Martin Center Feb March 2013 newsletter

February and March Highlights Maestro in March February / March 2013 Edition Martin Center 960 Heritage Way Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone: (615) 376-0102 Fax: (615) 376-0124 Center Hours: 8:30-3:30 Monday through Friday

Martin Center Staff Center Director Joyce Keistler jkeistler@fiftyforward.org Volunteer Director Kathryn Capaldi kcapaldi@fiftyforward.org Program and Partnership Director Sherry Coss scoss@fiftyforward.org

Williamson County Staff FLIP Coordinator Angie Pradat apradat@fiftyforward.org Websites: www.themartincentertn.org www.fiftyforward.org Big E! Site: http:// themartincenter.tripod.com

Nashville Symphony Music Director

Giancarlo Guerrero ~~~~~~~

2012 Football Season Overview with

SEC Referee Tom Ritter Head Line Judge Tim Beard

~~~~~~~ Looking for the Perfect Gift?

Purchase your Martin Center Gift Card

Sponsored by BancorpSouth

~~~~~~~ Need a Valentine card or an all occasion card for someone special?

Stop by the Martin Center Card Crusaders have more than 70 designs

~~~~~~~ Culinary Chef Tom Loftis

Randy Rayborn School of Culinary Arts Nashville State Community College

Valentine’s Day Dinner Amerigo’s in Brentwood

~~~~~~~ Symphony Curb Dress Rehearsal Belmont Bruin’s

Get Movin’ At Martin Pilates & Core Stability Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:15-10:15. FREE Instructor: Barbara Johnson Cost: Members $5. Non-Members $10. Non-members please pay at the front desk.

Flex Exercise Class Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30. Members free. Non-members $5. Non-members please pay at the front desk.

Tuesday class led by Kathy McFarlane. Friday class led by Dot Small.

This chair exercise class focuses on flexibility and balance.

Tai Chi Thursdays, 9:00 Instructor: Julie Russell Tai Chi quiets minds, helps with breathing deeper, and improves balance. For more information call Julie at 615-831-0440. Cost: $40 for 4 classes for members; $80 for non-members.

Non-members please pay at the front desk.

Yoga Thursdays, 10:15 Instructor: Julie Russell Cost: $40 for 4 classes for members; $80 for non-members. Single class cost: Members $11. Visitors $22.

Social Potluck Luncheons: 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:30 Martin members: $2. Guests: $5.

Entrée provided but everyone must bring a LARGE dish to share.

We don’t want our guests to leave hungry!

Tuesday, February 19 2012 Football Season Overview: Behind-the-scenes stories on coaches and players of the game.

Football officials... the men on the field we all love to hate and complain about. But without these keepers of the rules, a football game could not progress with any sort of structure or sanity. This is a unique opportunity to find out what the men in stripes are required to do to perform their jobs on and off the field.

Guest Speaker: SEC Referee Tom Ritter and SEC Head Line Judge, Tim Beard will join us to discuss what it is like to be an SEC football official and work some of the biggest rivalry games in the 2010 Collegiate Football league.

Topics include: Background information, weekly and yearly regimens, and a look at this past year in college football.

Question and answer session to follow.

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Tuesday, March 19.

Guest Speaker: Nashville Music Director, Giancarlo Guerrero After an extensive search, Costa Rican conductor Giancarlo Guerrero began his journey as Nashville’s Music Director in 2009. Join us for this unique opportunity for a one-on-one conversation with the Maestro of Music City from his “other side.” Members $2. Visitors $5.

Concord Grapes Red Hat Society The Red Hat Cluster gathers the 2nd Friday of each month.

Call 376-0102 for schedule.

The “Knitwits” Knitting Group Each Thursday at 10:00 Gather with friends and share your tips with other knitters.

For more information please call the Center at 376-0102.

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Health and Wellness Massage Licensed therapist Kathy McFarlane is available every Tuesday and Thursday.

Hourly rate for members: $45 and non-members $60. Tip not included.

1/2 hour rate: $25 for members and $45 for non-members.

Call the Center to make your appointment. Gift cards available. Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel a massage, please call 615-376-0102 at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, you will be charged.

