Centered & Connected
FiftyForward supports, champions, and enhances life for those 50 and older.
FIFTYFORWARD.ORG | MARCH 2022
March marks Women’s History Month and serves as a good time to reflect and appreciate the women who make a difference in our lives every day. This month-long celebration honoring the contributions of women to our culture, history, and society grew out of an event, in 1978, organized by the school district of Sonoma, California. The concept then caught on in some communities, school districts, and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation to declare the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The following year, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution to establish a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March. In thinking of women’s history, it’s easy to reflect on
individuals who have gained notoriety for their efforts, but we have heroes among us whose stories have yet to be told. Our writer’s groups and other programs at FiftyForward offer tremendous opportunities for you to share your story with center members. Writing down these stories can leave a powerful legacy. Everyone has a story, and they are worthy of being shared. Our March podcast gives us just the opportunity to reflect on women’s history in our own backyard. In this month’s Squeeze the Day we highlight a Nashville original in Mackenzie Colt. Mackenzie made history as the founder and creator of the oldest specialty chocolate company in Nashville. Many of you may know her world-famous Colt’s Bolt (which she shared with us is Dolly Parton’s favorite) or her Gooey Butter Bar. These two signature candies helped launch Colt’s Chocolates. In our podcast, Mackenzie shares interesting snippets of her life. Learn more about Mackenzie Colt on page 9 and Listen to the Podcast.
NOW OPEN FRID AYS
Our Centers BORDEAUX COLLEGE GROVE DONELSON STATION J. L. TURNER CENTER KNOWLES MADISON STATION MARTIN CENTER
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Important Center Information COVID-19 Information & Safety Practices To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to: 1. Be vaccinated and receive a vaccine booster to increase levels of protection. 2. Wear effective masks (N95 or KN95) or double mask. 3. Practice good hand hygiene, social distance, and get tested and stay home if you are ill.
Masking Guidelines at FiftyForward
Important note: At this time, we are leaving our mask requirement in place as we begin March. We continue to review data and guidance about masking continuously as we work to determine the best way forward balancing both: 1. Our important need to be together and freely participate in activities and 2. FiftyForward’s responsibility to create safe environments for everyone. We join you all in hoping to return to more flexible masking rules soon. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.
Based on continued high levels of COVID transmission in our area, to do our part to keep each other and our community safer, everyone entering a FiftyForward location must wear a mask and keep their mask on at all times. Masks must also be worn at all times in FiftyForward vehicles.
COVID-19 Resources Vaccines: Everyone age 5 and older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone age 12 and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster. COVID19 testing, vaccines and boosters are available at many area pharmacy locations and at area clinics. Here is a link to Medline Plus which provides various helpful resources to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. Center for Disease Control (CDC) & Prevention Website: https://www.cdc.gov/ Phone: 1-800-232-4636 Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson Co. COVID-19 Response: https://www.asafenashville.org/
Tennessee Department of Health Are you exhibiting possible symptoms of the coronavirus or concerned about exposure to the virus? Follow the public health advice and cotact your health care provider for guidance. If you are unable to reach your medical provider, you can call the TN Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline: 1-877-857-2945; Available daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., CST For more info, visit the website: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html Follow this link to the Williamson County Office of Public Safety
March Virtual Programming To participate and connect to any of the virtual programs below, please sign up in advance via the Membership Portal to receive Zoom links and additional information. The hosting center is listed to the right of the program name (if the program is on Zoom). Radically Reframing Aging (Timing Varies Across Centers) March 1-4. Hosted by Maria Shriver, we are excited to present conversations from this online summit, which embraces new outlooks on aging with some of today’s most transformative thinking on health, purpose, and joy! Mixed Media Book Art Series with Ashley Mintz (Knowles & Madison Station) Wednesdays, March 2, 16, 30, 11:15 a.m. on Zoom. These workshops will incorporate creative writing, mixed media art, bookmaking, and collage art. Each week, participants will create different crafts and mixed media pieces. Writers Group (Knowles) Mondays in March, 1 p.m. on Zoom Join The FiftyForward Knowles Writers group shares their memoirs, which is a great way to travel down memory lane and connect with fellow FiftyForward members. Dementia Care Education (Martin Center) Monday, March 7, 2:15 p.m. on Zoom Covid has been shown to affect the brain directly with reports of encephalitis, thrombotic events, and temporary loss of the use of senses like smell and taste. Because Covid can affect the brain, am I at risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias? Join us and find out what potential risks a Covid diagnosis may carry. Bluebird Café Senior Show (College Grove & Martin Center) Monday, March 14, 10 a.m. We’ll stream a virtual performance of the monthly Bluebird Café Senior Show! Armchair Travel (Martin Center) Mondays, March 14 & 28, 2 p.m. Get those passports ready! Come travel the world with your friends, all from the comfort of the Martin Center. Call the center if you would like to watch from home. This month we will travel to New Orleans (March 14) and the Caribbean (March 28).
