Connections Winter 2017 by ACCAging

VOLUME 42, ISSUE 1

Music as Medicine

PRODUCED IN PAR TNERSHIP WITH

local piano teacher helps strengthen minds & bodies

ALSO INSIDE: Your First 5K, Travel, Recipes, Volunteer Spotlight & More WINTER 2017 I CONNECTIONS / WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT magazine I 1

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a partnership with a purpose Athens, Georgia: home to the University of Georgia, but also consistently ranked as one of the top places to retire. There are so many things that make Athens unique. The food; the music; the arts, theater and culture; the sporting events; the parks, trails and green space; and the educational opportunities are just a few of the things that make Athens awesome. Not to mention, it’s a very philanthropic community. There is no place like Athens and there is nothing like this magazine. We’re on a mission to provide our friends and neighbors who have decided to spend their golden years in our quintessential community with a lifestyle magazine that will help them explore, experience and thrive. Just like the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA), we want to enhance the lives of older adults that live in our area. Founded in 1967, ACCA aims to maintain and enrich the lives of older persons in the 12 counties of Northeast Georgia. ACCA’s programs enable older persons to live independently at home and offer opportunities for employment, volunteerism and other activities. ACCA is a resource for education, information, referral, counseling and general assistance. We’re also on a mission to support our community, and partnering with ACCA on the publication of this magazine allows us to do so. The partnership allows ACCA to use the expertise of OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald staff to assist with photography, design, magazine content and other editorial resources. It allows OnlineAthens/ The Athens Banner-Herald to work with industry leaders to create relevant content ideas, use the knowledge and expertise of ACCA staff to pen this content, and provides an endless list of individuals to spotlight in the magazine. Over the years, ACCA has realized that they can have a larger impact and serve more by creating partnerships with local businesses and other organizations within our community. This partnership allows ACCA to reach a larger, more diverse population. It allows OnlineAthens/The Athens Banner-Herald the opportunity to help this non-profit organization to further their mission. Since our first issue, released in the spring of 2017, ACCA has seen a significant increase in participation in their trips and classes, increased volunteer engagement, and an increased community awareness in the services it provides. Connections/What’s Next? is more than a magazine. It’s a partnership with a purpose.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

If you’ve got a great idea for a story, we want to know about! Submit your story ideas to tina.laseter@ onlineathens.com. For those interested in writing, submit samples of previously published work and a brief description of the idea.

We would love to help grow your business by reaching your target audience within the pages of this magazine. You can help support the mission of the Athens Community Council on Aging by doing so. If you would like more information on advertising opportunities with Connections/What’s Next? contact kevin.clarK@ onlineathens.com or call 706-208-2280.

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contents ceo/ p re si de n t Eve Anthony B OA RD O F DIRECTORS Julie Gaines, Chair Laurie Douglas, Vice Chair Robert Hardell, Treasurer Kelly Holloway, Secretary Publisher, t h e at h e n s b a n n e r - h e r a l d Scot Morrissey V P o f Sa l e s , T h e At h e n s B a n n e r - H e r a l d Kevin Clark EDITOR Donnie Fetter di rector of ma rke ti n g & e n g ag e m e n t, T he athens banne r -he r al d Tina Laseter c r e at i v e d i r e c t o r Kelsey Foster ACC A STAF F Kelli McCain Eve Anthony Erin Beasley ACCOUNT E X ECUTI V ES Tom Bennewitz Sherry Clarke Hayley DeBell Clinton Ervin Alicia Goss Laura Jackson Joshua Lyon A dv e r t i s i n g S u p p o r t Ashley Thompson Allyssa Berrong Kelsey Foster contributors Anna Thorne, Ph.D. Allyn Rippin Nikaela Frederick Photography Joshua L. Jones editorial Chris Starrs Wayne Ford Melissa Erickson

© 2017 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.

LIVE WELL. AGE WELL. meet dee windate

SUE RICE HARRIS local centenarian looks back

COOKING WITH CRAB recipes to try at home

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT meet linda morris

MUSIC AS MEDICINE cover story: piano teacher helps seniors

INSTITUTE OF GERONTOLOGY engage your brain with music

GET YOUR MUSIC FIX upcoming local opportunities

LOCAL SIGHTSEEING winter travel opportunities

YOUR FIRST 5K local pros share advice

AGING...EVERYBODY’S DOING IT spotted around town

PROTECT YOUR DATA tips from a security expert

NATIONAL TRAVEL the legends of mesa

CALENDAR winter events and activities

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LIVE WELL. AGE WELL.

