Centered and Connected August 2021 newsletter

August 2021

Centered

& Connected

FiftyForward.org

Bordeaux | College Grove | Donelson Station | J. L. Turner Center | Knowles | Madison Station | Martin Center Connect with us!

FiftyForward turns National Friendship Day into National Friendship Month!

Did you know Sunday, August 1, is National Friendship Day? We know countless friendships are made at FiftyForward, so for the month of August we are inviting guests to visit and try out a day pass at our centers at no charge. If you have friends, neighbors, family members, or anyone else in your life who has been wanting to see what FiftyForward is all about, we hope you’ll encourage them to stop by our centers to see all that FiftyForward has to offer. Our $5 guest day pass will return in September. Please reach out to center staff for details and more information.

Friendships are forged through shared interests as these pool players from FiftyForward Martin Center can attest.

Friends Loretta Wright and Dot Carter, of FiftyForward College Grove, enjoy a good game of cards.

Libby Baughman and Anne McKinney met at FiftyForward Madison Station several years ago and became fast friends.

Janice and Nola met three years ago playing in a card tournament of Spades. Since then, they have become Spades partners for LIFE! Friends Bonnie Wood and Kate McKeon enjoy programs together at FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center.

Ola Mae Webb and Geneva McElroy met at FiftyForward Adult Day Services and became friends. Here they celebrate their photo on the side of the ADS van.

FiftyForward supports, champions, and enhances life for those 50 and older.

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Updated COVID-19 Information & Safety Practices

UPDATED COVID-19 INFO Starting Monday, August 2, masks must be worn indoors again by everyone per CDC guidance Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FiftyForward has followed the scientific guidance of the CDC. On Tuesday, July 27, the CDC changed its mask recommendations for areas with substantial or high levels of community transmission of COVID. Tennessee is one of those areas.

You can see information about COVID transmission rates by state and county here: https://covid.cdc.gov/coviddata-tracker/#county-view Beginning on Monday, August 2, in continued alignment with the recommendations of the CDC, FiftyForward will return to requiring masks indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status. There will also be no eating in centers for the month of August.

We are very disappointed to have to make this decision.

We don’t want to return to masking for vaccinated individuals in our centers and programs, but the CDC has recommended this step in areas with substantial or high levels of community transmission because there is evidence that the COVID Delta variant, which now accounts for 83% of COVID cases in the United States and is extremely highly transmissible, may be more readily spread by vaccinated individuals than previously thought. While the vaccine provides protection from

hospitalization and death due to COVID, it appears that vaccinated individuals may be able to transmit the Delta variant. In order to protect each other from spreading COVID, we all need to return to wearing masks until community transmission rates go down.

We also want to share some additional COVID information from the medical and scientific community: 1. The best way to protect ourselves from COVID and the related dangers of serious illness or death is to receive the COVID vaccine. Some people can’t receive the vaccine (children under 12, people with certain health conditions). That makes it even more important for everyone who can receive the vaccine to be vaccinated.

2. Nearly all deaths due to COVID in the United States now are of unvaccinated individuals. Read more about that here: https://apnews.com/article/ coronavirus-pandemic-health941fcf43d9731c76c16e7354f5d5e187 3. Until a higher proportion of people are vaccinated, more COVID variants are likely to develop and spread.

FiftyForward is committed to doing our part to protect our members, clients, staff and the community at large in whatever ways possible. We are constantly monitoring the data and scientific guidance regarding COVID. When community transmission rates decrease and CDC guidance changes, we will be so happy to relax our mask policies again for fully vaccinated individuals. We hope that day comes soon.

Coronavirus Hotline: 1-877-857-2945; Available daily,10 a.m.-10 p.m., CDT

COVID-19 RESOURCES Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): • Website: https://www.cdc.gov/ • Phone: 1-800-232-4636

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Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson Co. TN • Nashville COVID-19 Response: https://www.asafenashville.org/

Williamson County Office of Public Safety • http://tn-williamsoncountyops.civicplus.com/266/ Coronavirus-Disease

Tennessee Department of Health • Exhibiting possible symptoms of the coronavirus or concerned about exposure to the virus? Follow the public health advice and contact your health care provider for guidance.

• If you are unable to reach your medical provider, you can call the Tennessee Department of Health

In Tennessee, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are also available at many area pharmacy locations (Walmart, Kroger, Publix, etc.) and at area clinics.

For more info, visit the website: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html

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Center News & travel opportunity Introducing the FiftyForward F.A.N. Card!

We are excited to introduce the FiftyForward F.A.N. (Fun, Adventures, New Experiences) Card. Each “punch” is valued at $5 and cards are available for purchase in $10, $25, and $50 amounts. Cards can also be used at any FiftyForward center.

