Forward Focus

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Eat Healthy, even in the winter months

The culinary skills of Patricia Hart Building Events Manager Deborah Stillwell are well known, especially to her family, FiftyForward members, and facility renters who request in-house catering. Here Deborah cuts up the vegetables that will go into the hearty winter soup she’s making. Her recipe is on page 3.

By Donna Clark FiftyForward Communications Director In the grocery store, Deborah Stillwell heads for the produce section, an area that can dampen other individuals’ confidence.

“Winter vegetables intimidate me,” or “I don’t know how to cook this so I won’t buy it,” we say silently.

For this winter issue, we have exchanged Deborah’s Forward Focus food column, Food and Wine Together, for a feature interview with her. Below are her tips to encourage you, during our cold, dark months, to prepare meals that will be more nutritious, easily prepared and varied.

Deborah’s Tips to take the mystery out of winter vegetables #1: Use the freshest produce possible.

“I plan my menus around seasonal vegetables in the grocery store – food grown in Tennessee or in neighboring states - to assure freshness.” #2: Vary your methods of cooking.

“Every vegetable offers a variety of interesting ways to prepare it. For example, cabbage can be cooked, grated into slaw or chopped up in a soup to give it some great texture.

“I also like to use kale because it is so nutritious, holds up well in soup, perks up a salad and is delicious made into chips.

INSIDE

Photo credit: Misa Culley

continued on page 3

3 4 6 7 9 10 16 17 20 21 22

2013 Membership information Volunteer opportunities Caregiving: It’s a Family Affair Frailty and food insufficiency Stoke your inner fire with exercise FiftyForward class listings FiftyForward Travel Homeowner assistance Special feature: Seasonal Affective Disorder Special feature: Getting your house in order It’s Just Stuff! by Connie Davenport

FiftyForward Directory FiftyForward Centers Bordeaux 248-2272

Martin Center 376-0102 themartincentertn.org

College Grove

J. L. Turner/Bellevue YMCA:

646-9622

368-7278

Donelson Station 883-8375 fiftyforwarddonelsonstation. org Forward Focus is published quarterly by FiftyForward, a nonprofit corporation with headquarters at 174 Rains Ave., Nashville, TN 37203.

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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.

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Forward Focus

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376-0102

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743-3430 330-1937

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Additional programs FiftyForward Travel

231-1235

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Janet Jernigan COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Donna Clark Graphic Design and Publications Manager Misa Culley (615) 743-3430 mculley@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 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.

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2 | Forward Focus

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Offer expires 1/31/13.

Eating healthy in the winter months continued from page 1

“And, if you haven’t tried it, whipped cauliflower is a great substitute for traditional mashed potatoes.” #3: Keep it simple.

“When cooking vegetables such as sweet potatoes or acorn, butternut or spaghetti squash, I try to cook them just long enough for their natural flavors to come out. Then just a little butter and perhaps some seasoning. You’re done.” #4: Explore.

“Winter is a good time to try nature’s food previously unfamiliar to you. For example: Root Vegetables – beets, turnips, rutabagas, parsnips Grains – quinoa, bulgur, grouts or buckwheat groats Beans – edamame, lentils (of all colors) “Stores such as Whole Foods sell some food in bulk, so you can buy a small amount, look for appealing recipes on the Internet, and try it out – alone, in combination, in casseroles, etc.

Final thoughts “Read all labels, especially for sodium and fat levels.

“Use fresh herbs. (Grow them inside in the winter.)

“When I was a child, we ate whatever came out of Granny’s garden, so we ate ‘food of the season.’ The meals were nutritious and bursting with flavor. It’s that taste I try to replicate when I cook.”

Deborah Stillwell, a self-confessed foodie, loves to revamp standard fare in a whole new, heart-healthy way.

She teaches cooking seminars using fresh herbs and her yummy recipes are featured in the Knowles Center’s First Monday lunches. If you would like to ask Deborah for an alternative recipe for one of your favorite foods, contact her at dstillwell@ fiftyforward.org.

Fall Comfort Soup

Fall is my favorite time of the year and soups are my favorite things to cook! You really can’t go wrong tossing yummy stuff into a pot and coming up with a delicious meal.

Here is one of my favorite “toss” recipes. An added bonus: it’s also good for you!

You are invited

to celebrate the season of giving with a caroling party to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. Sing songs of the season with Ms. Cheap on Thursday, December 6.

Refreshments will be provided.

This event is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged.

Ingredients: 3 strips of bacon or 1 T olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 stalks celery, diced 2 carrots, diced 1 sweet potato, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 butternut squash, cubed 1 can kidney beans, drained 8 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon fresh sage (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

EVENT DETAILS:

Choose: 1/4 cup cooked brown rice 1/4 cup whole wheat pasta

mscheapcaroling.eventbrite.com

Thursday, December 6 5:30pm – 7:30pm FiftyForward / The Patricia Hart Building 174 Rains Avenue, Nashville It’s FREE, but you must register

by December 2 at

Optional: Parmesan/Romano cheese Sauté bacon until cooked. Remove from pan. Add onion, celery, carrots, sweet potato and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add squash and continue to cook for 15 minutes. Add broth, rice or pasta, beans and sage. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.

If desired, top with grated parmesan/Romano cheese.

Enjoy with your favorite hot, crusty bread.

Winter 2012 | 3

volunteer opportunities

RSVP Partners with Nashville Food Project For One-Time and Long Term Volunteer Placements Whether you prefer to participate in a one-time service project or a consistent long term placement, The Nashville Food Project is a wonderful opportunity for RSVP volunteers. The Nashville Food Project is located adjacent to the Woodmont Christian Church at the corner of Hillsboro Road and Woodmont Blvd. in the Green Hills area. Food Project volunteers prepare fresh, nutritious meals in the agency kitchen and then deliver the meals to at-risk populations throughout Nashville. Food is gleaned from a wide variety of Nashville businesses and non-profit agencies including Whole Foods, Second Harvest and Good Food for Good People. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings the agency hosts “open kitchen time” when volunteers are needed to chop, slice, dice, and generally prep ingredients. In the afternoons and evenings there are openings for volunteers to assist with actually preparing the meals with the ingredients that have been prepped. This agency is great place for volunteers who have years of experience in the kitchen and are ready to share their culinary talents.

On the September 11 National Day of Service, 16 RSVP volunteers gathered at The Nashville Food Project and prepared pounds and pounds of vegetables for casseroles that were prepared later in the day. Volunteers also baked nutritious muffins and helped prepare muslin squares for a salsa canning project.

“It’s like stepping back in time when food comes in from the garden or is donated by local merchants to be washed, chopped and prepared by a group of fun and lively volunteers. The staff is organized and the chores are easy and enjoyable. The meals are nutritious and truly homemade. “What a wonderful way to spend a few hours each week,” said RSVP volunteer Marilyn Lane who is a regular at The Food Project. The Sept. 11 Service Day was so popular that RSVP will be partnering with The Nashville Food Project again on February 12 for a morning of food prep and fun.

4 | Forward Focus

FiftyForward RSVP and GraceWorks Offer Volunteer Opportunities In Williamson County FiftyForward RSVP is excited to be embarking on a new partnership with GraceWorks in Williamson County. GraceWorks helps supply struggling families with the basics of life during times of need.

GraceWorks began in 1995 to help local churches screen requests for assistance and determine the validity of the need for food, monetary help or clothing. In 2010, GraceWorks helped more than 6,000 families with food, rent, utilities and other aid, totaling in excess of $1 million in assistance.