Chat & Chew (Bordeaux) Thursday, March 17, 12 p.m. on Zoom. Join Bordeaux Center Director, Melvin Fowler, for a current events discussion. Bible Study (Donelson Station) Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. on conference line. The Bible Study group will be meeting through a conference line. Please sign up through the portal to receive an email with the login information. Walgreens Health Talk (Madison Station) Thursday, March 24, 10 a.m. on Zoom. Join pharmacists from our local Madison Walgreens to discuss Heart Health. LGBTQIA+ Awareness and Inclusion – A Training for FiftyForward Members (All Centers) Friday, March 25, 12 p.m. on Zoom. You can join this conversation on FiftyForward’s Facebook page or at in person at your FiftyForward center. Those who watch online and those who attend in-person will be entered to win a $20 FiftyForward F.A.N. card, and every attendee will also be entered to win a $50 Target gift card.
Armchair Travel (College Grove) Monday, March 29, 1 p.m. Get those passports ready! Come travel the world with your friends, all from the comfort of the College Grove center. Call the center if you would like to watch from home. This month we will travel to Ireland!
In-person
Zoom
Conference line
New Additions to the Membership Portal Video Library Your access to the Membership Portal includes a video library filled with programs including Arts & Crafts, Fitness, Health & Wellness, Lifelong Learning, Entertainment, and Resources. We hope you check out the newly added programs in our video library this month: Faith Voices of Nashville: An Intergenerational Panel Sharing Wisdom and Hope FiftyForward Exchange: Healthy & Safe Nutrition Practices FiftyForward Exchange: Health & Wellness As We Age Access these programs by logging into your account here: https://fiftyforward.org/member/#myaccount
Join us for Whistlestop Hawaii Aloha! The imaginary FiftyForward Madison Station Whistlestop train is heading to Hawaii this year. Join us on March 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Whistlestop pre-party for FiftyForward members only! You'll be able to enjoy the Whistlestop photo booth, prize wall, and other island-inspired fun while interacting with event sponsors. Lunch will be provided. Luau attire is encouraged. Each center is offering a trip to the Whistlestop pre-party. Register through the Membership Portal or by calling your home center. If you wish to drive yourself, please let your home center know.