Meet Dee Windate How did you learn about ACCA? 2 years ago, I came to ACCA to be trained to come into Winterville Center, but the position fell through. The director of the Winterville Center met with the program director of the SCSEP program and learned about the incentives of partnering to coordinate staff opportunities. Over a period of time, the center has expanded and I along with one other employee manage the entire center. What are your favorite things about continuing employment later in life? Having something to do as an older person, especially a job, makes you feel more involved and valued. It keeps you active and is very fulfilling. What is your secret to Living Well and Aging Well? I didn’t start working until I was 50, but I have stayed busy doing everything from running a produce business to being a real estate agent to working as a florist for Disney World. What has been your favorite employment experience? Working for Disney World was wonderful. All young people need to work there. They treat their employees so great. Any plan they had was communicated to employees a year in advance and your time of employment begins with a paid two week customer training to learn about the culture. I also enjoyed working at the University of Georgia doing accounts payable and receivable. What would your advice be to your younger self? I am thankful for the training I received at Disney World. So many younger people seem to have a lack of loyalty to what they do. This may be attributed to the employer just as much as the employee. When I was younger, you started a job and stayed through retirement. You just don’t see individuals finding long-term employment with a company like that anymore. You just celebrated your 85th birthday. In 85 years, what are some of the most interesting changes you’ve seen in the workplace? Technology! I just love technology! I started out with old fashioned computers and the advancements have fascinated me my entire life. When technology breaks down today, it’s scary to think of how much it effects the operations of an office.

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Local woman looks back on a century of life By Wayne Ford

Sue Rice Harris turned 100 Aug. 28, but those childhood days that shaped her personality are still vivid memories. Born in Forsyth County at a place now under the waters of Lake Lanier, she moved with her parents, John and Katie Mae Rice from farm to farm as her father forged a hard-working life on tenant farms. “We didn’t have any money at all,” said Harris, who most recently lived in Oconee County before moving into a retirement home in Athens. At an early age, the family moved to a farm outside Buckhead in Morgan County. There a boy was born into this family with four girls. “My mother raised chickens and sold eggs to buy things we didn’t grow on the farm,” Harris said, relaxing in a cushioned chair inside her apartment at Iris Place. Harris’ father even paid a dentist with eggs to teach his children how to take care of their teeth. “I was thinking this afternoon, my daddy would come into the house from the fields and he would wash his hands. “He’d take every fingernail and rub it and rub it until he got his nails clean. He was showing us that cleanliness was important,” she said.

ACCA SENIOR CORPS

The Rice children all piled into the bed of an old pickup every Sunday to travel to church while their father and mother rode up front. The children all learned through their parents about doing chores, helping with the farm, attending church and respecting others. “My mother and daddy both wanted us to be good children,” she said. When she was a young woman, Harris moved to New York City to take a job, where she eventually met her first husband, Banner I. Miller, who was studying for a doctorate in meteorology. She married the North Carolina native, and over the years they moved as his job dictated from Puerto Rico; San Antonio, Texas; Florida; and other places.

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“Every time he got a promotion, we had to move,” she said, describing him as a hurricane expert “who watched the clouds.” After they parted ways, she moved to Oconee County in the 1970s to be close to her brother, Major Rice, a local insurance executive who had been living in Watkinsville since 1945. Harris’ mother was related to the Huff family of Bishop. She took a job with SunTrust bank and began attending Friendship Presbyterian Church. There she met Roland Harris, a mechanical and agricultural engineering professor at the University of Georgia. They married in 1978. Over the ensuing years, they traveled and engaged in their mutual love for gardening. Roland Harris, a native of Paulding County, was a popular professor at UGA and a scholarship was established in his name. The couple settled in Watkinsville, and after her husband died, she eventually settled into a new home at Iris Place. That move was 17 years ago. “Ever since I’ve been here at Iris Place, I have worked in the yard. I’ve planted flowers. I planted Ginkgo trees. All of these things were done with our early managers, who were adorable,” she said. Each day, Harris exercises by walking before and after

breakfast. It is a physical routine she believes helps her in these golden years. Longevity is a trademark for the Rice family. Harris’ parents both lived to be in their 90s. She has a sister in Connecticut who is 97 and a sister in Gainesville recently passed away at age 103. Another sister, Louise, lived to be 100 before she died in 2011. Two sisters married pastors, while the sister in Hall County married Ralph Cleveland, who became a widely known poultry businessman and a major contributor to Brenau University. Harris has the touch of an artist, and a few pieces of her artwork are hung from the walls of her apartment, including a painting of her yard in Florida and a scene from her days in New York. During her years at Iris Place she has become acquainted with many people. “I’ve made so many friends here over the years and they have passed away,” she reflected. But she expressed a special gratitude for her stepdaughter, Barbara Stancel, the daughter of her late husband, Roland Harris. “Without her, I would not be living. She has dived into everything I do, and every time I’ve gone to the hospital she was there,” said the woman who learned gratitude from a young age.

