Connections - Winter 2016

connections WINTER 2016

Legislative Update Georgia Council on Aging shares goals with legislators at local levels

Also Inside Faith and Aging Summit Opens Door for Help Registration now open for Senior Leadership Academy Thank You to Our Donors in 2015

A publication of the

Volume 40, Issue 1

1 out of 5 seniors in Athens have an empty plate.

Let’s fill it.

Support the Athens Community Council on Aging to help provide meals to hungry seniors in our community.

Donate online

ACCAging.org/donate All gifts to ACCA are tax deductible by law and a receipt will be provided. ACCA is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization.

Our Federal Tax ID number is 58-0977680.

table of contents

Winter

ISSUE 2016

U.S. Congressman Jody Hice speaks at the Second Annual Legislative Breakfast hosted

by ACCA, emphasizing the importance for politicians to get a firm grip on the rising healthcare costs in regards to the aging population.

This event drew a large crowd of supporters for ACCA to voice support for legislators to keep in mind the aging population.

features 5 thank you donors List of donors for Fiscal Year 2015

14 legislative update

Review of ACCA’s Legislative Breakfast and GCOA’s legislative goals

in every issue 4 letter from the ceo 16 meet our people 20 senior corps news 25 ltco resources

18 faith in aging

Faith-partner summit brings in call to action to faith agencies across the state Winter 3

Letter

from the

CEO

Strengthening Partnerships 2015 has been an excellent year for ACCA, and we’re poised to do amazing things in 2016. We take pride in the fact that we served over 7,100 clients and touched close to 72,000 people through outreach efforts. Those numbers certainly amaze us, but we could not accomplish so much without you. In the past year, we had over 20,000 hours of volunteer service! Not to mention we also had almost $56,000 in inkind donations.

As you can see, you make up a good portion of our success. On the next several pages, you can see all the partners who stood with us this year. We cannot thank you all enough, but we hope you know your gifts have made an incredible difference in the lives of older adults in this community. We are so proud of the work we get to do, and we are so glad you come along for the ride.

I encourage you to look at the highlights of ACCA’s successes on our Annual Report that can be found on our website at: www.accaging.org/ar15. It’s a good snapshot of how your gifts and time have benefited our organization and those who receive our services.

While we had plenty of success in 2015, we also began transition of leadership. In December we said goodbye to Jennie Deese, our CEO since 2009. She has been such an asset to ACCA but felt it was time for a change. We are thankful to have had Jennie on our team, and her accomplishments will continue to impact our agency.

While the Board of Directors searches for a new CEO, I have been appointed as Interim CEO. Rest assured you can expect the same quality of service you have come to expect from ACCA. The older adults in our community as well as our strategic partners, donors, committed volunteers and staff have always been our priority, and I look forward to talking with volunteers and community members to find out how we can continue to be the best provider of aging services in our area.

Thank you again for your commitment. As we move into the new year, let’s strengthen our partnership to continue doing this important work for the people who need us.

Happy New Year to All!

4 Connections

Thank You

CEO/President (Interim) Eve Anthony Connections Editor Chad Conner Board of Directors Shannon Wilder, Chair Paige Otwell, Vice-Chair Gary Franklin, Treasurer Julie Gaines, Secretary Charles Auslander, III Annette Barfield William Baxter (Honorary) Henry Brown Dr. Katheryn Davis Dawn Donovan Laurie Douglas Mary Erlanger (Honorary) Dexter Fisher Robert Hardell Mary Ann Johnson Tommie Mullis Mariah Pierce Dr. Ram Reddy, MD Ross White Evelyn Wright (Honorary)

135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 706-549-4850

www.accaging.org © 2016 ACCA Connections is a quarterly publication distributed by ACCA throughout Northeast Georgia. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Advertising in this publication does not imply a relationship with ACCA. ACCA is a contract agency of the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging.

Listed below are all the donors who contributed to ACCA in Fiscal Year 2015. You have so graciously said ACCA’s mission is your mission. We could not serve all that we serve without your help. ACCA thanks you for your generosity this year, and we look forward to sharing our accomplishments with you!

If you are interested in learning more about giving to ACCA, contact Susan Jacobs at 706-549-4850 or sjacobs@accaging.org.

A Place For Mom A.C.T. Home Care, Inc. Ira E. Aaron Mr. Jeff Abbott Mony and Nancy Abrol Mr. and Mrs. Keith Adams Mr. and Mrs. Cuyler M. Adams Agora Vintage Akins Ford Lincoln Mercury of Athens All Bright Electric Dr. and Mrs. Gilles Allard JoBeth Allen Paul Allen Marti Allen Mr. and Mrs. James M. Allison, Sr. The Alumni Group William and Lois Alworth Amici Cafe Margaret A. Amstutz Ed and Sandra Anderson Drs. Wyatt and Margaret Anderson Kimberly Anderson Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Anderson Andrea Anderson Merry C. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Nevel Andrews Anonymous Mrs. Patricia Anthony Mrs. Eve Anthony Mrs. Marilyn Appleby Appointments At Five, LTD Celestia Arrington Athens Area Health Plan Select, Inc. Athens Banner-Herald | OnlineAthens.com Athens Choral Society Athens Country Club Athens Elks Lodge #790 Athens Eye Associates, PC Athens First Bank and Trust Athens Interiors Market Athens Korean Presbyterian Church Athens Land Trust Athens Neighborhood Health

Center Athens Plumbing & Well Supply, Inc. Athens Regional Medical Center Athens Senior Resources Network Athens Tennis Center Edward Aubrey Mr. Troy Aubrey Rev. Ray Austin Avid Bookshop B & D Fabricators, Inc. - Allen Martin Mr. Frank S. Bachelder Mrs. Sheila C. Bailey John D. Bailey, Sr. Sean and Lindsay Bailey Mildred Bailey Shirley Baker Kathleen Balzer Banfield Charitable Trust Bank of America Matching Gifts Lee and Jessica Bankston Amy Barbe Dr. and Mrs. Allan Barber Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Barfield Mattee Barkdoll Pamela Barker Dr. Diane Barret Dr. and Mrs. William Barstow Annie Bazzelle Jack and Martha Beach Kate N. Beall Ms. Erin Beasley Bel-Jean Copy-Print Center Angelina Bellebuono Mr. and Mrs. Russell Bennett Ms. Suzanne Bennett William Benson Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Benson Mr. and Mrs. Mason Bentley Ms. Joan D. Berryman Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Best, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James M. Bettandorff Ms. Caroline Bishop Ms. Eleanor E. Blackmon Blackwell Headstart - Elbert

James A. Blount Blue Bell Pottery Studio Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Boggs John Bond Francis N. Boney Boutier Winery Robert and Marilyn Bowden Rev. and Mrs. James E. Bowden Ms. Maryalice Bowen Dr. John M. Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Weldon Brian Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Don Bower Mrs. Elizabeth M. Boyer Audrey Brannen Barney and Anita Brannen Dr. Joe Dell Brasel Ms. Wilma J. Braun Charles Bray Mr. and Mrs. Ron Bridgers Bridgeway Hospice Paul Brooks Susan Brooks Jacquelyn Michelle Brooks Ms. Marilyn K. Brown Mr. Henry Brown Lettie J. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Ray E. Bruce Peggy J. Buchholz Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe Mr. Ricky V. Bullock Marguerite Burch Mrs. Rebecca Burk Mrs. Dorine L. Burkhard Dr. Lenette O. Burrell Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Burton Susanne F. Burton William Burton Mr. and Mrs. Ray P. Bush, Jr. Ms. Faye Butler Mr. Heath Byrd C & C Plumbing & Well Services, Inc. Elizabeth Caine Mr. and Mrs. Rick Campbell Alvin and Melinda Camus Ms. Judith Capie CareSouth Home Healthcare Samuel and Elaine Carleton

Tina Carlson Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Carmack, Sr. Ashley Carney Margaret Carr Carrier Transicold Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Carroll Michael R. Carson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carter Suzanne Carter Billie Cartey Amanda Cartrette Michael and Alice Castengera Mr. Harry T. Catchpole Richard E. Cathey Mrs. June B. Cawthon Ron Cervero Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cerwonka Ms. Dara Cerwonka Ronald Cevero Mr. and Mrs. Verner Chaffin Linda G. Chafin Jeremy Chamberlin Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Chambers, Jr. Sandra Chambers Janet Chambers Mr. and Mrs. Brent Allen Chandler Chastain and Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. Chateau Elan Sara Cherico-Hsii Mr. and Mrs. William C. Childers Ed Cholfin Leila Choucair Mr. Randy Christian Ms. Brittany P. Christian Christian Life Worship Center Christian Women’s Group of Athens Ms. Erin Churney Cintas #200/230 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Clancey Amy Clark Clarke County Beautiful The Classic Center Classic City Consignments Classic City Rollergirls Classic City Tours Charles and Florence Clement Robert and Claire Clements Ms. Margaret M. Clouser Ms. Sherry Clouser Dr. J. Michael Cobb John T. Coble Mr. Bryon Cochran Claire Coenen Mrs. Peggy Cole Wayne Cole Jacque Cole Geoffrey and Mary Bess Cole Sarah Collins Carolyn Combs Linda Cook Amanda Cook Charles and Jean Cook Mr. Walter L. Cook, Jr. Brenda K. Cooke Madeline Cooke Tom and Sara Cooney Dr. and Mrs. Homer C. Cooper

