Connections Fall 2020

FALL 2020

ALSO INS I D E: Fall/Winter Events & Activities To Do Safely by Social Distancing ACCA Community Partnerships: 2020’s Champions for Aging Well Virtual Trips Using Online Apps The Risk of Social Isolation During a Pandemic

Return to the Station: Epting Events Partners with ACCA During Pandemic

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we’re on your team Schedule your 3D mammogram today St. Mary’s skilled staff will guide and support you on this important health check.

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University Cancer & Blood Center is one of the premier cancer centers in the Southeast, providing cutting-edge cancer treatments, compassionate care, and the most promising clinical trials for Athens, Northeast Georgia, and beyond.

Learn more by calling 800-892-2806 or visiting:

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diagnostic, surgical and support services.

Convenient locations & Mon.–Sat. appointments Women’s Imaging Center St. Mary’s Hospital 1230 Baxter Street, Athens

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FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 3

connections CEO/PRESIDENT

Eve Anthony

B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S

Laurie Douglas, Chair Kelly Holloway, Vice Chair Robert Hardell, Treasurer Don DeMaria, Secretary

D I R E C TO R O F S A L E S , T H E AT H E N S B A N N E R - H E R A L D

Tony Bernados

C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R

Robin Stauffer ACC A S TA F F

Athens, Georgia: home to the University of Georgia, but also consistently ranked as one of the top places to retire. There are so many things that make Athens unique. The food; the music; the arts, theater and culture; the sporting events; the parks, trails and green space; and the educational opportunities are just a few of the things that make Athens awesome. Not to mention, it’s a very philanthropic community. There is no place like Athens and there is nothing like this magazine.

We’re on a mission to provide our friends and neighbors who have decided to spend their golden years in our quintessential community with a lifestyle magazine that will help them explore, experience and thrive. Just like the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA), we want to enhance the lives of older adults that live in our area.

The Athens Community Council on Aging believes that everyone should have the opportunity to age well.

With programs and services that ensure older adults have access to basic needs such as food and transportation and the opportunity for personal fulfillment achieved through social connections, life-long learning and meaningful contributions to the community, ACCA is the essential resource to help people navigate and celebrate life’s second half.

We’re also on a mission to support our community, and partnering with ACCA on the publication of this magazine allows us to do so. The partnership allows ACCA to use the expertise of OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald staff to assist with photography, design, magazine content and other editorial resources. It allows OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald to work with industry leaders to create relevant content ideas, use the knowledge and expertise of ACCA staff to pen this content, and provides an endless list of individuals to spotlight in the magazine.

Over the years, ACCA has realized that they can have a larger impact and serve more by creating partnerships with local businesses and other organizations within our community. This partnership allows ACCA to reach a larger, more diverse population.

It allows OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald the opportunity to help this non-profit organization to further their mission. Since our first issue, released in the spring of 2017, ACCA has seen a significant increase in participation in their trips and classes, increased volunteer engagement, and an increased community awareness in the services it provides.

Connections/What’s Next? is more than a magazine.

It’s a partnership with a purpose.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

If you’ve got a great idea for a story, we want to know about it! Submit your story ideas to Tony at TBernados@localiq.com. For those interested in writing, submit samples of previously published work and a brief description of the idea.

4 I CO NN E C T I ON S / W H AT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020

We would love to help grow your business by reaching your target audience within the pages of this magazine. You can help support the mission of the Athens Community Council on Aging by doing so. If you would like more information on advertising opportunities with Connections/What’s Next? contact Tony at TBernados@localiq.com or call 706.821.6602.

Eve Anthony Erin Beasley Amy Lancaster Paige Powell ACCO U N T E X E C U T I V E S

Tom Bennewitz Beth Flenniken

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Ashley Thompson

CO N T R I B U TO R S

Michael Ash Jason Butt Ellen Everitt Nikaela Frederick Dr. Kerstin Gerst-Emerson Kipper Koslowsky Amy Lancaster Paige Powell Allyn Rippin P H OTO G R A P H Y

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CO N TAC T ACC A

135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 706.549.4850

contents ON THE COVER

RETURN TO THE STATION: EPTING EVENTS PARTNERS WITH ACCA DURING PANDEMIC

MENTAL HEALTH

10

SENIOR HEALTH

12

ATHENS MASKS UP FOR SENIORS

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COOPED UP DURING COVID-19: THE RISK OF SOCIAL ISOLATION DURING THE PANDEMIC AGEISM: COVID-19’S HIDDEN SYMPTOM WEARING A MASK TO PROTECT OTHERS

PHILANTHROPY 16

ATHENS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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AGE WELL. LIVE WELL.

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AGE WELL. LIVE WELL.

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AGING... EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

26

VIRTUAL TRIPS

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ACCA VOLUNTEERS STEP UP FOR COMMUNITY WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? BETTY BROWNER

CONTACTLESS VISITS FROM ACCA VOLUNTEERS SPOTTED AROUND ATHENS

SPECIAL THANKS TO ACCA’S 2020 CHAMPIONS FOR AGING WELL

© 2020 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.

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AGE WELL, LIVE WELL—FROM VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE USING APPS FOR VIRTUAL TRAVEL

CALENDAR 33

FALL / WINTER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 5

PHOTO MINLA SHIELDS

Return to the Station:

Epting Events Partners with ACCA During Pandemic

BY JASON BUTT

It started with a phone call and a kind gesture.

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in the U.S. in mid-March, Daniel Epting, the chief operating officer of catering company Epting Events, thought the ramifications of a shutdown could disrupt the everyday responsibilities of local Athenians.

Part of the solution was for Daniel to use Epting Events to donate meals to the elderly and most vulnerable. Epting picked up the phone and called Eve Anthony, the Athens Community Council on Aging chief executive officer.

Epting offered to fund two weeks of meals for ACCA to ensure those in need were able to be properly fed.

“I threw them all this idea that said look we’ll fund some food for y’all because we know you’re getting hit hard,” Epting said.

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The ACCA agreed to take the meals with Epting engineering the plan. His company would cook the meals, freeze them and store them at a walk-in freezer at McLane Company. From there, the ACCA would pick the meals up and distribute them to the community. The idea turned into an immediate success, with Anthony calling Epting with a follow-up plan.

“She said, ‘Daniel, this is helping so much,” Epting said.

“I wrote a grant and was able to get it. Can you do four more weeks of meals?’ I said, ‘Yes ma’am.’ It was great because it safely kept some of our staff working when our industry, in 39 hours, lost everything.

“It meant I was able to keep people working when jobs were going away. And people got fed. It was fair and just. From that sense, it just made me very, very happy.”

Those four weeks turned into fourteen weeks and created an even stronger partnership between Epting Events and the ACCA than was present before.

Epting has long been community-minded, dating back to when he participated in the film “Darius Goes West”, a documentary that brought awareness to local teenager Darius Weems’ battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Since then, partnering with nonprofits has been part of Epting’s mission as a business professional.

By assisting the ACCA in a time of need, the two entities have further strengthened their relationship.

“It’s always been healthy but it just hasn’t been as strong as it is now,” Epting said. “That bond, that constant engagement, that texting back and forth to each other, that comfort of knowing I’m here to provide a service to support the service that you do for the community.”

