FiftyForward Focus March 2015

FiftyForward brings Dance for PD速 to Nashville

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Misty Owens leads members of the Brooklyn Parkinson Group at Mark Morris Dance Center. Photo: Amber Star Merkens

FiftyForward Board of Directors 2014-2015 Board Officers

Forward Focus is published quarterly by FiftyForward. An annual subscription is included with yearly dues to FiftyForward. We welcome annual subscriptions from non-members at $15.

To subscribe, contact Misa Acox, editor, macox@fiftyforward.org Advertisements appearing in Forward Focus do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the newspaper, but the staff will not knowingly accept ads which are misleading, fraudulent, objectionable, unethical or illegal.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Janet Jernigan COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Susan W. Sizemore (615) 743-3411 ssizemore@fiftyforward.org GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Misa Acox (615) 743-3430 macox@fiftyforward.org ADVERTISING SALES Bob Neuman (615) 885-6556 RMNEUMAN@comcast.net Forward Focus 174 Rains Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 743-3430 fax: (615) 743-3480 fiftyforward.org Our Mission: Established in 1956, FiftyForward enriches the lives of adults 50+ by providing pathways to health, well-being and lifelong learning.

Funding sources for programs and services include the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, the United Way of Williamson County, Metro Nashville Government, City of Brentwood, Williamson County Commission, Metro Arts Commission, Victims of Crimes Act, DHS, TDMHDD, GNRCAAA, Corp. for National and Community Service, private foundations, individuals, organizations/corporations, and FiftyForward special events and campaigns. FiftyForward is committed to fair and equitable treatment and protection of all employees, volunteers, and beneficiaries of our services.

A profile of FiftyForward may be found at www.givingmatters.com.

2 | Forward Focus

Mercedes Lytle, President Scott McKean, President-Elect Renee Jenkins, Secretary Kerri Kelley Frye, Treasurer Don Greene, Immediate Past President

Board Members

Michael Aulisio Lucy Chism Mary Clements Teresa Corlew Richard Courtney Eddie Davidson Melinda S. Drennan Margaret Dunlap Cullen Earnest Carolyn Ermey Richard Exton Byron Fawknotson Robin Fritz Gina Grisham Dr. Ralf Habermann Jeri Hasselbring Carl Haynes Pam Hess

Lifetime Members Charlie Cardwell Harriet Foley Patricia Hart

Vanessa Hickman Ashford Hughes Jennifer Joyce Dr. Jim Lancaster Barbara Moss Dr. Charles P. Moulton Cindy Natsch Jana Lisle Parham Laura Purswell Janet Rachel Travis Richmond Tracy Rode Linda Peek Schacht Carolyn Schott Brian Shelton Andrea Turner Leigh Williams Dr. Beth Woodard Allyson Young

FiftyForward Advisory Council 2014-2015 Bill LaFollette, Chair Brenda Albright Clay Bailey Ed Birthright Seawell Brandau Laurel Buntin Charlie Cardwsays, “ My pod deeell John W. (Wally) Dant III Betty Dunn J. D. Elliott Harriet Foley Brenda Gilmore Irma Kaplan Aileen Katcher

Mary Herbert Kelley Heloise W. Kuhn Kim Harvey Looney Tara MacDougall Hilda McGregor Carla Nelson Randall W. Parham Emily Plotkin Dr. Nancy Ransom Anne Roos Lisa Small Laura Smith Tidwell Denise Torr Sally Wolfe

FiftyForward Endowment Board 2014-2015 Joe Chickey, President Tony Hoffman, President-Elect Joan Shayne, Secretary Ed Carter, Treasurer Robert Bryan Bell Seawell Brandau John W. (Wally) Dant III Ellen Duncan Brenda Gilmore William L. (Bill) Harbison James McGregor Greer Redden

Robert M. Smith George Stadler Patty St. Clair John Steele Alex Tolbert Thor Urness Kent Weeks Honorary Members Mary Herbert Kelly Jana Lisle Parham Scott McKean

Forward Focus: We want to hear from you!

#FiftyForwardFirsts Associate Executive Director Adrienne Newman embraced her inner artist as she embarked on her first endeavor as a featured artist in an art show called, “Modular Art Pods” presented by abrasiveMedia. Held in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood, the show featured thirty-five artists who each designed a 4’ x 4’ interactive pod.

Adrienne’s art pod features a fictional character named Valeria Victoria who is an older adult living independently at home. Her home is filled with the things that bring her comfort and her social calendar is full of visits from friends, family and community.

Despite being homebound her life is full. Adrienne created this to show how a homebound adult can have a life that is fun and fulfilling.

This was the first art show Adrienne had entered and she was honored to be included.

Of her art pod Adrienne says, “My pod depicts the home of an older adults who, despite having some functional challenges, continues to live a full and vibrant life in her own home. She is embraced by others and surrounded with items that provide her comfort...” Adrienne made much of the decor herself and we are proud of her first art exhibit.

Follow us on:

Tell us your FiftyForward First! www.fiftyforward.org

If you’re 50+, we want to hear about your “firsts!” Share a story of learning a new skill, trying a new activity, and even discovering a new talent. Email Misa, macox@fiftyforward.org and tell us your story. You may read about it here!

Special feature

Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson Group present Dance for PD® workshop at FiftyForward Knowles March 13-14

By Casey Griffith FiftyForward Knowles Program Assistant

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pproximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and this number does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected. Research indicates activities ranging from painting, tai-chi, exercise and dance are of benefit to these patients.

FiftyForward Knowles is joining with Dance for PD® and the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) to bring dance classes to people living with Parkinson’s disease in the Nashville area.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this training opportunity for our instructors and others around the region. Creative arts can be a very helpful therapeutic modality and we are excited to bring innovative programs through collaboration with the Tennessee Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association and the support of the Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability,” said Lori Corley, director of Active Aging, FiftyForward.

David Leventhal, program director at Dance for PD®, is initiating a March workshop at FiftyForward Knowles to teach instructors how to lead dance classes for Parkinson’s patients. Dance for PD® is an organization that was founded in New York City as a partnership between the modern dance company, Mark Morris Dance Group, and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Supporting Parkinson’s patients since its inception in 2001, Dance for PD® leads classes, trains instructors, collaborates with organizations around the world, and has been the subject of multiple research projects.

Dance for PD® began from Brooklyn Parkinson Group Executive Director Olie Westheimer’s visionary idea that dance and Parkinson’s disease can work together. Having studied dance when she was growing up, Westheimer thought about the strategies of dance and the manner in which all of the different parts of the body move in specific and intentional ways. She realized Parkinson’s patients could benefit from those strategies and sought to collaborate with the Mark Morris Dance Group, a world-renowned modern dance

company. Dancers David Leventhal and John Higginbotham became the first teachers of Dance for PD®, while Westheimer continued to work behind the scenes. She didn’t want the program to look like a therapy class that focused on the person’s disease so she worked with Leventhal and Higginbotham to use their dance expertise to develop classes.

