Smart Senior January/February 2024

january/february 2024 A publication of St. Joseph’s/Candler

SmartSenior

Year in Review • The daily count of visitors to the SmartSenior Office

has increased by over 20% and we’re so thrilled to be seeing more of you all!

• We’ve completed three successful Community Service projects this year!

1. SmartSenior members purchased and wrapped 30 Christmas gifts for the local seniors at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Community Center.

2. SmartSenior members collected non-perishable goods to donate to the food pantry at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Community Center.

3. SmartSenior members prepared 430 boxes for America’s Second Harvest.

•

480 SmartSeniors celebrated the holiday season with us at this year’s Holiday Party!

• 11 SmartSeniors hiked the Big Ferry Trail at Skidaway Island State Park on one of our

Discover Local adventures!

•

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 Weekly

Activities Movie Schedule

3 January Events Black History Month Spotlight

4 February Events

We’re celebrating countless new ideas and new friendships stemming from 2023!

Harriet Tubman in the Lowcountry

5 How to Make

Friends as an Adult

Canned Food Drive Make sure to call the SmartSenior office at 912.352.4405 to register for these upcoming Lunch & Learn events:

Valentine's Day Word Search

Hearing Care and Brain Care with Rachel Crout Goldsmith, Au.D., CCC-A

6 Merchant

Thursday, January 11 | 11:30 a.m. lunch; 12 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital

Discount List

You and Your Lungs with Andrew Williams, Respiratory Therapy Manager

7 New Merchant

Discounts

Tuesday, January 23 | 11:30 a.m. lunch; 12 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital

Happy New Year

Benefits of Enlarged Prostate Procedure with Robert “Hunter” Dunlap, MD

Dues Update

Tuesday, February 20 | 11:30 a.m. lunch; 12 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital

SMARTSENIOR OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

836 E. 65th St., Ste 8 • Savannah, GA 31405 912.352.4405 www.sjchs.org/smartsenior

OFFICE CLOSED January 1 New Year’s Day

January 15 MLK Day

SMARTSENIOR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES There’s always something going on here at SmartSenior! Just a reminder, please make reservations for all of the following events. Call the SmartSenior office at 912.352.4405 to register.

Our weekly activities are open to members only.

Exercise Class SmartSenior Office Mondays 9:15-10 a.m.

Enjoy our low-impact chair exercise class every Monday!

Reservations are not required for this activity.

Painting with Shawn SmartSenior Office Wednesdays & Fridays 9:45-11:45 a.m.

Enjoy a one-on-one personalized painting experience with local artist Shawn Bland as she helps you create your next masterpiece. Five classes for $125, or $25 per lesson with a monthly registration. To learn more, or to register, contact Shawn directly at 912.777.2504 or shawnphd@hotmail.com.

Mahjong Mondays SmartSenior Office Mondays 1-3 p.m.

Join us on Mondays for Mahjong. Please let us know if you’re interested in instruction of this classic game.

Sewing Society SmartSenior Office Wednesdays 12:15- 2:45 p.m.

Do you like to sew? Our group works on various projects throughout the month at their own pace. Bring your own machine and materials!

Bible Study SmartSenior Office Mondays 2 p.m.

Join us for a Bible Study led by fellow SmartSenior, Rev. Willie B. Chisholm. Lesson notes will be provided.

Chair Yoga SmartSenior Office Wednesdays 3-4 p.m.

Reservations are no longer required for Chair Yoga. All participants must arrive before 3 p.m. in order to attend.

Line Dancing St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Advanced: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 a.m.

Beginner: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11 a.m.

Grab your dancing shoes and join us for Advanced Line Dancing, Beginner Line Dancing, or both!

!

Movie Days NEW TIME! SmartSenior Office Fridays 2 p.m.

Let us pop the popcorn, and come and enjoy our classic movie days.

Game Day SmartSenior Office Tuesdays 1 p.m.

All are welcome! Typical games include cards, chess, and Scrabble.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY MOVIE SCHEDULE Our movie days have moved to Fridays at 2 p.m. There is no charge for entrance into our movies, and all movies include complimentary popcorn and drinks. We look forward to seeing you there!

JANUARY 12 AT 2 P.M.

DUAL SCREENING - FEBRUARY 16 AT 2 P.M.

As his marriage to Sunaina draws near, Sonny sets his eye on opening a second residence for the elderly, but finds the project requires more time than he can spare.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Douglas wonder where their relationship is going, Norman and Carol try to remain exclusive, Madge juggles two rich suitors, and the single remaining vacancy poses a problem for two new arrivals.

