Living Longer, Living Well - September 2019

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

A Resource Guide For 55+ September 2019

Senior Community Needs Survey Underway Page 3

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Things to Consider Page 3

Great Moments in Grandparenting Page 5

Caring for the Caregivers Page 9

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.

Senior Community Needs Survey Underway By: Carrie Budd, Vice President for Development and Community Relations, Bridgewater Retirement Community

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ridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) and Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) are partnering to conduct an in-depth study of the needs of seniors in Harrisonburg, Rockingham, and Augusta County.

With that information, we will challenge local governments, health providers, service providers, and other nonprofit organizations to work together creatively to meet those needs.

Bridgewater Retirement Community’s support of the greater community has always been strong. Now we are immersed in an exciting new project that focuses on the seniors in our greater community and takes this support to another level. We know that our residents represent only a small number of the seniors that

live in the area. Many of the people in our greater community face aging without the support they need. But, which needs are the most important?

Before we make this effort, we need information.

In partnership with Valley Program for Aging Services and Holleran, an independent research and consulting firm, a four-part Senior Community Needs Assessment is gathering this information. Holleran has already collected data from publicly available sources to give us an overall picture of the seniors in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Augusta County. BRC recently completed a survey of over 80 key informants. These are individuals in social services, area hospitals, attorneys, local government, home health providers, etc. who work every

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Things to consider By: Cristin L. Sprenger, Senior Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension

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randparents raising their grandchildren is not a new idea. In fact, in some cultures grandparents helping to raise multiple generations is common.

There are numerous reasons why grandparents are being called upon to rear their grandchildren. But generally, they have one common thread: grandparents are stepping in due to a family crisis. Grandparents report that they are rearing their grandchildren for many reasons, such as teen pregnancy, an adult parent’s substance abuse, financial problems, incarceration, death, homelessness, and deployment.

There are several challenges that grandparents who take on the role

of main caregiver need to consider.

One of those is financial. Can you afford to house, feed, clothe, and pay for other expenses for another (or possibly multiple) people? Are you still working? What about childcare? Something that caregivers sometimes push aside is saving and investing for retirement. It’s very important that you continue to contribute to your retirement accounts. Meet with a financial advisor or financial counselor. You can borrow money for a home, car, and education, but you can’t borrow money for retirement. With the addition of new family members, you may be eligible for programs offered through the Department of Social

day with seniors in our areas.

Now we need information from persons 65 years of age or older who live in Harrisonburg, Rockingham and Augusta counties. You can help by participating in an online survey. All responses will be updated as a group. Those taking this survey will add their voice to the hundreds of others helping us to find out what the needs of seniors are now, will be in the future, and how those needs in our greater community can be addressed. The survey will be available through September 30 at www.brcliving.org/survey The final part of this survey involves caregivers. For many seniors, it would be difficult to continue living in the community if they did not have a spouse, family member or neighbor to help them on a regular basis. This

survey will be available on October 7 on the BRC website.

We will receive a data report by the end of 2019, and plan to share the results during a series of public community meetings in 2020. By sharing results, we can also invite and challenge other organizations in our community to partner with us to meet the most important needs. Stay tuned as we share our discoveries.

Services, such as SNAP (formerly food stamps), TANF (temporary assistance for needy families), Medicaid, other health insurance, and utility assistance. You may also have some tax benefits available, so check with your tax preparer for more information.

Another challenge can be health related issues. Are you physically able to care for your grandchildren?

It’s important that you keep up with your medication and other instructions from your health care providers. Your grandchildren need you to be there for them as long as you can. This includes seeking emotional support. Raising children at any age can be rewarding and challenging. Make an appointment with a therapist or counselor to discuss issues you may be having.

If you are still working, one of your benefits could be the Employee Assistance Program, which could cover the cost of several sessions

with a therapist. The HarrisonburgRockingham Community Services Board (540-434-1941) has behavioral health services available to those with insurance as well as those without insurance on a sliding scale basis.

Ask your doctor about programs to help pay for your medications.

There are resources addressing these and other issues. New Found Families Virginia (www.newfoundva. org) has resources under their “Kinship” tab on their website. AARP has useful information as well as an online support group (www.aarp. org), and Grandfamilies.org (www. grandfamilies.org) is a website that provides information about legal issues.

