Connections Fall 2016

connections FALL 2016

A publication of the

Volume 40, Issue 4

INTRODUCING THE 2016 RETROPROM KING AND QUEEN Also inside….

What is a Virtual Senior Center?

Shifting to a Culture of Person Centered Care Greater Impact Through Partnerships

Transit for Everyone!

Athens Transit is now serving the Athens area 6:00 AM to 9:45 PM 7 days a week.

65+ Bus Fare: $1.00 For additional information: 706-613-3430 www.athensclarkecounty.com/transit

2 connections

FALL

2016

on the cover

table of contents

Jennifer Zwirn, the 2016 retroProm Queen, celebrates her win. This year’s event raised nearly $20,000 to support ACCA services.

6

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

10

MEET OUR PEOPLE

11

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

12

AROUND THE BEND

14

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

18

ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS

19

AT THE STATION: VIRTUAL SENIOR CENTER

27

CAL CATALOG

38

ON THE SCENE: RETROPROM

features 8 13 21 24

RETROPROM 2016 HOW TO CHOOSE A NURSING HOME “BAKING” A DIFFERENCE CULTURE CHANGE: MOVING TOWARDS PERSON DIRECTED CARE fall 2016 3

LETTER

from the CEO

This spring, ACCA launched our first ever large scale solicitation mailing. We are overwhelmed with gratitude from the response! We received donations from many new supporters as well and those of you who have been supporting ACCA and the older adults we serve for many years. The result of this mailing campaign is $60,000 of new funding to support our Meals on Wheels program. This money will be used to continue to support many of our current clients as well as serve new older adults who have been waiting for services. Overall, ACCA will be able to provide 8,500 meals because of this campaign! Thank you all so very much!

We knew we could count on our community of donors to respond to our mailing, but what we didn’t expect were the return letters we received from several older adults in need of meals. As one women wrote, “I am one of the ones you are talking about. I too am 79 years old. I have $16.00 per month to spend on food. This buys me a loaf of bread, one box of crackers, a large bottle of peanut butter and two cans of soup. I have been to the Family Health Center several times. They tell me where to go to pick up food but I cannot stand in line long enough to receive any.” Because of the generous support of so many, ACCA is able to provide this senior with a home delivered meal 5 days per week as well as frozen meals for nights and weekends.

Sadly, this story is too common. Too many seniors are struggling to pay bills and have enough money left over to buy the food they need. I am excited to be a part of a committee working with the Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner, Robyn Crittenden and the Division on Aging Services, to plan the first ever Georgia Senior Hunger Summit. We are pleased to see that our work as a partner in the Athens Senior Hunger Coaliton, coupled with the work of so many across the state and nation, is bringing senior hunger out of the shadows to be recognized as an important issue impacting the health and well-being of so many. The Georgia Senior Hunger Summit will be held September 27-28th at the Marriott Evergreen in Stone Mountain. For more information, please visit http://aging.dhs.georgia.gov/2016-seniorhunger-summit.

It is because of our community partners that ACCA is able to impact so many. In this edition of Connections, you’ll read about some of our newest partnerships such as the Virtual Senior Center pilot with the Division on Aging Services, our work with Rite Aid pharmacy and the Madison and Athens-Clarke County Libraries. This year’s service learning projects with UGA and the Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership are outlined on page 18. I also invite you to learn about ACCA’s newest ongoing culture change initiative introducing person centered care on page 24.

As always, there’s a lot going on and we know it wouldn’t be possible without your support! Together, we are committed to a future where everyone in our community has the opportunity to “Live Well and Age Well”.

Sincerely,

4 connections

Eve Anthony

CEO/President (Interim) Eve Anthony Connections Editors Kelli McCain Eve Anthony Erin Beasley Board of Directors Shannon Wilder, Chair Paige Otwell, Vice-Chair Gary Franklin, Treasurer Julie Gaines, Secretary Charles Auslander, III Annette Barfield Henry Brown Dr. Katheryn Davis Dawn Donovan Laurie Douglas Mary Erlanger (Honorary) Dexter Fisher Robert Hardell Mary Ann Johnson Tommie Mullis Mariah Pierce Dr. Ram Reddy, MD Ross White Evelyn Wright (Honorary)

135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 706-549-4850

www.accaging.org Š 2016 ACCA Connections is a quarterly publication distributed by ACCA throughout Northeast Georgia. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Advertising in this publication does not imply a relationship with ACCA. ACCA is a contract agency of the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging.

fall 2016 5

Legislative Update 2017 Co-Age State Priorities On July 14th, ACCA staff joined aging advocates from across the state at the Georgia Council on Aging’s CO-AGE meeting. During this meeting various groups proposed both Budget and Legislative issues for the 2017 state session and advocates voted on the top priorities. The Budget priorities chosen for 2017 include:

Funding for Home and Community Based Services Each year, CO-AGE includes a priority to increase funding of Home and Community Based Services. These services allow people to remain in their home and community instead of institutional care and cost the state less money! This legislation effects several of ACCA’s programs including the Meals on Wheels, Center for Active Living, and Adult Day Health programs.

Funding for Transportation Services Older Adults consistently rank transportation as their number one need and concern, yet transportation options are limited. In ACCA’s service area, transportation for older adults is severely underfunded and the available options don’t necessarily match the wants and needs of consumers. This year advocates chose to support a budget ask of $10 million for transportation services. This money will be used to design and implement creative and flexible transportation options for seniors who can no longer drive.

For more information about these issues as well as the 2017 Legislative Priorities, please visit www.gcoa.org/2017-issues-presented.

Please Join ACCA on Four Important Asks of Our Federal Legislators!

Please ask your member of Congress to fund the Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs at the levels included in the House’s FY 2017 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill. This is a $14 million increase over current funding levels for Meals on Wheels and Senior Center nutrition programs.

Last year, more than 150 ACCA Meals on Wheels volunteers drove over 103,000 miles delivering meals to homebound seniors in Clarke and Barrow Counties. Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 4942, the DELIVER Act (Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursements) to support Meals on Wheels volunteers with an increase in the charitable mileage deduction from $0.14 per mile to $0.54 per mile.

The House Appropriations Committee has presented a bill that defunds the Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). This would effectively eliminate ACCA’s GeorgiaCares program which has provided benefits counseling to over 16,000 individuals, and saved them over $2.3 million. Please ask your legislator to continue to support SHIP funding.

One Senior on a waiting list is too many!

Ask your Senators to cosponsor S. 1089, the Social Impact Partnership Act, which would provide support for public-private partnerships, like Meals on Wheels, that result in measurable social benefits and savings to the federal government.

The average annual cost of institutional care in Georgia is $172,280 compared to $28,901 for Home and Community Based Services.

For more information about these issues, or to use a quick and easy email contact template, please visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ take-action/advocate/email-congress-oaa.

6 connections

There are 13,000 seniors in Georgia waiting for Home and Community Based Services.

The waiting list includes more than 60 seniors in Clarke and Barrow Counties waiting for Meals on Wheels!

C A R D I O LO G Y

P R I MA RY C A R E

Oconee Heart & Vascular Center

Athens Internal Medicine Associates

John W. Layher, M.D. L. Steven Lowman, M.D. Charles B. Neckman, M.D. Harvey G. Ouzts, M.D. Amit D. Shah, M.D., PhD Clay H. Chappell, M.D. Patrick D. Willis, M.D. Erick Avelar, M.D. 2470 Daniells Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 251 Athens, 30606

Patrick Brooks, M.D. Mark Firth, M.D. Elizabeth Smith, M.D. Lisa Smith, M.D. Jane Fleagle, M.D. Matthew Farmer, M.D. 1500 Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 400A Athens, 30606 706.548.8600 athensinternalmedicine.com

•

oconeeheart.com

Offices in Greensboro, Lavonia and Monroe

I N F E CTI O U S D I S E A S E

Infectious Disease Specialists of Athens Mark Visitacion, M.D. 1500 Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 500A Athens, 30606 706.559.4405 • idsathens.com

Northeast Cardiology

N E U R O LO G Y

Paul Beltran, M.D. Susan Kreher, M.D. 700 Sunset Dr., Suite 302 Athens, 30606

St. Mary’s Neurological Specialists

706.548.9111 • necardio.com

Offices in Greensboro and Monroe.

