March 2021
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Recognizing Women’s Rights for All of Us By Kelsey Mahaffey FiftyForward All of Us Project Director In 1995 March was designated as National Women’s History Month. Today, more than 25 years after this historic designation, women are continuing to live, and make, incredible history. Vice-President Kamala Harris is the first female, as well as the first Black woman and first Asian American, to be elected to the second highest office in the United States. While this shows we have made strides in closing the gender gap between women and men, we still have a long way to go. Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate the achievements of women who have gone before us; it also serves as a reminder of the important work women continue to do, and the barriers they still face. Various movements to address women’s inequality have happened over the decades, including the suffrage movement to win women the right to vote in the early 20th century, and the women’s rights movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. While the “firstwave” of feminism focused on women’s legal rights, the “second-wave” expanded to all areas of women’s experience including work, home, politics, and sexuality. Today in the U.S., women remain underpaid. Among full-time workers in 2016, women earned less than 81 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Jobs in childcare and service industries, the vast
majority held by women, continue to occupy the bottom of the income ladder. In contrast, women represent only 5 percent of CEOs at Fortune 500 companies. In the current climate of COVID-19, women -- especially Black, Hispanic, and Asian women -- are also disproportionately affected. Frontline or essential jobs in the health care and social work sectors are overwhelmingly made up of female employees. According to the Center for American Progress, since the pandemic, women have lost a net of 5.4 million jobs during the recession — nearly 1 million more job losses than men. Continued on page 2
FiftyForward supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. 1
Women’s History Month special events Recognizing Women’s Rights for All of Us Continued from page 1
Please join us for these additional Women’s History events in March
Women remain the backbone of our society in many ways, yet have been previously excluded from specific areas, including medical research. In fact, most past research studies have been conducted on the “average” white male. But times are changing. The All of Us Research Program from the National Institutes of Health seeks to increase diversity in medical research, including the representation of women and other underrepresented communities. The NIH has partnered with various community groups like FiftyForward to help provide education on this important health initiative and encourage people to enroll.
Women’s Appreciation Zoom Luncheon (Bordeaux) Wednesday, March 10, 11 a.m. on ZOOM. FiftyForward Bordeaux staff will host a Zoom luncheon to show our appreciation for our great women members!
“All of Us offers a wonderful opportunity for women to be seen and included,” says retired RN and FiftyForward Peer Ambassador Mary Jo McKelvey. Many women agree, as close to 60% of the 360,000+ participants enrolled so far identify as female. They understand the importance of taking part in medical research and want to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren. “I cannot imagine being a woman in the days before the 19th amendment,” continues McKelvey, “The right to vote is a basic recognition of one’s personhood. I am so grateful to all the women who worked to obtain this fundamental right, and for opportunities like All of Us where women are actively seen and valued.” The fact remains that no individual is more important than any other. Everyone should be given equal rights and opportunities. To argue the contrary will only set this country back, rather than move it forward. Gloria Steinem, acclaimed journalist, and trailblazing feminist, said, “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
Let March be a time when we celebrate the important roles women have previously held, as well as recognize the continued need to fight for equality for all of us. FiftyForward is proud to be a partner with the All of Us Research Program. To learn more, please visit: joinallofus.org/fiftyforward.
Hidden Figures movie screening (Madison Station) Monday, March 29, 10 a.m. In celebration of Women’s History Month, join us for a screening of Hidden Figures, the story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Movie Time (Martin Center) Wednesday, March 31, 1-3 p.m. Join friends to relax, chat and watch a movie. This month’s selection is Hidden Figures.