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Cooking with

By Chris Starrs

There aren’t many treasures of the sea that are as tasty as Georgia’s own blue crab. Earlier this fall, University of Georgia Extension-Chatham County teamed up with UGA’s Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and 4-H to celebrate the blue crab as part of their Ocean-toTable series. Included in the workshop were informative sessions on the biology, ecology, nutrition and food safety behind Georgia’s seafood offerings, and there was also a healthy sampling of some delicious recipes featuring the famed azure crustacean. UGA Extension-Chatham County reports that a 3-ounce cooked serving of blue crab meat has 71 calories and zero carbohydrates. Blue crab is high in protein and low in fat and unsaturated fat. It is also high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids and provides 118 percent of the daily need for vitamin B-12. It’s also important to remember, however, that blue crab is high in cholesterol, so consumers who are monitoring their daily numbers are advised to eat blue crab in moderation. Information and recipes were provided by UGA Extension-Chatham County. And now, on to the recipes:

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Crab & Corn Chowder Recipe from Jackie Ogden, UGA Extension FACS Agent ¼ cup chopped green onion 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon cayenne 2 tablespoons margarine 2 cans (10 ¾ ounces) cream of potato soup 1 package (8 ounces) low-fat cream cheese, softened 2 cups 2 percent milk 1 can (15.25 ounces) no-salt added whole kernel corn, undrained 6 ounces crabmeat Melt margarine in a medium saucepan and sauté onion, garlic, cayenne over medium heat. Add soup, milk and cream cheese. Stir and cook until thoroughly blended. Add corn and crab, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes. (Serves 6)

CrabMEAT DIP

Crab Cakes

Recipe from Jackie Ogden, UGA Extension FACS Agent

Recipe from Georgia Sea Grant’s “Seafood is Special”

1 cup crabmeat ¼ cup lemon or lime juice 1 package (3 ounces) low-fat cream cheese, softened ¼ cup low-fat evaporated milk 2 tablespoons lite mayonnaise 1 teaspoon instant minced onion 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion 2 dashes cayenne 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup mayonnaise 1 lb. back-fin crab meat 1 cup crumbled day-old bread 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 2 teaspoons prepared mustard Dash of cayenne pepper Salt to taste

Marinate crabmeat in lemon juice for 30 minutes. Blend cream cheese and evaporated milk (do not whip) until smooth and creamy. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fold in marinated crabmeat. Serve with crisp vegetable dippers, crackers, or chips. Makes about ½ cups.

Capt. Craig’s Crab Stew,

In a bowl, combine the bread and mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Gently work in the crab meat, taking care not to flake it, and shape it into cakes. Put in pie tins covered in foil in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. In a skillet on grill or open fire, heat a little butter or margarine and sauté the crab cakes for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve on roll or cracker.

AKA

“Crabby Craig”

Recipe from Southside Shellfish of Savannah 1 stick of butter

1 can evaporated milk

1 can cream of celery soup

1 teaspoon Old Bay

1 pound fresh crab meat

Dash of salt

Melt butter in pot, add evaporated milk and cream of celery soup. Warm and add crab meat. Add seasoning to taste and salt.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Linda Morris ACCA Senior Companion volunteer Linda Morris was awarded the 2017 Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving’s Volunteer Caregiver award in recognition of her dedication and outstanding service to the individuals and families she cares for. “I have always cared for people as my job and just loved doing it,” said Morris. “It’s a great thing to do and it feels good.” When Morris retired from her job as a nursing assistant, she knew she wanted to stay busy and continue caring for people. In 2014, Morris enrolled as a volunteer in

ACCA’s Senior Companion Program, which matches volunteers age 55 and up with adults seeking friendship, and assistance with daily chores and tasks. Senior Companion is one of three Senior Corps programs sponsored by ACCA. The Retired and Senior Volunteer, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs each provide unique opportunities for adults of retirement age to use their experience and stay engaged in their community through volunteer service. For more information on these programs, please contact Tegan Hurley at (706) 549-4850.

Linda Morris, left, visits with Sallie Gresham. Linda was named the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Volunteer Caregiver of the Year for Georgia for her work as a Senior Companion Volunteer at ACCA. WINTER 2017 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 13

Music:

Medicine for the Mind & Body

By Chris Starrs

For many seniors, the hopes and dreams of youth often took a backseat to the realities of life, with jobs, children, grandchildren among the most important responsibilities to tend to. But in retirement, many seniors have a substantial amount of “me time” on their hands, allowing them the freedom and the opportunity to pursue a variety of activities, including those that have long simmered on the backburner. And in Athens, when an older individual wants to learn how to play the piano, they generally turn to Jasna (pronounced Yas-na) Cope, who has more than 90 students, many of whom are able to create the soundtrack for their sunset years. A native of the former Yugoslavia, Cope moved to Ath 1 4 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

ens in 1996 and spent seven years teaching piano and music at St. Joseph Catholic School before deciding to focus strictly on offering lessons to individual students. “You can hear music coming from my house at any time of the day,” says Cope. While the majority of her students are part of the younger set, Cope assents that she has a number of middleage students, as well as some retired learners. Cope says she enjoys working with older students because she admires their tenacity and adds that she never fails to learn something from them. “They love the challenge … (and) I love to learn from everybody,” she says. “With adults, they want to grow. Research shows that doing something like learning music

