Connections, Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

What’s Got To Do With It? Changing stereotypes: real stories of 55+ employees thriving in the workforce

ALSO INS I D E : Retro Problems, New Solutions UGA’s Care Clinic and Alzheimer’s Resources

2 I CO NN E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

inside 18

features 11

Retro Problems, New Solutions

14

ON THE COVER What’s Age Got To Do With It?

18

Flipping the Script on Alzheimer’s Through CARE

in every issue

24

8

6

Aging...Everybody’s Doing It

8

Age Well. Live Well.

An Interview with Kathryn Fowler

22

Volunteer Spotlight

23

Volunteer Opportunities

24 28

Travel with CAL Mountains to Farmers Markets

bonus 26

Summer Reads

calendar 29

Summer Events

On the cover:Cynthia Johnson, administrative assistant for Easterseals North Georgia Head Start

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

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

CEO/PRESIDENT Eve Anthony

Dear Connections Reader, 1967. The year ACCA was founded the average cost of a new house was $14,250. A gallon of gas was $0.33. The Federal Minimum Wage increased to $1.40 an hour. Average monthly rent was $125.

Fifty-five years later things look a little different, don’t they? But while some things have changed, some have stayed the same. As we celebrate our 55th anniversary this year, we’re proud that we have continued meeting needs and providing solutions that help our community age well and live well.

Throughout this issue you’ll find nods to our anniversary celebration, such as the article on “Retro Problems, New Solutions”. It’s an interesting read on how we’re working to tackle old issues in new ways.

We also have a feature story on the 55+ workforce, detailing why more employers are realizing how valuable older adults are to their team.

Additionally, we had the privilege of talking to someone who intimately knows our history - Kathryn Fowler, who was ACCA’s executive director from 1986-2008. (Don’t miss her answer to how she’s aging well).

And, while it’s not anniversary related, I’m excited to read some of the books recommended by Avid. My top choice is Olive, Again – I love the character description of Olive AND the staff review of “utterly perfect”. I don’t think it gets better than that!

I hope reading this issue makes you a little nostalgic, a lot more informed about the work we’re doing, and very proud of how we’re moving forward.

Happy reading!

Eve Anthony

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Magnolia Media Group BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Holloway, Chair Dr. Reginald Woods, Vice Chair Don DeMaria, Treasurer Becky Lane, Secretary ACCA STAFF Eve Anthony Erin Beasley Ellen Everitt Christopher Jordan Kellye Morgan Allyn Rippin ADVERTISING SALES Anita Aubrey CONTRIBUTORS Janet Avid Ellen Everitt Brooke Hoffman Heather Loveridge Lisa Renzi-Hammond Kellye Morgan 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.

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.

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

JennySue Makeup

Jennifer Duvall of JennySue Makeup hosted a Beauty Your Way workshop at ACCA as part of our Older Americans Month programming. She taught attendees which products and techniques are best for aging, and then treated our model Judy to a makeover!

COVID Vaccine Clinic Meals on Wheels 50th Anniversary Celebration

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz delivered a proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program at our celebration breakfast in March.

ACC District 5 Commissioner and Meals on Wheels volunteer Tim Denson and Daniel Epting of Epting Events also shared in the festivities.

March for Meals 5k Winners

Congratulations to our 2022 March for Meals 5k winners! The annual race raises funds to help ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program fight food insecurity, provide vital safety checks and combat social isolation through friendly visits year-round.

Pictured (L to R): Overall Female Winner/1st Place Finisher Rhia Kilpatrick; Overall Male Winner Darren Hayunga; Masters Male Winner Chuck Roberts; and Masters Female Winner Rachael Killingsworth.

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

ACCA was excited to once again partner with the Georgia Department of Public Health to offer a COVID vaccine and booster clinic.

Clients and community members were able to receive initial or booster shots to help minimize their COVID risk, and staff assisted attendees with ordering their free at-home tests. We are so grateful for the continued work of GADPH to make sure everyone who wants a vaccine is able to get one!

My Aging Face

ACCA CEO Eve Anthony and artist/organizer Allyn Rippin had a lively conversation about aging, ageism and reinventing ourselves in our “second half” at a community conversation around the My Aging Face exhibit. The exhibit and conversation discussed challenging society’s expectations with personal stories of resilience, vitality and hope, and an exploration of how definitions of beauty can change and expand as we age.

United Way care packages

Thank you to the United Way of Northeast Georgia for coordinating UGA student volunteers who created care packages for our Meals on Wheels clients. Each bag contained needed personal care items and a friendly note from the volunteer.

Fix-It Shop

Bob Capes, a member of the ACCA Fix-It Shop, replaced the ramp into our garden toolshed, making the garden safer for our clients and garden volunteers. Thank you, Bob!

BOOM Bash Senior Expo

In April ACCA partnered with Boom Magazine to present the Boom Bash Senior Expo at the Athens Country Club. Dancers from the Center for Active Living’s Tuesday Line Dancing classes delighted the crowd with an energetic performance.

Danny and Tux

Through Will’s Pet Pantry, we assist our Meals on Wheels clients with caring for their pets. Recently, we were able to help Danny’s good buddy Tux get some needed medical help.

Our pet grant from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities allowed us to have his injuries treated and to make sure he got all the follow-up care he needed. Tux is now much improved, and Danny is so thankful that Will’s Pet Pantry was there to help!

ACCA Gives Back

In May ACCA staff members volunteered with our friends at Books for Keeps, distributing books to students at Gaines Elementary School. We are always excited to support other nonprofits doing good work in our community!

SAAM Day of Action On April 5th ACCA joined with our friends at The Cottage Sexual Assault Center to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action.

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.

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12/7/21 12:30 PM

Age Well. Live Well.

By Brooke Hoffman

Throughout Kathryn Fowler’s career (did you know she was our former executive director?) and life she’s learned a lot about aging well and living well. Here’s her story.

What was your early life like?

I was born in Columbia, South Carolina. From age three, I lived in Florence, South Carolina. It was a college town like Athens and a hub for the surrounding agricultural area in the 1950s.

I was very active in the Baptist church throughout my childhood and in singing groups. I did piano and just played outside all day long with my friends.

And all these decades later, I’m still close to the kids I grew up with in my neighborhood.

Why did you choose the career path that you did?

All of my school counselors told me that I should be a nurse or a teacher. So staying true to what I was advised, I decided to go to Furman University – one of the six schools I’d received scholarships for – where I studied French and English and earned my teaching certificate.

After discovering I didn’t like teaching, I moved to Atlanta with roommates to focus my studies on French. I realized after one semester that wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life at all. So I horrified everybody by quitting – and throwing away an assistantship to do so.

I pivoted and was attracted to working with family and children’s services there in Atlanta. In the Head Start program in college, I walked the streets of my hometown and saw houses without plumbing and electricity, and kids who weren’t in school. I wanted to do something to help those communities. So, I worked for three years in the Welfare Department, three years as a program coordinator at a center for the mentally disabled, and then for [what’s now known as] Hope Haven.

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

For four years after that, I worked for the University of Georgia in a program that provided training in all 159 counties in Georgia to create local programs for those with mental disabilities. When the government cut the funding for that program, I spent six months unsure of what to do.

But when I found out that ACCA was looking for a volunteer coordinator, I used my experience with starting volunteer programs to get my foot in the door and got the job. From there, I became ACCA’s assistant director and later I was named executive director.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

I was president of the Georgia Gerontology Society for two years and held a number of other officer positions. It allowed me to get to know people from all over the state to share ideas, programs, and resources with each other and just get a state-wide perspective.