G YN E CO LO G Y

St. Mary’s Women’s Center Eric Silver, M.D. 1000 Cowles Clinic Way Dogwood Cottage, Suite D-300 Greensboro, 30642 762.243.3860 stmaryswomenscenter.com

Clear Creek OB/GYN James R. Bauerband, M.D. 355 Clear Creek Pkwy., Suite 1004 Lavonia, 30553 706.356.0780

•

clearcreekobgyn.com

E N D O CR I N O LO G Y

Endocrine Specialists of Athens Jeremy Anthony, M.D. 2470 Daniells Bridge Rd. Bldg 200, Suite 221 Athens, 30606 706.389.3180 • esathens.com

I N D U ST R I A L M ED I C I NE

St. Mary’s Industrial Medicine Kelly Dixon-Martin, M.D. 4017 Atlanta Hwy., Suite B Athens, 30606 706.389.2222

Angela McSwain, M.D. Robert M. Steadham, M.D. John Edry, M.D. 2470 Daniells Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 261, Athens, 30606 706.310.1859 • stmarysneuro.com

Offices in Lavonia and Greensboro.

PEDI ATR I CS

Hometown Pediatrics David R. Sprayberry, M.D. Carrie C. Kelly, M.D. M. Tresa Chappell, M.D. 1020 Jamestown Blvd., Bldg 200 Watkinsville, 30677 706.769.0005 • hometownpediatricsga.com

RHE U MATO LO G Y

Rheumatology Center of Athens Padmanaidu Karnam, M.D. 1622 C Mars Hill Road Watkinsville, 30677 706-769-9931 • rcathens.com

SU RG ERY

Athens General and Colorectal Surgeons Sergio T. Mejias, M.D. Ryan M. Katz, M.D. W. Andrew Lawrence, M.D. 740 Prince Ave., Bldg. 2 Athens, 30606 706.548.5488 • athensgeneralsurgeons.com

Offices in Lavonia and Greensboro.

Community Internal Medicine of Athens Staffed by St. Mary’s Residents 1500 Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 200D Athens, 30606 706.389.3875 cimathens.com

Georgia Family Medicine David C. Gaines, M.D. Alice Edwards, M.D. 2410 Hog Mountain Rd., Bldg. 200 Suite 201, Watkinsville, 30677 706.310.3470 georgiafamilymedicine.com

Johnson & Murthy Family Practice Farris Johnson, M.D. Vasu Murthy, M.D. Hajra Hasan, D.O. 1500 Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 200C Athens, 30606 706.548.5833 jmfamilypractice.com

Lighthouse Family Practice Paul E. Raber, D.O. 12134 Augusta Rd., Suite A Lavonia, 30553 706.356.1422 lighthousefamilypractice.com

Middle GA Medical Associates James Tippett, M.D. 1110 Commerce Dr., Suite 108 Greensboro, 30642 706.999.0243 middlegama.com

©2016 St. Mary’s

706.389.3440

Exceptional Care Close to Home

ACCA and our friends at Magic 102.1 were thrilled to host the second annual retroProm on Saturday, May 21st at the fabulous Georgia Theater. This year the event raised $19,000, including $10,000 raised by our retroProm court! Our King and Queen nominees engaged in a fierce, but friendly race with each dollar raised equaling one vote. While all of our participants did an amazing job promoting the event and raising funds, Jennifer Zwirn and Doc Eldridge took the crowns, with votes totaling nearly $5,000!

A lively and retro-tastic crowd filled The Georgia Theater while renowned 80’s cover band, The Highballs, once again kept everyone dancing and singing along with their high energy performance. Guests also hammed it up for the camera in the Athens Photo Booth, presented by Yuva Medical Salon.

The 2016 retroProm Queen nominees were Natalie Cox, Lisa Frierson, Natalie McClure, and Jennifer Zwirn. The King nominees were Doc Eldridge, Joe Frierson, Bain Mattox, and Chris Taylor. This year’s nominees held creative fundraising events with support from local restaurants including Last Resort Grill, Marti’s at Midday, and Porterhouse Grill, in addition to good, old fashion campaigning. With the race too close to call going into Prom night, the nominees plead their cases to friends, family, and strangers creating a flurry of excitement leading up to the announcement and crowning of the winners.

Newly crowned retroProm Queen Jennifer Zwirn, better known as JZ, is the Branch Manager and Vice President of Athens First Bank and Trust, and owner of Little Prodigies Child Development Center, University Child Care, and Busy Box Daycare. Jennifer serves as the President of the Downtown Athens Business Association, Executive Board member and Treasurer of AthFest Educates, and board member for Athens Downtown Development Authority. She and her husband, exiting retroProm King Wes Zwirn, have been married for nearly 14 years and have three children: Conner, Emmie, and Everett.

2016 retroProm King Doc Eldridge is the current President/CEO of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Before assuming the reins of the Chamber, Doc was the owner of Eldridge and Associates Insurance. He has served as both Mayor and County Commissioner in Athens and also served on the State Workforce Investment Board, Athens Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Foundation and currently serves on the Board for Piedmont College, Georgians for Passenger Rail and Georgia Forward. Doc and his wife Sheri are active members of Athens First United Methodist Church and have two children: Doc and Gini. He is a life-long Athens resident and one of our communities most tireless advocates.

The money raised from this year’s event goes straight into providing valuable services for ACCA programs such as Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Health, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, ACCA Transportation, and the Center for Active Living.

Thank you to all of our 2016 retroProm sponsors for helping to make this year’s event totally radical!

Save the date for the 2017 retroPROM, Friday, May 12th at The Foundry! The Highballs will be returning to serenade us with the greatest hits of the 80’s! Be sure to follow ACCA on Facebook to stay up to date on other annual fundraisers and to see more pictures from the event!

8 connections

Thank you to our sponsors!

Photo Booth Sponsor: Reddy Clinic/Yuva Medical Spa

Stairway to Heaven Sponsors: Athens Banner Herald Athens First Bank and Trust Barrett Properties Compassionate Care Hospice Flagpole The Oaks of Athens

Midnight in Paris Sponsors: BankSouth Becky and Leon Farmer Fortson, Bentley and Griffin, P.A. Merrill Lynch, The Frierson Group Regions Bank Supporters of CCSD

Enchantment Under the Sea: BlueCross BlueShield

Intelligent Networks, Inc.

burton+BURTON

Liberty National Insurance

Chastain and Associates

Marti’s at Midday

Laurie and Bill Douglas

Dorothy and Jim Newland

Heyward Allen Toyota

Sally and Walter Sams

Hodgson’s Pharmacy

photos by Suman Pakala

fall 2016 9

MEET OUR PEOPLE TRIPPE ROSS

Senior Corps Director Trippe Ross joined ACCA in Fall of 2011 through an internship with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. After two semesters, he realized older Americans were the population he wanted to serve. He then applied for a temporary position with the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. When a permanent position in the Center for Active Living became available, Trippe jumped at the opportunity to take on the role of the Plus Program Manager. He has also served in the capacity of Program Coordinator at the Winder Adult Day Health Program. Recently, Trippe rejoined the Athens team as Senior Corps Director.

When asked about his experience, Trippe says, “I’ve seen the wonderful things ACCA does for our community throughout various programs and am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow as a leader and a person through interactions with our clients, co-workers, and community partners.”

Trippe grew up in Gainesville, Georgia, but has called Athens home since 2008 after moving here for college.

In his free time, he is a huge supporter of all things local and enjoys spending time with his friends, cat, and boyfriend, Landon Bubb.

The team of innovative, passionate service providers at ACCA is one of Trippe’s favorite things about working at ACCA. “I truly feel that ACCA is a leader in aging services throughout our state and our nation, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be linked with this agency. It is truly exciting to come into work each day and see the ways our community comes together to improve the lives of all involved.”

We invite you to read Trippe’s article on Person Centered Care in this issue.

10 connections

LAURIE DOUGLAS Board of Directors

Laurie Douglas became involved with ACCA 12 years ago delivering Meals On Wheels with a dear friend, Carol Sue Meech.