Additionally, GraceWorks operates a senior transportation program to help seniors maintain an independent lifestyle by providing rides to medical appointments.

GraceWorks has volunteer opportunities in their food pantry and thrift store, as well as a need for drivers in the senior transportation program.

Join RSVP Volunteers in Celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, RSVP volunteers will join together to participate in a service activity that honors Dr. King’s legacy. On January 21, 2013, we invite you to join a team of adults 55+ as we gather at FiftyForward’s Meals on Wheels program, located at Second Presbyterian Church, to pack emergency food boxes and then deliver them to homebound seniors. These food boxes will include canned and boxed food that MOW recipients can easily prepare in the event of bad weather when volunteers cannot deliver their regularly scheduled routes.

In 1994 Congress designated Dr. King’s birthday as a national day of volunteerism and community members are encouraged to take a “day on, not a day off.” Americans from all walks of life are called on to work together to address some of our most pressing national problems.

Participating in the Day of Service is a wonderful way for you to make an impact in your community and enjoy the fun and fellowship of a group activity.

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact RSVP Volunteer Coordinator Robin Johnson at rjohnson@fiftyforward.org or call 743-3423.

AARP Tennessee congratulates Don Peterson, runner up for the Andrus Award for Community Service. His volunteer work and advocacy for residents in Middle Tennessee garnered him kudos in the highest volunteer honor awarded

by AARP. He was on hand to receive a $1,500 award on behalf of FiftyForward.

volunteer opportunities

AARP Honors Don Peterson of Nashville

Debbie Pare, AARP Executive Council, daughter Stephani Rountree, Don Peterson, wife Bobbie Peterson, and Adrienne Newman, Assoc. Executive Director, FiftyForward, who nominated Don.

Winter 2012 | 5

Living at Home Services/Care Team

Caregiving: It’s a Family Affair

When Mom or Dad (or a sister, brother or grandparent) needs help, the whole family is affected. In the ideal scenario, everyone lives close by, has ample free time and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and the person needing care is agreeable to whatever works best for those providing care.

But the reality is usually not so ideal and each family’s situation is unique. In any case, flexibility, availability and putting egos and family dynamics aside as much as possible are keys to successful family caregiving – the kind that helps the people needing care, minimizes negative feelings, and often rebuilds or strengthens family relationships.

and small children can be an entertaining distraction for an older adult while their parents work around the house. Involving children helps them to build relationships with their older relatives and communicates family values about the importance of helping others and supporting family.

•

Play to strengths – Mary is a great organizer and excels at managing the caregiving calendar. Joe is a fabulous cook and makes meals for Mom and Dad; Sue has the most flexible schedule and can drive Mom and Dad to their doctor’s appointments.

•

Keep a positive attitude and sense of humor – When the caregiving experience is a distant memory, families often reminisce about the touching and humorous moments that come up when people work together caring for someone they love.

•

Be open to compromise – If the primary goal is to take care of Mom and Dad as they took care of you for so many years, don’t make things harder for them. Respect their wishes and honor their perspective whenever possible.

Check egos at the door. There can be many ways to accomplish the same task. Maybe Jerry doesn’t wash the windows in exactly the way you would, but he is there washing them so you don’t have to!

•

Call in extra assistance - Geriatric care managers (like the Care Team) can listen to all perspectives, act as a skilled, neutral third party to give advice, and assist in identifying what needs to be accomplished and where the best tried and true resources are to help families. Many families have to hire caregiving help because they cannot accomplish all the day-to-day care which their loved ones need.

challenges for the caregiving experience: 1)

Distance – Families today are spread out geographically. Mom and Dad might still live in the hometown with kids living all over the country. Gone are the days when people grow up living next door to Grandma and Grandpa.

2)

Busy schedules – Even if family members live in town, they can often be in their most productive work years with children of their own who require care.

3)

Resources – Family members differ in the amount of time, talent and treasure they have and will contribute to caregiving.

4)

Family dynamics – Families of origin are complex. Family members can feel pigeonholed by lifelong characterizations (the princess, the slacker, the responsible one) or have feelings related to past mistreatment or abuse in the family, either real or perceived.

How to get beyond the problems: •

Communicate – There are no mind readers out there. Start a caregiving journey by bringing together everyone involved to lay the groundwork for open communication. Keep the lines of communication open so resentments don’t build up and expectations stay clear.

•

Respect (and be grateful for) what everyone can (or can’t) do – Perhaps Bill’s job takes him out of town almost every week, but he can chip in with caregiving costs. Maybe sister-in-law Pat is so perfect she can be hard to take, but Mom loves her and will only accept her help with bathing. Jack has a distant relationship with Dad who was always critical of him, but he’s willing to take on paying Dad’s bills on-line and calling once a week. Teens and college students can do chores like mowing the lawn or raking leaves,

6 | Forward Focus

Caregiving is rarely fairly balanced, but it is not realistic for one person to take on the lion’s share of tasks, which puts them at risk for burnout and poor health. The expectation needs to be that everyone in the family will help in some way. The key is putting all the pieces FiftyForward of the caregiving puzzle together. When a family succeeds at this, caregiving is very rewarding and a Gretchen Funk tremendous gift that family Care Team Coordinator members can give to their Master’s Level Social Worker loved ones and to each 615.743.3436 other. gfunk@fiftyforward.org

Care Team

Living at Home Services/Care Team

special feature

Older adults who are frail much more likely to be food insufficient according to national study

By Angela Yeager, angela.yeager@oregonstate.edu

meals or fresh produce to older frail adults.

A national study of older Americans shows those who have limited mobility and low physical activity – scientifically categorized as “frail” – are five times more likely to report that they often don’t have enough to eat, defined as “food insufficiency,” than older adults who were not frail.

The nationally representative study of more than 4,700 adults older than age 60 in the United States uses data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Lead author Ellen Smit, an epidemiologist at Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences, said food insufficiency occurs when people report that they sometimes or often do not have enough food to eat. Food-insufficient older adults have been shown to have poor dietary intake, nutritional status and health status.

“Although little is known about food insufficiency as it relates to frailty, conceivably we thought if food insufficiency is associated with poorer nutritional status, it may also be associated with physical functioning and frailty,” she said.

FiftyForward Living at Home Services assists frail older adults through meals on wheels, care management and adult day services. If you are in need of information or help with locating or preparing food, call us at (615) 743-3416.

Ellen Smit

Frailty is a state of decreased physical functioning and a significant complication of aging that increases the risk for incident falls, fractures, disability, health care expenditures, and premature mortality. People in this study are diagnosed as frail when they meet two of the following criteria: slow walking, muscular weakness, exhaustion and low physical activity.

Smit said as the population ages, with more than 20 percent of Americans expected to be older than 65 by 2030, the need for identifying clinical and population-based strategies to decrease the prevalence and consequences of frailty are needed. In her study, almost 50 percent of people were either frail, or “pre-frail,” meaning that they were at risk for decreased physical functioning.

Frail people were older, less educated, at lower income levels, more likely to be female, more likely to be smokers, and less likely to be white than adults who were not frail. Frail people were also more likely to be either underweight or obese, while at the same time eating fewer calories than people who were not frail.

“We need to target interventions on promoting availability and access to nutritious foods among frail older adults,” Smit said. “It is also important to improve nutritional status while not necessarily increasing body weight.”