Martin Thall, a member of Brooklyn Parkinson, dances with David Leventhal of the Mark Morris Dance Group. Photo: Katsuyoshi Tanaka

Socialization, activity offer freedom

Westheimer focused on two main factors when creating Dance for PD®: dance strategy and patient socialization. Utilizing specific dance methods was important for the success of Parkinson’s patients’ ability to control their bodies. Having social time and collective support was just as important for members of Westheimer’s Brooklyn Parkinson Group.

David Leventhal’s dance background and passion to help people with physical limitations experience new freedom through dance movements highly qualifies him as founding teacher and program director of Dance for PD®. Leventhal attended Brown University, later joined the Boston Ballet, then moved to New York City to become a company member of the Mark Morris Dance Group. He performed with the company for almost 15 years when he decided to join Dance for PD® full time. In making the decision to join the new organization as a founding teacher, Leventhal says that he “really loved to teach and the teaching opportunity sounded stimulating and interesting.” Currently, Dance for PD® is taught in multiple U.S. cities and countries and is the leading organization in promoting dance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

The benefits of Dance for PD® for patients are remarkable. In fact, research reveals that regular dance classes relieve debilitating symptoms,

aid short-term mobility, improve stability, increase social inclusion, ease the ability to successfully perform activities of daily living, improve mood, create a sense of joy and confidence, improve gait and tremor, decrease rigidity in limbs, and increase overall quality of life (see http://goo.gl/k0iiwZ for more information). continued on page 9

Dance for PD® Workshop •

Held March 13-14, the workshop includes a variety of topics for future Parkinson’s disease dance instructors including the background of Dance for PD®, teaching techniques, classroom safety, creating appropriate classes, and the use of music, among other subjects.

The workshop is interactive and Leventhal will show participants how to develop their own class with feedback and guidance. Those interested in participating in this workshop can register online at https://madmimi. com/s/9f1675.

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The workshop will also include a free Community Dance Class for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers to be held Friday, March 13, 2-3:30 p.m. Registration is required; interested participants can call the Middle Tennessee Chapter of APDA at (615) 342-4635. Medical professionals who work with Parkinson’s patients are also invited to attend the Community Dance Class to learn more about Dance for PD®.

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Three FiftyForward fitness instructors are participating in the workshop and FiftyForward instructor Kathleen Phillips will lead an upcoming Parkinson’s dance class beginning in April. The opportunity to host dance classes for patients with Parkinson’s disease is an exciting one for FiftyForward. This will be the first time a dance class of this kind will been offered in Nashville and FiftyForward, in partnership with Caryn Crenshaw, RN and the Middle Tennessee Chapter of APDA, is paving the way for the expansion of services to Parkinson’s patients in Middle Tennessee.

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We count this innovative effort as a FiftyForward First!

Spring 2015 | 3

Living at Home Services

FiftyForward Living at Home Services

Care Management: the great connector to resources, services and the community What are care managers and how can they help you?

Care managers serve an important role in identifying your needs and connecting you to assistance. They are knowledgeable about services and benefits in our community that provide food, medical care, housing, financial assistance and just about anything else you may need. A care manager’s goal is to connect you with every available resource to help you to live your best life.

Without care management assistance, many elders and their family members do not know help exists. Additionally, it may be difficult to apply for assistance due to vision or reading difficulties, inability to gather necessary documents or lack of transportation to required appointments.

That is why FiftyForward Care Managers come to your home and do the necessary “legwork” to access services.

Unfortunately, receiving help can be very complicated. You may have to ask for assistance from several different organizations in order to meet different needs. Applications can be complicated. Understanding if you are eligible for a service can also be challenging. Eligibility may be based on your income, assets, where you live or your age. Care managers take the mystery out of the process and connect you to the right resources for you.

They also make sure that providers follow their own rules about giving you help. There may be a certain number of days to approve an application or you may have the right to be placed on a waiting list if services are not immediately available.

Special features offered by FiftyForward Care Management include: •

A care manager can visit you as often as is reasonably determined necessary to address your needs.

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Staff or volunteers may provide some of the services that you need such as housecleaning, errand running, transportation, food, equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, canes, raised toilet seats), household or personal care items. continued on page 9

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Vision health

Monitor your vision as you age

By Michelle Abt FiftyForward Living at Home Intern

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s we age our vision may begin to change. Some of these normal vision changes often occur around the age of 40. A decline in the sharpness of our vision, called visual acuity, and in overall field of vision usually takes place in the eyes. A thickening and slight yellowing of the lens will also happen and our pupils will become smaller, resulting in the need for three to four times more light to see “normally.” During this time your eyes will also take more time to adjust to light and dark. Difficulty with glare and reduced depth perception are also common challenges that make nighttime vision and driving difficult.

Other changes in vision may include blind spots, blurry spots or a large decrease in your visual field.

These are not typical changes and could be a sign of a visual impairment such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or low vision. These conditions, best found and treated in their early stages, have no warning signs and are only detected by a dilated eye exam. The good news is that if these changes are recognized early they can be treated. To ensure optimal eye health, it is recommended you have a full eye exam at least once a year.

The American Occupational Therapy Association offers many tips for those who have impaired vision.

To safely function in your home: • • • • •

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Remove clutter, cords, and throw rugs to avoid falls.

Contrast the wall color with the color of grab bars or other equipment (to make bars easier to see).

Maintain good lighting in walkways, hallways, stairwells, closets, etc.

Use labeled tray dividers to hold items like cosmetics and small tools.

Hang clothes by color in closets (put similar colors, like black and navy, on opposite sides), and use different hampers for similar colors to keep them sorted.

Organize each room by keeping commonly used items in the same easy-to-access location.

To manage your medications: •

Ask your doctor to clearly describe and explain new medications, and ask your pharmacist for large-print labels. Specific Walgreens, CVS and Walmart pharmacies have recently introduced “Talking Pill

• •

Reminders.”

This device is attached to your pill bottle and will tell you the information on the bottle, as well as how much of the medication to take. It will also tell you when it is time to take your medication.

This device is free for those who have visual impairments or are blind. Walgreens currently offers this device to anyone for $9.99. Contact your local pharmacy for more information.

Mark each pill bottle in a unique way to make them easier to identify (Attach Velcro, felt, rubber bands, a button, etc.)

Use large-print pill boxes.

ophthalmologist for a recommendation. You can find additional information through the American Occupational Therapy Association at www.aota.org.

The National Eye Institute suggests the following to keep your eyes healthy: •

Follow the 20/20/20 Rule. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get tired. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.

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Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens are important for maintaining eye health. Research has shown there are also eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.

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Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions, which can lead to vision loss. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

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Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to vision loss.