O. Grady Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corcell Costco Wholesale Corporation Cotton Patch Quilters Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox Media Group Andres Craven Andrew Crawford Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Marlene Crocco Ian Crosby Susan M. Cross William Crowe Ann Crowther Claire Boozer Cruse Susan Curtis LaDonna Dabo Mr. and Mrs. John and Judy Daniel Madeline D. Darnell Drs. John H. and Katheryn B. Davis Ms. Rebecca Fay Davis Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davis Al and Heidi Davison Ellen S. Day Ms. Cheryl Dean Martha Debeaugrine Ms. Jennie Deese Kelly DeFilippis Susan E. Degroff Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Mr. Donald Demaria Dan and Marie Der Vartanian Christine B. Devereaux Sherica Dickens Col. Jeffrey W. Dill Wayne and Mimi Dill Jennifer M. Dill Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. DiPietro Louise Dixon Mark Dobish Mr. David Dodson Ms. Denise Domizi Katherine W. Donnan Mr. and Mrs. Ray Donovan Dr. Ginny Barton and Mr. Lucas Doroshenko Veronica Doster Ms. Laurie Douglas Mr. and Mrs. Bertis Downs Mr. J. Griffin Doyle Ms. Virginia Dress Mr. and Mrs. George Drewry Sheila Dubose Mr. and Mrs. Randolph F. Dudley Lisa Dudly Mrs. Ginger Duensing Mrs. Anna Dyer Nancy Scruggs Dyleski John Dynes Edward Jones Dr. and Mrs. William R. Edwards Ms. Toni Edwards Ms. Amy Lyn Edwards Mr. William U. Eiland Elbert Industrial Medicine Mr. E. J. Eldridge Paula Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Elliott

Ms. Sylvia Elliott Mr. Danny Elrod Ms. Kerstin Emerson Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Engel Dr. Helen H. Epps Dr. Mary A. Erlanger Georgia Everson Mrs. Victoria Pruitt Farmer Farmer’s Prescription Shop Anne Farnsworth Mr. William M. Fay Mr. and Dr. Robert A. Fecho Valerie S. Fennell Mr. and Mrs. Richard Field Mrs. Marge Finnerty First American Bank and Trust Co. First Presbyterian Church Jennifer Fleece Dr. Evan J. Fliegel Ms. Janet Fong Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Consovella Foote Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Fors Tandy N. Fortson Fortson, Bentley & Griffin, P.A. Mr. William L. Foster Kathryn D. Fowler Laura Fowler Rebecca Francischetti Mr. Gary Franklin Wanda Frayer Mrs. Edith W. Frazier Janine Frazza Sarah Frederick Ezra Freelove Eileen Paulin French Dr. Dwight Lowell Freshley Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Frierson, III Jan G. Fulghum Full Potential Chiropractic Janet Futrell Ms. Julie K. Gaines Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Ganschow Tammi Gardono Edna S. Garst Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gauthreaux Dr. and Mrs. George Gazda GDS Associates, Inc. The Georgia Club Mary Jo Gerlach Phoelicia and Richard Geuter Ms. Lois E. Gibbs Jennifer Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Gibson Susan Gilmurray Barbara W. Ginn Dr. Anne Glass Aubrey and Stephanie Glencamp Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Glickman Deborah Glover Mrs. Ellen Goad Golden Girls Golden Gourmet Maj. R. G. Goodwin Elliot and Marilyn Gootman Mary A. Gould Celestina Grady Peg Graham

Mrs. Ellen Grandgenett Roy and Bea Grant Mr. and Mrs. John Gratzek Midge Lee Gray Zachatte Gray Greene County Headstart Mrs. Gwen Griffin David Griffin-Hall Emory Sue Griffith Mr. Erik Griggs Patricia Grissom The Gumbo Foundation Ann Haarmann Ms. Silke Haidekker Mr. and Mrs. John F. Haley James Hall Mary L. Hamby Lynn Hammock Katherine Elizabeth Hansen Mrs. Marge Harris Fay J. Harrison Jamie Harrison Robert and Nancy Hart Kelly Hart Joan Harter Elizabeth Hartman Robert A. Hawley Rachael Hawthorn Mr. Harold Haynes Martha Heard Heery’s Clothes Closet Mr. Jimmy Hembree Frank Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. Hepburn Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hewell Mr. and Mrs. R. James Heyl Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hill Ms. Jacquelyn L. Hill Hilton Garden Inn - Downtown Athens Dorothy Smith Hines Nancy Channel Hobart William D. Hodges Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hodgson, Jr. Tom Hodgson Lauren G. Holcomb John and Ruth Holdridge Cook and Sandra Holliday Joan Holmes Ms. KaCee Holt Ms. KaDee Holt The Holt-Kassay Fund Holy Cross Lutheran Church Mrs. Emily Honigberg Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Hooten, III Mr. Thomas Hoover Dennis and Mary Hopper Kyle E. Hopwood Ms. Julie D. Horne Andy and Gayle Horne Mr. and Mrs. Harold P. Horton Thomas E. Hudson Robert and Harriet Hulsey Mr. and Mrs. Balfour P. Hunnicutt Ms. Teresa Hunt Mr. J. Steven Hutcherson Mrs. Mary Denmark Hutcherson Ms. Rebecca Hutchins Ingrid Knight, RD and Associates, Inc.

Thank

6 Connections

Intelligent Networks, Inc. Iris Place The Irving Foundation, Inc. Artelia S. Jackson Mattie Jackson Nancy D. Jacobson Ms. Amber James Nuria Jaumot-Pascual Mrs. Constance L. Jeffreys Pamela G. Johns John and Lacy Johnson Dr. Mary Ann Johnson Charlotte Johnson Melissa Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Farris T. Johnson, Jr. Caleb Joiner Carol S. Jones Christopher Jordan The Junior League of Athens Junk South Mr. and Mrs. Matt Justus JWR Jewelers Lisa Kanizay Ms. Gail Langer Karwoski Steven Kassay Paula D. Keam Nancy Keber Lidwina G. Kelly Linda H. Kelly Randy and Joan Kerr Martin Kidder Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kilpatrick R. Bruce and Jane King Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. King Patrick E. King The Kinnebrew Co. Mr. and Mrs. David Kissel Mrs. Joyce Kitchens Kiwanis Club of Athens Georgia, Inc. Dr. Douglas A. Kleiber Dr. George S. Koch, Jr. Ms. Diane M. Kohl John and Ann Kohler C. Kovac David Gastley and Mary T. Kramer Ms. Audrey Kretzschmar Mr. and Mrs. George Kuhlman Mr. and Mrs. Chris Kumnick Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kurtz James Kvicala Scott LaClaire Shelby J. Lacy Michael and Linda Lacy Ms. Merrill P. Lago Lake Cheohee Club Jaime Lang Frances H. Lang Emmett R. Langley Edna F. Lanier Eleanor Crosby Lanier Eva Lapp Tina Laseter Last Resort Mrs. Arleen T. Laster Mr. and Mrs. Bradley B. Lastinger Constance A. Lavelle Dr. S. Edward Law Vuepao Lee

Mr. Patrick Lee Leon Farmer & Company Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Leonard Let Us Compost Elizabeth P. Levine Edwin Levine Dr. and Mrs. Dorris A. Lillard Ms. Jeanne Lindberg Lindsay Transfer & Storage, Inc. Ben Liverman Samantha Livingston Dr. Lars Ljungdahl Katie and Chris Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. Carl Locke Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Lokey Ms. Vicki Long Judy Long Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence C. Long Lonnie Michael Foundation Prudence Lopp Lord & Stephens, Inc. Sarajane Love Maxine L. Love Regina Lucas Mildred Lyle John and Patricia Lyndon Ms. Susan Lyon Katherine Maddox Dr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Magill, III Mr. and Mrs. Chester J. Malanoski Jessica Pritchard Mangum Joseph and Joann Manring Sara I. Marbut Mrs. Susan Marion Mr. Julian Marlowe Jared and Kim Marsden Ms. Jane Edwards Marston Martin Management Investments L.P. Marti’s at Midday Mr. Michael Mason Ms. Katha D. Massey Caesar Mattioli Virginia Maxfield Marianne C. May Mrs. Rosalind M. Mays Haley McCalla Robert M. McConnell Sheila McConnell Joseph I. McConnell Tina Ann McConnell Ms. Barbara McDonald Marcelle McDonald Ms. Nancy McDuff Reba W. McDuffie Mr. and Mrs. Robert McEwan Ms. Carol McKay B. R. and Bobbie McKeller Ms. Leah McKellop Ms. Sarah H. McKinney McLane Southeast JoAnne McLean Thomas and Elizabeth McNeely Jane H. McWhorter MDS Diagnostics, Inc Nancy H. Meaders Meals on Wheels Association of America Meals on Wheels Association of

Georgia Richard and Angela Meltzer Patrick and Katie C. Mercardante Adde Michalove Milledge Avenue Baptist Church Dr. and Mrs. James S. Miller Ms. Robin Miller Mrs. Diane D. Miller Mr. Lloyd Miller Mr. and Mrs. Milton Mills Camilla Mims Wilma Minix Mr. Clinton Mitchell Stephen Mitchell Jan R. Mock Alice Mohor Mr. Jeff Montgomery Shannah Montgomery Prof. Susan W. Moore Sarah Morang Ben and Katie Morris Bradley J. Moschak Mr. and Mrs. James R. Mosley, Jr. Mr. William C. Mounts Ms. Marie R. Mullan Ms. Tommie G. Mullis Jim and Andrea Murdock Chatham Murray Barbara Myers Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Napoli The National Mr. Andrew Neighbors Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Nemetz Mr. and Mrs. Chan Nevin New Affordable Housing Partnership, Inc. Eric and Tenise Newberg Jim and Dorothy Newland Mr. Adam Nicholas Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Nichols Ms. Susanna R. Nicholson Alicia Nickles Kerri Niday Tiffany A. Nissley Ms. Nita Norris Amy Norris Nottingam Construction Jim and Tommye O’Brien Oconee Area Home Care Morgan O’Kelley Penelope Oldfather Mrs. Judy H. O’Rear Cullen Albright O’Steen Ms. Kathryn Paige Otwell Ms. Rosemary K. Padilla Mr. and Mrs. Bill Paine Loretta Paluck Kathy Papa Elizabeth Pape Mr. David Eduardo Parajon Susan Parish Janet Parker Mr. and Mrs. James W. Parker Dr. Olin G. Parker Ms. Nelda Parker Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Parks Elizabeth Parr Page Gunn Pate