Virtual Tea Party for International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8, 4 p.m. Gather your favorite cup, tea, and hot water and come for a tea ceremony, conversation, and community with women around the world. This free event is hosted by Becca Stevens, Maneet Chauhan, Tanya Holland, and special guests. To register for the FREE event and learn more, visit: https://thistlefarms.org/pages/tea-and-justice
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March special events Join us for Whistlestop Louisville! FiftyForward Madison Station’s annual Whistlestop fundraiser salutes Louisville, Kentucky, this year, with a special two-part event on Thursday, March 11. Once again, Lelan Statom, NewsChannel5 meteorologist and co-host of Talk of the Town, will be the guest emcee for the event. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the evening will consist of both a fun, Louisville-themed drive-through experience, and a virtual program that supports and celebrates the work of FiftyForward Madison Station. Just like the illustrious horse racing for which Louisville is known, Whistlestop will feature festival-type components: The starting gate event will feature a drive-through party in the parking lot of FiftyForward Madison Station (530 Madison Station Blvd.) from 4:30-6 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will make attendees feel like they have been transported to Louisville. Participants will be able to interact with featured sponsors; receive their catered meal (if purchased) including Kentucky staples such as Hot Brown Sliders and Derby pie, prepared by local Madison business The Go Go Gourmet; have the opportunity to get their photo taken at the “Winners Circle;” have fun at the prize wall; meet the Conductor of the Year candidates, and much more. The race is on from 7-8 p.m. when the program goes virtual: Attendees will be able to enjoy their meals from the comfort of their homes and watch the second half of Whistlestop online. The virtual program will feature live entertainment, a video highlighting the work of FiftyForward Madison Station, the presentation of awards including the Conductor of the Year, Member of the Year, as well as the “Live like Gilda” Community Service Award named for the late Gilda York, a long-time and dedicated community volunteer. Tickets are available at www.fiftyforward.org/whistlestop and include the following options: • Whistlestop VIP tickets are $75 and include dinner and a link for the virtual event featuring entertainment and the awards presentation.
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Virtual Whistlestop tickets are $50 and include a link for the virtual event featuring entertainment and awards presentation.
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The Diner Car which includes eight Whistlestop VIP tickets for a group rate of $550.
For more information, visit https://fiftyforward.org/
Breaking ground on Madison Station Boulevard FiftyForward was happy to be part of the groundbreaking festivities for Music City Roots who will be our new next-door neighbor. We are equally excited about the name change from Madison Avenue to Madison Station Blvd. FiftyForward Madison Station’s new address is now 530 Madison Station Blvd. (L-R): Chris Frieberg, VP of Operations, Kiewit Corporation; Curtis Gardner, Treasurer, Madison-Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce; David Rast, Regional Transportation Manager, TTL Inc.; Nancy VanReece, Metro Nashville Councilmember, District 8; Brandy Lamb, Lead Center Director, FiftyForward Madison Station; Gary Hawkins, Landscape Architect, Hawkins Partners Inc.; Bill Beck, Tennessee State Representative, District 51; Sallie Hussey, CEO, FiftyForward.
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Stay connected through virtual programming Connect with us!
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 to our video library this month, listed below: Fitness: Gentle Yoga with Jan Cronin Lifelong Learning: "Black Voices of Nashville: An Intergenerational Panel Sharing Wisdom and Hope;” Georgina’s Best Bakes: Beer Bread Member Resources: FiftyForward Exchange - Men’s Mental Health with Dan Surface Entertainment: Entertainment from Fred Frawley
Meet FiftyForward’s new Member Services Specialist! We are excited to introduce Steve Bianchi, our new FiftyForward Member Services Specialist. While Steve is based out of FiftyForward Madison Station, he will be working closely with members across all FiftyForward centers, spearheading membership registrations and renewals in our new Membership Portal, and managing statistical data. Steve moved to Nashville in 1997 and a week after arrival was lucky enough to be hired by Nashville Children’s Theatre, where over 20 years he moved from part-time
receptionist to Box Office Manager and then Director of Marketing. Steve also spent two years as Marketing Director at Nashville Repertory Theater, managing the customer service process for patrons, working with other nonprofits, handling media relations, supporting their Development department, and so many other duties. He is still unsure why some organizations say “Marketing Director” and others say “Director of Marketing.” We know our members will enjoy getting to know Steve. For membership queries or assistance in using our new Membership Portal to manage your membership, contact Steve at membership@fiftyforward.org.