or playing piano gives you more passion in life, more vitality and happiness. The research shows how much integration of all parts of the brain brings the vitality in life. It even inspires better immunity and health in adults and children as well. “Learning any new skill is wonderful for any age, but particularly for older people. So when you’re playing the piano, more parts of the brain are involved than in any other activity -- the emotional part, the reasoning, fine motor skills, the large motor skills, the thinking process, the emotional investment. When you’re playing piano, there are all these firing neurons, which make you happy and more vital.” There are a variety of motivations in play when it comes to learning the piano, and Cope understands each and every impulse. “Everybody is different,” she says. “For older students, it’s usually nostalgia. They always wanted to know how to play the piano and they never got a chance. I have a student who is a grandmother whose children played the family piano and then got married and moved away, and then the grandchildren came along and now they’re grown and it’s her turn now. She never had the time for piano and always wanted to play.

“For older retired adults, learning to play the piano is kind of like unfinished business – something they always wanted to do and now they have the time to do it.” Cope also has students who at one time tickled the ivories, but had to shelve their ambitions as their lives progressed. “I have a returning student who learned piano when she was younger, but then stopped and did not play the piano for 40 years,” she says. “And she said, ‘The day I retired, all I wanted to do was play the piano.’ And she plays Chopin and Brahms and other very difficult pieces.” A senior’s desire to learn music and the piano is one Cope applauds because it shows that the student still has a thirst for new adventures. “The older ones do it because they know it’s good for them to learn something new,” she says. “They always wanted to learn it, but they never had the time. If you stop learning, you stop living. “It’s really unbelievable, their drive – nothing will stop them. And if they’re retired, they’ve already accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish. Their children are grown and now they have this drive for a challenge and to not give up at their age.” While Cope says she learns something from all her students, she adds that she finds inspiration in her older charges – so much so that she wanted to learn something new. “There’s a passion for achievement and not giving up,” she said. “It’s just fascinating and it’s a good inspiration for me to not be afraid to start something new, something I never thought I could do. “I have never danced in my life. I grew up in music – my brother is a composer in Los Angeles and my dad’s family were jazz musicians. Music was always part of our house, but not dancing. I was inspired to dance. I went to Argentina for six weeks to learn how to tango. It’s definitely inspiring – I learn something from all my students, but especially the older ones. … I love to see it when people find new purpose.”

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Engage Your Brain with Music in 2018 Anna Thorne, Ph.D. • Athens Community Council on Aging Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia

As the New Year approaches, many of us think about our goals towards becoming a better, healthier us. We may resolve to drink more water, eat healthier, or hit the gym. In the New Year, consider improving your brain health toward becoming a newer and better you. Being able to maintain our brains as we age is a critical component of living a long independent life. But what are some of those things that we can do to maintain our brain health as we age? Learning music is a great and fun way to challenge the brain, which leads to reorganization within the brain, known as neuroplasticity. Research shows that learning an instrument is a whole brain phenomenon, utilizing areas of the brain related to hearing, vision, motor functioning, memory, and emotional processing. The musician must take the notes of the musical score and translate this musical language into expressive sounds made by precise motor movements which combine with the rest of the orchestra to create a masterpiece. A whole brain ‘workout’ to say the least. Not only does music activate many different brain areas, but research suggests that participating in music may help protect the brain as we age. For instance, professional musicians have been shown to have lower prevalence of dementia compared to their age-matched non-musician counterparts. In addition, evidence exists that older musicians have enhancements in processing visual symbols and aspects of auditory perception. Musical engagement also helps decrease social isolation, whether through building relationships with a music teacher or playing amongst fellow musicians as part of an ensemble. While older professional musicians benefit from their musical training, research also suggests that older musical novices who have only been learning music for a short amount of time also experience cognitive enhancements. For instance, a study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that older 1 6 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

people who took piano lessons for only six months showed improvements in their ability to process and manipulate information, as well as improvements in their executive functioning, which relates to decision making and planning ability. A study conducted by the Human Biofactors Laboratory in the Psychology Department at the University of Georgia in collaboration with UGA’s Music Therapy Department found that older adults who did not have any prior musical training showed greater neural responses to musical sounds, as well as enhanced performance in verbal memory and executive functioning. These results were observed after six months of one-on-one piano lessons compared to music listening alone. Thus, learning a new and challenging skill like music can elicit observable changes in the brain within a relatively short amount of time. In addition to enhancing brain activation and cognitive functioning, music has also been shown to be therapeutic for individuals with dementia. One vivid example of the power of music is found with a dementia patient named Henry in the documentary ‘Alive Inside.’ Henry is originally observed as being very withdrawn in the residential facility where he lives. However, once he is given a set of headphones, he becomes animated, singing along energetically to the familiar songs of his past. In fact, research studies suggest that familiar music can help calm patients with dementia, particularly in environments that may be unfamiliar to them. Furthermore, patients with dementia may also be able to sing along to songs, even after other aspects of memory have declined. In summary, research suggests that music can be beneficial for older people of various levels of functioning. Music is a great skill to develop as there are so many different ways to get involved. Whether it is learning a new instrument, participating in your local choir, finding a new band to listen to, or singing in the shower, everyone has the ability to engage with music. Therefore, consider developing your inner virtuoso this year for a better you.

