: Heart Healthy at 50+! — Each month, FiftyForward and Dr. Price Neff, from Mindstream Integrative Medicine, present Aging Well, an informative virtual series. Join us to learn what keeps an older heart in shape! Watch live on Facebook. All of Us Cafés: Come say hello to the All of Us Research Program team this month! Learn more about the All of Us Research Program from the National Institutes of Health. This exciting program seeks to enroll Song in our Hearts 1,000,0000 diverse people living in the U.S. to improve the health of future generations. Learn how you can join by visiting us in the All of Us Café! SAVE THE DATE For American Heart Month, trained staff will visit each center to answer Thursday, February 24 questions, provide tech help for enrollment, and pass out a free “hearthealthy” recipe. Sign up to make a private appointment or drop by for a casual conversation. Snacks are provided by FiftyForward. For more information on the All of Us Research Program, please visit our website at www.joinallofus.org/fiftyforward.
NEW! Walk with a Doc Nashville Chapter: Walking in a Winter Wonderland! The FiftyForward, All of Us team has had a blast so far with our new chapter of Walk with a Doc with Dr. Amy Price Neff. One of Dr. Price Neff's favorite times to walk is during winter, so we will be meeting even when it's cold (though not during ice and snow). Bundle up! These one-hour walks meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Centennial Park Events Shelter. Dr. Price Neff begins each walk with a 5-minute "health talk," then we walk around Centennial Park. The trail is a flat, 1.2-mile loop. Our next walk is on Wednesday, February 9, at 11 a.m. No RSVP is required! The Centennial Park Events Shelter is located on the Park Plaza side of the park and houses ongoing events, including Big Band Dances. There is a parking lot there as well. Look for our vans! Check our Facebook page for up-to-date inclement weather information. For more information about Walk with a Doc, visit https://walkwithadoc.org/join-awalk/locations/nashville-tennessee/, or please call 615-743-3431.
All of Us Café dates and locations Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-Noon— FiftyForward J.L. Turner Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.— FiftyForward Bordeaux Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.— FiftyForward Donelson Center Feb. 16, 10 a.m.-Noon— FiftyForward Martin Center Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-Noon— FiftyForward Madison Station Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-Noon— FiftyForward College Grove Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.— FiftyForward Knowles
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Drivers Needed FiftyForward is seeking volunteers who will drive FiftyForward vehicles to transport members to individual lifelong learning centers and on day trips in Middle Tennessee. Volunteer drivers have responsibility for passenger safety and coordination at the destination if the purpose of driving is a day trip. For more information contact: Robin Johnson, Director of Volunteer Engagement, rjohnson@fiftyforward.org.
REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver’s license Completion of a background check that includes a criminal history search and driving record review Completion of a training session that includes familiarization with FiftyForward vehicles and company policies while on trips Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
BENEFITS
Volunteer drivers are provided with complimentary entry to attractions or events visited and a meal stipend if the trip includes a visit to a restaurant. Drivers gain the opportunity to provide older adults with safe and reliable transportation to help them enjoy life.
FiftyForward FLIP Tutors & Pen Pals FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) seeks volunteers to support students. Do you enjoy reading? Working with students? This opportunity may be for you! FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) is looking for volunteers age 55+ to work with elementary students in area public and charter schools. FLIP is currently offering two volunteer opportunities: In-person tutors are needed to work with students one-on-one on their reading and/or math skills. FLIP staff will provide training and materials. Volunteers commit to tutoring 1.5-2 hours per week from January to April. Before serving, volunteers must complete an in-person interview, criminal background check, and training. Still not ready to volunteer in person? We’ve got you covered. You can write letters to students from the comfort of your home with support provided by the Williamson County AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Coordinator. Williamson County has started a Pen Pal program with several area schools. Volunteers for this program may reside in any location. For more information about in-person tutoring in Davidson County, contact Lisa Hill at lhill@fiftyforward.org. For Williamson County in-person tutoring or participation in the FLIP Pen Pal program, contact Jen Jackson at jjackson@fiftyforward.org. FLIP is part of FiftyForward’s AmeriCorps Seniors family of volunteer programs. AmeriCorps Seniors is a federal program that matches adult volunteers age 55+ with community needs. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the Maddox Fund, Ingram Industries, and the United Way of Greater Nashville provide additional support for FLIP.