Virtual Program Highlight: Staying Safe: Solutions for Scams & Older Adult Exploitation Tuesday, March 9, 1 p.m. on ZOOM While scam prevention awareness has terrific benefits, criminal scam activity continues to target us all, especially older adults. Join AgeWell and FiftyForward Victory Over Crime for an informative presentation that will address: current scams and how to prevent them; why older adults are targeted; and whom to contact for help and reporting criminal activity. Whether you’re an older adult, caregiver, healthcare professional, concerned neighbor, or simply someone wanting to avoid scams and exploitation of older adults, we hope you can join us!
Click this Zoom link to access: https:// zoom.us/j/93961818794? pwd=UGtxVE4wNDF1YitqeWdsb2w2RUJrUT0 9
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March Virtual Programming Denotes Facebook program
Denotes Zoom meeting
To participate and connect in any of these virtual programs below, please call or email your home center for more information! The hosting center is listed to the right of the program name (if program is on Zoom). Writers Group (Knowles) Mondays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 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 March, 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 (Madison Station) Tuesday, March 2, 1 p.m. on ZOOM. Go back in time with FiftyForward member Nancy McDougal. This group celebrates the good times with fun and 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 join by calling in on the conference call feature. Restorative/Chair Yoga with Barbara (Knowles) Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11 a.m. on ZOOM. Restorative/Chair yoga led by certified yoga instructor Barbara Clinton. This hour- long class is great for people of all fitness levels and yoga backgrounds. Low Impact Aerobics Fridays in March, 10 a.m. on Facebook. Led by Janice Judd, this 30-minute low impact aerobics class gets your body moving to great music! Creating Memoirs (Turner) Tuesdays, March 9, 23, 1:30 p.m. on ZOOM. Work on writing your personal memoir. Staying Safe: Solutions for Scams & Older Adult Exploitation Tuesday, March 9, 1 p.m. on ZOOM. Join AgeWell and FiftyForward Victory Over Crime for an informative presentation that will address current scams and how to prevent them, why older adults are targeted, and whom to contact for help and reporting criminal activity. Zoom link to access: https://zoom.us/ j/93961818794? pwd=UGtxVE4wNDF1YitqeWdsb2w2RUJrUT09
Denotes member-led program
Women’s Appreciation Zoom Luncheon (Bordeaux) Wednesday, March 10, 11 a.m. on ZOOM. FiftyForward Bordeaux staff will host a Zoom luncheon to show our appreciation for our great women members! Brain Health Presented by Vanderbilt Nursing Students (Turner) Monday, March 15, 1 p.m. on ZOOM. Join our Vanderbilt Nursing students as they present programs for FiftyForward. This presentation will cover Brain Health. Book Discussion Group (College Grove) Tuesday, March 16, 9 a.m. on ZOOM. This groups meets to discuss the selected book for this month. The selected book for March is “Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead. Chicos “Fun Fashion” (Donelson Station) Tuesday, March 16, 10 a.m. on ZOOM. Join Chicos clothing store for a fun fashion show to view outfits and accessories available for purchase! Everyone who shops through this event will receive a discount of 10% on their purchase. Call the store following the event to arrange for pickup, including the option for curbside pickup. “Fred O’Frawley’s Irish Heritage” (Martin Center) Tuesday, March 16, 2-3 p.m. on ZOOM. Join us in the center to hear Fred Frawley tell tales of his family’s Irish roots. Held in the Multi-purpose Room. A mask must be worn at all times, Limit 8 participants. Call 615-376-0102 or email bhunt@fiftyforward.org for a ZOOM link to join from your home. Bellevue History Group by ZOOM (Turner) Thursday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. on ZOOM. Speaker to be announced soon! National Poison Prevention Week Presentation, CoronavirusRelated Poisonings (Martin Center) Wednesday March 24,1-2 p.m. on ZOOM. Join us for a presentation by Tennessee Poison Control Center on how to be aware of poisoning concerns during the pandemic. Chat & Chew with Melvin Fowler and Hiedy Jackson (Bordeaux) Thursday, March 25, 12 p.m. on ZOOM. Join FiftyForward Bordeaux staff Melvin Fowler and Hiedy Jackson for an informal, fun, virtual get-together on Zoom. We find this is a great way to connect and combat isolation. Brain Brawlers Trivia (Turner) Tuesday, March 30, 1 p.m. on ZOOM and on-site. Team play of general knowledge trivia.