As the demands of Sonny’s traditional Indian wedding threaten to overwhelm them all, an unexpected solution appears.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rated G Starring Oprah Winfrey, Rose Byrne and Rocky Carroll

JANUARY 26 AT 2 P.M.

Genevieve, a florist, and Greg, a restaurateur, are relationship-challenged. Genevieve avoids the pain of a broken heart by never going out with a man more than five times, and Greg has a string of disastrous relationships behind him. Though Greg agrees to Genevieve’s five-date rule, neither he nor Genevieve can predict the romantic sparks that fly when they get together.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Rated PG Starring Dev Patel, Maggie Smith, and Judi Dench

Enjoy your choice between the two following movies on Friday, February 16.

In 1951, cancerous cells from Henrietta Lacks lead to breakthroughs that change the face of medicine forever.

Aided by writer Rebecca Skloot, Deborah Lacks embarks on a quest to learn about the mother she never knew.

I Hate Valentine’s Day - Rated PG-13 Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and Judah Friedlander

Welcome to Valentine - Rated G Starring Kathryn Davis and Markian Tarasiuk This Hallmark Original Movie follows Olivia, who lost her boyfriend and job at once and wants to return to her hometown in Nebraska, but in the way she meets George and gets stuck in the road with him, spending time together and realizing love is what truly matters.

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JANUARY 2024 EVENTS Please make reservations for all of the following events. Call the SmartSenior office at 912.352.4405 to register.

DISCOVER LOCAL Fort Pulaski Guided Tour & Lighthouse Trail Hike Thursday, January 4 1:30 p.m. tour; 2:30 p.m. hike Fort Pulaski National Monument, 101 Fort Pulaski Rd. Experience the history of Fort Pulaski National Monument. After the conclusion of our tour, we will hike out to the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The hike is 1.5 miles, takes approximately 60 minutes, and is completely optional. While there is no cost to this event, the Fort Pulaski entrance fee is $10 per person and $20 for seniors for an annual pass. General pass admission is valid for seven consecutive days. Veterans receive a free lifetime pass.

LUNCH & LEARN You and Your Lungs with Andrew Williams, Respiratory Therapy Manager Tuesday, January 23 11:30 a.m. lunch; 12 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital Life can give our lungs a beating, but you can learn actionable steps to protect your lungs as a senior, from one of our expert respiratory therapists.

BOOK CLUB Featuring The Magic Kings Monday, January 29 | 11 a.m.

SmartSenior Office This month, our book club will read The Magic Kings by Brennen Arkins, one of our local authors from Active in the Arts. Ten-year-old Alan doesn’t live in a fantasy world, but he visits one as often as he can. Alan will discover that magic has more than one meaning, and that friendship itself is one of the most perilous adventures of all.

LUNCH & LEARN Hearing Care and Brain Care with Rachel Crout Goldsmith, Au.D., CCC-A Thursday, January 11 11:30 a.m. lunch; 12 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital Join us as we explore the impact of untreated hearing loss, the connection between hearing health and brain health, and options for treating hearing loss.

The Underground Railroad Screening Monday, January 29 - Monday, February 12 | 2 p.m.

SmartSenior Office As part of our Black History month celebrations, we will be watching the Amazon Prime original series, The Underground Railroad. We will watch all 10 episodes for 10 consecutive days. Episodes last approximately one hour. We will not be screening the tv series on Friday, February 2, due to our Discover Local.

WOMENHEART Thursday, January 11 | 5-7 p.m.

SmartSenior Office SmartSenior is happy to partner with WomenHeart for their support networking meeting where women can share their stories and learn from experts. WomenHeart meets the second Thursday of every month. For questions, contact Elaine at 912.544.0073 or Mureum at 912.247.4225.

SMARTSENIOR CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH This February, we are celebrating Black History Month all month long! Help us pay tribute with the following special programs.

The Underground Railroad Screening Monday, January 29 through Monday, February 12, we will screen the 10-episode TV mini-series, The Underground Railroad at 2 p.m., excluding Friday, February 2. Episodes last roughly one hour. Please note, space is limited and reservations are required for this activity.

Discover Local: Beach Institute Experience Savannah’s flagship museum for AfricanAmerican and Gullah-Geechee Heritage on Friday, February 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person and include a tour of this historic school that opened to newly freed black students in 1867. Contact the office to make your reservations today!

From Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, “The Underground Railroad” chronicles Cora Randall’s desperate bid for freedom in the Antebellum South. After escaping a Georgia plantation for the rumored Underground Railroad, Cora discovers no mere metaphor, but an actual railroad beneath the Southern soil.

Sewing Society Underground Railroad Quilt This February, our SmartSenior Sewing Society is creating an Underground Railroad Quilt to celebrate Black History Month. Quilts of the Underground Railroad describes a controversial belief that quilts were used to communicate information to African slaves about how to escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Do you want to participate?

Come by the next meeting Wednesdays at 12:15 pm.

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FEBRUARY 2024 EVENTS Please make reservations for all of the following events. Call the SmartSenior office at 912.352.4405 to register.

INTRO MAHJONG Beginning Thursday, February 15 | 1 p.m.

SmartSenior Office Have you ever been interested in learning the classic game of Mahjong? Join our instructor Linda for this fun and mentally stimulating game. Classes will take place on Thursdays at 1 p.m. beginning February 15.

The Underground Railroad Screening Monday, January 29 - Monday, February 12 | 2 p.m.

SmartSenior Office As part of our Black History month celebrations, we will be watching the Amazon Prime original series, The Underground Railroad. We will watch all 10 episodes for 10 consecutive days. Episodes last approximately one hour. We will not be screening the tv series on Friday, February 2, due to our Discover Local.

LUNCH & LEARN Benefits of Enlarged Prostate Procedure with Robert “Hunter” Dunlap, MD Tuesday, February 20 11:30 a.m. lunch; 12 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH—also known as an enlarged prostate gland—impacts more than 70 percent of men over the age of 70. Mild or moderate cases can be managed with medication. Surgery is available for more severe cases. For those who are not candidates for surgery, there is another alternative—a prostatic artery embolization, or PAE. The PAE is currently only offered in this region at Candler Hospital by interventional radiologist Robert “Hunter” Dunlap, MD. Join us on February 20 to learn more about this procedure and its impact on quality of life from Dr. Dunlap.

DISCOVER LOCAL Dive into Savannah Black History with The Beach Institute Friday, February 2 | 2 p.m.

The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center, 502 E Harris Street $6 per person Experience Savannah’s flagship museum for AfricanAmerican and Gullah-Geechee Heritage as part of our Black History Month celebrations.

WOMENHEART Thursday, February 8 | 5-7 p.m.

SmartSenior Office SmartSenior is happy to partner with WomenHeart for their support networking meeting where women can share their stories and learn from experts.

WomenHeart meets the second Thursday of every month.

For questions, contact Elaine at 912.544.0073 or Mureum at 912.247.4225.

BOOK CLUB Featuring The Castle on Wassaw Sound Monday, February 26 | 11 a.m.

SmartSenior Office This month, our book club will read The Castle on Wassaw Sound by Leigh Ebberwien, one of our local authors from Active in the Arts. Stephanie couldn’t believe her good fortune when she was offered a job for a new renovation.

If only she had known it was a 250-year-old castle that came with an irritating, kilt-wearing project manager.

HARRIET TUBMAN IN THE LOWCOUNTRY The Harriet Tubman Memorial Bridge spans the Combahee River between Beaufort and Colleton Counties in South Carolina. It is the site of a raid conducted by Harriet Tubman and African American soldiers of the 2nd South Carolina Infantry in June 1863.

Tubman’s network of spies and boat pilots collected valuable information from plantations along the Combahee River, which helped to liberate those enslaved along the river and to disrupt enemy activity in the area. In the rice fields between Beaufort and Colleton Counties, hundreds of African Americans continued to toil under the watch of their enslavers.

On the evening of Monday, June 1, Tubman directed three steamships from Saint Helena Sound up the Combahee River and reached their destination in the early morning hours of June 2. Under the protection of the 2nd South Carolina, and with Confederate troops retreating from the area, enslaved people ran from the surrounding plantations toward the US ships as they sounded their steam whistles. Thanks to the intelligence collected by Tubman, more than 750 men, women, and children were liberated.

Those who sought freedom along the Combahee River joined Tubman on the return to US lines in Beaufort County on June 3. Here, the work of Tubman continued as she recruited additional troops from the population of freedmen. This single action on the Combahee River Raid not only added to Harriet Tubman’s reputation as a freedom fighter, but also solidified her status as the only African American woman to lead troops in a military operation during the Civil War. Source: www.nps.gov

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FIVE WAYS TO MAKE FRIENDS AS AN ADULT February 11 is National Make a Friend Day! Making friends can be difficult, especially as we age. These five tips will help you find your new tribe of people and give you new opportunities to spend time with them.

