Connections, Winter 2022

WINTER 2022

Discover Your Why ALS O INS I DE :

Protecting Our Pollinators

Seven Ways to Travel the World (Without Packing a Bag) Winter Calendar of Events

Exceptional Care for st. mary’s services Breast Care Cardiac Care Emergency Services Family Birth Center

Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Imaging Inpatient Rehabilitation

Life

Medical Group

Stroke Care

Memory Care

Surgical Services

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Wellness Center

Senior Living Community

Wound Care

Don't Miss Connections!

Lab Services

proudly serving

16 counties…

Sacred Heart

St. Mary’s

Scan code to learn more

Good Samaritan 2 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

stmaryshealthcaresystem.org

The Athens Community Council on Aging's contract with with Online Athens/Athens Banner-Herald has ended, and this will be the last issue of Connections delivered with the paper.

But we would love to stay in touch!

If you would like to have Connections mailed to your home, email community@accaging.org or call 706.549.4850. We can't wait to continue aging well with you and look forward to staying in touch!

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 3

Exceptional Care for st. mary’s services Breast Care Cardiac Care Emergency Services Family Birth Center

Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Imaging Inpatient Rehabilitation

Life

Medical Group

Stroke Care

Memory Care

Surgical Services

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Wellness Center

Senior Living Community

Wound Care

Don't Miss Connections!

Lab Services

proudly serving

16 counties…

Sacred Heart

St. Mary’s

Scan code to learn more

Good Samaritan 2 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

stmaryshealthcaresystem.org

The Athens Community Council on Aging's contract with with Online Athens/Athens Banner-Herald has ended, and this will be the last issue of Connections delivered with the paper.

But we would love to stay in touch!

If you would like to have Connections mailed to your home, email community@accaging.org or call 706.549.4850. We can't wait to continue aging well with you and look forward to staying in touch!

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 3

inside

CEO/PRESIDENT Eve Anthony

features

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Stauffer

Dear Connections Reader, Thank you for tuning in every quarter to read about the latest stories and activities from the Athens Community Council on Aging and the greater aging community. We truly appreciate your engagement and your continued support of our work. With our Connections magazine, we strive to celebrate aging well and to stay in close contact with those we serve.

In November of 2021, the Athens Banner Herald discontinued their contract with ACCA for the production of Connections. As such, you will likely notice some changes in this current issue. The January 2022/Winter Quarter issue of Connections was produced in-house at ACCA with the help of several local contractors, but this is not a permanent solution.

You will likely see more changes as we develop a new plan for the future of Connections magazine. We want to continue telling the stories of our community and volunteers, we want you to know about the events, classes, and trips we have planned, and we want to continue sharing the ways that you can support ACCA. This will be ACCA’s last issue of Connections that will be shared in the paper. We are exploring other methods of distribution for future issues, including direct mailing and emailing to our readers. If you would like to join our email and mailing list to receive the latest updates about future issues of Connections, please email community@accaging.org.

We thank you for your patience as we determine our next steps, and we look forward to connecting with you in new and exciting ways!

Thank you, Eve Anthony

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Holloway, Chair Dr. Reginald Woods, Vice Chair Don DeMaria, Treasurer Becky Lane, Secretary ACCA STAFF Eve Anthony Erin Beasley Emma Schell ADVERTISING SALES Anita Aubrey CONTRIBUTORS Ellen Everitt Taylor Gerlach Paige Powell Allyn Rippin Emma Schell CONTACT ACCA 135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 706.549.4850

© 2022 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.

26 6

6

ON THE COVER DISCOVERING YOUR WHY

11

RUNNER FOR LIFE

14

PROTECTING OUR POLLINATORS

16

MEET YOUR LOCAL POLLINATORS

20

LOCAL TRAVEL THE GEM OF THE SOUTH: GETTING TO KNOW MARIETTA

26

WORLD TRAVEL: SEVEN WAYS TO TRAVEL THE WORLD (WITHOUT HAVING TO PACK A BAG)

volunteers

20

18

AGE WELL. LIVE WELL. AN INTERVIEW WITH FREDA SCOTT GILES

21

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

22

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: PHONE BUDDIES, EMILE AND BARRY

scene / heard 24

AGING… EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

calendar GROW YOUR BUSINESS: 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 contact Anita Aubrey, connectionsadvertising2022@gmail.com or call 706.549.4850.

4 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

29

14

CALENDAR: WINTER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 5

inside

CEO/PRESIDENT Eve Anthony

features

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Stauffer

Dear Connections Reader, Thank you for tuning in every quarter to read about the latest stories and activities from the Athens Community Council on Aging and the greater aging community. We truly appreciate your engagement and your continued support of our work. With our Connections magazine, we strive to celebrate aging well and to stay in close contact with those we serve.

In November of 2021, the Athens Banner Herald discontinued their contract with ACCA for the production of Connections. As such, you will likely notice some changes in this current issue. The January 2022/Winter Quarter issue of Connections was produced in-house at ACCA with the help of several local contractors, but this is not a permanent solution.

You will likely see more changes as we develop a new plan for the future of Connections magazine. We want to continue telling the stories of our community and volunteers, we want you to know about the events, classes, and trips we have planned, and we want to continue sharing the ways that you can support ACCA. This will be ACCA’s last issue of Connections that will be shared in the paper. We are exploring other methods of distribution for future issues, including direct mailing and emailing to our readers. If you would like to join our email and mailing list to receive the latest updates about future issues of Connections, please email community@accaging.org.

We thank you for your patience as we determine our next steps, and we look forward to connecting with you in new and exciting ways!

Thank you, Eve Anthony

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Holloway, Chair Dr. Reginald Woods, Vice Chair Don DeMaria, Treasurer Becky Lane, Secretary ACCA STAFF Eve Anthony Erin Beasley Emma Schell ADVERTISING SALES Anita Aubrey CONTRIBUTORS Ellen Everitt Taylor Gerlach Paige Powell Allyn Rippin Emma Schell CONTACT ACCA 135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 706.549.4850

© 2022 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.

26 6

6

ON THE COVER DISCOVERING YOUR WHY

11

RUNNER FOR LIFE

14

PROTECTING OUR POLLINATORS

16

MEET YOUR LOCAL POLLINATORS

20

LOCAL TRAVEL THE GEM OF THE SOUTH: GETTING TO KNOW MARIETTA

26

WORLD TRAVEL: SEVEN WAYS TO TRAVEL THE WORLD (WITHOUT HAVING TO PACK A BAG)

volunteers

20

18

AGE WELL. LIVE WELL. AN INTERVIEW WITH FREDA SCOTT GILES

21

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

22

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: PHONE BUDDIES, EMILE AND BARRY

scene / heard 24

AGING… EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

calendar GROW YOUR BUSINESS: 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 contact Anita Aubrey, connectionsadvertising2022@gmail.com or call 706.549.4850.

4 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

29

14

CALENDAR: WINTER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 5

➤

A

By Taylor Gerlach

s we turn the page into 2022, we’re reflecting on the past couple of years and looking forward with hope. We wanted to know what kept people in our Athens community motivated to push forward every day, especially throughout the unpredictable challenges we have collectively faced.

Everyone has a “why.” Whether they live in tune with it or not, everyone has a motivating passion or purpose that serves as a reason to get out of bed every morning, even on the challenging days.

Finding this underlying driving force is important not only for success in professional and personal life, but also for well-being and longevity. Research has shown time and time again that folks with a strong sense of purpose tend to have more resilience and even live longer lives. Finding and pursuing purpose leads to a sense of fulfillment.

To dig deeper into what it looks like to live in tune with a guiding purpose, let’s turn to four Athens community members who share the overarching “why” of their lives.

Everyone has a “why.” Whether they live in tune with it or not, everyone has a motivating passion or purpose that serves as a reason to get out of bed every morning, even on the challenging days.

6 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

➤

For John Workman, an Athens Community Council on Aging volunteer with Meals on Wheels, dedicating his time to fighting senior hunger is a valuable way he can give back to the community.

The retired special education teacher decided early on to spend his retired years volunteering. He worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, for over a decade, ensuring that children who had experienced abuse or neglect had a dedicated person to advocate for their best interests in court.

When Workman stopped driving a few years ago due to his diminishing eyesight, he started looking for another volunteer position that would not require constant transportation. There was an important role waiting for him with Meals on Wheels.

“I feel like I need to make a contribution back to the community I live in,” Workman said, explaining his dedication to volunteer work.

Now, every Monday and Wednesday morning, Workman meticulously packs boxes for 15 Meals on Wheels drivers that leave for their weekly routes from ACCA. His behind-the-scenes coordination is imperative to ensuring that local seniors get the nutritious meals they need for the day.

Generosity and service guide Workman’s life, influencing how he spends his time and where he finds purpose and meaning. Teasing out and defining personal values like these can help inform purpose and capture that “why.”

While Workman is busy filling coolers with ice and frozen meals, Raquel Barta steps into her purpose by filling shelves with books in both Spanish and English and

preparing to tutor children at Athens’ Pinewoods Library and Community Education Center.

To the children at Pinewoods, Barta is the adult she herself needed when she was a young student new to the United States. When Barta moved, she did not know English well and would spend hours each night translating her high school English homework readings one word at a time using a bilingual dictionary to painstakingly look up each and every word. She was persistent and dedicated as she worked towards her goals, something that comes more naturally with an underlying guiding purpose.

Thanks to this lived firsthand experience, she knows that the many services provided by the library are essential to the Spanish-speaking community surrounding it. Pinewoods strives to be a one-stop shop for services, offering computer and internet instruction, GED courses, art programs for children, free internet access, a community garden, letter writing services, tutoring and more.

When Barta was younger, she had aspirations to become a doctor, and the desire to help others in any capacity has always reigned supreme in her life.

“I wanted to help people,” Barta said.

This passion effortlessly seeped into all areas of her life. As a young student, she remembers tutoring her younger brother and passing along everything she learned to him. She was such an effective tutor that he ended up skipping second grade because she had already taught him everything. She went on to tutor her classmates in high school and college. Today, Barta capitalizes on those tutoring skills in a way she never expected.

➤ ➤ ➤

To the children at Pinewoods, Barta is the adult she herself needed when she was a young student new to the United States.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 7

➤

A

By Taylor Gerlach

s we turn the page into 2022, we’re reflecting on the past couple of years and looking forward with hope. We wanted to know what kept people in our Athens community motivated to push forward every day, especially throughout the unpredictable challenges we have collectively faced.

Everyone has a “why.” Whether they live in tune with it or not, everyone has a motivating passion or purpose that serves as a reason to get out of bed every morning, even on the challenging days.

Finding this underlying driving force is important not only for success in professional and personal life, but also for well-being and longevity. Research has shown time and time again that folks with a strong sense of purpose tend to have more resilience and even live longer lives. Finding and pursuing purpose leads to a sense of fulfillment.

To dig deeper into what it looks like to live in tune with a guiding purpose, let’s turn to four Athens community members who share the overarching “why” of their lives.

Everyone has a “why.” Whether they live in tune with it or not, everyone has a motivating passion or purpose that serves as a reason to get out of bed every morning, even on the challenging days.

6 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

➤

For John Workman, an Athens Community Council on Aging volunteer with Meals on Wheels, dedicating his time to fighting senior hunger is a valuable way he can give back to the community.

The retired special education teacher decided early on to spend his retired years volunteering. He worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, for over a decade, ensuring that children who had experienced abuse or neglect had a dedicated person to advocate for their best interests in court.

When Workman stopped driving a few years ago due to his diminishing eyesight, he started looking for another volunteer position that would not require constant transportation. There was an important role waiting for him with Meals on Wheels.

“I feel like I need to make a contribution back to the community I live in,” Workman said, explaining his dedication to volunteer work.

Now, every Monday and Wednesday morning, Workman meticulously packs boxes for 15 Meals on Wheels drivers that leave for their weekly routes from ACCA. His behind-the-scenes coordination is imperative to ensuring that local seniors get the nutritious meals they need for the day.

Generosity and service guide Workman’s life, influencing how he spends his time and where he finds purpose and meaning. Teasing out and defining personal values like these can help inform purpose and capture that “why.”

While Workman is busy filling coolers with ice and frozen meals, Raquel Barta steps into her purpose by filling shelves with books in both Spanish and English and

preparing to tutor children at Athens’ Pinewoods Library and Community Education Center.

To the children at Pinewoods, Barta is the adult she herself needed when she was a young student new to the United States. When Barta moved, she did not know English well and would spend hours each night translating her high school English homework readings one word at a time using a bilingual dictionary to painstakingly look up each and every word. She was persistent and dedicated as she worked towards her goals, something that comes more naturally with an underlying guiding purpose.

Thanks to this lived firsthand experience, she knows that the many services provided by the library are essential to the Spanish-speaking community surrounding it. Pinewoods strives to be a one-stop shop for services, offering computer and internet instruction, GED courses, art programs for children, free internet access, a community garden, letter writing services, tutoring and more.

When Barta was younger, she had aspirations to become a doctor, and the desire to help others in any capacity has always reigned supreme in her life.

“I wanted to help people,” Barta said.

This passion effortlessly seeped into all areas of her life. As a young student, she remembers tutoring her younger brother and passing along everything she learned to him. She was such an effective tutor that he ended up skipping second grade because she had already taught him everything. She went on to tutor her classmates in high school and college. Today, Barta capitalizes on those tutoring skills in a way she never expected.

➤ ➤ ➤

To the children at Pinewoods, Barta is the adult she herself needed when she was a young student new to the United States.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 7

➤

➤

➤

➤

While Barta wanted to help people as a doctor, she realized the persistent language barrier could make patient care difficult.

She opted for a lab position instead, but she did not feel fulfilled there. When her autoimmune disease forced her to stop working, she pivoted to a trajectory that would land her in her current position and bring her back to tangibly helping others.

Barta saw an enormous need for bilingual volunteers, so she started volunteering and teaching GED courses to Spanish-speaking adults in Athens. She also became a certified medical interpreter to use her skills in her area of expertise.

Once in remission and able to work consistently again, she applied for the branch manager position at Pinewoods. Soon after, she was helping educate children and adults once again, among the plethora of other services she spearheads.

“I feel fulfilled doing this job,” Barta said.

Working at Pinewoods involves intrinsic motivation and external value for Barta. She loves her work and can easily see the immense value she provides to the Athens community, and she gets to capitalize on the personal skills she was unknowingly developing for decades. For Barta, purpose is found at the intersection of lived personal experience and skills with untapped potential.

Across town, Fenwick Broyard, the Vice President of Culture at Creature Comforts Brewery, understands the interconnected importance of having a personal “why.”

“I need for there to be purpose in my work,” Broyard said.

His work with Creature Comforts brewing company includes spearheading the Get Comfortable program through which the brewery partners with local nonprofits in a meaningful, sustainable manner.

Before the founders of Creature Comforts even poured their first beer in the downtown taproom, they set out with a well-defined purpose: to make Athens a better place because they were there. They were intentional in ensuring their presence had meaning and value, and Broyard is now in charge of managing that side of the business.

For Broyard, purpose in his professional life is connected to four other aspects of personal life: provision, people, place

and personal health. When his purpose is unclear or unfulfilled, he notices that every other area of his life suffers. Broyard is intimately aware of the way that purpose is interconnected with overall well-being, and he takes steps to recenter when that unbalanced feeling arises.

Personally, Broyard finds purpose in enacting sustainable change. With a background in social work, public health and nonprofit leadership, Broyard surprised himself by taking a position with a private sector business.

Today, he draws on his Masters degrees in social work and public health and his nonprofit experience to manage Creature Comfort’s Get Comfortable campaign. This arm of the brewery receives grant requests and supports local nonprofits financially and socially. This year, they have narrowed their focus to one impact area: increasing the third grade reading level in Athens-Clarke County.

According to Broyard, about 20% of third grade students are reading on par with their grade level at the moment, a low percentage that was exacerbated by the learning lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Broyard facilitates the partnership between private companies like Creature Comforts and the nonprofits that are working to support students and raise this metric.