If not for COVID-19, Epting Events would have a full summer hosting weddings, fundraisers and parties across the city, including its own location at the Athens Cotton Press. Instead, the two large open spaces, perfect for dancing and gathering, now include shelving to store commodity bags and other items for nonprofit volunteers to deliver to the community.

In addition to the ACCA, Epting Events has partnered with Extra Special People and Books For Keeps. As it pertains to the ACCA, Epting said he’s happy to assist with FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 7

PHOTO MINLA SHIELDS the logistical part of this operation so that the nonprofit organization can focus on other areas of importance.

“If we can help relieve the burden of their staff from having to do some of the meals, it means they can do the mental health and social health side of things with the Council, not just the nutritional side,” Epting said.

“And it will create safe jobs for most of my staff.”

In an unusual time like this, Epting Events was able to organize accordingly, thanks to the company’s expertise in being able to provide emergency relief in prior instances.

Ashley Epting, Daniel’s brother and Epting Events chief executive officer, said the many experiences — both in emergency relief and with the regular pressures in the catering world — have helped prepare Epting Events in pivoting to assisting the community during this time.

“It’s more about being seasoned, being able to be calm and to intensely focus on solving the problem, and not getting rocked by whatever the obstacle is,” Ashley said.

Prior to teaming up on the local COVID-19 response,

Epting Events and the ACCA have long been linked by the physical location of the nonprofit’s building. Prior to Lee Epting, Daniel’s father, founding what later became Epting Events, he used the old Southern Railway depot’s location to open The Station in 1972. The Station hosted numerous shops and eating options. The fine dining restaurant on-site, also named The Station, was built at the train station and featured a 1913 dining car named the “Valdosta” that seated 40 people. The establishment was popular for local Athenians, with menu items like the Chicken Valdosta and the New York Strip still bringing back fond memories for those who recall the restaurant.

Also, at The Station was T.K. Harty’s Saloon, which was located at the railway station’s freight office. T.K. Harty’s Saloon was a popular hangout for the college crowd. The warehouse was transformed into a row of specialty stores.

After the end of The Station, and when Lee focused on his catering and events business around Athens, the ACCA moved into the building. Epting Events and

“It’s a deeper understanding of what they do. It’s a deeper understanding of what their needs are. And it’s a deeper level of reward of being able to service those needs. That’s what means so much to us.” —Daniel Epting, Epting Events 8 I CO NN E C T I ON S / W H AT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020

the ACCA will forever be linked by the location, which makes this latest partnership even more meaningful.

“I couldn’t be more proud of what they do and want to do for the community,” Lee said. “I think we’re all Athenians and Georgians and are proud of what they’ve got, and know we live in the best place in the world. We want to preserve and pass it on. I think it’s more of the Athenian oath — take care of it and pass it on better than you found it.”

Since buying the Athens Cotton Press, Daniel has loved being able to use it as a venue to host weddings and parties. But if the purpose of the location has changed, then so be it. Daniel said he is open to using the building for local nonprofits to store goods and materials that the Athens community needs. Time will tell what the future holds in this regard.

Yet, seeing how the ACCA operates up close since the pandemic hit, Daniel has an even greater appreciation for everything it does. And Epting Events is here to help.

“It’s a deeper understanding of what they do,” Daniel said. “It’s a deeper understanding of what their needs are. And it’s a deeper level of reward of being able to service those needs. That’s what means so much to us.”

FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 9

Cooped Up During COVID-19: the Risk of Social Isolation During the Pandemic Why does this matter?

Public health implications of social isolation.

BY DR. KERSTIN GERST-EMERSON, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

S

helter in place. Social distance. Before March these were phrases many of us had never heard of, but are now a part of daily life. The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has created a pandemic unlike any we have seen in a century. COVID-19 disproportionately affects older adults physically, especially those with high-risk conditions. It has forced many of us to isolate from family, friends and society in general.

This is the right thing to do for the sake of overall public health. But there are also consequences that must be addressed.

I worry about the short and long-term consequences on mental health of older adults. I worry because I’m a gerontologist who studies loneliness, which was already a concern before the pandemic. What are the mental health consequences of months of relative social isolation?

Before the pandemic, about 1 in 3 older adults reported being lonely. Initial research shows that many people are feeling lonelier since the pandemic.

For many, their normal opportunities for engagement are now cut off. Opportunities for social engagement such as group exercise classes, going to restaurants, family gatherings, or even going shopping are now severely limited. Those who were already lonely have had the feeling exacerbated. Those who were not are now at increased risk.

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Research consistently shows that loneliness is a major public health issue. Vivek Murthy, the former US Surgeon General once called loneliness an “epidemic.”

I worry that some older adults are facing both the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the loneliness epidemic.

This is especially true the longer the restriction recommendations last.

Research has linked loneliness to worsened physical health, including high blood pressure, disability, cognitive decline, depression, and increased doctor’s visits. Loneliness has even been linked to early death.

To put it into context, being socially isolated is a risk factor for mortality comparable to smoking or being an alcoholic, and is twice as harmful as obesity. Public health officials talk a lot about interventions for smoking, exercise, and obesity. Rarely do we talk about loneliness.

I would argue that it has never been more important to talk about loneliness than it is right now.

What can we do?

The solution I most often hear is that everyone should “go online!” and there are certainly amazing opportunities for social connections using technology.

Many older adults report new-found skills at using technology to connect with others, including becoming experts at video calling services like Zoom and FaceTime.

Many are connecting with family and old friends through social media sites like Facebook. There seem to be endless opportunities for virtual field trips and online chatrooms, and there are ample adorable kitten videos to share. Using technology to assist in social connection can be incredibly powerful and useful.

However, we need to remember that not every person has access to this technology. Some do not own

“Research has linked loneliness to worsened physical health, including high blood pressure, disability, cognitive decline, depression, and increased doctor’s visits. Loneliness has even been linked to early death. To put it into context, being socially isolated is a risk factor for mortality comparable to smoking or being an alcoholic, and is twice as harmful as obesity.” —Dr. Kerstin Gerst-Emerson smartphones or computers. And many do not live in an area with strong internet service. Georgia has many rural counties and numerous geographic pockets of slow or nonexistent internet service. Many people used the library computer to connect to the internet before the pandemic, but libraries are still closed to patrons.

So, while it is easy for us to recommend older adults simply join online activities, I encourage everyone to think of additional ways to connect. Sometimes it is as simple as a phone call or letter. My young children practice their handwriting skills by writing letters to older adults (and writing letters is becoming a lost skill!). Community organizations like the ACCA have created wonderful programs to facilitate this, including the Buddy Call program. This program pairs volunteers, including medical students, with ACCA clients for regular social phone calls. It has been amazing to see communities step up and become creative in connecting with older adults. Setting up outside bingo games, establishing hallway reading groups in long term care facilities, organizing drive by parades…the list goes on. I really believe that creativity is one key to helping people connect safely during the pandemic.

The other key is for everyone to become advocates for the programs and services that we already know make

a difference to those who are homebound. For the first time, a large portion of the population is experiencing first-hand some of what it is like to be homebound.

