Stay abreast of our successes by reading the quarterly Forward Focus available at our centers, public libraries, hi-rise residences, select Kroger stores, and many business locations. We also invite you to visit our ever-expanding website, www.fiftyforward.org.
yPathways Fall 2015
Established in 1956, FiftyForward enriches the lives of those 50+ by providing pathways to health, well-being and lifelong learning.
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A Publication of
FiftyForward Donelson Station gives Joe Durkin a sense of community by Rachel Novak
When Joe Durkin retired, an unfamiliar lull crept into his life. Since leaving the hustle and bustle of the business world, he felt lost and struggled with loneliness. A neighbor offered to give Joe and his wife, Jane, a tour of FiftyForward Donelson Station. The Durkins halfheartedly agreed, not knowing what to expect. Within his first few minutes at the center, Joe was pleasantly surprised to find an active, inviting community. Everybody seemed happy: happy to be there and happy to meet him. “The ‘Station’ had everything I could want in a community,” he said. FiftyForward Donelson Station provided Joe the welcoming, friendly fellowship he desperately needed. Now you can find Joe at Donelson Station three to four times per week exercising or chatting with his fellow members. Developing friendships has been his favorite part of joining FiftyForward. Some of these friendships have taken root and extend outside FiftyForward to dinner and lunch parties.
members sang happy birthday to Joe and his fellow celebrants, his eyes became misty. Cakes and parties were never a part of his childhood birthdays. “It was the best present they could have given me. It meant the world and more.” The Durkins enjoy spending as much time as possible at Donelson Station and volunteering their time to the organization has restored their sense of belonging. Joe even relived some of his busy business days by serving as the president of Donelson Station’s Advisory Council last year.
Joe Durkin is shown here with FiftyForward Donelson Station Director Angela Bryant, standing, and Program Director Lisa Maddox.
To him, the staff is the icing on the cake. “Every member feels included at FiftyForward where they receive nothing but kindness and patience,” said Joe. “Without them, I would never have had such an incredible experience here.” Receiving a slice of cake and happy birthday wishes are his favorite center memory. The center hosts monthly birthday celebrations. As his fellow FiftyForward members and family 1
Joe’s life is now filled with activities he never imagined he would enjoy in retirement. Loneliness has been replaced with friendships, guidance and a sense of purpose. “It helped me get back in the game of life,” said Joe. FiftyForward Donelson Station staff and volunteers are gearing up for the annual Fall Festival & BBQ fundraiser Sept. 25-27. Dollars raised will help Joe and his fellow members continue to enjoy the many programs and services the center offers. Join us at Donelson Station, won’t you? Rachel Novak was a summer intern in the FiftyForward Development Department. She’s studying public relations at Belmont University.
yPathways a FiftyForward Publication
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A letter from the presidents
Scott McKean
Tony Hoffman
Our mission is an important one. Since 1956 FiftyForward has been enriching the lives of adults 50+ by providing pathways to health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. We could not provide the breadth and depth of services we offer without you, a loyal supporter. FiftyForward, its members and clients cannot thank you enough for helping enrich countless lives. Two funds support our work. The Annual Fund supports today’s needs, the Endowment Fund supports our future. FiftyForward Endowment is an independent 501c3 with its own board of directors dedicated to the long-range financial future of FiftyForward.
Greetings from Janet Next year, FiftyForward will celebrate its 60th anniversary and we’ll be approving our next five year plan for fiscal years 2017-2021. It’s very important we study trends so we develop programs and services that meet needs now and in the future. When I joined the FiftyForward staff 25 years ago, two-thirds of the people in the entire history of the world who had lived to the age of 65 were alive. That number is projected to double by 2030 (Source: Age Wave by Dr. Ken Dychtwald). In preparation for our strategic Janet Jernigan planning process we’re asking ourselves questions such as “How can we better serve Baby Boomers who are still in the workforce?” “What more can we do to address the challenges faced by those who are caring for aging parents or other family members?” “What can we do to ensure that people who are living longer do so with a high quality of life?” There are many bright minds involved in this process. Members of our staff and board will soon come together for a strategic planning retreat. You can bet the conversation will be lively and engaging. With its almost 60-year history in the community, FiftyForward is the leading agency in Davidson and Williamson counties providing vital programs and services for older adults. It is our honor and privilege to serve this population and it is our responsibility to make sure that we continue to accomplish our mission in the years to come. As we enter into this phase of our work, I’d love to hear from you. When you think of older adults and their needs, what comes to mind? Send me your thoughts at jjernigan@fiftyforward.org or give me a call at (615) 743-3404. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.
Janet Jernigan FiftyForward Executive Director
Thank you for the support you have given to FiftyForward. Because of you, FiftyForward continues to be the leading resource for adults 50+ in Middle Tennessee who seek to live more enriched, fulfilling lives.