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Wear your shades. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

To improve visibility: •

• • • • • •

Use contrast to distinguish items such as a dark bathmat with rubber backing on a light floor, a light cutting board on a dark countertop, or colored tape on the edge of stair risers.

Use night lights, a flashlight, or hall or room lighting for safety if you get up in the night.

Avoid moving quickly from a dark room to a lighted area, and vice versa; allow your eyes time to adjust to changing light levels.

Use an e-reader so you can adjust the font size, lighting level, and contrast.

Use overhead lighting to help eliminate shadows and keep rooms evenly lit.

Use shades on all light sources to reduce glare.

Sit with your back toward a window or lamp to reduce glare.

To manage your finances: • • •

Organize bills and other important papers in different colored trays or folders with large labels.

Pay bills and track accounts online so you can enlarge the font.

Ask your bank for large-print checks (often available at no cost).

Occupational therapists can help implement any of the tips above, and they can also provide services designed for you to increase your independence and ability. Ask your doctor, optometrist, or

Spring 2015 | 5

Living at Home Services/Care Team

Special feature

Volunteer opportunities

Wedgewood Urban Garden provides opportunity for community building

peppers, and vegetable marrow. This beautiful Just a few blocks from the FiftyForward Knowles and diverse space serves as an outdoor learning Center, a cheerful sign and eye catching center, hosts classes and workshops, and sculpture welcome visitors to The Nashville supports The Nashville Food Project’s hot meal Food Project’s Wedgewood Urban Garden, an program by producing thousands of pounds of oasis tucked amid modest homes on a busy produce each year. thoroughfare. Visitors to the site are likely to stumble upon an interpreter explaining, in “Creating a local vibrant food system is vital to Bhutanese, how to use a tractor to plow under Nashville and any city’s health and growth,” the remnants of last year’s crops. The gardeners said Christina Bentrup, garden coordinator of are planting a cover crop of winter rye to The Nashville Food Project. “Everyone growing nourish the plowed soil until spring. Originally food here these knows gardeners “Creating a local vibrant food system is vital to already how to grow grew crops Nashville and any city’s health and growth.” food. Our role in Bhutan is to provide using oxen

--Christina Bentrup, garden coordinator of a little bit of and hand

The Nashville Food Project training about tools, our climate and now they how to grow things in Middle Tennessee.” are part of an innovative program that helps refugees integrate into the Nashville community.

We (Americans) have gotten away from farming ... We’re helping ever so slightly to adapt their expertise to the Middle Tennessee climate. The The urban garden offers these immigrant program participants have all the experience gardeners the chance to learn new farming and expertise that I don’t have and with this techniques, an understanding of the types of assistance will hopefully thrive in providing local crops best grown in Middle Tennessee, and an food for themselves and the city.” Bentrup says. opportunity to have their own garden plot to grow native produce including bitter gourds, 6 | Forward Focus

“I want more people to be involved, so they can get the benefit from this type program,” says Siddi Rimal, a Bhutan native grower who now also works as a part-time garden manager and interpreter. In 2015, the Nashville Food Project and the Center for Refugees and Immigrants will partner with FASHA (Fervent Assistance to Survivors for Healthy Adjustment), to host plots for growers from eight different nations including Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Mexico, Liberia, Zimbabwe and the Philippines.

FiftyForward RSVP and The Nashville Food Project have a strong partnership that includes volunteer service in TNFP’s kitchen and as lunch delivery volunteers. RSVP volunteers have the opportunity to see first-hand how important it is to have access to fresh vegetables. RSVP is now encouraging volunteers to become a part of the garden component of The Food Project’s program. For more information on garden volunteer opportunities through RSVP please see the adjoining article (page 7).

For more information about these volunteer opportunities, contact Liane Proctor, lproctor@fiftyforward.org; (615) 743- 3426.

FiftyForward volunteer opportunities

The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for a few good grandparents to take Nashville’s children to the next level of success.

RSVP Garden Volunteer Opportunities With spring around the corner there are a number of FiftyForward RSVP volunteer opportunities that will encourage you to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Nashville Food Project (TNFP) oversees two gardens, one in Green Hills, behind the TNFP offices at the Woodmont Christian Church on Hillsboro Pike, and the Wedgewood Urban Garden, centrally located on Wedgewood Avenue, close to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and the FiftyForward Knowles Center.

Additionally, BELL Garden in Bellevue is seeking volunteers for Wednesday open garden time and to serve as mentor volunteers for groups who serve in the garden.

TNFP hosts RSVP Volunteer Service Days at the Wedgewood Urban Garden on the fourth Wednesday of March, April, and May from 1 - 3 p.m. Three to six RSVP volunteers are needed on a regular basis and no previous gardening experience is required.

RSVP volunteers will learn basic garden skills - planting, pruning, weeding, composting as well as gain an education about annuals, perennials, greenhouse growing and irrigation.

Volunteers are needed: • • • •

at TNFP Green Hills Garden every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at the Wedgewood Urban Garden every Thursday from 10 a.m. -noon at BELL Garden in Bellevue every Wednesday morning from 8:30-10:30 a.m. to participate in a mentor gardener training program at BELL Garden. Volunteers will learn garden basics and oversee volunteer groups who serve in the garden.

If the garden is calling you, please contact Liane Proctor, RSVP volunteer coordinator, at (615) 743-3426 or e-mail at lproctor@fiftyforward.org for more information.

we Need YOu! Do you have what it takes?

• • • •

Must be 55 or older and want to share your experience Must be available five days a week for four hours each day Must live in Davidson County Income must be at or below $22,980 per year

If you answered YES to all of these questions, contact: Penny Gammons, Director FiftyForward Foster Grandparents Program pgammons@fiftyforward.org or call (615) 743-3420 Visit fiftyforward.org

FREE

FREE Care Counseling 800-955-8510 Spring 2015 • 23rd Edition

®

ars 12 Ye

Legendary Gospel Songwriters,

Bill and Gloria Gaither

(See story page 148)

FiftyForward announces special training sessions for caregivers FiftyForward is pleased to announce special training sessions for family and professional caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The dates for these trainings are: Friday, April 17, 9 a.m.-noon, FiftyForward Knowles Friday, May 1, 1-4 p.m., FiftyForward Donelson Station For more information and to reserve a space, contact Lori Corley, lcorley@fiftyforward.org or call (615)743-3400.

FEATURED ARTICLES: • Seniors Become “Silver Surfers” • Home Modifications are Key to Aging at Home • “There’s No Place Like Home”

Greater Nashville Cheatham • Davidson • Dickson • Maury • Robertson • Rutherford • Sumner • Williamson • Wilson Counties

www.SeniorDirectory.com/Nashville

Spring 2015 | 7

Special feature

FiftyForward empowers and trains the social workers of the future

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iftyForward has a proud tradition of assisting university students in the completion of their requirements to earn a college degree. Many fields of study require work experience in order for a student to graduate. The time students spend working in a social service organization gives them the opportunity to use classroom preparation to hone their skills by working directly with those they plan to serve in their careers.

