You can stay abreast of our successes by reading the quarterly Forward Focus available at our centers, public libraries, hi-rise residences and many business locations. We also invite you to visit our ever-expanding website, www.fiftyforward.org.
yPathways Fall 2014
FiftyForward enriches the lives of adults 50+ by providing pathways to health, well-being and lifelong learning.
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A Publication of
Moving Forward: one couple’s inspiring story about putting PEP in their step
by Aaron Shirley
Like many people, Teddy and David Carson enjoy traveling, spending quality time with loved ones and staying active. But when David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease almost 20 years ago, he and his wife Teddy feared that these simple pleasures would become too difficult to enjoy.
Teddy and David Carson await a PEP session
FALL FOR FIFTYFORWARD BREAKFAST R.S.V.P pbrown@fiftyforward.org.
Wednesday October 22, 2014 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
Fast forward 20 years when the Carsons wait patiently in the FiftyForward Knowles Center lobby for their Thursday Parkinson’s Exercise Program (PEP) class to start. The class is designed specifically for older adults with Parkinson’s disease and was brought to the center by the Association of Parkinson’s Disease of America. Teddy explains that the class has recently relocated to the FiftyForward Knowles Center. “We were delighted to discover how close we live to the Knowles Center and to learn of all of the classes, activities and events that FiftyForward offers,” Teddy said. They were so impressed, they joined the center. David had been enrolled in the exercise program for almost 15 years, and he 1
inspired Teddy to join in the fun with him. David explained just how important the exercise program has become to him. “Oftentimes with Parkinson’s disease my muscles become frozen, but when I get moving through my PEP class I am able to be unfrozen and enjoy a more mobile lifestyle.” They both explain that the class enables them to meet many new friends and enjoy spending quality time with others. The class is more than just a workout program to them; it has turned into a support group. And FiftyForward Knowles Center has also become an important part of the Carsons’ social network. Teddy explains, “What attracted me to FiftyForward was all of the support and activities offered to help us keep moving and meet new people as well as how accessible the center is for us.” While Parkinson’s disease can be “cruel,” having a support system, fun activities and things to look forward to have helped put pep back in the Carsons’ step. Aaron Shirley is FiftyForward’s Summer Development Intern.
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A Message from Janet
Presidents’ Message
We recently celebrated Labor Day, a day set aside as a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. For me, my position at FiftyForward has always been a “labor of love” and I feel fortunate to work alongside a remarkable team. We have the equivalent of 52 full time positions shared among more than 75 professionals, many of whom are part time. That’s a small staff considering the large population – more than 20,000 people – whose lives we touch each year. Every member of the FiftyForward staff is dedicated to our important mission: enriching the lives of adults 50+ by providing pathways to health, well-being and lifelong learning.
Welcome to the Fall issue of Pathways. You receive this newsletter because you are a valued stakeholder of FiftyForward. We want you to be informed about Mercedes Lytle Joe Chickey agency happenings AND we want you to know that your donations make a huge impact in the lives of older adults. We recently caught up with a delightful couple who became aware of FiftyForward when they began attending an exercise class tailored to the unique needs of people with Parkinson’s disease. That class meets at FiftyForward Knowles Center. By attending the class, they learned more about what FiftyForward’s active aging centers have to offer. We know you’ll enjoy reading their story.
In addition to our paid staff, there are other wonderful individuals who contribute their time and talents to make sure all who need our programs and services receive them, including: n members of our Board of Directors, our Endowment
Board, our Advisory Council and various board committees, the many volunteers who make our community better because of their association with our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP),
Thank you for your support. Because of you, FiftyForward continues to be the leading resource for adults 50+ in Middle Tennessee who seek to live longer, more fulfilling lives.
n our Meals on Wheels volunteers who make sure our clients
Gratefully,
n individuals who donate their time and expertise to assist
Mercedes Lytle FiftyForward Board President
receive proper nutrition and interaction,
n those who serve on the Advisory Board of our seven
Active Aging Centers, and
with home repairs and other services so our vulnerable clients may remain in their own homes, where they want to be. As you can see, through FiftyForward many caring individuals work together to provide the huge array of programs and services that help older adults live richer, more fulfilling lives. But there’s room for one more. YOU! I invite you to visit fiftyforward.org to review our many volunteer opportunities. I promise, it will be a labor of love.
Joe Chickey FiftyForward Endowment Board President
“No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning.”
Janet Jernigan FiftyForward Executive Director
Barbara de Angelis 2
The Crown Affair was a Stunning Event FiftyForward thanks its 2014 Crown Affair sponsors Lifetime Sponsors Patricia and Rodes Hart
Gold Sponsors Caterpillar Financial Services Inc. Cigna-HealthSpring Dorothy Cate & Thomas F. Frist Foundation Lipscomb University Louie M. & Betty M. Phillips Foundation FiftyForward Executive Director Janet Jernigan (left) congratulates the Crown Affair honorees: Aileen Katcher (second from left), Michael Aulisio and Jerry Williams.