FiftyForward Online Offerings FiftyForward Exchange Stay Tuned FiftyForward Exchange, in February, will feature an interview with Dr. Amy Price Neff of MindStream Integrative Medicine. In the Exchange, she will speak about holistic health and wellness to find new ways of improving or augmenting current health routines. If you recognize Dr. Amy’s name, it may be because she also hosts the very informative Age Well Cafés and the new Walk with a Doc program each month in Centennial Park. Watch for the video interview with her in mid-February on our website at www.fiftyforward.org/videos. In February, sports fans across the globe will be watching the Winter Olympics, and we are honored to have an Olympian among our Squeeze the Day podcast guests. Meet Eric Jackson, a four-time world Olympic kayak champion (think summer Olympics, of course, although he confessed to us that his hair was still wet when he jumped online to do the interview with us in mid-January because he had just completed a kayak run outside his back door.) Wow! At 57, Eric is committed to staying sharp and reframing aging. He made the kayak team again in 2021, and over the last 20 years, he has coached most of the Olympic kayak champions, many of whom are members of the Jackson family, including his daughter Emily, a 2009 Junior Olympic Champion. In this podcast, Eric also shines an interesting light on hearing loss. At the age of two, he lost most of his hearing and has had to rely on aids or lipreading throughout his life. The advent of COVID and masks have added to this complexity. This is an inspiring and high-energy interview you don’t want to miss.
How can I access the Squeeze the Day podcast?
3 Tips: How You Can Help Please share these inspiring stories. The more engagement and listeners we have for this podcast, the more we can increase our audience and sponsors. Here’s how you can help us: 1. Download the podcast. If you need help doing so, ask your center or program director. They can help you use technology to your advantage. 2. If you have a smart speaker system (think Google Home or Alexa), ask it to “Play Squeeze the Day podcast.” 3. You may also access the podcast and read the blog here: www.fiftyforward.org/podcast.
Resources & Support Groups FiftyForward Resources FiftyForward Supportive Care Services Did you know FiftyForward offers a variety of services to support older adults including: Adult Day Services FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels* Conservatorship Living at Home Care Management Care Team Victory Over Crime* *Davidson County only You may call 615-743-3416 or go to this link to learn more: https://fiftyforward.org/supportive-care/ or click on the image below to view the brochure.
Do you help care for an adult with chronic conditions? If so, you are not alone. FiftyForward offers an educational series designed to provide the tools you need to take care of yourself. As a participant, you will learn how to: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, increase your ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. Classes consist of six 90-minute Zoom sessions held once a week. Interactive lessons, discussions, and brainstorming help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action. Class will be held via Zoom early in the evening on Wednesdays (March 9-April 13). Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 2. If you are unable to participate in this session but are interested in being contacted when we offer Powerful Tool for Caregivers again, please email Kaitlyn at kparrish@fiftyforward.org to sign up for these sessions.
FiftyForward Support Groups FiftyForward has a variety of support and peer groups currently meeting. If you are interested in joining or learning more, you may reach out to the contact provided. “Bold and Golden” retired men’s group Dan Surface 615-476-6364 dan@dansurface.me
LGBTQ+ Peer Group Ashley Hunter 615-622-4154
Center Member/Client Virtual Support Group Kristen Maloney 615-743-3436
Save the Date: Whistlestop Hawaii Aloha! FiftyForward Madison Station’s fictional Whistlestop train is making its longest journey yet – to Hawaii! Join us on Thursday, March 10, for a luau to celebrate Madison Station. This year we’re adding a new members-only event to the celebration. Stay tuned for more information! www.fiftyforward.org/whistlestop
FiftyForward’s mission is to support, champion, and enhance life for adults 50 and older. To support our efforts, visit www.fiftyforward.org/donate.