The struggle of getting a necessary thing like groceries and of seeing friends and family. The desolation of not having anyone to talk to for days or even weeks at a time. Many older adults have known this challenge long before the pandemic. Older adults who are homebound due to physical and/or mental health limitations can tell you how important home-delivered meals are, and how important visitors and phone calls are. So, we need to become advocates for community support such as meals on wheels, safe transportation, buddy calls, and in-home services.

The number one public health priority is containment of the virus. That means social distancing and shelter in place measures are necessary, especially for older adults.

But we need to recognize and address the challenges that come with extended isolation. We need to look at the big picture, and mental and social health should be part of that discussion.

If you are interested in sharing your experience with social restrictions during the pandemic, please consider completing our online research survey at https://tinyurl.com/UGACovidSurvey.

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As life slowly returned to a “new normal”, older adults continued to be segregated from the community. While most healthy adults have been encouraged to shop, work and play in a safely distanced way, seniors have been encouraged to stay home and stay safe. It is a powerfully mixed message. On the one hand, we protect what we believe is valuable, and our elders certainly are. On the other hand, it suggests that seniors are not a valuable part of the working society. Not only must older adults worry about COVID-19, but they are also faced with stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination based solely on their age.

Ageism is one of the few remaining “isms” largely ignored in the U.S. According to the World Health Organization, “ageism is everywhere, yet it is most socially ‘normalized’ of any prejudice, and is not widely counted.”

This attitude can “lead to the marginalization of older people within our communities and have negative impacts on their health and well-being.” To suggest that those over a certain age must sacrifice themselves for the good of our economy, not only legitimizes ageism but also devalues our older adult population. We as a society have to remember, being vulnerable does not equate to being unimportant.

Photo: Taylor Gerlach The Red and Black

Ageism: COVID-19’s Hidden Symptom

BY ALLYN RIPPIN AND PAIGE POWELL

W

hen the clock struck midnight January 1, 2020, few of us expected the world to look the way it does today. Some approached the new decade with optimism and hope and a clarity of vision, full of goals and dreams. Over the past few months, however, our lives have been turned upside down by COVID-19. There has been devastation and loss, to be sure, yet we have also seen remarkable resiliencies in the way everyday people have adapted their lives and outlooks to create a “new normal” in the face of uncertainty.

The pandemic has posed many challenges, but there have been a few silver linings. We have had a chance 1 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S / W HAT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020

to slow down, pause and take stock. The year 2020 also presented itself with a rare opportunity to come together as a nation and world. Even more rare was the chance to step inside the lives of people we do not often come into contact with, specifically our community of seniors.

Quarantined at home, unable to circulate the way we used to, many of us have experienced isolation, fear, disconnection and loneliness. Appreciation has grown for the role of the delivery person bringing a meal, a handwritten letter received in the mailbox, or a phone call from a loved one. Small gestures have been lifelines.

Unfortunately, this experience is an all-too-familiar scenario for many older adults. For some, separation from loved ones and vital resources, isolation and boredom were part of normal life before the

pandemic. Perhaps we are finding greater empathy and compassion for those less visible in society and can use this moment to change how we care for seniors in healthier times to come.

Ageism and COVID

While the pandemic has served as a valuable teaching moment, it has also shed light on the deepseated attitudes and beliefs we still hold individually and collectively about older adults. When you think about an older adult, what image comes to mind?

Do you see a frail and vulnerable person, or do you see someone who is vibrant, engaged and thriving?

At the beginning of the pandemic, the focus was on at-risk, vulnerable older adults. Public messages were accompanied by misconceptions that age correlated directly with COVID-19 deaths. Nursing homes, already under scrutiny, were singled out as the epicenter for the outbreak. We also heard stories of older adults mistreated and victimized on city streets—all of which underscored the image of older adults as frail and weak and undeserving of respect.

Moving Forward

So many of our community’s older adults make valuable contributions to our community each day. They are volunteers, caregivers and friends. Older adults carry a wealth of wisdom and life experience. They have lived through tough times in this nation’s history and in their personal lives. There is no better time to gain strength from their resilience than during a pandemic.

The antidote to ageism is to continue to uphold, engage, and celebrate our older population, and reintegrate our members into the community. At ACCA, we miss our seniors and continue to seek ways to re-connect them with friends, family, and the things in life that matter. For us, this looks like weekly phone calls and safety checks, safely-distanced driveway visits, engaging virtual activities, and ensuring the provision of food and other resources. As a collective, we can focus on ways to make sure our seniors’ voices are heard and faces are seen. Staying well means staying connected, engaged and inspired. In 2020, that is something we are all striving for.

FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 13

• Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2

How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Mask

Accessible: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

USE A MASK TO HELP PROTECT OTHERS

WEAR YOUR MASK CORRECTLY

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Wash your hands before putting on your mask Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face Make sure you can breathe easily Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2

#NoSeniorLeftBehind #CaringisWearing

• Wear a mask to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms • Keep the mask on your face the entire time you’re in public • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead • Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, clean your hands

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Masks On for Seniors

PHOTO LINDSEY DERRICK

A UGA Bulldog statue with a mask

Barbara Sims with Eden and Susy Holloway in the Mae Willie Morton Community Garden

Dr. Jenifer Gustafson Hope, Hope Animal Medical Center

David Bradley, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce

Kirby Smart, University of Georgia Head Foodball Coach

Dr. Achilia Morrow, Community Internal Medicine, St. Mary’s Healthcare

USE A MASK TO HELP PROTECT OTHERS • Wear a mask to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms PHARMACY • Keep the mask on your face the entire time you’re in public Stay at least 6 feet away from others • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead • Don’tare touch Avoid contact with people who sickthe mask, and, if you do, clean your hands

FOLLOW EVERYDAY HEALTH HABITS M

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• • • Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time FOLLOW HEALTH HABITS PHARMACY • UseEVERYDAY hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others • Avoid contact with people who are sick • Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

TAKE OFF YOUR MASK CAREFULLY, WHEN YOU’RE HOME • Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops

TAKE OFF YOUR MASK CAREFULLY, • Handle only by the ear loops or ties WHEN YOU’RE HOME

• Fold outside corners together Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops mask Handle only by the•earPlace loops or ties in the washing machine Fold outside corners• together Wash your hands with soap and water

Noris Diaz, Farmers Insurance

• • • • Place mask in the washing machine • Wash your hands with soap and water

Sarah McKinney, Athens Area Community Foundation

Deborah Lonon, Assistant County Manager

Eve Anthony, Athens Community Council on Aging

Personal masks are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, both of which should Personal masks are not surgical masks or respirators, of which should be saved forN-95 health careboth workers and other medical first responders. be saved for health care workers and other medical first responders.

1 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S / W HAT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020 CS 316488I 08/19/2020

CS 316488I 08/19/2020

For instructions on making a mask, see:

For instructions on Kelly Girtz, cdc.gov/coronavirus cdc.gov/coronavirus Athens-Clarke County Mayor making a mask, see:

Mel Evan at the Mae Willie Morton Community Garden

Fred Smith, East Athens Development Corporation

Hugh Acheson, Five & Ten

incredible culture of giving and sharing, all of which has been magnified by this public health crisis,” says Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation. “Through it all, we have been able to mobilize generosity and match resources to the growing needs of our community.”