Laurie has a strong compassion for seniors that are alone and struggling with so many issues.

Laurie says, “To deliver a simple meal each day is effortless but helps so many in need in such a tremendous way!”

Laurie is a huge advocate of ACCA noting the passionate staff and all of the work that goes into running successful programs. Serving on the board has opened her eyes to the many needs of seniors in the community in addition to hot meals. She believes we were put on this earth to serve each other, not to be self-serving which is a quality she says the ACCA exemplifies.

Originally from South Carolina, Laurie has resided in Athens for 30 years with her husband of 38 years, Bill.

She spent many years as a stay at home mom and part time teaching and volunteering in Clarke County Schools.

This provided her with the opportunity to work as an assistant for the school nurse for 10 years.

She and Bill are members of Athens First United Methodist Church. When asked about her passions in life, Laurie replied “Family is what truly consumes me and gives me great joy!” She and Bill have three sons and two grandchildren.

Laurie was instrumental in the success of this year’s retroProm fundraiser. She spent countless hours soliciting community support for the event. We are so very thankful for all of the work she did! ACCA is honored to have Laurie on our board.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT BJ REVILL began volunteering in ACCA’s Community Garden through a

partnership with the Athens Area Master Gardener Association, where she has been a member since 2007. A Navy veteran, BJ has worked in both the medical and accounting fields, but gardening has been a part of her life since childhood when she learned the basics from her father.

Volunteering has also always been an important part of BJ’s life. She served on the board of Circle of Love, a domestic violence shelter in Greene County, and has served as an election official in both Greene and Clarke Counties. When asked about volunteering, BJ says it gives her a purpose and allows her to use her skills to help others. “If you stay at home, you have a tendency to do nothing and see no one. I enjoy the work and the interaction with others, and it gives me a reason to get up and do something. Everybody needs a purpose.”

With BJ’s help, the ACCA Community Garden has harvested over 500 pounds of fresh produce over the past three years. This produce is used to support ACCA’s on-site weekly Produce Stand and donated to seniors served in the Meals on Wheels and Center for Active Living Plus programs.

If you are interested in joining BJ in the garden, please contact Susan Jacobs, Director of Development and Volunteer Services at (706) 549-4850 or sjacobs@accaging.org.

You Are Cordially Invited to Our Annual

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, November 29, 2016 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Heavy Hors d’oeuvres, Door Prizes and Tours Please Join Us in Celebrating the Season!

leaders in senior living

801 Riverhill Drive, Athens

(Behind Beechwood Shopping Center)

Call to schedule your personal tour 706.369.7100 ♦ weslywoods.org fall 2016 11

AROUND THE BEND

TurkeyPalooza is an annual event that partners ACCA and the Office of Service Learning’s Campus Kitchen at UGA in providing a full thanksgiving meal to food insecure older adults. The recipients of these meals include our Grandparent Raising Grandchildren families, Meals on Wheels recipients, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers and others served throughout the agency. For those clients unable to prepare their own meal, the Campus Kitchen at UGA prepares full Thanksgiving meals, complete with turkey and all the fixings, that are then delivered by student and community volunteers. In total, more than 300 meals are provided on this day.

How can you help?

Please join us this year by volunteering your time to distribute the turkeys either at ACCA or delivering to a client’s home.

In addition, we need your support to fund the 150 turkeys needed to feed these families. We are asking for donations of $25.00 for each turkey.

“Thank you for this! I was able to share a beautiful Thanksgiving meal with my family!”

12 connections

How to Choose a Nursing Home Few people choose to move into a nursing home. The decision-maker is usually a member of their family, or a close friend. If you are choosing a nursing home for someone close to you, this article can help you look in the right places, ask the right questions and find local sources of help and information.

•

Helpfulness. Staff responding quickly to call bells and helping residents who need assistance with eating.

•

Home-like environment. Special signs that the administration regarding this as a place to continue living, not to die. Can residents use furniture and decorations from home? Are there opportunities for resident to plant flowers, grow vegetables or do other things outdoors? Are there community activities in the nursing home? Do they organize trips to outside events?

HOW DO I START? •

•

•

Involve your loved one in making decisions. This can help him or her accept this major change in life and trust you as a caregiver.

Make a list of nursing homes close to family and friends who will visit often and oversee your loved ones care. Residents with frequent visitors usually get better care.

Talk to as many people as you can to get information about nursing homes, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, family members and friends of people who live in nursing homes, the residents themselves, and nursing home staff (especially CNA’s –certified nursing assistants.)

WHEN YOU VISIT NURSING HOMES Watch out for signs of BAD care, such as: •

Odors. Pervasive odors of urine and feces indicate there are not enough staff to assist residents to the bathroom or keep the residents and the facility clean.

•

Restraints. Vests, wrist restraints, wheelchair bars, locked lap trays, and other devices that force people to stay in their beds or wheelchairs are dangerous and demeaning. Good nursing homes seek alternatives to protect residents from falls and wandering.

•

Lack of privacy. Residents should not be unclothed or partially clothed in rooms or hallways in view of guests and other residents. Staff should knock before entering rooms.

•

Disrespect. No resident should be addressed roughly, sarcastically, or disrespectfully.

•

Unanswered calls for help. Every call bell or cry for assistance should be quickly attended to.

•

Loneliness, boredom, or inactivity. People watching is fun sometimes, but residents shouldn’t spend hours on end sitting at the nurse’s station or front door with nothing to do.

•

Lack of assistance with eating. Residents who cannot feed themselves should not spend the meal time with full trays in front of them.

VISIT THE NURSING HOMES! •

Visit at least three so you can make comparisons. Ask the future resident to go with you if possible. Your visit will give you a chance to view care first hand, talk to staff, residents and families, taste the food, and form important first impressions.

•

Check the latest survey results from the Health Facilities Regulator office. All nursing homes are required to post these in a prominent public place. Unless you are convinced the nursing home has improved since its last survey, avoid those that have: o Numerous violations (called deficiencies) o Deficiencies that cause serious harm to residents o Bad surveys year after year o Serious government sanctions, such as heavy fines, bans on new admissions, or a threat to withdraw Medicare or Medicaid funds

WHEN YOU VISIT

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY PRETTY DECORATIONS THAT TRY TO MASK SHORTAGES OF STAFF AND OTHER SERIOUS PROBLEMS!

Look for signs of GOOD care, such as: •

Cleanliness. A fresh appearance and smell. Toilet and bathing facilities are clean, sanitary, and odor free.

•

Dignity. Staff treating all residents, including those with dementia, with friendliness, patience and respect.

•

Activity. Residents participating in a variety of activities and exercise opportunities.

•

Good food. Tasty, balanced, varied meals served in pleasant surroundings. Eat a meal that is being served while you are there.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Ombudsman Program at (706) 549-4850. Although Ombudsman programs are not allowed to recommend one nursing home over another, they can provide information about the nursing home’s complaint history. They can also provide a list of Nursing Homes and Personal Care Homes in the area, and more information to assist you in choose a long-term care facility.

fall 2016 13

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Volunteer Opportunities l Athens, Let’s Do Lunch - Meals on Wheels Drivers and Substitute Drivers needed to deliver lunchtime meals, Monday through Friday. l Community Garden Volunteers to help on designated work days throughout the season. l Take-Out Tuesday Volunteers needed to deliver food on the last Tuesday of each month, late afternoons. l Bentley Adult Day Health Center needs volunteers to spend time with our clients throughout the day to keep them engaged in activities. We are also always looking for hair stylists, manicurists/pedicurists, and pet therapists willing to give of their time. l Mobile Food Pantry, in partnership with the Northeast Georgia Food Bank, the third Wednesday of every other month. We receive at least 10,000 pounds of food via a semi-truck. Working together, we unload, sort, bag and distribute the food to more than 225 area families. We need volunteers from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on September 21st and November 16th.

There are many other opportunities to volunteer with ACCA. Please call or e-mail Susan Jacobs and find a great fit for your talents and abilities – 706-549-4850 or sjacobs@accaging.org.