Meet Theresa Drews By Rachel Novak
A warm smile and an overflowing bowl of candy greet you as you step into Theresa Drews’ office. Theresa has worked with FiftyForward for only four months but she’s already known as the enthusiastic team member with the sweets. Her words of encouragement and warm laughter can be heard throughout the office on any day.
Sincerely, Scott McKean FiftyForward Board President
Tony Hoffman FiftyForward Endowment Board President
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The 2015 Crown Affair was a wonderful event, raising $166,000 for FiftyForward programs and services.
A very special thank you to our Crown Affair Sponsors Presenting Sponsor myNEXUS
Crowning Sponsor Louie M. & Betty M. Phillips Foundation
Platinum Sponsor Crowning Achievement Award honorees Mary Hance (left) and Missy and John Eason (far right) flank FiftyForward Executive Director Janet Jernigan.
Dr. Earnest “Rip� Patton (left), and FiftyForward Board President Mercedes Lytle.
HCA/TriStar Health
Lifetime Sponsors Patricia and Rodes Hart
Gold Sponsors Caterpillar Financial Services Dorothy Cate & Thomas F. Frist Foundation Lisle Parham Wealth Management Louise B. Wallace Foundation
Silver Sponsors Joanne Pulles accepts the first annual Corporate Crowning Achievement Award on behalf of HCA/ TriStar Health.
Longtime FiftyForward Meals on Wheels volunteer Barry Coggins and his wife, Laurie.
Shining Star recipient (2009) Emily Plotkin (left) visits with FiftyForward Board Member Carolyn Schott and husband, Gary.
FiftyForward Executive Director Janet Jernigan (right) thanks Crown Affair chair Clayton Kelly for spearheading a wonderful evening. 3
AMSURG AT&T Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Cigna-HealthSpring Diversified Trust Dollar General First Tennessee Bank INDUSCO Nashville Electric Service National Healthcare Corporation/Richland Place Neal & Harwell, PLC Piedmont Natural Gas The Kelly-Miller Group of Raymond James Regions Bank Sherrard & Roe, PLC SunTrust
yPathways a FiftyForward Publication
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FiftyForward Endowment Fast Facts FiftyForward Endowment is a separate 501c3 non-profit. Its purpose is to ensure the future of FiftyForward’s programs and services. All gifts to the endowment fund remain in the fund and are invested. The earnings from those investments help support FiftyForward’s mission. There are many ways to support FiftyForward Endowment. Donations may be cash, gifts of appreciated stock or bequests. Some donors may wish to set up a trust, give an insurance policy or make FiftyForward the beneficiary of a 401k or IRA. For more information about making a gift to FiftyForward Endowment contact Development Director Pam Brown at (615) 743-3434 or pbrown@fiftyforward.org
FALL FOR FIFTYFORWARD BREAKFAST RSVP: awhitson@fiftyforward.org
W E D N E S D AY October 21, 2015 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m
FiftyForward Patricia Hart Building 174 Rains Avenue Nashville, TN 37203
(615 ) 74 3 - 3 4 3 4
FiftyForward Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver food, with a side of fellowship Volunteers are paid in six figures... S-M-I-L-E-S. - Gayla LeMaire, author Volunteers are a gift to the community and vital to the success of FiftyForward Meals on Wheels. This program provides delicious, nutritional meals for those who are unable to prepare food on their own. Those who receive meals also enjoy visits from volunteers who care about them and ensure that recipients are doing well. Opportunities are available for those who wish to deliver meals on a regular basis, as well as people who want to add volunteer service to an annual “staycation” or any time. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here soon. FiftyForward Meals on Wheels has Sally Wolfe and her grandchildren delivering meals last Thanksgiving an honored tradition of serving meals on those days, not only to our clients, but to clients of other agencies who do not provide holiday meal service. Sally Wolfe, former FiftyForward board president and current Advisory Council member, understands the importance of this program and she models the volunteer spirit for her grandchildren. “My grandchildren live in California. Each year when they visit for Thanksgiving we ask them what they want to do. I promise you, their first response is always, ‘Meals on Wheels!’” Want to use your wheels to deliver meals? Contact Sharie Loik Goodman, FiftyForward Meals on Wheels director at (615) 463-2264 or email at sloik@fiftyforward.org.