This year is special because FiftyForward has three interns – each of whom is pursuing a different level of education. Wanda Sneed will receive her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Trevecca Nazarene University in May 2015. Tanisha Stewart will graduate with a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in the spring of 2016. Michelle Abt will be awarded her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in May 2015.

Wanda, Tanisha and Michelle were all inspired by someone special in their lives to pursue careers in professions that help others. Wanda’s sister is a social worker in Texas and encouraged Wanda to follow in her footsteps.

Tanisha credits English professor Frank Leach at the University of Tennessee Martin for introducing her to Dr. Cindy West in the school’s Social Work department, where she quickly felt drawn to make a difference. Michelle’s grandmother received home health when she became ill and needed support to stay at home. Michelle said, “Her life was turned around by the work of an occupational therapist. I decided that if I could do that with one person, I would feel accomplished.”

While Wanda and Tanisha’s social work internships require they work directly with clients of FiftyForward Living at Home Services, Michelle’s focus is on a culminating project which is to develop low vision resources and education that staff can use to assist its clients. These three interns will log hundreds of hours assisting the community we serve at FiftyForward.

Their long term goals are exciting and ambitious. Wanda plans to pursue a master’s degree and licensure as a clinical social worker in order to become a counselor. Tanisha plans to establish a 24 hour therapeutic day care to serve children who have special needs so their parents are able to work. She recognizes this as a critical service for parents to keep families together.

Michelle wants to pass her clinical board exams and then determine whether to specialize in low vision services or seating and mobility (which involves fitting individuals for wheelchairs).

When asked what they wanted to do immediately after graduation, all three echoed the same desire – take a vacation! Both Wanda and Tanisha want to take the children in their lives to Disney. Michelle hopes to travel to Europe with her first stop: London.

Adrienne Newman, FiftyForward associate executive director, supervises Wanda, Tanisha and Michelle. She said, “These students are three of the most articulate, compassionate and intelligent interns I’ve encountered.

Their focus and initiative are unmatched. I expect to hear that they are making a huge impact wherever they chose to start their careers.”

8 | Forward Focus

Tanisha Stewart

Wanda Sneed

Michelle Abt

FiftyForward welcomes interns from a variety of disciplines and universities.

Many of our current staff were once FiftyForward interns. It’s a great place to learn.

For more information on internships at FiftyForward (of all types) contact: Adrienne Newman, anewman@fiftyforward.org; (615) 743-3419

Special feature: Dance for PD continued from page 3

Research supports benefits of dance for Parkinson’s patients

Almost all of the research conducted on the relationship between dancing and Parkinson’s disease was published years after Dance for PD® began. So how did Leventhal and his colleagues convince patients, families, and physicians to get on board with their idea? Leventhal admits it wasn’t easy. “During the first two years it was difficult to get more than ten people in each class,” he explains. Numbers grew through word of mouth because the classes were important and meaningful for the patients and their caretakers. Physicians were initially skeptical of the program without evidence-based research to support it. Some doctors visited New York classes after hearing about the program from their Parkinson’s patients. Due to the visits, and now the research, it is easier for patients to receive physician referrals to take dance classes. The Dance for PD® method has expanded to other cities within, as well as outside, the United States. Recruitment continues to be a challenge, however, largely due to the perception of the ability for Parkinson’s patients to dance.

Care Management: the great connector continued from page 4

•

You are eligible to receive services if you are age 50+, live in Davidson or Williamson counties, do not have another care manager or social worker who can connect you with services and are not able to apply on your own.

To learn more, call our centralized intake line at (615) 743-3416. As care managers may be assisting other elders, please make sure to leave a detailed message with your name and telephone number so your call may be returned.

You may also visit http://www.fiftyforward.org/supportive-care/caremanagement/.

If you have income that allows you to purchase care management, you will be referred to our Care Team which provides private pay services. Local and long-distance caregivers can also purchase services on behalf of a loved one. To learn more, call (615) 743-3436 or visit http://www.fiftyforward.org/ supportive-care/care-team/.

In celebration of the benefits of this important service, May is designated as Care Management Month.

Thank you to the following FiftyForward Care Management staff for their service and devotion to assisting older adults: Carolyn Biggers, Jane Bradley, Gretchen Funk, Katie Griffith, Ron Henson, Susan Lankheet, Adrienne Morgan, Megan Walsh, Anna West and Anne Whitlow.

Dance for PD® at Mark Morris Dance Center. Photo: Amber Star Merkens

One might think that a dancing class is much too difficult for people with Parkinson’s disease. This perception couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Leventhal explains that for some patients, dancing is easier than other things because it helps people think about movement in a different way. “Dance class can be an hour of escape and freedom rather than frustration,” he states. The documentary, Capturing Grace, depicts a person with Parkinson’s disease reflecting on her time in dance class: “I can’t walk but I can dance.”

Aside from the many health benefits of dance for Parkinson’s patients, the liberating experience of controlling one’s body, even if for a brief duration, is good enough to keep dance classes going.

FiftyForward to facilitate workshop for community

The opportunity for FiftyForward to expand the Dance for PD® mission to Middle Tennessee Parkinson’s patients is an exciting one. When Leventhal was contacted by FiftyForward Knowles Director, Sally Solesby, with the idea to bring a dance program to Nashville, he felt confident that a FiftyForward center would be a perfect place to offer the class. Most dance classes around the country take place in dance centers and dance schools, but a growing number of senior centers are offering classes. Leventhal expressed that FiftyForward is a great partner because of its emphasis on wellness and lifelong learning.

Spring 2015 | 9

Events Across FiftyForward

Cozy up this winter with FiftyForward events and activities FiftyForward Donelson Station Join us for a pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 14 from 7-10 a.m. Adults $5; Children 12 and under $3. Family cap at $20.

Save the Date!

FiftyForward Donelson Station will host a Health & Wellness Fair for the community on Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m.-noon.

108 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN, 37214.

FREE health screenings, FREE blood pressure checks, FREE glucose checks, and health professionals providing FREE educational material!

Show up to be eligible for a door prize to be given throughout the fair. If you are a health care professional and would like to have a booth at this fair, contact Lisa Maddox, lmaddox@ fiftyforward.org or call (615) 231-1232.

FiftyForward Martin Center Vienna Boys Choir, Schermerhorn Symphony Center Sunday, March 15; leave the Martin Center at 5:50 p.m.

Formed more than 500 years ago, the Vienna Boys Choir continues to delight music lovers across the world with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and a diverse, crowd-pleasing repertoire that includes everything from Austrian waltzes to classical masterpieces and contemporary pop songs.

With voices of unforgettable beauty, these gifted young musicians make music that appeals to audiences of all ages and tastes. Don’t miss your chance to experience the original boy band at Schermerhorn Symphony Center! Performance starts at 7 p.m.