In 1983, I served on a national steering committee to develop visitation programs in local centers all over the United States for visitors to just sit down and talk with [older] people, to reminisce about their life. I presented at national conferences and traveled to about 10 communities around the United States to help them start this program.

For a long time, it was thought to be a problem that older people were always looking back and reminiscing, that it was a sign of bad health. But this program helped people realize that looking back on life is natural and that we can learn from talking about lives lived. And it showed me how much I enjoyed the teaching process and working with adult learners.

I also thoroughly enjoyed working with partners in local government and helping nurture their positive beliefs and intentional support for the nonprofit sector.

While at ACCA, who would you consider a mentor and what did you learn from them?

Marietta Sue Hart, in the continuing education department at the University of Georgia. She’s an amazing woman and taught me how to pull off a big conference.

William E. Hudson, the facilities manager at UGA. He was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts and worked constantly for the good of the community. He became a delightful friend throughout the end of his life and taught me about leadership and dedication to the community.

Dr. David Levine. He mentored scores of people and served as an emeritus faculty member at UGA, working until he had to retire at 70. He was just a brilliant person and never quit supporting any of his students or people that he worked with. Even when you didn’t realize he was mentoring you, he constantly helped to move you along. He became a close, dear friend, and I learned so much from him.

And he supported me not just as ACCA’s director but in staying sane as a human being!

Sophia Deutschberger, ACCA’s first secretary and

honorary lifetime director. Though she helped start ACCA, she let it grow and change. And while she guided it and stayed engaged with it, she didn’t feel she owned it or had to have the last word. That was a really good lesson to learn, because I think when you start something, it can be really hard to let it go.

Who are some important older adults in your life, and what have you learned from them?

My dad was just such a hard worker, and I learned that from him. Even when he had dementia at the end of his life, we still had lots of talks, particularly about supervising people. He taught me that a personnel decision is not just a decision about a position, it’s a decision about a person’s life. I could never say, ‘Well, it’s for the good of the agency’ and shrug off what I was doing to the person; I always had an investment in the person, too.

My mother was a hard worker in a totally different way. Most of my childhood I heard the sound of her sewing machine while she was working, making continued on next page >>

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

clothes for us. She was a caring person – both of my parents were. I was also fortunate enough to have my maternal grandmother live with me until I was in my forties.

What do you hope that ACCA’s legacy will be?

To always be responsive to needs and to always reflect and be connected to the community that it’s a part of.

What are some of your favorite activities and/or pastimes?

I enjoy animals and am currently without a cat for the first time in 49 years, but I have one dog.

I’ve also always had house plants and am the proud owner of 49 African violets, most of which I inherited from my mother who had an incredible green thumb. I used to camp and hike a lot, but I still just enjoy the outdoors. I garden and take walks a couple of times a day.

Music is also a big part of my life. I’m in a couple of choral groups and a Handel choir, which I thoroughly enjoy. I play the piano for my own pleasure, and I’m trying to learn to play the dulcimer. I like going to concerts and usually don’t find music that I don’t like. I’m unable to separate myself from my collection of CDs! I love antiques: my house is full of things that belonged to my parents, grandparents and great grandparents. They’re nothing terribly valuable but are full of memories.

And I love traveling to places I’ve never been before. My childhood best friend and I always go on decade birthday trips together, and this one is to Alaska.

that you can sometimes stop and do something like that and then get back to your life before you buy the house, have a child or get that dream job.

If you’re wondering ‘Should I get my masters degree now or come back later?’ I always say: get it now. It’s so hard to come back and do things like that when you have other obligations and when your money is needed in other areas.

Be kind to people on your way up, because it’s true that you will meet them on your way down. So don’t burn bridges. Be as nice to people as you’d hope everybody would be to you.

How do you age well and live well? What does that saying mean to you?

I always used to wonder in my younger years why older people went to the doctor so much! I’ve learned the importance of taking care of the vessel — of your body. Try to stay as physically and mentally healthy as you can.

Do what it takes to stay happy and to not get lonesome. I can tend to read and never leave the house for a couple of days, but it’s not good for your mental health to not speak to another human being for days. Even if you’re a more solitary person, get into the habit of getting out and doing things.

Try not to fill your day up every day with things you have to do, but be sure to engage in some really enjoyable things. When you’re retired, you worked your whole life to have this time; so give yourself some good stuff in that time, too.

And one last thing I would advise people as you get older is: for gosh sake, keep your sense of humor!

At this point in your life, what’s become most important to you?

Family and friends, faith, music, and nature.

What advice would you give to younger generations?

When you have opportunities to try something new or go somewhere new, do it if at all possible.

A friend of mine lived in Greece for three years and she begged me to come over and live there with her.

I always told her: ‘I’m in love with this guy.’ or ‘I’ve got this new job I’m looking at.’ or something, and I never made it to Greece. It’s important to realize 1 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

1986 newspaper article featuring Kathryn

NEW SOLUTIONS

By Brooke Hoffman

What’s old is new again. Bell bottoms, once a ‘70s staple, are popular. Mom jeans have been back in style for a while. Vinyl records are collector’s items once more.

But it’s not just fashion or collectible items having a retro resurgence. Issues faced 55 years ago are the same ones today’s older adults face. Things like financial insecurity, especially for women and people of color. Lack of affordable and appropriate housing. Lack of transportation options, especially for older adults living in rural areas. The increase in the number of older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia. Food insecurity. Social isolation and more.

“Why do we still have these ‘retro problems’?

Well, there’s not enough resources to provide services for seniors, for one,” said Eve Anthony, the Athens Community Council on Aging’s CEO. “We’ve seen a large increase in the number of community seniors but not enough planning to support them. As children, we built playgrounds, schools and more to support the BOOM generation.

But we didn’t build the same infrastructure or system supports for the same generation as older adults.

“There’s also the issue of a lifetime of low wages or living paycheck to paycheck, which resulted in very little retirement savings for many older adults. This problem is expected to be worse moving forward as upcoming generations have less retirement savings – especially women and people of color.”

When it comes to housing issues, seniors compete with homes typically designed as single

family starter homes. As we all know, inventory is very low for this market.

Many of our community’s seniors live in “legacy” homes – homes passed down from generation to generation. Many are in disrepair and in need of very expensive repairs the current owner can’t afford.

Then there are the health disparities for older adults of color and women, which became especially evident during the pandemic, as well as an overall generational decline in health status.

“In the 1950s, a lot of research was beginning to show a trend toward people living longer. But what really caught people’s attention was that as people aged and became unable to work, they often dropped into poverty,” said Kathryn Fowler, ACCA’s executive director from 1986-2008. “The local chapter of the Gerontology Society, then led

by Dr. William Crane, began to realize that the push for services to meet the needs of aging adults would have to come from the local level, because at the time, there was no federal or state emphasis on such services.”

When ACCA was founded 55 years ago, in 1967, its goal was to address those issues on a local level, so that the area’s older adults would have ways to age and live well.

“One thing that’s always astounded me about [ACCA’s founders] was how visionary they were,” Fowler said. “While Athens was a pretty small town at the time, they were looking way ahead [to the future, more than] what all but a couple other communities in the state were doing.”

ACCA’s current CEO echoed Fowler’s observations.