Frail adults may have difficulty leaving the house, for instance, and accessing fresh fruits and vegetables. Smit said communities could work on identifying programs or nonprofit organizations that can deliver nutritious

Winter 2012 | 7

Living at Home Services/Care Team

FiftyForward Honored as a Finalist for the Humana Communities Grant FiftyForward was one of three finalists for the 2012 Humana Communities Benefit grant, and the winner of a $5,000 award. While Hands on Nashville won the $100,000 final prize, FiftyForward’s program, Health Literacy Education Peers (HELP), was lauded by Humana staff and community volunteers as an important project with the capability of improving older adults’ understanding of and use of health information and ultimately their overall health.

More than 60 nonprofit organizations in the Nashville area applied for the grant which is in its third year. Nashville is one among only eight metro areas in the country with this particular Humana grant program.

With a focus on improving health experiences or building healthy communities, FiftyForward designed HELP to enhance older adults’ ability to access, understand and use reliable health information or services that promote healthy living. The program would utilize volunteers who have similar experiences or expertise in areas of health to provide one-on-one and group education, as well as to develop a resource library, web portal and telephone line to answer questions.

“FiftyForward will continue to seek opportunities to fund HELP, as it aligns so well with our mission. Helping older adults avoid illness, promoting healthy behaviors and assisting those who have chronic conditions to manage with them is exactly what FiftyForward is an expert at doing,” said Adrienne Newman, Associate Executive Director.

FiftyForward

Care Team Don’t take chances with something this important Caring for a loved one can feel overwhelming.

Our professional care managers will guide you in choosing the right options for your family.

Whether you are in crisis, or want to plan ahead,

our expertise will give you peace of mind.

Get help with one phone call!

Serving Middle Tennesee since 1956.

8 | Forward Focus

615.743.3436

or email gfunk@fiftyforward.org

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Fall 2012 • 18th Edition

Greater Nashville

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

SpECIAL EDITIon: SEnIoRS & pETS Featured articles: A Different Kind of Therapy Together Everyone Achieves More Enjoy A Senior Living Community Lifestyle Consumer Risks from the Use of Independent Caregivers

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FiftyForward Profile

Stoke your Inner Fire during the cold winter months and those with arthritis or balance issues can participate often to their own amazement!

Larry Lee, teaches twelve Tai Chi classes per week (two at FiftyForward Madison Station) and does not have time to be tired or ill. Larry enjoys telling the story of one of his students who began practicing Tai Chi at age 98 and is still going strong. When she started attending a class, she had difficulty learning the “tree pose” which requires standing on one foot with the opposite foot against the stationary leg and with arms and hands extended in the air! Within months she gained the confidence and balance to position herself as a strong and beautiful tree!

The north wind can blow awfully hard during the winter months in Nashville. And while some area Snow Birds migrate south, many of us would rather hibernate from the cold. Perhaps a meeting of East and West offers suggestions for keeping active and feeling warm during the cold, cloudy months.

Tai Chi is a centuries-old Eastern practice designed to exercise the mind and body through a series of gentle, flowing postures that create a kind of synchronized dance. Deeply rooted in Chinese meditation, medicine, and martial arts, Tai Chi (pronounced ‘’tie chee’’) combines mental concentration with slow, controlled movements to focus the mind, challenge the body and improve the flow of the life energy – thought to sustain health and quiet the mind.

Almost anyone can do it, even when other forms of exercise may exclude them. Seniors, the overweight,

Larry visited China in 2001 and was amazed to see the Tai Chi Masters. At close to 100 years old, negotiating 6,000 steps of the historic Mount Tai Shan. Through his own experience, Larry attests to the benefits of Tai Chi in improved balance, increased mobility and pain relief.

Standing, he demonstrates the fluid movement of energy in a circle similar to the movement of the sun, moon and planets. It is Larry’s contention that Westerners block their own energy by sitting too long! “Move in place, move sitting, move lying down,” he says. Larry recommends before getting out of bed in the morning, get on your back and alternately (and gently) lift each foot and touch it to the opposite hand five times. You are now ready to begin the day.

Western culture has experienced an infusion of exhilarating Latininspired dance/fitness programs known as “Zumba.” Inspired by a love of music and movement,

Ken Bodin transformed a space at FiftyForward Donelson Station into a fun party place known as Club Cardio where Zumba Gold, Zumba Tone and newly Zumba Sentao are offered mornings and evenings 8 times a week. Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of baby boomers, active older adults as well as those just beginning their journey toward fitness and improved health. Weekend workout warriors and transitioning older athletes will be glad to know Zumba Gold is low impact and kind to knees and hips.

Ken relates to his students through his own 10 week recovery from a torn meniscus.

At age 52, his conditioning through Zumba helped speed up physical therapy and his return to teaching. As a “boomer” he proudly proclaims that he is in the best condition of his life!

to one another and look forward to coming to class because they are genuinely welcomed back.

Ken consistently encourages his students to come to class. Different from working out to a DVD at home or alone, interacting with people changes the whole dynamic by making a commitment to yourself to join them.

So how about it, Couch Potatoes?

Get up, bundle up and get out

during the winter months…Try a nice hot cup of Tai Chi or a spicy warm bowl of Zumba to shake off the chill, have some fun and keep moving!

Ken’s connection to FiftyForward For more information about Tai began through offering Zumba to Chi, contact FiftyForward Madison actors during the six weeks following Station at 860-7180; and for Zumba contact Donelson the close of Keeton Theater information, productions. Also being a DJ, he Station at 883-8375. knew how to put a personal spin on Latin based music and create See pages 10-11 for exercise a “live fitness concert.” Ken has wellness and other classes offered found that active older adults look at FiftyForward centers. forward to excitement and fitness as part of Contributed by Pamela Bradley Smith, their on-going routine.

FiftyForward Director of Active Aging His students develop a special camaraderie Centers and Programs. This series of even when meeting profiles celebrate the contributions made for the first time. They by our many volunteers, members, and share fitness issues community partners. and concerns, are a source of support Winter 2012 | 9

FiftyForward Class Listings

FiftyForward Bordeaux For more information, call the Center at (615) 248-2272.

CLASSES/ACTIVITIES Bible Games Bible Study Bingo Crocheting Class Fitness Exercise Health and Nutrition Education Healthy Smoothies Jewelry Making Spades, Wii Bowling, Word Puzzles, Card Games and other optional activities New Class Added!

Get Fit Dancing!

Annette M. Smith, a native Nashvillian, has been involved in dance and body movement a majority of her life.

From dancing in school to instructing children’s dance and creative arts, to body movement for seniors and “Dancerise” which is a combination of line dance mixed. Annette received her certification as a licensed Zumba instructor in April of 2012.

FiftyForward Donelson Station

Telephone (615) 883-8375 fiftyforwarddonelsonstation.org *New* Classes Arthritis Foundation Aerobics Bowling Club Clean Eating Computer Classes Guitar Lessons Hiking Club Walking Club Zumba Gold Zumba Toning Classes Art classes Basic Computer (June) 4 week session Beading (10wk session) Cold Connection Core fitness Facebook Fridays iPad/Tablet Class Lapidary Low impact aerobics Ring Workshops Silver Jewelry 10 | Forward Focus

FiftyForward College Grove

For more information, please call the center at (615) 368-7278.