To buy tickets to the evening event, visit www.fiftyforward.org/whistlestop
March Center Day Trips If you are interested in participating in any of the following center day trips or would like more information, please call the hosting center, sign up in the Membership Portal, or refer to each center’s calendar. *FiftyForward Trip Guidelines: All members and drivers must wear masks while inside FiftyForward vehicles, whether they are vaccinated or not. Mask and safety guidelines required by each trip destination must be followed accordingly. FiftyForward encourages mask-wearing in crowded, indoor areas. Nashville Lawn & Garden Show – Donelson Station Thursday, March 3, 10 a.m., Cost: $15 (includes exhibit entrance)
Fabulous Fifties Show – College Grove Saturday, March 12, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $25 + lunch
Monthly Grocery Shopping Trip – Bordeaux Friday, March 4, 10 a.m., Cost: FREE
Music for Seniors Concert at FiftyForward College Grove - Bordeaux Friday, March 18, 9 a.m., Cost: FREE
Culinary Tourism Series: Italian at North Italia – Madison Station Friday, March 4, 11 a.m., Cost: $5 + lunch cost Lunch at Gumbo Bros – Knowles Tuesday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. Cost: Lunch cost Walk with a Doc and All of Us Research Program – Bordeaux Wednesday, March 9, 10 a.m., Cost: FREE Walk with a Doc and All of Us Research Program – Knowles Wednesday, March 9, 10:30 a.m., Cost: FREE Whistlestop Hawaii Members-Only Pre-Party at Madison Station– College Grove Thursday, March 10, 10:45 a.m., Cost: $10 Whistlestop Hawaii Members-Only Pre-Party at Madison Station– Martin Center Thursday, March 10, 11:15 a.m., Cost: $5 Whistlestop Hawaii Members-Only Pre-Party at Madison Station– Donelson Station Thursday, March 10, 11:30 a.m., Cost: FREE Whistlestop Hawaii Members-Only Pre-Party at Madison Station– Knowles Thursday, March 10, 11:30 a.m., Cost: FREE Whistlestop Hawaii Members-Only Pre-Party at Madison Station– Turner Center Thursday, March 10, 11:30 a.m., Cost: FREE Doo Wop Shop with the Symphony – Donelson Station Friday, March 11, 6 p.m., Cost: $60 (includes Symphony ticket)
Supper Club – Donelson Station Thursday, March 17, 5 p.m., Cost: $10 + dinner cost
Hiking at Peeler Park & Lunch at Music City Diner – Madison Station Friday, March 18, 10:15 a.m., Cost: $5 + lunch cost Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon – Martin Center Thursday, March 18, 11:30 a.m., Cost: $5 Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon – Turner Center Thursday, March 18, 12 p.m., Cost: $10 Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon – Donelson Station Friday, March 18, 12:15 p.m., Cost: $10 Eastside Bowl – Madison Station Monday, March 21, 3 p.m., Cost: $5 + $5 if you wish to bowl (one hour) + any purchases Music for Seniors Concert at FiftyForward Knowles – Turner Center Tuesday, March 22, 9:15 a.m., Cost: $5 Mystery Lunch – Donelson Station Wednesday, March 23, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $10 + lunch cost Hibachi Grill in Hendersonville – Bordeaux Wednesday, March 23, 11 a.m., Cost: FREE + lunch cost Lunch at Sichuan Hot Pot – Martin Center Friday, March 25, 11:30 a.m., Cost: $5 + lunch cost National Museum of African American Music – Madison Station Wednesday, March 30, 10 a.m., Cost: $30 + lunch cost Lunch Bunch – Donelson Station Wednesday, March 30, 10:30 a.m., Cost: $10 + lunch cost
Join your FiftyForward friends to explore and travel! FiftyForward has partnered with Premier World Discovery and See America Tours to offer travel opportunities for our members. There are numerous air and motorcoach trips being planned for 2022. Destinations include: Key West | Ark Encounter | Charleston & Savannah | Iceland | Yellowstone | Grand Canyon | New England | Italy | Hawaii | New York City Holiday | Rose Parade New Year’s For more information, you can view the travel guide here:
The next See America Tour Trip Presentation is Wednesday, March 2 at 1 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about specific trips to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, the travel team will be presenting at Donelson Station while all other FiftyForward centers will stream the presentation live. You will be able to ask questions and sign up for any trips you are interested in! If you have any questions, please call 615-883-8375.
March is National Nutrition Month Proper nutrition is essential to stay healthy and feel our best. Try this short Older Adult Nutrition Quiz packed with info and tips aimed to increase your nutrition knowledge. Find out if you are an ace at nutrition!
All of Us Café dates and locations: March 3, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. FiftyForward Bordeaux
Aging Well with Dr. Amy Price Neff: Friday, March 11, 1 p.m. Topic: Fabulous Foods to Keep Healthy at 50+! Monthly, FiftyForward and Dr. Price Neff from Mindstream Integrative Medicine present this informative virtual series entitled, Aging Well. March is National Nutrition Month. Join us to learn Fabulous Foods to Keep Healthy at 50+ Watch live on Facebook. FiftyForward All of Us Online Café Presents: Step-by-Step Guide to Joining the All of Us Research Program Monday, April 4, at 1 p.m. live on our Facebook page. Join FiftyForward and the All of Us Virtual Ambassadors to learn how to enroll in the All of Us Research Program.