Raising your grandchildren can be wonderful, challenging, or both.

Remember to take care of yourself as well!

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Living Longer, Living Well A collaborative partnership of the Daily News-Record and the Aging Well Consortium

Editorial Committee Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair Community Relations Manager, VPAS

Beth Bland Director of Senior Services, Harrisonburg/Rockingham VPAS

Lavenia “Lev” Norford Director of Communications, Bridgewater Retirement Community

Glennette Poland Intergenerational Activities Coordinator, Generations Crossing

Susan Ribelin Coordinator, Sentara RMH Lifeline and Senior Advantage

Annie Shaffer Wellness Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community

Cristin Sprenger

Saturday, September 14, 2019

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Moments That Matter

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By: Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair, Aging Well Consortium

t’s easy for me to recall fond memories of time spent with my grandparents. There are specific moments etched in my mind, like the time Pop Pop pretended to conduct the 1812 Overture, playing badminton on summer nights and straining to see the birdie in the darkening sky, and the last sweet spoonfuls of hot fudge sundaes shared at the Howard Johnson’s counter in celebration of good report cards.

But while my memories of them are abundant, I don’t know which moments Nana and Pop Pop cherished most with my brothers and me. Knowing what special memories they held in their hearts might have enriched our relationship and helped me know them beyond the hugs and ice cream sundaes they so generously shared.

September 8 was National Grandparents Day, so we thought it would be an appropriate time to ask about your great moments in grandparenting. I hope the few we collected on page five make you smile.

In this issue, you can also enjoy a story about a local couple’s second chance at love and read about grandparents as primary caretakers. And be sure to look for falls prevention and Medicare resources, a unique caregivers conference, and how you can participate in an important community needs survey.

A moment can hold a lot. And while many kids today may get stuck scrolling through their Snapchat stories and Instagram feeds, they are still eager to connect in person. I think John Noffsinger had it right when he said, “There’s nothing quite as relaxing as fishing for sunfish at Sunnyside with the grandsons. And although it’s not necessary for the experience, sometimes we even catch one.” The outcome is far less important than the time spent together, of course.

And what might make it even better is sharing why it matters to you.

At Living Longer Living Well, we are wishing you new connections, a fun-filled fall, and simple moments that span generations.

Extension Agent,Virginia Cooperative Extension

Jeannette Suter Marketing Director, Home Instead Senior Care

Madison Westmoreland Marketing Assistant, Sunnyside Retirement Community

Rodney Wolfenbarger Director, JMU Lifelong Learning Institute MISSION: The Aging Well Consortium mission is to develop and promote education and public awareness programs to enhance the health and well-being of older persons, care providers and families.

Living Longer, Living Well is published quarterly and focuses on issues and topics pertinent to aging.

Aging Well Consortium – Living Longer, Living Well 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 ON THE COVER: John Noffsinger fishing with his grandsons No statement or advertisement in this publication is to be construed as an endorsement of any person / business / organization or as a recommendation to buy advertised products / services.

The Aging Well Consortium welcomes the submission of articles to be considered for use in Living Longer, Living Well. The Living Longer, Living Well Editorial Committee reviews all submitted material and reserves the right to decide which selections will be included in the newsletter.

Please Note: This publication contains educational and illustrative materials, narratives, and ideas of an informative nature ONLY. Neither the author, the publisher, nor this organization is engaged in rendering medical, legal, or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of physician, attorney, or other professional advisor should be acquired.

The Aging Well Consortium is very interested in any comments or suggestions you might have. Please email your ideas for stories or feature articles, suggestions, or “pet peeves” to the editor at leighanne@vpas.info, or mail them to Living Longer, Living Well, 975 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

Harrisonburg, Va.

You Have the Power to Prevent Falls: National Fall Prevention Day is September 22

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alls are the leading cause of lost independence and ability for older adults. Nationally, more than 1 out of 4 adults 65 and older fall each year. Falling once doubles the chances of falling again. For many, a fall may be a wake-up call, while other falls are more serious and require assistance.

According to Lindsey Stein, Community Relations Chairperson for the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, falls occur more frequently among older adults who have decreased mobility, coexisting medical problems, and lack the assistance they need to function at home. When these individuals fall, there is often no one around to help them up, or only a spouse or family member present who is not capable of lifting the patient. In that case, 911 is summoned.