“Throughout its history, ACCA has responded continued on next page >> SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 1 1

Photos of past staff from ACCA’s archives

to the current and relevant needs of its community seniors and those we serve,” Anthony said. “Our core impacts/programs have remained the same – transportation, social isolation, food security, financial security – but how we address these needs is ever-evolving, based on community assessments on those we currently serve and those we will be serving in the next 5-10 years.”

While ACCA serves as a hub of resources and opportunities today, it took the efforts of a number of people, like Fowler, to maintain. Most of these people were volunteers, simply seeking to extend a helping hand.

“Back [at ACCA’s start], there were just not the resources there are today; most of the resources were simply at the local level through donations and volunteerism,” Fowler said. “At the time, Athens had tons of substandard housing: people who were living in wooden houses that were just one board thick with no insulation, no running water, no sewers.

“Aids and volunteers were literally chopping wood and carrying water for people, dealing with outhouses and things like that. That was within the city limits, and it was even worse outside of the city limits. These older people, though they’d lived that way all their lives, were aging out of their capacity to handle living that way.”

Since then, ACCA has expanded its services and programs tremendously. In 1974, the Adult Day Center opened – an entirely new concept at the time. In 1980, ACCA started its long-term care ombudsman program, which now spans an 18-county-area. In 2003, ACCA took over a Winder-based adult day care that was going out of business, and turned it into a thriving center.

Other current programs include Foster Grandparents, which allows older volunteers to utilize their gifts to mentor and invest in school-age children; Georgia SHIP, in which knowledgeable volunteers help people access their Medicare benefits; Senior Companions; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren; and more. All initiatives designed to address “retro” issues in new, more effective ways.

“We are the essential resource for those wishing to age and live well,” Anthony said.

“With our many different programs, talented staff, dedicated board of directors and volunteers and committed community partners, we are able to be the ‘one-stop shop’ for support, education and resources.”

The quality of life for Athens seniors has vastly improved since the 60s and 70s. And ACCA has innovated throughout the years as well, adjusting some methods of serving older populations, especially in a post-COVID world.

“As we saw throughout the pandemic, while you might be financially comfortable enough to take care of your own needs, you can be so isolated,” Fowler said. “And during the pandemic, ACCA did everything in their power to 1 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

get people the resources they needed. There were plenty of times when they were providing meals or services to people and weren’t sure that anybody was ever gonna pay them for it.”

Unsurprisingly, the need for food grew immensely during the pandemic. Between adult day center participants, senior center participants, and any other clients who needed help – in addition to becoming contracted as the delivery service for the Athens-Clarke county food distribution program – ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program grew from a few hundred participants a day to several thousand a day.

Despite the extra work, long hours, and sociallydistanced team, ACCA’s staff and volunteers never stopped offering meals. They also became creative in how they checked on clients.

“For those in the adult day center, they had nurses do remote checks. They drove by people’s houses in vans and got out and sang and had parties with them in their yards. They just did the most innovative things to stay connected with people and check on them,” Fowler said.

As we’ve learned over the years, supporting an aging population is essential for both older and younger generations.

“One of ACCA’s biggest accomplishments is making this community aware of the challenges and benefits of an aging population,” Fowler said.

“The health and welfare of our younger people is immensely improved by the presence of an older generation in the community – people who have the joy of having one or more grandparents still around know and appreciate the chance to be loved by the older population.

“Their slogan is ‘Aging: Everybody’s doing it’, and I think [it really matters that we] help people understand [aging] is a natural part of life. If we’re lucky enough to live past the stupidities and risks of our younger years, we get to age and have some time to give back, and the vast majority of people who have the privilege of aging do just that.”

How you can be part of the solution Advocate by talking to your local legislators about issues important to you and older adults in your community Plan now for your retirement and for longterm care of parents and other older relatives. Have open conversations about wishes for aging related to chronic and sudden illnesses, NH care, family finances, etc.

Volunteer at your local senior center or other agency supporting older adults Check in with your senior neighbors to be sure that they have the resources they need to be safe and supported in their homes

SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 1 3

What’s Got To Do With It?

By Heather Loveridge

It’s a myth that needs to die.

The one that says people over a certain age should retire.

Just ask Cynthia Johnson.

on Aging’s Senior Community Service Employment Program. She left the Air Force in 1987, struggled to find employment and then started a cleaning business to make ends meet.

Eventually, she realized she needed something else, and that’s when she decided to participate in SCSEP. “The wisdom Cynthia brings to her role is invaluable,” said Djuana Ferguson, center manager at Easterseals North Georgia. “I’ve also never seen her have a bad day in the four years she’s been here. She’s always keeping us all motivated all day long. Everyone adores her — the kids, the parents.

We often hear the kids saying ‘Ms. Cynthia, please come to class’.”

The Reality

Djuana Fergu son, Cen North Georg ter Manager at Eastersea ia, and Cynth ls ia Johnson

At 66, she’s having the time of her life working for Easterseals North Georgia’s Head Start program as an administrative assistant. Even more impressive?

Three years ago, she completed her associate degree in early childhood education. Today, she’s working on her bachelor’s in the same field.

“When I think about my career now, words and phrases like ‘vocation,’ ‘calling,’ ‘dream come true,’ ‘something I’m good at’ and ‘serving my community’ come to mind,” said Johnson, a former Air Force air training command instructor. “This is somewhere I’ll be until I retire for real.”

Johnson started her Easterseals career in 2018, after completing the Athens Community Council 1 4 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

We all know there is bias in the workplace. But one of the most problematic ones is the age bias.

Far too often, potential employees are disqualified based on age alone.

Through research done by Deloitte about six years ago, around 10,000 companies were asked: “Is age a competitive advantage or competitive disadvantage in your organization?” Over twothirds of the companies surveyed considered older age a competitive disadvantage.

Add to that AARP’s survey results.

They discovered that nearly 2 out of 3 workers ages 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination on the job. Among the 61 percent of respondents who reported age bias, 91 percent said they believe that such discrimination is common.

The good news?

The tide is starting to turn. More than 1,000 employers nationwide have signed the AARP Employer Pledge to promote equal opportunity for all workers, regardless of age.

Employers are realizing just how much older workers bring to the table, something that science has already proven.

A published study, “Intellectual Competence and the Intelligent Personality: A Third Way in Differential Psychology,” showed that knowledge and expertise keep increasing — even beyond the age of 80.

nder Lorraine Alexa

income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, SCSEP is available to residents in Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, or Walton counties. Program participants receive community service assignments at nonprofit agencies where they provide an average of 20 hours of service each week and earn an hourly wage. Trainees develop marketable skills while providing up to 1,300 hours of annual service to their training site.

For the last 10 years, the Walton County Senior Center has participated in SCSEP. “We’ve had numerous program trainees over the years and have actually hired almost all of them,” said Executive Director Vicki Gasaway. “Currently, five of our 20 employees were hired through the program. We’ve also had multiple others we’ve hired who then moved on to even bigger opportunities.

“The program provides an opportunity to not only train the participants for the possible positions with us but also to be sure their interpersonal skills are a good match for our organization. It provides them with the opportunity to learn about and interact with both our existing staff and our clients.”

Lorraine Alexander is one of those hires.

Getting Older Workers Back to Work

Learning really has no age boundaries. And that’s something ACCA’s Senior Community Service Employment Program also proves.

The program, known as SCSEP, provides useful part-time community service assignments for older people with low incomes and promotes the transition to unsubsidized employment.

