February 2021
Centered
& Connected
FiftyForward.org
Bordeaux | College Grove | Donelson Station | J. L. Turner Center | Knowles | Madison Station | Martin Center Connect with us!
Membership opens a world of possibilities FiftyForward membership has so many benefits, and we are so excited to be able to begin to offer in-person programming, beginning in February. It is no secret social connections are the spice of life and keep us healthy in mind and spirit. Now more than ever we need and want to connect with each other. We have missed you … and we can tell you have missed one another by the outpouring of comments and attendance at our Beep-and-Greet events, our Front Yard Chats and some of the words of encouragement you shared with us in the selfies you submitted. (Watch for more in the future!) On Jan. 15 we launched our new membership portal (https://fiftyforward.org/member/#myaccount), and it will give you more ways to connect with one another including a directory of other members. Renew your membership and take advantage of all we have to offer. Be sure to tell your friends and family to join! Here is what to expect: When you join or renew your membership, you will have access to an ever-expanding library of video programming. Did you like a particular yoga class? You can “revisit” it online. Did you enjoy a baking program but want to watch it again? You can through our video library!
we are able. For February, check out some of our programming for Black History Month and Heart Health Month. Of special note is the upcoming Zoom panel called, “Black Voices of Nashville” on Thursday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m., featuring various speakers from the Nashville area including Judge Rachel Bell, State Senator Brenda Gilmore, and Pastor Keith Caldwell. Join our FiftyForward family to connect with one another, explore new classes, and learn new skills .
We will continue to build out the library so you can follow along on a variety of programs and we will continue to increase in-person programs at the center as
FiftyForward supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. 1
By Melvin D. Fowler, Director FiftyForward Bordeaux I clearly remember growing up in Jackson, Tennessee, without a care in the world. My mother was a housewife, and my father was supervisor at a cotton mill. Unlike my mother, my father never talked much about his family. I do remember him telling me once that I must have some of his genes, and I thought, “Well, yes, you are my father.” When I asked him what he meant, he said, “My father is white.” I looked at him and, being Melvin, said, “Really?!?” because I didn’t know that basic fact about my father. Although there were obvious physical differences between my brothers and sisters, we never thought about why we had different complexions. We were just siblings. Although I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood where all my neighbors looked like me, reading and watching TV I noticed that I did not see many people there who looked like me. When my three brothers had to be bused to an all-white school, I clearly remember the pain and frustration that came with that. My oldest brother regularly got into fights with white classmates. At the dinner table, my parents lectured us about how to be safe at school and in the community. This was probably my first realization of racism. During one class period, when students were asked to stand up and say what they wanted to be when they grew up, I was fascinated with tennis and said that I wanted to be a tennis player. A lot of my white classmates laughed saying, “You can’t play tennis because you’re Black.” The strangest thing about this entire conversation was that my teacher did not interject or say anything.
out and played football and basketball. My white teammates would smile with me on the football field and basketball court, but in class, it was as if they didn’t know me; they excluded and ignored me as if I was not there.
In 9th grade, the physical education teacher, Mr. Pierce, learned that I was passionate about tennis but did not have the means to purchase a tennis racket. One day, he and I were out on the tennis court, and he gave me a racket and free tennis lessons. Mr. Pierce, a white man, saw my passion, mentored me, and helped me become a phenomenal tennis player. Entering high school in 1980, my best friend and I were elated to make the all-white tennis team. My senior year, I became the second Black tennis player ever to be the number one seed. Oftentimes when we traveled to smaller cities, spectators shouted degrading names and called me the “Nword,” “monkey,” and much more. I accepted a full tennis scholarship to Lambuth College. When my father first drove me to campus, we immediately saw a HUGE rebel flag on a fraternity house, and I thought that this was not a good welcome sign. When the tennis team traveled to different colleges, I would still hear shouts of the “N-word “and other disrespectful language. I became the first African American freshman #1 tennis seed, but my accomplishment was not recognized or showcased in the freshman yearbook.