Cost: $49 includes mini-bus transportation, CDL licensed driver, door to door service and concert ticket.

Save the Date for Hats O to Bordeaux!

Friday, June 17 Join us for a festive hat fashion show, silent auction, catered luncheon and entertainment.

Visit www.fiftyforward.org to read about a center near you and to view center newsletters and calendars.

10 | Forward Focus

Start reading now!

FiftyForward Knowles will join in the citywide read of Between Shades of Gray

by Ruta Sepetys.

A book discussion facilitated Mary Claire Bradshaw. Discussion is FREE and open to the public.

Tues., April 7, 10 a.m.

Students from Hume-Fogg Academic High School will join us for an inter-generational discussion and a pizza lunch.

Visit nashvillepubliclibrary.org/ nashvillereads/ For more information, contact Sally Solesby, ssolesby@fiftyforward.org; (615) 743-3400.

by

FiftyForward center events and happenings

opens p the curtain to entertainment!

FiftyForward Artists to be featured in Arts at the Airport Watch for artwork by FiftyForward affiliates (members, program participants, art instructors and staff) as part of the Flying Solo exhibit at Nashville International Airport Concourse A. The artwork, featuring paintings, quilts, lapidary, handmade books and other art forms, will be on display from March 10 - August 30, 2015.

Don’t let the name Flying Solo fool you. At FiftyForward you’re never flying solo; you are always among friends soaring to new heights.

Blaze new trails. Begin a new chapter.

We call them FiftyForward Firsts! (#FiftyForwardFirst)

Spring 2015 | 11

FiftyForward Special Events

Commemorating MLK Day FiftyForward Bordeaux welcomed Dr. Earnest “Rip” Patton to the Bordeaux branch of Nashville Public Library to speak about his experience as a 1961 Freedom Rider and to share his insights about the civil rights movement.

If you missed this talk, you can hear Dr. Patton speak at FiftyForward Madison Station on Thursday, March 5, 1:30 p.m.

For more info, call FiftyForward Madison Station, (615) 860-7180.

FiftyForward Foster Grandparent Program Honors volunteers at annual recognition luncheon In December, the Foster Grandparent Program honored its volunteers for another terrific year of tutoring in our schools. Several members of the program were honored for 5+, 10+, even 20+ years of service.

FiftyForward Meals on Wheels volunteer Barry Coggins was honored with the very prestigious Andrus Award from AARP. Named for Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the Award is the highest honor for volunteer efforts. Accompanying this award is a donation to the recipient’s organization of choice. We thank Barry for his longtime support and congratulate him on a well deserved honor.

Pictured (l - r): Rebecca Kelly, State Director at AARP Tennessee, Barry Coggins, Adrienne Newman, associate executive director, FiftyForward and Janet Jernigan, executive director, FiftyForward.

At left, FGP Director Penny Gammons congratulates Lorraine Roland on her 20+ years of continuous outstanding service to her school community.

The High Steppers in their holiday outfits provided the entertainment for the luncheon celebration.

12 | Forward Focus

For more information on whether you qualify to become a Foster Grandparent, contact Penny at pgammons@ fiftyforward.org or call (615) 743-3420.

The annual Mabel Hopwood Award was presented by Dr. Ramona Bledsoe, assistant principal at Napier Elementary to FGP volunteer Richard Parker for outstanding service to his school community.

The children of Oak Hill School delivered Christmas cheer as well as baskets and hand drawn placemats to our offices in December. These baskets were distributed to many of our Living at Home clients. The Oak Hill children have honored us with these baskets for years. What a lovely tradition!

The FiftyForward Living at Home staff (above) was overwhelmed by the generosity.

26th Annual Crown Affair honors Missy & John Eason, Mary Hance; HCA receives inaugural Corporate Crowning Achievement Award The 26th annual Crown Affair, FiftyForward’s premier fundraising event, will be held Thursday, April 23. Missy and John Eason and Mary Hance will be honored as the 2015 Crowning Achievement Award recipients. In a new effort to recognize corporate philanthropy, the inaugural FiftyForward Corporate Crowning Achievement Award will be presented to HCA, an exceptionally generous supporter of the community and nonprofit organizations including FiftyForward.

Missy and John Eason are well known in the community for their philanthropic efforts; numerous Middle Tennessee charities have benefited from their generosity. The Easons are long-time community volunteers particularly in the areas of serving education, John and Missy Eason women and children. Their early engagement with the Martha O’Bryan Center, Family and Children’s Service, the Junior League of Nashville and Leadership Nashville greatly influenced their passion to serve those in need. In addition, Missy’s commitment extends to hands-on time volunteering with FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) program to help academically at-risk students reach new heights through tutoring and mentoring.

Mary Hance, also known as The Tennessean’s “Ms. Cheap,” has honed her journalistic talents for more than 20 years and used her good heart to provide frugal insights to help Nashvillians find bargains galore. Mary regularly shares her resources to host, promote and showcase events and Mary Hance programs that benefit the community.

Six years ago, Mary launched her first Ms. Cheap Penny Drive. To date she has raised more than $220,000 to feed the hungry in our community; this year’s effort raised a record $62,000.

This year’s Crown Affair will be chaired

by Clayton Kelly, a creative, energetic volunteer, and native Nashvillian.

Clayton earned her degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Mississippi, and worked for Baptist Memorial Hospital planning events for the medical community in Oxford, Mississippi. She is currently a lighting designer with Bright Clayton Kelly Event Productions, a local lighting company that illuminates various events throughout the Nashville area.

She is thrilled to be working with FiftyForward and brings a fresh new flare to the Crown Affair.

A highlight of every Crown Affair is the Silent Auction, which features items including art, jewelry, travel, restaurant and event gift certificates as well as a wide selection of wines.

In addition, artist Bitsy Hughes has agreed to donate one of her pieces again this year and will help solicit artwork from other artists. Having a great love for the beauty of the many places she has traveled, Bitsy’s work reflects what she sees and feels in this magnificent world. She loves the European landscape, the seaside marsh and the everyday floral arrangement. Her ultimate goal is seeking to make these subjects “sing” on canvas. With varied works in both oil and acrylic, Bitsy’s work is represented by York & Friends Fine Art gallery as well Peony Perfect by Bitsy Hughes as in the homes of many Nashville collectors.

To order tickets for this fabulous event or for more information call Elizabeth Ralph (615) 743-3409. It’s sure to be a sell out!

Spring 2015 | 13

FiftyForward Special Events

FiftyForward special events

14 | Forward Focus

Shop, Spend, Swipe and Support FiftyForward Kroger’s new program, Kroger Community Rewards, offers shoppers the opportunity to link their Kroger Plus card to a nonprofit organization of their choice so that each time they spend, the greater Nashville community also reaps the benefit!