• Turkeypalooza – November 9-16, 2016 • Be a Santa to a Senior – Monday, December 5, 2016 • MLK Day of Service – Monday, January 16, 2017 • March 4 Meals Race – Saturday, March 25, 2017 • 2017 retroPROM – Friday, May 12, 2017 For more information about these events, please contact Susan Jacobs at sjacobs@accaging.org or follow us on Facebook.

14 connections

Â

G RANDPARENTS R AISING G RANDCHILDREN

Holiday Holiday Gift Drive Drive When relative caregivers take on the responsibility of raising a grandchild, or a child that is not biologically their own, there is frequently an additional, unexpected financial straining. Grandparent and other relative caregivers may struggle to provide necessities for their newly expanded family, leaving little room for luxuries like holiday presents. Each year, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren partners with community organizations to provide our Grandfamilies with gifts that they otherwise may not receive.

We are looking for sponsors and donors for our Holiday Gift Drive. If you are interested in providing our families with holiday gifts, please let us know and we will coordinate with you.

We are sincerely grateful for your assistance to the community, and would be thrilled to work with you to provide deserving families with a happy holiday.

If you have any questions or would like to donate, please contact Paige Powell at (706) 549-4850 or ppowell@accaging.org. Â

fall 2016 15

Compare Our CD Rates.

Bank-issued, FDIC-insured 1 year

.80% APY* 1.25% APY* 1.55% APY*

Minimum deposit $5000

3 years

Minimum deposit $5000

5 years

Minimum deposit $5000

**Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 08/10/2015. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide.

All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Call or visit your local Edward Jones financial advisor today.

Matt McKinney, AAMSÂŽ Financial Advisor

1020 Barber Creek Drive Suite 211 Watkinsville, GA 30677 706-227-2943 matt.mckinney@edwardjones.com

Serving the Athens area over 16 years.

FDI - 1867D-A

16 connections

Thank You

In the month of June, ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program was awarded a $2500 “Meals on Wheels Loves Pets” grant from Meals on Wheels America. ACCA’s Meals on Wheels Program is honored to have been a recipient of this grant since 2008. With these grant dollars we are able to purchase pet food, supplies, and veterinary services for our clients’ pets.

We all have pets who are like our family and it is the same for our clients. They are homebound and don’t have the chance or ability to socialize unless someone comes to visit them. Sadly, in some cases they do not have family members in the area or don’t have family at all. This leaves them alone and socially isolated. Pets help to fill that void and give their owner something to look forward to and someone special to take care of.

There are cases where our clients are faced with difficult decisions such as buying groceries or buying medication for themselves much less having to worry about buying pet food. With this grant we are able to provide pet food so they don’t have to worry about it.

Even though we have been the fortunate recipients of this grant, we could still use your help. Donations of wet and dry dog & cat food, bird seed, raw or unsalted dry roasted peanuts, toys, flea and tick medication, shampoo or any other pet related items are some of the most needed items. If you would like more information or would like to donate, please contact Jessica, Morgan, or Christa at 706-549-4850 or e-mail meals@accaging.org.

Athens Regional Home Health Services

Did you know that home health care is one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare? As individuals get out of the hospital quicker, home becomes the place of choice for healing and recovery.

Athens Regional Home Health Services provides skilled care in the home where registered nurses, physical, speech and occupational therapists work closely with patients and their families to provide a seamless transition back home after a hospital stay. We provides these services to patients living in Jackson, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee and Madison counties.

We also provide Home Infusion Services where antibiotics, chemotherapy, fluid replacements and immune therapy ordered by the patient’s doctor is dispensed by a pharmacist and delivered directly to the home.

706.475.5500 athenshealth.org/homehealth

To learn more about the one-on-one care provided in the comfort of home by Athens Regional Home Health, visit www.athenshealth.org/homehealth or call 706-475-5500 for information.

fall 2016 17

Welcome Students!

L to R: Chloe Fullerton, Daniel Blankenship, Sarah Rosenhoover, and Jackie Tachman

Each year, ACCA welcomes students and faculty from several local colleges as interns, volunteers and participants in service learning projects. Many will be here all year learning through their engagement with staff and the older adults we serve. As you’ll read below, these students represent a variety of backgrounds and the work that they will do will lead to some innovative projects that ACCA will adopt into programming for many years to come. This fall, we are thrilled to welcome these new students to ACCA!

Interns

University of Georgia Bachelor of Social Work students Daniel Blankenship, Chloe Fullerton, and Sarah Rosenhoover will be interning with the Adult Day Health, Center for Active Living, and GeorgiaCares programs, respectively.

Our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program will host two interns. Jasen Blehm, an MSW candidate from the University of New England, and Anna Thorne, who is earning her Masters in Psychology at the University of Georgia.

Augusta University – University of Georgia Partnership, Medical Student Community Health Project Research standardized health outcomes of Community Based Organizations and develop tools to track and record outcomes at ACCA. UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors Program Person-Centered Care Interior Re-design of Bentley Adult Day Health Center

Patrick Sherman, a Bachelor of Arts in Finance student at Piedmont College will be joining our Finance Department.

UGA Law School Community Health Law Clinic

Finally, we are excited to have Jackie Tachman, a dual MPH/MSW student at the University of Georgia joining us in our Center for Active Living and Meals on Wheels programs for a second semester.

Other Academic Projects/Partnerships:

Service Learning Projects

Terry College of Business, Institute for Leadership Advancement Student Run Volunteer Transportation Program 18 connections

SNAP Advocacy and Enrollment Augusta University – University of Georgia Partnership, St. Mary’s Residency Program

Pilot ACCA as part of the Resident’s Geriatric Rotation Campus Kitchen at UGA Senior Hunger Coalition Initiatives

Center for Active Living Pilots Georgia’s First Virtual Senior Center

by Jackie Tachman and Allyn Rippin Diane Kohl takes a seat in the CAL computer lab and gets comfortable. She is the first CAL member to test drive an innovative new technology called Virtual Senior Center — an online forum that fosters social connections and lifelong learning among seniors who may or may not have the option to attend their local senior center. With one click of a button, Diane joins a live cooking class in progress. A half dozen other video boxes pop up on the screen - Brady-bunch style - and she is instantly connected with other seniors across the country. In the middle of the screen an instructor prepares her kitchen workstation, chatting with her students in an unmistakable New York accent. The connection is more than just virtual: it turns out she has visited Athens, Georgia, and knows our city well. For the next hour, Ms. Kohl and her virtual comrades enjoy a lesson on making Chicken Sunshine Salad and a fruit smoothie, interacting and asking questions along the way.

Developed by Selfhelp Community Services, Inc., based in New York, the Virtual Senior Center (VSC) is a groundbreaking tool designed to improve the quality of life for aging adults by providing on-line opportunities to engage and connect. While the goal is to alleviate isolation and loneliness for homebound seniors, for ACCA it represents an opportunity to expand our range of offerings to members.

The ACCA’s Center for Active Living is the only site in Georgia selected to pilot this innovative program.

“ACCA had already established itself as a forward thinking senior center with a variety of innovative activities already being offered to its participants,” says Arvin Brown, Program Integrity Unit Manager at Georgia Division of Aging Services. He cites ACCA’s progressive approach to senior center design as instrumental to the agency being selected to pilot VSC. For those familiar with Skype and online learning platforms, VSC is a novel application using existing technologies. Classes are taught remotely by subject matter experts who teach and facilitate discussion. Participants can engage in classes at their level of comfort. For instance, when a participant wants to ask questions, there is a button to raise his/her hand. Many classes offer an open forum for dialogue. For those who are camera shy, another button allows users to hide their video feed and observe anonymously.

A potpourri of classes are offered each month, including Computer Skills (from basic skills to creating a blog to searching the web); Yoga, Fitness, and Mindfulness; Trivia and Storytelling; Art, Music, and Cooking; and Contemporary History, and more. If the VSC pilot project is successful, the technology may be expanded to other senior centers in Georgia and act as an important strategy in empowering older adults to stay active and healthy and allow them to live independent, self-reliant lives.

“People should try it out -- it’s interesting and there are lots of different topics. I liked seeing everyone’s picture on the screen and you’re able to ask questions and make comments,” says Ms. Kohl. As for the chicken salad? “The recipes looked attractive and sounded good to eat. I would participate again!”