BY: KIPPER KOSLOWSKY

T

he history of the Athens Area Community Foundation is rooted in the trusted leadership of community members focused on serving as a public grantmaking foundation. It partners with donors, nonprofits, and institutions to grow, preserve, and share philanthropic assets. Never has its role been more important than during the current pandemic. While 2020 has presented the community foundation with new challenges, it has also presented the organization with extraordinary opportunities for growth, partnerships, and learning. This year forced them to carefully consider processes, how to determine needs, and how to meet those needs. They have had to pivot and shift, discover and create. Without a doubt, 2020 has made them better than ever, stronger than ever. “Philanthropy has a role in good times and in bad. Our region has an 1 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S / W HAT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020

Responding to Urgent, Local Needs

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, McKinney was in communication with the Georgia Grantmakers Alliance, listening and connecting on pandemicspecific giving opportunities, as well as sharing best practices for philanthropy statewide. This led to forming a partnership with United Way of Northeast Georgia to set up the COVID-19 Community Response Fund at the Athens Area Community Foundation. “We aimed to raise and deploy financial resources as rapidly as possible, and more than 370 individuals, organizations, and businesses answered the call,” said McKinney. The fund quickly grew to a total of $385,000. McKinney and Kay Keller of United Way assembled community leaders to assess the area’s greatest needs and distribute four rounds of grants to organizations across a twelve-county region. $268,000 in grants addressed food, housing, mental health, domestic violence, child advocacy, summer youth engagement and education, youth drug and alcohol prevention, and

school PPE. “In our role as a community foundation, we need to mold, shift, and shape our giving to the needs of our neighbors. The COVID-19 Fund allowed us to address immediate needs and prepare for future ones.”

Athens Area Community Foundation fundholders gave generously, increasing their total giving by 151% over last spring, and giving more than $500,000 toward local, emergency relief. Together, they were able to boost services provided to the community.

Supporting Nonprofits

Those services were provided by area nonprofits.

While so many people quarantined, local nonprofits donned masks and gloves and kept serving. They morphed, pivoted, and partnered with other nonprofits, but also with private businesses such as restaurants and hotels to provide emergency food and shelter. They strategically planned for meeting future needs, while making sure they were following best practices for their staff, volunteers, and clients. “As we have listened and worked to connect philanthropy where it is needed most, the nonprofit business community has done an extraordinary job of sharing resources, combining services, and quickly developing innovative plans to stretch a dollar, help multiple aspects of our community, and serve people in need,” says McKinney.

The Community Foundation worked with United Way of Northeast Georgia and Envision Athens to support area nonprofits by holding weekly calls centered around focused topics to share information, ask questions, and learn from one another. The Community Foundation also provided a COVID Community Response spreadsheet opportunity for nonprofits to share their most pressing, specific needs in a centralized location. In partnership with Envision Athens and the Athens Wellbeing Project, the Community Foundation hosted a free online training on trauma-informed care, thanks to grant funds from The Pittulloch Foundation and Resilient Georgia.

The training addressed the immense levels of stress and fatigue in not only front-line staff but also across the spectrum of the community. All of this was in addition to providing an ongoing Nonprofit Training Series, free of charge, to area nonprofits, in conjunction with United Way of Northeast Georgia, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, University of Georgia School of Social Work, and UGA Service-Learning.

Create a Dynamic Legacy/Planning for the Future

Together, the fundholders at the Athens Area Community Foundation are making a tremendous difference in the community, meeting needs in this FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 17

WELCOME TO SAFE AND SOUND. AND HAPPY. During unsettled times, the constants in life give us comfort. Yes, we are taking all recommended safety precautions during this pandemic. But the one thing that hasn’t changed, the one thing our residents know they can count on, is feeling happy to be here.

WELCOME HOME. emergency, but also strategically planning and partnering for the future. The Community Foundation guides and supports local philanthropists, helping them to create a dynamic legacy, meeting the demands of today while preserving and growing assets for tomorrow. McKinney says, “Our mission remains to help passionate donors leave permanent legacies, foster strategic philanthropy,

and shape effective responses to community needs through collaboration.” Especially during times of public emergency, private philanthropic support can help local organizations tremendously. The Athens Area Community Foundation will continue to provide local leadership in philanthropy and always remain ready to help.

TALMAGE TERRACE | LANIER GARDENS

801 Riverhill Drive | Athens, GA 30606 706.369.7100 | wesleywoods.org/athens ACCA Ad 0820.indd 1

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

ACCA Volunteers Step Up for Community

BY ELLEN EVERITT

I

f you drive past ACCA on any given weekday, you would not believe it is currently closed. You would see activity lighting up the entire outside of the building. There is a line of cars in the drive-through, bags of food being loaded into trunks, and people heading east and west out of our parking lot to their destinations.

And while inside our halls might be quieter, the veins of ACCA run deep into our community, our heart kept beating by our incredible corps of volunteers.

Since March 16th, our very first day of closure, our volunteers stepped up and came to the aid of those who needed the most help. In the 6 months since that day, our team of more than 60 drivers for Meals On Wheels delivered nearly 44,000 emergency food relief meals, our 40 Phone Buddies kept 77 older adults company, and our 5 Emergency Grocery Shoppers made more than 50 trips to Publix to get groceries to those with specific or immediate needs. All of this service translates to 580 of ACCA’s existing clients, and an additional 1,347 new clients — a total of 1,927 seniors having their needs met while staying safely at home.

It is not an easy time to volunteer. Right now, we are all balancing a global pandemic and learning how to handle this “new normal” while we go on with our lives—navigating birthdays, work, bridal showers, and everything we were used to. It is all too easy to get wrapped up in our own worlds, and this is why we have decided that instead of our usual single spotlight, we are dedicating this page to every volunteer serving with us right now. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to those who have taken time out of their already hectic lives to come to the aid of those who needed it most.

As our older friends and neighbors sheltered in place, our volunteers stepped out of the comfort of their homes to do the right thing by looking out for the most vulnerable amongst our community.

Every single person who has lent a hand over the last 6 or so months has impacted our clients’ lives in ways far beyond what anyone could have imagined. Your calls of comfort and your friendly faces when you deliver mean more than a meal, and more than a simple check-in.

They are lifelines to the world outside. They are ways for our clients to know that they are not forgotten about and that we hold them deep within our hearts.

To all our volunteers—thank you. We are so grateful for all you have given to us. And we are so excited to continue our good work with you.

All of this service translates to 580 of ACCA’s existing clients, and an additional 1,347 new clients — a total of 1,927 seniors having their needs met while staying safely at home.

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Volunteer Opportunities What can you do with an hour of free time? Volunteer with us!

Quinn Peragine, fourth-year medical student at the Augusta University/University of Gerogia Meical Partnership, started the Phone Buddies program. (submitted photo)

Phone Buddies

Our phone buddies are paired with an elder in our community who is socially isolated and could use a friend. These volunteers make social calls and develop an on-going friendship with their buddy who may be sheltering-in-place alone and without family or other support.