Manicures and Pedicures 3rd Monday of the month from 8:30 to 3:00 Monday, February 18 and March 18 Licensed cosmetologist Jeanne Bellinger provides pedicures for $30, manicures for $23, and toenail clips for $15.

Martin Members receive $5 discount for services. Call Jeanne at 615-715-6128.

Please call Jeanne 24 hours in advance to cancel an appointment; otherwise, you will be charged.

Pamper and Play with Kathy Monday, February 25 at 1:00 Kathy says “New Year New You? Well, HELLo what is wrong with the Old You?�

Girls, back by popular demand, join Kathy for a fun-filled afternoon with some of your friends. Kathy has an afternoon planned full of laughter and relaxation. And, of course, there will be yummie surprises to stimulate your taste buds. Sign up early because this is a Martin favorite. Reservations accepted only with payment. Seating is limited. Cost: $5.

Caregiver Support Group Meeting at NHC Place Cool Springs

4th Thursday of each month at 4:00 Topic: Join Hertha Hines at NHC Place Cool Springs for a discussion to help those who are caring for a family member or friend dealing with memory loss issues. This group meets at NHC Place Cool Springs located at 211 Cool Springs Boulevard, Franklin, TN. Please call Hertha at 778-6831 for your reservation.

Super Size Your Doctor Visit Sponsored by Williamson Medical

Wednesday, February 27 at 11:30 Guest Speaker: Dr. Art Williams Topic: How to make the most out of your doctor visit Thanks to changes in the industry, today's doctors spend about 10 to 15 minutes with each patient. As a result, the experience can be confusing and frustrating if communication is lacking. Many patients leave the office not understanding the doctor's directions.

Ultimately, however, your health is your responsibility. Because physicians can't read your mind, it's your responsibility to take steps to get the most out of your visit. Reservations required. Lunch provided.

Life Line Screening For appointment call 1-800-324-1851

Thursday, February 28 from 8:30 to 5:00 Life Line Screening uses painless ultrasound to see the plaque build-up in your arteries which is a leading cause of stroke.

Life Line Screening has screened over 6 million participants and has partnered with hospitals across the country.

Stroke/Carotid Screening ~ Heart Rhythem Screening ~ Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening ~ Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening and Osteoporosis Screening. Get all 5 screenings for only $149.00.

For more information or to make your appointment, please call 1-800-324-1851.

Weight Watchers Meetings at Martin Tuesday mornings at 8:30 and Tuesday evenings at 5:30.

Martin Center members with I.D. pay $30 joining fee week one (unless there is a joining special).

Martin Center members with I.D. receive $2.00 off the weekly meeting fee, after week one no additional discounts are available. (i.e. LTM and senior citizens). These discounts are only available at The Martin Center 2

Continuing Education AARP Free Tax-aide Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning February 2 from 9-1:00. By appointment only.

This service is provided by IRS trained volunteers. Please bring last year’s tax return and current year’s tax forms.

You are not required to be a member of the Center; however, preference will be given to those 50+.

Call 376-0102 or come by to make your appointment. Please note for March and April you will be asked the following: Are you a Martin Member? Are you over 60? Have you had your returns processed at the Center before?

If you answer yes to one of the questions, you may qualify for an appointment.

Culinary Director Chef Tom Loftis Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts

Friday, February 15 at 1:00 Back by popular demand, Chef Tom Loftis, Director of Nashville State Randy Rayborn School of Culinary Arts, will join us once again. We will enjoy a cooking demonstration of International Cookies.

Taste cookies from around the world. These treats are guaranteed to delight this winter season.

Reservation required. Limited seating. Members free. Visitors: $5.

Jewelry With Jan Wednesday, February 20 at Noon Instructor: Jan Smith Make a pair of beaded earrings and matching bracelet. In this three hour class you will learn a few basic techniques that will allow you to continue on using your imagination as your guide. Jan can make up kits in the metal and bead color preferred.

Gold, silver or brass tones and, of course, any color, size or style bead. Cost of class: $30. Reservations required.

Kits: $5 to be paid directly to instructor. Minimum of five and maximum of eight participants.