On April 10, FiftyForward hosted its 25th annual Crown Affair. It was a gorgeous night for a party and the decor was elegant and festive. This special event raises funds for the many programs and services across FiftyForward that serve adults 50+. This year we honored three Nashville community leaders: Aileen Katcher, longtime FiftyForward volunteer who was FiftyForward Board President Mercedes Lytle and Immediate Past crucial in leading our rebranding President Don Greene enjoy the Crown Affair Silent Auction. and whose invaluable advice has guided our PR initiatives, was honored with the Crowning Achievement Award. Jerry Williams, Executive Director of Leadership Nashville whose own leadership has shaped many Nashville careers, also was honored with the Crowning Achievement Award. Michael Aulisio, a FiftyForward board member who co-chairs the Communications Committee and has lent his expertise to the FiftyForward social media campaign, was honored with the Shining Star Award. All of us at FiftyForward are grateful to event chairs Tony and Sally Hoffman and their committee for producing such a stunning event. 3
Regions Bank SunCrest Home Health Louise B. Wallace Foundation
Silver Sponsors AMSURG AT&T Baptist Healing Trust Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Dollar General First Tennessee Bank HCA / Tristar INDUSCO Lipman Brothers Lisle Parham Wealth Management Nashville Electric Service National Health Care / Richland Place Piedmont Natural Gas Pinnacle Financial Partners SunTrust Tennessee Valley Authority UBS Financial Services Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Runner and Triathlete Is a Viva la Diva Regular Lynn Rotter is a runner and triathlete. She has earned countless age group trophies and finisher medals, attesting to the fact she embraces an active lifestyle. Fortunately for FiftyForward, the Viva la Diva Run is on her list of “must do” events.
FiftyForward volunteer Barry Coggins honored as finalist for Mary Catherine Strobel Award The Mary Catherine Strobel Awards is Middle Tennessee’s largest annual luncheon recognizing volunteers who give their time and talents to the Nashville community. Awards are given to those individuals and groups whose volunteer efforts make a lasting impact. The Strobel Awards were created to honor the legacy of Mary Catherine Strobel, a Nashville volunteer known for her compassion and generosity. Presented by HCA/TriStar Health and hosted by Hands on Nashville, this year’s luncheon recognition ceremony honored one of FiftyForward’s own. Barry Coggins, a long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer, was honored as a finalist.
“I enjoy the Viva la Diva Run for several reasons. Nissan headquarters is a great venue. The folks at FiftyForward know how to coordinate a great race! And while I’m not one to dress in costume, I enjoy seeing women wearing their colorful boas. Of course, I love the fact that Viva la Diva encourages women and girls to be active and engaged and supports FiftyForward’s important work supporting health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. That’s really important to me.”
A RUN FOR DIVAS AND DUDES
Barry Coggins has delivered 7,500+ meals to homebound seniors for 20 years through FiftyForward’s Meals on Wheels program. He has developed many meaningful relationships with more than 100 program clients and for 14 years, he has lent his name and talents to FiftyForward’s annual golf tournament fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. We salute you, Barry, and are glad to have you on our team! Your efforts positively impact lives every day. The 15th annual Barry Coggins Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 27 at Nashboro Village Golf Club. For more information or to register, contact Sharie Loik at 615-463-2264 or sloik@fiftyforward.org. 4
benefiting FiftyForward
You can join Lynn and all other Divas (and Dudes!) on race day, November 15! Log on to vivaladivarun.org to register.
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Why Am I Passionate about Giving to FiftyForward Endowment? by Seawell Brandau
Endowments are the best of the past, the present, and the future! Folks from the past so believed in the mission of FiftyForward that they created an endowment fund and gave money to support it. Now in the present, FiftyForward’s operating budget will receive more than $200,000 this year from this fund. And in the future, FiftyForward should receive $200,000 or more every year, forever. How can we say “forever?” All gifts to the endowment fund remain in the fund and are invested. With careful management, those funds and your gifts will create an even larger fund and larger earnings, forever. But the endowment must be for “rich folks only.” Absolutely not. All gifts are important. You may even give monthly. Gifts now can be cash or personal property such as stocks. Give now and have the satisfaction of knowing your gift is working while you enjoy FiftyForward’s programs and services. What are “planned gifts?” These are larger gifts and are usually
made with the help of a professional. You might want to set up a trust, give an insurance policy, or make FiftyForward the beneficiary of a 401k or IRA. You might want to include FiftyForward in your will. We seniors are thankful that back in 1956 some very wise people founded our organization. Since 1956 older adults have benefitted from their vision and energy. Then in 1984 others started the endowment fund, which has become such an important of part of our organization. Now each of us can be a part of helping future members and clients by supporting this fund. On a personal basis my wife, Marcy and I support the FiftyForward Endowment now and in our estate plans. I urge you to consider doing so also. You may contact me; I am passionate about endowments…and the organizations they support. Remember - your gifts say what you value. If you have been giving to FiftyForward, your worship community, or a charity for many years, why not put it in your will? That way you will be educating your children and grandchildren about what you love and value. That’s a good witness and legacy!