He describes his overall work as “attempting to redefine private partnership” with nonprofit organizations. Broyard sees the overwhelming potential to combine the resources and efficiency of the private sector with public sector work. Many companies have started charitable giving, but he says not many are engaging in partnership with any intentionality or sustainability.

“True partnership implies more than the stroking of a check,” Broyard explained. Instead of blindly throwing money at social issues, Broyard believes companies should create lasting relationships with community actors. For example, the marketing arm of a company could partner with their counterpart at a nonprofit to provide skills, expertise and mentorship.

Personally, Broyard finds purpose in enacting sustainable change. With a background in social work, public health and nonprofit leadership, Broyard surprised himself by taking a position with a private sector business.

8 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

For Broyard, motivation often comes from seeing these changes take place, even incrementally. In order for that to happen, meaningful, measurable goals must be set and tracked.

“We could give away a ton of money, but the community may not get any better. We want to know for sure that the work that we are doing is having an impact,” Broyard said, explaining the importance of measurable targets in the Get Comfortable campaign partnerships.

Broyard sometimes gets lost in the frustration of the hard, slow work of making change happen. In these moments of chaos or depletion, he takes a step back – or several billion steps back to imagine the earth as seen from space.

Zooming so far out helps Broyard tap into perspective.

Taking a step back inspires connection, as the small differences between people and even countries lose their power and meaning when viewed from space. Instead of differences and disconnection, this provides a picture of unity and interconnectivity showing that everyone shares a planet and depends on one another.

Mokah Jasmine Johnson, civil rights activist, educator, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), also takes a step back for perspective when she encounters hard or draining days.

As an influential community figure and leader of AADM, Johnson has a lot on her plate everyday. AADM exists to advocate for racial and social justice in Athens and combat discrimination through education and activism.

The movement organizes peaceful protests, operates a bail fund, connects people to legal assistance, hosts educational speakers, offers a teen social justice afterschool program, runs a resource center and library at the Georgia Square Mall and more.

On top of being physically demanding, this can be emotionally draining, heavy work.

In these moments, knowing that people in the community count on her helps Johnson keep her personal morale and motivation high. This connection and value to others is a powerful external motivator on

➤

➤

➤

➤

hard days. Receiving kind and supportive messages from community members also renews her strength and reminds her of her purpose.

Hearing positive feedback serves as a powerful reminder that her work is necessary and impactful to others in the community.

While remembering the impact of her work gives her an extra dose of motivation, Johnson warns against placing too much focus on results.

Change, especially in social justice work, is often slow and incremental, so it is easy to grow impatient and discouraged.

Instead, both Johnson and Broyard celebrate the small victories and find impactful moments to highlight.

Even with a strong, well-defined purpose, we are all human. Periods of discouragement are often inevitable, but we can manage those times and help prevent long stretches of depletion.

“You cannot take care of others … when your cup is half empty” Johnson said, highlighting the necessity of self care.

Johnson takes time to reflect, talks with others doing the same work, vents to mentors and participates in pilates in order to take care of herself so she can continue to take care of the community. Exercise, externalizing doubts and anxieties, meditation and connecting with loved ones who share a driving purpose are all compelling ways to prevent a motivation lull.

Perhaps life’s most important scavenger hunt is the one that leads to a defining purpose. As we evolve and change throughout our lives, we can come back to our purpose to guide us towards what we value. Along the way, we pick up passion, motivation and meaning as companions on the journey towards fulfillment. There is never a bad time to reevaluate purpose, so let’s start off 2022 strong with a sense of where we are headed and why it matters.

As we evolve and change throughout our lives, we can come back to our purpose to guide us towards what we value.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 9

➤

➤

➤

➤

While Barta wanted to help people as a doctor, she realized the persistent language barrier could make patient care difficult.

She opted for a lab position instead, but she did not feel fulfilled there. When her autoimmune disease forced her to stop working, she pivoted to a trajectory that would land her in her current position and bring her back to tangibly helping others.

Barta saw an enormous need for bilingual volunteers, so she started volunteering and teaching GED courses to Spanish-speaking adults in Athens. She also became a certified medical interpreter to use her skills in her area of expertise.

Once in remission and able to work consistently again, she applied for the branch manager position at Pinewoods. Soon after, she was helping educate children and adults once again, among the plethora of other services she spearheads.

“I feel fulfilled doing this job,” Barta said.

Working at Pinewoods involves intrinsic motivation and external value for Barta. She loves her work and can easily see the immense value she provides to the Athens community, and she gets to capitalize on the personal skills she was unknowingly developing for decades. For Barta, purpose is found at the intersection of lived personal experience and skills with untapped potential.

Across town, Fenwick Broyard, the Vice President of Culture at Creature Comforts Brewery, understands the interconnected importance of having a personal “why.”

“I need for there to be purpose in my work,” Broyard said.

His work with Creature Comforts brewing company includes spearheading the Get Comfortable program through which the brewery partners with local nonprofits in a meaningful, sustainable manner.

Before the founders of Creature Comforts even poured their first beer in the downtown taproom, they set out with a well-defined purpose: to make Athens a better place because they were there. They were intentional in ensuring their presence had meaning and value, and Broyard is now in charge of managing that side of the business.

For Broyard, purpose in his professional life is connected to four other aspects of personal life: provision, people, place

and personal health. When his purpose is unclear or unfulfilled, he notices that every other area of his life suffers. Broyard is intimately aware of the way that purpose is interconnected with overall well-being, and he takes steps to recenter when that unbalanced feeling arises.

Personally, Broyard finds purpose in enacting sustainable change. With a background in social work, public health and nonprofit leadership, Broyard surprised himself by taking a position with a private sector business.

Today, he draws on his Masters degrees in social work and public health and his nonprofit experience to manage Creature Comfort’s Get Comfortable campaign. This arm of the brewery receives grant requests and supports local nonprofits financially and socially. This year, they have narrowed their focus to one impact area: increasing the third grade reading level in Athens-Clarke County.

According to Broyard, about 20% of third grade students are reading on par with their grade level at the moment, a low percentage that was exacerbated by the learning lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Broyard facilitates the partnership between private companies like Creature Comforts and the nonprofits that are working to support students and raise this metric.

He describes his overall work as “attempting to redefine private partnership” with nonprofit organizations. Broyard sees the overwhelming potential to combine the resources and efficiency of the private sector with public sector work. Many companies have started charitable giving, but he says not many are engaging in partnership with any intentionality or sustainability.

“True partnership implies more than the stroking of a check,” Broyard explained. Instead of blindly throwing money at social issues, Broyard believes companies should create lasting relationships with community actors. For example, the marketing arm of a company could partner with their counterpart at a nonprofit to provide skills, expertise and mentorship.

Personally, Broyard finds purpose in enacting sustainable change. With a background in social work, public health and nonprofit leadership, Broyard surprised himself by taking a position with a private sector business.

8 I CO NN E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

For Broyard, motivation often comes from seeing these changes take place, even incrementally. In order for that to happen, meaningful, measurable goals must be set and tracked.

“We could give away a ton of money, but the community may not get any better. We want to know for sure that the work that we are doing is having an impact,” Broyard said, explaining the importance of measurable targets in the Get Comfortable campaign partnerships.

Broyard sometimes gets lost in the frustration of the hard, slow work of making change happen. In these moments of chaos or depletion, he takes a step back – or several billion steps back to imagine the earth as seen from space.

Zooming so far out helps Broyard tap into perspective.

Taking a step back inspires connection, as the small differences between people and even countries lose their power and meaning when viewed from space. Instead of differences and disconnection, this provides a picture of unity and interconnectivity showing that everyone shares a planet and depends on one another.

Mokah Jasmine Johnson, civil rights activist, educator, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), also takes a step back for perspective when she encounters hard or draining days.

As an influential community figure and leader of AADM, Johnson has a lot on her plate everyday. AADM exists to advocate for racial and social justice in Athens and combat discrimination through education and activism.

The movement organizes peaceful protests, operates a bail fund, connects people to legal assistance, hosts educational speakers, offers a teen social justice afterschool program, runs a resource center and library at the Georgia Square Mall and more.

On top of being physically demanding, this can be emotionally draining, heavy work.

In these moments, knowing that people in the community count on her helps Johnson keep her personal morale and motivation high. This connection and value to others is a powerful external motivator on

➤

➤

➤

➤

hard days. Receiving kind and supportive messages from community members also renews her strength and reminds her of her purpose.

Hearing positive feedback serves as a powerful reminder that her work is necessary and impactful to others in the community.

While remembering the impact of her work gives her an extra dose of motivation, Johnson warns against placing too much focus on results.

Change, especially in social justice work, is often slow and incremental, so it is easy to grow impatient and discouraged.

Instead, both Johnson and Broyard celebrate the small victories and find impactful moments to highlight.

Even with a strong, well-defined purpose, we are all human. Periods of discouragement are often inevitable, but we can manage those times and help prevent long stretches of depletion.

“You cannot take care of others … when your cup is half empty” Johnson said, highlighting the necessity of self care.

Johnson takes time to reflect, talks with others doing the same work, vents to mentors and participates in pilates in order to take care of herself so she can continue to take care of the community. Exercise, externalizing doubts and anxieties, meditation and connecting with loved ones who share a driving purpose are all compelling ways to prevent a motivation lull.

Perhaps life’s most important scavenger hunt is the one that leads to a defining purpose. As we evolve and change throughout our lives, we can come back to our purpose to guide us towards what we value. Along the way, we pick up passion, motivation and meaning as companions on the journey towards fulfillment. There is never a bad time to reevaluate purpose, so let’s start off 2022 strong with a sense of where we are headed and why it matters.

As we evolve and change throughout our lives, we can come back to our purpose to guide us towards what we value.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 9

WELCOME TO INSPIRED LIVING. What, exactly, is inspired living?

It’s a calendar dotted with goings and doings.

It’s trying new things. Making the most of every day. It’s a dedication to wellness. It’s having good friends. Being a good friend. Laughing a lot. It’s looking ahead with purpose and optimism and confidence. In short, inspired living is living at Wesley Woods of Athens.

WELCOME HOME.

TALMAGE TERRACE | LANIER GARDENS

801 Riverhill Drive | Athens, GA 30606 706.369.7100 | wesleywoods.org/athens ACCA Ad 0122.indd 1

12/7/21 12:30 PM

A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF SPECIALISTS Estate Planning & Elder Law • Wills • Longterm Care & Medicaid Planning • Guardianship Conservatorship • Probate & Trust Administration • Special Needs Planning Veterans’ Benefits • Advice on qualifying for pension a nd health benefits As a boutique law firm, we offer legal assistance in certain specialized areas with attorneys who have years of experience in each specialty. Let us help you find answers for difficult legal situations and identify solutions for your needs and goals.

1220 Langford Drive • Building 200, Suite 101 • Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 (706) 508-4000 (706) Fax: (706) 842-6750 www.ehdhlaw.com www.ehdhestateplanning.com 508-4000 • Fax: (706) 842-6750 • www.ehdhlaw.com

Kevin E. Epps

Kelly C. Holloway

1 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

AE-0003377529-01

Jeffrey W. DeLoach Adam L. Hoipkemier

Michael James

David Quilliams

Runner for Life

By Taylor Gerlach

W

hen Lee Finley moved to Athens from California four years ago, she set a goal for herself: run one mile per day. Some days, this looked like peaceful runs around Lake Herrick. Other days, she found herself driving to a gym at 11 p.m. to complete the daily run on a treadmill following an “oh no” moment when she realized she had not yet checked off that goal.

No matter where or how, Finley did it. Running had become part of her routine and an essential activity in her day.

While she never considered herself to be especially athletic, Finley is a runner at heart. She recalled running late to French class every day in high school, bangs flowing straight up like a mane, earning herself the nickname “Wild Pony.” Several decades later, Finley is still running wild and free in 5K, 10K and half marathon races around the country.

Throughout the years and piles of race t-shirts, Finley has found an incredible community of other runners, and this connection is something special that the sport continues to bring her.

In Athens, Finley is part of running groups at Fleet Feet and Athens Running Company. She has found that running with others helps her stay motivated and encouraged.

She said the camaraderie found in these local groups is unmatched, and she is always moved by the positivity and friendliness of everyone she shares the road with.

“They are the most wonderful people,” Finley said, describing them as consistently “fun and supportive.”

On one of her first group runs as a new Athens resident, she found herself lost in the maze of the University of Georgia’s campus, separated from the group as the sun began to set. To her surprise, one member came back to help guide her in the right direction, choosing kindness over his split times that day. That kind of selfless compassion is something Finley has been paying forward within the running community for years.

Finley finds joy in supporting other runners, and she often volunteers at races and events. Sometimes these volunteer experiences lead to moments of awe and inspiration, watching on as others push past limits and conquer incredible feats. One of her favorite annual

volunteer events while living in California was the Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile trail race through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

“For a week after, I felt like I had a glow,” Finley said, remembering what it felt like to work the aid station at mile 47. Watching the runners stream by, she was always struck by the diversity. From veteran racers to first-time ultra marathoners, there was diversity in gender, body type, age and more.

“Every kind of person is in that race doing 100 miles,” Finley recalled. Perhaps the most lasting impression was a man wearing a crown and tutu for the entire race one year.

Often, Finley is the one pushing past boundaries and running the races herself. She first started racing in San Francisco, and she was quickly hooked. She completed her first half marathon in 2006 and hasn’t paused to look back since.

Races have been a special way for Finley to keep in contact with friends from other parts of the country as they plan to meet up each year to run special events together.

When her longtime running partner could not attend her final marathon with her this past summer, Finley’s Athens community stepped in. Several group members drove up to Cincinnati to run the Flying Pig Marathon with her. One even stuck by Finley’s side the whole race, underscoring the power and care within this community.

In addition to providing strong friendships and community, Finley describes running as a powerful mood booster. When Finley first started running while living

Tyler Gaines WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 11

WELCOME TO INSPIRED LIVING. What, exactly, is inspired living?

It’s a calendar dotted with goings and doings.

It’s trying new things. Making the most of every day. It’s a dedication to wellness. It’s having good friends. Being a good friend. Laughing a lot. It’s looking ahead with purpose and optimism and confidence. In short, inspired living is living at Wesley Woods of Athens.

WELCOME HOME.

TALMAGE TERRACE | LANIER GARDENS

801 Riverhill Drive | Athens, GA 30606 706.369.7100 | wesleywoods.org/athens ACCA Ad 0122.indd 1

12/7/21 12:30 PM

A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF SPECIALISTS Estate Planning & Elder Law • Wills • Longterm Care & Medicaid Planning • Guardianship Conservatorship • Probate & Trust Administration • Special Needs Planning Veterans’ Benefits • Advice on qualifying for pension a nd health benefits As a boutique law firm, we offer legal assistance in certain specialized areas with attorneys who have years of experience in each specialty. Let us help you find answers for difficult legal situations and identify solutions for your needs and goals.

1220 Langford Drive • Building 200, Suite 101 • Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 (706) 508-4000 (706) Fax: (706) 842-6750 www.ehdhlaw.com www.ehdhestateplanning.com 508-4000 • Fax: (706) 842-6750 • www.ehdhlaw.com

Kevin E. Epps

Kelly C. Holloway

1 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

AE-0003377529-01

Jeffrey W. DeLoach Adam L. Hoipkemier

Michael James

David Quilliams

Runner for Life

By Taylor Gerlach

W

hen Lee Finley moved to Athens from California four years ago, she set a goal for herself: run one mile per day. Some days, this looked like peaceful runs around Lake Herrick. Other days, she found herself driving to a gym at 11 p.m. to complete the daily run on a treadmill following an “oh no” moment when she realized she had not yet checked off that goal.

No matter where or how, Finley did it. Running had become part of her routine and an essential activity in her day.

While she never considered herself to be especially athletic, Finley is a runner at heart. She recalled running late to French class every day in high school, bangs flowing straight up like a mane, earning herself the nickname “Wild Pony.” Several decades later, Finley is still running wild and free in 5K, 10K and half marathon races around the country.

Throughout the years and piles of race t-shirts, Finley has found an incredible community of other runners, and this connection is something special that the sport continues to bring her.