Classes Art Bible Study Bingo Bread Day Bridge Canasta College Grove Community Library Computer Digital Scrapbooking History & Genealogy Line Dancing

FiftyForward Knowles For more information, call the center at (615) 743-3400 www.fiftyforwardknowles.org

Weekly Activities: Arthritis Exercise Choraleers Dominoes Exercise & Fitness Knit/Crochet Let’s Talk Listen and Laugh (Reading Walking

Monthly Birthday Potluck (3rd Wed.) Open Computer lab with WiFi Pedro Card Game Poker Pool Room Thursday Lunch TV Lounge Health & Wellness Aerobics Blood Pressure Screenings Massage Therapist (by appointment) Walking Wellness Center Yoga Clubs and Groups Book Discussion Group Across Egypt) Manicures with Melodie Movie Group Scrapbooking SilverSneakers Writing Group Yoga MOnthly events 2nd Saturday Creative Arts (knowles2ndsaturday.blogspot.com) Bingo Book Club

Strength & Stretch Tai Chi Teen/Adult Musical Theatre Dance Teen/Adult Tap Walk with Ease- Arthritis Foundation Water Aerobics Wire Wrapping Yoga Zumba Aerobics

Powder Puff Pool Girls Scrapbooking Social Bridge Stamping and Card making Texas Hold’em Walking Club Weight Watchers YOLO’S Adventure Club (You Only Live Once)

CLUBS/GROUPS AARP Grief and Loss Program Bridge Club Bible Study Bingo Book Club Bunco Computer Club Cornhole Club Crochet--all levels Digital Camera Club Game Hour Koffee Klatch Knit Club Line dance Quilt Club Red Hat Society Relatively Old Men Eating Out (R.O.M.E.O.) Primetime Players

Special Events: Food Truck Rumble coming twice a month! Call 883-8375 for more details or check our Facebook site. *New* Farmer’s Market & Food Trucks on Fridays 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Club Cardio Monthly Luncheons Monthly Birthday Party Dinner Theatre December 7: WWII Musical Tribute presented by Prime Time Players December Craft ‘n’ Snack WWII Musical Tribute by Prime Time Players

Handwork Group Health Education Group Red Hat Society Studio Fifty Art Club Writing Group Special Events Saturday, February 23, 2013 Pancake Breakfast, Bake and Book Sale Day Trips Two to three day trips are planned each month. Call the center for more information, 368-7093.

Curb Symphony Dress Rehearsals Diabetes Support Group First Monday Lunch Genealogy Herb Group Men’s Group Safety Series Wellness Luncheon Series Special Events: The Big Stitch Jan 12 AARP Tax Aide Starts Feb 1 Lisa’s Lunchbunch Katie’s Mystery Lunch Amanda’s Supperclub $2 Movie club January Craft ‘n’ Snack Lisa’s Lunchbunch Katie’s Mystery Lunch Amanda’s Supperclub $2 Movie Club February Craft n Snack Lisa’s Lunchbunch Katie’s Mystery Lunch Amanda’s Supperclub $2 Movie Club

OTHER SERVICES

Fitness walking and exercise equipment Open computer lab FiftyForward Travel Mid-Tennesee Gem and Mineral Society Shear Illusions Palm Tree Café

CLASSES AARP Safe Driving Advanced Level Watercolor Advanced Oil Painting with Renee LaRose Beginning Watercolor Beginning Oil Painting with Renee LaRose Canasta Lessons Drawing with Renee LaRose Elements of Writing Historical Seniors Genealogy Iris Card Making Mixed Media Workshop Technology on Demand Wine Pairing

Bridge Canasta Concord Grapes Red Hat Society Cyber Café Dinner Group Kaluki Knitwits Krystal and Korn Hole Lunch and Movie Bunch Martin Members Game Day Mountain Dulcimer M2: Martin Men Men’s Breakfast Group Monthly Potluck Luncheon Pamper n’ Play Texas Hold’em Wii Mondays Witty Wise Women’s Luncheon Weight Watchers

GROUPS Book Review Brunch Group

Health and Wellness Aerobics Arthritis of the Hand lunch sponsored by Vanderbilt

For more info, call (615) 376-0102 www.themartincentertn.org

FiftyForward Madison Station

For more information, call the center at (615) 860-7180 CLASSES Ballroom dance practice Beginning and Intermediate Ballroom Bible Conversation and Study Crochet for beginners Framing for beginners Golden Slippers exercise Line dance Make-n-Take Craft class Piano lessons Senior stength training SilverSneakers® Yoga Stretch Silversneakers ® Cardio Circuit Silver sneakers® Muscular Strength Tai Chi with Larry Lee Technology on Demand Watercolor for Beginners Yoga CLUBS & GROUPS Book Club Cornhole Players Crochet Club Genealogy Club Goldentones Choir

Inglewood and Friends Club Karaoke Singers Knitting Group Madison Station Silver Notes Band Madison Travelers Club Mexican Train Dominoes Open Music Jam Quilting Club Red Hat Society Reminisce Scrabble Players HEALTH & FITNESS Blood pressure checks Fitness Center Massage therapy Walking Club Water Aerobics through Fitness Plus Weight training SPECIAL EVENTS Dinner Theater Lunch & Learns Monthly Luncheons Friday Night Music Jam (see page 11) Bingo Flea Market TRIPS Four to five day trips are planned each month. Call the center for more info, 860-7180

Health Series Better Sleep Seminar Cool Springs Eye Care Lunch and Learn Depression Screenings Flex Exercise Health Aging Sponsored luncheon by Saint Thomas Manicure and Pedicure Massage Therapist Pilates Senior Expo at Factory Tai Chi Transitions of Life sponsored by Rolling Hills Yoga SPECIAL EVENTS Arrington Winery Tour Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre Dine Around the World Franklin Theatre Tour Nashville Symphony Dress Rehearsal Potluck Luncheon Renaissance Dinner Theatre in Dickson TPAC

FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center

SS (SilverSneakers) MSROM SS CARDIO SS CARDIO FIT SS YOGA STRETCH TAI CHI ZUMBA GOLD

CLASSES, ARTS AND CRAFTS Calligraphy Conscious Breathing Drawing Line Dancing (beg. and advanced) Oil and Watercolor Painting Sit and Knit Sudoku Quilting Walking Groups Weight Watchers

SPECIAL EVENTS AND TALKS Attorney Talks Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Testing Christmas and Valentine’s Luncheon Dances Deloitte Impact Techie Days Educational Lunch and Learns Fundraising Kick-off Concert MarketFest, Silent Auction, Bake Sale Medicare Information and Counseling Pancake Breakfasts Potlucks Star Physical Therapy Talks

Call or email for the current class schedule, 646-9622 or email kblackburn@fiftyforward.org

GROUPS Monthly Supper Club Bellevue Caregivers Bellevue History and Genealogy Bellevue Belles Red Hatters Book and Written Memory Discussions GAMES Bingo Bridge Introduction to Bridge Canasta Game Day Pitch-ins Mah-Jongg Tournament Bridge Wii Bowling HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLASSES Full fitness facility with a pool

TRIPS Join us for educational and fun field trips to places such as: Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville Symphony and Opera, Chaffin’s Barn, Bluebird Café, volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, and tours of local historical venues.

ACTIVITIES Transportation Program for Homebound Seniors Bellevue Recycling Center benefits the J. L. Turner Center ON THE ROAD WITH JOAN See p. 16 for specific trips and dates.