Virtual Senior Center is set up in CAL’s computer lab and is ready for use! If you’d like assistance getting started, please contact Jackie Tachman at calintern@accaging.org or stop by in person. fall 2016 19

  

      

   

   

   

            

20 connections

“Baking” A Difference Lydia Hall, SCSEP Coordinator

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps low-income, unemployed individual’s aged 55+ find work.

Michael Ampazis came onto the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in January of this year. He was referred to SCSEP by Mary Ellen Wimberly, Executive Director of Bread for Life. Bread for Life is a nonprofit organization serving 12 counties that provides hands-on training and transferable skills with instruction by hospitality industry professionals and support for people with the will to improve their lives and the desire to begin successful careers.

Upon bringing Mr. Ampazis onto SCSEP, he shared that he was currently living in a temporary housing facility in order to overcome certain challenges in his life that he had faced for many years. Among other health issues that he was being treated for, he also struggled with a lack of transportation and was not able to earn an adequate income. Michael had a positive attitude and was thankful to have this opportunity to start over at this stage in his life. Bread for Life became Michael’s SCSEP host agency site where he was able to receive hospitality training while earning a modest income.

Ms. Wimberly often highlighted Michael’s customer service skills as one of his most promising assets for employment in the hospitality industry. Half-way through the program due to a series of unfortunate events, Michael found himself homeless. Ms. Wimberly along with community supporters stepped in to help him secure a one bedroom apartment rental in downtown Athens with accessible transportation to employment opportunities. When he called the SCSEP office and was asked how he was doing, he frequently replied, “Moving forward, Lydia. It’s a new day,” in the humble tone of a man who is quietly determined to overcome his plight in life. Michael often shared his desire to land a dream job with The Classic Center, a partner with Bread for Life, where lies a high opportunity for growth. A few short weeks after the hospitality training program ended, SCSEP was moving to place him in a training assignment to further prepare him for a permanent job in the hospitality industry. As Michael worked diligently doing job searches, applying, and making connections, he was finally able to find a part-time position with a local restaurant. Michael shared how much he admired his manager there and hoped to eventually work more hours. Upon his graduation day from the Bread for Life Program, he gave a humbling and motivating speech about his past and shared gratitude for the opportunity to start over at this time in his life. He promised to make the most of his opportunities and give back to the community as he had been given. Michael approached Lydia Hall during the event and shared that he was in the process of being hired at The Classic Center. A few short weeks later he was hired on in a permanent position. Through Michael’s dedication to and openness to receiving help from community programs, he was able to obtain education, training, bring in an income, and continue taking care of his health. SCSEP is truly proud of him for all of his accomplishments and knows he will continue on the path of success.

SCSEP matches eligible older job seekers with local nonprofits so they can increase skills and build selfconfidence, while earning a modest income. The SCSEP experience most often leads to permanent employment.

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

For more information about Bread For Life, contact Mary Ellen Wimberly at contact@breadforlifeathens.org or 706-201-4640. Bread For Life is always accepting applications. fall 2016 21

Welcome COMMUNITY PARTNERS ARTini’s is a unique Athens Paint & Sip studio. Great for any skill level, ARTini’s offers painting sessions where artists relax with friends and create their own masterpiece. We are looking forward to having an onsite class here at ACCA in October for our CAL and CAL+ members.

Escape the Space, a local escape room facility, added Virtual Reality to their ever growing list of new games and adventures. They will be hosting a variety of events at ACCA to allow the opportunity for our program participants to “escape reality” through a series of virtual reality scenarios.

Rite Aide Pharmacies have recently begun hiring Wellness Coordinators in their stores. We are looking forward to partnering with these employees to educate them about the programs offered at ACCA. ACCA employees will also be onsite at certain stores for Wellness Wednesdays with information about GeorgiaCares and other ACCA programs.

The Athens Regional Library System’s Baxter Street location offers several programs geared towards older adults. They have graciously agreed to bring some of their valuable classes to ACCA. These programs will range from genealogy lessons to informational sessions on how to download books and audiobooks.

We are so grateful to our community partners for volunteering their time and talents to help ACCA continue to expand our program offerings!

22 connections

DOUBLE FOODSTAMPS

$1=$2

AT FARMERS MARKET

The Fresh Food Bus Stops Here 1. ACCA

7:40 9:07 10:35

12. Baxter St @ Newton St

8:18 9:46 11:14

2. Denney Tower

7:42 9:09 10:37

13. Clarke Central HS

8:22 9:50 11:18

3. Hotel Indigo (College Ave)

7:45 9:12 10:40

14. Rocksprings St @ Rocksprings Ct

8:25 9:53 11:21

4. Willow St @ North Ave

7:47 9:14 10:42

15. W Broad St @ Minor St

8:28 9:56 11:24

5. Multimodal Center

7:49 9:16 10:44

16. HT Edwards/Dickens Bldg

8:31 9:59 11:27

6. Nellie B Ave @ Fairview St

7:55 9:22 10:50

17. Baxter St @ Moe’s Grill

8:36 10:04 11:32

7. Cone Dr @ Zebulon Dr (Nellie B)

7:57 9:25 10:53

18. Columbia Brookside

8:43 10:11 11:39

8. Carver Dr @ Zatella Ln (Nellie B)

7:58 9:26 10:54

19. ATHENS FARMERS MARKET

8:46 10:14 11:42

9. Agriculture Dr @ Hardin Dr (Bldg G)

8:03 9:31 10:59

20. Young Harris Church

9:00 10:28 12:10

10. Millege Ave @ Lumpkin St (The Pine)

8:09 9:37 11:05

21. Daily Groceries Coop

9:02 10:30 12:12

11. Soule Hall/Myers

8:13 9:41 11:09

22. ACCA

9:06 10:34 12:16

Every Saturday through December 19th

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

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF

GEORGIA ®

fall 2016 23

Shifting to a Culture of Person Centered Care Trippe Ross, Senior Corp Program Director At ACCA and around the United States, long-term care is transforming with a national movement called “Culture Change”, focusing on the strengths of our older adults and adults with disabilities, and embracing persondirected care an approach that views care through the eyes of the recipient. In this framework, decisions are made by those receiving services, or at very least, those closest to them. This differs from a traditional medical approach, where care is primarily directed by a medical team. By putting care recipients in the driver’s seat, they are empowered to make decisions, providing them the highest quality of life. Long-term care offers opportunities for both care recipients and providers to learn and grow from one another, creating a partnership between the friends, family, and professionals that work with recipients. In this approach, care-recipients are treated as people, not patients, providing them dignity in aging.

At ACCA, person-directed care can be seen in action in our Bentley and Winder Adult Day Health programs.

Each of our members have unique gifts to offer, as well as the ability to grow by building on strengths and current abilities. These member-identified gifts and goals are what guide our interactions and the care of each individual we serve. From the very start, our adultday health team works to identify our clients’ interests,

24 connections

needs, and preferences by speaking with the clients and those involved in their care, thus creating a care plan that addresses these personalized aspects of the clients’ care.

Person-directed choice can be seen clearly in our Adult Day Health activity programs. Activity without meaning can be detrimental to the human spirit, and providing our members with activities they choose allows for increased independence and a personal connection to their community. This approach is demonstrated in our regular activity assessments, open-door policies with our members, and in Adult Day Health monthly site councils. Site councils are a standing monthly meeting for Adult Day Health participants to provide their feedback on the programs, services, and care being delivered. Our members understand that their needs and goals directly affect the services delivered, and that their interests shape how we plan the activity calendar.

In addition to having a choice in structured activities throughout the day, members have the opportunity to work on independent projects, or to assist other members who may need more help with their activities.

Recently, one of our Winder Adult Day Health members began leading a weekly craft club for her fellow participants, using her strengths in leadership and

creativity. She has expressed great satisfaction with this opportunity noting that, “It gives me something to do that makes me feel useful.

When people don’t feel useful, they feel depressed.

The more active I am able to be, the happier I am.”

This is a prime example of person-directed care, where our member’s strengths and interests are honored, and she is able to maintain a sense of independence and purpose.