In Athens, Finley is part of running groups at Fleet Feet and Athens Running Company. She has found that running with others helps her stay motivated and encouraged.

She said the camaraderie found in these local groups is unmatched, and she is always moved by the positivity and friendliness of everyone she shares the road with.

“They are the most wonderful people,” Finley said, describing them as consistently “fun and supportive.”

On one of her first group runs as a new Athens resident, she found herself lost in the maze of the University of Georgia’s campus, separated from the group as the sun began to set. To her surprise, one member came back to help guide her in the right direction, choosing kindness over his split times that day. That kind of selfless compassion is something Finley has been paying forward within the running community for years.

Finley finds joy in supporting other runners, and she often volunteers at races and events. Sometimes these volunteer experiences lead to moments of awe and inspiration, watching on as others push past limits and conquer incredible feats. One of her favorite annual

volunteer events while living in California was the Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile trail race through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

“For a week after, I felt like I had a glow,” Finley said, remembering what it felt like to work the aid station at mile 47. Watching the runners stream by, she was always struck by the diversity. From veteran racers to first-time ultra marathoners, there was diversity in gender, body type, age and more.

“Every kind of person is in that race doing 100 miles,” Finley recalled. Perhaps the most lasting impression was a man wearing a crown and tutu for the entire race one year.

Often, Finley is the one pushing past boundaries and running the races herself. She first started racing in San Francisco, and she was quickly hooked. She completed her first half marathon in 2006 and hasn’t paused to look back since.

Races have been a special way for Finley to keep in contact with friends from other parts of the country as they plan to meet up each year to run special events together.

When her longtime running partner could not attend her final marathon with her this past summer, Finley’s Athens community stepped in. Several group members drove up to Cincinnati to run the Flying Pig Marathon with her. One even stuck by Finley’s side the whole race, underscoring the power and care within this community.

In addition to providing strong friendships and community, Finley describes running as a powerful mood booster. When Finley first started running while living

Tyler Gaines WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 11

in California, she recalls coming back from a short run complaining and wondering how anyone could ever enjoy the activity. It wasn’t long until she figured out the sweet spot for timing a runner’s high, and she quickly understood the mental health benefits.

Routine and community themselves are great for mental health, but adding exercise to the mix creates a winning formula for many. In contrast to that first attempt at running, Finley says she now enjoys it and experiences a satisfying runner’s high when she races or simply goes for a run around town.

“While I’m doing it, am I ecstatic? Not necessarily … but running makes me happy,” she said, explaining that the end result outweighs the temporary discomfort.

Finley also notes how staying physically active can create healthy habits for overall health. It is easier and even more rewarding to eat quality, nutritious foods when they are used to fuel a passion. She knows that how she eats and fuels her body will affect how she feels the next time her feet hit the pavement.

Developing one healthy habit, regular physical exercise, often leads to others, as Finley prioritizes recovery and practices yoga. While she has not been able to participate often in indoor yoga classes during the pandemic, running 1 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

remains something outdoors and distanced that feels safe for her. She also dedicates time to mobility work with foam rolling and regular massages.

While running has brought comfort and routine in ever-changing times, the sport has exposed Finley to a healthy dose of challenge while pushing her outside of her comfort zone. When she was just getting started running races in her twenties, Finley ran for fun, poring over the newspaper listings with her friend in search of the events with the best t-shirts. She still runs for enjoyment, but now there is a new element as well.

At a recent packet pickup in Atlanta, Finley was asked to join a 70+ womens competitive racing team. After explaining that she was not competitive, she decided to give it a go anyway, and her first race with the team will be a 6K cross country event. Finley has never raced cross country before, but is “trying to keep life interesting by trying new things.”

While she may not consider herself competitive, Finley is definitely persistent. She has never quit a race she started, and she has even placed in the top three in her age group in several recent races. Finley describes herself as stubborn, and she does not plan to stop anytime soon.

Finley is highly motivated, but she is also honest.

Sometimes the middle of a race or training run is downright awful. In those moments of tiredness or pain, she remembers the high that is coming. When she needs an extra reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter the pace, she thinks of her friends who have passed. Her friend Sophie, a fellow volunteer at the Western States Endurance Race, passed from cancer. Finley remembers Sophie running in between treatments and channels her strength and motivation when she needs encouragement.

At times, Finley also thinks of those that are unable to run due to health reasons. While Finley has asthma and combats her own health issues, she knows not all are able to engage in physical exercise the way she can, so it is a gift she wants to appreciate to the fullest.

At the end of the day, nothing is stopping Finley. She is, after all, as persistent as a wild pony.

AND

March for Meals 5K with Meals on Wheels and ACCA March 26, 2022 Run, jog or walk with your dog to support ending senior hunger!

SAVE THE DATE and join us on March 26th!

More information can be found at www.accaging.org/events-fundraisers-2/

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 13

in California, she recalls coming back from a short run complaining and wondering how anyone could ever enjoy the activity. It wasn’t long until she figured out the sweet spot for timing a runner’s high, and she quickly understood the mental health benefits.

Routine and community themselves are great for mental health, but adding exercise to the mix creates a winning formula for many. In contrast to that first attempt at running, Finley says she now enjoys it and experiences a satisfying runner’s high when she races or simply goes for a run around town.

“While I’m doing it, am I ecstatic? Not necessarily … but running makes me happy,” she said, explaining that the end result outweighs the temporary discomfort.

Finley also notes how staying physically active can create healthy habits for overall health. It is easier and even more rewarding to eat quality, nutritious foods when they are used to fuel a passion. She knows that how she eats and fuels her body will affect how she feels the next time her feet hit the pavement.

Developing one healthy habit, regular physical exercise, often leads to others, as Finley prioritizes recovery and practices yoga. While she has not been able to participate often in indoor yoga classes during the pandemic, running 1 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

remains something outdoors and distanced that feels safe for her. She also dedicates time to mobility work with foam rolling and regular massages.

While running has brought comfort and routine in ever-changing times, the sport has exposed Finley to a healthy dose of challenge while pushing her outside of her comfort zone. When she was just getting started running races in her twenties, Finley ran for fun, poring over the newspaper listings with her friend in search of the events with the best t-shirts. She still runs for enjoyment, but now there is a new element as well.

At a recent packet pickup in Atlanta, Finley was asked to join a 70+ womens competitive racing team. After explaining that she was not competitive, she decided to give it a go anyway, and her first race with the team will be a 6K cross country event. Finley has never raced cross country before, but is “trying to keep life interesting by trying new things.”

While she may not consider herself competitive, Finley is definitely persistent. She has never quit a race she started, and she has even placed in the top three in her age group in several recent races. Finley describes herself as stubborn, and she does not plan to stop anytime soon.

Finley is highly motivated, but she is also honest.

Sometimes the middle of a race or training run is downright awful. In those moments of tiredness or pain, she remembers the high that is coming. When she needs an extra reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter the pace, she thinks of her friends who have passed. Her friend Sophie, a fellow volunteer at the Western States Endurance Race, passed from cancer. Finley remembers Sophie running in between treatments and channels her strength and motivation when she needs encouragement.

At times, Finley also thinks of those that are unable to run due to health reasons. While Finley has asthma and combats her own health issues, she knows not all are able to engage in physical exercise the way she can, so it is a gift she wants to appreciate to the fullest.

At the end of the day, nothing is stopping Finley. She is, after all, as persistent as a wild pony.

AND

March for Meals 5K with Meals on Wheels and ACCA March 26, 2022 Run, jog or walk with your dog to support ending senior hunger!

SAVE THE DATE and join us on March 26th!

More information can be found at www.accaging.org/events-fundraisers-2/

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 13

What are pollinators, and why are they important?

Protecting our Pollinators I

By Emma Schell

f you’ve recently visited the Center for Active Living at ACCA, you may have noticed a new addition to the courtyard out front. A raised garden bed cuts a striking figure in front of the dining room windows, with green leaves and purple flowers peeking out from inside.

This newest addition to ACCA’s landscape is a pollinator garden designed, built, and planted by local Scout Ethan Montgomery. Ethan first began volunteering with ACCA in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, helping ACCA deliver food to local seniors alongside his mother Shannah Montgomery. He then adopted the pollinator garden as his Eagle Scout Service Project.

In order to design the garden, Ethan consulted with native plant and pollinator experts at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and in August of 2021, he mobilized a team of scouts, friends, and family to clean ACCA’s courtyard, construct the large garden bed, and fill the bed with native plants. Ethan received his Eagle Scout Award in November 2021.

Some of the plants you can find in the garden include showy goldenrod, purple coneflower, and aromatic aster.

1 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

All of these plants were chosen because of their importance to native animals, especially pollinators.

The Pollination Process

If you’ve spent a spring season in Georgia, you are likely familiar with pollen. It’s that yellow dust that covers benches and cars and creates a foggy film on top of streams and ponds. It’s as integral to Georgia as peaches or pecans, and it is also a headache for many individuals.

Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grass, and other plants, and they can put a huge damper on someone’s day. But despite how annoying pollen may be, it plays a vital role in the natural world.

Flowering plants cannot reproduce without pollen.

In order for a plant to create seeds, pollen must first travel from one flower to another. Some pollen can be carried by wind and water, but an estimated 70-82% of flowering plants rely on pollinators for help. This movement of pollen between flowers is known as the process of “pollination.”

Pollinators are the animals that can carry pollen between flowers, assisting with pollination. There are many different kinds of pollinators including birds, mammals, insects and more, and they all serve an important purpose. They are an integral part of the plant reproduction process, and without them, many species of plants would cease to exist.

While losing some of the vibrant greenery around us might be sad, the importance of pollinators goes deeper than that. Roughly 35% of food crops in the world rely on pollinators. That translates to an estimated one out of every three bites of food. Pollinators don’t just help keep the world pretty, they help keep the world fed.

Pollinators are also an important glue that holds ecosystems together. Plants form the foundation of food chains, providing energy to animals like deer and squirrels that are then consumed by larger predators.

Without pollinators, the majority of these plants would be unable to reproduce, and entire ecosystems could suffer.

Gardening for the Future

Unfortunately, we are not just speaking in hypotheticals.

Pollinators are in trouble, and it’s more trouble than they’ve ever been in before. Environmental contaminants, disease, invasive species, and habitat loss are all contributing to the decline of pollinator populations.

At least 28% of bumble bee species in North America are experiencing significant population declines, and 19% of United States butterflies are at risk for extinction. The well-known monarch butterflies of North America have been hit especially hard, losing 74-80% of their population.

These trends are worrying, but we have the power to change them. Habitat restoration is a cornerstone of conservation efforts, and you can help. Planting pollinatorfriendly flowers is a great way to get involved, whether it’s a few plants on your porch, a garden bed like at ACCA, or a field of plants in your backyard. Groups like the Xerces

Photo Shannah Montgomery

Society and the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia have many guides to help you determine the best native plants for the pollinators in your area.

These groups also organize and implement large-scale habitat restoration projects. Such projects include the removal of invasive plant species from the wild and the planting of pollinator-friendly flowers along roadsides and in green spaces all across the country. Anything you can do to support such efforts, whether it’s through donations or volunteering your time, ensures that such efforts can continue.

We owe a lot to pollinators. From the food we eat to the green spaces we enjoy, they play a vital role in our everyday lives. Though they are in trouble, we have the power to protect them. Whether it’s installing a garden bed at a local business, donating to a conservation group, or simply telling your friends about the great work of pollinators, every effort helps ensure the safety and longevity of these irreplaceable creatures.

Critical pollinator and wildlife habitat is disappearing. Pollinators across the country are experiencing population declines due to reduced access to diverse, nutritious habitat. You can help reverse this trend. Do what you can where you can to provide habitat for the pollinators.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 15

What are pollinators, and why are they important?

Protecting our Pollinators I

By Emma Schell

f you’ve recently visited the Center for Active Living at ACCA, you may have noticed a new addition to the courtyard out front. A raised garden bed cuts a striking figure in front of the dining room windows, with green leaves and purple flowers peeking out from inside.

This newest addition to ACCA’s landscape is a pollinator garden designed, built, and planted by local Scout Ethan Montgomery. Ethan first began volunteering with ACCA in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, helping ACCA deliver food to local seniors alongside his mother Shannah Montgomery. He then adopted the pollinator garden as his Eagle Scout Service Project.

In order to design the garden, Ethan consulted with native plant and pollinator experts at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and in August of 2021, he mobilized a team of scouts, friends, and family to clean ACCA’s courtyard, construct the large garden bed, and fill the bed with native plants. Ethan received his Eagle Scout Award in November 2021.

Some of the plants you can find in the garden include showy goldenrod, purple coneflower, and aromatic aster.

1 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

All of these plants were chosen because of their importance to native animals, especially pollinators.

The Pollination Process

If you’ve spent a spring season in Georgia, you are likely familiar with pollen. It’s that yellow dust that covers benches and cars and creates a foggy film on top of streams and ponds. It’s as integral to Georgia as peaches or pecans, and it is also a headache for many individuals.

Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grass, and other plants, and they can put a huge damper on someone’s day. But despite how annoying pollen may be, it plays a vital role in the natural world.

Flowering plants cannot reproduce without pollen.

In order for a plant to create seeds, pollen must first travel from one flower to another. Some pollen can be carried by wind and water, but an estimated 70-82% of flowering plants rely on pollinators for help. This movement of pollen between flowers is known as the process of “pollination.”

Pollinators are the animals that can carry pollen between flowers, assisting with pollination. There are many different kinds of pollinators including birds, mammals, insects and more, and they all serve an important purpose. They are an integral part of the plant reproduction process, and without them, many species of plants would cease to exist.

While losing some of the vibrant greenery around us might be sad, the importance of pollinators goes deeper than that. Roughly 35% of food crops in the world rely on pollinators. That translates to an estimated one out of every three bites of food. Pollinators don’t just help keep the world pretty, they help keep the world fed.

Pollinators are also an important glue that holds ecosystems together. Plants form the foundation of food chains, providing energy to animals like deer and squirrels that are then consumed by larger predators.

Without pollinators, the majority of these plants would be unable to reproduce, and entire ecosystems could suffer.

Gardening for the Future

Unfortunately, we are not just speaking in hypotheticals.

Pollinators are in trouble, and it’s more trouble than they’ve ever been in before. Environmental contaminants, disease, invasive species, and habitat loss are all contributing to the decline of pollinator populations.

At least 28% of bumble bee species in North America are experiencing significant population declines, and 19% of United States butterflies are at risk for extinction. The well-known monarch butterflies of North America have been hit especially hard, losing 74-80% of their population.

These trends are worrying, but we have the power to change them. Habitat restoration is a cornerstone of conservation efforts, and you can help. Planting pollinatorfriendly flowers is a great way to get involved, whether it’s a few plants on your porch, a garden bed like at ACCA, or a field of plants in your backyard. Groups like the Xerces

Photo Shannah Montgomery

Society and the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia have many guides to help you determine the best native plants for the pollinators in your area.

These groups also organize and implement large-scale habitat restoration projects. Such projects include the removal of invasive plant species from the wild and the planting of pollinator-friendly flowers along roadsides and in green spaces all across the country. Anything you can do to support such efforts, whether it’s through donations or volunteering your time, ensures that such efforts can continue.

We owe a lot to pollinators. From the food we eat to the green spaces we enjoy, they play a vital role in our everyday lives. Though they are in trouble, we have the power to protect them. Whether it’s installing a garden bed at a local business, donating to a conservation group, or simply telling your friends about the great work of pollinators, every effort helps ensure the safety and longevity of these irreplaceable creatures.

Critical pollinator and wildlife habitat is disappearing. Pollinators across the country are experiencing population declines due to reduced access to diverse, nutritious habitat. You can help reverse this trend. Do what you can where you can to provide habitat for the pollinators.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 15

Meet your local pollinators!

1. Butterflies

Butterflies might be the most well-known pollinators, but they actually do this job accidentally. Flower nectar is the main food for most butterflies, and they use their straw-like mouth parts, called a proboscis, to reach inside flowers and drink the nectar. When they drink, pollen sticks to their bodies, and the butterflies end up carrying the pollen around as they fly from flower to flower.