Autumn 2012 | 11

FiftyForward Class Listings

FiftyForward Martin Center

FiftyForward Special Events

On October 11, FiftyForward hosted Arts Across FiftyForward, a lively art show and reception showcasing exhibits from all seven FiftyForward centers and Adult Day Services. The celebration included photography, paintings, quilts and intricately fashioned “iris” cards. Chef Chris Scott provided an array of hors d’oeuvres to complement the art and fine crafts displays. Musical entertainment inlcuded live jazz guitar and piano music courtesy of FiftyForward Music for Seniors. The event was free and open to the public.

RSVP Volunteer Recognition

RSVP held its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on September 26 at the Patricia Hart Building. Emcee John Hewitt (above left) entertained guetsts and he congratulated the service award honorees. Among those honored was Dandridge Towers volunteer Ina Passmore (center) who received the RSVP Second Mile Community Service Award for sharing her time and talent knitting and crocheting for Habitat for Humanity, the VA Hospital and Operation Stand Down.

Jeannie Horde (above right) was presented with the Second Mile Center Award for her contributions to the J. L. Turner Center where she serves as Line Dance Instructor, Center Ambassador and Cookbook Committee Chair.

12 | Forward Focus

This past October marked the last of ThreadFest at the Knowles Center. This bi-annual event has attracted sewers and crafters of all ages to happily rummage through mounds of fabric, racks of sewing notions, mountains of yarn and stacks of sewing books.

FiftyForward Special Events

FiftyForward Martin Center held their annual Martin Masters Art Show and Sale in early November. As usual, the display of artwork was stunning! The show was open to the public and all artwork was available for sale.

Pictured here are some of the of the participating artists representing primarily FiftyForward Martin Center and College Grove members.

Artist Bill Barnes (below left) was the featured guest artist for the weekend.

FiftyForward Board Members receive awards Carrabba’s Cool Springs hosted Eudaimonia, FiftyForward Martin’s annual volunteer recognition lunch. Judy Chilton (left) won the Eu-Da-Woman Award for her record 1,091 volunteer hours. Joyce Patton won an L.O.L. Award for her jovial spirit and frequently making members laugh.

Marcie and Seawell Brandau (above) received a Sage Award from the Council on Aging. The couple was recognized for their long-term volunteer leadership in the community. They are longtime supporters of FiftyForward.

A highlight of the recent FiftyForward Staff Retreat was the presentation of the 2012 Fran Mazzaferro Leadership Award to FiftyForward Martin Center Director Joyce Keistler. She was cited for her extraordinary leadership in transforming the Brentwood Seniors Group into the thriving Martin Center. A recognized community leader, Joyce has established the center’s reputation as a welcoming place for community involvement.

The 2012 Harriet Foley Leadership Award from FiftyForward honored Patricia Hart (right) for her impressive record of service and support to the organization. Harriet Foley proudly presented the award herself. Both women are life-time members of the Board of Directors.

In 2010 she was named Brentwood Woman of the Year.

Winter 2012 | 13

Events Across FiftyForward

Play music?

Come to FiftyForward Madison Station’s

Weekly Music Jam All styles of music are welcome.

FREE, Fridays, 6 - 9 p.m.

14 | Forward Focus

F

or the past 56 years, FiftyForward has been meeting the many needs of senior adults and their families. The winter months tend to be especially difficult for seniors living alone and/or without family nearby. FiftyForward’s Living at Home program – care management plus Care Team, Adult Day Services, Victory over Crime and Meals on Wheels staffs – are busy assisting those in need of help. Here is one customer’s story.

Mrs. Thompson retired from a position assisting elders to remain living independently and to attain a high quality of life. After learning she had a debilitating illness, Mrs. Thompson knew that she would need assistance to remain living at home. She describes a call to FiftyForward Meals on Wheels as a “blessing.” She knew firsthand that her illness would make shopping and cooking difficult. Mrs. Thompson also was relieved to know that she could call on her FiftyForward Living at Home Services care manager if she needed help with virtually anything – e.g., understanding medical billings, helping with household chores, or getting a ride to the doctor. Now she feels valued and secure because of FiftyForward’s support and assistance.

Season of Caring Enclosed is my FiftyForward 2012 Season of Caring gift of $75  $150  $250  $500  Other ___________ Please direct my gift to the following FiftyForward Center: ________________ I want to join the FiftyForward Society with an extraordinary year end gift:  Benefactors ($1,000 - $2,499)  Director’s Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)  President’s Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)  Visionary Circle ($10,000+) Name____________________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City______________________State_________Zip________ Phone____________________ Email___________________________________ (for confirmation or question related to your gift) Check enclosed for $____________ My gift honors_____________________________

(Name/Center/Program) Please charge my  Mastercard  Visa Name on card_____________________________ Card #: ______________________________ Exp. date____________ Signature_________________________________

Mrs. Thompson is one of hundreds of seniors who benefit from FiftyForward’s services. For example, Meals on Wheels volunteers drive countless miles every year to deliver 25,000 hot meals to seniors like Mrs. Thompson.

Without this help, most could not live alone.

Please send acknowledgment to: Name____________________________________ Address__________________________________ City_____________________State ___________Zip_______

In this season of caring, generosity and hope, we invite you to support FiftyForward and our important mission by donating online at www.fiftyforward.org or by mailing a check, along with the form (right). Your support will help extend the time a senior is able to remain living independently.

 $35 Provides a Christmas Day meal for FIVE older adults (Meals on Wheels)  $98 Provides TWO weeks of hot, nutritious meals for an older adult  $115 Provides an elder TWO months of support from a caring professional who can

connect him/her to shelter, medical care and transportation  $245 Furnishes ONE month of services to a senior affected by violent crime (e.g.,

in-home assistance, court advocacy and a safety plan)  $864 Provides ONE homebound senior SIX months of nutritious meals  $1729 Provides ONE year of meals to an older adult Winter 2012 | 15

FiftyForward Travel

Expand your Horizons with FiftyForward Travel

Janice Judd Travel Coordinator

The first trip in 2013 will be the first of its kind for FiftyForward Travel. An all-inclusive vacation to the Dominican Republic, Jan. 19-26, will feature all you can eat and drink, plus other amenities.

Cost for this trip is only $1,949 pp/dbl. Call 2311235 for more information.

April 8-22 will repeat the popular trip to Australia and New Zealand, with an option for Fiji. At this writing, there are already 19 signed up, and we have only 20 spots guaranteed. Get your reservation of $250 in to save your space. Call Janice to sign up.

On the Ireland tour, Sept. 8-17, we will visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick. This is your opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. You also will view the Cliffs of Mohr and stay overnight Cabra Castle. If you book by March 8, you will save $250 per person. Until that date the double rate is $3,099. Single and triple rates are also available.

Our trips to Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis, Ill., are slated for Dec. 6, Jan. 10 and Feb. 21. For $5 members, $10 nonmembers, you get transportation, the buffet lunch, and a $5 voucher to play.

FiftyForward Travel will offer something spectacular April 16-May 4. This is a 19 day cruise to Southeast Asia and China.

Ports are Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore, China; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Nagasaki, Japan; Busan, South Korea; and Beijing, China. An inside cabin is $5,575 pp/dbl. This includes airfare, and of course meals are furnished on ship. Final payment is due January 2, 2013.

May 13-16 are the dates for the Biloxi trip. At this publication, all the details are not completed. Call for more information.

Niagara Falls is our destination June 23-29. This is a seven day, six night tour, priced at $665 pp/members. Included are transportation, four consecutive nights in Niagara Falls, 10 meals, guided tours of Niagara Falls and Toronto, a journey to the Falls on the Maid of the Mist, gaming at Fallsview Casino, plus visits to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queen Victoria Park, Casa Loma, and the Erie Maritime Museum. A $75 deposit reserves your spot, with balance due April 17.