March 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. FiftyForward J.L. Turner March 15, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. FiftyForward Donelson March 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. FiftyForward Martin March 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. FiftyForward Madison Station March 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. FiftyForward College Grove March 22, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. FiftyForward Knowles
All of Us Cafés: Come say hello to the All of Us Research Program team this month! Learn more about the All of Us Research Program from the National Institutes of Health. This exciting program seeks to enroll 1,000,0000 diverse people living in the U.S. in order to improve the health of future generations. Come find out how you can join by visiting us in the All of Us Café! Sign up to make a private appointment to enroll, or just drop by for a casual conversation. Snacks provided by FiftyForward. For more information on the All of Us Research Program, please visit our website at www.joinallofus.org/fiftyforward.
NEW! Walk with a Doc Nashville Chapter: Wednesday, March 9, 11 a.m. The FiftyForward All of Us team has had a blast so far with our new chapter of Walk with a Doc with Dr. Amy Price Neff. These one-hour walks meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Centennial Park Events Shelter. Spring is on the horizon, but early March can still be cold (and even rainy!)—please be prepared for the elements! Dr. Price Neff begins each walk with a 5-minute “health talk,” then we all walk around Centennial Park together. The trail is a flat, 1.2 mile loop. Join our next walk on Wednesday, March 9, 11 a.m. No RSVP required! The Centennial Park Events Shelter is located on the Park Plaza side of the park and houses ongoing events including the park's Big Band Dances. There is a parking lot there as well. Look for the FiftyForward vans! Please check our Facebook page for up-to-date inclement weather information. For more information about Walk with a Doc, visit https://walkwithadoc.org/join-awalk/locations/nashville-tennessee/, or please call (615) 743-3431.
Volunteer Opportunities FiftyForward Foster Grandparent Volunteers for Fall 2022 FiftyForward’s Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is recruiting volunteers to mentor and tutor preschool and elementary school students in Davidson County. Volunteers serve between 15–40 hours a week helping with academic and social emotional development. In return for service, volunteers receive a $3 per hour stipend, mileage reimbursement, a bus pass or AccessRide fare, meals during service hours, and get to support their community. Benefits provided by the program do not qualify as income and do not affect a volunteer’s ability to access social support systems such as SNAP or subsidized housing. Interviews take place this spring with training in mid-June. Volunteers begin their placement in the schools and child learning centers in late summer and early fall. Volunteers are asked to make at least a one-year commitment to service, but most FGP volunteers serve between 5 and 10 years. Volunteers participate in monthly in-service trainings and enjoy two special recognition events annually.The FiftyForward Foster Grandparent Program is part of the AmeriCorps Seniors family of programs and receives additional support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the United Way of Greater Nashville. In order to qualify for service in the Foster Grandparent Program, volunteers must: Live in Davidson County Have an annual income below $27,180 for a single household Complete a Criminal History Check Participate in pre-service training Abide by program guidelines Love learning and helping others If you are eligible and interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Grandparent volunteer, contact FGP Program Manager Christie Bearden at 615-743-3420.
Volunteer Drivers Needed FiftyForward is seeking volunteers who will drive FiftyForward vehicles to transport members to individual lifelong learning centers and on day trips in Middle Tennessee. Volunteer drivers have responsibility for passenger safety and coordination at the destination if the purpose of driving is a day trip. For more information contact: Robin Johnson, Director of Volunteer Engagement, rjohnson@fiftyforward.org.
REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver’s license Completion of a background check that includes a criminal history search and driving record review Completion of a training session that includes familiarization with FiftyForward vehicles and company policies while on trips Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
BENEFITS
Volunteer drivers are provided with complimentary entry to attractions or events visited and a meal stipend if the trip includes a visit to a restaurant. Drivers gain the opportunity to provide older adults with safe and reliable transportation to help them enjoy life.