You

Dr. and Mrs. Gordhan L. Patel Laura Patterson Ms. Jane M. Payne Dr. and Mrs. Robert Payne Diana Pearson Michele Pearson Mr. Johnny Pierce Lee Pierson Patricia Pinckney Linda Pinto Play Safe Surfacing, Inc. Diane Plummer Evelyn Pound Mr. Evan R. Powell Ms. Paige Powell Mr. and Mrs. Scott Powell Presbyterian Women Mr. Billy Presnell Prestige Parking, Inc. Mr. Stephen A. Price Princeton United Methodist Church Mary P. Provost Publix Super Markets Pulaski Heights BBQ Kimberly Pulliam Joanne M. Quinn Ms. Rebekah Rabun Donald Ragogna Bonnie Ramsey Nancy Carol Ramsey Dr. and Mrs. Donald A. Randall, Jr. Elizabeth E. Randolph Ms. Janet Rawlings Cori Reach Pat Reagan Reddy Medical Group Ms. Karen W. Redwine John M. Reed Rehabmart. LLC Jennifer Rehder Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reifsteck, III W. Gray Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reinert David and Sharon Reinking Linda Renzulli ResCare Home Care Linda L. Reynolds Mrs. Gloria Ricks-Taylor Ms. Ellen Ritchey Stephanie Rivers Nancy H. Rogers The Rogers Family Fund Rebecca J. Rohbeck Jean E. Roley Mrs. Victoria M. Rosenbaum Mr. Robert Trippe Ross Deanne Rosso Maria Russell Alison Ruzicka Safelite AutoGlass Nancy Sain Mr. and Mrs. Grover W. Salzer, III Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Sams, III Mr. Michael Sandefer Ms. Annalee Sawiak Commander J. R. L. Scarborough Deanna Schmidt Hilary Schroeder

Winter 7

Megan Schuster Mr. and Mrs. Lewis L. Scruggs, Jr. Nancy B. Scruggs Mr. and Mrs. Lanier Scruggs, III Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort Senior Hunger Coalition Dr. and Mrs. Narendra K. Shah Mrs. Ruby S. Shaw Anne Shenk Mr. James Sheppard Naoshi and Hiromi Shimamura Lillian L. Shook Mary N. Short Pat Shover Lewis and Pam Shropshire Mr. Rick Simpson Thomas A. Simpson Allie L. Simpson Dr. and Mrs. Ron Simpson Michelle Sims Mr. and Mrs. Steve Skelton Catherine Slaughter Mrs. Tres Small Mr. and Mrs. Gene Smith Mr. R. Kent Smith Meme Wellman Smith Pamela R. Smith Ms. Kathleen Smith Mr. and Mrs. Gerald E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Loran Smith Dr. and Mrs. McCord Smith Ms. Lora Smothers Caren and Maurice Snook Sonesta Gwinnett Place Ms. Margaret R. Spalding Mrs. Dorothy Sparer Carolyn Springer Square One Fish Co. St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stacener Judy Stafford Ms. Mary Stakes Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Stasiak Mrs. Patricia G. Staub Mr. Randy W. Stowe Joel A. Stowers Margaret A. Strahl Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Strickland Kalena Stull Thomas K. Sturgis Summit Ridge Hospital Dr. Anne Sweeney and Mr. David Sweaney Kay Giese and David R. Sweat Jacqueline A. Tachman Talmage Terrace Lanier Gardens Susan P. Tate Joel A. Taxel Ms. Jenny Taylor Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Tena’s Jewelry & Gift Shop Mrs. Elinor T. Terrell Mr. and Mrs. Bill Thomas William Thomas Thomas McKey Tillman Foundation Mrs. Judith Thompson Ms. Nancy Patrice Thompson Ms. Elizabeth Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Thompson, Jr. Mrs. Lyn Woodward Thornton Holly Thornton Ms. Mary Ann Thrasher Thrive Assisted Living and Memory Care Ms. Stephanie Tiller Pat Tinga Stephen B. Tippins Tires Plus Total Car Care - Corporate William Tonks Mr. R. Parks Towns Mrs. Margaret Trandel Jim and Freida Travis William T. Trigleth, III Trinity Accounting Group Ms. Mildred Tripp Ms. Patricia A. Trumbull Robert Tucker William B. Turner Muriel L. Turner Barbara Turner Turner Family Foundation Dr. Curtis Ulmer Dr. and Mrs. Philip Van Dyck Carter Vest Mr. and Mrs. Dan L. Vice Marilyn Vickers Vickery Place Personal Care Home Patty Wagner Perry Walden Eleanor Walker Mrs. Clara L. Waln Mr. Jerry W. Walters Jill Walton Walton Electric Trust, Inc. Carol Broun Wansong Betty Ward Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Donna Ward Mr. and Mrs. George H. Watson, Jr. Keith Weaver Lanny Webb Betty Webb Janell S. Webster Mrs. Gene Weeks Diane Weller Eliot Wells Nelson Wells Wells Fargo Home Mortgage James and Julie Westphal Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wheeler Ms. Carol L. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Walter White White Tiger Gourmet Hubert H. Whitlow, Jr. Inge Z. Whittle Why Leave Home Senior Care Ms. Susan Wilde Dr. Shannon O. Wilder Mr. Devin Williams Geraldine Williams Mrs. Frances M. Williams Jennifer Williams Georgia Williams Charlotte V. Wills Jessie Wilson Delores K. Windate Patricia K. Winston

Gordon Winzurk Ms. Nancy Witherington Woodmen of World Lodge 1395 James and Ann Woodruff Mrs. Barbara Wright Dr. and Mrs. Charles Wyont YMCA Barrow Headstart Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zepp Ms. Joan Zitzelman Mr. and Mrs. Wes Zwirn

Dr. Grace Eubank Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Benson Ella Evans Mary L. Hamby Deborah Finnerty Mrs. Marge Finnerty Dr. William Flatt Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Barfield Kathryn Fowler Susan P. Tate Megan Gallagher IN HONOR OF: Jacqueline A. Tachman

Mary Alice Gallant ACCA Staff Ms. Sarah H. McKinney - Anonymous Edna Garst Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Robert and Nancy Hart Geraldine Williams Ms. Diane M. Kohl Mr. and Mrs. Cuyler Adams Jean E. Roley - Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Violet Gauthreaux JoBeth Allen Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. - Carter Vest Gauthreaux Autotech of Athens Anne Hric - Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Perry Walden Billie Baker Drew and Harriet Hulsey - Marti Allen Mr. and Mrs. Chan Nevin Carolyn Combs Mary Denmark Hutcherson Diane Weller Mr. J. Steven Hutcherson Bob Barnette Steve and Phil Johnson - Elizabeth Hartman Jan G. Fulghum Dolly Barstow Dr. Farris Johnson and Staff - Rev. and Mrs. James E. Bowden Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Diane Bell Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jones - Catherine Slaughter Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Benson Tapley Bennett Kaleidescope Beauty Salon - Dr. Ginny Barton and Mr. Lucas Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Doroshenko Dr. Thomas Kias Margaret Blue Geoffrey and Mary Bess Cole - Diane Plummer Joyce Kitchens and Jerry Barnes Mary Boggan Ms. Betty T. DeLorme - Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Carroll Joan Leon Jere Bowden Marcelle McDonald - Mr. and Mrs. Don Bower Chet Malanoski Paige Campbell Donald Ragogna - Francis N. Boney Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Betsy and Paige CampbellStasiak Pless Sarah McKinney - Dr. and Mrs. William Barstow Pamela G. Johns Ronald Cerwonka Ray McNair Ms. Dara Cerwonka Jacquelyn Michelle Brooks Inez Chilton ACCA Meals On Wheels Staff Jim and Tommye O’Brien Mattee Barkdoll John and Katheryn Davis Patricia K. Winston Katheryn B. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Chan Nevin Cheryl Dean Robert and Harriet Dr. John M. Bowen Hulsey Betty DeLorme Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Jim and Dorothy Newland Wayne and Mimi Dill Rev. and Mrs. James E. Bowden Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Barfield Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Col. Jeffrey W. Dill Mr. and Mrs. Chan Nevin Jennifer M. Dill Nita Norris Wayne and Mimi Dill Constance A. Lavelle Mr. R. Kent Smith Betsy Pless Jane Douglas Francis N. Boney Mr. and Mrs. Gerald E. Smith Ms. Marilyn K. Brown Dr. Mary A. Erlanger Dr. William M. Powell Mr. William U. Eiland - Michael and Linda Lacy Dr. and Mrs. Donald Randall, Jr. Dot Smith

Thank

8 Connections

- Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Dr. Lisa Stacy and Staff - Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Mary Stakes - Ms. Nelda Parker Dr. Anne Sweaney Anonymous The Sweaney Family Dr. Joe Dell Brasel Roger Tanquist Patty Wagner Gloria Ricks Taylor Athens Eye Associates, PC Cook and Sandra Holliday The Frank Henderson Family Frank Henderson Dr. Stuart Thomas Sean and Lindsay Bailey Mrs. Ellen Goad Melanie and Amy Morris Thompson - Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Carroll Mary Ann Thrasher Ms. Rebecca Hutchins Lillian L. Shook Megan Vogt Joseph I. McConnell Margia Washington Jan R. Mock Dan Webster Janell S. Webster Dev and Gene Weeks Ms. Anita Aubrey Ms. Erin Beasley Ms. Maryalice Bowen Mrs. Emily Honigberg Ms. Sarah H. McKinney Shannah Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Winder Mixed Nuts Hunger Bowl Robert Trippe Ross Norm and Mary M. Wood Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Yoga Teachers Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reinert