“When I first heard about SCSEP, I really loved the idea of older adults coming back into the workforce and being able to receive training so they gained new skills and new ways of doing things,” Ferguson said.

Open to adults ages 55 and up whose total family

Head of the kitchen, she’s developed supervisory skills, coordinates the kitchen functions and prepares meals for about 150 people each day.

“The program has helped us find and train quality people who have made our organization better and more effective in serving our senior citizens.

It’s a win-win,” Gasaway said. “The trainees get to learn new skills that will help them advance in a workplace. It gives organizations the opportunity to be sure the candidate would be suited for the organization — in addition to being a huge help with budgets since the program pays the trainee during the training period.”

Some program participants have also found employment at ACCA, like Transportation Program continued on next page >>

The program has helped us find and train quality people who have made our organization better and more effective in serving our senior citizens. It’s a win-win. – Executive Director Vicki Gasaway SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 1 5

Assistant Irene Moore and Receptionist Mary Harris.

Moore worked at DuPont from 1973 until 2006 when she was downsized. In 2008, she graduated from Athens Tech’s office management program.

“Going into the workforce as an older adult is difficult due to age bias, but I do know we are more reliable and care about the job we do,” Moore said.

“For other older adults, I think they should consider going back to work because we all need a reason to get up in the morning. Also, when you are on a set income, a little extra money never hurts anyone. The program can help you network with other people about jobs you know nothing about.”

For Mary Harris, she chose SCSEP so she could gain experience – experience that would help her find a job. As it turned out, that job wasn’t far away.

“I was already working in an assistant position through SCSEP so when the receptionist job came open here at ACCA I applied for it and got it,” Harris said. “I really like meeting all the new people that come in here. Every day it’s a different person [that I get to meet].

Lasting Impact

Mary Harris

Each older worker (and their employer) has a story to tell — not just about how they’re making a difference in others’ lives but also how the program and their job has changed them.

“I could just cry thinking about Ms. Cynthia,” Ferguson said. “Her commitment is admirable. She arrives very early and you never see her with any downtime – she’s gonna find something to do. She answers phones, schedules appointments, talks with our families, provides classroom support for our teachers and even helps out in the kitchen. She really does it all!

“We also love hearing about her life experience, 1 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

being retired military.

And she keeps us laughing!”

It’s just as much fun for Johnson.

“It’s just that smile — the smile of a child.

Even in the military, I was in education and training and when I got into working with children, I realized I loved it,” she said.

“We have a lot of kids struggling right now, and I just want to figure out how to help them.”

“I’m thankful for SCSEP. The list is almost endless of how the program helped me personally. I am going to keep honing my skills and working to help more kids.”

– Cynthia Johnson

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SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 1 7

“Often the hardest part of this journey is starting the conversation.”

Flipping the Script on Alzheimer’s through CARE

By Lisa Renzi Hammond & Heather Loveridge

Alzheimer’s. It’s a word that conjures up many different feelings and reactions.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Here in Georgia, where the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is high, it’s estimated that 80% of adults who have reported experiencing some type of cognitive loss aren’t talking to their providers about it.

It’s one of the reasons why the University of Georgia’s Institute of Gerontology launched the Cognitive Aging Research and Education Center in 2019. The CARE Center is a state-of-the-art center with the goal to connect rural communities with 1 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

services that have historically only been available in urban areas.

“We all hear the term and think the worst,” said Lisa Renzi-Hammond, PhD, Associate Professor at UGA’s Institute of Gerontology and co-director of the center. “People are living longer than ever before with these diseases, and we know more now than we ever have about living a quality life with these diseases. There is even financial support available for some people who provide care for loved ones living with these diseases. But it all starts with diagnosis.

“Getting a diagnosis can be empowering. We know so many people who are afraid to even acknowledge that Alzheimer’s disease or a related

dementia is a possibility, but with that knowledge comes power – the power to plan your future, to have a say in your care, to live fully and on your own terms.”

The CARE Center provides in-person services and will eventually provide telehealth services that include dementia screening, diagnosis, care planning and community education.

“When we describe the CARE Center we say it’s personal, and personable,” said Jenay M. Beer, PhD, Associate Professor in the Institute of Gerontology, and co-director of CARE. “When you walk in the doors, the faculty and students are casual, friendly and welcoming. The walls are covered in art painted by the first patient ever to seek assistance from CARE-affiliated faculty. Students are on hand to strike up a conversation.

Families can meet with CARE’s Medical Director Dr. Don Scott (Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership), wherever in the space suits them, including the outdoor patio. The center has all the trappings of a state-of-theart research and clinical space, but a visitor would never notice those parts of the space unless they searched for them. CARE is designed to be comfortable and welcoming. Myself and Renzi-Hammond designed those aspects of the experience from personal experience with our grandmothers, both of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at age 80.”

Most common, but not the only one

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common major neurocognitive disease (also known as dementia, but that term is quickly being replaced). There are many other types of neurocognitive diseases, though, so it’s unwise to assume that symptoms of dementia mean Alzheimer’s disease.

“Sometimes, we see neurocognitive symptoms

that are brought on by stress, depression, major life changes or medications that don’t play well together. A thorough geriatric medical exam is the best way to rule out other possibilities,” said Beer.

Although cognition does change with age, cognitive changes that can signal Alzheimer’s disease tend to be more extreme than the normal changes we all experience with age. Everyone is occasionally forgetful, distracted or withdrawn. But getting lost, frequently repeating questions and feeling more intense mood changes may be signals that a medical check-in is needed.

“Although Alzheimer’s disease does tend to run in families, except for early onset Alzheimer’s disease, we do not refer to the disease as a genetic disease,” Beer said. “Some genotypes are at higher risk, but family history of the disease does not mean that a person is destined to get the disease. Healthy lifestyle choices, like eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting good sleep and reducing stress, are all thought to help improve brain health and cognitive function.”

Early detection is important in caring for the disease. Persons eligible for Medicare should receive an annual wellness visit and make sure that their doctor completes the cognition screening portion of the visit. Not all doctors are trained to recognize symptoms of dementia, though.

“So many people, including many of our healthcare providers, believe that Alzheimer’s disease is the end of the normal cognitive aging process, but it is not,” said Renzi-Hammond. “It is a disease, as are all of the other diseases under the SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 1 9

dementia/major neurocognitive disease umbrella. It is not normal aging. It is a disease, and it requires diagnosis, the sooner the better.

“Many healthcare providers in the communities we serve tell us that they don’t always provide a diagnosis, simply because it would stress out the family, and there is no cure for it anyway. This is a big problem. When families are armed with a diagnosis, many of them are eligible for assistance in caring for loved ones. Available assistance could include compassionate allowances, social security disability insurance and other forms of financial help. The earlier a diagnosis is reached, the more control the person living with the disease has over decision-making about legal and financial issues, powers of attorney, and even living arrangements.

“No drug can cure Alzheimer’s disease, but healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other major neurocognitive diseases, like vascular dementias.”

The First Step

Often the hardest part of this journey is starting the conversation.

“That first conversation can be so, so hard,” said 2 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

Renzi-Hammond. “So often, we hear, ‘My husband will never listen to you. We don’t say ‘Alzheimer’s’ in our house,’ or ‘My wife is too stubborn to talk about it. We all know she has a problem, but she won’t see anyone,’ or my least favorite, ‘I don’t tell anyone about dad having Alzheimer’s disease, or take him out anymore, because he might do something embarrassing, and people will treat him differently.’ We see a world where those situations and those fears don’t need to exist anymore.