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Get your music fix By Chris Starrs

For seniors living in the Athens area, the hills are alive with the sound of music. There are a number of outlets in the Classic City where seniors can pursue their musical muse, either as a participant or patron. Here’s a quick look at a few melodious avenues to pursue and peruse:

Athens Symphony The Athens Symphony has been a musical mainstay and will conclude its 40th season with Christmas concerts on Dec. 9 and 10 at The Classic Center. Executive Director Dick Hudson says there are three charter members in the orchestra and many players have been part of the ensemble for more than 20 years. “The age is an older one,” says Hudson. “We give six scholarships to UGA music students, so obviously that makes us a little younger. But most are in starting in their 30s and 40s.” Under the baton of Susan Dinwiddie, the orchestra, which plays six concerts a year, has about 90 members, with another 115 to 120 collaborating in the chorus (“The more voices there are, the better it sounds,” says Hudson). There is an audition process to join the symphony, and Hudson says there are a number of older musicians whose musical gifts had been placed on hold for years. “They are older people, and they’ve all got a musical backgrounds that was dormant for years and now it’s come out…” says Hudson. “There are a lot of over 55s in the orchestra. They started, continued or restarted something they’ve had a passion for all their lives.” And if you’re not musically inclined, an evening (or afternoon) with the Athens Symphony is a nice diversion and concerts are generally free of charge. “Whether its voice or playing, there are opportunities to join and because tickets are free, they can come and enjoy it,” says Hudson. For more information, athenssymphony.org. 1 8 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

visit

www.

Athens Choral Society

UGA Community Music School

Since 1971, the Athens Choral Society has provided the platform for many Athens-area residents to indulge in their love of singing. The group’s book includes everything from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and Haydn’s “Creation” to popular hits of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, and it has performed in nearly every venue in town, including the Morton Theatre and UGA’s Hodgson Hall.

An outreach program of the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, the UGA Community Music School brings musical instruction to Athens-area residents of all ages.

New members are welcome to join in by attending the first rehearsals of the season (which generally takes place in September) and deciding if joining up is warranted. Members pay seasonal dues and pay for their own music, all of which was less than $45 in 2017.

The Community Music School’s faculty consists of undergraduate and graduate music students in the Hodgson School and professionals from the area. Private instruction is offered in piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, music theory and music composition. In addition, group and ensemble classes are offered. Students also have access to the Hodgson School’s state-of-the-art facilities and performance venues. And there’s also free parking!

For more information, visit www.athenschoralsociety. com.

For more information, call 706-542-2894 or visit www. ugacms.edu.

Athens Chamber Singers Although they have been performing in Athens since 1979, the Athens Chamber Singers may be best known for their annual Yuletide Musical Dinners, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. The event, which includes a performance-enhanced full-course meal with a brief concert afterwards, has been a holiday tradition in this town for decades. Under the direction of Kevin Kelly, the Athens Chamber Singers also host a spring concert, which in 2017 featured loved songs and sea shanties from the British Isles, and the group has always presented interesting programs, ranging from the eclectic to the ethnic to the sacred. For more information, call 706-353-6976 or 706-542-2712 or visit www.athenschambersingers.org.

The Athens Chamber Singers perform at their annual Yuletide Musical Dinner. Director, Dr. Kevin Kelly. (Photo by Don Nelson) WINTER 2017 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 19

By Allyn Rippin

Atlanta sports fans are abuzz with the recent opening of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the spectacular new home of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC soccer team and worldclass events. The stadium, located on Atlanta’s Historic Westside, is being billed as the “finest sports and entertainment facility in the world.” And rightfully so. The complex boasts a boundary-pushing mix of technology, sustainable measures, out-of-the-box dining, and a memorable experience that puts fans in the driver’s seat. The first thing you’ll notice is the building itself, where the technology is just as impressive as the architecture. The stadium’s centerpiece is the 63,000-square foot, 360-degree HD video halo board (the largest of its kind in the world) with more than 2,000 TV screens between the concourses, LED lights and a state-of-the-art audio system. The eight-petal retractable roof can open or close in less than seven minutes, which means players and fans alike won’t have to worry about the elements in the middle of the action. The complex was clearly conceived with a “Fan First” attitude. Everything about the typical stadium experience has been re-imagined, from wider seats to reduced waiting times at entry (under 5 minutes) to VIP suites and clubs decked out with amenities and plum viewing spots. Fans can also experience 21st century tailgating in the 61,000-square foot outdoor plaza called the “Front Porch.” Organizers have even teamed up with Waze to 2 0 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