Beautiful Beaded Bookmarks Friday, March 1 at 2:00 Instructor: Sherry Armstrong This beaded bookmark craft is easy and fun to make. Come enjoy us for fellowship and fun. They make wonderful gifts and can be very diverse. So, they will fit any theme just by changing the colors and shapes of the beads. Supplies included.

Reservation required. Limited participants. Cost: $8 includes supplies.

Tips To Make Your Home Work For You Sponsored by A Better Nest

Wednesday, March 6 at 10:00 Guest Speaker: Jason Biddle This is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of some invaluable information for you. A Better Nest is a privately owned and operated company based in Nashville, TN. The concept for the company was born out of seeing an important, yet unmet need within our community. As friends and neighbors moved around in their stages of life, they discovered that their homes were not made to meet their current or future needs. This is an opportunity to have your questions answered by a professional about your paticualar concerns with no cost involved. Reservation required.

Breakfast goodies and coffee provided.

Home Gadget Guru Simplify your daily tasks

Friday, March 8 at 10:00 Many members are not aware of little gadgets that can simplify your daily routine. Tools that can assist getting in and out of your car, pulling up socks, all types of devices designed to help that you are not aware exists. The Occupational students from Nashville State will bring numerous items that can help in a variety of ways. Assistive equipment is any kind of tool or device that can simplify everyday tasks. This is an opportunity to find out how you can enhance your daily life.

Reservations required.

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Continuing Education The Brentwood I Remember Historical Seniors

Thursday, March 7 at 10:00 Facilitated by: Virginia Watson Guest Speaker: John M. Oden, Sr Topic: A History of the Brentwood Community 1850 – 1950 Join us for a presentation by Mr. Oden on his new book published December 2012.

Elements of Writing Facilitator: Sally Lee 1st and 3rd Mondays at 11:00. Monday, February 4 and 18. March 4 and 18.

For fiction, non-fiction and, from time to time, poetry, we discuss some aspect of character or setting. Several people read a portion of their work and receive friendly feedback from the rest of the group.

AARP Safe Driving Tuesday, March 12 and 13 Instructor: Bernard Gusfaston Two Session Class March 12 and 13 (You must attend both classes to get credit) Time: 9:00-1:00. Cost: AARP members $12.00 Non-members $14.00. Please bring check or cash for payment to AARP. Why Take a Driver Safety Class? Participants learn about good driving habits and get a special discount on their insurance. If a family has two cars, the husband and wife can take the course to get the discount on both cars. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older that has helped millions of drivers remain safe on today's roads. Please bring a valid Tennessee license, your AARP card, pen or pencil and lunch if you want. The Martin Center does not have vending machines. Reservations required.

Current Financial Markets sponsored by Merrill Lynch

Monday, March 18 at Noon Facilitators: Raj Patnaik and Zach Richards from Merrill Lynch Topic: What does the current market mean to you?

Please join Raj Patnaik and Zach Richards from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management for another exciting “lunch and learn” session regarding the financial markets. Raj and Zach will be on hand to answer your questions about the current financial environment. As always, lunch will be provided! Reservations required.

Tech Time Wednesday, March 20 at 1:00 Facilitator: Betsy Crossley Want to tailor your iPhone or iPad for your daily life? Explore the world of Apps that can help you organize your life, scrapbook on your mobile device, keep up with friends and pass the time with entertainment and music. We'll talk about mobile apps Pandora, SoundHound, Grocery IQ, Facebook, RedLaser, Dropbox, and Stumbleupon.

Bring your iPad or iPhone 5. Limited to 6 people. Cost: $2.

Vitamin D: What You Need To Know Sponsored by Saint Thomas

Wednesday, March 20 at 11:30 Guest Speaker: Dr. Ilaben Patel Dr. Patel received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and then completed her family practice residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She is a member of both the American Academy and Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians and is board-certified with the American Board of Family Medicine.