“Those first steps can be so scary, but more often than not, they become liberating. We don’t hide a broken leg. We check our blood pressure in supermarkets. Brains can become debilitated just like any other organ.

There is no shame in these diseases.”

According to Renzi-Hammond and Beers, most of the cutting-edge Alzheimer’s work at the moment is in early detection – developing new assays and technologies that can help doctors diagnose the diseases more quickly and accurately.

“There is a new drug on the market that is designed to clear plaques in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease in many people, but the cost is steep and effectiveness is limited, as is access – many communities do not have the sorts of infusion centers needed to deliver the drug, and these communities may also not have access to the MRI technology needed to monitor safety,” they said.

“We are learning more about prevention now than we ever have before. Science has given us not only the how? for improving our cognitive health, but the why? as well. We now know a lot about how positive lifestyle changes, even in older age, can improve the structure and function of the brain.

The UGA Cognitive Aging Research and Education Center is located on the Health Sciences campus in Athens.

The CARE Center is part of a larger initiative to improve brain health education, access to diagnosis for those in need, and post-diagnosis support all across Georgia, particularly in Georgia’s rural communities. To reach the CARE Center, e-mail carecenter@uga.edu or call 706-542-2539.

The CARE Center also takes referrals from local healthcare providers and currently does not charge for their services. The CARE Center is part of the UGA Institute of Gerontology, which also conducts research on cognitive health.

The CARE initiative is composed of faculty from 13 different academic departments at UGA, the AU-UGA medical partnership, as well as their undergraduate, Masterslevel and Doctoral-level trainees, who work together to provide education and support around major neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

“We are learning more about how to use technology to improve the experience for care partners. Technology can offer respite, education, and even novel solutions for ensuring that persons in early stages of the disease are able to live in their own homes, for longer.”

“This is a fantastic time to be a neuroscientist studying brain health in a college of public health,” said Renzi-Hammond.

“Not only do we understand how positive lifestyle changes affect the brain, but we also can use our public health toolkit to teach communities about why they should promote brain health.”

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SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 2 1

It’s a milestone birthday.

Turning 55 marks the age you’re officially an “older adult.” You start getting a senior discount.

You can join the Retired Senior Volunteer Program — something we’re especially excited about!

This year, ACCA also turns 55. With 55 years of service under our belt, we’re supported by our RSVP volunteers. We’re proud to be officially older.

We have zero plans to slow down as we live out our motto of “Age Well, Live Well.” In fact, we’re moving forward with old and new programs like our Fix-It Shop.

Fix-it Shop

The result of a community coming together to address an unmet need in Athens, the Fix-it Shop program engages volunteers in small home repair projects for older adults, helping to keep those older adults safe and comfortable in their homes.

Whether it’s nailing down loose boards or installing grab bars, our Fix-it Shop program sends handy men and women to homes in need of a helping hand or two.

Led by Bob Capes, our volunteer program leader, this project is fully staffed by and operated by volunteers.

“I’ve known about ACCA from the line dancing classes I did before the pandemic,” said Bob, a long-time supporter of ACCA. “My wife brought the fix-it shop advertisement to my attention Bob Capes since she knows I like to fix things and generally work with my hands.”

Bob came to ACCA looking for a way to use his knowledge of tools and carpentry to give back to the community.

“Service to me means taking the gifts, or talents, bestowed on us by our Creator, and using them 2 2 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

to help or lift others,” he said. “[Those] could be: the peace and security and freedom the citizens enjoy through the work of those in the armed forces, or those in law enforcement; the cultivating of minds, young or older, through those who have the patience and aptitude for teaching; even those in the trades that provide the expertise to keep our homes and autos maintained or fix them when they are in need; but most of us think more of the responsibilities we need to fulfill to others rather than terming it service, yet service it is.”

Volunteers like Bob are what will make our work possible for another 55 years.

“We are so grateful to Bob for being the first member of this exciting new program and continuing on the legacy of ACCA’s RSVP program in our latest endeavor,” said Eve Anthony, ACCA’s CEO. “Bob and our Fix-It Shop is proof that we can always find a new way to help others, and when there is a need in the community, an RSVP volunteer will be there to lend a hand.”

Partner with ACCA and pave the way for ordinary people to help change their communities — one act at a time. Visit accaging.org for more information on how you can become a volunteer.

Find your The ACCA Fix-It Shop

volunteer spot!

Are you handy and older than 55?

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is seeking older adults to help develop and lead a DIY home repair group. Volunteers from across the Athens area will be able to find fellowship through providing small DIY improvements to clients’ homes, as well as learn new skills and trades from other members.

If you have a knack for creating a dove-tail joint or know how to unclog a J-bend like a pro, this is the group for you!

SHIP Benefits Counselors

The State Health Insurance Program helps people in need of guidance within the Medicare system with free counseling and support. There are many different roles for volunteers including administrative support, leading outreach efforts and one-on-one guidance.

Buddy Volunteers Looking for a friend?

Our Buddy program pairs isolated older adults with volunteers based on similar interests. Whether you like going to a Braves game, or working on your next masterpiece painting, there is an older adult out there looking for your company!

Meals On Wheels Volunteers URGENT NEED: Meals on Wheels delivery volunteers needed for vulnerable residents!

Our drivers deliver bags of food and prepared meals to vulnerable residents of our community every day of the week at 10:30 a.m. This includes older adults and people with disabilities who are homebound and unable to leave their homes due to health, mobility, or transportation issues.

Our volunteers provide not just a meal, but a safety check, and a warm smile to make sure every person Meals on Wheels serves is cared for.

If you’re interested in volunteering with any of these programs, please visit accaging.org/ volunteers.

SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 2 3

Dahlonega: The Heart of the Georgia Mountains

By Kellye Morgan

Dahlonega may be a small town, but it’s packed with things to do.

Just 60 miles north of Athens, it boasts a vibrant downtown square, numerous wineries, stunning waterfalls, boutiques and outlet shopping, plus Dahlonega even has some gold to be found.

Incorporated in 1833 as part of what’s now Lumpkin County, Dahlonega was the site of the first significant gold rush in the United States — 20 years before the Gold Rush to California. In fact, gold was discovered in the town by accident when a deer hunter tripped over a rock and realized it was actually full of gold.

Even the U.S. Government recognized the importance of gold mining in the area and established the U.S. Branch Mint at Dahlonega in 1838 to mint gold coins. (Fun fact: The University of North Georgia, founded in 1873 in the then-abandoned mint building, was the first state-supported college in Georgia to grant a degree to a woman.)

Originally, gold was an easy find in Dahlonega, but little gold remains today. You can see Dahlonega gold in the dome of Atlanta’s Capitol building.

You can also still pan for gold in any of their local waterways or see it with mine tours like those at Crisson Gold Mines. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is also rich with knowledge of Georgia’s gold mining history.

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If you enjoy the outdoors, the Chattahoochee National Forest, Appalachian Trail and Chestatee and Etowah rivers offer opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, tubing, kayaking and world-class trout fishing.

The ACCA Center for Active Living has visited the Red Oak Lavender Farm and enjoyed the lavender and flower gardens, chickens, honey bees, and on-site French Cottage Shop filled with lavender soaps, gifts, and culinary products.