get you to and from the stadium faster with turn-by-turn directions from your phone. If you have ever attended a sporting event, you know concessions can make a serious dent in your wallet. The Stadium advertises “the best stadium food on the planet” with both affordable pricing (like $2 hotdogs and $3 nachos) as well as pricier eats and options for vegans and vegetarians. Hungry for something different? Try one of the 20 different eateries on each floor. Another driving concept for the stadium’ design is sustainability. It is the first professional sports stadium to receive LEED Platinum status and is being touted as the “most sustainable sports venue in the world.” Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank is a leader in sustainable and socially responsible building practices in Atlanta, and there are countless ways the building saves energy and resources. For instance, the facility uses 47 percent less water and the lights last 10 times longer that traditional arenas. More than 4,000 solar panels installed by Georgia Power allow the Stadium to collect enough renewable energy each year to power more than nine Atlanta Falcons home games and 13 Atlanta United home matches. Other smart strategies include alternative modes of transportation - the stadium is nestled within walking distance of several MARTA stations, and there is even a bike valet. Unlike typical venues, this one shows off its hometown roots. Eateries like Molly B’s southern-style chophouse (named for Blank’s mother) and West Nest celebrate the city’s culinary talents. The Savannah College of Art and Design has curated an art collection of student work,

where you’ll find everything from original painted murals and photography to mixed-media installations and monumental sculptures. The “Window to the City” offers a magnificent view of the Atlanta skyline and a visual and symbolic connection to the community. Even more impressive, Arthur Blank’s Family Foundation, along with the City of Atlanta, have committed a combined $32 million to the Westside Neighborhood Prosperity Fund. The Fund goes toward housing, education, health, entrepreneurship, workforce development and youth leadership to address systemic issues of poverty and disinvestment to ensure that the neighborhoods around the Stadium, especially long-time residents, benefit, too. Georgia’s billion-dollar enterprise certainly dreamed big, and so far it has delivered. The complex has already hosted more than a million visitors, and there are plans to open a multi-purpose greenspace on the grounds of the Georgia Dome, called the Home Depot Backyard, in 2018. Ready to see the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for yourself? Tours are available to the public. Come join the Center for Active Living on a guided tour (with special group pricing) on Jan. 24. For more details, see our catalogue or call (706) 549-4850.

Are you older and living alone?

Can I Come Live With You . . . If Just For a Little While?

You Can Be Part of the

University of Georgia Feline Foster Study A Project of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine for older adults living alone. Researchers: Drs. Heidi Ewen and Sherry Sanderson Contact: Heidi Ewen, Ph.D. Phone: (706) 542-4856 Email: hewen@uga.edu or heidi.ewen@gmail.com

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Immerse yourself in Stone Mountain’s holiday wonderland.

A Stone Mountain Christmas Have a holly, jolly Christmas at Stone Mountain, where the true magic of the season is in the air. Enjoy the glow of more than 2 million lights, festive music, visits from some your favorite holiday characters and great holiday shopping, such as hand-blown glass ornaments, homemade fudge, unique toys and seasonal apparel. Your Adventure Pass gives you access to whimsical attractions, including live performances of shows such as “Christmas in the City,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol,” plus a special train ride, parade and fireworks at the end of the night. Members are free to explore on your own or with the group. When: Thursday, December 21 Time: Depart ACCA at 3:30 p.m. Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members

Augusta Black Heritage Tour Celebrate Black History Month with a fascinating tour of Augusta, Ga., where the African-American community has played a significant role shaping the city’s history and culture. Enjoy a one-hour historic trolley tour throughout the city visiting nearly 30 different historical sites followed by a guided tour of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum to discover black Augustan’s far-reaching contributions. We will complete our day with lunch downtown and a stroll along the picturesque Augusta Riverwalk. When: Wednesday, February 7 Time: Depart ACCA at 8 a.m. Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members (lunch not included)

For more details or to reserve your spot, please call the Center for Active Living at (706) 549-4850. 2 2 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

Statue of famous Augustan James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul.”

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By Chris Starrs

Get the picture – you’re in your mid-to-late 50s (or even older) and for the first time in your life, you want to run a 5K race. Good for you! This is a big first step on what could well be a much-needed boost to your overall health, work performance and sex life. And don’t think you’ll be the only old-timer among an army of youthful sprinters at that first 5K. You might be surprised at the large number of older competitors involved. But we should also be honest here. If regular exercise hasn’t been part of your routine for a while (or ever), it’s going to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. And it’s almost mandatory that you see your doctor before starting any exercise programs just to make sure there aren’t any issues that would bar physical exertion. For tips on getting started, consultations were held with a couple of running experts -- Wayne Norton spent 16 years as head track coach at the University of Georgia and ran track at Howard University, and Rachel Hopkins, who ran at Auburn, coached at Georgia and is the founding director of Sirius Athletics, a track club for youngsters in the Athens area. Here are some of their thoughts on getting mind, body and soul together for your first 5K and turning running into a lifestyle choice.