2. Bees

Georgia is home to over 500 species of bees, and they do a lot of the heavy lifting. Bees eat pollen, so they spend much of their time collecting it from plants. They even have special body parts that allow them to carry large amounts of pollen, sometimes 30% of their body weight. As they go about their business, they distribute some of this pollen to the plants they visit.

3. Wasps

Don’t let their scary reputation turn you away. Wasps play an incredibly important and special role in the pollinator world. They drink nectar just like butterflies, but they can be very picky with the flowers they choose.

1 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

Wasps will usually visit only one small group of plants, and the plants that they choose are often entirely dependent on them for reproduction.

4. Flies

Flies are an ancient group of insects, and they were likely one of the first to pollinate flowering plants. In colder areas where bees are less active, flies are often responsible for most pollination. Just like with wasps, there are plants that have evolved specifically to be pollinated by flies.

These plants may smell foul or even look like rotting meat, and they do all of this to attract flies.

Local Local assistance assistance is is available available for for health health insurance insurance related related issues issues including including Medicare, Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid, prescription drug assistance prescription drug assistance programs, programs, and and financial financial assistance assistance programs. programs.

5. Bats

Bats drink nectar, and they also eat many of the bugs found on flowers. While eating and drinking, they collect pollen in their fur and then drop it on other plants as they travel. Over 530 plant species rely on the help of bats, including plants such as agave, bananas, and balsa trees. Bats also have a unique skill that insect pollinators lack. They can fly much farther than most insects and are therefore able to move pollen over longer distances.

706-549-4850 706-549-4850 www.accaging.org www.accaging.org

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 17

Meet your local pollinators!

1. Butterflies

Butterflies might be the most well-known pollinators, but they actually do this job accidentally. Flower nectar is the main food for most butterflies, and they use their straw-like mouth parts, called a proboscis, to reach inside flowers and drink the nectar. When they drink, pollen sticks to their bodies, and the butterflies end up carrying the pollen around as they fly from flower to flower.

2. Bees

Georgia is home to over 500 species of bees, and they do a lot of the heavy lifting. Bees eat pollen, so they spend much of their time collecting it from plants. They even have special body parts that allow them to carry large amounts of pollen, sometimes 30% of their body weight. As they go about their business, they distribute some of this pollen to the plants they visit.

3. Wasps

Don’t let their scary reputation turn you away. Wasps play an incredibly important and special role in the pollinator world. They drink nectar just like butterflies, but they can be very picky with the flowers they choose.

1 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

Wasps will usually visit only one small group of plants, and the plants that they choose are often entirely dependent on them for reproduction.

4. Flies

Flies are an ancient group of insects, and they were likely one of the first to pollinate flowering plants. In colder areas where bees are less active, flies are often responsible for most pollination. Just like with wasps, there are plants that have evolved specifically to be pollinated by flies.

These plants may smell foul or even look like rotting meat, and they do all of this to attract flies.

Local Local assistance assistance is is available available for for health health insurance insurance related related issues issues including including Medicare, Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid, prescription drug assistance prescription drug assistance programs, programs, and and financial financial assistance assistance programs. programs.

5. Bats

Bats drink nectar, and they also eat many of the bugs found on flowers. While eating and drinking, they collect pollen in their fur and then drop it on other plants as they travel. Over 530 plant species rely on the help of bats, including plants such as agave, bananas, and balsa trees. Bats also have a unique skill that insect pollinators lack. They can fly much farther than most insects and are therefore able to move pollen over longer distances.

706-549-4850 706-549-4850 www.accaging.org www.accaging.org

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 17

to study with exceptional teachers and learn from all kinds of artists. I got to learn and grow.

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.

An Interview with Freda Scott Giles

By Ellen Everitt

F

reda Scott Giles has travelled many paths in her life. From Professor Emerita, to activist, to scholar, to actor/writer/director, and community educator, she has done most everything life has to offer. Going from struggling actor in New York to highly acclaimed academic in Georgia, the momentum of her life has been undeniable. And this shows in her work. Dr. Giles works with time. Though not a time traveler herself (that we know of ) her work concerns the threads that bind history, theatre, race, and the present together. As she said in her Founders Day Speech in 2019 “When we look back at the past, if we give it a good look, we may see that we have missed something that needs to be brought forward.” And this is a philosophy she takes with her into her personal life. She holds both the good and bad times in steady hands, using her moments to enrich her life through connections with others. After all, what is aging well besides time well used?

There are so many titles that could sum up your life and the many roles you have played. If you could lay out your path to all of these, what would that story look like?

Great question—I wish I could say that I had a clear trajectory, but my path has been quite haphazard; there were times when I zigzagged and times when I zigged when I should have zagged. Opportunities, challenges and obstacles would pop up in front of me and I would try to handle or juggle them as they came along. When I was growing up, my parents instilled in me a love of learning, so I tried to follow the path they desired, which was to become a teacher—they strongly resisted any attempt to pursue an aspect of the arts 1 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

as a profession, even though my father was a musician—but I really wanted to try to become a professional actor. I spent 18 years in New York, most of them as a struggling actor. New York was a great growing up experience, and that is where I learned more about engaging with history and with social and political issues. Later I found that I could combine theatre and teaching by extending my education. It took much more in terms of time and detours than these few sentences, but I am glad that I ended up in higher education, able to pursue teaching in theatre and African American Studies.

So much of your work is in connecting different time periods and theatrical styles and helping illuminate the past and present through conversation with both. How did you begin this center of your work? What drew you to that cross-section of theatre and cultural studies?

To be engaged with theatre is to be engaged with history, culture, and all forms of human endeavor. I had to spend a lot of time reading all kinds of plays from every period, genre and style. I particularly tried to fill in the gaps of what I was not being taught, or not exposed to enough, in my graduate studies. There was heavy engagement with European and North American theatre, plays and theories, but relatively little engagement with the rest of the world.

I was lucky to be living in New York, where I could see performances from the parts of the world that were missing in my studies. I think things are better now, but I wanted to try to absorb more, and expose my students to more if I could. For example, the plays that the ancient Greeks performed have much in common with several types of traditional performances among African peoples. One of my favorite plays to direct was The Gods Are Not to Blame

by Ola Rotimi, a treatment of Oedipus Rex set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. I wanted to allow myself to see the universality of the human experience through the experiences of a variety of cultures, and to convey that view

to others. And also, artists draw inspiration from all areas of history and culture, and recognizing that is very enriching.

As we know, you studied and performed extensively in New York. From your time there, what was the experience that most solidified your mission in scholarship and artistic pursuits?

I don’t think I can point to any one experience. My time in New York was in the 1970s and 1980’s, a time when people could scrape together enough money to find a space to perform and put together a show on a shoestring budget.

There was great stuff and there was terrible stuff—I don’t want to romanticize it, like La Boheme or Rent do, it was mostly scuffling and not very romantic, but there was a great deal of artistic ferment that reflected the political and social ferment of those times. My most formative years were the 1960’s. The four little girls who were murdered in Birmingham in 1963 were about my age. My parents would not allow me to attend the March on Washington because they were afraid of police violence. I was in high school when John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X were killed, and I got to actually hear the Gulf of Tonkin speech that Lyndon B. Johnson delivered when he came to my home town, Syracuse, New York. I was in college when Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy were killed. The social and political trauma helped shape me, and theatre helped me work through it. When I got to New York I got

What brought you to Athens, and in your time spent here, what has been the biggest revelation you’ve had while in the community?

My friend to this day, Dr. Barbara McCaskill and I taught briefly at the same time at the University at Albany (New York). She was hired at the University of Georgia and had been gone for about a year. One day, I saw a flyer describing an open position for a joint appointment in theatre and African American Studies at the University of Georgia. I contacted Barbara and asked her if I should apply. With her encouragement, and my husband’s, I did.

When I got the interview in February and saw the beauty of North Campus after having had to shovel my car out of the snow to get to the Albany airport, that clinched it.

There were a number of revelations about living here, many of them connected with how complicated race relations can be, and how meaningful entrapment in history can be. I did not know about the bones under Baldwin Hall, Linnentown, and other historical elements that make the campus such a complicated place, but I did encounter a divide between UGA and the Athens African American community that could be difficult to breach, despite the efforts of people of good will on both sides.

How did you first hear about ACCA and why did you want to get involved?

I had friends who were and are involved with some of the great activities that ACCA offers. I started out with the line dancing class, which I loved. Then I went over to the walking group. The fellowship is so gratifying, and the social engagement is as enjoyable as the activities. There are so many great offerings. Before the pandemic, I went on some of the trips.

Having done all these amazing things – we always ask, how do you age and live well?

Like so many seniors, I have been through a number of life-changing experiences, including becoming a widow.

The support of friends is meaningful beyond words. If I age well, it is because of my network of friends and relatives and my inclination to find just about everything interesting.

Though I can get pretty tired, I am never, ever bored.

The support of friends is meaningful beyond words. If I age well, it is because of my network of friends and relatives and my inclination to find just about everything interesting. Though I can get pretty tired, I am never, ever bored.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 19

to study with exceptional teachers and learn from all kinds of artists. I got to learn and grow.

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.

An Interview with Freda Scott Giles

By Ellen Everitt

F

reda Scott Giles has travelled many paths in her life. From Professor Emerita, to activist, to scholar, to actor/writer/director, and community educator, she has done most everything life has to offer. Going from struggling actor in New York to highly acclaimed academic in Georgia, the momentum of her life has been undeniable. And this shows in her work. Dr. Giles works with time. Though not a time traveler herself (that we know of ) her work concerns the threads that bind history, theatre, race, and the present together. As she said in her Founders Day Speech in 2019 “When we look back at the past, if we give it a good look, we may see that we have missed something that needs to be brought forward.” And this is a philosophy she takes with her into her personal life. She holds both the good and bad times in steady hands, using her moments to enrich her life through connections with others. After all, what is aging well besides time well used?

There are so many titles that could sum up your life and the many roles you have played. If you could lay out your path to all of these, what would that story look like?

Great question—I wish I could say that I had a clear trajectory, but my path has been quite haphazard; there were times when I zigzagged and times when I zigged when I should have zagged. Opportunities, challenges and obstacles would pop up in front of me and I would try to handle or juggle them as they came along. When I was growing up, my parents instilled in me a love of learning, so I tried to follow the path they desired, which was to become a teacher—they strongly resisted any attempt to pursue an aspect of the arts 1 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

as a profession, even though my father was a musician—but I really wanted to try to become a professional actor. I spent 18 years in New York, most of them as a struggling actor. New York was a great growing up experience, and that is where I learned more about engaging with history and with social and political issues. Later I found that I could combine theatre and teaching by extending my education. It took much more in terms of time and detours than these few sentences, but I am glad that I ended up in higher education, able to pursue teaching in theatre and African American Studies.

So much of your work is in connecting different time periods and theatrical styles and helping illuminate the past and present through conversation with both. How did you begin this center of your work? What drew you to that cross-section of theatre and cultural studies?

To be engaged with theatre is to be engaged with history, culture, and all forms of human endeavor. I had to spend a lot of time reading all kinds of plays from every period, genre and style. I particularly tried to fill in the gaps of what I was not being taught, or not exposed to enough, in my graduate studies. There was heavy engagement with European and North American theatre, plays and theories, but relatively little engagement with the rest of the world.

I was lucky to be living in New York, where I could see performances from the parts of the world that were missing in my studies. I think things are better now, but I wanted to try to absorb more, and expose my students to more if I could. For example, the plays that the ancient Greeks performed have much in common with several types of traditional performances among African peoples. One of my favorite plays to direct was The Gods Are Not to Blame

by Ola Rotimi, a treatment of Oedipus Rex set among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. I wanted to allow myself to see the universality of the human experience through the experiences of a variety of cultures, and to convey that view

to others. And also, artists draw inspiration from all areas of history and culture, and recognizing that is very enriching.

As we know, you studied and performed extensively in New York. From your time there, what was the experience that most solidified your mission in scholarship and artistic pursuits?

I don’t think I can point to any one experience. My time in New York was in the 1970s and 1980’s, a time when people could scrape together enough money to find a space to perform and put together a show on a shoestring budget.

There was great stuff and there was terrible stuff—I don’t want to romanticize it, like La Boheme or Rent do, it was mostly scuffling and not very romantic, but there was a great deal of artistic ferment that reflected the political and social ferment of those times. My most formative years were the 1960’s. The four little girls who were murdered in Birmingham in 1963 were about my age. My parents would not allow me to attend the March on Washington because they were afraid of police violence. I was in high school when John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X were killed, and I got to actually hear the Gulf of Tonkin speech that Lyndon B. Johnson delivered when he came to my home town, Syracuse, New York. I was in college when Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy were killed. The social and political trauma helped shape me, and theatre helped me work through it. When I got to New York I got

What brought you to Athens, and in your time spent here, what has been the biggest revelation you’ve had while in the community?

My friend to this day, Dr. Barbara McCaskill and I taught briefly at the same time at the University at Albany (New York). She was hired at the University of Georgia and had been gone for about a year. One day, I saw a flyer describing an open position for a joint appointment in theatre and African American Studies at the University of Georgia. I contacted Barbara and asked her if I should apply. With her encouragement, and my husband’s, I did.

When I got the interview in February and saw the beauty of North Campus after having had to shovel my car out of the snow to get to the Albany airport, that clinched it.

There were a number of revelations about living here, many of them connected with how complicated race relations can be, and how meaningful entrapment in history can be. I did not know about the bones under Baldwin Hall, Linnentown, and other historical elements that make the campus such a complicated place, but I did encounter a divide between UGA and the Athens African American community that could be difficult to breach, despite the efforts of people of good will on both sides.

How did you first hear about ACCA and why did you want to get involved?

I had friends who were and are involved with some of the great activities that ACCA offers. I started out with the line dancing class, which I loved. Then I went over to the walking group. The fellowship is so gratifying, and the social engagement is as enjoyable as the activities. There are so many great offerings. Before the pandemic, I went on some of the trips.

Having done all these amazing things – we always ask, how do you age and live well?

Like so many seniors, I have been through a number of life-changing experiences, including becoming a widow.

The support of friends is meaningful beyond words. If I age well, it is because of my network of friends and relatives and my inclination to find just about everything interesting.

Though I can get pretty tired, I am never, ever bored.

The support of friends is meaningful beyond words. If I age well, it is because of my network of friends and relatives and my inclination to find just about everything interesting. Though I can get pretty tired, I am never, ever bored.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 19

The Gem City of the South: Getting to Know Marietta

By Allyn Rippin

B

efore there was Atlanta, there was Marietta. Located just 20 minutes northwest of the capital city, Marietta is one of Atlanta’s largest suburbs and one of Georgia’s most charming, historic towns. Founded in 1824 and incorporated in 1852, the town was coined the “Gem City” in the 1880s to advertise the city as one of the stops on the rail line. Today, Marietta retains its small-town feel while pulsing with urban life.

Spend a day or a weekend, and you’ll quickly discover the many layers of Marietta. It’s steeped in history, including its difficult past as a seat in the Confederacy. The town’s most recognizable landmark is its quaint town square. Today, independent shops line the streets offering an array of dining and shopping options. Leafy Glover Park, the greenspace at its heart, plays host to outdoor concerts, picnics, and community gatherings. On Saturdays, the square transforms into a lively farmers market.

Anchoring the square is The Strand, a restored theater from the 1930s. During its time, it was the most modern theater outside Atlanta with its heating, air conditioning and sound system. The theater remained closed for many years but was brought back to its glory days in 2008 after extensive renovation. It is now a venue for concerts, traveling productions and other arts and music programming.

Several historic homes give a glimpse into the town’s past. A short walk from the Square, the William Root House Museum and Garden claims to be the oldest home in downtown Marietta. Once owned by William Root, one of Marietta’s founding citizens who owned a drugstore on the Square, the home (c.1845) retains its original regional furniture and cookhouse and tells details about the life and times of the Root family as well as the enslaved individuals who lived and worked here. The garden still grows medicinal herbs that the pharmacist would have used for his business. The Museum recently added an interactive exhibition space and garden sculpture dedicated 2 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

to interpreting the lives and honoring the memory of Marietta’s enslaved individuals. In the mid-19th century, these individuals made up a significant portion of the population.