Ruth Carpenter - Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kilpatrick Joe Causey - Ms. Betty T. DeLorme Marvin Cawthon - Mr. Jerry W. Walters Alberta Davis - Drs. John H. and Katheryn B. Davis Sophia Deutschberger - Dr. Dwight Lowell Freshley Charles Gill - Melissa Johnson Sharon Hartman - Elizabeth Hartman Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Heys, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Carmack Stuart Hopkins Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Nemetz Pamela Kleiber Dr. Douglas A. Kleiber Dr. David L. Levine - Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davis Edwin Levine Elizabeth P. Levine David and Laura Levine Jane H. McWhorter John Marsden Mike and Donna Ward Mary ‘Buff’ Miller Anonymous Phoelicia and Richard Geuter June and Tony Nemetz - Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Nemetz Sandra North Robert and Claire Clements Carl Thomas Poss Francis N. Boney Charlotte Reinke Margaret A. Strahl Victoria Mallard Ricks Athens Eye Associates, PC Wilda Gaye Riley Linda G. Chafin Nisbet P. Rodgers IN MEMORY OF: Pamela R. Smith

Betty Rohrer Charles Bennett Barbara Turner - Cintas #200 Raymond Schmidtt Randy and Joan Kerr Andrea Anderson Upshaw Bentley Thomas Fletcher Scott, Sr. - Mr. William L. Foster John M. Reed Upshaw and Frances C. Lewis L. Scruggs, Sr. Bentley - Mr. and Mrs. Lanier Scruggs, III - Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Mr. and Mrs. Lewis L. Scruggs, Jr. Chambers Nancy Scruggs Dr. Joseph Berrigan - John D. Bailey, Sr. - Covenant Presbyterian Church Mr. and Mrs. Mason Bentley GDS Associates, Inc. Robert and Marilyn Bowden Lake Cheohee Club Charles Bray Mr. and Mrs. Scott Powell Marguerite Burch Louise Boyce Richard E. Cathey - Rebecca Francischetti Mr. and Mrs. Brent Allen Mr. and Mrs. Grover W. Salzer Chandler Lea Boyer Mr. and Mrs. William C. Childers - Mrs. Elizabeth M. Boyer O. Grady Cooper Sanford Butler Martha Debeaugrine - Ms. Faye Butler Mr. and Mrs. Randolph F. Dudley

Mr. E. J. Eldridge Mrs. Victoria Pruitt Farmer Valerie S. Fennell Barbara W. Ginn Mrs. Gwen Griffin Ms. Jacquelyn L. Hill Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hill Dorothy Smith Hines Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hodgson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Hooten, III Dennis and Mary Hopper Mr. and Mrs. Balfour P. Hunnicutt Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kilpatrick Mr. and Mrs. Bradley B. Lastinger Katie and Chris Lloyd Sara I. Marbut Mrs. Susan Marion Martin Management Investments Ms. Sarah H. McKinney Dr. and Mrs. James S. Miller Wilma Minix Eric and Tenise Newberg Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Nichols Mr. and Mrs. Bill Paine Page Gunn Pate Dr. and Mrs. Robert Payne Lee Pierson Evelyn Pound Prestige Parking, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis L. Scruggs, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Skelton Mr. and Mrs. Gerald E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Loran Smith Meme Wellman Smith Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Strickland The Kinnebrew Co. The Rogers Family Fund Mrs. Lyn Woodward Thornton William B. Turner Carol Broun Wansong Anne Simpson - Mr. Rick Simpson Judy Sloan - Lynn Hammock Bessie Ann Lancaster Smith - Kathleen Balzer William Burton Wanda Frayer John and Ann Kohler Camilla Mims Mr. Randy W. Stowe Dr. and Mrs. Charles Wyont

Marian Steggerda - Ms. Janet Rawlings Elaine Stern - Andy and Gayle Horne Ruth Svarrer - Cori Reach Roy P. Taylor - Mrs. Gloria Ricks-Taylor Clementine B. Thomas - Drs. John H. and Katheryn B. Davis Roddy Thompson - Mrs. Judith Thompson Brenda Waters

You

- Charlotte V. Wills Beauty H. Watson - Reba W. McDuffie Dev Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Cuyler M. Adams Anonymous Ms. Anita Aubrey Ms. Erin Beasley Ms. Maryalice Bowen Ms. Wilma J. Braun Mr. and Mrs. Rick Campbell Ms. Janey Mae Cooley Mr. and Mrs. John F. Haley Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hepburn Mrs. Emily Honigberg Mr. and Mrs. Balfour P. Hunnicutt Ms. Gail Langer Karwoski Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kilpatrick Mr. and Mrs. Chris Kumnick Mr. and Mrs. Carl Locke Ms. Sarah H. McKinney Ms. Swavannah Montgomery Mr. William C. Mounts Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Napoli Mr. and Mrs. Jim Newland Ms. Nelda Parker Dr. and Mrs. Gordhan L. Patel Ms. Annalee Sawiak Cmd. and Mrs. J. R. L. Scarborough Mr. & Mrs. Gerald E. Smith Mrs. Dorothy Sparer Ms. Mary Stakes Trinity Accounting Group Mr. & Mrs. George H. Watson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wheeler

We have carefully reviewed the namesof donors in this section. We sincerely regret any misspellings, omissions or incorrect listings, and ask that you please accept our apology and bring the error to the attention of Athens Community Council on Aging.

Thank you again for your generous support.

Winter 9

ARE YOU LOOKING TO

VOLUNTEER?

GeorgiaCares has many opportunities to meet your skills and interests.

If you have Medicare, loved ones with Medicare or simply wish to help people, GeorgiaCares may be the volunteer opportunity for you.

Volunteers promote the program, educate the community on issues related to Medicare and provide counseling to beneficiaries. This volunteer work is challenging and rewarding and the hours are flexible.

Call GeorgiaCares at 1-866-552-4464, Option 4 to learn more.

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I

ndependence can mean a lot of things. It can mean limitless opportunity to engage your community. It can mean the power to travel and visit with friends and loved ones. It can mean freedom to move.

People with disabilities may sometimes feel they no longer have the level of independence they once did. Getting around in the home becomes challenging. Travelling or driving is now more difficult, especially if you use a wheelchair or scooter. This makes getting to and from necessary doctor appointments extra laborious.

Non-emergency medical transportation can be a good option for many wheelchair users. It is a service for people who need to get to and from appointments and do not have their own accessible transportation, similar to calling a cab. Many transportation companies will accept medical insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, if the reason for transportation is medically necessary.

If a wheelchair user needs or wants to travel for reasons other than medical necessity, insurance coverage is usually not an option. This means if someone who uses a powerchair needs to get to a wedding or family reunion, they may need to look at other options for transport.

Now, more and more wheelchair users are choosing to buy their own wheelchair accessible transportation. Many vehicle manufacturers have models of vans, trucks, and SUVs that are able to be converted for wheelchair accessibility. In most cases the floor of the vehicle is lowered and some seating is removed. A lowered floor vehicle has the necessary headroom and entry clearance a wheelchair user needs to travel and stay in their chair.

Many find that it is much more convenient to be able to get to and from doctor appointments when they don’t have to wait for a transport vehicle. Wheelchair accessible vehicle owners are also able to go out to dinner, visit with friends and family, and engage in other recreational activities. Many people are regaining their independence and finding a new appreciation for the freedom to travel.

Winter 11

Meals on Wheels Jessica Craft

<- This could be you Athens Community Council on Aging’s Home Delivered Meals program serves the homebound, frail adults and seniors in Clarke and Barrow Counties. These clients are served by dedicated volunteers. Of the client’s served, most are socially isolated. Our volunteers not only bring the clients a nutritious meal but also bring a warm smile and a friendly face. Our volunteers form bonds with our clients and often are more informed with what’s going on with the client than staff is. Often our volunteers have brought to our attention a need for assistance beyond what we are already providing. In some cases, a client has fallen and been on the floor for hours before getting help. Our volunteers are truly the backbone of this program; we could not serve our community without them.

If you are interested in becoming one of the most precious valued assets of our program, we have a couple of different opportunities available for you. You can adopt a route and become a permanent volunteer or if you are not available the same day every week you can become a substitute volunteer. We have volunteer positions available in both Clarke and Barrow Counties.

Should you have any questions or for more information, please call Jessica Craft or Morgan O’Kelley at 706-5494850 or email us at meals@accaging.org.

If you’re interested in helping outside of volunteering, think about joining our March for Meals 5K in March. It’s a great way to raise awareness about senior hunger and to help us raise money for meals for older adults in our community!

To learn more about Home Delivered Meals or about the March for Meals event, please visit www.accaging.org.

12 Connections

Help?

How

can you

give us

1

Hour eacH week

Meals on Wheels - Adopt a meal route one day each week to deliver meals to hungry seniors.

Lunch Buddy Program - Share a meal one day each week with a lonely homebound older adult.

Mobile Food Pantry - Help us unload, sort and bag 10,000 pounds of food delivered to hungry seniors in your community.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in volunteering please contact Susan Jacobs at 706-549-4850.

Visit www.accaging.org for more information.

Legislative

UPDATE

Advocating for Our Growing Aging Population Pictured ( from L to R): Tommy Benton, Jennie Deese, Kathy Floyd, Chuck Williams, and Spencer Frye

ACCA proudly hosted the second annual Legislative Breakfast in October with a fantastic turnout of legislators and community supporters.

Also in attendance was Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA), helping ACCA advocate for the growing aging population. Talk quickly turned to how legislators and agencies need to meet the challenges of an aging population.

“Talk to anyone across the state, no matter their age, and ask about aging. Their number one response is, ‘I want to stay at home as long as possible,’” said Kathy Floyd, Executive Director of GCOA. She explained that keeping people at home longer is about saving tax dollars, an important topic with many legislators in the room.

According to GCOA, funding for in-home care is one of the top priorities for the aging population.

14 Connections

A nursing home is the costliest option for the state. That’s why it makes solid financial sense to fund Home and Community Based services (like those ACCA provides) as long as possible.

Waiting lists show 13,700 Georgians are waiting for services that would keep them out of nursing homes.

Keeping Georgians out of nursing homes as long as possible goes back to saving the taxpayer money. Compare the $2,055 average cost per client for Home and Community Based services to the $19,200 cost per client in State Medicaid Cost! The savings are huge.