Slowly and surely Both Norton and Hopkins are adamant, and common sense concurs, that it will take some dedicated planning to accompany your dedicated physical progress. Hopkins says a runner should set a goal of three months to train for a 5K, starting slowly and surely. “Give yourself plenty of time to take it slow and ease into it,” she says. “Your body has an amazing ability to 2 4 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT ’ S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

adapt to stress, but if you overstress it, something’s going to break and it’s going to hurt. You need time to do it.” She also advises that runners observe the “three-week” rule. “You’ve got to give it three weeks before you decide you like it or not,” she says. “I tell everybody and I tell myself that coming back is hard. It’s always hard when you first get started and it’s not always fun. In three weeks, you’ll start feeling like, ‘I can do this’ and it starts to be fun. So don’t start judging it until three weeks in.” Norton advises being cautious in those first sessions and adds you can expect some achy muscles from the very beginning. “Be conservative starting and building,” he says. “We’re not going to go out and try to be a super hero right away. We want you to go out there and just start a walking/jogging-type routine every other day. If you’ve never done this before, you’re going to have some aches and pains and you’re liable to think about quitting this thing.”

Always making progress Norton is keen on constant development and his viewpoints reflect how he looks at preparing for a competition. He recommends a three-day cycle, with the first day being a tough workout, the second day consisting of a relaxed conversation pace and the third day is even more slower and relaxed – a lighter recovery run. “It’s always about progression,” says Norton who further suggests working the three-day plan for a few weeks before transitioning into a five- and then seven-day-a-week program. “Most of our training is about progressing; we know where we want to go, but we want to take our time to get there so we don’t have any issues or setbacks.” Hopkins subscribes to a 10/10/10 format, which is a 10-minute warm-up, 10 minutes of running and then 10 more minutes of walking and is a precursor to the 10/10 program. “You do need to stress your body some, but it’s OK to

run/walk in the beginning,” says Hopkins, who served as head cross country coach at California-Santa Cruz, a program she helped found. “You want to warm yourself up and 10-10-10 would be a good way to start.” She also thinks some variety in workouts is helpful, but getting loose is essential. “Change things up. Mix in easy days and harder days,” she says. “In the first couple of weeks you’re getting your legs underneath you and you’re able to make jogging the majority of your time, although you should always have a warm-up. You’ll feel better with a warm-up.”

Your friend, accountability Having someone to share the miles with is an excellent strategy, says Hopkins. “Something to help keep people motivated and to have fun is to find a friend,” she says. “If you can find somebody to do it together it’s a big determiner on success. If you’ve got somebody doing the same thing, there’s accountability – if you’re supposed to meet somebody to go out and jog you’re likely to go yourself and it’s enjoyable, time flies by, you talk and support each other.”

Enjoy yourself! Remember this – in your first 5K, you’re probably not going to win. Nor will you win in your 10th, 25th or 100th 5K (though if you’re running that much, you might win in your age group). So have fun with it – relax and enjoy the experience. “In your 50s and 60s, there’s no reason to slow down,” says Hopkins. “As long as you’re healthy and train smart and work rest into it, enjoy it when you actually have time for yourself to do things like this.” But above all, be smart about what you hope to accomplish and how you get there. “Listen to your body,” says Norton. “It will tell you if it’s ready for more or if it doesn’t want any more. Make good decisions based on what your body is telling you.” WINTER 2017 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 25

AGING... EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

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1 - Pumpkin Patch: Staff and clients with ACCA’s Adult Day Health program visited Milledge Avenue Baptist Church for some Fall fun! Volunteers from the church opened early, set up tables for a picnic lunch, and helped clients pick out pumpkins! 2 - Java Joy: Extra Special People’s Java Joy was onsite at ACCA’s staff training to brighten the morning serving coffee to staff. 3 - Partner of the Year: ACCA was proud to present the UGA Office of Service Learning with the first Community Partner of the Year Award. 4 - Day of Caring: Grainger and Ethicon employees spent the United Way Day of Caring beautifying ACCA’s campus. 5 - Line Dancers: ACCA’s Center for Active Living line dancers performed at the What’s Next Expo at the Athens YMCA! 6 - Will’s Pet Pantry: Donna and Brian Seagraves donated a new storage building and an ongoing supply of pet food to provide assistance to the Meals on Wheels for Pets program in memory of their son, Will Seagraves. Will’s Pet Pantry will truly impact the lives of many Meals on Wheels clients and their furry friends! 7 - Subaru Donation: ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program was the recipient of a new 2018 Subaru Outback. The program was selected as one of 50 throughout the country to receive a vehicle as part of Subaru of America’s 50 Cars for 50 Years event, which celebrated Subaru’s 50th year of operations in the United States. 8 - Mobile Food Pantry: Volunteers from Eaton and Canon Financial packed more than 250 bags with roughly 8,000 pounds of food from The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia at ACCA’s bi-monthly mobile food pantry to go out to help ACCA’s clients and their families. 9 - Advocacy in Action: Eve Anthony joins Georgia Council on Aging Chair, Vicki Johnson, in meeting with Chairman Terry England to discuss 2018 legislative priorities benefitting Georgia’s seniors. 10 - ACCA: ACCA swears in new board members during our 2017 Annual Meeting. From left to right, Don DeMaria, UGA Washington Semester; Maria Bowie UGA Cooperative Extension; Dr. Achilia Morrow, Augusta University/UGA Medical Partnership; Delores Eggleston, Retired Chaplain WINTER 2017 I CONNECTIONS / WHAT’S NEXT magazine I 27