Topic: Vitamin D Without a sufficient amount of vitamin D, calcium can’t be absorbed properly, and this can lead to many problems, ranging from brain dysfunction to weakening of the bones. Find out what other symptoms can arise. Some sources also mention that a high enough D3 level will make your body resistant to H1N1, the swine flu virus. Lately there was an epidemic of H1N1 in the northern part of Finland. These are the people whose D3 levels are the lowest of all - in the midwinter there is basically no daylight. Could a low D3 level be one of the causes why so many people got sick?

Reservations required. Lunch provided.

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Trips and Tours Movie and Lunch: Identity Theft Monday, February 11.

Travel to Cool Springs Unlimited funds have allowed Diana (McCarthy) to live it up on the outskirts of Miami, where the queen of retail buys whatever strikes her fancy. There's only one glitch: The ID she's using to finance these sprees reads "Sandy Bigelow Patterson"....and it belongs to an accounts rep (Bateman) who lives halfway across the U.S. With only one week to hunt down the con artist before his world implodes, the real Sandy Bigelow Patterson heads south to confront the woman with an all-access pass to his life. And as he attempts to bribe, coax and wrangle her the 2,000 miles to Denver, one easy target will discover just how tough it is to get your name back. Van: $4. Time to be announced.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken Tuesday, February 12 at 10:45 Not just any fried chicken — this is Gus’s World Famous: a closely-guarded recipe passed down through six decades and four generations of the Bonner family. Right here in Brentwood, they claim to have world famous chicken so let’s find out.

Their menu has something for everyone’s taste buds. Reservations required. Van: $3.

Please let us know if you plan to meet at the restaurant.

Valentine Dinner Amerigo’s Brentwood

Thursday, February 14. Leave the Center at 4:45.

Travel to Amerigo’s in Brentwood and enjoy delicious Valentine dinner. Amerigo’s is a casual, energetic, affordable neighborhood Italian restaurant serving a blend of traditional and modern Italian cuisine. Their restaurants are warm and inviting, with friendly yet professional service. Van: $4. Reservations required. Limited seating. If you plan to drive on your own please let us know at the front desk. .

Old Chicago Friday, February, 22 at 10:45 Let’s visit our new favorite restaurant in Cool Springs, Old Chicago. Enjoy burgers, calzones, salads and more. Or maybe you want to start with dessert first. If you plan to drive on your own please let us know at the front desk.

Limited seating. Van: $4. Please let us know if you plan to meet the group at the restaurant.

Nashville Symphony Rehearsal Thursday, February 28. Leave the center at 9:15 Tchaikovsky Meets Techno with Anne Akiko-Meyers Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor: Anne Akiko Meyers, violin: Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursday, March 28. Leave the center at 9:15 Wagner’s The Ring Without Words Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor: Louis Lortie, piano: Ravel - Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D major:Wagner/Maazel Reservations required. Limited seating. Cost: $5 includes transportation and parking. Reservations required.

Montgomery Bell State Park Saturday, March 2. Leave the Center at 4:00.

Located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County. The rolling hills of Dickson County contain a treasure that was considered more precious than gold to the builders of young America. Let’s join them for their delicious steak buffet and new adult beverage menu. Don’t worry if you don’t want steak you will have plenty of entrées to choose from.

Cost: $22.50 includes mini-bus transportation, CDL licensed driver, buffet, beverage and door to door service.

Cocktails not included.

Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis, IL Thursday, March 21. Leave the Martin center at 7:30.

Travel on a Mills motor coach to Metropolis, Illinois. Enjoy a buffet lunch, bingo on the bus, and good times with fellow passengers. The bus will leave Harrah’s at 4:00. Please call Shirely Breece at 373-2384 to make your reservation.

Cost: $5 for members.

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Trips and Tours Be An Artist For A Day Bring your imagination Monday, March 11. Leave the Center at 9:45 Let’s go to ThirdCoastClay in the Factory in Franklin. Third Coast Clay is a groovy little pottery painting place offering pieces of “naked clay” ready to be decorated. They have all the supplies you need to create a ceramic memory. All you need to do is bring your imagination and get ready to have fun with some of your friends. Choose from a little chick to an Easter Egg. Please indicate which piece you would like to paint when you sign up. Class at 10:30 with lunch to follow at Stoveworks.