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All of Us Programming in March and In-Center Safety Practices FiftyForward All of Us Research Program March Offerings:
All of Us Online Café - Mondays, March 8, 22, and 29, 1 p.m. on Facebook. •
March 8: FiftyForward All of Us Peer Ambassador Karen Hernan shares her story about volunteering for the All of Us Research Program.
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March 22: Why I Chose the COVID-19 Vaccine Tune in as FiftyForward All of Us Peer Ambassadors from various communities share why they chose to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. Panelists include Vera Coleman, Vernon Prevatt, Bobby Smotherman, and Alicia Gaitani. Streaming Live on Facebook!
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March 29: Topic: Nutrition for All of Us! Join Sharie Loik and Victoria Schoffner from FiftyForward Fresh to learn the importance of nutrition and how our needs change as we age. Streaming Live on Facebook!
FiftyForward centers are now offering in-center programs scheduled Monday-Thursday. 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: •
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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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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“Be Well Café” with the Nashville Public Library and FiftyForward All of Us Research Program - Thursday, March 11, 1 p.m. on Zoom. Topic: A History of Women’s Health. Pre-register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJIscOutqTgsE9LskWDSTb637cZck9RVGKk
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What a Wonderful World! Thursday, March 25, 1 p.m. on Facebook. Come celebrate the start of spring with the All of Us Research Program and learn about the wondrous world of biodiversity! Join us as we welcome Belmont biology professor Dr. Steve Murphree for a beautiful slideshow highlighting the wondrous diversity of nature. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/547864302840972
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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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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 March.
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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.
Members must pre-register for all activities, groups, and programs that are on the calendar. Please refer to each center’s calendar of events for registration information. 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.
FiftyForward CEO Sallie Hussey sits down with Dan Surface, certified life coach and facilitator of several support groups for older men, to discuss the effects of isolation, specifically on retired men, and how it can sometimes be difficult to reach out. View it here: https://fiftyforward.org/ videos/#exchange
Read Forward Focus online! Check out our winter edition of Forward Focus on newsstands now. This edition is all about staying sane and safe during COVID-19. The edition features articles on mental health, vaccinations, digital literacy training, and much more! https://fiftyforward.org/newsroom/ forward-focus/
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, converses with Senator Brenda Gilmore on her life experiences and how they shaped her career. 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!
Read our Blog! 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/
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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
2021 Tax Appointment Update 2021 AARP tax appointments at FiftyForward Donelson Station, FiftyForward Knowles and FiftyForward Madison Station are now full and are operating on a waiting list. Free options for filing your taxes online include: VITA virtual tax filing through United Way: https://www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes/unitedway Virtual tax assistance through AARP visit: https:// taxaideqa.aarp.org/hc/en-us AARP Tax Aide: 1-888-227-7669 Free IRS Online Tax Prep (based on annual income levels): https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxesfor-free
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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 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.
COVID-19 Vaccine INFORMATION State of Tennessee: https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/county-vaccineinformation/ Call: 877-857-2945 Metro Health Department: https://www.asafenashville.org/ Nashville residents (ages are varying based on Metro’s supply and distribution process) are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturdays and Sundays. Residents are required to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. Call: 615-862-7777 Williamson County Health Department: https://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/120/Health-Department Call: 615-595-4880 We also understand some retail locations including the following are serving (or will soon serve) as distribution points by appointment only. Below are some links we hope will prove useful. WalMart is NOW offering vaccines at select locations in Tennessee. https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302 CVS (as of 2/16 not yet available in Tennessee) https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine RiteAid (as of 2/16 not yet available in Tennessee) Walgreens (as of 2/16 not yet available in Tennessee) https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19? ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule
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