Just a few steps from the Square, Oakton House (c.1838) is the oldest continuously occupied residence in Marietta. Once the headquarters for Major General Loring during the Battle of Kennesaw, this iconic Georgia home is set on 5 of the original 325 acres. Its original outbuildings remain on the property and its current owners have opened the home to tours and weddings.

With a city rich in history, there are several museums to visit. The Marietta Museum of History is located in the Historic Kennesaw house, a former cotton warehouse built in 1845. The Museum is home to thousands of artifacts, including items from Marietta residents and businesses as well as exhibits on the history of the city and Cobb County.

There are displays on the Civil War, the lives of Native Americans who once lived here, and Georgia’s gold rush.

Opened in the 1990s, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art boasts Greek Revival architecture and once served as the city’s main post office. It was also used for the courthouse scenes in the film Selma released in 2014. The museum is one of the few in the region to focus specifically on American art, with permanent collections ranging from 18th century works to modern painting and sculpture.

Another notable museum in the area is The Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum. Set in historic Brumby Hall (c. 1851), the museum houses a privately-owned collection of more than 1,000 pieces of memorabilia. These include the gown worn by Vivien Leigh in her role as Scarlett O’Hara, as well as Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of the novel, and an educational display dedicated to the African American cast members, including Oscar-winner Hattie McDaniel.

Just south of the Square, you’ll find the Marietta Confederate Cemetery, dating back to 1863. More than 3,000 soldiers are lain to rest here. Down the road, the Marietta National Cemetery is the resting place for 17,000 soldiers who served their country. Travel another 20 minutes and you’ll find Kennesaw Mountain, a part of the Appalachian Mountains which also played a part in the Civil War. The mountain is part of a battlefield park that preserves the site of the battle. It is also the highest point in the urban Atlanta area replete with 18 miles of hiking trails, great views and forested scenery.

There is much to do, see and learn in Marietta. Join the Center for Active Living as we spend a day in the Gem City on April 13th, 2022. See the catalogue in the back of the magazine for more details.

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

GeorgiaCares

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing and frustrating, but by becoming a GeorgiaCares volunteer you can gain the knowledge to navigate this complex healthcare system while giving back to your community by offering free and unbiased counselling on how to find the best plans.

The ACCA Shop Leader

Meals On Wheels Volunteers

Delivering meals is a simple and rewarding way to help older adults and people with disabilities in need of nutritious meals and a daily visit from a friendly face, and you can do it over lunch! When you volunteer for Meals on Wheels during your lunch hour, you’re doing your part to guarantee meals are delivered to nearly 300 of our friends and neighbors in Athens-Clarke and Barrow Counties. You can volunteer to deliver meals once a week, once a month, with a friend, with a group or on your own – whatever works best for you.

Are you handy and 55+?

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is launching The ACCA Fix It Shop, a group of volunteers who can help older adults with small home repairs. We are looking for a dedicated volunteer leader to help get the program off the ground. Folks from across the Athens area will be able to come and find fellowship through providing small DIY improvements to client’s homes, as well as learning new skills and trades from other members. If you have a knack for creating a dovetail joint or know how to unclog a J-bend like a pro, this is the group for you!

We Need

YOU!

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

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 21

The Gem City of the South: Getting to Know Marietta

By Allyn Rippin

B

efore there was Atlanta, there was Marietta. Located just 20 minutes northwest of the capital city, Marietta is one of Atlanta’s largest suburbs and one of Georgia’s most charming, historic towns. Founded in 1824 and incorporated in 1852, the town was coined the “Gem City” in the 1880s to advertise the city as one of the stops on the rail line. Today, Marietta retains its small-town feel while pulsing with urban life.

Spend a day or a weekend, and you’ll quickly discover the many layers of Marietta. It’s steeped in history, including its difficult past as a seat in the Confederacy. The town’s most recognizable landmark is its quaint town square. Today, independent shops line the streets offering an array of dining and shopping options. Leafy Glover Park, the greenspace at its heart, plays host to outdoor concerts, picnics, and community gatherings. On Saturdays, the square transforms into a lively farmers market.

Anchoring the square is The Strand, a restored theater from the 1930s. During its time, it was the most modern theater outside Atlanta with its heating, air conditioning and sound system. The theater remained closed for many years but was brought back to its glory days in 2008 after extensive renovation. It is now a venue for concerts, traveling productions and other arts and music programming.

Several historic homes give a glimpse into the town’s past. A short walk from the Square, the William Root House Museum and Garden claims to be the oldest home in downtown Marietta. Once owned by William Root, one of Marietta’s founding citizens who owned a drugstore on the Square, the home (c.1845) retains its original regional furniture and cookhouse and tells details about the life and times of the Root family as well as the enslaved individuals who lived and worked here. The garden still grows medicinal herbs that the pharmacist would have used for his business. The Museum recently added an interactive exhibition space and garden sculpture dedicated 2 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

to interpreting the lives and honoring the memory of Marietta’s enslaved individuals. In the mid-19th century, these individuals made up a significant portion of the population.

Just a few steps from the Square, Oakton House (c.1838) is the oldest continuously occupied residence in Marietta. Once the headquarters for Major General Loring during the Battle of Kennesaw, this iconic Georgia home is set on 5 of the original 325 acres. Its original outbuildings remain on the property and its current owners have opened the home to tours and weddings.

With a city rich in history, there are several museums to visit. The Marietta Museum of History is located in the Historic Kennesaw house, a former cotton warehouse built in 1845. The Museum is home to thousands of artifacts, including items from Marietta residents and businesses as well as exhibits on the history of the city and Cobb County.

There are displays on the Civil War, the lives of Native Americans who once lived here, and Georgia’s gold rush.

Opened in the 1990s, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art boasts Greek Revival architecture and once served as the city’s main post office. It was also used for the courthouse scenes in the film Selma released in 2014. The museum is one of the few in the region to focus specifically on American art, with permanent collections ranging from 18th century works to modern painting and sculpture.

Another notable museum in the area is The Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum. Set in historic Brumby Hall (c. 1851), the museum houses a privately-owned collection of more than 1,000 pieces of memorabilia. These include the gown worn by Vivien Leigh in her role as Scarlett O’Hara, as well as Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of the novel, and an educational display dedicated to the African American cast members, including Oscar-winner Hattie McDaniel.

Just south of the Square, you’ll find the Marietta Confederate Cemetery, dating back to 1863. More than 3,000 soldiers are lain to rest here. Down the road, the Marietta National Cemetery is the resting place for 17,000 soldiers who served their country. Travel another 20 minutes and you’ll find Kennesaw Mountain, a part of the Appalachian Mountains which also played a part in the Civil War. The mountain is part of a battlefield park that preserves the site of the battle. It is also the highest point in the urban Atlanta area replete with 18 miles of hiking trails, great views and forested scenery.

There is much to do, see and learn in Marietta. Join the Center for Active Living as we spend a day in the Gem City on April 13th, 2022. See the catalogue in the back of the magazine for more details.

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

GeorgiaCares

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing and frustrating, but by becoming a GeorgiaCares volunteer you can gain the knowledge to navigate this complex healthcare system while giving back to your community by offering free and unbiased counselling on how to find the best plans.

The ACCA Shop Leader

Meals On Wheels Volunteers

Delivering meals is a simple and rewarding way to help older adults and people with disabilities in need of nutritious meals and a daily visit from a friendly face, and you can do it over lunch! When you volunteer for Meals on Wheels during your lunch hour, you’re doing your part to guarantee meals are delivered to nearly 300 of our friends and neighbors in Athens-Clarke and Barrow Counties. You can volunteer to deliver meals once a week, once a month, with a friend, with a group or on your own – whatever works best for you.

Are you handy and 55+?

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is launching The ACCA Fix It Shop, a group of volunteers who can help older adults with small home repairs. We are looking for a dedicated volunteer leader to help get the program off the ground. Folks from across the Athens area will be able to come and find fellowship through providing small DIY improvements to client’s homes, as well as learning new skills and trades from other members. If you have a knack for creating a dovetail joint or know how to unclog a J-bend like a pro, this is the group for you!

We Need

YOU!

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

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 21

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Phone Buddies, Emilie and Barry

What has having a phone buddy meant to you during COVID? Barry: It’s all about looking forward to a call. It’s the best anticipating having either a short or long conversation, and I can’t wait to tell her the stories about everything that happens.

Emilie: It’s been amazing. I didn’t realize that it would be something that would enrich my life as well, but it genuinely has and I’m so grateful for it.

By Ellen Everitt

L

ooking over the booths of Bolton dining commons, a regular haunt for UGA undergraduates, you might be a bit perplexed to see a young professional and a retired man sitting and laughing together. You might assume this is a granddaughter and her grandfather hanging out after a grad school tour – but you’d be wrong.

Emilie and Barry have been buddies since New Year’s Day 2021. During ACCA’s emergency COVID operations we launched our Phone Buddy program wherein older adults could request calls from a volunteer and have someone to talk to during isolation. It was this program that first connected Barry and Emilie and has turned into an enduring friendship. Here, they share their story: What brought you to Athens?

Barry: I moved to Athens from Greenville in hopes of meeting someone new.

Emilie: I originally came to Athens as a UGA student and after graduating in 2019 I ended up coming back as an employee for the University. So that’s where I am now and I love Athens.

How did you first hear about ACCA and what made you reach out to us?

Barry: I looked up online for senior centers because I didn’t know anything about Athens – I came here and when I moved here I ended up in a student apartment building. There was just no connection with my neighbors.

So I came to ACCA, picked up a Connections magazine

and there was an advertisement about phone buddies.

Emilie: Well I heard about ACCA through one of my coworkers who was volunteering as a meal delivery person. I couldn’t offer that, but I wanted to volunteer somehow. So, I reached out to my friend who works with volunteers at ACCA and she told me about the phone buddy program. I thought it would be a perfect way to volunteer in the community and make a new friend, plus it worked with my work and life situation.

Did you have any apprehensions about becoming a phone buddy?

Barry: At first, I didn’t know what the parameters were – actually Emilie told me her first phone buddy asked if she could install storm doors (laughs), but I knew certainly that wasn’t the case!

Emilie: My only apprehension was the potential that the buddy I got paired with might not like me. Aside from that, I was looking forward to getting to know someone new with a different life experience than me.

What was your first conversation like?

Barry: I’d say neutral. It was nice to talk to someone and very different than meeting up for a beer with my friends.

But now we’ve worked it out and we speak every week.

Emilie: It wasn’t very long but we introduced ourselves and figured out a weekly time that would work for us. It was a nice, simple small talk conversation. I think we were both eager to talk to someone new but also a little shy at first. Now I really look forward to our weekly chats.

During ACCA’s emergency COVID operations we launched our Phone Buddy program wherein older adults could request calls from a volunteer and have someone to talk to during isolation.

2 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

What is the best thing about your phone buddy?

Barry: I think it’s watching her progressing. She has a nice relationship now with her boyfriend Sam, and it’s probably more for her that I love hearing about – how she’s decorating her apartment and collecting postcards for her collection. I know she went this weekend to a …

I think they’re called BTS, their concert. It’s pretty cool to see those guys! (Editor’s note: BTS (aka Bangtan Boys) is a popular Korean band that has a huge global following. Think “The Beatles” but with slightly better haircuts.) I also get to tell her about how I’m trying to meet a nice person and she listens to all my frustrations with modern online dating.

She is just so supportive with all of the head-scratching stuff that’s “ghosting” etc. She’s my sounding board. I think my thrill is watching her grow and progress in life. And we’ve managed to meet up twice! Once at Cali-N-Tito’s, and once where we made a bet just for fun – I’m a Mizzou alumnus, so when they played UGA (and I knew I was going to lose) I bet her that if UGA won we’d go get dinner at Bolton dining hall.

Emilie: Barry is such a kind soul and a good listener.

We don’t just talk about his life, but he asks about mine as well and remembers what we talk about. He just cares and pays attention and conversation with him is so pleasant.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to get involved in Athens but unsure how?

Barry: Use the internet! Most everything I’ve found I looked up online and it’s been easy to sign up for things and still have free time.

Emilie: I think it’s a good idea to start with things you like and reach out to local organizations that work in that area and see if they need help. I wanted to connect with people in the community and ACCA was perfect for that. So if you like animals, reach out to the humane society. If you like plants, reach out to the farmers market or the botanical gardens in town. There are tons of opportunities in town, you just have to connect with one that connects with you and it will enrich your life as you enrich the community.

It’s been amazing. I didn’t realize that it would be something that would enrich my life as well, but it genuinely has and I’m so grateful for it.

—Emilie, Phone Buddy volunteer

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 23

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Phone Buddies, Emilie and Barry

What has having a phone buddy meant to you during COVID? Barry: It’s all about looking forward to a call. It’s the best anticipating having either a short or long conversation, and I can’t wait to tell her the stories about everything that happens.

Emilie: It’s been amazing. I didn’t realize that it would be something that would enrich my life as well, but it genuinely has and I’m so grateful for it.

By Ellen Everitt

L

ooking over the booths of Bolton dining commons, a regular haunt for UGA undergraduates, you might be a bit perplexed to see a young professional and a retired man sitting and laughing together. You might assume this is a granddaughter and her grandfather hanging out after a grad school tour – but you’d be wrong.

Emilie and Barry have been buddies since New Year’s Day 2021. During ACCA’s emergency COVID operations we launched our Phone Buddy program wherein older adults could request calls from a volunteer and have someone to talk to during isolation. It was this program that first connected Barry and Emilie and has turned into an enduring friendship. Here, they share their story: What brought you to Athens?

Barry: I moved to Athens from Greenville in hopes of meeting someone new.

Emilie: I originally came to Athens as a UGA student and after graduating in 2019 I ended up coming back as an employee for the University. So that’s where I am now and I love Athens.

How did you first hear about ACCA and what made you reach out to us?

Barry: I looked up online for senior centers because I didn’t know anything about Athens – I came here and when I moved here I ended up in a student apartment building. There was just no connection with my neighbors.

So I came to ACCA, picked up a Connections magazine

and there was an advertisement about phone buddies.

Emilie: Well I heard about ACCA through one of my coworkers who was volunteering as a meal delivery person. I couldn’t offer that, but I wanted to volunteer somehow. So, I reached out to my friend who works with volunteers at ACCA and she told me about the phone buddy program. I thought it would be a perfect way to volunteer in the community and make a new friend, plus it worked with my work and life situation.

Did you have any apprehensions about becoming a phone buddy?

Barry: At first, I didn’t know what the parameters were – actually Emilie told me her first phone buddy asked if she could install storm doors (laughs), but I knew certainly that wasn’t the case!

Emilie: My only apprehension was the potential that the buddy I got paired with might not like me. Aside from that, I was looking forward to getting to know someone new with a different life experience than me.

What was your first conversation like?

Barry: I’d say neutral. It was nice to talk to someone and very different than meeting up for a beer with my friends.

But now we’ve worked it out and we speak every week.

Emilie: It wasn’t very long but we introduced ourselves and figured out a weekly time that would work for us. It was a nice, simple small talk conversation. I think we were both eager to talk to someone new but also a little shy at first. Now I really look forward to our weekly chats.

During ACCA’s emergency COVID operations we launched our Phone Buddy program wherein older adults could request calls from a volunteer and have someone to talk to during isolation.

2 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

What is the best thing about your phone buddy?

Barry: I think it’s watching her progressing. She has a nice relationship now with her boyfriend Sam, and it’s probably more for her that I love hearing about – how she’s decorating her apartment and collecting postcards for her collection. I know she went this weekend to a …

I think they’re called BTS, their concert. It’s pretty cool to see those guys! (Editor’s note: BTS (aka Bangtan Boys) is a popular Korean band that has a huge global following. Think “The Beatles” but with slightly better haircuts.) I also get to tell her about how I’m trying to meet a nice person and she listens to all my frustrations with modern online dating.