FiftyForward F.A.N. card FAQ: What can F.A.N. cards be used for?

• Any programs, classes, activities, events that have a cost • Trips • Daily guest pass ($5) How do you purchase a F.A.N. card?

Cards are available for purchase now in the Membership Portal— when you log in, you will see a link to purchase on the Member Home page.

Friends and family can purchase cards for members under the “Get Active” tab on the FiftyForward website here: https://fiftyforward.org/member-store/#!form/ FANcard. They make a great gift idea!

What if I lose my F.A.N. card?

Cards are not replaceable/refundable if lost or stolen. If you would prefer to have your F.A.N. card stored at the center, we are happy to hold onto it. Please see your center staff for more details. If you participate in activities across multiple FiftyForward centers, we recommend you keep your card so it can travel with you.

Do F.A.N. cards have an expiration date?

Cards are valid for one year from date of purchase.

FiftyForward Holiday Travel Opportunity

Join All of Us Online Café for August: Monday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m.: August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Join us as we welcome FiftyForward All of Us Peer Ambassador Karen Hernan to discuss the importance of vaccines and immunizations. As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, this topic is as important as ever. Pre-recorded video to play on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FiftyForwardAoU

We are excited to announce a wonderful travel opportunity for our members. FiftyForward will host its Holiday San Antonio, Texas, trip from Nov. 30 – Dec. 4, 2021. This trip includes roundtrip airfare, four nights accommodations, baggage handling at hotel, six meals (four breakfasts and two dinners), professional tour director, hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, and admissions to all venues. Explore the popular sites of San Antonio including the Alamo, San Jose Mission, El Mercado Marketplace, Riverwalk Cruise, Fredericksburg, Fiesta de las Luminarias and more! The cost for members is $2,125.

If you pay your final payment by check you receive a $200 discount which brings your total to $1,925. Please note that CDC guidelines will be followed. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Lisa Maddox at 615-883-8375 or lmaddox@fiftyforward.org.

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August Virtual Programming Denotes Facebook program

Denotes Zoom meeting

To participate and connect in any of these virtual programs below, please sign up in advance via the Membership Portal to receive Zoom links and additional information. The hosting center is listed to the right of the program name (if program is on Zoom).

Writers Group (Knowles) Mondays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1 p.m. on Zoom.

Join the Knowles Writers group, a meeting where writers share their memoirs. This is a great way to travel down memory lane and connect with fellow FiftyForward members.

Chair Yoga (Knowles) Wednesdays, August 4, 11, 18 & 25, 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Restorative/Chair yoga led by Knowles member and certified yoga instructor, Barbara Clinton. This hourlong class is great for people of all fitness levels and yoga backgrounds. In August, we will also be streaming the class at the center — so please come in and join us!

Denotes member-led program

Walgreens Health Talk (Madison Station) Thursday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. on Zoom.

Join pharmacists from our local Madison Walgreens to discuss relevant health-related topics. This month, they will discuss high blood pressure. If there is a specific topic you would like to see covered, please let Heather know!

Chat & Chew w/Melvin & Chisom (Bordeaux) Thursday, August 26, 12 p.m. on Zoom.

Join Bordeaux Center Director, Melvin Fowler, and meet our new Program Coordinator, Chisom!

Bible Study (Donelson Station) Saturday, August 28, 10 a.m. on conference line The Bible Study group will be meeting through a conference line. Please sign up through the portal to receive an email with the login information.

Bluebird Café Senior Show Monday, August 9, 10 a.m. on private YouTube link We might not be able to see live performances at the Bluebird Café right now, but we can still enjoy their monthly senior show virtually.

FiftyForward Centers Return to Normal Operating Hours on August 2

New Additions to the Membership Portal Video Library

Beginning August 2, all FiftyForward Lifelong Learning Centers will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. You may check our website for more information: https://fiftyforward.org/locations/

Did you know that access to the Membership Portal includes a video library filled with programs including Arts & Crafts, Fitness, Health & Wellness, Lifelong Learning, Entertainment, and Resources? We hope you check out these newly-added programs to our video library this month.