The Dahlonega Butterfly Farm is another guided tour to check out. Located on eight acres of land near the Etowah River, the farm has a butterfly conservatory, a “containment room” (where their butterflies are born) and an outdoor caterpillar habitat.

The tour details the lifecycle of butterflies and the importance of pollinators in our environment. You can also “catch” a butterfly and observe them up-close.

Dahlonega is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your leisure time. Downtown Dahlonega is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers over one hundred shops, restaurants, and other local businesses on its historic streets and public square.

The city known as “The Heart of the Georgia Mountains” is also known as “The Heart of Georgia Wine Country.” Dahlonega has the highest concentration of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the state, making it the perfect location for the Center for Active Living’s wine tasting tour event in August.

Our tour will take us to two Dahlonega wineries — Wolf Mountain and Accent Cellars. Wolf Mountain Vineyards uses a French style of winemaking, and all their award-winning wines are produced at the 1,800-foot elevations of the Dahlonega Plateau.

Accent Cellars is Dahlonega’s first micro urban winery located right downtown and uses fruit from farms in Georgia, California, Washington, and Texas for their wines.

Join the Center for Active Living as we explore the majestic sights of Dahlonega and taste the fruits of the land on Friday, August 19th. Spots are limited so please RSVP to Kellye at kmorgan@accaging.org.

Dahlonega Butterfly Farm

Wolf Mountain Winery

SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 2 5

with Avid Bookshop Grab a good book and go this summer! Janet Geddis, owner and founder of Avid Bookshop in Athens, reviews her favorite titles in this thoughtfully curated list. These books, and more, are available at Avid Bookshop and AvidBookshop.com.

Lost & Found: A Memoir

By Kathryn Schulz

An exquisite view into the inextricable relationship among love, grief, and hope, Kathryn Schulz’s Lost & Found is a masterpiece.

It’s been awhile since I’ve underlined so many sentences and created marginalia. From page one, it felt as if I myself was part of Schulz’s story. Her metaphors are spot-on and stunning; her fondness for research and etymology manage to deepen our relationship to the work instead of distancing us. Five stars. I’ve already created a mile-long list of loved ones who will, like me, treasure this memoir.

The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature

By Sue Stuart Smith

I listened to this on audio (from libro. fm/avidbookshop) and really loved it.

I’m a longtime lover of being outdoors, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I started growing potted plants on my own in earnest.

This book highlights the ways in which gardening, in all its forms, has a demonstrably positive impact on your mind, your body, your relationships, and the world. Just a lovely tome — whether you’re never planning to take care of plants or a master gardener.

“A distinguished psychiatrist and avid gardener offers an inspiring and consoling work about the healing effects of gardening and its ability to decrease stress and foster mental well-being in our everyday lives. – Garden and Gun 2 6 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

The Four Winds: A Novel

By Kristin Hannah

This is my first Kristin Hannah novel, and I found myself wanting to pick it up during every spare moment I found. Excellent storytelling in its own right, but historical plot of The Four Winds has so many haunting parallels to current times, parallels that I hope will wake readers up to daily injustices and inspire them to act on behalf of those whose voices have been silenced.

“The Best-Selling Hardcover Novel of the Year.”

—Publishers Weekly (2021) Beautiful Ruins: A Novel

By Jess Walter

I’ve wanted to read Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins since it came out in 2012. I’ve deliberately left it on my shelf unread, knowing somehow that it would be a fabulous and engrossing escape when I really needed it. Cue Covid-19-related time stuck at home! This novel was the perfect literary escape and companion. So well crafted. Five stars!

Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness

By Sharon Salzberg and Jon Kabat-Zinn

I am a loving-kindness mindful meditation practitioner, and I love having a resource that helps explain the psychology and science behind this approach. Especially in times of strife, it’s such an immense comfort to know that practicing loving kindness is not actually a way of ignoring the hard things in the world but a way to work through them.

The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck

By Christian Busch

OK, OK, I’ll confess. I’ve been “reading” The Serendipity Mindset off and on for a couple of years. But it’s rich with research-based evidence of how and why certain people and situations are marked by serendipity.

Think The Secret or manifesting for readers with an inner skeptic and/or intellectual bent.

Great Circle: A novel

By Maggie Shipstead

I loved Maggie Shipstead’s Great Circle! It was both an escape from my everyday life and a new lens through which I, the reader, was invited to examine my own drive and passions. Five stars to this excellent historical fiction.

Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives

By Mary Laura Philpott

Mary Laura’s hilarious, unabashedly authentic writing reveals the magical power she has to unlock my anxious but loving heart. To love big and choose joy requires us to acknowledge, again and again—with varying degrees of success—that we cannot keep our beloveds safe.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

By Brene Brown

It would be impossible to express just how much Dr. Brené Brown has changed my life. Atlas of the Heart is a visually arresting, researched-based book that reads like a guidebook to the human experience.

This will help you to connect—to yourself and to others. A must-read.

Avid Bookshop • 1662 S. Lumpkin St. • Athens, GA 30606 • 706-850-2843

SUMMER 2022 I CO N N E C T I O N S I 2 7

Getting Fresh with Farmers Markets

By Kellye Morgan

Farmers markets provide a deep sense of community while directly connecting with local citizens and providing nourishment through fresh food. In return, farmers and other local vendors receive more of our dollars and local economies grow. The number of farmers markets has rapidly grown in the United States, and they have become lifelines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In our own community, the Athens Eats Together initiative included the Athens Farmers Market as a partner that helped provide emergency food relief to Clarke County residents facing food insecurities due to COVID-19. Additionally, those using EBT cards/SNAP still receive a 50% discount on locally-grown fruits and vegetables when purchasing SNAP-eligible items at participating markets, like the Athens Farmers Market. Many local farmers also provide food for restaurants and shops like Heirloom, Mama’s Boy, The Grit, Athens Country Club, and Daily Groceries Co-op.

This summer, the Center for Active Living (CAL) will take our members to visit some of the local markets offered in our area and connect them to local farmers, artists, bakers, and other vendors.

One of the local markets is the West Broad Farmers Market, which operates through the Athens Land Trust. This is a drive-thru market where shoppers 2 8 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

can order online throughout the week and pick up in their drive-thru set up at the Athens Housing Authority on Saturdays. Residents in the historic West Broad neighborhood have the option of getting their market orders delivered directly to their homes each week. WBFM also hosts special community events such as a Juneteenth market, the Heritage Festival market that celebrates the history of the West Broad School and urban agricultural traditions, and a holiday market.

We will be making a trip to Bishop Park on August 13th for the Saturday Athens Farmers Market. Vendors such as Diamond Hill Farm, Sundance Farm, Hickory Hill Farm, and Ladybird Farm provide seasonal produce, berries, and even flowers. There are also fresh eggs and meat from Pastures of Rose Creek and Caribe United Farm.

Eno’s Baked and BBG Bakery have your sweet tooth covered while Antonio’s Fresh Pasta has everyone’s Italian favorites. Even if you are not in the market for food, there are still jewelry, candles, pottery, woodworking, and stationary vendors at each market. Shopping at AFM is always a fun outing with live music and seasonal activities like a strawberry pie-eating contest or an egg hunt. You also can now purchase produce during the week from some of the AFM farmers through the Collective Harvest Farm Stand on Baxter Street.