Middle school was a challenging time for me. My mother died, and my father was working a lot to keep the family together. We had to move from our old neighborhood to a public housing complex. My father wasn’t thrilled about my playing tennis and wanted me to play other sports so I tried
Despite my negative experiences of racism, I still have hope that one day racism will just be a thought of the past. I live by this quote from Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Throughout my life, there have been white people who treated me badly due to my race, and there were white people that helped me. My personal approach to and outlook on life is that I never lose; either I win, or I learn. 2
Stay connected through virtual programming Denotes Facebook program
Denotes member-led program
Connect with us!
Denotes Zoom meeting
Check out the new Membership Portal Video Library Our FiftyForward Membership Portal is live! You can log in here: https://fiftyforward.org/member/ #myaccount 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 in our video library, listed below:
Arts & Crafts: Watercolor Flowers with Kim Lane; Jewelry-Making with Barbara (Wrapped Necklace); Jewelry-Making with Barbara (Leather Bracelet) Fitness: Tabata Strength-Training Chest Workout; Chair Exercise Whole Body Workout with Hiedy; AOA Movement class with Kim Lane Health & Wellness: Cooking Vegan with Vickee - featuring recipes for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Chocolate Bars, and No-Bake Protein Peanut Butter Cookies Lifelong Learning: Birdwatching with Brandy; Gardening with Melvin - Planting Herbs; Cooking with Heather - Broccoli Cheddar Soup Member Resources: FiftyForward Exchange - Race and Older Adults; FiftyForward Exchange - COVID-19 and Older Adults; FiftyForward Exchange - Mental Health; All of Us Online Café - Peer Ambassador Mary Jo McKelvey
Entertainment: Music with Beth
Community Conversations with FiftyForward Staff As we prepare for the return to in-center programming in February, we hope you can join one of the “Community Conversations” Zoom programs each of our centers are hosting during the first week of February. Center staff will join FiftyForward leadership and members for an open dialogue about the return to in-center programming, FiftyForward safety policies and guidelines, and any questions/concerns you may have. Dates and times for each event are outlined below. To ensure we can answer as many questions as possible, please try to submit your questions in advance to the appropriate email or center phone number. FiftyForward Bordeaux: Friday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Call 615-248-2272 or email mfowler@fiftyforward.org FiftyForward College Grove: Monday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Call 615-368-7093 or email sstephens@fiftyforward.org
FiftyForward Donelson Station: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. Call 615-883-8375 or email ecurtis@fiftyforward.org FiftyForward Knowles: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. Call 615-743-3488 or email sloik@fiftyforward.org FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m. Call 615-622-3040 or email crigsby@fiftyforward.org FiftyForward Madison Station: Thursday, Feb. 4, 3 p.m. Call 615-860-7180 or email madison.station@fiftyforward.org
FiftyForward Martin Center: Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1:30 p.m. Call 615-376-0102 or email bhunt@fiftyforward.org 3
Virtual Programming Continued Don’t Miss These Virtual Offerings in February! To participate and connect in any of these virtual programs below, please call or email your home center for more information! Writers Group Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15 & 22, 1 p.m. on ZOOM. Join the Knowles Writers group, a meeting where fellow writers share their memoirs. This is a great way to travel down memory lane and connect with FiftyForward members.
Gentle Yoga with Jan Cronin-Howell Tuesdays and Thursdays in February, 9 a.m. on Facebook. The only requirement of this gentle yoga class is that you must be able to get on the ground and be able to get back up. Reminisce Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1 p.m. on Zoom. Go back in time with FiftyForward member Nancy McDougal. This group celebrates the good times with fun, engaging stories about what we loved in the past and how it shapes our lives today. You can join via video on your device or if you do not have video capability, then you can join by calling in on the conference call feature. Restorative/Chair Yoga with Barbara Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 11 a.m. on ZOOM. Restorative/Chair yoga led by certified yoga instructor, Barbara Clinton. This hourlong class is great for people of all fitness levels and yoga backgrounds.