4. Tap into Your Community Don’t underestimate the power of community. Your community has avenues and resources to help cultivate strong adult friendships.

Whether it’s a coffee shop, community center, or local church, there is always something new going on here in Savannah. Chances are, there’s something going on that you’d find interesting — and it could lead you to strong friendships.

1. Get in a Growth Mindset Let’s face it: making new friends is about growth. Be willing to look at new friendships as new growth for who you are as a person. It’s important to realize that new friends can also expand your perspectives, help you grow as a person, and challenge you.

2. Commit to Making an Effort Making friends doesn’t come with a snap of your fingers. It requires you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. As comfortable as it seems, this safe bubble keeps people from personal growth and doing the things they want but don’t have the courage to do.

5. Maintain a Positive Outlook Making friends as an adult is hard. It takes work. It’s an investment. And sometimes, you might feel a little defeated. You might not want to continue to make an effort, especially if you’re feeling overloaded in other areas of your life. But remember, good things come from good effort.

3. Be Curious and Willing to Try New Things Meeting new friends as an adult often comes with trying new things. Much like making an effort, trying new things can feel intimidating. Getting out and trying new things can open you up to new possibilities and even new people! Finding something new you like to do, will expose you to people who like the same things. This is the perfect start to a new friendship.

SmartSenior is a great way to be introduced to new friends and new experiences. We can’t wait to see you around!

Source: www.betterup.com

Valentine’s Day Word Search Words can be found in any direction (including diagonals) and can overlap each other.

Use the word bank below.

Canned Food Drive

J S T E E W S Q C A R D

SMARTSENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT: CANNED FOOD DRIVE

I

F G T E R B Y

S N I S Z T L N A I M F I B W F O B W X C G S D F N W O M N H I R I Z N E U F H O F O D S I R Q H E C T W C O

Y D F E B

E A L D Y I G L R O

S N S U B A O U T W H X R E H Z B E F R L A N U Q Q C U E C

We are happy to announce our newest SmartSenior community service project!

B T L T A E N I T N R K E D S F I O B A

Beginning in January, we will be collecting canned foods to benefit St. Joseph's/Candler St. Mary’s Community Center.

E V O L Y E L A V Y E Y D N A L L O O N

E C C S

F K Q K

A R Y B

T Y I V N A G D

A A F P S C F D G I H G N I X L K F R I E N D S H I P D I I

SJ/C St. Mary’s Community Center serves many individuals and families from Savannah’s poorest census tracts. The injustices of poverty are many — unemployment, illiteracy, lack of health care, substandard housing, drugs and crime.

B E P O L Balloons Bouquet Candy Cards Chocolate Envelope

You can drop off your canned goods at the SmartSenior Office.

Thank you for helping us benefit those in need in our community!

E V N E U February Flowers Friendship Gift Greeting Heart

I

R O K P

Holiday Love Pink Red Sweets Valentine

Source: www.dictionary.com

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MERCHANT DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHOW YOUR CARD AND SAVE

Papa’s Pizza To Go 2495 US Hwy. 17, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-756-5150 15% Off

AAA Auto Club 712 Mall Blvd. • 912-352-8222 Ext 2262 20% off Classic Membership And FREE Family Member for 1 yr. (new memberships only)

Paw Parazzi 2485 US Hwy. 17, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-756-8807 10% off grooming** & retail* Mon to Wed *Excludes food & flea treatments **Grooming with proof of ownership

AbleMed Supply, LLC. 11 Gateway Blvd., S Suite 13 • 912-344-4675 10% off on all products in store Auto Shine Car Wash 4408 Augusta Rd. • 912-966-2280 239 E Montgomery Cross Rd. • 912-897-7204 4651 US-80 • 912-927-6808 713 W Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville, GA • 912-408-2280 6151 GA-21, Rincon, GA • 912-826-6360 ½ price on Wednesday’s at all five locations.