Cost: $15 includes ceramic item and all supplies. Van: $4. Let us know if you plan to meet the group at the Factory.

Miller’s Grocery and Bell Buckle Christiana, TN Nestled in the small town of Christiana there is an antique filled, country cafe featuring home-style Southern cooking and award winning “from scratch” desserts to dine. After lunch, let’s travel into the quaint town of Bell Buckle filled with lovely antiques and soda shops. Reservations required. Cost: $10 includes mini-bus transportation, CLD driver, door-to-door service.

Reservations required. Minimum 20.

Burger Bliss The Burger Republic

Thursday, March 7. Leave the Center at 10:45.

Located in Lenox Village on Nolensville Road. This burger place offers deliciously large portions that give you not only lunch but dinner for one price. Start off with tator tot fondue, Maryland crab dip, sliders or go straight to the favorite burgers made from Angus Beef. Their signature ground beef is a combination of short rib, brisket and chuck. Great sandwiches and salads.

Top it off with hand spun milkshakes “spiked” or “unspiked”. Reservations required. Van: $4.

This and That Valentine Special Four-Handed Massage with Kathy McFarlane and colleague

Wednesday, February 14 Two therapists with customized pressure. Two therapists and four hands touch your body with choreographed, rhythmic movements that induce deep relaxation. Therapists perform a body massage, reflexology and hypnotic scalp massage to create a sense of calm and well-being. Organic aromatic oil soothes the senses and nourishes the skin.

Emerge renewed and serene. Cost: Member $80. Non-Members: $120.

Paraffin Hand Treatment With Kathy McFarlane

Tuesday, March 19 at 1:00 Paraffin hand treatments are used in spas and salons to lock in moisture. The wax is warm and soothing and your hands will be left feeling soft and supple. Kathy McFarlane will bring the salon to the Center.

Reservations required. Pricing based on number of participants.

Please sign up for hand treatment by March 10.

Winesippers With A Twist Friday, February 22 at 5:30 Spinach Salad, Beef Medallion Au Poivre, Green Beans, Mushroom & Parmesan Polenta, Chefs Choice Dessert ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friday, March 29 at 5:30 Spinach Salad, Beef Medallion Au Poivre, Green Beans Panzanella Salad, Chicken Putteanesca, Broccoli Parmesan, Buttered Pasta, Chefs Choice Dessert ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wine pairing and lecture provided by Cool Springs Wines and Spirits.

Catering by Giandi’s. Cost: $22.50. Guests: $25. Reservations accepted only with payment.

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Creative Arts Stop and Shop at Martin Are you looking for a gift or card to send to someone? The Card Crusaders now have more than 70 Patterns including all occasion, holiday, wedding, birthday, thank you and much more.

So, come by and place your order early. Let them customize and design your business logo on a card They can design game day cards with your favorite team colors! Handmade and only $4!!

They are beautiful and professionally made. All sales benefit the Center.

Yarn Scarf Made Easy Friday, February 15 at 2:30 Make a beautiful yarn scarf in no time flat! Just grab your favorite yarn and a few essentials then get to knotting, tying or just plain old-fashioned braiding. That’s right—these scarves require absolutely no knitting. Buy fun, frilly and even sparkly yarn to jazz up your scarf. Each person should bring a skein of yarn to share with the group. Supplies not included. Cost: $2. Reservations required.

Painting with “Winer’s” at Martin Thursday, February 21 and Friday, March 22 at 2:30 Bring your favorite beverage and paint a picture along with art instructor Barbara Bays as she shows you step-by-step how to paint a beautiful masterpiece that you will take home at the end of the day.

Enjoy fellowship and fun. Cost: $20 includes supplies. Reservations required.

Drawing in Pencil / Pen and Ink Everyone Welcome!

Six week series begins February 12 though March 19 from 10:00 to Noon Instructor: Midge Simpson This class will explore several aspects of drawing such as textures, shades of grey, proportions in figure and faces and perspective. Participants will be introduced to pencil as a drawing medium. After practicing with creating textures and blending, you will complete a finished drawing of a still life. Using pen and ink as the medium, you will explore text, darks and lights, and shades of grey creating a finished picture in pen and ink. Supply list at the front desk.