Follow the instructions below to register your Kroger Plau Card online and link your card to FiftyForward for community rewards. Begin by visiting www.krogercommunityrewards.com 1.

If you already shop at Kroger and have an account online simply click SIGN IN and skip to Step 6.

2.

If you are a new customer or have never logged into Kroger.com click CREATE ACCOUNT.

3.

Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering your email address, selecting a password, entering a zip code and agreeing to the terms and conditions.

4.

You will receive a confirmation email that your account has been created.

5.

Hit refresh or revisit www.krogercommunityrewards.com and now SIGN IN with your new credentials to proceed to the next step.

6.

Click ENROLL or the MY ACCOUNT tab located in the upper right hand corner of your screen.

7.

Scroll Down and click EDIT under the Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.

8.

Update or confirm your information.

9.

When prompted enter NPO number for FiftyForward, 88490, and click ENROLL.

REMEMBER, purchases will not count for FiftyForward until you register your card with the above instructions. Members must swipe their Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Thank you for supporting FiftyForward!

Get Smart about your mouth:

FiftyForward offers free oral health and hygiene clinics Tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in older adults, even though it is largely preventable.

Oral Health America and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association are expanding their longstanding partnership to deliver an oral health education workshop to older adults in the Nashville area and FiftyForward will host clinics at three of its locations.

Tooth Wisdom: Get Smart About Your Mouth is an oral health education curriculum for older adults to be delivered at settings where they naturally congregate including senior centers, libraries, and places of worship. On June 17, 2015 the team will host a community service day in conjunction with ADHA’s national conference. Trained hygienists will be in the Nashville community to deliver the Tooth Wisdom: Get Smart About Your Mouth workshop in six different locations, three of which will be at FiftyForward: FiftyForward Bordeaux, FiftyForward Donelson Station and FiftyForward Madison. Station.

Please call the center nearest you for details on specific times for the June 17 clinics.

Janet K. Ferguson Your Move Real Estate 4525 Charlotte Avenue Nashville, TN 37203 Phone (615) 995-6446 janet@yourmovere.com

Every transition is an opportunity, regardless of your stage in life.

With the right preperation, a new home can provide the fresh start and continual enjoyment you've been working toward. By partnering with a SRES® like me during your new home search, you’ll gain the help and expertise of a Realtor® specialized in meeting the needs of home buyers and sellers 50 plus. I have both the education and real estate experience to serve as your trusted advisor through the unique financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating or selling your home.

For more information on the SRES ® designation, visit SRES.org or email SRES@relators.org Spring 2015 | 15

FiftyForward Travel

Enjoy a Spring Fling with FiftyForward Travel Send in your deposit today to secure your spot for these upcoming exciting adventures!

April 10 - 20, 2015 Rhine Rive Cruise Enjoy this 11 - day river cruise aboard the MV Emerald Sky, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.

Cost: $4324 pp/dbl, including airfare. The final payment date has passed; call to check availability.

April 21-22, 2015 Biltmore/Secret City Our overnight reservations are for the Holiday Inn Biltmore West. The trip includes a tour of the “Secret City,” with admission to the American Museum of Science and Energy, tour of Knoxville including the dogwoods, and the Biltmore Estate, along with its gardens and winery.

Cost: $344 pp/dbl with single, triple and quad available. The deposit is $100 pp, final payment due March 15.

April 27 - May 1, 2015 Savannah, Jekyll Island and Beaufort Enjoy 5 days/4 nights that includes a tour of Jekyll and St. Simon Island, tour of Beaufort, SC “Queen of the Caroline Sea Islands,” a visit to Parris Island and tour of Savannah.

Cost: $489, $75 due upon signing. *Price per person, based on double occupancy. Add $100 for single occupancy. Final payment due Feb. 21, 2015.

May 14-20, 2015 Washington/Williamsburg This 7-day tour includes Arlington, Twilight Illumination Tour, all memorials and monuments, Colonial Williamsburg, Mt. Vernon, Jamestown, Yorktown and Richmond.

Cost: $1995 pp/dbl includes airfare. Add $650 for single. There is a $300 pp deposit, with final payment due Feb. 28, 2015.

May 30 - June 7, 2015 Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Black Hills of South Dakota Enjoy this 9 days/8 nights trip that includes a tour of Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, guided tour of Deadwood, visit to Badlands National Park and admission to the Unique Journey Museum.

Cost: $849 pp/dbl, $75 due upon signing. Add $300 for single occupancy. Final payment is due March 23, 2015.

June 15-22, 2015 Pacific Northwest and California This tour features Washington, Oregon and California, including Seattle, Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, Redwood National Park and San Francisco.

Cost: $2749 pp/dbl including airfare. There is a $250 pp deposit, final payment is due April 16, 2015.

July 15-20, 2015 Iceland A trip of a lifetime is yours in Iceland. Visit Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon and other attractions I can’t spell, let alone pronounce!

Cost: $2759 pp/dbl. The deposit is $250 pp. Final payment due April 15, 2015.

16 | Forward Focus

August 3 - 8, 2015 Lancaster Show trip and the Dutch Country This 6 days/5 nights trip includes seeing the Joseph show at the Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre, a guided tour of Lancaster including Amish Country, a visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, admission to the Mennonite Information Center and Landis Valley Museum and Village.

Cost: $549 pp/dbl, $75 due upon signing. Add $150 for single occupancy. Final payment is due June 1, 2015.

August 20-23, 2015 Branson, Mo. Lodging is in the Lodge of the Ozarks. Shows include A Neil Diamond Tribute, New Jersey Nights featuring songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Pierce Arrow and illusionist Rick Thomas.

Cost: $652 pp/dbl with single, triple and quad available. Deposit is $100 pp/ dbl. Final payment is due July 15, 2015.

August 26-Sept. 4, 2015 Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria Enjoy Alpine views aboard the Golden Pass Panoramic Train from Montreux to Gstaad.

Visit Bern, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Oberammergau.

Cost: $3749 pp/dbl. The deposit is $250, with final payment due June 27, 2015.

September 10 - 16, 2015 Ottawa, Canada and the Thousand Islands This 7 days/6 nights trip includes guided tours of Ottawa and Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History, a visit to the Thousand Island region, a cruise on the St. Lawrence River and world class gaming at the Casino Du Lac Leamy.

Cost: $699pp/dbl, $75 due upon signing. Add $290 for single occupancy. Final payment is due July, 5, 2015. A valid U. S. passport is required for this tour.

October 3 - 11, 2015 Cape Cod and Plymouth Enjoy 9 days/8 nights in historic Massachusetts. The tour includes a Hyannis Harbor cruise to view the historic Kennedy compound, exploration of historic seaside towns of Hyannis and Sandwich, a tour of Provincetown and Chatham, admission to JFK Museum, a visit to Plymouth Rock and lastly, a visit to heritage Museums and Gardens.