Low Impact Aerobics Fridays in February, 10 a.m. on Facebook. Led by Janice Judd, this 30-minute low impact aerobics class gets your body moving to great music! FiftyForward All of Us Research Program February Offerings: • All of Us Online Café - Monday, Feb. 8 and Monday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m. on Facebook. Feb. 8: Topic: Have a Heart? New, old, and delicious ways to stay heart healthy through the winter with Dr. Amy Neff. Feb. 22: All of Us Peer Ambassador Royce Sisk shares his story. • “Be Well Café” with the Nashville Public Library and FiftyForward All of Us Research Program - Thursday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m. on Zoom. Topic: Gratitude is good for the heart! Pre-register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJIscOutqTgsE9LskWDSTb637c-Zck9RVGKk
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Voices of the Generations Holocaust Presentation Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. on Zoom. Hear a unique and personal approach to Holocaust education in the family story of two Holocaust survivors, as told by their daughter Julie Kohner. Julie Kohner has been a Jewish educator for over thirty years, with a master’s degree in educational counseling. After Julie’s mother,
Black History Brain Bowl Wednesday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. on Zoom. Members will engage in a Zoom educational brain bowl in celebration of February Black History Month. Property Tax Freeze and Relief Program Presentation Thursday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. on Webex. If you are 65+ you may qualify to freeze your property taxes in Davidson county. There is also a program offering tax assistance to the elderly, veterans, and disabled who are on a fixed income. https://nashville.webex.com/nashville/j.php? MTID=m700d8f5504ed21a2e147e38e3eda01ce “Let’s Talk About” Series Friday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on ZOOM. Let's talk about your strengths and how to more effectively use them this year in self-development, relationships, and work or volunteer activities. Book Discussion Group Tuesday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m. This groups meets to discuss the selected book for this month. The selected book for February is Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. Bellevue History Group by ZOOM Thursday, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Speaker Annette Valentine. Chat & Chew with Melvin Fowler Thursday, Feb. 25, 12 p.m. on Zoom. A Zoom video chat is a way for FiftyForward Bordeaux staff to keep the social line open and to help members not feel so isolated during this COVID pandemic. Join Melvin and Hiedy for a fun, informal, virtual get-together.
Join Janice Judd on Facebook every Friday for low-impact aerobics! Hanna, a Holocaust survivor, passed away in 1990, Julie began to create educational programs to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Her goal is to teach the Holocaust as seen through her mother’s eyes. This was the beginning of Voices of the Generations, a unique and personal approach to Holocaust education. To participate, please call or email your home center for more information! 4
Return to In-Center Programming & Front Yard Chats FiftyForward centers are planning to resume in-center activities Monday, Feb. 1, with programs scheduled Monday-Thursday. Our priority is to keep all members and staff safe, so we appreciate your understanding that plans during this time of COVID-19 can change. We will continue to monitor information from local and state officials, follow CDC guidelines, and incorporate best practices for safety. Please review the following guidelines for your return to in-center activities:
and programs that are on the calendar. Please refer to each center’s calendar of events for registration information. •
To start, we will not have activities or groups that require the sharing of items (cards, game pieces, etc.). Pool players will designate one person to handle the pool balls and/or use gloves and sanitizer.
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The current maximum group size for any one activity is 8 members. Some groups may be smaller, but there will be no more than 8 to start. Due to the limited group size, only FiftyForward members will be permitted to participate in activities at this time (no guests at this time).
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Masks must be worn at all times while inside the centers.
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Members and staff must maintain social distancing at all times. Please no high-fiving, elbow-bumping, or anything else that would prevent you from staying six feet apart.
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No food is allowed in centers. Members may bring their own beverages in their own containers, but FiftyForward will not provide beverages or coffee in February.
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Each time a member enters the center, a COVID-19 screening will be completed. Members are required to sign our COVID Exposure Protocol to participate in in-person activities. This form will only need to be signed once for our files.
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We will not have member volunteers providing support at centers at this time.
