May 2021
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Celebrate Older Americans Month in May
By Max Mayo FiftyForward Development Director “It’s such a joy to see each other again.” “I have missed being with everyone.” These were sentiments shared at our many Beep-and-Greet outdoor drivethrough events this past year and are especially true as we returned to inperson activities. They reflect the deep interpersonal connections and sense of community we experience at FiftyForward lifelong learning centers, which is why the theme of Older Americans Month (which we will celebrate in May) resonates so well. What is Older Americans Month? In April 1963 President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens met to designate May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.” At the time 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday and about a third of all seniors lived in poverty. There were few programs established to meet their needs. According to AARP, these days nearly 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every single day and older adults (65+) make up about 16.5% of the U.S. population. It should be noted that FiftyForward was founded in 1956, several years before this designation, with the mission of enhancing the lives of those 50 and older. Every President since President Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation commemorating May as Older Americans Month with the hopes that the nation would pay tribute and celebrate the contributions of older adults in their communities. This annual observance was developed by The Administration for Community Living and this year’s theme focuses on
communities of strength. As we emerge from a year of forced isolation, we cherish experiences of connection and community. These are experienced differently by each of us. What does “community” mean for you? How have you experienced “community” through FiftyForward? FiftyForward will celebrate Older Americans Month by highlighting older adults in Middle Tennessee, featuring inspiring stories of resilience, and showcasing how FiftyForward works to build communities of strength. Our FiftyForward lifelong learning centers provide experiences of connection and community. In 2020, there were 3,827 members at our seven lifelong learning centers. More than 19,100 programs were offered, including 49 Beep-and-Greets. When we could not gather for in-person activities, center staff created 411 virtual programs. Knowing the impact of social isolation, center leaders made 8,269 wellness calls and enjoyed 119 front yard chats. This information is only a snapshot of the programs and services that create communities of strength. Please join us as we celebrate the people, community, and work of FiftyForward. See page 2 to see the events that are part of our month-long celebration.
FiftyForward supports, champions, and enhances life for those 50 and older. 1
Community Support & Travel Opportunity Celebrate Older Americans Month with us! To celebrate the inspiring stories of resilience of older adults, FiftyForward will host a month-long series of events aimed at highlighting the work we do in the community to advocate for older adults. Join us to honor and celebrate Older Americans Month in May. The month begins with a kick-off event, followed by a targeted giving campaign, and concludes with a soiree. Learn more at www.fiftyforward.org/olderamericansmonth. Beep & Feast (May 1): This innovative event – a drive-through, physically-distanced “party in the parking lot” – features flavorful samplings from local restaurants in the communities we serve. Join us Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., in the FiftyForward • A special photo booth will be on site featuring a vintage red and white ’61 Chevy so you can capture the festive spirit of Patricia Hart Building (174 Rains Ave.) parking lot. The catered the event. meals will include offerings from several community restaurants including Delicias Colombiana, Cocorico Cuisine, Blue Crab 65 Hours of Giving (May 11-14): Since we have been serving the Shack, Hearts in the Mix, Douglas Delights, and Oliver’s Icebox. Nashville community since 1956, this fundraising campaign will feature stories from Middle Tennessee’s older adults and mark • In addition to the feast, local musician Gary Jenkins will be onsite to serenade us with a variety of songs. Joining him to our 65th anniversary, with 65 Hours of Giving . To participate: www.FiftyForward.org. provide music will be at FiftyForward Donelson Station ukulele group; • FiftyForward Martin Center Card Crusaders will be on hand Stay-at-Home Soiree, (May 20): To close the month, we will gather our closest friends to celebrate our mission and look to showcase and sell their handmade and intricate “Irisforward to the work we will continue to do in 2021. Patrons and fold” card creations; and benefactors will be honored with a catered meal, provided by G Catering, delivered to their home.
FiftyForward Holiday Travel Opportunity We are excited to announce a wonderful travel opportunity for our members. FiftyForward will host its Holiday San Antonio, Texas, trip this 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. FiftyForward is hosting travel presentations on San Antonio at the following FiftyForward centers: FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center: May 17, 11 a.m. Call Lisa Maddox at 615-883-8375 or email ecurtis@fiftyforward.org to register. FiftyForward Martin Center: May 18, 11 a.m. Call Barbara Hunt at 615-376-0102 or email bhunt@fiftyforward.org to register.
FiftyForward Donelson Station: May 19, 11 a.m. Call Lisa Maddox at 615-883-8375 or email ecurtis@fiftyforward.org to register. FiftyForward Bordeaux: May 24, 11 a.m. Call Melvin Fowler at 615-248-2272 or email mfowler@fiftyforward.org to register. FiftyForward Madison Station: May 26, 11 a.m. Call Heather McNeese at 615-860-7180 or email hmcneese@fiftyforward.org to register. FiftyForward Knowles: May 25, 11 a.m. Call Georgina Dench at 615-743-3487 or email gdench@fiftyforward.org to register.