Meals on Wheels Drivers

RSVP Makers Club

Calling all makers age 55+! ACCA is looking for crafters, artists, sewers, and more to make activity blankets and other items for our clients who are staying safe at home.

This is a new club that will provide an opportunity for you to virtually connect with other makers while creating fun and engaging crafts for others.

We are looking for drivers who can commit one hour each week to deliver meals on wheels. Our drivers deliver bags of food and frozen, prepared meals to vulnerable residents of our community. This includes older adults and people with disabilities who are homebound and unable to leave their homes due to health, mobility or transportation issues, are at an increased risk for COVID-19 and need to avoid the grocery store and are unable to utilize on-line delivery and other methods, and/or those who might not be able to afford essential groceries at the moment.

To get started, or for more information, visit our website www.accaging.org, email eeveritt@accaging.org or call Ellen Everitt at (706) 549-4850.

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AGE WELL. LIVE WELL. ACCA believes you can explore your passion and make a difference at any age. Older adults make a lasting impact on our community by sharing their experience, knowledge, creativity, and heart. These stories are examples of how each of us can Age Well and Live Well.

When did you start coming to ACCA? When I had cancer, my children were trying to help me. They tried to tell me about how great ACCA was and how I could be social. I misunderstood and thought they were trying to put me in a nursing home! I got so upset at first, but then I came around.

I talked with my doctor and he convinced me to go.

The first day I went, I just had a good time! I sat at the table and all of my friends were there, my neighbors were there and some of the people I grew up with.

We laugh and we go on trips. There could not be a better place for older people. I am dying to get back there [after quarantine]. When I get back there, I’m going to stay there!

Betty Browner

BY MICHAEL ASH

B

orn in Chattanooga, TN, Betty Browner moved to Oglethorpe County as a child where she grew up on a farm until moving to Athens in the tenth grade.

Working most of her life and providing for her five boys and three girls, Ms. Browner never slowed down. Today, she is living her life believing that “people should always love one another, pray for one another and learn to share with one another.” Here is her story on how she became a part of the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA), her life during the pandemic and how she is aging well and living well in Athens, Georgia.

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few dishes or something to clean?” I told her to just keep me company and take me to my appointments.

At this point in your life, what would you say is most important to you?

Right now, it is getting back to church. I am a Sunday school teacher. I started with primary classes then junior classes. Now I am teaching senior classes. I sing in the women’s choir with 72 other members. Some of the choir members are still around from when my mother was in the choir. I love working with the youth in the church and the children. I have been working in the kitchen for 37 years now. I was born and raised in the church. My second priority is the center. I enjoy traveling and I love people.

What advice would you give to the younger generations today?

The best advice that I can give them right now is to learn how to pray. You have got to be strong, have sense and knowledge.

Have a level mind. Sit down before you say something and count “1,2…3”. Think before you speak.

My parents always taught me to “sit back and listen.”

Read to your children as early as one month old until they are grown. We don’t read enough. I do not know why people these days do not read as much.

Today, we must take care of one another and be thankful for each other.

What inspires you and keeps you motivated?

Staying busy, entertaining my church family, visiting with my church family, reading, planting my garden and keeping myself motivated. When the time comes to think about this [virus] I am too tired to worry about it. It has not even bothered me.

How do you age and live well?

You have to be happy to live, motivated to live and you cannot be alone. The most important thing in your life: do unto me as I do unto you. If I need you, come to my rescue. If you need me, I will come to yours.

This pandemic has disrupted the way of life for so many people and made it hard for some to stay connected. How have you been staying connected with family and friends?

We have been talking on the telephone. I have some family members who are sick, so we have to stay away. My daughter will come pick me up and we will go for a ride, get food to-go and just have fun riding. The center stays in touch with me and comes by to visit me. They are the kind of people that love everybody.

Our neighborhood always keeps busy. We all keep our little gardens and have buckets of flowers.

They say, “Ms. Browner come over and look at my flowers.” We all are busy working in our yards. They tell me when I moved into the neighborhood, I got everybody doing things in their yards.

My children tried to set me up with a caregiver nurse to come out. When she came, she said “Ms. Browner, this is the first house that I have to find work to do. You would think you could leave me a

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AGE WELL. LIVE WELL. Throughout the past six months, our mission has been the same, but our work has looked a little different. In response to COVID-19, we transitioned into a new service model to ensure that no senior will be left behind. We have been hard at work distributing food, supporting clients and their families and connecting with them by phone, teleconferencing and through contactless visits. We can’t wait to see you at ACCA soon, but until then, please stay safe and stay well!

AGING...

EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

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5 1 In March, with the help of our amazing donors and community partners we began serving seniors living at Columbia Brookside, Athena Gardens, and Denney Towers with weekly commodity bags of groceries, 5 frozen meals and toilet paper.

With their help, 291 more seniors had food.

2 Our supportive friends at Creature Comforts surprised us with a generous donation in May. Thank you for helping us ensure no senior is left behind. Cheers to this awesome community partner. We look forward to toasting together once we are able.

3 Athens BMW, Hughes Subaru and Phil Hughes Honda recently offered a discount to their customers if they donated personal care and household products. We received a donation of over 500 items. Thank you, again Phil Hughes Automotive Group.

4 In April, Chef and restaurateur Hugh Acheson and his team prepared and delivered over 3,400 meals to ACCA. We were overwhelmed by his generosity and support and thank him for sharing his talents with our community members in need.

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6 Rotary Club. Thank you so much for your support and FAN-tastic donation this summer.

6 In April, ACCA received a gift of love from our friends at Athens Church. Their generous support allowed ACCA to continue to serve MORE seniors through our emergency food relief efforts.

7 We want to thank Mask Making for Athens and Athens-Clarke County for helping our staff and volunteers stay safe, and stylish, as we prepare and distribute food and commodity bags to our seniors in need. The masks are now a part of our daily attire and we are so fortunate to have them.

8 We are so lucky to work in such a supportive community where neighbors truly help neighbors.

Thank you to Gina, Jordan and Catie of Athens YMCA for helping out. In May, they delivered 70 food and commodity bags to our friends over at Denney Towers. Collectively, we are working hard to ensure no senior is left behind.

9 Many thanks to Adventure Bags, Inc. for thinking of our Meals on Wheels clients during this time.

They donated bags with personal care items for our seniors in need. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and know our seniors do too.

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Special Thanks to ACCA’s 2020 Champions for Aging Well

com·mu·ni·ty

noun

1 a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

2 a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

BY AMY LANCASTER

C Seay Plumbing

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ommunity. By its very definition, it is open to interpretation. You may have several communities in which you feel a part of. A sense of community within your neighborhood, workplace, where you worship or who share your interests. You may even have an online community that you feel just as close to as those in your daily personal life.

In a way, COVID-19 has made everyone in the world part of a community. We embarked on this unforeseen journey affecting all of us on a local, national and worldwide level. As a result, we have become caretakers, homeschool teachers, chefs and at-home activity directors. We have tackled computer engineering to figure out teleconferencing software to continue our work responsibilities and for staying connected to loved ones far away.