There is a secondary financial benefit for the state, too. In Georgia Workforce Trends, An Analysis of Long-term Employment Projects to 2020, a publication by the Georgia Department of Labor, industries tied to healthcare and social

Hear from your Legislators US Congressman Jody Hice

Pictured: Kathy Floyd, Mary Thrasher, and Jennie Deese

“The costs of health care continue to skyrocket, and the more we can get a hold on this, the sooner the better.”

assistance are scattered at the top of the list of most growing occupations. In support of these social assistance programs, jobs can be created for Georgians.

Funding for in-home care is one of the five legislative priorities set forth by GCOA. To read out about the other four areas, please visit www.gcoa.org/2016-issues-presented GCOA was created in 1977 by the Georgia Legislature to serve in an advisory capacity on aging issues to the Governor, General Assembly, Department of Human Services, and all other state agencies.

Average Annual Cost per Client for Three Options $11,473

$19,200

$2,055 HCBS

CCSP

State Portion of Medicaid Bed

In-Home Care Nursing Home

GA Representative Spencer Frye “I encourage all my contemporaries to do a meal route.”

Athens Mayor Nancy Denson “I lost my mom at 100 this past year. At 97 she went into assisted living.

Her quality of life went down tremendously because she wasn’t on her on her own turf, not in her home.”

Meet our People

Judge Charles Auslander - Board of Directors

The Athens Community Council on Aging’s Board of Directors is made up a wonderfully diverse group of professionals. Each brings so much to our organization, and we are proud to have quality individuals help steer our organization.

Judge Charles Auslander has been serving on the board since October 2011. He was nominated by Diane Kohl, a member of his church who had been involved with ACCA for many years. She introduced Judge Auslander to ACCA and a passion ignited inside him for the work being done by our organization. Ms. Kohl went on to nominate Judge Auslander for the Board of Directors, and he was very honored to be selected.

Judge Auslander works for the State Court which handles misdemeanors and most civil cases, except family law like custody issues or divorce.

He grew up in Atlanta but moved to Athens to go to The University of Georgia.

Judge Auslander says he’s amazed at the commitment the staff, volunteers, and admin have to one another at ACCA, making it an inspiring environment to be in. When asked about what he likes best regarding ACCA, he says the incredible services it provides to our community – not just the aging population, but all those associated with the organization.

David Heard - ACCA Transportation ACCA is incredibly proud of the people who make up our staff. David Heard is a shining example of the amazing people we have on our team. For the past two years, David has been transporting seniors to and from their homes to our Adult Day Health and Center for Active Living and also to their doctor’s appointments.

When he isn’t at ACCA, David likes to spend time with his son taking him to movies and out for ice cream. David also enjoys street-bike racing on the track.

What most people don’t know about the Athens native is that David also works a second job with CSC Security Corporation, where he acts as celebrity security for big names like Jay Z and Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and players from the Falcons. When asked if he gets starstruck, David says most celebs are down-to-earth so it’s really easy to act natural around them.

Most importantly David gives the same care and attention to ACCA clients that he gives to the rich and famous. We’re proud to have him on our team.

16 Connections

Protect: Detect: Learn to detect and know how to act on it.

If you suspect that you have been a target type of abuse, report immediately to the rePort: ofSMPanySenior Medicare Patrol.

Protect yourself from Medicare errors, fraud, and abuse.

coNtAct:

Imagine Your Ad Here!

FUNDED IN PART BY THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION ON AGING

Great Rates!

Purposeful Content!

Excellent Exposure!

There is still time to get your ad in the next issue of Connections.

Call Chad Conner at 706-549-4850 for more info.

Faith and Aging

Summit

This past October the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging, Athens Community Council on Aging, and the Faith and Community Alliance through Georgia Department of Human Services gathered with other faith-based and senior-service agencies at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens. The topic at hand was how the faith community could play a larger role in the aging process in our communities.

Rev. Dr. Willie Myles, the Statewide Coordinator for Faith and Community Alliance, was the keynote speaker. Rev. Myles says he envisions a net around Georgia that “some call a safety net, but I call a faith net.” His vision of a care network comes from the collaboration of faith organizations like churches.

Faith organizations need to play a bigger role.

“To churches, I ask, what are you doing outside of Sunday?” Rev. Myles asked the group, encouraging churches to urge their members to look after the aging population. He mentioned checking on neighbors and relatives who may not be able to do as much for themselves is a cause churches and faith groups need to champion. “Churches and faith organizations should fill in the gaps where government and service agencies end. These agencies cannot meet all the needs of those who need them. We must step up.”

In fact, Rev. Myles said those in attendance had been called to help. He went on to say not only is it a call, but a privilege to serve those in need, citing Matthew 25:40: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

According to Rev. Myles, there are about 15,000 registered churches in Georgia and about 24,000 faith organizations; those numbers do not include all denominations. He also mentioned that out of 159 counties in Georgia, 110 counties have identified a faith agency to stand up for needs of the county. “This is a good start,” Rev. Myles said. “But faith organizations need to play a bigger role.”

18 Connections

Passion for life – always.

Home Health Care/Hospice Services As our area’s first hospital-based home health care/hospice service, St. Mary’s has the longevity and experience to meet your needs, whether it’s recovery from a joint replacement or care at the end of life. Always

L-R: Nurses Sherry Morgan, Natasha Akingbade and Jennifer Rutherford. Dedicated to St. Mary’s Hospice House since opening day.

faith-based. Always not-for-profit. Always here for you.

Care in your home since 1970 The region’s first inpatient hospice house since 2006 Celebrating National Home Care and Hospice Month 706.389.2273 or 800.822.3381 www.stmarysathens.org

2015

Large

Hospital

Year OF THE

State License #029-057

©2015 St. Mary’s

SENIOR

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

David Lorren

Photo courtesy of The Broad Collective

Are you a new Athenian taking advantage of one of Forbes Magazine’s top 25 places to retire? Or have you lived here for quite some time and feel like you’ve experienced all the Classic City has to offer? Either way, I’m here to tell you there is more to see, more to do, and more friends to be made.

Now enrolling our 16th class and hosted by The Helping Hands RSVP program at the Athens Community Council on Aging, the Senior Leadership Academy (SLA) is just the opportunity you have been looking for. SLA is a community awareness program designed with the participant in mind. SLA provides opportunities to build relationships with fellow classmates as you explore local issues, meet community leaders, and discover ways to utilize your skills and expertise for the well-being of Northeast Georgia. The classes are structured to inform, to motivate, and to develop stewards of 20 Connections

civic engagement in the greater Athens area in a socially stimulating atmosphere.

The duration of your address makes no difference to the academy. What matters to us is that you have a genuine desire to become more connected to the place we all call home. SLA is about learning how our affairs are governed and how education and healthcare partnerships benefit our collective good. If setting out on an adventure with like-minded individuals to nurture a deeper bond to your home and our community, the arts, and especially the southern cuisine sounds interesting, SLA is for you!

The theme this year is: “So, You Think You Know Athens?” Participants will complete 8 weekly sessions beginning Thursday, February 4th.

Upon completion of the 8 courses, graduates will have experienced many things that make our town a great place to live, learn, and grow! Like

SLA shows you what it means to be a Dawg for a Day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great, fun time!

many of our past graduates, you will leave with a new perspective of Athens, friends to continue exploring with, and a clearer vision of how you might be able to give back to the community.

Registration is open now and space is limited, so come and join us as we embark on another fantastic adventure that is Senior Leadership Academy. The program is $125 per person. This includes a catered lunch at each session, supplies, and most transportation for the program. The deadline to register is January 22, 2016, but a $25 Early Bird discount will be given for registrations completed and paid by December 15, 2015.

For more information on how to register for Senior Leadership Academy, contact David Lorren, Senior Corps Program Coordinator at 706-549-4850 or dlorren@accaging.org.

SLA visits the Athens Courthouse to learn about Civics in Athens. Picture yourself in the group!

8 Classes to Help You Master Athens Orientation Learning in Athens Aging in Athens Healthcare in Athens Culture in Athens Civics in Athens Business in Athens Dawg for a Day

If you or someone you know is interested in serving, we strongly encourage active adults age 55 and older to stop by and see us at Athens Community Council on Aging to explore the many benefits of service.

We are conveniently located in the heart of downtown Athens on Hoyt Street. Here you will find a friendly face to answer all of your questions and assist you in writing a new chapter in your life.

For more information contact David Lorren, Senior Service Corps Coordinator by phone at 706-549-4850 or email at dlorren@accaging.org

A resource of business professionals providing services in the Senior Community. Serving Athens-Clarke, Oconee, and surrounding counties.

Companies in our network represent the following categories: Assisted Living / Independent Living Financial Services • Home Accessibility Home Healthcare • Hospice • Hospitals Medical • Medical Equipment • Medication Services and Resources • Transportation and Much More...

www.athenssrn.com

THE

Connie Lavelle A small sign outside the Administration building on the campus of Athens Community Council on Aging directs visitors to the Lobby door entrance. All are welcomed at the Reception desk and greeted by Connie Lavelle or Mary Harris.

An abundance of ACCA program materials are available in a wall unit close to the entrance way door and on the tables in the seating area. All reading material including our quarterly magazine “Connections” is free of charge.

Visitors sign in for scheduled appointments to see staff members managing a specialized program.

They may be requesting a tour of our Center for Active Living, the Bentley Adult Day Health Center or the outside gardens.

Good Measured Meals are ordered on line at www.GoodMeasuredMeals.com. The orders are delivered by the week/month or auto renew. The refrigerated unit stands in an area of our lobby for the customer(s) to come by Monday thru Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm and pick up their meals.

All this is handled at the Reception desk but there is much more to see inside the lobby. This time of year a Christmas tree stands with lights aglow and decorated with “Be a Santa to a Senior” ornaments.

Each gift request of a senior is written on an ornament and then placed on the Christmas tree.

Residents of Northeast Georgia select an ornament and purchase the gifts and return them to the agency by December 4th. Volunteers wrap and deliver the packages in time for a senior client to open on Christmas day.