FiftyForward Online Offerings FiftyForward Exchange Join us for the most recent FiftyForward Exchange where FiftyForward All of Us Outreach Coordinator Keith Richardson speaks with Dr. Amy Price Neff, of Mindstream Integrative Medicine, about health and wellness as we age. Many of you know Dr. Price Neff from her work with All of Us as well as her Walk with a Doc initiative. Learn more about how you can improve your health and well-being on this FiftyForward Exchange. There's truth to the adage: movement is medicine! Watch this program www.fiftyforward.org/videos/#exchange and join in the efforts to improve your health today. Later in March, MacKenzie Colt will be featured in our Squeeze the Day podcast. Most folks may remember her as a vivacious and talented Hee Haw Honey on one of the longest-running comedy and country music series. What most folks don’t know is how this teenage mom found her way to Music City and landed on the Hee Haw series. She worked with music legends including Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, and Grandpa Jones, and saw superstars including Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks make their debut on the series. It wasn't until LATER that she launched what is now the oldest chocolate business in Nashville. Colt’s high-end chocolates and pies are legendary. Mackenzie shares how she -- as a young, female entrepreneur and business owner - leveraged just about everything to create Colt’s Candys. We are better for knowing her, although our waistlines may not be. Join us as Mackenzie shares as only she can … her passion for performing, baking, and creating a new future for herself against all odds. Watch for the program here: www.fiftyforward.org/podcasts (or on any major podcast platform).
3 Tips: How You Can Help Please share these inspiring stories. The more engagement and listeners we have for this podcast, the more we can increase our audience and sponsors. Here’s how you can help us: 1. Download the podcast. If you need help doing so, ask your center or program director. They can help you use technology to your advantage. 2. If you have a smart speaker system (think Google Home or Alexa), ask it to “Play Squeeze the Day podcast.” 3. You may also access the podcast and read the blog here: www.fiftyforward.org/podcast.
Resources & Support Groups FiftyForward Resources FiftyForward Supportive Care Services Did you know FiftyForward offers a variety of services to support older adults including: Adult Day Services FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels* Conservatorship Living at Home Care Management Care Team Victory Over Crime* *Davidson County only Click to learn more: https://fiftyforward.org/supportive-care/
Do you help care for an adult with chronic conditions? If so, you are not alone. FiftyForward offers an educational series designed to provide the tools you need to take care of yourself. As a participant, you will learn how to: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, increase your ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. Classes consist of six, 90-minute sessions held once a week on Zoom. Interactive lessons, discussions, and brainstorming help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life. Class will be held via Zoom early in the evening on Wednesdays (March 9-April 13). Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 2. Contact us at the email below to sign up for these sessions!
Connect to resources and essential services for older adults in Davidson and Williamson counties by calling the FiftyForward Resource Line at 615-743-3416.
Or if you are unable to participate in this session but are interested in being contacted when we offer Powerful Tool for Caregivers again, please email Kaitlyn at kparrish@fiftyforward.org to sign up for these sessions.
FiftyForward Support Groups FiftyForward has a variety of support and peer groups currently meeting. If you are interested in joining or learning more, you may reach out to the contact provided. “Bold and Golden” retired men’s group Dan Surface 615-476-6364 dan@dansurface.me
LGBTQ+ Peer Group Ashley Hunter 615-622-4154
Center Member/Client Virtual Support Group Kristen Maloney 615-743-3436
Save the Date: Older Americans Month FiftyForward is planning a month-long initiative in May to celebrate Older Americans Month. We will be hosting three main events throughout the month and several special center activities, each with a Route 66 theme in honor of FiftyForward’s 66th anniversary:
“Get Your Kicks” Block Party Saturday, May 7 Donelson Station Walk 66: FiftyForward Member Challenge Wednesday, May 11 Centennial Park FiftyForward Route 66 Gala Thursday, May 26 Martin Center
Stay tuned for more information!
FiftyForward’s mission is to support, champion, and enhance life for adults 50 and older. To support our efforts, visit www.fiftyforward.org/donate.