Collectively, we have recalibrated our lives personally and professionally to keep our spirits up

and the world revolving. Yet, despite any uncertainty we all share, what has emerged is an overwhelming sense of community, compassion and resiliency. We feel lucky to have a front-row seat of these actions every single day at the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA).

Founded by the Community

“Our very existence within Athens-Clarke County was a result of a group of citizens who, in 1967, recognized the need for local services to support the aging population in the community,” said ACCA President and CEO Eve Anthony. “For over 50 years, ACCA has been the comprehensive resource of expertise and opportunities for adults and families who need and desire to age and live well. Our mission is to promote a lifetime of wellness through engagement, advocacy, education and support.”

ACCA does this by offering programs and services that address basic needs, such as food and FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 27

transportation, and personal fulfillment gained through building relationships, expanding knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the community.

This includes programs like Meals on Wheels, Center for Active Living, Senior Employment Program and benefits counseling.

When COVID-19 emerged, ACCA set a plan into motion to ensure no senior would be left behind. We quickly pivoted daily operations to focus on three areas: food and basic needs, security checks and virtual social connections. Within the first five months of our “new normal” we had distributed over 100,000 emergency food relief meals to over 1,900 older adults in the community who faced food insecurities.

A Village of Volunteers

It was apparent very early on that it would take a village to get through the extraordinary circumstances we were facing. Luckily, ACCA has that village. Along with staff members leading the charge throughout the state, a team of 100 volunteers is currently assisting with a variety of programs and initiatives.

One volunteer group is helping diminish the feeling of social isolation that often affects our senior population through the Buddy Calls program.

Launched as a result of the pandemic, over 40 volunteers are having weekly phone calls with these seniors. Buddy Calls is a collaboration between ACCA and the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership and continues to keep the spirits up of area residents.

With the significant increase of emergency food relief, and safety being the top priority, our team of volunteers mask up and assist with daily Meals on Wheels operations. Made up of seasoned volunteers, as well as new faces who have joined because of COVID-19, this team is critical to the success of the agency’s food distribution.

“I have been so immensely moved by and grateful for the volunteers who have helped us during this time,” said Jennifer Shaikun, Meals on Wheels Coordinator.

The addition of the newer volunteers has helped fill in the routes normally run by some veteran volunteers who have been temporarily sidelined while sheltering in place. Many of these volunteers are coming week after week and have gotten to know and care about the clients on their routes.

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“So many wonderful community members have stepped up during this time and it makes my heart swell,” Shaikun said.

VIRTUAL TRIPS

A Community Banded Together

There is no doubt that Athens is a special place.

The sense of community that has emerged in recent months has been heartwarming and, at times, humbling. In addition to the team of volunteers working alongside us, we have many community members also lending their support. Area businesses, church and school groups, local and national organizations and individuals immediately reached out to offer their resources, time and talents to help sustain ACCA’s mission throughout COVID-19. Their acts of kindness have been plentiful.

Grassroot organizations and government entities donated handmade masks and personal protective equipment to keep our staff and volunteers safe when making socially distant visits to those we serve.

Homemade cards were drawn for us to tuck into food bags delivered by volunteers. Athens-Clarke County lent us a hand with bulk food deliveries while other community members helped us streamline our distribution procedures to increase efficiency. Local businesses and nonprofits donated much-needed personal care and household items including newly “brewed” hand sanitizer.

ACCA has also been so appreciative of the donors, near and far, who have supported these emergency efforts through thoughtful donations to our COVID relief fund. This support from our community has enabled the agency to continue providing the food and basic needs, security checks and virtual social connections. Community support will help to sustain ACCA as a stable, effective community resource while most of its programs are suspended.

Community. It is one word, but it does indeed have many interpretations. For us at the ACCA, we are so proud and appreciative we work and live in such a supportive, loving, selfless community. This village has empowered us to serve our neighbors in need and together we will continue to do so.

For information on how you can support ACCA, please visit www.accaging.org, or call (706) 549-4850.

Age Well, Live Well— From Virtually Anywhere

BY NIKAELA FREDERICK AND ALLYN RIPPIN

“T

hank goodness for technology!”These words have crossed our minds more than once at the Center for Active Living. Since March, we have adapted to the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 by moving our activities to a virtual format.

ACCA is committed to countering social isolation, loneliness and boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering fun and engaging virtual content. We are grateful for the technology that keeps us connected!

Each month offers a unique calendar of events. On our recent virtual trips, participants have relished in the beauty of lavender fields in Provence, France, boated in a gondola along the waters of Venice, Italy, and trekked through the Georgia red clay of Providence Canyon

CAL’s yoga Instructor, Josh Hussey, leads a weekly class via Zoom.

with a park ranger. We have enjoyed seminars on legal matters and reading recommendations from Athens’ own Avid Bookshop. We swooned over homemade ice FALL 2020 I CO N N E C T I O N S / W H AT ’S N E X T M AG A Z I N E I 29

Providence Canyon Interpretive Ranger speaking to the CAL group on a recent “trip.”

cream and zucchini summer salad during live cooking demos. We have even broken a sweat through yoga and dance – all from the comfort of our homes!

A wonderful advantage of living in the digital age is having the world at your fingertips. Just twenty years ago, this level of connection would not have been possible. COVID-19 has challenged many of us to step outside our comfort zones, especially when it comes to technology. Challenges come with silver linings, though, and that means many are learning new technologies that allow us to meet new people, learn something new, and expand our reach.

While most of our activities take place on the video conferencing platform, Zoom, all are accessible by phone, so you do not always need a smartphone or computer. Our staff is always here if you need guidance.

Let’s take advantage of the times we are living in.

Age well, live well – together from a distance!

Virtual Travel Near and Far

International travel on a plane may be out of the question right now but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy exotic destinations. Thanks to websites like Google, visitors’ bureaus, PBS, and YouVisit, to name a few, you can enjoy secondhand visits to countless places around the world. Whether you want a narrated experience, a self-guided tour, or just enjoy pure scenery, options are plenty. YouTube is chock full of “4K” videos – some of the highest resolutions available, allowing viewers such a dynamic experience that it almost feels as though they are physically at the destination.

For virtual travel closer to home, visit the State of Georgia’s official tourism site www.exploregeorgia.org 3 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S / W HAT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020

for a complete list of virtual experiences and field trips across the Peach State. Learn about the great outdoors with Georgia State Parks, roam the shores of the Golden Isles, explore historical homes, and more!

Want to enjoy the sites of Atlanta without the drive and the spaghetti junction traffic? Look no further than the official tourism website for Georgia’s capital city at www. atlanta.net. Here you will find a listing of online events, various festivals, virtual food tours/classes, MLK Center programming, art classes with local museums, and more.

We may not be able to venture far, but travel, at its heart, is a break from the daily routine. Join the Center for Active Living this fall as we explore the mystical Northern Lights skies of Iceland, the rich land of Africa, Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp, and more. Check out the calendar in the back of the magazine for details.

Step 2: To connect by video on your computer, tablet or smartphone, click on the blue link. When the link opens, select “Join with video and audio.” You will be able to see and hear yourself and other attendees on the screen.

