Voice Of Experience Fall 2025 Issue

Encompass Community Supports PO Box 1568 Culpeper, VA 22701

VOICE OF EXPERIENCE 1

Non- Profit US Postage Paid Culpeper, VA Permit No. 7

Culpeper Senior Center News I cannot believe Fall is around the corner! Before we know it, the leaves will be falling, and all the colors will be around us! We have been so busy here at the Culpeper Senior Center that the time has gone before we even realized it! What have we been up to? Well, let me tell some of what’s been happening…

Music is a big part of our lives here at the Center, so we have lots of guest musicians, for whom we are so grateful. Carlos Lopez has come and helped us keep rhythm with music and dancing—such fun we all have together! The dynamic singing duo, “Blessed”, comes once a month, lifting our spirits to a better place. Janet and Dawn, we really enjoy you! Hosub from Oakshade comes, along with his family, and sings and shares. Our very own Judy Johnson, our friend, volunteer, and all-around wonderful gal, comes with her choir from Good Hope Baptist Church on Norman Road to tickle our ears and bless our souls. Little Fork sends the Singing Angels, a group of singers from 3 churches— and we are thrilled!

We are also learning, thanks to so many folks coming to teach us so many different things (who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!!). Mr. Yates and his Fit & Well Seniors program works on keeping us in shape. He has SOOOO much energy, and it’s contagious! He helps us deal with our aches and pains, too, as we learn how to properly breathe and move more pointed and with purpose.

Dennis Smith, a local pharmacist, teaches us about different health-related subjects each month.

Wendy from Miracle Ear and Lisa from Encompass Therapy in Fredericksburg both teach and make it fun with games! National Vascular Associates gave a great talk explaining things we were not aware of, and things that we can each do to help ourselves with our vascular system. They tested each person to check their circulation. They will soon be in Culpeper so we will no longer have to go to northern VA for appointments. Bonnie continues to do seated exercise & Healthy Steps with us to keep our joints moving.

CONGRATULATIONS DAVE & DORA!

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We also have lots of other fun programs. The students from the Culpeper Cosmetology School come once a month to cut our hair and paint our nails. They are all so kind and patient with us.

Rebecca teaches us how to paint on canvas, so we feel like real artists. We paint all kinds of interesting things! We made jewelry with Rena—so nice to have her back! And Johna, our former pharmacist and forever friend, brought her beekeeping gear to teach us all things Bees, including how to treat bee stings! Last but not least, Dave & Dora were named the King and Queen of the Brandy Station Volunteer Firemen’s Parade. Congratulations Dave & Dora! They won an award for their participation.

Our Bowl-For-Seniors Fundraiser was a huge success in June! Thanks to all the participants and the wonderful community for all of your support! We are so grateful!

Lots of holidays right around the corner—so lots of fun get-togethers on the horizon! We are hoping to have a 5-county Halloween party and a Christmas party, along with luncheons and parties to celebrate the holidays. See what you’d be missing if you didn’t come? Or don’t join? If you’re in Culpeper County, we’d like to meet you, so contact Gladys Williams at 540 825-5778.

We are right next door to the National Cemetery, across the railroad tracks and connected to the SEE Center. We’ll be looking for YOU!

Beekeeper Johna Inskeep (Right)

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Live Well, Virginia!

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CHRONIC CONDITION! Diabetes….Asthma….Fatigue….Arthritis….Emphysema….Depression Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Every Thursday, October 2 nd - November 6th, 1:00 - 3:30 PM, Culpeper Baptist Church 318 S West Street, Culpeper, VA 22701

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a free 2.5 hour session one day a week for six weeks small workshop for persons with any chronic condition and for caregivers of persons with chronic conditions. This is an evidence-based self-management workshop that has been found to improve healthful behaviors, improve health status and decrease days in the hospital. Interactive discussions will include managing symptoms, working with your healthcare team, setting weekly goals, effective problem-solving, nutrition and exercise. Pre-registration for this event is required. Contact: bvermillion@ecsva.org or 540-547-4824. Materials and information will be available at the first session. Workshop size is limited to 16.