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Some centers may continue to offer activities outdoors, too.
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Members must pre-register for all activities, groups,
FiftyForward Front Yard Chats
If you would like to visit outside with a FiftyForward staff member (temperature-dependent!), don’t forget to schedule a Front Yard Chat! We’ll bring our lawn chairs and masks, and visit with you outside of your home or housing community. Call your center if you would like to sign up! FiftyForward Bordeaux: 615-248-2272 FiftyForward College Grove: 615-368-7093 FiftyForward Donelson Station: 615-883-8375 FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center: 615-622-3040 FiftyForward Knowles Center: 615-743-3433 FiftyForward Madison Station: 615-860-7180 FiftyForward Martin Center: 615-376-0102
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Special Black History Month programming
An intergenerational panel sharing wisdom and hope In honor of Black History Month, FiftyForward is proud to sponsor, “Black Voices of Nashville: An Intergenerational Panel Sharing Wisdom and Hope.” Join us on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., for an interactive panel highlighting members of Nashville's African American community. Learn as they share how their passions and experiences -- within their culture and careers -- have shaped the mosaic of our city. To attend this panel, you can watch live on FiftyForward center Facebook pages, or you can watch via Zoom:
State Senator Brenda Gilmore Has served the Nashville community for more than two decades on Metro Council
Judge Rachel Bell Presiding General Sessions Court, Division VIII (8)
Keith Caldwell Former NAACP President and cofounder of the Urban EpiCenter
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83491955884 and use Meeting ID: 834 9195 5884. To join by Zoom audio, please call 1-312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 834 9195 5884. If you have any questions contact Kelly Lavely at 615-883-8375. Join Moderator Melva Black for this insightful discussion.
Vera Coleman Retired Medical Researcher, All of Us Program Peer Ambassador
Melva Black, Moderator Assistant Dean of Humanities, Volunteer State Community College
Emily Eriamiatoe FiftyForward Care Manager
Elijah Avery FiftyForward All of Us Program Outreach Coordinator
Additional FiftyForward programs in celebration of Black History Month… Black History Brain Bowl Wednesday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. on Zoom. Join Melvin Fowler and the FiftyForward Bordeaux team for an educational brain bowl in celebration of Black History Month. There will be prizes! To sign up, please email mfowler@fiftyforward.org or call 615-248-2272. Screening of Becoming (the documentary about Michelle Obama) Monday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at FiftyForward Madison Station. In celebration of Black History month, join us for a viewing of “Becoming,” a documentary looking at former first lady Michelle Obama’s life, hopes, and connection with others. To sign up, please email madison.station@fiftyforward.org or call 615-860-7180.
Movie Day featuring Hidden Figures Monday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m. at FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center. Join us for a screening of Hidden Figures, a film that centers on three pioneering African American women whose mathematical expertise for NASA proved integral to several historic space missions. To sign up, please email crigsby@fiftyforward.org or call 615-622-3040. Movie Club featuring Hidden Figures Tuesday, Feb. 16, 12 p.m. at FiftyForward Knowles. In celebration of Black History Month, we will be watching Hidden Figures, a film that centers on three pioneering African American women whose mathematical expertise for NASA proved integral to several historic space missions. To sign up, please email gdench@fiftyforward.org or call 615-743-3488. 6
FiftyForward Offerings LGBT Peer Support Group
Center Member/Client Virtual Support Groups
Did you know that FiftyForward has an LGBT support group? The purpose of the group is to socialize, receive encouragement, share ideas, and develop a sense of community. The 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.
Are you looking for a virtual space to engage with other older adults, share and navigate similar experiences, offer and receive encouragement, or share and get connected to resources? If so, you may be eligible to join our new center member/client virtual support group. Groups will 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.
FiftyForward has a lot to offer online at www.FiftyForward.org FiftyForward Exchange Check out FiftyForward Exchange, a place where we work to discuss engaging topics that are relevant to older adults today. We have new exchanges out every other month. View it here: https://fiftyforward.org/videos/#exchange Watch for more “exchanges” in the coming months!