Step 3: In the bottom left of your screen, you will see “Mute.” This feature is very important. During presentations when there is one main speaker, they will often ask participants to mute to eliminate background noise. You will also see “Video on or off.”You can choose whether or not you would like to be seen on video.

In the top right of your screen, you will see different viewing options. “Speaker View” allows you to see the speaker and “Gallery View” allows you to see everyone on the call on the screen at the same time.

Zoom: What’s It All About?

Helpful Apps

Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform whose mission is to “make video communications frictionless.”

It was designed to help businesses and organizations hold formal meetings as well as bring people together to enjoy everyday life events such as birthday parties, book clubs, or virtual happy hours with friends. It can be intimidating if you are not familiar with the technology, but once you get the hang of it, it is quite user friendly.

Ready to give it a try? Follow this step-by-step tutorial on how to connect or check out our video tutorial on the Center for Active Living – ACCA’s YouTube channel!

If you want to connect by video

Step 1: When you are invited to a Zoom event, you will receive a message that looks like this:

Step 4: When you are ready to leave the meeting, press the red “Leave” button in the top right corner.

If you want to connect by audio only

Step 1: Dial the number in your time zone (in our case that would be New York.) After dialing the number, it will ask for the meeting ID. Step 2: Type in the meeting ID followed by “#”.

Step 3: Announce yourself and join in the conversation! The “Mute” button will allow you to turn your volume off when the speaker requests it or if you need to do so for any other reason.

Step 4: To leave the conversation, press the red button with the phone graphic in the middle of it.

You can download these from the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone or Google Play Store if you have an Android.

A more comprehensive list of app suggestions can be found at WikiBuy.com/blog/apps-for-seniors-ec4cb33aa644

Flip50

Designed specifically for adults over 50, Flip50 is an all-in-one app that keeps track of exercise, diet and rest habits in a guided healthy lifestyle program to help users stay on track.

LastPass

Keeping track of password after password can start to feel overwhelming. LastPass conveniently keeps them all in one place for easy access when logging into sites or apps.

Elevate

Stay sharp and boost productivity with Elevate, a brain training app that is personalized to your appropriate level of difficulty. With over 35 game options, this app was once voted as Apple’s App of the Year.

CamCard

Do you have tons of business cards that you wish you could consolidate in one place?

Look no further than the CamCard app, which automatically transfers the information to your phone’s address book with a simple scan.

MyTherapy

This app helps users stay in control of their health by sending medication reminders, keeping track of blood pressure, exercise and more. You can even print out handy health reports of your progress over time between doctor visits.

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Join ACCA and Home Instead Senior Care as we share the joy of the holiday season with an older adult! We’re coming together with your help to provide presents to seniors who otherwise might not receive a gift this holiday season. The program runs October 19 - December 4, 2020.

New this year! Virtual Ornaments!!!

To learn more about this program and how to get involved, please contact Paige Powell, ACCA’s Outreach Coordinator, at (706) 549-4850 or ppowell@accaging.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.

NOVEMBER 26, 2020

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

virtual fitness and movement classes

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Join the Athens Community Council on Aging and UGA Campus Kitchen in fighting senior hunger this Thanksgiving!

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

virtual trips

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Help us provide a full Thanksgiving meal to food insecure older adults. 1 in every 10 Georgia residents age 50+ is at risk for food insecurity.

Turkeypalooza provides meals to over 300 older adults at Thanksgiving and helps fund senior hunger initiatives year-round. With your generous help, we can provide older adults an opportunity to gather around the table with their families for Thanksgiving.

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

virtual webinars and classes

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

virtual “just for fun”

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

virtual support groups

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

in-person (socially distanced) classes and events

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For more information please contact Amy Lancaster or Paige Powell at (706) 549-4850.

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To RSVP for a virtual class, please contact nfrederick@accaging.org or call (706) 549-4850. Access links are also available in our bi-weekly e-newsletter.

For pre-recorded classes, visit the Center for Active Living - ACCA YouTube channel. Please note that classes may be subject to change or cancellation.

All Levels Hatha Flow

Adapted for beginners and more advanced yogis, this live, virtual yoga class combines static and fluid poses, balancing movement through holds and sequential flows in order to emphasize strength, flexibility, and alignment. In addition to dynamic movement, instructor Josh will guide breathing exercises and short meditations to help concentrate and bring ease to the mind.

Mondays at 1:00 p.m.

To join, contact the CAL office

Line Dancing

Calling all line dancers! Enjoy a virtual reunion and special edition class taught by the Center for Active Living’s very own Linda, also known as “Boots”. She will lead the group in some of the class’ old favorite routines along with some new ones.

Once a month (Starting Tuesday, Sep 29th) To join, contact the CAL office for dates and access link

VIRTUAL FITNESS AND MOVEMENT CLASSES Morning Tai Chi

Join Julie Buffalo, RN, from Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center for this gentle movement class that focuses on flexibility, strength and relaxation.

Mondays at 10:00 a.m.

To join, contact the CAL office

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Low Impact Workout with Athens YMCA

Join instructors from the YMCA for this 25-minute prerecorded workout designed to boost cardio, strength and stamina. Many of the exercises incorporate a chair.

View anytime on CAL’s YouTube channel

Fitness and Stress Reduction Series

Enjoy a diverse playlist of strength-building and tensionreducing classes brought to you by Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. Pre-recorded classes include Resistance Band Training, Guided Relaxation, Core Workout for All Levels, and more.

View anytime on CAL’s YouTube channel

VIRTUAL TRIPS Okefenokee Swamp

Isn’t it fun just saying the name? One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Georgia, the Wonderland of Okefenokee is a significant part of America’s heritage, a beautifully preserved segment of what was here when America began. Headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Mary’s Rivers, Okefenokee is a National Wildlife Refuge and an impressive recent addition to the National Wilderness System. Learn about the vast wilderness of islands, lakes, jungles, forests and prairies that this park offers.

Thursday, September 24th at 2:00 p.m.

To register, please contact the CAL office

Explore Ghana, Africa

Led by professional tour guide and founder of Abbey Travels, a travel agency that specializes in travel to Ghana, this live, virtual session takes us to the land of gold, cocoa, lush forests and diverse wildlife. Unlock the natural and cultural treasures that await through exciting firsthand accounts.

Thursday, October 22nd at 11:00 a.m.

To register, please contact the CAL office

Iceland and the Northern Lights

According to its official website, Iceland is not merely a destination but an adventure - a country of sharp contrasts, where fire and ice co-exist. In addition to

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Giving Thanks and Honoring Family through Legal Planning learning about the rugged landscape and unique insular existence, prepare to be amazed by the otherworldly beauty of the Northern Lights in this virtual excursion.

Thursday, November 19th at 11:00 a.m.

To register, please contact the CAL office

Top Holiday Destinations Around the U.S.

Get ready to travel cross country virtually to visit beloved destinations that are famous for spreading the holiday cheer. Delight in the joys of Bavarian villages, fantastic light displays, decked out homes, seasonal vendors, music and more without having to worry about the crowds.

Thursday, December 17th at 11:00 a.m.