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SLOPPY JOE SANDWICHES BY ALLRECIPES Ingredients

Directions

• ½ pound ground beef

• ½ onion, chopped • ½ cup ketchup • 2 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard • 1 teaspoon white vinegar • 1 teaspoon chili powder • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • ¼ teaspoon onion powder • ¼ teaspoon salt • 2 hamburger buns, split

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in ground beef and onion. Cook and stir until beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Bring beef mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until sauce has thickened, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve on buns.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” — Albert Camus 7

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OPEN ENROLLMENT Medicare Pt. D and Advantage Plans

October 15-December 7, 2025 For FREE, Unbiased, Confidential Counseling Call Encompass Community Supports TODAY at 540-825-3100 (ask to speak to the support coordinator in the County in which you live)

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Rappahannock Senior Center News “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia At the Rapp Senior Center (and at all our ECS Senior Centers), we focus on making a difference in the lives of those around us. Our volunteers are a crucial part in the success of that mission.

Each one that gives of their time, talents, knowledge, wisdom, and heart helps each of us find a welcome place in a changing world. We can never adequately thank these amazing people, many who work tirelessly behind the scenes, enriching our lives. Driving, teaching, helping, singing, painting, talking, listening, cleaning, crafting, sharing…and the list goes on and on— these angels of love do so much! Some are members of the senior center, others are not. But all their contributions are valuable and deeply appreciated. Thank you, from our hearts!

“Volunteers are not paid—not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” Sherry Anderson On a different note, I wanted to mention a few of our most recent outings over the last few months because we’ve had so much fun! We had a wonderful time hosting the Fauquier Senior Center at the Rappahannock Park! What a fun bunch they are! We played Bingo, ate good food, and enjoyed the company! We also headed up to Front Royal to go bowling at the Royal Family Bowling Center. They cooked lunch for us and treated us like royalty! We had close to 20 bowling this time—that’s a record! The wonderful team of folks from Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church spearheaded by Cindy Sanders had us all out to their Sperryville church for a giant cornhole tourney and lunch! We had so much fun—and took home prizes, too! (Along with a cake from the cake walk!) Rapp at Home invited us to join them for ice cream and the fixings at Yukon Ice Cream in Sperryville, and we all had a grand time! Thanks for that! Our BIG trip of the year (so far) was to Winchester to see the Million Dollar Quartet at Shenandoah University, along with lunch at Golden Corral! Thirty of us headed north to enjoy a wonderful day—perfect weather, great food, a terrific show, and enough fun and friendship to go around!

Lastly, our most recent trip was local—to John’s Dulcimer Museum in Sperryville and then to the Yukon Ice Cream truck (again) for treats! So much fun! What an amazing collection John has! He’s open 1-6 on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 Josh Ben Lane in the old mill that he is restoring. It’s a gem of a place! The ice cream at Yukon’s is top notch, too! Don’t miss them both! Cont. on page 11.

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Rappahannock News, Cont. from Page 10.

And to close, let’s review a few of the upcoming trips. These are the things we do away from the senior center. (So. Much. More. Happens daily at the Center.) We are super excited to attend the Mt. Pony Library of Congress (in Culpeper) special showings starting again in September through December. David March and his wonderful team have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional showings specifically for the Senior Centers and we are so grateful. We will also be attending the Health & Wellness Expo in Sperryville on Sept.24 th, 10 – 1. Such good information! Edinburg will be visited, with Beans BBQ on the menu for lunch at the home of our volunteers Tim & Corinna Ovington. We’ll also visit the Edinburg Mill Museum down the street from their house. Then there are holiday parties with all 5 county senior centers (Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock) to look forward to, a Progressive Luncheon, and lots more.

I didn’t want to end without making mention that our very own Bess Lucking will be celebrating her 100th birthday with us on Monday, Oct. 27! She’s amazing! She climbs the agency van steps like she’s 50! She’s sharp as a tack (and lucky, too) and beats us all in Bingo and Pokeno! You go, girl!!

We invite you to join us at the Rappahannock Senior Center Monday through Thursday from 10 until 2. Lunch is usually served at 11:45. We are located at 111 Scrabble Road in Castleton, ½ mile behind the old Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church on the left side. Call me, Darcy Canton, (540)987-3638 or (540) 522-3958 (cell) for more info. We are ALWAYS looking to make new friends—so come and join in the fun!

HAPPY 100TH

BIRTHDAY BESS LUCKING! (left)

YOU ARE INSPIRATIONAL!!

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SHOWCASE

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Portion Distortion

By Karen A. Booth, RD, LDN In a world of supersized meals, it’s easy to lose track of how much food we’re really eating. Portion control isn’t about going hungry—it’s about giving your body just the right amount of fuel to stay healthy and energized.

Portion vs. Serving: What’s the Difference?

A serving size is the standardized measurement listed on a food label or in the dietary guidelines, such as 1 cup of milk or 1 slice of bread. A portion size is the actual amount you put on your plate—which may be larger or smaller than a standard serving.