She is just so supportive with all of the head-scratching stuff that’s “ghosting” etc. She’s my sounding board. I think my thrill is watching her grow and progress in life. And we’ve managed to meet up twice! Once at Cali-N-Tito’s, and once where we made a bet just for fun – I’m a Mizzou alumnus, so when they played UGA (and I knew I was going to lose) I bet her that if UGA won we’d go get dinner at Bolton dining hall.

Emilie: Barry is such a kind soul and a good listener.

We don’t just talk about his life, but he asks about mine as well and remembers what we talk about. He just cares and pays attention and conversation with him is so pleasant.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to get involved in Athens but unsure how?

Barry: Use the internet! Most everything I’ve found I looked up online and it’s been easy to sign up for things and still have free time.

Emilie: I think it’s a good idea to start with things you like and reach out to local organizations that work in that area and see if they need help. I wanted to connect with people in the community and ACCA was perfect for that. So if you like animals, reach out to the humane society. If you like plants, reach out to the farmers market or the botanical gardens in town. There are tons of opportunities in town, you just have to connect with one that connects with you and it will enrich your life as you enrich the community.

It’s been amazing. I didn’t realize that it would be something that would enrich my life as well, but it genuinely has and I’m so grateful for it.

—Emilie, Phone Buddy volunteer

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 23

AGING...

EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

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1 1 Thanks so much to the AWESOME crews from LEAD Athens, Avants Management, and Rotary Club of Athens, GA, USA for attending the United Way of Northeast Georgia’s Day of Caring to help beautify our campus! Our volunteers cleaned 150+ windows and uprooted half a city block of Kudzu and dead trees so that our building could shine. Plus we even received a wonderful donation from Rotary Club of Athens! We can’t wait to host each of you back here again soon!

2 We’ want to extend our appreciation to Rick and his fellow volunteers from the Athens Sertoma Club for their recent donation to ACCA! The Sertoma Club supports the over 50 million people in the U.S. who are impacted by hearing loss. Their donation will have an immediate impact on the older adults in our community who we serve!

3 It’s “Cat Day 2021!” at ACCA! Thanks to a generous grant from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities, and through our partnership with Athens Area Humane Society, we were able to have 9 MOW feline pets seen for spay/neuter surgery, as well as a few other minor needed surgical repairs. It was purr-fect day to help make sure these “9 lives” would be healthy ones.

4 Thank you, Cheri Cherry and Give Back Real Estate for your continued support of ACCA’s Meals on Wheels! With 10% of every commission donated to a local non-profit, Give Back is truly supporting the communities in which they serve.

5 Thank you to those who adopted a senior for Be a Santa to a Senior 2021, and thank you to the volunteers who joined us for our Wrapping Party. With the help of our community, we collected, wrapped, and distributed thousands of gifts for nearly 900 seniors. We could not have done it without the help of all who donated and volunteered! Thank you!

6 In October, Jared Marsden dropped off several checks from his wonderful homebuyers in support of ACCA’s Meals on Wheels! We are so thankful for the support of those he serves! Thank you, homebuyers and Jared Marsden - Keller Williams Realty!

2 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

7 October 23rd was Make a Difference Day! Businesses like Give Back Real Estate make a difference in our community by supporting programs like ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program. Reign Sold stopped by with a generous donation from his sellers. Thank you for your continued support!

8 The Athens Area Diaper Bank is such an amazing support of ACCA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program! The Athens Area Diaper Bank strives to eradicate diaper need by providing diapers to low-income families in the Athens area, while raising public awareness of diaper need and its impact. We are so happy to assist with this distribution and help provide diapers for the babies and toddlers in our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. Thank you for your continued support and for helping to keep the littles in our community dry, clean, and healthy!

9 Turkeypalooza 2021 was a success! Because of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we were able to provide over 1,400 Thanksgiving meals to 461 seniors! A special thanks to our partners and those who volunteered on distribution day: The Campus Kitchen at UGA, UGA Public Service and Outreach, UGA Swimming and Diving, UGA Flagline, and a local Girl Scout troop.

10 Thanks so much to our AMAZING group of volunteers who came out to help pack grocery bags for ACCA’s Mobile Food Pantry! This bimonthly program provides meals for all ACCA clients who need a little extra, and in October we were able to feed over 120 families!

11 Thank you to our UGA Dawg Day of Service Volunteers! Hosted

by Serve UGA, Dawg Day of Service is UGA’s largest annual day of community engagement. Dawgs from every corner of UGA volunteer at a local organization in Athens-Clarke County, giving up their Saturday mornings to make a difference! This year our volunteers braved the wild Kudzu encroaching ACCA’s garden to make sure our plants are able to thrive. We also unlocked our artistic side by cleaning up the parking lot to re-paint lines and directional arrows to help volunteers find their parking spaces to lend a hand to our master gardeners. Thank you to our awesome volunteers: Joshua, Alyssa, Avery, Allison, Chidubem, Alex, Sarah and Rachel – along with their site leaders Harsh and Elijah!

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9 WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 25

AGING...

EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

2

3

4

6

8

1 1 Thanks so much to the AWESOME crews from LEAD Athens, Avants Management, and Rotary Club of Athens, GA, USA for attending the United Way of Northeast Georgia’s Day of Caring to help beautify our campus! Our volunteers cleaned 150+ windows and uprooted half a city block of Kudzu and dead trees so that our building could shine. Plus we even received a wonderful donation from Rotary Club of Athens! We can’t wait to host each of you back here again soon!

2 We’ want to extend our appreciation to Rick and his fellow volunteers from the Athens Sertoma Club for their recent donation to ACCA! The Sertoma Club supports the over 50 million people in the U.S. who are impacted by hearing loss. Their donation will have an immediate impact on the older adults in our community who we serve!

3 It’s “Cat Day 2021!” at ACCA! Thanks to a generous grant from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities, and through our partnership with Athens Area Humane Society, we were able to have 9 MOW feline pets seen for spay/neuter surgery, as well as a few other minor needed surgical repairs. It was purr-fect day to help make sure these “9 lives” would be healthy ones.

4 Thank you, Cheri Cherry and Give Back Real Estate for your continued support of ACCA’s Meals on Wheels! With 10% of every commission donated to a local non-profit, Give Back is truly supporting the communities in which they serve.

5 Thank you to those who adopted a senior for Be a Santa to a Senior 2021, and thank you to the volunteers who joined us for our Wrapping Party. With the help of our community, we collected, wrapped, and distributed thousands of gifts for nearly 900 seniors. We could not have done it without the help of all who donated and volunteered! Thank you!

6 In October, Jared Marsden dropped off several checks from his wonderful homebuyers in support of ACCA’s Meals on Wheels! We are so thankful for the support of those he serves! Thank you, homebuyers and Jared Marsden - Keller Williams Realty!

2 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

7 October 23rd was Make a Difference Day! Businesses like Give Back Real Estate make a difference in our community by supporting programs like ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program. Reign Sold stopped by with a generous donation from his sellers. Thank you for your continued support!

8 The Athens Area Diaper Bank is such an amazing support of ACCA’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program! The Athens Area Diaper Bank strives to eradicate diaper need by providing diapers to low-income families in the Athens area, while raising public awareness of diaper need and its impact. We are so happy to assist with this distribution and help provide diapers for the babies and toddlers in our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. Thank you for your continued support and for helping to keep the littles in our community dry, clean, and healthy!

9 Turkeypalooza 2021 was a success! Because of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we were able to provide over 1,400 Thanksgiving meals to 461 seniors! A special thanks to our partners and those who volunteered on distribution day: The Campus Kitchen at UGA, UGA Public Service and Outreach, UGA Swimming and Diving, UGA Flagline, and a local Girl Scout troop.

10 Thanks so much to our AMAZING group of volunteers who came out to help pack grocery bags for ACCA’s Mobile Food Pantry! This bimonthly program provides meals for all ACCA clients who need a little extra, and in October we were able to feed over 120 families!

11 Thank you to our UGA Dawg Day of Service Volunteers! Hosted

by Serve UGA, Dawg Day of Service is UGA’s largest annual day of community engagement. Dawgs from every corner of UGA volunteer at a local organization in Athens-Clarke County, giving up their Saturday mornings to make a difference! This year our volunteers braved the wild Kudzu encroaching ACCA’s garden to make sure our plants are able to thrive. We also unlocked our artistic side by cleaning up the parking lot to re-paint lines and directional arrows to help volunteers find their parking spaces to lend a hand to our master gardeners. Thank you to our awesome volunteers: Joshua, Alyssa, Avery, Allison, Chidubem, Alex, Sarah and Rachel – along with their site leaders Harsh and Elijah!

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5

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9 WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 25

VIRTUAL TRIPS

Seven Ways to Travel the World (Without Packing a Bag)

By Allyn Rippin

T

he pandemic changed the way we think about travel, but it hasn’t curbed our appetite to see new places and experience new adventures. Reservations for flights, cruises and vacation hot spots have increased, but virtual travel has also found a new audience. Born out of COVID-19 safety concerns and a desire for more affordable travel, armchair excursions have become something of a trend. Travel magazines and sites now include virtual recommendations along with traditional trips, while tourist destinations offer virtual components to complement inperson travel itineraries.

From personal vlogs (video blogs) to highly produced travel video segments, the internet is a smorgasbord of travel opportunities, giving the armchair traveler a lot about which to be excited about. With a few clicks, you can learn about the culture, history, food, people and all the sights and sounds of a place from the comfort of home. If you prefer something closer to the real thing, the travel industry is harnessing new and existing technologies, such as VR (virtual reality), that immerses travelers in you-are-there experiences.

2 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

No matter how you wish to travel these days, there is something for everyone. Much of the virtual experience can be accessed on a smartphone or computer. Here are seven ideas for planning your next stay-at-home trip:

1. Visit the world’s museums

When visiting a major international city, a local museum is a must-see on the itinerary. From the Vatican to the Louvre to London’s Natural History Museum, the world’s major museums have created digital walkthroughs of their exhibitions. Their virtual platforms allow a chance to visit places you’ve longed to see and others you may have missed. Wander the halls and soak in the art and history — without the crowds!

2. Live vicariously with travel vlogs

Vlogs are videos of other people’s travels. They are a great way to get inspiration and travel tips or simply easy chair travel through another person’s eyes. Each one offers a unique vibe and perspective. From the bustling markets in Istanbul to majestic glaciers in Alaska, YouTube is a onestop shop for vlogs. Just type in a destination and go!

3. Take a walk down memory lane

Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides interactive 360-degree panoramas from positions along many streets in the world. There are literally millions of panoramic surroundings to choose from! Take a walk, explore landmarks, and visit an area that may not have been on your bucket list. One enjoyable use of the technology is to return to a place you once lived, such as a childhood home.

4. Step inside your ride

To reach the far-flung corners of the globe, you’ll likely need an airplane. For aviation and travel enthusiasts, some of the major airlines, including KLM, Singapore and Emirates, offer 360-degree views inside their fleet. Kick back in first class or take a peek in the cockpit. United Airlines even offers a pre-flight walk-through video with one of their captains.

5. Try a VR App

Virtual reality technology (aka the box-like viewfinder that fits over your eyes) has been around for a number of years, but it is now transforming travel. Pick your place and there is likely a VR app for it, from Egypt to Nepal to the Grand Canyon. Ascape VR is a popular app that lets

you go snorkeling, skydiving or on a safari. There is even Relax River VR which is exactly how it sounds -- a relaxing float down a lazy river. VR apps may or may not require a headset and software, and some can be downloaded for free.

6. Go hybrid

If you do decide to visit a destination in person, don’t forget to explore the videos and resources posted online by the attraction or destination. Use them to supplement or complement your trip as well as rekindle memories when you’re back home. Follow destination hotels, resorts, travel experts, institutions, and even travel photographers, on social media before and after your trip.

7. Revisit the past

Of course, nothing beats standing in the middle of the Shibuya intersection during rush hour in Tokyo or looking over a cliff off the coast of Normandy, but memories are almost as good. Put together a slide show and revisit places you’ve already been. Flip through old photo albums, scroll through photo archives, re-watch videos, and reminisce with a travel partner. Spark some inspiration for your next adventure!

Join us for an upcoming CAL Virtual Trip! Details can be found at the back of the magazine.

The internet is a smorgasbord of travel opportunities, giving the armchair traveler a lot about which to be excited about.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 27

VIRTUAL TRIPS

Seven Ways to Travel the World (Without Packing a Bag)

By Allyn Rippin

T

he pandemic changed the way we think about travel, but it hasn’t curbed our appetite to see new places and experience new adventures. Reservations for flights, cruises and vacation hot spots have increased, but virtual travel has also found a new audience. Born out of COVID-19 safety concerns and a desire for more affordable travel, armchair excursions have become something of a trend. Travel magazines and sites now include virtual recommendations along with traditional trips, while tourist destinations offer virtual components to complement inperson travel itineraries.

From personal vlogs (video blogs) to highly produced travel video segments, the internet is a smorgasbord of travel opportunities, giving the armchair traveler a lot about which to be excited about. With a few clicks, you can learn about the culture, history, food, people and all the sights and sounds of a place from the comfort of home. If you prefer something closer to the real thing, the travel industry is harnessing new and existing technologies, such as VR (virtual reality), that immerses travelers in you-are-there experiences.

2 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

No matter how you wish to travel these days, there is something for everyone. Much of the virtual experience can be accessed on a smartphone or computer. Here are seven ideas for planning your next stay-at-home trip:

1. Visit the world’s museums

When visiting a major international city, a local museum is a must-see on the itinerary. From the Vatican to the Louvre to London’s Natural History Museum, the world’s major museums have created digital walkthroughs of their exhibitions. Their virtual platforms allow a chance to visit places you’ve longed to see and others you may have missed. Wander the halls and soak in the art and history — without the crowds!

2. Live vicariously with travel vlogs

Vlogs are videos of other people’s travels. They are a great way to get inspiration and travel tips or simply easy chair travel through another person’s eyes. Each one offers a unique vibe and perspective. From the bustling markets in Istanbul to majestic glaciers in Alaska, YouTube is a onestop shop for vlogs. Just type in a destination and go!

3. Take a walk down memory lane

Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides interactive 360-degree panoramas from positions along many streets in the world. There are literally millions of panoramic surroundings to choose from! Take a walk, explore landmarks, and visit an area that may not have been on your bucket list. One enjoyable use of the technology is to return to a place you once lived, such as a childhood home.

4. Step inside your ride

To reach the far-flung corners of the globe, you’ll likely need an airplane. For aviation and travel enthusiasts, some of the major airlines, including KLM, Singapore and Emirates, offer 360-degree views inside their fleet. Kick back in first class or take a peek in the cockpit. United Airlines even offers a pre-flight walk-through video with one of their captains.

5. Try a VR App

Virtual reality technology (aka the box-like viewfinder that fits over your eyes) has been around for a number of years, but it is now transforming travel. Pick your place and there is likely a VR app for it, from Egypt to Nepal to the Grand Canyon. Ascape VR is a popular app that lets

you go snorkeling, skydiving or on a safari. There is even Relax River VR which is exactly how it sounds -- a relaxing float down a lazy river. VR apps may or may not require a headset and software, and some can be downloaded for free.

6. Go hybrid

If you do decide to visit a destination in person, don’t forget to explore the videos and resources posted online by the attraction or destination. Use them to supplement or complement your trip as well as rekindle memories when you’re back home. Follow destination hotels, resorts, travel experts, institutions, and even travel photographers, on social media before and after your trip.

7. Revisit the past

Of course, nothing beats standing in the middle of the Shibuya intersection during rush hour in Tokyo or looking over a cliff off the coast of Normandy, but memories are almost as good. Put together a slide show and revisit places you’ve already been. Flip through old photo albums, scroll through photo archives, re-watch videos, and reminisce with a travel partner. Spark some inspiration for your next adventure!

Join us for an upcoming CAL Virtual Trip! Details can be found at the back of the magazine.

The internet is a smorgasbord of travel opportunities, giving the armchair traveler a lot about which to be excited about.

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 27

Don't Miss 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 Allyn Rippin, CAL Director, at (706) 549-4850 or arippin@accaging.org.

The Athens Community Council on Aging's contract with with Online Athens/Athens Banner-Herald has ended, and this will be the last issue of Connections delivered with the paper.