To register, please contact the CAL Office

VIRTUAL WEBINARS AND CLASSES French Law Group, LLC, in partnership with the Center for Active Living, hosts a series of informative and interactive webinars that address legal and life issues important to seniors.

To register, please contact the CAL office.

Life’s Milestones and Your Legal Planning

September 10th at 12:00 p.m.

BOO! Estate Planning Isn’t Scary – Practical Tips to Get You Moving!

October 16th at 12:00 p.m.

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November 13th at 12:00 p.m.

Finding Peace through Estate Planning December 4th at 12:00 p.m.

Medicare 101

is quickly becoming one of the leading programs of its kind.

We will also have fun, interactive sessions with students from the Music Therapy program. Stay tuned for more!

Opening concert: Friday, October 23rd at 2 p.m.

To join, please contact the CAL office

Medicare Open enrollment season is right around the corner, beginning October 15th. It can be quite tricky to navigate the intricacies of cost, coverage, and provider networks. Join ACCA’s GeorgiaCares Program Coordinator, Stacia Coggins, for an information session as she breaks down the ins and outs of the process.

Friday, October 2nd at 12 p.m.

To register, contact Stacia at scoggins@accaging.org or call (706) 549-4850.

Food Demo: The Perfect Southern Biscuit with Debra

Outsmart Your Smartphone

Fall Leaf Senescence with the Georgia Forestry Commission

Need help navigating that new electronic device? Is your smartphone giving you trouble? Is it time for you to upgrade to a new phone but the idea of having a smartphone is a little intimidating? If so, this is the class for you! CAL Staff will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability and walk you through the solutions. Do not miss this chance to get the most out of your smartphone.

Tuesday, October 6th at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, November 10th at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8th at 2 p.m.

Call Nikaela at (706) 549-4850 for appointment slots.

The Joy of Music with UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music

This one is for music lovers! Join ACCA and the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music for a special “duet” collaboration with a series of programs celebrating the joys of music together. The series will kick off with a virtual concert and Q&A with shining students from the School of Music, which

For those in the know, the best biscuits in town come from the kitchen of one of ACCA’s own. Join Debra for a fun baking tutorial on how to make the best buttery biscuits around.

Thursday, November 5th at 2 p.m.

To join, contact doliver@accaging.org or call (706) 549-4850

The changing fall leaves are a beautiful sight to behold, but do you know the science behind the season? Join Seth Hawkins, Community Forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission and ISA Certified Arborist, for a fascinating talk on fall leaf color change. Seth will share why some trees need to change leaf color to prepare for winter and how climate and weather impact the timing of leaf color change.

Friday, October 9th at Noon To join, please contact the CAL office

Nutrition for Healthy Aging and Chronic Disease

ACCA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program hosts this informative panel open to GRG and CAL members. Hear from chief dietician Renae Brown of the Georgia Department of Human Services and healthy aging expert Dr. Kerstin Emerson of the Institute

of Gerontology about what to expect while aging and how to eat for different chronic conditions. Be sure to send us your questions ahead of time.

October 15th at 10:00 a.m.

To RSVP, please contact Anna Ceravolo at aceravolo@accaging.org or (706) 549-4850.

National Diabetes Prevention Program - coming January 2021!

Did you know that one in three adults is pre-diabetic, but 90% of those people don’t know they are pre-diabetic?

This transformational, year-long group class, led by a trained Lifestyle Coach at UGA Cooperative Extension, encourages small changes in lifestyle such as moderate weight loss and increased physical activity to achieve real results. Be sure to mark your calendar and sign up early!

VIRTUAL “JUST FOR FUN” Virtual Bingo

The classic game of B-I-N-G-O will get a virtual spin, Center for Active Living style. Join us on Zoom by video or phone to see familiar faces and enjoy the comradery.

Once a month (Sep 25th, Oct 23rd, Nov 20th) To register, please contact the CAL office

Name That Tune

You may know the opening baseline or the lyrics to the chorus by heart, but can you name that tune? Call the office for a fun afternoon break with CAL staff as they test your musical knowledge.

Second Wednesday of every month Sept 9th, Oct 14th, Nov 11th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. to play!

Call the CAL office at (706) 549-4850

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COLOR YOUR OWN VERSION!

Parking Lot Bingo

Honk if you love Bingo! Join us for a special edition of Bingo in the ACCA parking lot. Stay in your car or bring a chair to sit next to your car -- wherever you are most comfortable. Win a prize and enjoy some fun and games at a safe distance.

Thursday, October 8th at 11:00 a.m.

RSVP required in advance; space is limited.

Contact the CAL office to register

Group Walk Among the Greenery

VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

You are invited to join us for a virtual Caregivers Support Group! The group is open to relative or non-parent caregivers who live in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, or Walton counties.

To RSVP, contact GRG Coordinator, Anna Ceravolo, at aceravolo@accaging.org or call (706) 549-4850.

COVID-19 and Masks

Join us in learning about COVID-19, how to talk to your grandchildren about wearing masks, and how to juggle your health needs during a pandemic.

Thursday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Medicare

Speak with local Medicare counselor Stacia Coggins and Harold Weber from the Athens Neighborhood Health Center about the difference between Medicare plans and key dates for enrollment. Each attendee will have the chance to ask questions.

Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

IN-PERSON (SOCIALLY DISTANCED) CLASSES AND EVENTS This fall, the Center for Active Living is taking small steps towards safely meeting again in person. Please note that all classes are subject to change or cancellation.

Please contact the CAL office closer to the date to confirm. ACCA will be taking proper precautions to ensure the health and safety of participants. Visit www. accaging.org for more information.

3 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S / W HAT ’S NEX T MAGAZINE I FALL 2020

Meet up for a socially distanced walk with friends in the different parks and trails around Athens. Enjoy some light exercise while gaining the restorative benefits of time spent in nature.

September 22nd at 10 a.m.: Meet outside ACCA for a walk on the Greenway and Pulaski.

October 20th at 10 a.m.: Meet at Bishop Park.

November 17th at 10 a.m.: Meet at Dudley Park.

RSVP required in advance; space is VERY limited.

Contact the CAL office to register

Chair Yoga Under the Pavilion

Athens Stay Safe! painting by Aysly Stull

Designed to be accessible to all, Josh’s class adapts yoga poses for use with a chair. Most poses will take place seated and any standing poses will use the chair for support. Expect a gentle class sequence with the opportunity to stretch muscles and invigorate the mind through breathwork.

We will provide chairs spaced 6-feet apart and sanitized; participants bring their own water bottle and towel.

Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Location: ACCA Pavilion RSVP required in advance; space is limited.

Contact the CAL office to register

Tai Chi with Michele

Tai Chi, which means in Chinese “balance and harmony,” has often been described as “moving meditation” because of the flowing motions accompanied by breathwork. In addition to an improved sense of calm and clarity, participants in the class will improve their balance, leg strength, range of motion, and energy levels. Seasoned instructor Michele will guide the class through low-impact, easy-to-learn movements that can be incorporated into any daily routine.

Mondays at 11:00 a.m.

Location: ACCA Pavillion RSVP required in advance; space is limited.

Contact the CAL office to register

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