Limited Seating. Members: $65. Non-members: $130.

3D or Not 3D That Is The Question Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28 Instructor: Bill Barnes Times: 10:00 to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00.

Come study with Bill with the 3D See Thru Drawing Techniques of Robert Fawcett where objects look as if they were make of glass. This 3D drawing technique will provide you with an invaluable tool: Understanding how 3D objects relate in space: Break down complex shapes into simple shapes: understand cast shadows, reflective light and more.

Lunch break from Noon to 1:00. Cost: $60 per person. Bill Barnes biography at front desk.

Watercolor Exploration with Barbara Bays Tuesdays at 1:00, six-week series begins March 5 It is a “no more fear approach” to watercolor.

These sessions are for those who want to continue to explore the art of watercolor. Beginners welcome.

Any questions please call Barbara Bays at 414-0458. Cost: $50 for members. $100 for non-members.

Martin Members Only ~ Open Studio Watercolor, Thursdays at 1:00 Bring your brushes, pens, and paints and join us each Thursday afternoon for a Open Studio day at Martin.

There will be no instructor so you can possibly learn from your peers. Martin Members only.

Reservations for all art classes accepted only with payment for entire session.

No credit issued for missed classes.

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Games People Play All of the following activities are provided for Martin members free of charge.

Guests are welcome to pay a $5 fee to visit activities once.

Billards Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 Members free.

Bridge Wednesdays at 9:00 Members free.

Canasta Thursdays from 9:30-3:30. Bring your lunch.

Members free.

Horseshoe Pit Currently open for members.

Martin Members Game Days Tuesdays from 11:00 to 3:30. Fridays from 11:00 to 3:30.

Poker Mondays at 10:30 Wii Games Mondays at 1:00. Choose from a variety of games to play.

Please let Sherry know if you would like to facilitate a new game.

Game On! ~ It’s Hoop Time!

Belmont Bruins VS Jacksonville State

Saturday, March 2. Leave the Center at 3:00 Join us for a Saturday night out to catch some hoops at the Curb Event Center home of the Belmont Bruins.

Coach Byrd will lead the men’s basketball team, the Bruins, against a conference rival team Jacksonville State.

Game tips off at 4:00. After the game dinner we will go to dinner at a place to be announced.

Reservations required. Limited tickets available for the game so sign up early.

Cost: $7 includes ticket, transportation and parking.

2013 New and Exciting Resources Genealogy Tuesday, March 17 at 10:00 Facilitated by: Virginia Watson Topic: 2013 New and Exciting Resources to Enhance Your Family History Research

Twisty and Twirl Ruffle Scarf Wednesday, March 20 at 2:00 Instructor: Jan Smith This type of ruffly scarf is the hottest item on the fashion scene today. Frilly and fun ruffled scarves are a cinch to knit in Bernat "Twist & Twirl" - a super soft, 100% acrylic netting yarn that works up quickly and easily. Details to be announced.

Inclement Weather Policy Please note when Williamson County schools are closed due to weather conditions all programs and trips at the Martin Center are canceled.

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Kathryn’s Corner of Marvelous Volunteers

Volunteer Spotlight Thank you, Thank You , Thank You to the Fluffettes. This group of women and men create a wonderful atmosphere for the holidays with hours of decorating and hours of “putting away” the decorations. We have people purposely come in the building to see the Christmas decorations. A heart-felt thank you to Pat Haskins, Joyce Patton, Judy Davis, Freda McDonald, Camille Bruno, Lewis Cyree, Joe Poag (and grandson), Jessica Pannell and the Brentwood Firefighters. ~~~~~~~~~~ I want to say an additional Thank You to Malcolm Small and Helen Landry. They faithfully enter MATS information And Etapestry information, respectively, into the computer each week. As the end of the year comes to a close and the new calendar year starts, we are required to run reports and furnish documentation to funding sources and our agency. We couldn’t do it without their steady help. ~~~~~~~~~~ Please welcome our newest addition as a volunteer to the Front Desk, Verna Mitoraj. She “experienced” her first day this week. You can find Verna actively involved with the Bridge group . ~~~~~~~~~~~ As part of our Re-Accreditation process, we recruited two focus groups to give feedback regarding how the Center impacts their lives. The information gleaned from this cross section of our membership will help us as we prepare and plan for the future We want to thank the following people for giving up their time to be a part of this process: Bettye Jackson, Sherry Armstrong, Barbara Bays, Malcolm Small, Nell Highers, Joe Poag, Helen Landry, Wray Estes, Ron Kegarise, Colleen Reilly, Tom Clark, JD Taylor, Marilyn Nevens, Joyce Patton, Rob Piling, Phyllis Spitler, Judy Chilton and John Frame. ~~~~~~~~~~~ RSVP has an MLK Service Project each year. This year they collected food items for emergency boxes for clients of Meals On Wheels. The Martin Center had a large collection box in the foyer for donations.