Cost: $789 pp/dbl; $75 due upon signing. Add $240 for single occupancy. Final payment is due July 28, 2015 December 1-3, 2015 Callaway Gardens We will stay at the Mountain Creek Inn. The Christmas tour is Fantasy in Lights.

The Garden Tour includes the Day Butterfly Center, Birds of Prey Show, Pioneer Log Cabin, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Museum, the Little White House and Explorations in Antiquity Center.

Cost: $499 pp/dbl with single, triple and quad available. A $100 deposit is required, with final payment due October 15, 2015.

For more information, visit http://grouptrips.com/ fiftyforwardtravel FiftyForward Travel Coordinator Janice Judd is ready and waiting to book your next travel adventure. Call Janice at (615) 883-8375 or email her at jjudd@fiftyforward.org.

For more information, visit www.fiftyforward.org/travel/ Call to reserve your spot today!

FiftyForward Travel HARRAH’S CASINO in METROPOLIS, IL Enjoy these trips to Harrah’s. The 2015 schedule includes March 12, May 7, July 9, August 13 and October 15.

Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Pickups are at FiftyForward Martin Center at 7:15 a.m., FiftyForward Donelson Station at 8 a.m. and FiftyForward Madison Station at 8:30 a.m. You receive transportation, lunch and a $5 voucher for slot play. We leave Harrah’s at 4 p.m. to return first to Madison, then Donelson, then Martin.

There can be no refunds after the Monday the week of the trip. For more info, contact Janice Judd, jjudd@fiftyforward.org, (615) 883-8375.

On the Road �i��

Jo��

Jump into a spring of roadtrips with Joan!

March 11: Historic Churches Tour in Nashville Led by Dr. William (Bill) McKee, vice president of Cumberland University and well known Nashville historian, we will visit Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish houses of worship.

Cost: $30, lunch on your own at Arnold’s Country Kitchen April 9: Dutch Maid Bakery & Café, oldest bakery in Tennessee, Tracy City, Tenn.

Tour of bakery includes historic overview and bread-making demonstration, led by owner Cindy Day. You will have a choice between two delicious lunches. Enjoy traditional recipes that have been carried on for several generations.

Cost: $43 including lunch

The Perfect Venue for Your Next

Event

May 21: Russellville, Ky. Take a walk back in time to tour this city rich in history, culture and homes dating back to the 1800s. Long-time native Evelyn Richardson will give a tour beginning with 200 year old East End Methodist Church.

Cost: $30, Lunch on your own at Slappyz June l8: Linden, Tenn.

All you fried pie lovers, this is your trip!

We will tour the Armstrong Pie Company and be there when the fried pies come out of the oven. You can purchase pies at that time. We will then visit the Commodore Hotel for lunch and a tour.

Cost: $42 including lunch For more information, please visit fiftyforward.org/travel or contact Joan Sincerbox at (615) 646-0059 or email Joan.sincerbox@comcast.net.

ANY one of our FiftyForward locations is the perfect venue to meet your one-time or ongoing rental needs.

No matter your function – business or group events, weddings, showers, parties or retreats – we will provide you with customer service, accommodations and a price that is competitive.

For more details, visit fiftyforward.org/event space

Spring 2015 | 17

Government Affairs

Choose Our Next Mayor FiftyForward, AARP Tennessee and The Council on Aging of Greater Nashville will host a free Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tuesday, May 12, 10:30 a.m. – noon at the FiftyForward Patricia Hart Building, 174 Rains Avenue. All eight candidates for the Office of the Mayor of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County have been invited to attend this event moderated by Rhori Johnston, journalist and coanchor for NewsChannel5.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn about the candidates’ positions and priorities. You may submit a question at info@fiftyforward.org or at one of FiftyForward’s five Davidson County locations. Please include your name and zip code. Questions will be posed to the candidates as time permits.

Pictured (l -r): David Fox, Megan Barry, Bill Freeman, Charles Robert Bone, Howard Gentry, Jeremy Kane and Linda Eskind Rebrovick. Not pictured: Kenneth Eaton

Presented by:

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Music for Seniors presents

Monday, March 23

Nashville Children’s Choir Hosted by The Predators Bridgestone Arena 9:30 a.m. - Tour The Preds 10:15 a.m. - Look-in on a practice 11 a.m. - Concert

Wednesday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.

David Finney, Classical Pianist Celebrate Earth Day with us at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens Free parking and gardens admission for concert guests

Thursday, May 28, 2:30 p.m.

Nashville Swing Band featuring Buddy Spicher FiftyForward Donelson Station 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville 37214

TO RSVP, email sarah@musicforseniors.org OR call (615) 330-1937

Spring 2015 | 19

FiftyForward Living at Home Services

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 19–25, 2015 Engaging Communities.

Empowering victims is this year’s theme emphasizing the role of the entire community, individually and collectively, to support victims of crime and empower them to direct their own recovery. FiftyForward Victory Over Crime helps older adults who reside in Davidson County move from being victims of any crime to becoming survivors. Call (615) 743-3417 or visit http://www.fiftyforward.org/ supportive-care/victory-over-crime/ for more information.

In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, FiftyForward, along with other community advocacy agencies will be participating in an interactive recognition ceremony on Sun., April 19, at 3 p.m. at Centennial Park, Nashville.

Memory Care Assisted Living

Our philosophy of care is really quite simple: Focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses.

Never stop trying to communicate. Be kind, always.

Specializing in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving

Barton House

6961 Hwy 70 South | Nashville, TN | 615.673.6922 bartonnashville.com

Locally Owned & Operated | Expansion completed December 2013!

20 | Forward Focus

Special Feature

FiftyForward COAP™ Forum offers coping skills for the aging population Allyson Shumate is a certified project manager, fitness and health trainer. She plans and strategizes with great precision to ensure few surprises. But a few years ago when her father took ill, she and her family were met with surprises and things they just could not have planned.

Now, she and her sister are navigating new challenges with their mother who lives hundreds of miles away. “This is very trying on many levels,” says Ally. “We are making decisions to ensure what we do is in the best interest of Mom, but, as you might imagine there is nothing easy about this process and gaining consensus from our mother is at the top or our list.”

Initially launched as pilot program a few years ago by a small group of individuals in Brentwood, Tennessee, COAP™ lives true to the FiftyForward mission of providing pathways to health, wellbeing and lifelong learning for those 50+.

FiftyForward is now seeking community-based or faith-based organizations as part of its outreach and ministry to provide resources for older adults, their adult children, friends and family members.

Please contact Lori Corley, lcorley@fiftyforward.org or call (615) 743-3403 for more information on tailoring a COAP™ series in your neighborhood.

Your home...without the hassles!

Ally with her father (above) and her mother.

Coping with aging parents can be an exhausting experience with emotional ups and downs as well as daily challenges and rewards. And, as the “Boomer” generation grows (10,000 individuals are marking their 65th birthday daily) unprecedented services and care are now needed for this segment of the population.