But we would love to stay in touch!

If you would like to have Connections mailed to your home, email community@accaging.org or call 706.549.4850. We can't wait to continue aging well with you and look forward to staying in touch!

2 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

dance, fitness & movement classes

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

CAL travel (virtual and in person)

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

seminars, classes and events

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

social programs and events

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CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

support groups

35

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 29

Don't Miss 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 Allyn Rippin, CAL Director, at (706) 549-4850 or arippin@accaging.org.

The Athens Community Council on Aging's contract with with Online Athens/Athens Banner-Herald has ended, and this will be the last issue of Connections delivered with the paper.

But we would love to stay in touch!

If you would like to have Connections mailed to your home, email community@accaging.org or call 706.549.4850. We can't wait to continue aging well with you and look forward to staying in touch!

2 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

dance, fitness & movement classes

30

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

CAL travel (virtual and in person)

32

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

seminars, classes and events

33

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

social programs and events

35

CENTER FOR AC TIVE LIVING

support groups

35

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 29

To RSVP for all webinars and classes, please email Allyn Rippin at arippin@accaging.org or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850.

Zoom links are also available in our weekly e-newsletter.

For pre-recorded webinars, visit the Center for Active Living at ACCA YouTube channel.

We offer both virtual and in-person classes that follow safety precautions and procedures. Classes are subject to change or cancellation.

DANCE, FITNESS & MOVEMENT CLASSES (IN PERSON AND/OR VIRTUAL)

Tai Chi with Michele

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

Chair Yoga with Josh

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 breath work. This class is held in person and live on Zoom.

When: Tuesdays at 10:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room and Zoom (Hybrid format) Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members To join virtually, please contact the CAL office

Intermediate Line Dancing

This is one of the most popular classes at the Center for Active Living. Led by CAL instructor Linda “Boots” Barnes, this class uses an eclectic mix of music to keep dancers moving from beginning to end. You will be guided step-by-step through the dances alongside seasoned classmates and fellow beginners. Grab your dancing shoes and join the fun!

When: Tuesdays at 12:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

Dance Fitness

Join Center for Active Living dance instructor Melinda for 45-minutes of energizing movement and music. Improve your core, coordination, stamina, and balance in this fun and lively class.

When: Wednesdays at 2:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members Contact the CAL office to RSVP

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When: Thursdays (February 3rd – March 31st) from 9:30am-11:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members age 60+ Pre-registration is required; Contact the CAL office to enroll.

Chair Tai Chi with Julie

Many studies show the efficacy of Tai Chi practice in reducing the risks of falling among older adults. Join Piedmont Athens Regional nurse and Tai Chi certified instructor, Julie Buffalo, RN for this gentle, 30-minute class followed by an optional blood pressure check. No elaborate clothing is required, and Tai Chi’s gentle movements allow for easy modifications. Much of the class will be done seated or standing while using a chair for balance.

All Levels Hatha Flow Yoga with Josh

Get Fit!

When: Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00pm January 10th – March 30th (No class on Jan 17th or 19th) Where: Athens Clarke County Lay Park at 297 Hoyt St (Mondays) and ACCA Harris Room (Wednesdays) Free for members and non-members Participants must register with Athens Clarke County Leisure Services at www.accgov.org or call 706-613-3596

Are you concerned about falls, or have you sustained a fall in the past? Do you limit your activities due to fears of falling again? This 9-week, evidence-based workshop is ideal for those looking to improve balance and confidence by building flexibility and strength.

When: 2nd Thursday of every month at 10:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

When: Mondays at 1:00pm Where: ACCA Pavilion Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

This 12-week class combines flexibility, strength training, and aerobic fitness for seniors who prefer a workout without added impact to their joints. Participants will use resistance bands, small weights, and body weight to improve strength and balance. Fitness instructor Christine from Athens-Clark County (ACC) Leisure Services will lead the group in a light warm up, aerobic and strength training, and a cool down/stretch. The class meets twice a week and is on a “rolling” registration, so RSVP early to ensure your spot!

Matter of Balance

Adapted for beginners and more advanced yogis, this 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 improve concentration and ease to the mind. This class is in person and live on Zoom.

Yoga with Bill Tuesday Walking Group

Meet up for a walk with friends through scenic parks and trails around Athens. Enjoy some light exercise while gaining the restorative benefits of time spent in nature. The walking group will meet at ACCA every Tuesday at 11:00am, except for on the following dates: January 18th: Meet at Firefly Trail February 15th: Meet at North Oconee River Greenway Trail March 15th: Meet at Watson Mill State Park April 19th: Meet at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia Free for members and non-members Contact the CAL office to RSVP

This Integral Hatha Yoga class consists of bodily postures, deep relaxation, and breath control. The yoga poses are not exercises. The word exercise implies quick movements involving strain. Instead, the yoga asanas, or postures, that Bill teaches are meant to bring steadiness, comfort, and ease to the body and mind. This 75-minute class is designed to be easy for beginners yet challenging for those with more experience.

When: Wednesdays at 3:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

When: Thursdays at 12:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room and Zoom (Hybrid format) Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members To join virtually, please contact the CAL office

Smart Moves with Becky

This fun, one-hour class mixes the use of elastic bands, free weights, and 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.

When: Thursdays at 2:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 31

To RSVP for all webinars and classes, please email Allyn Rippin at arippin@accaging.org or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850.

Zoom links are also available in our weekly e-newsletter.

For pre-recorded webinars, visit the Center for Active Living at ACCA YouTube channel.

We offer both virtual and in-person classes that follow safety precautions and procedures. Classes are subject to change or cancellation.

DANCE, FITNESS & MOVEMENT CLASSES (IN PERSON AND/OR VIRTUAL)

Tai Chi with Michele

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

Chair Yoga with Josh

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 breath work. This class is held in person and live on Zoom.

When: Tuesdays at 10:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room and Zoom (Hybrid format) Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members To join virtually, please contact the CAL office

Intermediate Line Dancing

This is one of the most popular classes at the Center for Active Living. Led by CAL instructor Linda “Boots” Barnes, this class uses an eclectic mix of music to keep dancers moving from beginning to end. You will be guided step-by-step through the dances alongside seasoned classmates and fellow beginners. Grab your dancing shoes and join the fun!

When: Tuesdays at 12:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

Dance Fitness

Join Center for Active Living dance instructor Melinda for 45-minutes of energizing movement and music. Improve your core, coordination, stamina, and balance in this fun and lively class.

When: Wednesdays at 2:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members Contact the CAL office to RSVP

3 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

When: Thursdays (February 3rd – March 31st) from 9:30am-11:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members age 60+ Pre-registration is required; Contact the CAL office to enroll.

Chair Tai Chi with Julie

Many studies show the efficacy of Tai Chi practice in reducing the risks of falling among older adults. Join Piedmont Athens Regional nurse and Tai Chi certified instructor, Julie Buffalo, RN for this gentle, 30-minute class followed by an optional blood pressure check. No elaborate clothing is required, and Tai Chi’s gentle movements allow for easy modifications. Much of the class will be done seated or standing while using a chair for balance.

All Levels Hatha Flow Yoga with Josh

Get Fit!

When: Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00pm January 10th – March 30th (No class on Jan 17th or 19th) Where: Athens Clarke County Lay Park at 297 Hoyt St (Mondays) and ACCA Harris Room (Wednesdays) Free for members and non-members Participants must register with Athens Clarke County Leisure Services at www.accgov.org or call 706-613-3596

Are you concerned about falls, or have you sustained a fall in the past? Do you limit your activities due to fears of falling again? This 9-week, evidence-based workshop is ideal for those looking to improve balance and confidence by building flexibility and strength.

When: 2nd Thursday of every month at 10:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

When: Mondays at 1:00pm Where: ACCA Pavilion Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

This 12-week class combines flexibility, strength training, and aerobic fitness for seniors who prefer a workout without added impact to their joints. Participants will use resistance bands, small weights, and body weight to improve strength and balance. Fitness instructor Christine from Athens-Clark County (ACC) Leisure Services will lead the group in a light warm up, aerobic and strength training, and a cool down/stretch. The class meets twice a week and is on a “rolling” registration, so RSVP early to ensure your spot!

Matter of Balance

Adapted for beginners and more advanced yogis, this 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 improve concentration and ease to the mind. This class is in person and live on Zoom.

Yoga with Bill Tuesday Walking Group

Meet up for a walk with friends through scenic parks and trails around Athens. Enjoy some light exercise while gaining the restorative benefits of time spent in nature. The walking group will meet at ACCA every Tuesday at 11:00am, except for on the following dates: January 18th: Meet at Firefly Trail February 15th: Meet at North Oconee River Greenway Trail March 15th: Meet at Watson Mill State Park April 19th: Meet at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia Free for members and non-members Contact the CAL office to RSVP

This Integral Hatha Yoga class consists of bodily postures, deep relaxation, and breath control. The yoga poses are not exercises. The word exercise implies quick movements involving strain. Instead, the yoga asanas, or postures, that Bill teaches are meant to bring steadiness, comfort, and ease to the body and mind. This 75-minute class is designed to be easy for beginners yet challenging for those with more experience.

When: Wednesdays at 3:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

When: Thursdays at 12:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room and Zoom (Hybrid format) Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members To join virtually, please contact the CAL office

Smart Moves with Becky

This fun, one-hour class mixes the use of elastic bands, free weights, and 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.

When: Thursdays at 2:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members

WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 31

TEDxUGA 2022: Wonder

March for Meals

Join us for ACCA’s 12th annual March for Meals 5K benefitting ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program. In Athens, 1 in 5 seniors struggle with food insecurity. Join us as we work together in raising funds to end senior hunger.

It’s no small wonder that transformation starts with one person, one muse, one idea. A single stroke of inspiration has the power to unite communities in pursuit of dreams that exist at the crossroads of the unfamiliar and awe-inspiring.

Join us for an evening at the historic Morton Theater for the University of Georgia’s 9th annual TEDx series. The showcase features a carefully selected group of UGA students, staff, and faculty who will take the stage to share their ideas and stories around this year’s theme: Wonder.

When: Race is on Saturday, March 26, 2022 Where: Downtown Athens, GA Register at www.accaging.org

CAL TRAVEL (VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON)

To join by phone or video, please email Allyn Rippin at arippin@accaging.org or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Links for virtual trips are also provided in our e-newsletter.

1000 Faces Coffee Roaster Tour

Join us behind the scenes for a tour of Athens’ own 1000 Faces Coffee. The company strives to connect the consumer and coffee producer through high quality products, education, and friendly service. (They also happen to be the featured coffee vendor at the CAL Café!) Tour the roaster, learn brewing techniques, taste the products, and even brew your own cup of coffee in this immersive, educational outing.

When: January (Contact the CAL office for details) Where: We will meet at 1000 Faces (limited transportation may be available) Cost: Free for members Please contact the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for details and registration.

Senior Week at the State Capitol

Every year, the Georgia Council on Aging hosts a statewide gathering of senior center participants at the Georgia State Capitol to discuss legislative issues important to seniors and share available resources. This is our chance to advocate for older adults, visit the State Capitol area, and hear from our local representatives.

When: Thursday, February 17th Free for members Please contact the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for details and registration.

Virtual Trip: Paris, France

Paris and romance go together like coffee and croissants. Join us for an inspired trip to the City of Lights (and Love), just in time for the month of l ’amour! Explore this enchanting city’s architecture, fashion, language, and world-renowned cuisine. Travel from home or view with us in person.

When: Thursday, February 24th at 11:00am Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Cost: Free for members and non-members 3 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

Creative Aging with the Georgia Museum of Art

Join us for a gallery tour of Italian paintings and decorative arts in the exhibition “Wealth and Beauty: Pier Francesco Foschi and Painting in Renaissance Florence.” This special exhibition will feature works that have never been presented in the United States. After the tour, we’ll make simple and beautiful art together in the museum’s studio classroom.

This program is free, but seats are limited and registration is required.

When: Thursday, March 10th from 10:00-11:30am Where: Meet at Georgia Museum of Art (limited transportation may be available) Cost: Free for members and non-members Space is limited, contact the CAL office to RSVP

When: Friday, April 1st at 7:00pm Where: The Morton Theater (195 W Washington St, Athens, GA), limited transportation may be available) Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members (includes ticket)

Trip to Historic Marietta, GA

Just 15 miles northwest of Atlanta is Marietta, a city with its own unique history. We’ll first visit the historic Brumby Hall and then tour the Gone with the Wind Museum, which houses a variety of memorabilia related to the book and movie. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Marietta Square where The Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War started! There are lots of antique stores, boutiques, and candy shops to explore. We’ll round out the day at the new

Marietta Square Market food hall that features a 1922 trolley car previously used by the Atlanta Northern Railway to travel between Marietta and Atlanta. Lunch is not included.

When: Wednesday, April 13th at 10:30am (limited transportation may be available) Where: Historic Downtown Marietta Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members

IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL SEMINARS, CLASSES AND EVENTS Please contact the CAL office at arippin@accaging.org or 706-549-4850 to RSVP. Links for virtual classes are also provided in our e-newsletter.

New Year’s Resolutions with Resolve

It’s the start of a new year which means many people are resolving to create healthy habits or try something new. Join dietician and certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD, for tips on setting and sticking to resolutions, whether your goal is to lose weight, exercise more, or create a healthy lifestyle.

When: Wednesday, January 19th at 11:00am Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Free for members and non-members To RSVP, please contact the CAL office

Virtual Trip: Ireland

You’re in luck this St Patrick’s Day! We will be traveling (virtually) to the Emerald Isle to enjoy all the magic this country has to offer. We will experience its natural beauty (from dramatic cliffs to secluded beaches), fascinating heritage (beginning with the Celts), artistic legacy (think James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw), its hearty food (from Irish stew to Guinness pie), and much more.

When: Thursday, March 17th at 11:00am Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Cost: Free for members and non-members

Meet Your There Trip: Athens Symphony Spring Concert

Celebrate the upcoming spring at the symphony. Audiences will be treated to the music of Russian composer Tchaikovsky, best known for his ballets Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, along with classical works by other noted Russian and Scandinavian composers.

When: Sunday, March 27th at 3:00pm Where: The Classic Center (300 N Thomas St, Athens) Cost: Free for members and non-members; ticket is required for entry.

Contact the CAL office to RSVP by March 11th

Care That Works, From a Team You Trust Northeast Georgia’s Premier Pain Specialists Call to Schedule a Consultation Today!

1500 Langford Drive, Bldg. 200 | Watkinsville GA 30677 | 706-208-0451 | www.ellispain.com WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O NAE-0003377530-01 S I 33

TEDxUGA 2022: Wonder

March for Meals

Join us for ACCA’s 12th annual March for Meals 5K benefitting ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program. In Athens, 1 in 5 seniors struggle with food insecurity. Join us as we work together in raising funds to end senior hunger.

It’s no small wonder that transformation starts with one person, one muse, one idea. A single stroke of inspiration has the power to unite communities in pursuit of dreams that exist at the crossroads of the unfamiliar and awe-inspiring.

Join us for an evening at the historic Morton Theater for the University of Georgia’s 9th annual TEDx series. The showcase features a carefully selected group of UGA students, staff, and faculty who will take the stage to share their ideas and stories around this year’s theme: Wonder.

When: Race is on Saturday, March 26, 2022 Where: Downtown Athens, GA Register at www.accaging.org

CAL TRAVEL (VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON)

To join by phone or video, please email Allyn Rippin at arippin@accaging.org or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Links for virtual trips are also provided in our e-newsletter.

1000 Faces Coffee Roaster Tour

Join us behind the scenes for a tour of Athens’ own 1000 Faces Coffee. The company strives to connect the consumer and coffee producer through high quality products, education, and friendly service. (They also happen to be the featured coffee vendor at the CAL Café!) Tour the roaster, learn brewing techniques, taste the products, and even brew your own cup of coffee in this immersive, educational outing.

When: January (Contact the CAL office for details) Where: We will meet at 1000 Faces (limited transportation may be available) Cost: Free for members Please contact the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for details and registration.