Person-directed care also changes the traditional approach to the medical services delivered in our programs. Our members have choice in when they receive personal care services such as bathing/ showers as well as when skilled services such as wound care and dressing changes occur. While we adhere to care plans developed in conjunction with our member’s physicians and families, including the care recipient in this planning allows them the maximum authority possible in seeing to their care.

Just as humans never stop growing and developing, long-term care is constantly evolving and improving to better meet the needs of those we love. As long-term care professionals, we are continuously educating ourselves on how to best meet the needs of those we care for. In March of this year, Cheryl Dean, Adult Day Health Director of Nursing, became a certified Eden at Home Associate, in order to better understand and implement person-directed care at our Adult Day Health facilities. With this training under her belt, Cheryl is leading our staff, and our fellow care-partners, in implementing this compassionate and empowering approach to service.

We are excited to work as a team with our care-recipients and other care-partners, as we all work to grow as people and not just patients and providers.

For more information on our Adult Day Health programs and person-directed care, contact Cheryl Dean at 706-549-7301.

fall 2016 25

WHAT WILL YOU FIND DURING MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT?

You won’t know unless you contact us to compare your current plan to new options; to see if you can lower some costs or find a plan that better suits your need. Even if you like your current plan, check to see if the costs or coverage are changing.

Medicare Open Enrollment Oct.15 – Dec. 7 Call the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) to speak to a GeorgiaCares Program Counselor:

706-549-4850 or toll free 1-866-552-4464, Option 4

26 connections

The Center for Active Living (CAL) is a multi-purpose center offering older adults in Athens and surrounding communities opportunities to stay active and engaged. CAL provides unique social, educational, and wellness related classes and activities, group trips, and supportive services.

For membership information, or to register for trips and classes, contact Nikaela Frederick, CAL Wellness Coordinator, at (706) 549-4850 or nfrederick@accaging.org.

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing fitness & wellness classes

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

trips and off site adventures

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

educational classes and events

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

arts and culture

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing social programs

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

support groups and meetings

28 31 32 35 36 37

fall 2016 27

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing fitness and wellness classes

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

Yoga

Come find your inner peace and tranquility through a number of gentle yoga classes we offer here at ACCA! These classes will stretch and empower your mind, body and muscles. The instructor’s welcome new participants and will gladly give modifications you can do if the move is more advanced than you feel comfortable completing. Please bring your own mat and a blanket for the relaxation portion of the class. CAL will provide a mat for those that want to try a class for the first time or simply just left their mat at home!

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays w/Eleanor Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members In this class, students need to be able to move from seated to standing to lying on a mat and to be in good health. With this practice, yoga students learn to listen to their own bodies and know what is best for them.

(Please bring a mat and a cushion.)

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Tuesdays w/Chad Time: 2:45pm-4:15pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Wednesdays w/Bill Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members This Integral Hatha Yoga consists of bodily postures, deep relaxation, and breath control. The yoga poses are not exercises. The word exercise tends to give one the impression of quick movements which involve strain.

The yoga asanas, or postures, that Bill teaches are meant to bring steadiness, comfort and ease to the body and mind. Classes are meant to be easy for beginners; yet, challenging later-on for those with more experience.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Fridays w/Anna Time: 10:00am-11:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members These classes are intended for active mature adults regardless of skill level. The key guideline is listening to 28 connections

the body and learning to recognize what works for your body. We try to find the balance between effort and ease in our poses (asanas). You are never too old to begin taking yoga—never too old to be a beginner!

Free Style Dance

Groove to the music! This energetic class takes various different dance techniques and combines them into fun and easy-to-follow routines. The music ranges from Oldies but Goodies to today’s Latest Hits. Burn calories and reenergize your day in one fun filled class.

This class is designed to be enjoyed standing or from a seated position to best fit each participant. Jean, the instructor, does a wonderful job moving flawlessly between standing and sitting to keep everyone moving and engaged. Beginners are welcome!

Where: ACCA Harris Room with Jean When: Tuesdays Time: 11:00am-11:45am Cost: $2/class

Line Dancing

This is one of our most well attended classes here at the Center for Active Living. The class uses an eclectic mix of music to keep the class moving from beginning to end. Kathy, our dedicated instructor, will walk you step by step through the dances and there are tenured volunteers that will help keep you on track. Grab your dancing shoes and drop in for this excellent opportunity to exercise while having fun.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Beginner Line Dancing *NEW*

ACCA is offering three beginner line dancing classes on Tuesdays at 1 pm, September 6, 13, and 20. This latest dance class follows the popular intermediate class that starts at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The instructor is ACCA’s “Dancin’ Duke”, who has been teaching line dancing for about five years. Learn the basic steps such as the grapevine, triple step, cowboy cha-cha and the lindy, along with fun party dances like the electric slide, the tush push and the cupid shuffle.

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing fitness and wellness classes

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

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Tuesdays Time: 1:00pm-1:45pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Smart Moves with Becky

It is called a Motion Wellness System and it is actually an outdoor gym for adults! In this class led by a licensed therapist, participants will receive instruction on how it works and how it can be used to benefit health. Outside of class time, the playground is open to the public during the ACCA business hours of 8am-4:30pm.

This all around fun class, mixes the use of elastic bands,

Where: ACCA Motion Wellness System* When: Wednesdays Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members *In case of inclement weather, the class will take place in the Harris Room.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays Time: 9:00am-10:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members

On the Move with Kevin

free weights, medicine balls to work your entire body.

Similar to Silver Sneakers, it focuses on improved overall balance, flexibility, and strength while listening to music. Smart Moves is a low impact class that can be performed seated or standing and is appropriate for all fitness levels.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Thursdays Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Tai Chi: Moving Meditation Balance Enhancement

Balance is critical to maintaining a healthy, independent life style. Fortunately, the good news about balance is that it can be taught and improved at any age. Using low impact, easy-to-learn movements from Tai Chi and yoga, this course will focus on the systems that interact and coordinate our sense of balance with a special emphasis on the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. In addition to practicing a variety of activities, participants will learn how to incorporate these balance activities into their daily routine in an enjoyable and efficient manner.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays w/Michelle Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Balance in Motion

Adult playgrounds are all the rage in Europe and Asia and are growing in popularity in the U.S. Have you ever wondered about the playground on the ACCA campus?

This class is a chair oriented class that includes: Aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises. It is especially beneficial for those living with chronic conditions who require a low impact exercise program.

Kevin has many years of experience working with chronic conditions and makes individual adjustments to the routine to better serve each participant. This class is suitable for all fitness levels.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Thursdays Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: $5/class

YWCO Water Exercise

Water exercise provides general conditioning, flexibility, and cardiovascular workout done in the pool. Open to all ages. Present your CAL membership key card at the front desk of the YWCO to get the NEW discounted CAL rate below.

Where: YWCO Pool When: Â Mon., Wed., Fri. Time: 9:00am and 11:00am Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card Where: YWCO Pool When: Monday and Wednesday Time: 7:00pm Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card

fall 2016 29

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing fitness and wellness classes

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

YWCO Arthritis Water Exercise

An Arthritis Foundation Certified program for individuals with arthritis. Increases range of motion and develops strength in a warm relaxing environment. Doctor’s permission is required.

Present your CAL membership key card at the front desk of the YWCO to get the discounted rate below.

Where: YWCO Pool When: Monday thru Friday Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card

SilverSplash®

SilverSplash is a universal, trademarked total body aqua conditioning class in a pool. SilverSplash focuses on increasing agility, range of movement and cardiovascular conditioning. Participants use the SilverSneakers kickboards to develop strength, balance and coordination in a safe, fun, and effective way. No swimming ability is required.

Where: YWCO Pool When: Fridays Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: $5 with CAL Membership Card

photograph, except readers will make the picture themselves, and you will be able to include all the other senses as well as sight!

SEPTEMBER Word Magic: Poetry Workshop David Oates, Host of “Wordland” on WUGA FM Athens-Clarke County Library Multipurpose Room C 2025 Baxter Street Athens, Georgia 706 613 3650 x343 September 3, 10, and 17 3 Saturdays, 2–4 pm In just a few simple words, you can create something that will take a reader to a place from your experience, your memory, or your imagination. Capture moments that made you feel something, from nature or from people. This form has the effect of an artful 30 connections

While the starting point for this approach is from Japanese poetry tradition, we won’t limit ourselves to traditional subjects or worry about counting syllables too much. David Oates will lead this workshop with examples from his own and others’ work and exercises to help you get into the flow of this.