July 15-20 we will tour Lancaster, Penn., starting with a guided tour featuring Amish Country. Next you’ll visit the Kitchen Kettle Village. The musical Noah includes hundreds of animals entering and living inside the great ark that surrounds you on three sides. At the Mennonite Information Center, you will learn more about the unique way of Amish and Mennonite life. The Landis Valley Museum and Village is filled with historic buildings and costumed interpreters who demonstrate the daily life of a Pennsylvania Dutch village. On our journey home you will visit Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pa. Cost is $549 pp/dbl. Again, $75 will hold your space. Final payment is May 9.

16 | Forward Focus

August 10-18, FiftyForward Travel journeys west to Colorado. Points you will visit are the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Manitou Springs located at the foot of Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, and a guided tour of Colorado Springs, the U.S. Air Force Academy and its Cadet Chapel (which features three chapels within a chapel), plus the Royal Gorge, the Aerial Tram and the Incline Railway, the Prairie Museum of Art and History, and the Combat Air Museum. The cost is $749.

After your $75 deposit, final payment is due June 3.

Let’s not forget Myrtle Beach Sept. 22-28. At the Palace Theatre you will enjoy the Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline show. Brighten your morning with a visit to the amazing Brookgreen Gardens. Then you’ll visit Barefoot Landing, a unique waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Later you will see a show at the Alabama Theatre. Broadway at the Beach is another shopping, dining and entertainment complex for your enjoyment. You will walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk before dinner and take in a fabulous Carolina Opry Show. Of course a highlight will be a guided tour of beautiful Charleston. A Dolly Parton company presents a dinner show at Pirates Voyage. There will be time on the way home to visit the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. All this can be had for $669 pp/dbl. Your $75 deposit secures your spot, with the remainder due July 17.

There will be trips to Harrah’s Casino monthly. Additional trips are confirmed from time to time, including a Mystery Tour to be announced.

If you need to be on FiftyForward Travel’s email list, just contact Janice Judd at 615-231-1235 or send an email notice to jjudd@fiftyforward.org.

Prices quoted are for FiftyForward members. Nonmembers add $5 per person per day.

On the Road with

Joan

Thursday, January 17: Lunch at Casey Jones, Jackson, TN, followed by shoe-shopping in Humboldt, Tenn. at Simmons Shoe Store. This is a large, famous, discount shoe store with sizes to fit everyone; name brands & all styles. Cost: $35 which includes motorcoach, lunch, taxes, and gratuity.

Thursday, February 21: Guided tour of Historic Churches in Columbia, Tenn. We will visit a church famous for Greek Revival, Plantation Church with cemetery where slaves are buried, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with magnificent stained glass, and where we will be served a box lunch. Other churches will be part of the drive-by guided tour.

Cost: $41.50 which includes motorcoach, lunch, taxes, and gratuity.

Saturday, March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Erin, Tenn.

Cost: $25 (lunch on your own).

For more information on these trips, or to register, contact Joan Sincerbox at (615) 646-0059 or email joan.sincerbox@comcast.net.

Special feature

Homeowner assistance

Help is out there It’s a fact - most who are 50+ want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and home ownership can be expensive. You may qualify for help with these costs.

The Tennessee Manufactured Housing Foundation (TMHF) offers the following programs: The Traditional Program provides emergency assistance and repair, renovation, and weatherproofing. Up to $300 with no payback can be received for homeowners who have experienced an emergency situation. Up to $3,000, can be received for disadvantaged families. Home Replacement is provided for families whose homes have been destroyed or damaged beyond repair. To be eligible homeowners must meet the following minimum requirements: own the home with no lien, have owned the home and have it titled in your name for at least one year, provide a copy of the state title of home ownership, and live in the home.

The Housing Trust Fund Home Replacement Pilot program replaces substandard, dilapidated mobile homes (pre-1976) and manufactured homes (post1976) with new ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

Eligibility for this program includes: household income at or below 60% of the area median income level ($32,352), owner is at least 60 years of age or a disabled veteran of any age, own the home and the land, reside in the home for a minimum of one year prior to application, and have no current loan or lien on the home.

Information and applications can be obtained by calling TMHF at (615) 256-4733 or visiting www. tnmha.org.

For those who are facing foreclosure, help is available through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), Keep My Tennessee Home – Tennessee’s Hardest Hit Fund program.

Zero percent loans are provided to unemployed or substantially underemployed homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are unable to make mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. A maximum of $25,000 in mortgage related assistance over the course of up to 18 months is provided through a deferred,

forgivable loan. Since 2008, more than 7,600 Tennessee homeowners have benefited from this program.

To qualify, a homeowner must meet the following requirements: •

The homeowner’s loan servicer participates in the program.

•

The household has a history of timely mortgage payments prior to the job loss/ reduction, or no more than two 30-day late payments in the six months prior to the job loss/reduction of income.

•

The combined amount of the mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance is greater than 31% of the household income after the job loss/reduction of income.

•

Household income is less than $92,680.

•

The total unpaid principal balance does not exceed $275,000.

To begin the application process, homeowners register online and are referred to THDA approved foreclosure prevention counseling agency. Go to www.KeepMyTNHome.org or www.thda.org or call the TDHA office at (615) 815-2200.

For those who need assistance to pay property taxes, assistance is available through county trustees’ office. tax relief pays for a part or all of property taxes due. The amount varies on the property assessment and county or city tax rate. Eligibility requirements are: •

Be 65 or older or have been rated totally and permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration or other qualified agency on or before the end of 2012. Disabled veterans who meet certain disability criteria and their surviving spouses who at the time of the veteran’s death were eligible for property tax relief are also eligible.

•

Provide evidence of age.

•

Own and use the property as primary

residence. A copy of the title or bill of sale is required.

•

Have combined annual income for all owners of the property below $26,830. Income is not a factor in determining veterans and surviving spouses’ eligibility.

•

Apply beginning when you receive your county and/or city property tax bill. The deadline to apply is 35 days after the jurisdiction’s delinquency date. Taxes must be paid by this time.

You may also be eligible for the property tax freeze on your principal residence. The taxes are frozen at a base tax amount, which is the amount of taxes owed in the year you first qualify for the program. As long as you continue to qualify for the program, the amount of property taxes owed for that property will not change, even if there is a property tax rate increase. The base tax amount would change when improvements are made to the property resulting in an increase in its value and when the homeowner sells the home and purchases another residence.

For the property tax freeze, you must: • File an application annually and before April 4 each year • Be 65 or older on or before December 31, 2012.

• Own principal place of residence.

• Have income for all owners listed on the deed that is less than $38,300 in Davidson County and $48,240 in Williamson County.

To apply, contact the trustees in Davidson County at (615) 862-6330 and in Williamson County at (615) 790-5709.

FiftyForward Living at Home Services is available to assist with any applications for assistance. A care manager will answer your questions and visit you in your home, if needed, to help you. Call (615) 7433416 for more information.

Sources: www.thda.org, www.tmha.org, www. tn.gov/comptroller/pa/patxr.htm.

Winter 2012 | 17

FiftyForward News

Leadership Luncheon

Strategic Planning Retreat

Recently NHC Place in Cool Springs was host to the annual FiftyForward Leadership Luncheon. The purpose of this event is to familiarize invited community leaders with our mission and the measurable impact of FiftyForward programs on the lives of our members and customers in Davidson and Williamson counties.