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Updated COVID-19 Information & Safety Practices
UPDATED COVID-19 INFO We hope that you are well and enjoying this beautiful Tennessee spring weather. Below are some updates to our center procedures based on the growing understanding of COVID-19 transmission methods, community and CDC guidance, and the fact that most FiftyForward staff and many of you have now received the COVID-19 vaccine. We are excited about chances to be together again in expanded ways, and, at the same time, we continue to make decisions based on the best medical and scientific guidance available. Protecting your health and the health of our community is our number-one priority, always.
Here are some changes you will begin to see when you visit FiftyForward centers: • Ability to sign yourself in at our MySeniorCenter kiosks again – Data continues to show more strongly that COVID19 is an airborne virus and the risk of contamination due to touching surfaces is very low. You will see signs with information and hand sanitizer available as you use the kiosks again on your own to sign up for our activities. •
Symptom and temperature checks – FiftyForward staff will no longer be asking the COVID screening questions or checking member temperatures. An elevated temperature has not proven to be as clear a sign of the onset of COVID19 as first thought. When you sign-in to MySeniorCenter, you will attest that you are not experiencing possible COVID symptoms.
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. A few reminders for our members: •
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.
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Members are required to sign our COVID Exposure Protocol to participate in any in-person activities. This form will only need to be signed once for our files.
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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.
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Due to the limited group size right now, 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.
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Increased capacity in activities – We are glad to share that we are expanding the number of members who can participate in certain activities where we have space to allow for social distancing.
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Additional, new activities on the May calendars – We are able to return to offering some popular activities , which were not possible until now, so please take a look at the May calendars when they come out and see what’s available.
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Outdoors – Our activity sizes are already larger at outdoor activities and members can remove masks outside as long as social distance can be maintained.
We are committed to safety. FiftyForward staff will continue to wear masks, maintain recommended cleaning protocols, and help everyone maintain masking and distancing. You can help us by: • Masking up - Wearing your mask at all times (whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated) inside any FiftyForward location and outside when you can’t be 6 feet apart. • Washing up – Good hand hygiene is essential. And, please, stay home if you are ill. Do you help take care of 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 selfconfidence, 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. FiftyForward is hoping to offer these classes in early summer 2021. For more information, contact Courtney Robinson at crobinson@fiftyforward.org to sign up or receive more information. 3
May 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). Restorative/Chair Yoga with Barbara (Knowles) Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Restorative/Chair yoga led by Knowles member and certified yoga instructor Barbara Clinton. This hour-long class is great for people of all fitness levels and yoga backgrounds. In May, we will also be streaming the class at the center — so please come in and join us! Mother’s Day Zoom Event (Bordeaux) Thursday, May 6, 11 a.m. on Zoom. FiftyForward Bordeaux members will reminisce and celebrate our mothers through storytelling. ESL (English as a Second Language) Class (Donelson Station) Wednesdays in May, 6 p.m. on Zoom. Alicia Gaitani leads this Zoom program for any older adults who would like to learn English as their second language. Classes meet every Wednesday in April on Zoom. Take Charge of Your Diabetes with UT (Knowles) Fridays, May 7 & 14, 10 a.m. on Zoom Led by trained University of Tennessee Extension Agents, Patsy Watkins and Autumn Vespie, this six-week series is designed to provide you with skills and tools to better
Denotes member-led program
manage life with diabetes. If you would like to register for this series please let us know and we will help you get signed up. Creating Memoirs (Turner) Tuesday, May 18, 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Work on writing & sharing your personal memoir. Facebook 101 with Vanderbilt (Knowles) Wednesday, May 19, 12 p.m. on Zoom. The Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center is offering a virtual Lunch and Learn series on a variety of wellness topics. In May, they will be talking all about Facebook. Bellevue History Group (Turner) Thursday, May 20, 10 a.m. on Zoom. Speaker TBA. ZELLE/WEST Bible Study (Donelson Station) Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. on conference line. The Bible Study group will be meeting through a conference line. If you would like to join, please send an email to ecurtis@fiftyforward.org to receive the conference line number and code. Chat & Chew w/Melvin & Hiedy (Bordeaux) Thursday, May 27, 12 p.m. on Zoom. Topic of discussion: What is May Day? Do your research and share your discovery with the group.
New Additions to the 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: Restorative Chair Yoga with Barbara Clinton Arts & Crafts: Watercolor Landscape with Kim Lane
Lifelong Learning: Smartphone Photo Editing with Instagram; The Local Hive Café Ep 3 – State Regulations; The Local Hive Café Ep 4 – Inside the Hive; Mint Julep tutorial Health & Wellness: All of Use Café—Nutrition for All of Us; Brain Health Presented by Vanderbilt Nursing Students Member Resources: FiftyForward Exchange Episode 5: Elder Law Entertainment: Lonnie Jones & Hard Drive
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All of Us Programming in May and Upcoming Events FiftyForward All of Us Research Program May Offerings: Join us for All of Us Online Café sessions, Mondays, May 10 and 17, 1 p.m. on Zoom and Facebook. Monday, May 10, 1 p.m on ZOOM: Building an Open Resource for All: The All of Us Research Hub! Join us on Zoom as we welcome Dr. Kelsey Mayo from the All of Us Data and Resource Center as she explains how All of Us health data is helping researchers.