When the dispatch center receives

By Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Health and Wellness Coordinator

calls in the absence of injury or illness, they are dispatched as nonemergencies, meaning that they do not receive a “lights and sirens” response. If an emergency call were to get dispatched at the same time with no other units available, the emergency call would take priority over the lift assist.

a stroke, heart attack, sepsis or other medical ailment being the root cause of the fall. EMS providers can provide lift assistance when necessary, but they are also careful to ensure that no other illnesses or injuries are going unnoticed. When a lift-assist only is provided, the patient receives no bill for service.

However, upon arrival, the challenge for EMS providers is to determine the cause of the fall. For example, if a patient fell because their socks were slippery, they missed a step, or they tripped over a rug, it’s a simple trauma assessment and, in the event of no injury, a lift-assist only is required. However, if the individual was feeling weak, or dizzy prior to the fall, we now have a trauma and medical patient. Often, these patients require encouragement to seek medical care due to the possibility of

While 1 in 5 falls causes a serious injury, the good news is that falls are often avoidable. Age is the biggest risk factor that we cannot change. Other risk factors such as decreased strength and endurance, weaker sense of balance, loss of flexibility, reduced activity levels, and poor vision or hearing can often be improved with intervention.

If you have fallen, or are afraid of falling, consider taking some steps to reduce your chances of falling again. Exercise 20 – 30 minutes

The Happy Couple on their Wedding Day

most days of the week and include both aerobic and strength activities.

Choose activities like Tai Chi that challenge your balance. Review your medications with a health care provider or pharmacist. Have vision and hearing checked and consider wearing single-focus lenses outside because bifocals can change depth perception. Wear appropriate footwear and avoid shoes without a back. Make your home safer by resolving tripping hazards such as rugs, cords, clutter, uneven thresholds, pets and poor lighting. Stay hydrated, be mindful of limitations, and don’t rush.

You might also consider creating a Mobility Plan and enrolling in a fall prevention program such as A Matter of Balance. For a list of Matter of Balance classes, visit vpas.info/ health.

Getting Married Later in Life: A Local Success Story By: Madison Westmoreland, Marketing Assistant, Sunnyside Retirement Community

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harles Shank and Barbara Wheatley haven’t had many difficulties or surprises in their lives together. In fact, the biggest surprise was that they weren’t expecting their relationship to happen; they just fell into it naturally. Getting married later in life and blending

families can be daunting, especially when grown children disapprove.

However, for Charles and Barbara the transition from friends of 50 years to married couple has proven to be a blessing.

Charles is a Harrisonburg native, living here most of his life with the exception of dental school and serving in the Air Force. Barbara, originally from Arlington, settled in Harrisonburg with her first husband Jim in the early 1960’s. They don’t remember exactly how they met, but Barbara became fast friends with Charles’s first wife Harriette. Barbara said, “We became part of each other’s families. Our daughters were like sisters.” Dinners, vacations, and everything in between, these families shared many memories.

Upon retirement, Barbara and Jim moved to live on the Rappahannock

River. Unfortunately after 5 years, Jim passed in 2009. After being alone in a terrifying storm, Barbara decided to move to Sunnyside in 2011. Meanwhile, Charles and Harriet had moved to Sunnyside in 2008, but sadly Harriette had passed by 2010.

When asked if she had thought about dating again, Barbara said “I didn’t plan to remarry or date at all. But then there was Charley.” Charles had similar sentiments saying, “When my first wife died I thought ‘that’s it’, I just turned off a switch in my head.

And then we started doing things together and it eventually evolved into a relationship. It’s funny the way we got together. We were talking one time and she was telling me about a person calling to ask her out. She said she didn’t know what to do about it. So I went home and thought about it, and then I went back to her and I

said ‘Well how about you and I get together instead?’ and she said yes right away!”

When asked how their respective families felt about the marriage, Barbara said “I never heard any criticism. They were just happy we were happy.” Charles said, “I know it can be strange and difficult for people sometimes. We know a couple whose children were upset with them.” With no opposition, the couple had an intimate wedding in 2014 at Spotswood Country Club attended only by family members.