Mr. Oates has 30 years experience teaching writing, has had three books published, and his work has appeared in many magazines He is the host and producer of “Wordland” on WUGA FM. Oates received his master’s in creative writing from the University of Illinois—Chicago.

The event is Sponsored by Reflecting, Sharing, Learning and is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so call the AthensClarke County Library at (706) 613-3650, extension 343 to register. The Athens-Clarke County Library is located at 2025 Baxter Street, Athens.

OCTOBER Return of The Son of Listening in The Dark: An Evening of Spooky Stories for Adults Joy Ovington, Eddie Whitlock, Evan Bush, others TBA Athens-Clarke County Library Appleton Auditorium 2025 Baxter Street Athens, Georgia 706 613 3650 x343 Thursday, October 27, 7:00 pm A reprise of our all-librarian Halloween storytelling, this year with a “Poe-Tober” theme.

NOVEMBER Tiny Houses Will Johnston & others TBA Will Johnston from Tiny House Atlanta will talk about the tiny house movement at 2 pm, followed by tours of a tiny house in the parking lot.

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

trips and off-site adventures

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

Contact Nikaela Frederick at 706-549-4850 or nfrederick@accaging.org to reserve a spot!

over 500 horses. Lunch will be provided at the event and is included in the price. The attire is casual.

SEPTEMBER

Friday, October 14th Time: Depart ACCA at 8:30am Cost: $15

3 Porch Farm

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of 3 Porch Farm, a 9-acre organic fruit and flower farm located in Comer, GA. Owners Mandy and Steve O’Shea are modern farmers with a passion for flowers — all grown on their bio-fueled, solar-powered farm (for example, the vehicles run on waste vegetable oil from Athens’ restaurants!) We will be there when the dahlias are at their peak, just before the first frost, to take in their beauty and learn about sustainable farming.

When: Wednesday, September 21st Time: Depart ACCA at 10am Cost: $5

Athens Mural Tour

Sponsored by AthFest Educates and the Lyndon House Arts Center, the Mural Project features 21 different murals around the city of Athens. From Downtown to Normaltown to the Alps district and surrounding areas, Lyndon House Program Director, Didi Dunphy, will lead us on a guided tour of some of the highlights.

We will also have a chance to meet and hear from the artists themselves. The tour will conclude with lunch at Homemade (optional).

When: Friday, September, 23 Time: Depart from ACCA at 10am Cost: Free for CAL Members OCTOBER

Atlanta National Fall Dressage Show at the GA International Horse Park Dressage is a form of horse training that is meant to develop a horse’s natural athletic ability as well as harmony with a rider. It has nine levels of competition and is the only Olympic sport in which men and women directly compete against each other. The 2016 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championship & Atlanta National Fall Dressage Show will take place at the Conyers International Horse Park in a covered arena. Join us as spectators to one of the largest regional dressage shows in the country featuring

A Day and Picnic at Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain is a 3,200 acre park full of natural beauty and American history. The park offers a variety of attractions such as a museum, a historic square, a farmyard, a miniature golf course, a cable car ride that takes you up to the top of the mountain and a scenic train ride around the mountain. An optional Pumpkin Festival will also be going on. We can decide as a group what we would like to do when we get there. Please bring a packed lunch for a group picnic.

When: Friday, October 28th Time: Depart ACCA at 9am Cost: $35 NOVEMBER

Blue Willow Inn

The Blue Willow Inn Restaurant and Gift Shop is one of Georgia’s gems housed in a renovated antebellum Greek mansion. The restaurant is known for its delectable buffet of Southern cuisine complete with salads, meats, vegetables, breads and desserts. After lunch, we will explore the historic Social Circle district of enchanted Greek and Victorian homes, antique stores and art galleries. Lunch is included in the cost of the trip.

When: Wednesday, November 9th Time: Depart from ACCA at 10am Cost: $30

Château Élan Wine Tour & Tasting

Approaching the grounds of Château Élan, with its castle estate appearance, you may forget that you are in the state of Georgia. This luxurious resort and winery is a renowned getaway destination. Our trip will include lunch followed by a wine tour and tasting. Tour and tasting are included in the price. (Lunch not included).

When: Wednesday, November 30th Time: Depart at 11:30am Cost: $35 fall 2016 31

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

educational classes and events

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

Ovarian Cancer Talk

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance reports it as the 8th most common form of cancer in women. In this talk, a speaker from the Loran Smith Center will come share pertinent information about the disease.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Monday, September 12th Time: 10am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Where: ACCA Brick Room When: Tuesday, September 20th Time: 10am-11am Cost: Free for CAL Members

CAL Lunch and Learn: How Can ACCA Support You?

Learn how to operate your vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. You’ll learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. You will also learn the following: How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots, the safest ways to change lanes, make turns at busy intersections, the proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, new technologies used in cars, the effects of medications on driving, and the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use. Space is limited, call the Center for Active Living at 706-549-4850 to reserve your spot!

As CAL members, you have many ACCA resources available at your fingertips but you may not know the full range of services and programs we offer. How can we best support your health, wellness and retirement goals for you and your family? Do you need help navigating the complexity of Medicare or planning ahead to long term care needs? Are you or someone you love in need of nutritional support following a hospital stay or simply a way to enjoy healthful meals without having to cook?

Are you looking to give back to your community? This informative lunch and learn will begin with an overview of ACCA’s wealth of resources, including Georgia Cares, Volunteer Services, Adult Day Health, Meals on Wheels, Good Measure Meals, and Care Management. We will then invite members to break out into individual stations where you’ll have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with a staff member from each program. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to guarantee your spot!

Where: ACCA Hudson Room When: Friday, September 16th Time: 8:45am-3:45pm Cost: $15 AARP members, $20 non-AARP members

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Wednesday, September 28th Time: 12pm-1pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Rethinking Fruits and Veggies with a Chef

Lunch with a Therapist

AARP Smart Driver

Conventional wisdom says, “Eat more veggies!”, but coming up with a fresh take on everyday produce can be a challenge. CAL is pleased to host Chef Joel Penn from Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market for an inspired talk and food demonstration - just in time to celebrate National Fruits and Veggies Month. Penn, who joined Heirloom in 2015 via The National and East West Bistro, “explores the cultivation of a new Southern cuisine”, one that celebrates locally-sourced ingredients and connections to local producers, farmers, artisans and the surrounding community. Penn will share a special recipe and sample with members.

32 connections

In this edition of Lunch with a Therapist, occupational therapist, Amanda Wagner, MSOT, from Genesis Rehab Services located at the ACCA Adult Day Health Center, will cover arthritis management. Lunch is included in the cost. Please call us at 706-549-4850 or stop by the CAL office to reserve a spot by Friday, October 7th.

Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room When: Thursday, October 13th Time: 11am-12pm Cost: $10

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

educational classes and events

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

Loran Smith Cancer Center Info Session

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support of Athens Regional Medical Center, is a positive resource in town that provides free information, education as well as emotional and spiritual support to cancer patients and their families in north Georgia. A representative from the Center will share information about their offerings as well as the In Her Shoes Walk, one of their biggest events of the year.

Where: ACCA Glass Room When: Monday, October 17th Time: 10am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Cake/Cookie Decorating Workshop with Publix Bakery

A Publix Bakery specialist will bring us some fresh ideas on how to spruce up your sweet treats as we approach the holiday season. Materials will be provided.

Where: ACCA Brick Room When: October Time: TBA Cost: $3 material fee

Prediabetes Seminar

CDC defines prediabetes as having a blood sugar level higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Prediabetes puts one at a greater risk for developing diabetes and other serious health conditions.