It’s hard to believe that June is right around the corner! Did you know that June is Pride Month, a month to celebrate all of the wonderful LGBTQ members of our communities? Be on the lookout for more information coming soon about a special panel discussion FiftyForward’s DOVE (Diversity, Opportunity, Vision & Equity) committee is putting together in recognition of Pride Month!
Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_6E8sD6v3Riq8revjWJT-jA Monday, May 17, 1 p.m. live on Facebook: HIV Vaccine Awareness Day with special guest Jarissa Greenard from the Vanderbilt University HIV Vaccine Trials Unit. All of Us Be Well Cafe: Food for Thought with the Nashville Public Library:
Thursday, May 13, 1 p.m. on ZOOM: Mental Health Month: Tools 2 Thrive! Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJIscOutqTgsE9LskWDSTb637c-Zck9RVGKk SPECIAL EVENT: Come Play Bingo with All of Us! The FiftyForward All of Us Research Program team will be hosting a free virtual bingo game on Thursday, May 27, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. A link to your online bingo card will be provided in the chat box once the game begins. (Note: This virtual game is best played on a computer or tablet.) Join us for a fun time and All of Us gift bags for prizes! Limited to the first 50 registrants!
Ms. Cheap’s annual t-shirt drive benefits Room In The Inn Ms. Cheap, a.k.a Mary Hance, has brought her penny-pinching wisdom to Main Street Media, having retired from The Tennessean last November. One of her two successful fundraising drives, “Ms. Cheap’s T-shirt Drive for the Homeless” is in its sixth year and going strong. This year FiftyForward will participate in the drive at two of its locations: FiftyForward Donelson Station and FiftyForward Knowles. The effort is easy: Just bring a clean t-shirt to these locations and drop them off in the bin. The Room In The Inn needs men’s and women’s t-shirts of all colors and sizes. They can be T-shirts from races, schools, trips, charity events, brands, bands — almost anything, but nothing lewd, alcohol or drug-related. So, get a jump on your spring cleaning and clean out your stash of unworn t-shirts and give to a good cause! The t-shirt drive runs from May 17 –31.
How to sign-up: To play, please register via the Zoom link below by Tuesday, May 25. An email with instructions will be sent to you after registering. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZclduuuqzgpGNXLMMPuV8bF9Vl8A_WmDvz0 Questions? Contact Kelsey Mahaffey, kmahaffey@fiftyforward.org or 615-743-3431.
Photo courtesy of The Tennessean, 2019.
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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 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. Our latest Exchange features FiftyForward Care Management Director Kristen Maloney sitting down with Elder Care Attorney Barbara Moss to discuss the ways elder care attorneys can help you prepare for the future. View it here: https://fiftyforward.org/ videos/#exchange
Check out FiftyForward’s podcast Squeeze the Day! Don’t miss this episode as we continue to celebrate the remarkable achievements of older adults. In this podcast, FiftyForward Communications Director and podcast host Susan Sizemore chats with Tennessee Crossroads host Joe Elmore as he shares tips on the road less travelled, reflects on his 30+ years of hosting the award-winning NPT program, and shares how the pandemic changed Crossroads’ production. Give it a listen at: https://fiftyforward.org/podcast/ 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! The spring edition of Forward Focus features articles on cultivating self-care and social connections, digital literacy training, and much more! https://fiftyforward.org/newsroom/ forward-focus/
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. 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.
2021 Tax Appointment Update
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
Free options for filing your taxes online include:
The 2021 tax deadline has been extended to May 17.
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: •
Connect to resources and essential services for older adults in Davidson and Williamson counties, by calling FiftyForward Resource Line at 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
COVID-19 vaccine INFORMATION In Tennessee, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. State of Tennessee: https://covid19.tn.gov/covid -19-vaccines/county-vaccineinformation/ Call: 877-8572945 Metro Health Department: https://www.asafenashville.org/ Nashville residents (ages are varying based on Metro’s supply and distribution process) 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
The following are vaccine locations by appointment and at select locations: WalMart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302 Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine Kroger: https://www.kroger.com/i/coronavirus-update/vaccine Publix: https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/tennessee RiteAid: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/services/vaccinecentral
FiftyForward COVID-19 Vaccine Statement: 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 offers10 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.
At this time, FiftyForward will not be requiring the COVID-19 vaccine or checking the vaccination status of members. While as an agency, we strongly believe that the COVID-19 vaccine protects individuals and our community and are strongly encouraging our staff and members to be vaccinated, we seek to be a welcoming space for all members and understand that not everyone is able to receive and/or comfortable receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. We will not exclude unvaccinated members from participating in FiftyForward activities. We will continue to require masks and social distancing in our centers and programs to help prevent COVID transmission. And we are grateful for rising vaccination rates across our community as the higher prevalence of vaccinated individuals reduces the risk of COVID transmission for all of us. If you would like help accessing the COVID-19 vaccine, please call your local FiftyForward center where staff can provide information and assist you. We reserve the right to modify our stance on issues related to COVID-19 vaccination as additional information becomes available. We are committed to keeping you informed and updated about our practices and procedures and to keeping each other safe.
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