Plums Restaurant 2409 US Hwy. 17 South, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-756-6000 10% off The Savannah Cheese Straw Company 906 E 72nd St. • 912-495-5444 10% off storefront purchases

Anderson Jewelers 260 Eisenhower Dr. • 912-355-8515 20% off storewide - excludes estate jewelry, consignments & repair

The Savannah Theatre 222 Bull St. • 912-233-7764 $10.00 off adult regular-priced ticket to in-house show Use Code: SMARTSR

Candler Prescription Center 5354 Reynolds St. (Professional Office Building at Candler Hospital) 912-819-7272 10% off prescriptions

Spry Mind+Body 7360 Skidaway Rd., Unit J-3 • 912-323-7356 www.sprymindbody.com 10% off all Spry Chair & Mat-based yoga & meditation classes

The Consos Group Insurance 7505 Waters Ave. # D2 • 912-303-0101 Complimentary consultations for health insurance and Medicare parts C & D.

Sunshine Pottery 121 US-80, Pooler, GA 31322 • 912-988-7398 10% off

Five Star Cleaners 12325 White Bluff Rd. • 912-925-7755 25% off Dry Cleaning Services of $10.00 or more Excluding formal wear, house wears and leather

St. Joseph’s and Candler Hospital Cafeterias 11705 Mercy Blvd. • 912-819-2412 5353 Reynolds St. • 912-819-6005 20% discount Monday – Friday and 25% discount on Saturday and Sunday

MaidPro 930 E. Morgan’s Corner Rd., Suite E, Pooler, GA 912-450-6776 10% OFF all cleaning services

Wellness Center at Candler Hospital 5353 Reynolds St. • 912-819-8811 $5.00 discount off joiners fee. Senior rate (60 & older) $35.00 initiation fee & $30 per month. Senior Couple rate $46.00 per month. All members receive a personalized fitness assessment and personal exercise instruction with their membership.

MembersFirst Credit Union 606 E 67th St. • 912-352-2902 Account holders receive “free” Stop Payment on checks

Valid Jan 01 - Jun 30 2024

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Savannah

SENIORS RESOURCE DIRECTORY Helpful Information for Aging Adults and Caregivers

Savanna

SENIORShRES URCE DIRECTOO RY Helpful Informa tion for Aging Adults

and Caregivers

NEW MERCHANT DISCOUNT seniorsreso urcedirecto ry.com

PROUD PART

NER:

2023

AREA AGEN

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G E O R

G I A

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seniorsreso urcedirecto ry.com

CLICK LINK BELOW to SCAN QR CODE to VIEW & DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE to YOUR SMARTPHONE or TABLET View Our Guide: ________________________ Savannah Seniors Resource Guide

To receive a directory, additional resources or advertise, please contact: John Basile • 843-901-1134 Email: jbasilesrd@gmail.com

2024

Check out these new additions to our ever-popular Merchant Discount List! Please feel free to call our offices with any questions or comments. Enjoy these new discounts as a perk of your SmartSenior membership!

Anderson Jewelers 260 Eisenhower Dr. • 912-355-8515 20% off storewide - excludes estate jewelry, consignments & repair The Savannah Cheese Straw Company 906 E 72nd St • 912-495-5444 10% off storefront purchases Are you interested in helping us grow our Merchant Discount List? Call or stop by our office to learn how you can get involved.

Happy New Year MEMBERSHIP DUES UPDATE NOTICE Effective July 1, 2024, our membership dues will change from $18 a year, to $20 a year.

This annual membership remains tax free and gives you access to our merchant discounts, free office services, secure document shredding, and all of our excellent programming. Membership dues will remain $18 a year until July 1.

We are excited to share with you all of the new and exciting things going on in January and February 2024.

Highlights include our three upcoming Lunch & Learns and our first Active Aging Conference!

Wishing you many new blessings in the year to come.

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SAVANNAH, GA PERMIT NO. 254

836 E. 65th Street - Suite 8 Savannah, Georgia 31405 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

New Year, New You, New Home!

At The Social at Savannah, we're all about living life to the fullest.

Say goodbye to everyday responsibilities and hello to a carefree lifestyle! Make new connections, create cherished memories, and enjoy our vibrant community. With a range of amenities and a host of activities to keep you social, it's your time to thrive!

Call today to schedule your visit:

912-244-7133 The Social at Savannah Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care One Peachtree Drive | Savannah, GA 31419 912-244-7133 | Hello@TheSocialAtSavannah.com TheSocialSL.com/Savannah

HEALTH SCREENINGS AT SMARTSENIOR! The basic screenings available at the SmartSenior Office are: • • • •

Height/Weight/BMI (body mass index) Waist-Hip Ratio Blood Pressure Resting Heart Rate Walk-ins welcome.

Appointments preferred.