Hands: The Best Measuring Tool No scale or measuring cup? No problem! Use your hand as a quick guide: • Vegetables: Two cupped hands • Protein: Palm of your hand • Carbohydrates: One cupped hand • Healthy Fats: Tip of your thumb • Cheese: Two fingers

Simple Portion Control Strategies Use a smaller plate – It tricks your eyes and brain into feeling satisfied with less.

Fill half your plate with veggies – High in nutrients, low in calories.

Portion snacks into a small container – This helps avoid mindless eating straight from the package.

Split meals at restaurants – Share half with a friend or take half home.

Slow down – It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full. Cont. page 15 14

Portion Distortion cont.

Why Portion Size Matters Large portions can easily add hundreds of extra calories without you noticing. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, and other health issues.

Practicing proper portion control helps keep weight, energy levels, and overall health in check, while still enjoying your favorite foods.

Many fall dishes highlight ingredients that are at their peak of freshness in autumn.

Fruits: Apples, pears, cranberries, pomegranates, figs, and grapes.

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Root vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, and turnips.

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Squash and gourds: Pumpkin, butternut squash, acorn squash, and spaghetti squash.

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Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables: Kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage.

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BOWL FOR

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SENIORS 2025

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Older Americans Act Turns 60!

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA), has supported community-based programs and an aging services network that help older adults stay healthy, connected, and independent. This July, we celebrated six decades of impact. The local Area Agency on Aging, a division of Encompass Community Supports, celebrated the birthday while participating in the Brandy Station Volunteer Firemen’s Parade.

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Volunteer Spotlight!

ESTER RAUB—Volunteer at Culpeper Senior Center. Retired from Juvenile Correctional Center Where were you born? What county do you live in now? “l was born in Culpeper County and live in Culpeper now.”

What was one of your favorite jobs you have held?

“My favorite job was working at the Juvenile Correctional Center.”

Do you have children and/or grandchildren? “I have two children, one boy, one girl. I have three grandchildren.”

What is your favorite food/meal? “Chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes.”

What do you do for fun? “Hanging out with Gladys at the senior center and spending time with my grandchildren.”

What is your favorite book, Movie, and/or TV show? “The Bible, game shows, and the Hallmark channel.”

What do you see as one of the biggest challenges to your community today? “Homelessness” Where is one place you like to visit if you could?

“I would love to visit Alaska.”

Why is volunteering important to you? “I love giving back to my community and being with people.”

THANK YOU ESTER! 19

THANK YOU BROTHERHOOD ON WHEELS! A Saturday this summer was the perfect day for a poker run! Thanks to the riders and members of “The Brotherhood on Wheels”, numerous wonderful Culpeper Senior Center volunteers, and delicious food, a great time was had by all.

Proceeds of this gracious gift from the “Brotherhood on Wheels,” individuals in attendance, and community sponsors, benefit the socialization and recreational activities of the senior center.

Thank you so much!

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ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS’ STAFF WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY FALL SEASON!

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Did You Know . . .

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black on yellow are the 2 colors with the strongest impact the safest car color is white the most commonly forgotten item for travelers is their toothbrush Coca Cola launched its 3rd product Sprite in 1961 apples are more effective at waking you up in the morning than coffee room temperature is defined as between 20 to 25C (68 to 77F) an octopus pupil is rectangular the hyoid bone in your throat is the only bone in your body not attached to any other Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee carrots contain 0% fat there are only 4 words in the English language which end in 'dous' (they are: hazardous, horrendous, stupendous and tremendous) the oldest word in the English language is 'town' cats can't move their jaw sideways grapes explode when you put them in the microwave its physically impossible for pigs to look up at the sky your most sensitive finger is your index finger (closest to your thumb) ‘Bookkeeper' and 'bookkeeping' are the only 2 words in the English language with three consecutive double letters Venetian blinds were invented in Japan Isaac Newton invented the cat door the Titanic was built in Belfast Buckingham Palace has over 600 rooms you begin to feel thirsty when your body losses 1% of water hiccups usually lasts for 5 minutes

Encompass Community Supports PO Box 1568 Culpeper, VA 22701 VOICE OF EXPERIENCE The VOICE OF EXPERIENCE is the Community Connections for Older Adults newsletter of Encompass Community Supports for active older adults and their families in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock Counties.

For more information, please contact: Lola Walker lwalker@ecsva.org (540) 825-3100 x3358