Pictured (below, L to R): Connie Lavelle and Mary Harris (Right, L to R): Gloria Tong and Raymond Renders

While you are looking through our resource material or waiting to see a staff member, we invite you to sit down on our comfortable furniture and savor the time!

Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

SM

A Connected Life.

Exploring Relationships

An Active Life.

Enjoying Now

Have you ever thought an assisted living community could be a place for seniors to grow? A place for them to enjoy pursuing passions and improving their wellness?

Anticipating Tomorrow

assisted living like you've never seen before. It’s a safe place of detailed care where seniors can be social, stay physically and mentally active, and aspire to new goals.

•

Simple all inclusive pricing provides predictability

•

Movie theater with surround sound

•

Simple and secure keyless suite access

• •

A Purposeful Life.

Director of Excitment to keep residents engaged

706-521-0550

2040 Resurgence Drive Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 ThriveAtAthens.com Hello@ThriveAtAthens.com

Resident’s Rights about Hygiene/Bathing Keith Adams, LTCO Program Coordinator The Resident has the right to choose activities, schedules, consistent with his or her interests, assessments, and plans of care. (Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 483.15 (b).

• Give residents choices about bathing: Ask the residents what they want: Ask: What time of day would you like your bath?

Do you want a bath or shower? (or bed-bath, etc.)

What are your choices for clothing?

• Once the resident decides- follow the resident’s wishes.

• Share helpful information with all staff responsible for hygiene.

• Encourage and offer choices often. Residents who are able to make choices about things that are important to them (including bathing and hygiene) tend to be more satisfied and have a much improved outlook.

• Residents with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can still make choices. Depending on the level of confusion, you may offer, but limit choices. Too many choices can be confusing.

The Resident has the right to refuse medical treatment, (including bathing), dietary restrictions, and medications for the resident. (Georgia Code Section 31-8-109, (a)3.)

• Staff members need to realize that a resident may not be refusing to be clean, but is refusing the bath under the circumstance provided.

• Avoid getting into a power struggle with residents, instead learn how to consider different approaches to encouraging a resident to bathe. Staff can always encourage but should never force residents to do things.

• Brainstorm different approaches and new solutions when a resident refuses a bath, such as having a different C.N.A. try, offer the bath at a different time, or giving the resident incentive to cooperate and bathe (such as reminding them their family is coming or offering the resident a special treat after the bath.)

Dignity: The facility must promote care for residents in a manner and in an environment that maintains or enhances each resident’s dignity and respect in full recognition of his or her individuality. (Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 483.15 [a].)

• Staff should carry out activities that assist the resident to maintain and enhance his/her self-esteem and self-worth.

• Groom residents as they wish to be groomed (e.g. hair combed and styled, beards shaved/trimmed, nails clean and clipped.)

• Encourage and assist resident to dress in their own clothes appropriate to the time of day and individual preferences rather than hospital type gowns.

• Honor resident’s preferences for grooming choices (e.g. removal of facial hair for women, allowing residents to choose their hair length/style, facial hair preferences for men, and clothing style.)

• Ensure residents privacy including keeping residents sufficiently covered (with a robe or lap-robe) while being taken to areas outside their room (such as the bathing area). Staff might transport residents while they are dressed and assist them to dress and undress in the bathing room.

Winter 25

Continued from page 21 ...

Helpful Hints for hygiene/bathing care in Long-Term Care Facilities • Incorporate the bathing as part of a regular routine.

• Implement a reward system for participating in good hygiene habits.

• Offer lots of praise and complimentary words.

• Allow the resident to do as much for themselves as possible to give them ownership of the task.

• The bathing process should remain consistent to what the resident has been used to in the past.

• Use a hand-held shower head so there is more control of where the water is coming from.

•Be mindful of the water AND air temperature.

• Patience is a key component for the person who is assisting with hygiene needs.

• Doctors recommend older adults bathe a minimum of 2x/week to reduce the chance of infections (UTI’s, etc.).

• Dignity is important, remember not everyone shares the same level of modesty.

• Safety is of utmost importance. Grab bars, shower chairs, and traction appliques for shower floors are very helpful.

• The ability to be adaptable is important. Each person has different needs and those may change daily. Staff need to be aware of this and be as flexible as possible when assisting with hygiene needs.

• Give the resident the option of making as many choices as possible during the bathing process.

• Lead by example if necessary to complete the tasks.

• Make sure all your supplies are readily available before beginning the bathing process.

• Background music or singing while assisting with bathing can work wonders.

42

Yellow Dot Program Athens-Clarke County has been chosen as one of only two counties in Georgia to pilot a new program called Yellow Dot. Georgia’s Yellow Dot program is a free program designed to help first responders provide life-saving medical attention during that first “golden hour” after a medical emergency.

A Yellow Dot in the driver side rear window of your vehicle or the “triple tree” of your motorcycle will alert first responders that vital medical information is stored in the glove compartment. The Yellow Dot program can also be used in the home by placing the decal on or beside your front or entry door.

This Yellow Dot program is made possible by the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, and Alliant Georgia Medical Care Foundation. These agencies are partnering with Athens Regional hospital, St. Mary’s hospital, and local EMS to pilot this program.

ACCA will serve as an enrollment site for the program beginning in December. All Yellow Dot participants will be asked to complete an informed consent that will ask for their name, phone number and address. Paricipants will receive a kit that contains a Yellow Dot decal, folder, personal information form, and a clip magnet ( for their fridge). Paricipants will also receive instructions on how to complete the form and where to put the Yellow Dot decal.

Emergency first responders are currently being trained to look for the decal on homes and cars. ACCA recently hosted an information session where community partners attended to learn more about the program.

More information will be available soon on how to enroll!

Pictured, L to R: Kimberly Stula, Tosha Sims, and Jennie Deese

First Successful Scholar Recipients Announced!

Everyone has a dream of becoming better at what they do, and investing in our staff follows our mission. ACCA proudly announced the first two recipients of the ACCA Successful Scholar program in October: Tosha Sims and Kimberly Stula. Tosha plans to improve her computer skills, and Kimberly wants to become certified as an Activity Director and apply for national certification.

The program is an employee educational assistance plan supporting ACCA employees who wish to continue their education securing increased responsibility and growth within their professional careers. The Successful Scholar provides a tool for managers and employees to support academic activities that directly relate to ACCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision and mission while supporting our values.

The plan will supplement two Successful Scholar applicants each calendar year. Priority is given to employees that do not have any formal higher education. We look forward to continuing to support our staff as they grow and develop!

28 Connections

Time for some new year’s (financial) resoluTions ----- Paid Advertisement -----

The countdown to 2016 has just about begun. If you’re like many people, you might be mulling over some New Year’s resolutions, such as hitting the gym more, learning a new language or taking a cooking class.

All are worthy goals, but why not add some financial resolutions as well?

For example … … Pay yourself first. Even if you aren’t living “paycheck to paycheck,” you probably don’t have much trouble spending your money – because there’s always something that you or a family member needs, always a repair required for your home or your car, always one more bill to pay. But if you are going to achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you need to invest consistently. So before you pay everyone else, pay yourself first by having some money automatically moved from your checking or savings account each month into an investment. … Take advantage of your opportunities. If you have a 401(k) or similar plan at work, take full advantage of it.

Contribute as much as you can afford – or at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered – and choose the mix of investments that give you the potential to achieve the growth you need at a level of risk with which you are comfortable. … Focus on the long term. In the short term, you might be excused for not wanting to invest. The headlines are typically scary, the financial markets are frequently volatile and the future often looks murky. Yet, if you can look past the uncertainties of today and keep your focus on tomorrow, you will find it easier to follow a disciplined investment strategy that gives you the opportunity to meet your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

…. Don’t be driven by fear. When the market is down, investors tend to react with fear. Specifically, they rush to sell their investments, afraid that if they don’t “cut their losses,” they might sustain even bigger ones. If you can get past this feeling, you may find that a down market can offer you the chance to buy quality investments at good prices. … Forget about the “hot stocks.” You’ll hear friends, co-workers and talking heads on television tout today’s “hot stocks.” But by the time you might hear about them, they may have cooled off – and, in any case, they might not be appropriate for your needs. Forget about “getting rich quick in the market” – it probably won’t happen. True investment success requires patience and persistence. … Cut down on your debts. It’s easy to pile up debts, but a lot harder getting rid of them. Yet, if you can reduce your debt load even moderately, you’ll free up money you could use to invest. So look for ways to conserve, cut back and consolidate – it will be worth the effort.

Making these resolutions – and sticking to them – can help you as you work toward achieving your financial goals.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Matt McKinney, AAMS® Financial Advisor

1020 Barber Creek Drive Suite 211 Watkinsville, GA 30677 706-227-2943 matt.mckinney@edwardjones.com

Serving the Athens area over 16 years.

COMING TO THE CLASSIC CENTER

DECEMBER 19-20

THE NUTCRACKER

Presented by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. A charming tale of holiday adventure that follows a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. Tickets on sale now!

JANUARY 6

THE PRODUCERS

A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks’ laughout-loud spectacle. Tickets on sale now!

The

Nutcracker

FEBRUARY 1

JOIN THE CLASSIC CENTER CULTURAL FOUNDATION AND ENJOY...

• • • • •

Member receptions Cast meet and greets Annual trips Celebration of the Arts Classic Conversations

For more information contact Beth Turner at 706.357.4521 or Beth@ClassicCenter.com.

42 ND STREET

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story. Tickets on sale now!

FEBRUARY 5-7

ATHENS WINE WEEKEND

Benefitting The Classic Center Cultural Foundation, patrons can enjoy 100s of wines at the Grand Tasting, seminars, a brunch buffet, silent auction, and more! Tickets on sale now!

706.357.4444 • ClassicCenter.com • 300 N. Thomas St. • Athens, GA

Formerly the Athens-Clarke County Senior Center, the Center for Active Living (CAL) is a multipurpose center dedicated to offering a variety of opportunities for older adults to stay active while they age in Athens and surrounding areas. CAL provides learning opportunities to engage older adults (50+) by offering unique social, cultural, educational, and wellness-related classes and activities. Membership for Clarke County residents is $45 per year. These programs are designed for you and we want to see you here.