In September, CAL will visit the Collective Harvest Farm Stand where we will shop for produce, meats, cheeses, and fun gift sets. Collective Harvest is an organization whose mission is to create a connection between farmers and our local community through a Community Supported Agriculture program. CSA is when shoppers and farmers share responsibility for the environmentallyfriendly production and delivery of food, which helps local citizens respect the land, food, and farmers. After shopping, we will enjoy lunch at Heirloom, which sources many of its ingredients from local producers, farmers, and artisans.

Come celebrate and support our local farmers and other small businesses this summer during one (or all!) of our trips to the markets. Contact Kellye at kmorgan@accaging.org to let us know you’re coming.

Summer 2022 Calendar

The Center for Active Living 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.

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dance, fitness & movement classes

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CAL travel (virtual and in person)

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CE N T E R FOR AC T I V E L I V I N G

seminars, classes and events

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CE N T E R FOR AC T I V E L I V I N G

social programs and events

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CE N T E R FOR AC T I V E L I V I N G

support groups

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To RSVP for all webinars and classes, please contact kmorgan@accaging.org or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Zoom links are also available in our weekly e-newsletter.

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

Dance, Fitness and Movement Classes Tai Chi with Michele

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

When: July 18 and 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Class will be on hold for August. Class resumes at 1p.m. in September Where: ACCA Pavilion Cost: Free for members, $5 drop-in for non-members

Tuesday Walking Group

Meet up for a walk with friends at the ACCA Greenway and various parks and trails around Athens. Enjoy some light exercise while gaining the restorative benefits of time spent in nature.

When & Where: Meets at ACCA every Tuesday at 10 a.m. EXCEPT the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Aug. 16: Virginia Callaway-Cofer Walker Park Sept. 20: Memorial Park Cost: Free for members and non-members.

Intermediate Line Dancing

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 with seasoned classmates who will help keep you on track. Grab your dancing shoes and join the fun!

When: Tuesdays at Noon Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for members, $5 drop-in for non-members

Beginner Line Dancing

Chair Yoga

Designed to be accessible to all, 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.

NOTE: During the summer, class will be shown as pre-recorded instructor videos.

When: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Where: ACCA Harris Room (With option to join via Zoom. To join virtually, please contact the CAL office) Cost: Free for members, $5 drop-in for non-members 3 0 I CO N N E C T I ON S I SUMMER 2022

New to line dancing? Immediately following our Intermediate class, Linda leads an introductory class to help new dancers learn the steps.

When: Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for members, $5 drop-in for non-members

Dance Fitness

Join us for 30-minutes of energizing movement and music. Improve your core, coordination, stamina and balance in this fun and energizing class. Chairs will be set up for those who prefer sitting.

When: Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for members, $5 drop-in for non-members

Storytelling Through Movement

This class brings memories and stories to life through expressive movement that both dancers and non-dancers will enjoy. After a warm-up, participants will share words, memories, and stories to inspire movement and self-expression. Move your body and learn about fellow participants in this interactive workshop. We will be guided by Lisa Yaconelli, an Athens-based choreographer, performer, teacher, and owner of Work.Shop, a performing arts practice and performance space.

When: 3rd Wednesday of the month (Aug. 17, Sept. 21) at 10:30 a.m.

Where: ACCA Hudson Room Cost: Free for members and non-members

Chair Tai Chi with Julie

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 its gentle movements allow for easy modifications. Much of the class will be seated or standing using a chair for balance.

When: Thursday, August 11 and Thursday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for members and for non-members

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 and improve balance, flexibility and strength. 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 p.m.

Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for members, $5 drop-in for non-members

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CAL Trips To join in-person or virtually, please contact kmorgan@accaging.org or call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. Links for virtual trips are also provided in our e-newsletter.

Morning Brew Crew at Cafe Racer

Mornings are made for coffee and donuts! Start your day with us at one of the area’s best kept secrets, Cafe Racer, a drive-thru eatery on Highway 78, just 20 minutes from downtown Athens in Oglethorpe County. The cafe turns out delicious homemade donuts as well as breakfast biscuits, coffee and tea. P.S. It’s take-out only, and no seating is provided, so bring a chair and we will gather on the lawn!

When: 4th Friday of every month.

Meet us there at 10:30 a.m. (Aug. 26, Sept. 23) Where: Cafe Racer (3 Arnoldsville Rd, Crawford, GA) Cost: Self-pay

Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center

Wine Tasting Trip to Dahlonega, GA

Escape the heat of summer in the North Georgia mountains and experience the Heart of Georgia Wine Country! After shopping and eating lunch in the downtown square, we’ll enjoy tastings at two Dahlonega wineries – Wolf Mountain and Accent Cellars – and take in the stunning scenery at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When: Friday, August 19. Depart CAL at 9:00 a.m. Return to CAL at appx. 7:00 p.m Where: Dahlonega, GA Cost: $80 for members. $95 for non-members (includes transportation to and from Dahlonega and tour of two wineries with gratuity). Deposit of $50 due at sign up to reserve your spot. Full payment due by August 1st.

Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

After such a successful year for Georgia sports (Go Dawgs and Go Braves!), continue the celebration at Georgia’s museum that honors the achievements of the state’s best teams, athletes and coaches. The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame was created over 60 years ago and highlights over 400 inductees in prep, college, amateur and professional sports.

We’ll be taken on a guided tour through interactive exhibits and enjoy a lunch in downtown Macon (not included in cost).

RSVP required.

When: Wednesday, July 27. Depart CAL at 10 a.m.

Where: Macon, GA Cost: $30 for members; $40 for non-members. Payment due to reserve your spot.

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Hike through history at this outdoor Appalachian village museum located next to the Black Rock Mountain State Park, featuring over 20 historic log buildings, each home to various artifacts representative of life in the mountains from 1820 to 1940. During the guided tour, we’ll get hands-on with history with live demonstrations like weaving and blacksmithing that will bring the past to life. Learn about the role these crafts played in everyday life, and how they’ve been adapted to the modern era.

Come take a walk through history with us – a fun way to get your steps in! RSVP required.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 14. Depart CAL at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Mountain City, GA Cost: $25 for members; $35 for non-members.

Payment due to reserve your spot.

Buttermilk Pie at Yesterday Cafe

Explore Historic Greensboro, GA

Join us for an afternoon in historic downtown Greensboro, located less than an hour south of Athens. We will enjoy lunch at Yesterday Cafe, with its famous buttermilk pie, and visit several walkable landmarks, including the Courthouse and Old Goal (Old Jail). There will also be time to browse shops such as Genuine Georgia, featuring local and regional artists, and the Antique Market. We will also stop en route at the Iron Horse, a controversial modernist sculpture once placed at the University of Georgia in 1954, but later moved to a cornfield in Greene County after a revolt by students. Lunch not included in cost. RSVP required.

When: Monday, Sept. 26. Depart CAL at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Greensboro, GA Cost: $20 for members and $30 for non-members.

Payment due to reserve your spot.

Seminars, Classes & Events

Farm Fresh Series

Celebrate fresh produce and seasonal eats with short trips to local markets this summer. Members and their guests have the option to ride with us (availability is limited!) or meet us there.

Bishop Park Farmers Market When: Saturday, August 13 at 10:00am Where: Depart CAL at 9:45 a.m. or meet us there (Bishop Park, 705 Sunset Dr, Athens, GA) With transportation: $5 for members and non-members Collective Harvest with Lunch at Heirloom When: Wednesday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Depart CAL at 10:45 a.m. or meet us at Collective Harvest (1084 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606) Note: RSVP required. Lunch not included in cost.