Today they experience simple joys: each other’s company, weekly dinner club, time with family, and trips to Costco. When asked what advice they would give to couples in similar situations, they were short and concise: “Go for it!”

Harrisonburg, Va.

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Great Moments in Grandparenting

ince National Grandparents Day was September 8, we’ve been thinking about all the special times spent with grandchildren both near and far. Here’s a small collection of some treasured memories.

Tenley and her parents live in the city and we live in the country. We love showing Tenley the country life by letting her help plant the garden and pick the vegetables, visiting with our neighbors, the cows and horses, and going to the woods to splash in the stream and walk the trails. The joy and excitement she has keeps us looking for new adventures to take her on. I think the most special moments though, are the snuggles and cuddles just before bed after a busy day of adventure!” - Submitted

by Beth and Gary Bland I enjoy sewing with my 17-year-old granddaughter who is very involved with 4H. Right now, we are working on a tailored jacket together. I love getting phone calls from her asking how to sew a certain type of stitch.

– Submitted by Kay Stillwell I love to travel with my family. I have 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. I recently returned

from a trip to New Orleans with my 22-year-old granddaughter. We spent time in New Orleans before boarding a riverboat cruise which sailed up to Memphis. We separated there in order for her to go off for a job interview in healthcare coordination.

– Submitted by Charles Bell One day I was laying in the hammock playing “Mom and baby” with my four-year-old granddaughter. I was playing the “baby.” My granddaughter wanted to read me a story and started it off, “Once upon a time there was an old lady…” Then she turned to me and said, “and that old lady was you” before finishing the story.

– Submitted by Kim Wetsel There’s nothing quite as relaxing as fishing for sunfish at Sunnyside with the grandsons. And although it’s not necessary for the experience, sometimes we even catch one.

– Submitted by John Noffsinger I will never forget the morning I watched my oldest granddaughter get her hair and make-up done, her wedding dress, freshly steamed hanging in the corner of my hotel suite. Bridesmaids were scattered about doing their own things to

prepare. My heart was huge with the love I felt for her requesting for the biggest day of her life to start with me.

– Submitted by Jackie Gerrard I remember when my grandson learned to open my front door. We had already been pushing the elevator buttons, so he knew how they worked. I left the room for a minute and when I returned, there was no Jack. There was no 70 lb. dog either. I panicked and ran into the hall to find both grinning inside the elevator ready to go to the first floor. Little Jack (about 2 at the time) proudly said, “I did it.” I put chain latches on the door the next day and am proud to say he hasn’t escaped again.

– Submitted by Jackie Gerrard By the time my granddaughter, Sarah Cate, turned three she was totally mesmerized by dinosaurs.

She devoured as many books as we could

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find about dinosaurs and quickly learned dinosaur names, what each ate and what unique features each had. It only made sense that when I went to visit Sarah Cate at her home in Atlanta we plan a trip to meet the dinosaurs!

Together with her other grandparents, we took off for the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, home to the “Giants of the Mesozoic” exhibit with skeletons of the world’s largest dinosaurs and a Dinosaur Plaza for outdoor play.

Sarah Cate looked wide-eyed at all the dinosaurs and had a wonderful time exploring all the museum had to offer. She seemed thrilled.

The grandparents thought we had executed the perfect outing! And then came the big question from Sarah Cate: “But when are we going to see the REAL dinosaurs?”

- Submitted by Betsy Hay

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

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Harrisonburg, Va. S E N TA R A R MH M E D I C A L C E N T E R

YOU DESERVE THE BEST At the Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center, women receive the highest quality mammography services.

Our Center is recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

WE OFFER YOU: • 3D Tomosynthesis on-site and on mobile van • Mammograms read by local, specialized radiologists • Screening mammograms read within 48 hours; diagnostic mammograms read same-day • Same day diagnostic mammograms available for abnormal screening mammograms • Same day biopsies based on availability • All patients complete a risk assessment as part of our High Risk Breast program Schedule online at sentara.com/mammogram or call 540-689-6000.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, @SentaraRMH.

Harrisonburg, Va.

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

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LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Saturday, September 14, 2019

“Just One More Pleassse!”

By: Lev Norford, Director of Publications,

Harrisonburg, Va.