Check out FiftyForward’s podcast “Squeeze the Day!” Be sure to catch FiftyForward’s new podcast, “Squeeze the Day,” celebrating the remarkable achievements of older adults in our community. In this podcast, FiftyForward Communications Director and podcast host, Susan Sizemore, welcomes Gayle “GG” Goad, a modern-day Renaissance woman. Listen to how her innate curiosity fuels her life and keeps her interested in trying new things. Give a listen: https://fiftyforward.org/podcast/ If you have a smart speaker system (Siri, Alexa, Google Home), ask it to play the “Squeeze the Day podcast.” It’s that easy!
Check out our winter edition of Forward Focus out on newsstands now. This edition is all about staying sane and safe during COVID19. The edition features articles on mental health, vaccinations, digital literacy training, and much more! https://fiftyforward.org/newsroom/forwardfocus/
Take our reader survey by Feb. 10 and get a chance to win a $100 gift card!
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 selfcare. Take a look: https://fiftyforward.org/blog/
Click this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WT2S6PD
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RESOURCES Nashville Public Library (NPL) is now offering access to public computers at five branch locations. Call ahead to book a one-hour session on a weekday, or a two-hour session on a weekend. No walk-ins are accepted.
Main Library, 615 Church St.: 615-862-5800 Bellevue, 720 Baugh Rd.: 615-862-5854 Bordeaux, 4000 Clarksville Pike: 615-862-5856 Madison, 610 Gallatin Pike South: 615-862-5868 Southeast, 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, #201: 615-862-5871
Tax Appointments in 2021! We will be offering tax appointments with AARP in 2021 at three of our FiftyForward centers including FiftyForward Donelson Station, FiftyForward Knowles and FiftyForward Madison Station. Only a few appointment slots are left. If you are able to file your taxes online, we encourage you to utilize that option and reserve the in-person appointments for those who may not have access to technology to file online. Two free options for filing your taxes online include: For free VITA virtual tax filing online visit: https://www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes/unitedway VITA appointments are through the United Way
To submit a request for virtual tax assistance through AARP visit: https://taxaideqa.aarp.org/hc/en-us
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RESOURCES FiftyForward Resources FiftyForward Supportive Care Services: •
Connection to resources and essential services for older adults in Davidson and Williamson counties FiftyForward Resource Line: 615-743-3416
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FiftyForward Victory Over Crime provides free support services to those 50+ who live in Davidson County and have been the victim of abuse, exploitation or another crime. If you have been affected by crime and need assistance, call FiftyForward Victory Over Crime at 615-743-3417
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): • Website: https://www.cdc.gov/ • Phone: 1-800-232-4636 Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson Co. TN • Nashville COVID-19 Response: https://www.asafenashville.org/
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 Coronavirus Hotline: 1-877-857-2945; Available daily,10 a.m. -10 p.m., CDT • For more info, visit the website: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html Williamson County Office of Public Safety • http://tn-williamsoncountyops.civicplus.com/266/ Coronavirus-Disease Metro Nashville Behavioral Health & Wellness: • Crisis Support Center Phone: 615-244-7444 • Crisis Unit Phone: 615-726-0125
State of TN: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/ covid-19-vaccine-information.html and https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/#iGotMyShotTN Phone #: 877-857-2945 Metro Health Dept: https://www.asafenashville.org/ Nashville residents ages 75+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Jan. 9. Residents are required to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. Phone #: 615-862-7777 Williamson County Health Dept: https://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/120/HealthDepartment Coronavirus Information Line: 615-595-4880
YWCA Nashville Domestic Violence Crisis & Support: • Support Phone & Text Line: 615-983-5170 • Website: https://www.ywcanashville.com/ Mental Health America MidSouth offers 10 free evidence-based screenings that can be taken anonymously. Use a QR code app, or visit mhascreening.org to take a screening. Participants will then be directed to a variety of resources.
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