With transportation: $5 for members and nonmembers

Iron Horse sculpture

Ask a Farmer Meet with a local urban farmer and learn how they care for vegetables, perennials, and vines and berries right here in our community.

When: Call CAL office for date & time Where: ACCA Hudson Room Cost: Free members and non-members

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Holistic Wellness Lecture Series Join Dr. Lesley Clack, ScD, CPH, from Northeast Georgia HealthMatters, for this popular, virtual wellness series that addresses wellness from a holistic, whole person perspective. The seminar meets once a month and covers a range of topics, Vision Health (Aug. 2) and Falls Prevention (Sept. 6).

When: 1st Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m.

Where: Zoom (with option to view in ACCA Hudson Room) Cost: Free for members and non-members

Healing Stones in the CAL Garden Grief and loss are indelible parts of the human experience. Some may wish to acknowledge life’s transitions with a meaningful ritual. In this hands-on workshop, a social worker will lead us in creating painted stones honoring Center for Active members, to be placed in our courtyard garden. All are invited for fellowship and remembrance.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: CAL Brick Room and Garden Cost: Free for members and non-members

Getting to Know ACCA: Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Volunteer Programs ACCA has 14 programs to serve older adults and their families. This month, we welcome Chad Hall, who will share two ways to get involved as a volunteer. Foster Grandparent Program volunteers (FGP) tutor, mentor and support children in elementary schools, Head Start programs, and daycares. Volunteers are assigned to children who have been identified as needing extra help with homework and may benefit from the one-on-one attention.

Senior Companion volunteers (SCP) build and maintain relationships with elderly and other homebound persons who have difficulty completing everyday tasks. Learn more about helping our clients age in place and become a cherished friend.

When: Monday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: ACCA Hudson Room Cost: Free for members and non-members

Learn More: 60 Plus Program at Piedmont Our needs change as we age, and a care manager can help you and your family identify those needs and find ways to meet them. At Piedmont Healthcare, the 60+ Services care management program helps older patients enhance their safety and quality of life while maximizing independence by promoting healthy aging, offering a continuum of aging-specific services and programs, and providing education, support, and counseling.

Mattee Barkdoll, LMSW, will be here to talk about this much-needed program and answer your questions. Family and caregivers are welcome!

When: August (Call CAL office for date & time) Where: ACCA Hudson Room Cost: Free for members and non-members

Pop-Up Nutrition Class Pop by for this 30-minute virtual nutrition class each month. Receive healthy tips and recipes from a Registered Dietician at Open Hand, an Atlantabased non-profit that delivers healthful meals to seniors. Get inspired and informed with new topics each month. Participants have a chance to win a gift card!

When: 4th Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. (Jul 28, Aug 25, Sept 22) Where: ACCA Hudson Room (with option to join via Zoom) Cost: Free for members only

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Let’s Talk Books with Avid Bookshop Janet Geddis, owner and founder of Avid Bookshop, will be here to talk about all things books! Janet will share some of her top recommended reads, what’s happening at the Avid shop, and answer your literary questions!

When: Monday, September 12 at 12:00 p.m.

Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room (with Zoom live stream) Cost: Free for members and non-members

UGA Football Tailgate Party Goooooo Dawgs!! Let’s kick off the 2022 UGA Fall Football season with a tailgate under the ACCA Pavilion. The National Champs are back and their fans are as loyal and vocal as ever. Join us for a cookout, games and very special guests to cheer on our Dawgs. Prizes will be awarded to a few dedicated fans demonstrating the most team spirit.

When: Thursday, Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: ACCA Pavilion Cost: $5 for members* and $10 for non-members (*no cost for Congregate Members) 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, social media, or managing your email and photos? Our Tech Volunteer can answer your questions.

When: By appointment only. Call the CAL office to make an appointment.

NOTE: This is available for members only (in person, by phone, or virtual)

Social Programs and Events Ballroom Social Dance Have you ever wanted to try ballroom dance?

This is the perfect opportunity! Social dances are intended for participation rather than performance and can be followed with relative ease. You’ll begin with a lesson in Triple Swing and then show off your new dancing skills during the social dance portion. No partner necessary. Join Swing dance pros Melissa Gogo and Geoff Newell as they take us through the steps.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for members and non-members Mocktails & Masterpieces Spend a fun afternoon with CAL sipping and painting! Our in-house mixologist will show us how to make mocktails and mocktinis (think fancy drinks without the alcohol). Then we will mix some paints and get to work on our masterpieces. No experience necessary.

When: Monday, Sept. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: ACCA Brick Room Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members

Beginner Mah Jongg Mah Jongg is a Chinese tile game that is becoming more and more popular in the U.S. Similar to the western card game rummy, Mah Jongg is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and involves a degree of chance. RSVP required; space is limited. Please contact the CAL office.

When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: ACCA Hudson Room

Support Groups Caregiver Support Group Join other caregivers for support, participate in educational programs, and gain knowledge from health care professionals. For more information, contact Catherine Singleton at 706-549-4850.

Where: ACCA Bentley ADH Center (135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA, 30601) When: 3rd Tuesday each month at 12 p.m.

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Armchair Travel Series Travel (Virtually) Anywhere with CAL

Costa Rica

Just a 3-hour flight from Atlanta, Costa Rica is a top destination for nature and adventure lovers alike.

In this virtual trip, we will take a front-row seat to the country’s diverse wildlife and scenic vistas.

Our itinerary takes us to the Central Valley, which is home to the capital city, San José, and many of Costa Rica’s most popular cultural attractions. We will explore the Northern Caribbean region, famous for its interconnected canals and Tortuguero National Park as well as the Arenal Volcano National Park in the Northern Plains, which boasts 75% of the country’s bird population. From white-sand beaches to ziplining, surfing, and more, Costa Rica has all the components of an ideal vacation.

When: Thursday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m.

Where: Zoom (with option to view in ACCA Hudson Room) Cost: Free for members and non-members

Northern Italy

Join us on a tour of Northern Italy and its historical cities waiting to be explored. In the far north, the Alps offer the chance for skiing and a visit to quaint mountainside towns. We’ll then venture to Milan in the central region, explore the centuriesold seaside towns on Cinque Terre, and delight in the Tuscany region with a jaunt to Florence.

With such a varied landscape, rich history, mouth-watering foods, and a plethora of cities, there is something for every armchair traveler.

When: Thursday, Sept. 22nd at 2 p.m.

Where: Zoom (with option to view in ACCA Hudson Room) Free for members and non-members

Calling all globetrotters! Do you have wow-factor photographs, stories and experiences to share from your domestic or international travels? Interested in sharing your trip on our monthly virtual Armchair Travel Series? Contact the office for details!

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“I don’t have any artistic talents or anything like that but I can go hand a meal to someone and talk to them. And the payback – the friends I’ve made, the memories I’ve made and am still making – is so big.”

Dorothy Newland, pictured with her granddaughter (who often delivered with her) on the front lawn of ACCA. Newland is ACCA’s longest-serving volunteer at 49 years and counting.

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It’s like family at

Friendships and Community

ADULT Day Health

Health and Peace of Mind

Reliable Transportation Available

ACCA’s Adult Day Health programs welcome and invite you to visit and learn how we can be of service to you and your family. ACCA’s Adult Day Programs offer peace of mind to caregivers and much needed respite for families. To schedule a free trial day, including a nutritious meal, activities, and more, please call (706) 549-7301.

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