Thanks to all who participated! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ I want to stress the importance of this volunteer opportunity. People like to be remembered when they are down or not feeling well. Please help “Just Joan” do what she loves to do. Please give her names and/or addresses of members that are struggling with something. She loves to feel her actions make a difference.

“Just Joan” is always at your disposal. She is ready to send a card of encouragement, sympathy, or concern to any member that needs to know the Martin Center is thinking about them.

Let Kathryn know and she’ll pass the info to “Just Joan.” ~~~~~~~~~~~ NEW WISH LIST New benches for the pond area.

The Garden Committee would like you to start thinking ahead. In the spring when you start cutting back or splitting plants, please consider donating them to the Martin Center. We will have something in place from the committee to let you know if they can use your cuttings before you bring them over.

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REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF THE 2012 Membership Survey Thank you to all of you who took the time to complete the survey. We had a 40% response rate which is excellent for this type of activity. 91 members completed the survey.

Some findings: Nearly half are long time (4+ years) members; others spread equally 75% were female members 56% of all members are ages 66 to 75 Members are well educated, with 57% being college grads 100% are comfortable using email; 45% are comfortable using Facebook 80% are satisfied with their life, but 17% have had to drop activities over the past 2 years 74% of members learned of the Center through friends or family, but 29% learned from news articles Most joined to meet new people, to continue lifelong learning, and to have something to do with their time 54% come 1 to 3 times per week; 26% only come monthly (maybe potlucks or wine sippers?)

Most spend 2 to 3 hours at the Center when they come 92% said that they have increased their knowledge through the Center 88% said that they learned new or improved skills at the Center For social support, 60% consider that friends made at the Center are important or somewhat important 76% felt that they have a friend at the Center to help them when needed, but 24% disagreed with this 84% agreed that the Center provides them with a sense of emotional security and well being Trips, lunchtime classes, and potlucks are the most regularly participated programs Most members are either very satisfied or satisfied with their activities at the Center There were two open-ended questions at the end, and many of you provided good, thought provoking comments and concerns.

Regarding what would be most important to add or change if money were no object, the top responses were: add evening or weekend hours, make the game/card room bigger, more programs on crafts/decorating/ scrapbooking/floral arranging, and add more staff.

Regarding other comments about the Martin Center, the top responses were: An exceptional facility, A friendly place/home away from home, Cheerful helpful Staff, and Very well run Again, thank you for your participation!

The Evaluation Team (Betsy Crossley, Dave Ford, Sheryl Davis, Beverly Patnaik, Bill Sullivan, Joyce Keistler, and Ben Snyder– Leader)

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NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 329 BRENTWOOD, TN

Martin Center 960 Heritage Way Brentwood, TN 37027 Return Service Requested

Belmont Basketball ~~

Montgomery Bell State Park ~~

Tech Time Taylor your iPhone or iPad for your daily life ~~

Dr. Art Williamson Super Size Your Doctor Visit ~~

Pamper and Play Kathy McFarlane and Friends Paraffin Hands ~~

Valentine Dinner Amerigo’s in Brentwood ~~

Miller’s Grocery and Bell Buckle ~~

Winesippers with Ryan Cool Springs Wines and Spirits and Giandi’s Catering