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | trips and off site adventures CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing fitness and wellness classes CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing social programs

32 36 37 38

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events Class times subject to change or cancel, please check www.accaging.org or call 706-549-4850 for updates.

Classical Music Appreciation The recent decades have been witness to the exclusion or disappearance of classical music from the collective American ear. Commercial interests have replaced public exposure of the enriched culture of good music stretching from the time of JS Bach to the 1960’s with the arrival of what some consider to be junk musical noise. This class of classical music will expose the students who wish to appreciate, enjoy and acquire the benefit derived from hearing selections of great music from great classical Western music. This class is for those who wish to learn to “hear” music properly. Prepare for a wondrous musical journey from the classical great symphonic works to the ballads, Dixieland and movie scores of recent American history. Interested attendees need only bring their desire to learn/appreciate, their interest and their ears—no other equipment is necessary.

For more information call the CAL office at 706-549-4850. No reservation needed. The class is set up to enjoy as your schedule allows—attending each week is encouraged but not required.

the Alzheimer’s Association will take place once a month for the next quarter featuring a different topic in each session. Whether you have a direct connection with Alzheimer’s disease or not, this seminar can be beneficial. Rates of the disease are increasing by the year and will only continue to rise as more people live longer.

It never hurts to be informed.

The topic of the first session in December will be “The Basics of Alzheimer’s”, in January it will be “Know the 10 Signs” and in February it will be “Healthy Habits”. For more information or to RSVP, please call the CAL office at 706-549-4850.

Where: The Hudson Conference Room at ACCA When: Friday, December 4th, January 8th and February 5th Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Outsmart your Smartphone: Holiday Edition Tasks such as picture taking and sharing, navigating unfamiliar places using GPS and other smartphone tasks can be daunting. We will be answering your individual questions to the best of our ability and walking Where: The Harris Room at ACCA you through the solutions so that When: Fridays you can get the most out of your Time: 2:30pm-4:00pm smartphone during the holiday Cost: Free for CAL Members season. Please call the CAL office for additional information. We The Basics of Alzheimer’s look forward to seeing you!

This series of Alzheimer’s education programs presented by Where: The Round Room at 32 Connections

ACCA When: Monday, December 7th Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: Free for CAL members New Horizons Band Christmas Concert CAL is in for a real treat this holiday season! The New Horizons Band, which is based out of UGA’s Hugh Hodgson’s School of Music, will be stopping by to play some holiday classics for us! Grab your friends and come out and enjoy the live entertainment!

Where: The Harris Room at ACCA When: Wednesday, December 9th Time: 11:00am-12:00pm Cost: Free for CAL members Gift Wrapping Workshop Do you want to make your gifts look like they were professionally wrapped but need a little help?

Set aside some time to get those presents ready for your loved ones and join us for our gift wrapping workshop! Be sure to bring the gifts you want to wrap and any additional necessary materials you may need. For more information or to RSVP, please call the CAL office at 706-5494850.

Where: The Brick Room at ACCA When: Tuesday, December 15th Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Cost: Free for CAL members Food Education Workshop Using evidence based research, a representative from the Northeast

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events

We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

Walk for Wellness Join your friends, or come and make new ones at the upcoming Walk for Wellness meeting.

These bi-monthly meetings include: An informative health presentation, free blood pressure screenings, door prizes and breakfast provided by Chickfil-A. The meetings are held in the perfect place, Georgia Square Mall! Our local mall is a great place to exercise and they offer us the privilege to start walking before the stores open! Get all of the benefits of walking in a flat, secure, climate-controlled Where: ACCA Glass Room environment. Walk for Wellness When: Monday, January 4th is sponsored by: ACCA’s Center Time: 10:00am-11:00am for Active Living, Arbor Terrace, Cost: Free for CAL Members The Athens Regional Health System, St. Mary’s Health Care Winter Fire Hazard Safety Talk System, and Georgia Square Due to the dropping temperatures Mall. For details, please call Mark that come with winter, everyone Ralston at 706-389-3897 or the wants to stay warm. In an CAL office. attempt to keep from freezing, if the proper precautions are Where: Georgia Square Mall Food not taken, there can be a risk of Court unintentionally starting a fire When: Tuesday, January 19th among other hazards. Presented (third Tuesdays of odd-numbered by the Red Cross, this talk will months) focus on safety practices to keep Time: 8:15am in mind during the winter. For Cost: Free and Open to the more information or to RSVP, Community please call the CAL office at 706549-4850.

Computers 101 Are you curious about the Where: The Glass Room at ACCA computer but have never taken When: Wednesday, January 13th the time to understand how they Time: 10:30am-11:00am work? Now is your chance. Come Cost: Free for CAL Members in for a session on computer basics. We will be answering your individual questions to the best Georgia Area Agency on Aging will be at ACCA to share the most up to date information on proper nutrition. Older adults are one of the high risk groups for food related illness – making following general food safety and nutrition guidelines extremely critical for one’s health. Come and take advantage of this opportunity to take home some important tips on healthy eating to start your year off on the right track. For more information or to RSVP, please call the CAL office at 706549-4850.

of our ability so that you can walk away with a better understanding of this popular form of technology. Please call the CAL office for additional information at 706-549-4850. We will see you there!

Where: The Computer Room at ACCA When: Monday, January 11th Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

Cost: Free for CAL Members Healthy Foot Screening Did you know that the condition of your feet can be a direct reflection of your overall health?

Dr. Todd Herron from Athens Family Foot Care is coming to ACCA to provide his expertise and to screen for any foot related problems. Please RSVP by calling the CAL office at 706-549-4850 by Wednesday, January 13th.

Where: The Round Room at ACCA When: Thursday, January 14th Time: 10:00am-11:00am

Cost: Free for CAL Members Functional Movement Screening Movement is central to most aspects of life. Hosted by St. Mary’s Health Care System, the purpose of the functional movement screening is to detect issues in the body related to movement. Proper prevention measures can help reduce the possibility of major mobility problems. For more information or to reserve a spot, please call the CAL office at 706-549-4850.

Winter 33

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events

Class times subject to change or cancel, please check www.accaging.org or call 706-549-4850 for updates.

Where: The Round Room at ACCA When: Thursday, January 21st Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: Free for CAL Members How to Prevent a Broken Heart According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. How we treat our bodies greatly influences our overall health and more specifically, our heart health.

Some do not realize this until it is too late. Presented by the UGA Extension, this series of seminars, which will take place on the last Wednesday of the month this January thru March, will focus on heart health. Each month one of the following topics will be discussed: “High Blood Pressure”, “High Cholesterol” and “How to respond if you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack”. Learn how you can greatly reduce your risk of developing serious hearts problems. For more information or to RSVP, please call the CAL office at 706-549-4850.

rights of older adults. Those who have the power to make decisions that will affect the lives of older adults need to hear the voices of concerned individuals.

Transportation will not be provided.

Where: Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta When: Thursday, January 28th Time: 8:00am-4:00pm Cost: Free and Open to the Community Poetry 101 Are you a fan of poetry? A group of local published artists, including Dr. Eugene Bianchi of Emory University, Clela Reed and Bob Ambrose, will be coming out to share some of their works.

Afterwards they will hold a workshop on poetry basics for those who are interested. Come let out your inner poet! Please RSVP to reserve a spot by calling the CAL office at 706-549-4850 by Tuesday, February 9th.

Where: The Glass Room at ACCA When: Thursday, February 11th Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Cost: Free for CAL Members

Where: ACCA Glass Room When: Wednesdays, January 27th, February 24th and March 30th Valentine’s Dawgs Time: 10:00am-11:00am

Man’s best friend captures the Cost: Free for CAL Members human heart in a special way. Do you love dogs but do not have Be There 4 Seniors Rally in one of your own? Come out for Atlanta a chance to spend some quality There is power in numbers. time with a pooch. The Atlanta Join CAL at the Georgia State Pet Partners will be bringing a Capitol to take a stand for the group of sweet pet therapy dogs 34 Connections

to spread some love to ACCA just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. Please call the CAL office for additional information at 706-549-4850.

Where: The Brick Room at ACCA When: Friday, February 12th Time: 10:00am-11:00am

Cost: Free for CAL Members CPR Training by the North Georgia Heart Foundation Being trained in CPR is an important skill that can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Some cases call for immediate action before medical respondents can arrive. George Ordway of the North Georgia Heart Foundation will be at ACCA to teach a CPR course showing others how to be that difference. Please RSVP to reserve a spot by calling the CAL office at 706-549-4850 by Friday, February 12th.

Where: The Hudson Conference Room at ACCA When: Wednesday, February 17th Time: 11:00am-1:00pm

Cost: Free for CAL Members Social Networking 101: Facebook and Twitter You almost cannot go a day without hearing the words Facebook or Twitter mentioned these days. Are you interested in setting up your own page but do not know how to go about getting started? Are you interested in learning the meaning of the

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | educational classes and events

We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

terms tweet, hashtag and other lingo associated with these websites? Come in to learn more about how these social networks work. Please call the CAL office for additional information or to reserve your spot at 706-549-4850.

We look forward to seeing you!

Where: The Computer Room at ACCA When: Thursday, February 18th Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

Cost: Free for CAL Members Hearing Screening Hearing is very important to quality of life. Representatives from the UGA Speech and

Hearing Clinic will be at ACCA to check ears for any hearing related issues and to provide information on how to prevent or reduce problems. Reserve a spot by calling the CAL office at 706549-4850.

Where: The Round Room at ACCA When: February TBA Time: TBA

Cost: Free for CAL Members Senior Week at the GA State Capitol Coordinated by the Georgia Council on Aging, this annual event gives citizens a chance to meet face to face with state

legislators. This is another opportunity for those who are passionate about the rights of older adults to let their voices be heard. Transportation will not be provided.