In Memoriam We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of J. D. Elliott, president of The Memorial Foundation. We mourn the loss of this wonderful community advocate, friend and supporter. Elliott was a member of FiftyForward’s Advisory Council and one of the architects of Whistlestop, FiftyForward Madison Station’s signature fundraiser. Each year he and his lovely wife, Anita, would attend Whistlestop dressing the part of train engineers. 5
Meet Theresa Drews (Continued from page 2)
As FiftyForward’s new Director of Active Aging, Theresa oversees the planning, implementation and evaluation of all programs and services for active older adults. The new Nashvillian cannot think of a better way to spend her days than serving others. She says watching FiftyForward’s programs at work is the best part of her job. Seeing the smiles and positive change the programs bring members puts everything in perspective. Watching grandparents and children light up at Foster Grandparents’ events or watching members’ creativity shine in songwriting competitions are the ultimate rewards. “To think we helped create that is the most rewarding aspect of my job. To see the people you serve being affected in such a positive light is just the best.” Not to brag but her co-workers are also incredible perks, said Theresa. They welcomed her with open arms and the friendliness and creativity in the office are ever flowing. “I love being around people whose desire is to be of service and that describes every person here,” said Theresa. Serving others is exactly how Theresa wishes to spend her days. She is excited to expand the ways in which FiftyForward serves its members and changes its community. Theresa, welcome to FiftyForward!
READY, SET, REGISTER! Join us for a great course! The fifth annual Viva la Diva Run is scheduled for Nov. 21, at Nissan North America. FiftyForward produces this event to raise proceeds benefiting the agency’s health and wellness programs for adults 50+. In addition, funds raised from Viva la Diva will be used to help older adults access the community resources they need to remain living independently. These FiftyForward services and programs include Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Services, Victory Over Crime, Conservatorship and Care Management. This year we are also excited to feature Girls on the Run Nashville as our 5K partner. Girls on the Run is a life-changing, non-profit program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. “Viva la Diva provides our girls the opportunity to connect with women of all ages and backgrounds who are working toward a common goal. This race embodies one of our core values which is to embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness. We are excited to be a part of such an inspiring event!” says Tiffany Patton, Girls on the Run Nashville executive director. We hope you’ll register TODAY! Each registered participant will receive:
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n Complimentary tech shirt n Custom designed finisher charm n Free access and unlimited downloads to all digital images (typically 10-15 photos sorted by bib number) of you from race day. Are you thinking about being a team captain? Think no more! Captains who create a team and recruit at least 10 members by Oct. 1, will receive a free customized halfzip pullover with the Viva logo and your team name!
A RUN FOR DIVAS AND DUDES
benefiting FiftyForward
Visit vivaladivarun.org for more information about packet pick-up, start times, the Costume Contest (awarding the best diva, dude and group), and more.
FiftyForward Endowment Board of Trustees 2015
FiftyForward Board of Directors 2015 -16 Board Officers
Tony Hoffman..................................President Ed Carter ........................................Treasurer Alex Tolbert......................................Secretary
Scott McKean, President Jeri Hasselbring, President – Elect Reneé Jenkins, Secretary Kerri Kelley Frye, Treasurer Mercedes Lytle, Immediate Past – President
Greer Redden Robert Bryan Bell Joan B. Shayne Seawell Brandau George Stadler Joe Chickey Patty St. Clair John W. (Wally) Dant III John Steele Brenda Gilmore Thor Urness Mary Herbert Kelly Kent Weeks James L. (Jim) McGregor
Board Members Michael Aulisio Julie Bonner Courtney Caldwell Crants Lucy Chism Karen Clark Mary Clements Teresa Corlew Sondra Cruickshanks Eddie Davidson Margaret Dunlap Cullen Earnest Robin Fritz Gina Grisham Dr. Ralf Habermann Carl Haynes Pam Hess Vanessa Hickman Ashford Hughes Karah Jennings Jennifer Joyce
Dr. Jim Lancaster Amy Mohan Barbara Moss Dr. Charles P. Mouton Jana Lisle Parham Laura Purswell Janet Rachel Travis Richmond Linda Peek Schacht Brian Shelton Doug Small Pete Stringer Andrea Turner Dr. Beth Woodard Allyson Young
HONORARY MEMBERS Jana Lisle Parham Scott McKean
Follow us on:
Lifetime Members Charlie Cardwell Harriet Foley Patricia Hart
A Publication of
Advisory Council 2015-16 Brenda Albright Clay Bailey Ed Birthright Seawell Brandau Laurel Buntin Charlie Cardwell John W. (Wally) Dant III Betty Dunn Harriet Foley Brenda Gilmore Don Greene Irma Kaplan Aileen Katcher Mary Herbert Kelly Heloise W. Kuhn
FiftyForward Development 174 Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 743-3434 www.fiftyforward.org
Bill LaFollette, Chair Kim Harvey Looney Tara MacDougall Hilda McGregor Carla Nelson Randall W. Parham Emily Plotkin Dr. Nancy Ransom Tracy Rode Anne Roos Lisa Small Laura Smith Tidwell Denine Torr Sally Wolfe
FiftyForward is committed to fair and equitable treatment of all employees, volunteers and beneficiaries of our services.
FiftyForward does not sell, trade or publish our mailing list. If you wish to be added or removed from our list, please contact Pam Brown, development director, at (615) 743-3434 or via email at pbrown@fiftyforward.org.
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