Pete Perialas reads a classic with grandson Evan on Christmas morning.

Bridgewater Retirement Community

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ome of my favorite summer memories as a child were sitting in the library window escaping from the heat of the south.

Reading was then, and is still, a comforting hobby.

A lot of us “grandmother” types have images of reading to our children and wanting to pass along those same snuggly moments reading to grandchildren. Today’s grandparents seem to be fully engaged with their grandchildren at the local libraries.

According to Judy Butler, an amazing volunteer at North River Library, grandparents accompany their children to story time, assist them with crafts, and actively help select

An extension of the services provided by Bridgwater Retirement Community, Sunnside Retirement Community, and VMRC

books to check out. They sit with the grandchildren and play the wide variety of games provided.

Some of the classics stand. But let’s face it, some of those stories we read as young people are no longer relevant to the interests or world of today’s children. I was delighted to see a renewed edition of The Boxcar Children series at the Book Fair!

However, Nancy Drew, Beezus and Ramona, the Narnia and Anne of Green Gables series are much more likely to be familiar from the media than books these days. But, Butler explains, “There are just so many wonderful and beautiful new books and authors that make reading,

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discovery, science and space exciting. I’m seeing grandparents enjoying the new stories and enjoying reading them to and with the grandchildren.”

The fact is today’s grandchildren are still reading books and checking out items from the library. They may also be just as happy doing the snuggly moments learning on an iPad with grandparents who are becoming more and more tech savvy. The point really is to enjoy spending time and learning together. Lego Club, STEM, Crafty Kids, etc. are great partnering opportunities that the libraries regularly schedule for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together.

Children begging for “just one more” is still a favorite tactic to avoid bedtime. All the more reason for grandparents to pull out a beloved book at Christmas, buy a new book about an upcoming vacation spot, and/or help take the little ones to story time at our local libraries. And yes sadly, we may still fall asleep before the children when trying to share our favorite stories with them, but oh, the memories!

Harrisonburg, Va.

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Caring for the Caregivers

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Relax. Enjoy. Live.

By: Leigh-Anne Lees, VPAS Community Relations Manager

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aybe it’s the way we identify ourselves that tricks us into thinking we’re alone in the journey. We are Robert’s wife, Corrine’s son, Alice’s best friend or Jim’s daughter. When the person we love becomes ill or frail, the relationship simply evolves. We give baths and rides to the doctor.

We start paying the bills. That bond is both singular and sacred.

But, in addition to our role in that unique relationship, we are part of a growing network of people on a similar journey: caregivers.

According to AARP and the National Alliance on Caregiving, there are more than 40 million caregivers across the nation who provide about $470 billion annually in unpaid care to loved ones. About one-third of caregivers have a full-time job and 25 percent work part time. A third provide more than 21 hours of care per week.

Many caregivers find deep fulfillment in our purpose and tap into new sources of strength. As author Tia Walker said, “Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.”

But challenges can mount over time, negatively affecting our health, careers, finances, and parenting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, worse self-reported physical health, and increased early death. Over half of caregivers report that health declines are affecting our ability to provide care to the ones we love.

Fortunately, there is growing awareness of caregivers and the invaluable support we provide.

November is National Family Caregivers Month. In recognition of this observance, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) and James

Madison University (JMU) will present The Confident Caregiver – A Family Caregiver Conference on November 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at JMU’s Festival Conference and Student Center.

Keynote speaker Loretta Veney, author of Being My Mom’s Mom and Refreshment for the Caregiver’s Spirit, will bring insight into her own caregiving experience. Additionally, attendees can learn about health management, caregiver burnout, managing the costs of caring for a loved one, the legal aspects of caregiving, and more. Lunch is included. There will also be a resource fair and an invitation to participate in a community needs survey. The conference is free and open to the public. Register at vpas. info/events or call 540-615-5341.

Perhaps one of the most important ways we can bring a sense of security to our loved ones is to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves. The first step may be recognizing we’re not alone.

Connecting with others who face similar joys and trials can not only empower our journey as caregivers, but lead to new levels of fulfillment in the relationships we value most.