Pets warmly welcomed

Around the clock live-in managers

Exclusive travel program

Three chef-prepared meals daily

Complimentary shuttle service

Life enriching programs & activities

Apartments available!

Your exciting new life begins with a tour!

Where do you turn? Who has the history and expertise with resources and services? Whom do you trust?

COAP™ (Children of Aging Parents), a new program launched

by FiftyForward, is an educational community forum of individuals who come together to share resources, expertise and provide support to one another when it comes to caring for aging family members and friends (not just parents).

Recently Brook Hollow Baptist Church hosted a series of free COAP™ workshops throughout the month of February. Buddy Burnett, an established local attorney who deals with everything from bankruptcies to conservatorships, said, “Anyone over the age of 40 should be here.” In fact, with industry experts, speakers as well as a Q/A forum to provide answers to real world questions, some individuals have said these workshops have a value far beyond what money can buy.

All-inclusive, month-to-month rent

Apartments are filling up quickly so call or visit today to learn more about the carefree, enriching and secure independent retirement lifestyle you’ve earned. We take care of life’s daily tasks, allowing you to spend time on what matters most. Vacancies won’t last long, so join us today for your personal tour and a complimentary meal.

Welcome to Holiday. Welcome home.

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3800ÊSamÊBoneyÊDr,ÊNashville,ÊTNÊ37211ÊÊ|ÊÊ615-834-1951ÊÊ|ÊÊHolidaytouch.com Spring 2015 | 21

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Stay connected via www.fiftyforward.org Follow us on:

Family glassware holds food and memories Dear Ms. Connie, I inherited these antique glassware dishes from my grandfather, and I’m 80. So, these dishes are over 100 years old. I would like you to tell me anything you know about them.

Thank you, Jean, Stantonville, Tenn.

Dear Jean, You’ve inherited what the Victorians called a berry set. The plates and cups are called place settings; the dishware collection passed around the table or used to serve food were collectively called table sets. Table sets include creamers, spooners, sugar bowls and covered butter dishes. For convenience and additional sales, berry and beverage sets were made for most glass patterns.

“

The pattern of your berry set of six bowls and matching serving bowl is Atlanta. It was made by Fostoria Glass Company from 1895 to 1900, in Moundsville, West Virginia. Thick, imposing patterned glass with a lion (full body or the head only), was a popular motif in the late 1800s. All the major glass production companies of the day had their own decorative slant on the “big cat.” Some patterns were frosted, had gold detail or added color. Your grandfather’s simple, plain Atlanta pattern with a lion’s head on each corner was one of the most popular. The full set of six, 4” square bowls and serving bowl would be priced around $165 in an antique shop today.

Family possessions that were used daily are often the dearest to us perhaps because they hold secrets to the lives of past generations.

Most of us have or will inherit glassware from the late 1800s. As an appraiser, the older pattern glass stands out because it’s thicker than later American glassware and is usually a single piece. I try to point it out as a possible link to past generations. Because these early pieces were more likely in daily use, there are chips from passing and serving. Family possessions that were used daily are often the dearest to us perhaps because they hold secrets to the lives of past generations.

Connie Sue offers antique appraisal events, private appraisals, and estate sale consulting services to individuals, businesses and organizations. Sign up for It’s Just Stuff, her FREE quarterly newsletter at: www.ConnieSue.com.

Send questions to: 4064 Highway 31W Cottontown, TN, 37048 Office: 615.672.1992 Email: ConnieSue@ConnieSue.com

Connie Sue Davenport Accredited Member, International Society of Appraisers

Helping you find a peaceful place among your things.

22 | Forward Focus

Forward Focus, a quarterly publication of FiftyForward, has a circulation of 35,000 and is distributed in Davidson and Williamson counties. Forward Focus is mailed to members of FiftyForward, as well as key donors and select community and business leaders. Copies are available at all public libraries and inserted in Mature Lifestyles in March, June, September and December.

We accept camera-ready ads, but layout and composition services are available.

The deadline for placing an ad is the first of the month preceding publication. For more information, contact Bob Neuman, Advertising Manager, at (615) 885-6556 or email rmneuman@comcast.net.

We offer personal assistance and complete household maintenance.

We simplify your life by offering the following services: • • • • •

shopping running errands assistance with entertainment cooking housecleaning

• • • •

pet care housesitting gardening lawn maintenance

Friendly, courteous, licensed, bonded.

Call Bob Thomas for free consultation.

(615) 320-9495

Spring 2015 | 23

Marketplace

Target your advertising to reach adults 50 and older!

FiftyForward Directory General information and FiftyForward Administration

(615) 743-3400 FiftyForward Centers

FiftyForward Bordeaux 248-2272 3315 John Mallette Drive, 37218

FiftyForward

Care Team

FiftyForward College Grove 368-7278 8607 Horton Hwy, College Grove, 37046 FiftyForward Donelson Station 883-8375 108 Donelson Pike, 37214 FiftyForward Knowles 174 Rain Ave., 37203

743-3400

FiftyForward Madison Station 860-7180 301 Madison St., Madison, 37115 FiftyForward Martin Center 376-0102 960 Heritage Way, Brentwood, 37027 FiftyForward J. L. Turner/BellevueFamily YMCA 646-9622 8101 Highway 100, Nashville, 37221

Living at Home Services Central number 743-3416 Adult Day Services 463-2266 Davidson County Care Management 743-3421 or 743-3418 Williamson County Care Management 376-0102 Conservatorship Care Team Victory Over Crime Meals on Wheels

Community Volunteer Opportunities Foster Grandparents RSVP/FLIP

Additional programs FiftyForward Travel Forward Focus Larry Keeton Theatre

743-3414 743-3436 743-3417 463-2264

743-3420 743-3424

231-1235 743-3430 883-8375

CONNECT WITH US Website www.fiftyforward.org

Facebook www.Facebook.com/FiftyForward Twitter @FiftyForward

Providing older adults and caregivers access to services and peace of mind.

Whether in a crisis or to plan ahead, the Care Team can help you • receive the appropriate in-home care • get to and make the most of doctor’s appointments • understand and take medications correctly • be confident that your loved one is living in the right place • get the benefits to which you are entitled • alleviate family stress and feel better  with competitive pricing, sliding fee scale and 24/7 availability

Don’t take chances with something this important!

Since 1956, FiftyForward has been providing direct services to older adults in the community. Let us support you with our experience.

Learn more about FiftyForward Care Team Services (fee for services) or to schedule an appointment, contact Gretchen Funk, MSW at gfunk@fiftyforward.org, (615) 743-3436

Get help with one phone call!

615.743.3436

www.fiftyforward.org/supportive-care/

FiftyForward provides similar care management services for low-income seniors through our Living at Home Services. To determine if you are eligible for free care management, call (615) 743-3416.