Senior Week at the State Capitol

Every year, the Georgia Council on Aging hosts a statewide gathering of senior center participants at the Georgia State Capitol to discuss legislative issues important to seniors and share available resources. This is our chance to advocate for older adults, visit the State Capitol area, and hear from our local representatives.

When: Thursday, February 17th Free for members Please contact the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for details and registration.

Virtual Trip: Paris, France

Paris and romance go together like coffee and croissants. Join us for an inspired trip to the City of Lights (and Love), just in time for the month of l ’amour! Explore this enchanting city’s architecture, fashion, language, and world-renowned cuisine. Travel from home or view with us in person.

When: Thursday, February 24th at 11:00am Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Cost: Free for members and non-members 3 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

Creative Aging with the Georgia Museum of Art

Join us for a gallery tour of Italian paintings and decorative arts in the exhibition “Wealth and Beauty: Pier Francesco Foschi and Painting in Renaissance Florence.” This special exhibition will feature works that have never been presented in the United States. After the tour, we’ll make simple and beautiful art together in the museum’s studio classroom.

This program is free, but seats are limited and registration is required.

When: Thursday, March 10th from 10:00-11:30am Where: Meet at Georgia Museum of Art (limited transportation may be available) Cost: Free for members and non-members Space is limited, contact the CAL office to RSVP

When: Friday, April 1st at 7:00pm Where: The Morton Theater (195 W Washington St, Athens, GA), limited transportation may be available) Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members (includes ticket)

Trip to Historic Marietta, GA

Just 15 miles northwest of Atlanta is Marietta, a city with its own unique history. We’ll first visit the historic Brumby Hall and then tour the Gone with the Wind Museum, which houses a variety of memorabilia related to the book and movie. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Marietta Square where The Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War started! There are lots of antique stores, boutiques, and candy shops to explore. We’ll round out the day at the new

Marietta Square Market food hall that features a 1922 trolley car previously used by the Atlanta Northern Railway to travel between Marietta and Atlanta. Lunch is not included.

When: Wednesday, April 13th at 10:30am (limited transportation may be available) Where: Historic Downtown Marietta Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members

IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL SEMINARS, CLASSES AND EVENTS Please contact the CAL office at arippin@accaging.org or 706-549-4850 to RSVP. Links for virtual classes are also provided in our e-newsletter.

New Year’s Resolutions with Resolve

It’s the start of a new year which means many people are resolving to create healthy habits or try something new. Join dietician and certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD, for tips on setting and sticking to resolutions, whether your goal is to lose weight, exercise more, or create a healthy lifestyle.

When: Wednesday, January 19th at 11:00am Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Free for members and non-members To RSVP, please contact the CAL office

Virtual Trip: Ireland

You’re in luck this St Patrick’s Day! We will be traveling (virtually) to the Emerald Isle to enjoy all the magic this country has to offer. We will experience its natural beauty (from dramatic cliffs to secluded beaches), fascinating heritage (beginning with the Celts), artistic legacy (think James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw), its hearty food (from Irish stew to Guinness pie), and much more.

When: Thursday, March 17th at 11:00am Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Cost: Free for members and non-members

Meet Your There Trip: Athens Symphony Spring Concert

Celebrate the upcoming spring at the symphony. Audiences will be treated to the music of Russian composer Tchaikovsky, best known for his ballets Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, along with classical works by other noted Russian and Scandinavian composers.

When: Sunday, March 27th at 3:00pm Where: The Classic Center (300 N Thomas St, Athens) Cost: Free for members and non-members; ticket is required for entry.

Contact the CAL office to RSVP by March 11th

Care That Works, From a Team You Trust Northeast Georgia’s Premier Pain Specialists Call to Schedule a Consultation Today!

1500 Langford Drive, Bldg. 200 | Watkinsville GA 30677 | 706-208-0451 | www.ellispain.com WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O NAE-0003377530-01 S I 33

Hygge Happening

Get your hygge on at this annual CAL tradition! Hygge is the Danish word for coziness, togetherness and enjoying the simple pleasures of life that get us through the dark, winter months. Think cozy sweaters, fireside conversations, and warm beverages. Drop by for some hot chocolate, s’more making, and a convivial afternoon break with friends and staff. (Wooly sweaters and slippers are encouraged!)

When: Tuesday, January 27th from 11:00am -12:00pm Where: ACCA Brick Room and Pavilion (for s’mores) Free for members and non-members

Pop-Up Nutrition Sessions

ASK THE EXPERT

Ask the Physician: Heart Health

February is American Heart Month. Family physician Dr. Farris Johnson will share his 40+ years of experience in matters of health – specifically heart health, including risk factors and strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Dr Johnson’s talks are always engaging and educational. Be sure to bring your questions!

When: Wednesday, February 9th at 11am Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room Free for members and non-members To join, please contact the CAL office

Ask the Geriatrician: COVID-19 and more

Local geriatrician Dr. Donald Scott will be here to share the latest research on the COVID-19 virus, vaccinations, and booster shots, and will answer questions about other health issues important to older adults. Be sure to bring your questions!

When: Thursday, February 10th at 11:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members and non-members Space is limited. Please contact the CAL office to register.

Ask the Attorney: Frauds & Scams

Older adults are at particular risk for fraud, financial exploitation, and other scams. It can be hard to know which calls, emails, and solicitations are legitimate and which ones are nefarious. Mark Franklin is an expert in elder law and will discuss this topic in detail along with other relevant topics. Learn how to protect yourself, and be sure to bring your questions!

When: Thursday, March 31st at 11:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members and non-members To join, please contact the CAL office 3 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

Eat well with this monthly, 30-minute group nutrition class where participants will receive healthy tips and recipes.

Each class is led by a Registered Dietician from Open Hand, an Atlanta-based non-profit that delivers healthful meals to seniors (including those in Athens). Join in person or via Zoom. This series is part of GRITS, the Georgians Receiving Insightful Telenutrition Seminars project. The purpose of the project is to learn how older Georgians receiving nutrition services can improve their healthy eating knowledge and chronic disease self-management.

When: Once a month, starting January 2022 Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Free for members only To RSVP, please contact the CAL office

Art Class with the K.A. Artist Shop

Join photographer and artist Kathleen Campbell of K.A. Artist Shop in Athens for hands-on art and craft-making classes that will expand your creative palette. No prior experience necessary.

When: 1st and 3rd Monday each month (starts February 7th) Where: ACCA Brick Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members Space is limited, RSVP required. Please contact the CAL office

Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis and Resilience: A 3-part series with the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens, GA, is a valuable resource for anyone touched by cancer, whether you are a patient, family member, or caregiver. We will start at the beginning with a basic understanding of the disease, screenings, and prevention. Next, we will explore life after a cancer diagnosis and its impact on patients and families. Third, we will focus on ways to manage stress,

cope with loss, and find hope and resilience. Participants have the option to join from home or attend in person.

Session 1: February 2nd at 11:00am Session 2: March 2nd at 11:00am Session 3: April 6th at 11:00am Where: ACCA Hudson Room (with option to view on Zoom) Free for members and non-members Registration required. Please contact the CAL office

Pollinator Gardening

ACCA is planting a “Connect to Protect” pollinator garden!

Connect to Protect is a program that combines beautiful public displays of native plants with educational materials to foster an understanding of the role that native plants play in maintaining biodiversity in urban and suburban landscapes of Georgia. A gardening educator will be here to teach us about monarch butterflies and the plants that help them live!

When: March (Contact CAL office for details) Where: ACCA’s Garden Free for members and non-members

Getting to Know ACCA: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

“Ombudsman” is the Swedish word that means citizen representation. ACCA’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Program advocates for the rights of nursing home and personal care home residents, provides educational opportunities, and investigates and resolves complaints in long-term care facilities. ACCA’s program serves 25 counties from the Athens and Augusta area to Gwinnett County.

Our LTCO Representative, Keith Adams, will be here to talk about services and answer questions.

When: Thursday, April 7th at 11:00am Where: ACCA Hudson Room Free for members and non-members To RSVP, please contact the CAL office

Better U Series

This 4-week weight management course consists of four, 90-minute lessons designed to teach participants about nutrition topics and help them reduce barriers to meeting nutrition and exercise goals. Led by the UGA Cooperative Extension, lessons include interactive activities, group exercise, and recipe demonstrations. Registration required for participation.

When: Starting in April (Contact the CAL office for details) Where: ACCA Hudson Room (with option to view on Zoom) Free for members and non-members To register, please contact the CAL office

Outsmart Your Smartphone

Do you need help getting plugged into the digital world?

Want to gain confidence in using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop? Need help getting on Zoom, using social media, or managing your email and photos? Our CAL Tech Volunteer can answer your questions. By appointment only.

When: Please call the CAL office to make an appointment Where: In person, by phone, or virtual Free for members

SOCIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Mahjong

Mahjong is a Chinese tile game that is becoming more and more popular in the U.S. Similar to the western card game rummy, mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation, and it involves a degree of chance. Space is limited. For reservations or information, please contact the CAL office.

Advanced Mahjong

When: Mondays Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room Free for members, registration is required

Beginner Mahjong

When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room Free for members, registration is required

Valentine’s Sweetheart Ball

Join us for a special evening in the Harris Room with music, food, and dancing in anticipation of Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Bring a friend, family member or sweetheart! Wear your finest suit or gown and your favorite dancing shoes for a memorable night at CAL. When: Friday, February 11th from 5:00-8:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members and their guests RSVP required. Please contact the CAL office

SUPPORT GROUPS

Caregiver Support Group

Join other caregivers for support, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals.

For information contact Robin Lacrimosa at 706-549-7301.

Where: ACCA Bentley ADH Center (135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA, 30601) When: 3rd Tuesday each month Time: 12:00pm WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 35

Hygge Happening

Get your hygge on at this annual CAL tradition! Hygge is the Danish word for coziness, togetherness and enjoying the simple pleasures of life that get us through the dark, winter months. Think cozy sweaters, fireside conversations, and warm beverages. Drop by for some hot chocolate, s’more making, and a convivial afternoon break with friends and staff. (Wooly sweaters and slippers are encouraged!)

When: Tuesday, January 27th from 11:00am -12:00pm Where: ACCA Brick Room and Pavilion (for s’mores) Free for members and non-members

Pop-Up Nutrition Sessions

ASK THE EXPERT

Ask the Physician: Heart Health

February is American Heart Month. Family physician Dr. Farris Johnson will share his 40+ years of experience in matters of health – specifically heart health, including risk factors and strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Dr Johnson’s talks are always engaging and educational. Be sure to bring your questions!

When: Wednesday, February 9th at 11am Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room Free for members and non-members To join, please contact the CAL office

Ask the Geriatrician: COVID-19 and more

Local geriatrician Dr. Donald Scott will be here to share the latest research on the COVID-19 virus, vaccinations, and booster shots, and will answer questions about other health issues important to older adults. Be sure to bring your questions!

When: Thursday, February 10th at 11:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members and non-members Space is limited. Please contact the CAL office to register.

Ask the Attorney: Frauds & Scams

Older adults are at particular risk for fraud, financial exploitation, and other scams. It can be hard to know which calls, emails, and solicitations are legitimate and which ones are nefarious. Mark Franklin is an expert in elder law and will discuss this topic in detail along with other relevant topics. Learn how to protect yourself, and be sure to bring your questions!

When: Thursday, March 31st at 11:00am Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members and non-members To join, please contact the CAL office 3 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022

Eat well with this monthly, 30-minute group nutrition class where participants will receive healthy tips and recipes.

Each class is led by a Registered Dietician from Open Hand, an Atlanta-based non-profit that delivers healthful meals to seniors (including those in Athens). Join in person or via Zoom. This series is part of GRITS, the Georgians Receiving Insightful Telenutrition Seminars project. The purpose of the project is to learn how older Georgians receiving nutrition services can improve their healthy eating knowledge and chronic disease self-management.

When: Once a month, starting January 2022 Where: Zoom (with option to view in Hudson Conference Room) Free for members only To RSVP, please contact the CAL office

Art Class with the K.A. Artist Shop

Join photographer and artist Kathleen Campbell of K.A. Artist Shop in Athens for hands-on art and craft-making classes that will expand your creative palette. No prior experience necessary.

When: 1st and 3rd Monday each month (starts February 7th) Where: ACCA Brick Room Free for members, drop-in rate for non-members Space is limited, RSVP required. Please contact the CAL office

Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis and Resilience: A 3-part series with the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens, GA, is a valuable resource for anyone touched by cancer, whether you are a patient, family member, or caregiver. We will start at the beginning with a basic understanding of the disease, screenings, and prevention. Next, we will explore life after a cancer diagnosis and its impact on patients and families. Third, we will focus on ways to manage stress,

cope with loss, and find hope and resilience. Participants have the option to join from home or attend in person.

Session 1: February 2nd at 11:00am Session 2: March 2nd at 11:00am Session 3: April 6th at 11:00am Where: ACCA Hudson Room (with option to view on Zoom) Free for members and non-members Registration required. Please contact the CAL office

Pollinator Gardening

ACCA is planting a “Connect to Protect” pollinator garden!

Connect to Protect is a program that combines beautiful public displays of native plants with educational materials to foster an understanding of the role that native plants play in maintaining biodiversity in urban and suburban landscapes of Georgia. A gardening educator will be here to teach us about monarch butterflies and the plants that help them live!

When: March (Contact CAL office for details) Where: ACCA’s Garden Free for members and non-members

Getting to Know ACCA: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

“Ombudsman” is the Swedish word that means citizen representation. ACCA’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Program advocates for the rights of nursing home and personal care home residents, provides educational opportunities, and investigates and resolves complaints in long-term care facilities. ACCA’s program serves 25 counties from the Athens and Augusta area to Gwinnett County.

Our LTCO Representative, Keith Adams, will be here to talk about services and answer questions.

When: Thursday, April 7th at 11:00am Where: ACCA Hudson Room Free for members and non-members To RSVP, please contact the CAL office

Better U Series

This 4-week weight management course consists of four, 90-minute lessons designed to teach participants about nutrition topics and help them reduce barriers to meeting nutrition and exercise goals. Led by the UGA Cooperative Extension, lessons include interactive activities, group exercise, and recipe demonstrations. Registration required for participation.

When: Starting in April (Contact the CAL office for details) Where: ACCA Hudson Room (with option to view on Zoom) Free for members and non-members To register, please contact the CAL office

Outsmart Your Smartphone

Do you need help getting plugged into the digital world?

Want to gain confidence in using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop? Need help getting on Zoom, using social media, or managing your email and photos? Our CAL Tech Volunteer can answer your questions. By appointment only.

When: Please call the CAL office to make an appointment Where: In person, by phone, or virtual Free for members

SOCIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Mahjong

Mahjong is a Chinese tile game that is becoming more and more popular in the U.S. Similar to the western card game rummy, mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation, and it involves a degree of chance. Space is limited. For reservations or information, please contact the CAL office.

Advanced Mahjong

When: Mondays Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room Free for members, registration is required

Beginner Mahjong

When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room Free for members, registration is required

Valentine’s Sweetheart Ball

Join us for a special evening in the Harris Room with music, food, and dancing in anticipation of Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Bring a friend, family member or sweetheart! Wear your finest suit or gown and your favorite dancing shoes for a memorable night at CAL. When: Friday, February 11th from 5:00-8:00pm Where: ACCA Harris Room Free for members and their guests RSVP required. Please contact the CAL office

SUPPORT GROUPS

Caregiver Support Group

Join other caregivers for support, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals.

For information contact Robin Lacrimosa at 706-549-7301.

Where: ACCA Bentley ADH Center (135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA, 30601) When: 3rd Tuesday each month Time: 12:00pm WINTER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 35

WELCOME TO AGING WELL. At ACCA, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to age well. With more than 50 years of experience, ACCA is the essential resource to help you navigate and celebrate life's second half. In-person activities and services are available! Give us a call and join us today to see how we can help you age well!

135 Hoyt Street | Athens, GA 30601 706.549.4850 | www.accaging.org

AmeriCorps Seniors Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Meals on Wheels Long-Term Care Ombudsman Senior Community Service Employment Center for Active Living Adult Day Health Services GeorgiaCares 3 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I WINTER 2022