An official diabetes educator from Athens Regional will speak about the condition and provide tips on keeping it from developing into full blown Type II diabetes. Tips on life after a diabetes diagnosis will be provided as well.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Tuesday, November 1st Time: 10am Cost: Free for CAL Members

CAL Gives Back

ACCA is a recipient of so much generosity from the Athens community from volunteer time and skills to food, clothes and other material donations. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we would like to give back as a group. Center for Active Living members will go as a group to the Northeast GA Food Bank for a morning

Your local medical alert provider

Asthma Basic Care (ABC)

Any time breathing is compromised, it can be frightening and sometimes life-threatening. Julie Buffalo, RN at Athens Regional Medical Center, leads this ABC seminar that focuses on ways to control and manage asthma symptoms. You will gain useful tools that will equip you to help someone having a hard time breathing.

Where: ACCA Glass Room When: October 31st Time: 10am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Every Moment Counts ™

Get Help Anytime With the Press of a Button Starting at only

$16 95 per month

770•963•0305 EMCMedicalAlert.com Reliable • Affordable • Peace of Mind fall 2016 33

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

educational classes and events

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

of volunteering. We will help pack and label bags for the Brown Bag program as well as the Food 2 Kids Program. RSVP to receive a special volunteer t-shirt!

Where: Northeast GA Food Bank When: Thursday, November 3rd Time: 10am-12pm (Depart ACCA at 9:30am)

Fire Safety with the Athens Clarke County Fire Department

The Center for Active Living (CAL) will welcome a fireman from the ACC fire department located right down the street from us. We will learn about fire prevention measures and safety precautions from the very people who respond to these emergencies.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Monday, November 14th Time: 10:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members

34 connections

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

Mental illness can be a taboo subject and there are many myths surrounding it. However it is an essential part of overall health. There is important information as well as beneficial resources that many in the general public may not be aware of due to the stigma that comes with discussing mental health. The purpose of this seminar is to try to break some of that stigma by informing the public about what it really means to have a mental illness and what kind of help is available. A local expert on the topic will lead the seminar.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: TBD Time: TBD Cost: Free for CAL Members

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

arts and culture

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

Grandparents Memoir Class

National Grandparents Day always falls on the first Sunday in September after Labor Day. Grandparents play a unique and special role in the lives of their grandchildren. In these modern times young people may think that they are so different from their elders and that they may not have much in common. In this memoir class, participants will put together a keepsake that they can share with their grandchildren to spark conversation and to show their grandchildren that they may have more in common than they realized.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Thursday, September 8th Time: 10:00-11am Cost: Free for CAL Members

ARTini’s at ACCA

ARTini’s is an art studio, gallery and lounge located in Downtown Athens. Visitors receive step-by-step instructions on how to paint a beautiful portrait to take home, regardless of artistic skill level. For this special event, an ARTini’s painting class led by one of their professional instructors will take place at ACCA! Come create your own artistic masterpiece. Canvas and all other materials are included. Just bring your creativity.

Please call or e-mail to RSVP. Space is limited.

Where: ACCA Brick Room When: Thursday, October 20th Time: 10:00-11:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Visiting Artist Series

The Center for Active Living is passionate about wellness, and we believe art and creativity is an essential ingredient to overall well-being. CAL is proud to present a new, ongoing partnership with the Lyndon House, a champion for arts education in the community. Each month the Center invites a local artist, sponsored by Lyndon House, to share his/her work and process with members. These presentations often include a experiential workshop where members get a

chance to try their hand in creating something new and unexpected.

Rinne Allen Local photographer Rinne Allen will lead CAL members in a special workshop entitled Light Drawings. These works harken back to early photographic methods that capture light into charming nature prints anyone can make.

About the Arist: Rinne Allen’s work has been published in over 12 books and in national & international magazines, as well as shown in galleries and educational institutions. She also has a regular column about harvests with the New York Times’ T magazine that focuses on the southern region that she calls home.

When: September 29, 2016 Where: Glass Dining Room and CAL courtyard

Materials Fee: $3

Didi Dunphy Artist, designer, and curator Didi Dunphy is interested in the intersection of art, performance and design, creating works that engage viewers in play and social wellbeing. Her works have resulted in large-scale seesaws and swing sets for two, community projects such as The To-Do List and public artworks such as Excursion, using current technology and social gatherings. Join Ms Dunphy for an energizing talk and discussion about her work as an artist and community-maker in Athens.

About the Artist: Didi Dunphy is director of the Lyndon House Arts Center and Foundation, Gallery Director at the HotelIndigo-Athens GlassCube project space and former Visiting Scholar and Professor in the contemporary and digital media arts at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, UGA. She is an accomplished artist having exhibited in major venues such as the Atlanta Contemporary, Telfair Museum in Savannah, and the Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, CA, and her work has been featured in numerous design books and magazines.

When: October 27, 2016 Where: Glass Dining Room Cost: Free for CAL members Artist TBD When: November Where: Glass Dining Room Cost: Free for CAL members fall 2016 35

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING |

ongoing social programs

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

Mahjongg

Join us to play Mahjongg, a Chinese Tile Game that is becoming more and more popular in the United States.

Similar to the Western card game rummy, mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and involves a degree of change. Some knowledge of the game and reservations are required. The game is played in tables of four, however, the group is always looking for substitutes.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Newcomers Card Group

Join other CAL members to play the Hand and Foot card game on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday and play Mexican Train on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday!

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

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

Intermediate Bridge

Belle Hill Singers

Join us in an informal setting to play bridge and socialize with others that share common interest. No reservation needed.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Tuesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Advanced Bridge

This advanced bridge group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. The group requires reservations; please call Mary at 706-549-3160 to reserve your spot today!

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Grand Slammers Bridge Group

This advanced bridge group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. No reservation needed.

36 connections

Join fellow members to sing traditional church music in a group setting and inspire individuals through the power of song. Performances take place every Tuesday and Thursday at different community centers, nursing homes, assisted living, senior centers, and adult health centers. Transportation is provided but is optional. New members are welcome regardless of singing ability. Call the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for more information or for current performance schedule.

Where: Meet at ACCA at 9:45am When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 10:00am-11:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members

UGArden Produce Stand

The UGArden is a four-acre, student run garden on the University of Georgia’s property and host a Produce Stand here at the Athens Community Council on Aging and runs every Tuesday from 11am-2pm during the months of April-November. Fresh, organically grown vegetables are sold at below retail price. We accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards and EBT cards.

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING support groups and meetings Profits from the produce stand support efforts to eliminate senior hunger in Athens.

Where: Under the Pavilion at ACCA When: Tuesdays Time: 11:00am-2:00pm

Bible Study

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

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays and Fridays Time: 12:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Refined Singles Unwind

Are you single and ready to mingle? This may be the group for you! Refined Singles Unwind creates opportunities for mature adults in the Athens area to get out, meet new people and have fun whether it’s through learning, playing, or dining. The group meets monthly at various locations around town. Upcoming events are as listed: September 9, 2016, at 9am Friends First Friday at the State Botanical Garden of GA October 12, 2016, at 7pm Rabbit Box November 13, 2016, at 3pm Athens Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert

For any caregiver or any caregivers caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias to fellowship with other caregivers, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals.

Where: ACCA Bentley ADH Center When: 3rd Tuesday each month Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: FREE

Alzheimer’s Support Group - Winder Area

For caregivers or anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias to fellowship with other caregivers, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals.

Where: Winder Adult Day Care When: Last Friday of each month Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: FREE

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

A support group provided for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Group topics vary in discussion from month to month and occasionally include informational materials and guest speakers. For specific dates and times, please contact Paige Powell at 706-549-4850.

Where: ACCA’s Hudson Conference Room in Athens and Rivers of Mercy in Monroe When: TBD Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm Cost: FREE

Caregiver Support Group - Athens Area fall 2016 37

38 connections

To regis-

ter, please

docs & desserts featuring guest speaker

Dr. William Hu Neurologist, Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Thursday, September 15, 2016 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) 135 Hoyt Street | Athens, GA 30601

Join us for an informative question and answer session with William Hu, M.D., neurologist with Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, while enjoying an evening of refreshments and hearing the latest Information about Alzheimer’s disease.

This event is FREE. Funding provided by

Teddi Sanford

David Kuniansky

To register please call 1.800.272.3900

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 11 ATHENS, GEORGIA

Follow ACCA at:

VISIT WWW.ACCAGING.ORG TO DONATE TO ACCA

Volunteer for Meals On Wheels www.accaging.org

AMERICA,