Nationally recognized consultant and motivational speaker Derek Young led FiftyForward’s annual Strategic Planning Retreat. Participants were board members and other volunteer leaders, plus staff directors. Jim McGregor, Strategic Planning chair, and his committee received appreciative accolades for garnering a speaker of such renown and reputation.

Dr. “T” Community Relations Director Hertha Hines of NHC Place welcomed the guests. Speakers included retired Vanderbilt physician and professor Dr. Paul Teschan, who shared several touching stories about his work at Walnut Grove Elementary School as a FLIP (Friends Learning in Pairs) tutor and mentor. FLIP volunteers help at-risk students with their reading skills. This experience, says “Dr. T,” helps them not only improve their reading levels; it also boosts their self esteem.

The luncheon is a project of the FiftyForward Leadership Committee, headed

by FiftyForward President Elect Don Greene.

Derek Young and Janet Jernigan

Young named the retreat “The Power of Strategic Relationships: Helping FiftyForward Move Forward Faster.” Attendees worked in small groups as he assigned specific activities to help participants identify existing and potential strategic relationships and primary contacts in the categories of government, business, media, peers, customers and employees.

The result was an action list of contacts in each area with whom board committees and staff will explore opportunities for partnerships and working relationships.

Modern Options for Senior Living MDHA is Now Accepting Applications

Edgefield Manor in East Nashville

- Apartments available to applicants 62 years old or older.

- Income-based rent.

- Utilities paid.

- On-site management and maintenance.

- Laundry facilities.

- Secured access.

- Recreational opportunities.

Carleen Waller Manor, near Vanderbilt

Gernert Studio Apartments in Edgehill

Questions? (615) 252-3734 for Waller (615) 252-3713 for Edgefield 18 | Forward Focus

(615) 252-3717 for Gernert

AccessRide Passes available for center participants FiftyForward wants to help you access our centers by providing AccessRide passes for you so that you can visit more frequently.

The staff members at FiftyForward Davidson County centers have AccessRide passes that are distributed one ride at a time. You are given a ticket when AccessRide drops you off at a center and another when you leave the center to go home. Passes are available on a first come, first served basis.

To take advantage of this great offer, talk to a FiftyForward center staff member. center phone numbers are listed in the Directory on page 2.

Winter 2012 | 19

Special feature

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Don’t let the lack of light dampen your winter outlook

By Diane Lang Positive Living Expert and Psychotherapist It’s almost that time of year again -- cold weather, snow, ice, clouds and days with less sunlight. For parents, winter is a tough time -- finding activities that are always inside, worrying about snow days and delays and making sure kids get plenty of physical exercise even though the weather is cold and the days are shorter. On top of that some parents (and non parents) have to deal with a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression usually happens in the winter months due to the weather and shorter periods of daylight. Being that this type of depression is seasonal, the symptoms usually come back the same time every year and go away around the same time. The symptoms usually start late fall or early winter and the symptoms start to disappear when the warmer weather and longer days of sunlight return.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder If you are feeling under the weather during the cold winter months but not sure if you are having seasonal affective disorder, here are some of the symptoms associated with SAD. 1. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and anxiety during the winter months.

2. Feeling fatigue, loss of energy, trouble concentrating and unmotivated.

3. The feelings of sadness, fatigue, isolated, etc. start out mild and become more severe as the winter progresses.

4. Change in appetite and sleeping habits.

5. Social withdrawal - loss of interest in social activities and hobbies. I know a few clients who “hibernate” during the winter months. They don’t leave their house very often during the winter months, they stop socializing and enjoying their daily activities - they start feeling isolated, lonely and depressed. Watch out for this pattern.

The cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is still unknown, but we know environmental factors plays a role. I have a client who lives in upstate New York near a lake and gets “the lake effect” where he gets so much snow and very little sun all winter.

This client has had SAD at the same time every year since his move to upstate New York. We also know that SAD can run in the family - genetics plays a role. SAD is more common in women and we usually see symptoms starting in young adulthood.

20 | Forward Focus

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder: 10 Tips to Prevent the Winter Blues There are treatment options for SAD so you can stay happy during the longer, darker and colder winter days. Here are some tips to help prevent the winter blues: 1. Get as much light as you can even when you’re indoors. Open the shades, roll up the curtains, move your desk near the windows, etc.

2. Spend time outdoors during the daylight hours.

The weather is cold and snowy but we do know that being outside in the winter months is beneficial. Go outside for quick walks and sit in the sun to help lift your spirits. After a few days of spending some time outdoors, you will start feeling a little better.

3. Add exercise into your daily routine. Exercise, even just walking, produces endorphins and reduces stress hormones at the same time so you get a boost of happiness.

4. Make sure to add some fun into your life.

Even though the weather keeps us homebound, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Instead of feeling trapped inside, find ways to engage in things you love.

5. Be social even in the winter months. Adding more social activities where you will be surrounded with family and friends can give the extra support you need.

6. Take a vacation. Some clients feel a sense of isolation and loneliness in the winter months. If this is the case, setting up vacation time in warm, sunny spots can help and give you something to look forward to.

7. Try “Light Therapy.”

We know that increased sunlight helps improve the symptoms of SAD. There are certain lights you can buy called “Light Therapy Box” which

mimics outside light and helps you lift your mood and spirits.

8. See a counselor before winter starts. If you have a mild case, you can take preventive methods such as seeking a counselor right before late fall to start talking to someone who can help.

9. Medication may help. Doctors have prescribed anti-depressants that have worked well for some patients.

10. Psychotherapy is another great option. The therapist can help you identify your negative thoughts and behaviors and help change them. A therapist can also help you find good coping skills to feel better.

Diane Lang, Positive Living Expert and psychotherapist, is a nationally recognized author, educator, speaker, therapist and media expert. In addition to holding multiple counseling positions, Lang is also an adjunct professor at Montclair State University and Centenary College. For more information on Diane Lang please visit her website: www.dlcounseling.com.

Special feature

Getting Your House in Order

S

omewhere in the not too distant future is a panicked moment that you can avoid. You know the “I’m going to start my holiday shopping early” and the “I am not going to stress myself out next year with all this running around at the last minute” promise.

So consider me your not so gentle voice within. Let’s take 15 minutes of this very day to think about the holidays. Is your chest tightening and are you suddenly dizzy? How can you avoid the unpleasant parts and maximize the real reason for the celebration?

Do a Home Inventory.

It’s always a good idea to know what you have if you are a homeowner or if you rent. Take a video of the outside and inside of your house capturing everything. Take one spiral notebook and write

By Beverly Grant down the serial numbers of your televisions, VCRs, appliances, etc. and approximately how much you paid for them. When you are finished, place your inventory in a safe deposit box or give a copy to a family member or friend as a backup.

Some insurance agents are happy to hold onto your inventory. In an emergency, you will be very glad you did this.

There now…no excuses…Call a friend or a family member to help you in this new adventure. Your enthusiasm will catch fire and they will probably see how they could downsize and foster a giving spirit year round. Happy Holidays!

Beverly Grant is a nonprofit development and marketing specialist, a former professional organizer, a musician and a FiftyForward advocate.

Here are a few practical giving suggestions:  Pull out your holiday decorations and get rid of one third of them. You know you are tired of some of them and it will

Your home...without the hassles!

give you room and permission to hit those sales after the holidays and get new ones! Donate the ones you don’t need to someone who doesn’t have decorations. Call 211 and ask the friendly operator who might need an extra tree or decorations.