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3935 Sunnyside Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801

540.568.8411 • 800.237.2257 www.sunnysidecommunities.com

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

Personalizing Your Medicare Plan Finder Experience

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sing the Medicare website can be a practical and easy way to manage your Medicare experience. You can access new personalized features by creating an account. When you create an account, you can:

• Build a better drug list. You’ll receive suggestions based on prescriptions you filled within the last 12 months.

• Modify your drug list and save changes.

• Compare benefits and costs in your current plan to other plans available in your area.

• See prices based on any help you get with drug costs.

Here are step by step instructions for creating an account.

Harrisonburg, Va.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Review Medicare beneficiaries should review their coverage every year to determine if they should change plans for the next year. The Annual Election Period (AEP) or Open Season is to change plans is from October 15th thru December 7th.

Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare drug plans make changes to their coverage and costs each year. They raise premiums, raise deductibles or raise copays. They remove certain drugs from their plan formulary or move drugs from one tier to another tier, costing you more money.

First go to www.mymedicare.gov .

Early October - Prepare and Compare:

You select the create an account button at the bottom of the page. Creating an account takes a few steps. You enter your Medicare number, your last name, and your email address. There is a check box if you don’t have an email address, which is not required. Keep scrolling down and enter your date of birth, and then your location. Then add the effective date for Medicare Part A. Then select continue.

Watch for your Medicare & You Handbook for information about plans in your area. Your current plan will mail information to you if they plan to make any changes. If you note changes you do not like then you need to consider another plan. You can review which plans are available at www.medicare.gov . You can also call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

You should start your research now to be ready to enroll soon.

Next, pick a username and choose a secret question from the list. The username must be unique so an email address is probably a pretty good option. Pick a secret question from the list of options and add the answer to your question, then choose a password. That is all there is to it. It is not very different from creating an account on an online shopping site, according to Medicare.

You are then taken back to the login page and there is an information banner at the top showing that you have successfully created your account. You will get a confirmation letter in the mail in 10 to 14 days. You can login with the user id and password right away and see your current coverage information.

You are now able to use your customized Medicare account.

For additional resources, visit vpas.info/medicare-counseling or call VPAS at 540-615-5341.

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October 15 – Open Enrollment Begins: This is the first day you can change plans with an effective date of January 1st. You should not only compare the cost, but also the coverage and the pharmacy network. Make your choice by early December so that new plan ID cards will reach you by January 1st.

December 7 – Open Enrollment Ends: This is the last day to enroll in a new plan. If you are staying with your current plan you usually do not need to do anything.

Do You Need Help Paying Your Plan Costs?

You may qualify for Social Security’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) Program. If eligible, it can lower the cost of obtaining your medications.

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for more details or go to www. ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp . You may qualify for Medicaid, which also helps pay these costs, so contact your Medicaid office.

If you are unable to secure assistance from the above offices contact the Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP). In Harrisonburg and Rockingham County call 540-615-5341. If you live in Staunton, Augusta County or Waynesboro please call 540-949-7141.

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Harrisonburg, Va.

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Community Calendar of Events Any reader interested in attending an event is asked to call the contact person for that event to determine if registration and fees are applicable. To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please e-mail Jeannette Suter at jsuter@homeinstead.com or call 540-213-7800.

A Matter of Balance

Sponsored by: Valley Program for Aging Services Location: Bridgewater Church of the Brethren Tuesdays September 17 - November 5, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

No Charge To register call (540) 828-3711 and ask for Shannon

A Matter of Balance

Sponsored by: Valley Program for Aging Services Location: Plains District Community Center Tuesdays September 17 – November 5, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

No Charge To register call (540) 896-2824

A Matter of Balance

Sponsored by: Valley Program for Aging Services Location: VMRC Detwiler Auditorium, Harrisonburg Wednesdays September 18 - November 6, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

No Charge To register call (540) 574-3850

Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop

Sponsored by: Valley Program for Aging Services Location: Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center Tuesdays, September 24 - October 29, 9:30 a.m. - noon No Charge To register call 1-800-SENTARA

Your Health Now: Living with Depression

Presenter: Robin Breeden, LCSW, Sentara RMH Behavioral Health Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Hosted at Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building, 2006 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg Wednesday, Oct. 2. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., lecture begins at 11 a.m.