You can access these programs by logging into your account here: https://fiftyforward.org/member/ #myaccount : Fitness: Chair Exercise with Hiedy - Whole Body Workout Lifelong Learning: Sweet Treats with Heather, Banana Split Cake; The Local Hive Café: Honey Harvest Parts 1, 2, 3 Health & Wellness: Walgreens Health Talk - Sleep

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FiftyForward Online Offerings & Day Trips

FiftyForward has a lot to offer; learn more at www.FiftyForward.org Check out FiftyForward’s podcast Squeeze the Day! Our August podcast (released 8/18) features Vera Coleman, FiftyForward All of Us Peer Ambassador. Coleman spent a lifetime working in microbiology and in Human Resources including working for Vanderbilt in the 1960s where few women were working in the sciences. When the call came for peer ambassadors, Vera jumped at the chance.

Learn how this energetic 87-year-old Nashville native gives back to her hometown and plans to leave a legacy.

Give it a listen: https://fiftyforward.org/podcast/

FiftyForward Exchange Tune in to FiftyForward Exchange, a video series where we discuss engaging topics that are relevant to older adults today. We have new Exchanges out every other month. This month FiftyForward Patricia Hart Building (PHB) Director Sharie Loik Godman speaks with Dianne Oliver of The West End Home Foundation about combating ageism.

Take a look through the past programs if you haven’t seen them yet as well.

View FiftyForward Exchange here: https:// fiftyforward.org/videos/ #exchange

If you have a smart speaker system (Siri, Alexa, Google Home), just ask it to “play Squeeze the Day podcast.” It’s that easy!

Read Forward Focus online!

Read our Blog!

The summer edition of Forward Focus is now available on news stands and online. This edition will be our last in our 40+ years of printing. We hope you have enjoyed reading Forward Focus as much as we have enjoyed publishing it!

Did you know FiftyForward has a blog that is featured on our website? We feature stories about timely events, interesting people, health and wellness, hobbies, technology, and self-care. https://fiftyforward.org/blog/

You can read it online: https://fiftyforward.org/newsroom/forwardfocus/

FiftyForward Center Day Trips Resume in September!

We are excited to announce that day trips at our Lifelong Learning Centers will start resuming in September! We know many members have been looking forward to these trips. As with all other FiftyForward operations, safety is our top priority. When trips resume the schedule will initially be light and the following guidelines will be in place: •

All members and drivers must wear masks while inside FiftyForward vehicles, whether you are vaccinated or not.

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FiftyForward vehicle occupancy levels will be reduced to start. Passenger vans will have a limit of 8 riders, and our larger buses will have a limit of 15 riders.

If you have any questions or are interested in being a volunteer driver, please connect with center staff for more information.

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RESOURCES & Support groups FiftyForward Resources FiftyForward Supportive Care Services Did you know FiftyForward offers a variety of services to support older adults including: •

Adult Day Services

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FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels*

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Conservatorship

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Living at Home Care Management

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Care Team

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Victory Over Crime*

*Davidson County only

Click this link to learn more: https://fiftyforward.org/supportive-care/

Spots are still available. See details below; sign up by Aug. 2 for August classes!

Do you help care for an adult with chronic conditions?

If so, you are not alone. Over 43.5 million family caregivers in America provide a vast array of emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking, and other services on a daily or an intermittent basis.

FiftyForward is offering an educational series designed to provide tools you need to take care of yourself. As a participant you will learn how to: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, increase ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.

Classes consist of six, 90-minute sessions held once a week on Zoom.

Interactive lessons, discussions, and brainstorming help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

Connect to resources and essential services for older adults in Davidson and Williamson counties, The first class will be on Tuesday, Aug. 3, from 12:30-2 p.m. via by calling the FiftyForward Resource Line at Zoom. Classes will run each consecutive week for 6 weeks 615-743-3416.

(6 sessions total) and will wrap up on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Men’s Bold and Golden Support Group “Bold and Golden,” the retired men's group that started two years ago at FiftyForward Knowles, is looking for more members. The group returned to in-person meetings at FiftyForward in mid-June.

Contact us at the email below and if you are unable to participate in this group, but are interested in being contacted when we offer Powerful Tool for Caregivers again, please email Kaitlyn at kparrish@fiftyforward.org

For more information, kindly contact Dan Surface, 615-4766364 or dan@dansurface.me.

LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group Did you know that FiftyForward has an LGBTQ+ support group?

In the LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group, we socialize, share and receive encouragement and ideas, and build a community with each other. Group meetings are held on Zoom once a month. If you would like to join this group, have questions, and/or need more information, please contact Ashley Hunter at 615-743-3417.

Center Member/ Client Virtual Support Groups Are you looking for a virtual space to engage with other older adults, share and navigate similar experiences, offer and receive encouragement, and get connected to resources? If so, you may be eligible to join our new center member/client virtual support group.

Groups meet twice a month over the course of three months. If you would like to join this group, have questions, and/or need more information, please contact Kristen Maloney at 615-743-3436.

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