Take a look at your holiday gift list. Can you make this a true season of giving by making a donation in honor or memory of someone?

There are so many opportunities this time of year (e.g.. Fifty Forward, veterans and their families, recent storm victims). You can save gas and time searching for a gift while making a real difference for someone who truly needs your support all year long.

Now what about after the hoo-ha is over?

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!

As you pack up the decorations and make your New Year’s resolutions, continue the theme of giving and downsizing. Colder weather forces us to hibernate, so here are a few ideas to keep you busy until we thaw out.

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.

Continue the giving season into 2013.

Gather old clothes, household items and any other clutter you can find and donate it. Just about everything can be donated to someone. For instance, did you know animal shelters use shoe boxes for kitty litter in kennels and egg containers can be used by a daycare for finger paint?

Finally look through those old magazines.

You know what I’m talking about…all those magazines that you swore you would read later. Take a pair of scissors and several file folders with you to do this project. Turn on your favorite movie or a Law and Order marathon and dive in. Label the file folders (Articles to Read, Recipes to Try, Items I Want to Purchase, Websites to Check Out) and start cutting.

Throw away the magazine as soon as you are through with it. Keep moving forward until they are gone.

All-inclusive, month-to-month rent

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

Winter 2012 | 21

Assessing the Toys of Yesteryear As we unpack decorations and nostalgically recall Christmas’s past, I thought I’d share updated values for a few items readers have asked about over the years. My first local columns appeared in 2006.

Here’s one from Lee, who asked about his Army truck.

Mrs. Davenport, Growing up in the 1960s, I received one shiny new metal truck for Christmas each year. I am interested in knowing what value this army truck has. It could be from 1959.

Dear Lee, This is a tin U.S. Army Lumar Cargo Truck, made by Marx Toys which was founded by Louis Marx in 1919 with his brother, David. Their products were sold at Montgomery Ward and Sears. The company produced and sold toys until 1972, when Quaker Oats bought the Marx Company to compliment Fisher Price Toys, which they already owned.

In 1976, Quaker sold their Marx holdings to a British company. Big public auctions in 1978 dispersed the molds and warehouses full of unsold toys and prototypes in the US. Condition has hurt the value of your truck. My 2006 valuation - In an antique mall it might bring $50. In perfect condition it would fetch $250. Today the value for similar vehicles sell closer to $20. Pristine trucks, including the canvas cover, are selling at auction for around $100.

Also in 2006, a reader asked the value of her inherited postcard collection. Removed from a tattered, paper scrapbook, she had arranged the cards in plastic sleeves in order to view both sides of the cards. My 2006 valuation - Holiday cards like Christmas, Easter, birthdays and special occasions are fairly common and sell from $2 to $5 each. Less produced cards like “Labor Day” cards, are scarce.

They might cost $10 to $22 each. The same postcards sell today for only slightly more. Condition, color and rarity still affect value. An old scrapbook of postcards sells today from $20 to $300. The higher values are realized if the book relates to a famously good, or bad, person.

Since 1898 people have collected and traded postcards. The best known cards were produced by George C. Whitney from 1866 to 1942.

Since the mail was delivered twice a day and with few telephones, postcards were the email of the day. Publishers like Whitney printed millions of cards, which were collected and stored in scrapbook albums.

If you’re around 60 years old, you may own a Chatty Cathy Doll. In 2006 a well preserved, but played with doll sold for around $100 at auction. Today, she’d have to be grouped with a few other dolls to reach that mark. I haven’t heard a Cathy doll actually “chat” since 2000. Because the baby boomer generation has begun downsizing, look for their mass produced toys to lose value.

Some of you may be wondering if you should keep pre-2000 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. We all played this buying game. My mother stood in line with her friends (everyone was mother’s friend) to 22 | Forward Focus

complete a set of Barbie ornaments for my daughter. I have, and love, a little fire engine ornament, because my husband was a firefighter before he became an artist. Select science fiction and fantasy ornaments can sell for around $25 in specialty shops. Occasionally a collector seeking the final piece of a set might pay higher for a character. But more likely, you’ll find the ornaments are selling slowly in lots of a dozen of more for under $20.

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.

Marketplace

Scheduled to open September 1, 2012 īŽƌĚĂďůĞ ƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ,ŽŵĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƐĞŶŝŽƌƐ ĂŐĞ ϲϮн X X X X

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X X X X

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hƟůŝƚLJ ĂůůŽǁĂŶĐĞ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ƌŽŽŵƐ ŽŝŶͲŽƉĞƌĂƚĞĚ ůĂƵŶĚƌLJ /ŶĐŽŵĞͲďĂƐĞĚ ƌĞŶƚƐ

Services. Comfort. Convenience.

Complete peace of mind.

&/s KEs E/ Ed >K d/KE^͊ ¹Ê«Ä ½͘ ¦½ ÄÄ Ù Ý® Äã® ½ Äã Ù ϮϬϭϲ ϮϴƚŚ ǀĞ͘ EŽƌƚŚ EĂƐŚǀŝůůĞ͕ dE ϯϳϮϬϴ

ϲϭϱͲϮϱϵͲϬϰϰϴ

« Ùã½ Ä «Ù®Ýã® Ä ãÊó Ù ϯϬϮϳ &ĞƌŶďƌŽŽŬ >ĂŶĞ EĂƐŚǀŝůůĞ͕ dE ϯϳϮϭϰ

à » Ä Ù ½ à çã« ã ¦ ½½ ã®Ä ϭϬϱϰ ,ĂƌƚƐǀŝůůĞ WŝŬĞ 'ĂůůĂƟŶ͕ dE ϯϳϬϲϲ

ϲϭϱͲϮϯϬͲϮϮϲϳ

ϲϭϱͲϮϯϮͲϬϱϲϲ Ö ¦¦ù ÄÄ Ã » Ä Ù Ù ÊÙÝ ½ÝçÖ Ù ÊÙÝ ǁǁǁ͘ŶĂƟŽŶĂůĐŚƵƌĐŚƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞƐ͘ŽƌŐ ã ÝÖٮĦ¥® ½ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ͊ ϮϬϮϬ ϮϴƚŚ ǀĞ͘ EŽƌƚŚ ϭϭϬϯ &ŝŌŚ ǀĞ͘ tĞƐƚ EĂƐŚǀŝůůĞ͕ dE ϯϳϮϬϴ ^ƉƌŝŶŐĮĞůĚ͕ dE ϯϳϭϳϮ ϲϭϱͲϮϱϵͲϰϬϰϴ

ϲϭϱͲϮϭϮͲϬϳϬϬ

Target your advertising to reach adults 50 and older!

• State-of-the-Art Assisted Living Community • Health, Wellness and Medication Management • Licensed and Professional Staff 24 Hours a Day • Life Enrichment Program with Planned Activities and Trips • Nutritious Dining Program • Transportation Services for Medical Appointments

Call today to participate in an Information Session or to schedule a personal appointment to learn more about our services.

• Separate Secure Program for Residents with Alzheimer’s and other Memory Care Disorders

(615) 285-3455 1522 Wilson Pike Brentwood, TN 37027

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.

www.morningpointe.com

Winter 2012 | 23

The Perfect Venue for Your Next

Event

Call FiftyForward Martin Center at 376-0102 and the Patricia Hart Building at 743-3400 for more details.