Call 1-800-SENTARA(736-8272) to register

A Matter of Balance Workshop Series

Sponsored by: VPAS Location: VMRC Detwiler Auditorium, Harrisonburg Every Wednesday, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 - 2:30-4:40 p.m.

Program fee of $25 is waived for participants age 60 and older who complete program paperwork.

Register by calling (540) 574-3850.

Diabetes Self-Management Workshop

Sponsored by: Valley Program for Aging Services Location: VMRC Wellness Center, Harrisonburg Mondays, October 14 – November 18, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

No Charge To register call (540) 574-3850

Designer Handbag & Tool Bingo

To benefit Valley Associates for Independent Living Location: Weyers Cave Community Center Saturday, October 19; Doors open at 4:30, Games start at 6:30 p.m. $10 per card or 4 cards for $25, Individuals who Pre-Register are entered in a special raffle Call 433-6513 or 1-888-242-VAIL for more information or to reserve your place

Shenandoah Valley Lyceum -Three Notch’d Road

Fiona Hughes, baroque violin; Rebecca Landell Reed, viola da gamba; and Arash Noori, lute, theorbo and guitar, will perform for an evening of baroque chamber music from Italy, Poland, Germany, America and Spain.

Sponsored by: VMRC Location: VMRC Detwiler Auditorium, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, Va. Friday, October 25, 7 p.m.

Single Tickets: $8 in advance; $10 at the door Payments by cash, check or credit card by calling the VMRC Wellness Center, (540) 574-3850, or in person at the VMRC Wellness Center, 1481 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg.

Harrisonburg- Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Location: University Park Recreation—James Madison University—1090 Devon Lane, Harrisonburg November 2, Registration 9 a.m., Ceremony: 10 a.m., Walk 10:30 a.m.

Contact: Michelle LaRose at (434) 270-0721 or malarose@alz.org; Register at harrisonburgwalk.org

First Annual Festival of Trees

An environmentally conscious, multi-generational celebration with live performances, crafts, a Tree Trot, SPCA pets, and more.

Sponsored by: Sunnyside Location: The Lyons Pavilion at Sunnyside, 3935 Sunnyside Drive Saturday, November 2, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

No cost to attend. Only cost of items at Food Trucks or Furniture/Yard Sale.

Optional donations can be made.

For questions or more information, contact Marketing at (540) 568-8411 or (800) 237-2257

Your Health Now: What should be in Your Medicine Cabinet?

Presenter: Sentara RMH Pharmacy Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Senior Advantage Hosted at Sentara RMH Medical Center’s Hahn Building, 2006 Health Campus Dr, Harrisonburg Wednesday, Nov. 6. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., lecture begins at 11 a.m.

Call 1-800-SENTARA(736-8272) to register

Diabetes Health Event: Health Screenings and Education Seminar Sponsored by: Sentara RMH Community Health and Diabetes Education Hosted at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 548 W. Mosby Rd, Harrisonburg Saturday, November 9, 8 a.m.—12 p.m.

Call 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) to register

The Confident Caregiver: A Family Caregiver Conference

Hosted by: Valley Program for Aging Services and James Madison University Location: JMU Festival Conference and Student Center Tuesday, Nov. 12, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Free, but seats are limited.

Visit vpas.info/events to register or call 540-615-5341

Senior Health Fair

Hosted by: Augusta County Parks and Recreation Location: Augusta County Government Center, Verona Wednesday, November 13, 9 a.m.—12 p.m.

Free For questions or more information, contact Pam Mowery at (540) 245-5727

Trips and Programs

Sponsored by: Augusta County Parks and Recreation A variety of trips and programs offered at various times and locations designed specifically with the senior population in mind!

Contact Augusta County Parks and Rec at (540) 245-5727 or visit augustarec. com (see Activity Guide) to learn more!

Support Groups for Care Partners of Individuals with Dementia in Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, and Woodstock Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Please visit alz.org/crf or call 1-800-272-3900 for all details

Memory Cafe Social

Individuals with Memory Loss, Friends, and Family Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association Location: Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, 110 E. College St. 2nd Monday 2-3:00 p.m.

Contact Annie Marrs at amarrs@alz.org or 24/7 phone 1-800-272-3900

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Saturday, September 14, 2019

LIVING LONGER, LIVING WELL

Harrisonburg, Va.