Where: Georgia State Capitol rotunda in Atlanta When: Wednesday, February 24th and Thursday, February 25th Time: 8:00am-4:00pm Cost: Free and Open to the Community

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Winter 35

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | trips and off-site adventures We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

CAL Members: To ensure we are able to offer and provide you the most enjoyable experience possible, pre-registration and payment for trips will be required prior to the deadline noted with each trip offering. When possible, we strive to purchase tickets in advance and avoid additional wait time for on-site ticket purchase. A full refund will be available until the deadline stated for each trip. For non-CAL Members, an additional $10.00 is added to the cost of the trip. If you have questions, please contact the CAL office at 706-549-4850.

Governor’s Mansion Christmas RSVP by Friday, December 11th by Nonviolent and Social Change Tour calling the CAL office at 706-549during his birth month. The King For a brief period during the month 4850. tour includes the visitor’s center, of December, Governor Nathan Dr. King’s birth home, Freedom Deal and his wife will welcome Where: Depart from ACCA Hall, the historic Ebenezer Baptist visitors into their Buckhead home When: Saturday, December 19th Church, and the graves of Dr. and for the annual Governor’s Mansion Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm (The show Mrs. King. To complete the trip, Christmas tour. Come kick off the starts at 3pm) we will stop by the historic Sweet holiday season with a visit to the Cost: $35 for CAL Members Auburn Curb Market, which has 24,000 square foot mansion all been around since 1924.You will decked out with lavish Christmas Rabbit Box have the option of grabbing a quick trees, a variety of flowers and other Once a month at the Foundry in snack or lunch on your own at one decorations. After the tour, we will Downtown Athens, an open forum of the many eateries located within have brunch at The Flying Biscuit, is held in which anyone from the the market. Lunch is not included one of Atlanta’s most popular community has the opportunity in the cost of the trip. Please RSVP restaurants for breakfast and to share their interesting stories

by Friday, January 15th by calling brunch. The cost of brunch is not with the public. A specific theme the CAL office at 706-549-4850. included in the trip price. Please is chosen for each forum and 8 RSVP by Friday, December 4th by individuals take the stage to share Where: Depart from ACCA calling the CAL office at 706-549a personal story related to the When: Wednesday, January 20th 4850. theme of the night. The theme Time: 9:00am-4:00pm for January is the Kindness of Cost: $25 for CAL Members Where: Depart from ACCA Strangers. In a world where it is When: Thursday, December 10th so common to hear unpleasant Uptown Art Time: 8:30am-2:00pm news, it is always refreshing to Have you always wanted to create Cost: $25 for CAL Members hear that goodness and kindness your own artistic masterpiece but still abound. If you would like to didn’t know where to start? Now is The Nutcracker presented by the witness this night of storytelling, your chance to make that dream State Ballet Theatre of Russia please RSVP by Friday, January 8th a reality! At Uptown Art you will Come see the much loved classic by calling the CAL office at 706receive step by step instructions on ballet featuring the world famous 549-4850. how to paint a beautiful portrait music of Tchaikovsky! Viewers to take home. You are welcome will escape into a fantasy world Where: Depart from ACCA to bring your own refreshments. as a young girl dreams that she When: Wednesday, January 13th Please RSVP by Wednesday, is journeying through a land Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm February 17th by calling the CAL complete with dancing fairies, Cost: $10 for CAL Members office at 706-549-4850. princes, toy soldiers and mice.

Playing at the Athens Classic The King Center Where: Depart from ACCA Center for one weekend only, The What better way to celebrate the When: Tuesday, February 23rd Nutcracker is a sure way to get life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Time: 6:30pm-9:00pm you in the Christmas spirit. Please than to visit the King Center for Cost: $30 for CAL Members 36 Connections

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing fitness and wellness classes We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

Balance Enhancement Activities Balance is critical to maintaining a healthy, independent life style.

Fortunately, the good news about balance is that it can be taught and improved at any age. Using low impact, easy-to-learn movements from Tai Chi and yoga, this course will focus on the systems that interact and coordinate our sense of balance. In addition to practicing a variety of activities, participants will learn how to incorporate these balance activities into their daily routine in an efficient manner.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays w/Michelle *start date of Monday, January 4th* Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Yoga Come find your inner peace through a number of gentle yoga classes we offer at ACCA! These classes will stretch and empower your mind, body and muscles. Instructor’s welcome new participants and gladly give modifications if the move is too advanced for you. Please bring your own mat and a blanket for the relaxation portion of the class.

Where: ACCA Harris Room Cost: Free for CAL Members When: Mondays w/Eleanor Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm When: Tuesdays w/Chad Time: 2:45pm-4:15pm When: Wednesdays w/Edna Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm When: Fridays w/Anna Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Free Style Dance This energetic class takes various different dance techniques and combines them into fun and easyto-follow routines. The music ranges from Oldies but Goodies to today’s Latest Hits. Burn calories and reenergize your day in one fun filled class. This class is designed to be enjoyed standing or from a seated position to best fit each participant.

Jean, the instructor, does a wonderful job moving flawlessly between standing and sitting to keep everyone moving and engaged.

Beginners are welcome!

Where: ACCA Harris Room w/ Jean When: Tuesdays Time: 11:00am-11:45am Cost: $2/class Line Dancing This is one of our most well attended classes here at the Center for Active Living. The class uses an eclectic mix of music to keep the class moving from beginning to end. Kathy, our dedicated instructor, will walk you step by step through the dances and there are tenured volunteers that will help keep you on track.

Grab your dancing shoes and drop in for this excellent opportunity to exercise while having fun.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Smart Moves with Becky This all around fun class, mixes the use of elastic bands, free weights, medicine balls to work your entire body. Smart Moves is a low impact class that can be performed seated or standing and is appropriate for all

fitness levels.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Mondays Time: 9:00am-10:00am When: Thursdays Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Cost: Free for CAL Members On the Move with Kevin This class is a chair oriented class that includes: Aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises. It is especially beneficial for those living with chronic conditions who require a low impact exercise program.

Kevin has many years of experience working with chronic conditions and makes individual adjustments to the routine to better serve each participant. This class is suitable for all fitness levels.

Where: ACCA Harris Room When: Thursdays Time: 10:00am-11:00am Cost: $5/class Healthy Living Program Walking Group Come out and join your Healthy Living Program (HLP) peers for the HLP walking group! Walking can help control weight and lower risk of complications with chronic diseases. Exercising can be more enjoyable when you participate with others. Meet us in the ACCA lobby 5 minutes before for a walk around the ACCA campus or indoor locations on Friday afternoons.

Walks will last approximately 30 minutes.

Where: Meet at ACCA front lobby When: Tuesdays at 9:00am Cost: Free for HLP Members Winter 37

CENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING | ongoing social programs

We’re looking for instructors and suggestions. Call CAL (706-549-4850) to suggest a class or offer to teach.

Birthday Celebration Come and celebrate all those that have a September, October or November birthdays! We will enjoy refreshments along with each other’s company. Each one of you are extremely important to us and we want to celebrate you! We are excited about the opportunity to host monthly birthday celebrations open to all the community, CAL members and your friends. These celebrations are held on the last Thursday of each month. November celebration will be held the week prior due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Hope you will drop by to say hello!

Where: The Round Room at ACCA When: Thursdays, December 17th, January 21st, February 25th Time: 1:00pm-1:45pm Cost: Free New Year’s Member Meet and Greet Interested in meeting other CAL Members? This is the perfect opportunity for you to do so! Our Member Meet and Greet will allow you to intermingle with CAL Staff and CAL Members while enjoying refreshments and pleasant conversation as we celebrate the beginning of a new year together. We look forward to seeing you!

Where: The Round Room at ACCA When: Thursday, January 7th Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Cost: Free

38 Connections

Toastmasters This weekly meeting is a learn-bydoing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure. Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, which includes a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking.

Where: ACCA Hudson Conference Room When: Tuesdays Time: 11:30am-1:30pm Cost: $60/6 months; $20 New Toastmaster Member Fee Intermediate Bridge Join us in an informal setting to play bridge and socialize with others that share common interest.

No reservation needed.

Grand Slammers Bridge Group This advanced bridge group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.

No reservation needed.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members Newcomers Card Group Join other CAL members to play the Hand and Foot card game on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday and play Mexican Train on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday!

Where: ACCA Bentley Conference Room When: Wednesdays Time: 12:30pm-3:30pm Cost: Yearly membership fee of $20 for CAL Members Contact for more information: Nicki at 706-850-6615

Advanced Bridge This advanced bridge group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

The group requires reservations; please call Mary at 706-549-3160 to reserve your spot today!

Belle Hill Singers Join fellow members to sing traditional church music in a group setting and inspire individuals through the power of song. Performances take place every Tuesday and Thursday at different community centers, nursing homes, assisted living, senior centers, and adult health centers. Transportation is provided but is optional. New members are welcome regardless of singing ability. Call the CAL office at 706-549-4850 for more information or for current performance schedule.

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Wednesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

Where: Meet at ACCA at 9:45am When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 10:00am-11:30am Cost: Free for CAL Members

Where: ACCA Glass Dining Room When: Tuesdays Time: 1:30pm Cost: Free for CAL Members

This Holiday Season...

I WILL Capture every moment of life!

In any listening environment, quiet or loud, I will

HEAR And understand the words of my family and friends. My relationships will be

BETTER

Because I will be a part of every conversation. I will

LIVE BETTER! Each and every day!

LIMITED TIME OFFERS! CALL (706) 395-0997 New Patient Special FREE Hearing Screening Expires 1/31/16

New Patient Special FREE Ear Exam Check for wax buildup!

Expires 1/31/16

Call (706) 395-0997

Two Convenient Locations

John R. Simpson, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Christy Berryman, Oto Tech

johnsimpsonmd.com | (706) 395-0997

700 Sunset Drive, Suite 103 259 North Broad Street Athens, GA 30606 Winder, GA 30680

(706) 395-0997 Š 2015 SMPN. All Rights Reserved. 10/15 40589-15

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