Seawell Brandau is a past President of FiftyForward, a founder of the Endowment, and then President of the Endowment. He remains active at FiftyForward after some 35 years. He can be reached at 615-352-4824 or brandausj@comcast.net.
FiftyForward Endowment Board of Trustees 2014 Joe Chickey.......................... President Tony Hoffman........... President – Elect Ed Carter..............................Treasurer Joan B. Shayne.................... Secretary Robert Bryan Bell Seawell Brandau John W. (Wally) Dant III Brenda Gilmore William L. (Bill) Harbison James McGregor Greer Redden George Stadler Patty St. Clair John Steele Alex Tolbert Thor Urness Kent Weeks
HONORARY MEMBERS Mary Herbert Kelly Mercedes Lytle Scott McKean
What is COAP? by Aaron Shirley
Oftentimes when dealing with the pain and stress of providing care for an aging parent you may find yourself asking the question, “Where do I even start?” A valuable and informative program offers vital information that will help guide you through this difficult process. Children of Aging Parents (COAP) is a community-based forum offering support and resources for adult children with aging parents. Cindy Natsch, founder of Let’s Get Moving! and A Better Nest, serves as COAP’s co-chair. She explains this program originated about 10 years ago at the Brentwood United Methodist Church and was resurrected by FiftyForward Martin Center in 2010. (Continued on page 6)
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FiftyForward Board of Directors 2014-2015 Board Officers Mercedes Lytle, President Scott McKean, President – Elect Renee Jenkins, Secretary Kerri Kelley Frye, Treasurer Don Greene, Immediate Past–President
Lifetime Members Charlie Cardwell Harriet Foley Patricia Hart
Board Members Michael Aulisio
Robin Fritz
Lucy Chism Karen Clark Mary Clements Teresa Corlew Richard Courtney Eddie Davidson Melinda S. Drennan Margaret Dunlap Cullen Earnest Carolyn Ermey Richard Exton Byron Fawknotson
Kerri Kelley Frye Gina Grisham Dr. Ralf Habermann Jeri Hasselbring Carl Haynes Pam Hess Vanessa Hickman Ashford Hughes Jennifer Joyce Dr. Jim Lancaster Barbara Moss Dr. Charles P. Mouton
What is COAP?
Cindy Natsch Jana Lisle Parham Laura Purswell Janet Rachel Travis Richmond Tracy Rode Linda Peek Schacht Carolyn Schott Brian Shelton Andrea Turner Leigh Williams Beth Woodard Allyson Young
Advisory Council 2014-2015 Ms. Brenda Albright Mr. Clay Bailey Mr. Ed Birthright Mr. Seawell Brandau Ms. Laurel Buntin Mr. Charlie Cardwell Mr. John W. (Wally) Dant III Mrs. Betty Dunn Mr. J. D. Elliott Ms. Harriet Foley Ms. Brenda Gilmore Mrs. Irma Kaplan Mrs. Aileen Katcher Mrs. Mary Herbert Kelly Ms. Heloise W. Kuhn Mr. Bill LaFollette, Chair Mrs. Kim Harvey Looney
Ms. Tara MacDougall Mrs. Hilda McGregor Ms. Carla Nelson Mr. Randall W. Parham Ms. Emily Plotkin Dr. Nancy Ransom Ms. Anne Roos Mrs. Lisa Small Ms. Laura Smith Tidwell Ms. Jean Stumpf Ms. Denine Torr Ms. Sally Wolfe
Follow us on: (Continued from page 5)
by Aaron Shirley
“Our goal is to provide tools and collaborative discussion for adult children to become better prepared to assist their own parents through the aging process. This forum is also an outlet for discussion among those who are currently deep in the caregiving process or just beginning. The program quickly became a valuable forum of discussion. Those who became involved were at various stages of assisting their parent through the aging journey,” Natsch explained. A typical COAP program spans a four to six week period and focuses on a series of aging-related topics for adult children. While no two series are exactly the same, topics are often identified through community need and/or congregational need. A rich assortment of relevant issues such as navigating the ins and outs of Medicare supplements and ‘how to’ build relationships with primary health care providers are just two examples of past session topics. Typically the program runs on a weeknight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These events are designed for adult children as well as seniors themselves. COAP is expanding its offering into Davidson County and is seeking worship communities that would like to partner in this effort. Interested? Contact 6
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