Protect your data By Melissa Erickson

In the world we live in, it's not a matter of if someone will try to steal your information but when. The latest major data breach at credit bureau Equifax affected 143 million U.S. consumers. Last year, data breaches at Arby's, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Kmart, Brooks Brothers and Chipotle all made headlines. While you're checking Facebook 10 times a day, be diligent and check your online bank and credit card statements, too, because theft of credit card information through retail stores and restaurants is becoming more common, said Gary Warner, a cybersecurity expert and director of the Center for Information Assurance and Joint Forensics Research at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Advances in customer security include the addition of computer chips to credit and debit cards, but there are still many things people can do to protect themselves. Here are five ways Warner suggests to keep your data safe when shopping or eating out.

such as Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay. Using a credit card instead of a debit card will prevent your bank account from being drained if your information becomes compromised.

3. Sign your name instead of using your PIN If paying with a debit card is your only option, sign for the purchase instead of typing in a personal identification number. You can do this by asking the cashier to process the card as a credit card or by selecting "credit card" on the display.

4. Be cautious when opening emails After a big data breach makes the news, hackers ramp up efforts to steal by sending malicious emails about the breach or offers for free credit monitoring. A malicious email will contain links that direct you to fake websites that try to steal your information. If the email looks credible, go to the company's main website instead of clicking on any links inside the email. If a data breach has occurred, companies almost always provide information and instructions for those affected on their website.

1. Never swipe your card if it has a chip The magnetic stripes on traditional credit and debit cards store data, such as a cardholder's name, card number, expiration date and country code. Whoever accesses this data can make purchases online or create a copy of the card. The chip encrypts your payment information.

2. Consider using another form of payment If a merchant is unable to process chip card payments, consider using cash or mobile payment

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5. Monitor your accounts Scan credit card and bank statements every month for any unauthorized charges. Pay close attention to small charges. Criminals only need to steal a small amount of money if they have stolen information from thousands of customers. No one should care as much about your money as you do. Check your bank statements and credit report frequently both now and after the latest data breach fades from the headlines.

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The Legends of Mesa By CR Rae

Mesa, Arizona, is about 15 miles outside of Phoenix, as the crow flies. With the slogan "City Limitless," explorers can fulfill their travel desires from spring training for professional baseball teams to a Wild West ghost town. Beyond the limitless city, boomers will find a little something that will take them back in time; an area that reminds us of the days of Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy: the Apache Trail. This scenic drive takes travelers through beautiful desert and mountain views following in the footsteps of Native Americans and those prospecting for gold. The entire round trip can offer some challenges for RVs, drivers who don't like heights, or riders who have motion sickness. But with a little Dramamine, the trip will prove to be one of the best scenic drives travelers can find. For those of you who don't want to take on a challenge, there is plenty to do close to Mesa on the trail. Either way, allow the day for the trip.

Go back in time at Goldfield Ghost Town. Established in the 1890s, it was a bustling town of three saloons, a brewery, general store, blacksmith, meat market and a schoolhouse. With Goldfield's rate of growth, it was thought it would outgrow Mesa; however, the vein of gold failed and the town slowly died. Attempts were made to reopen the mines, but they were unsuccessful. Today, the restored town is a great place to visit for all ages. Learn the history, take a mine tour, ride the train, visit the saloon for a steak, buy something at the general store, pan for gold and more. Visit www.goldfieldghosttown.com for more information. Mosey on along the trail enjoying the tall saguaro cacti and you will come upon beautiful Canyon Lake, where visitors can take a steamboat trip. The Dolly has been taking its passengers on a wonderful guided tour of the lake since 1925. View desert big horn sheep, bald eagles and other wildlife. The captain takes cruisers back in time with his stories of the Superstition Mountains. Take your camera and binoculars. The Dolly also offers a twilight dinner cruise and an astronomy dinner cruise. Visit www.dollysteamboat.com for dates, times and to purchase tickets.

On the trail The Apache Trail was once a stagecoach route. It got its name from the Apache Indians who used the trail to move through the Superstition Mountains. The trail is known as State Route 88. Directions from Mesa: Take U.S. 60 east, exit at Idaho Road and travel north to connect with Highway 88. Make a stop at the Superstition Mountain Museum, where history and the legends of the West are found. The museum, at 4087 N. Apache Trail, is a great stop for photographers, hikers, history buffs and everyone who travels the trail. The museum area has an exhibit hall, museum shop and outdoor structures including the Apacheland Barn. Stop by and find out what the Elvis Chapel is. Visit www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org for more information. 3 0 I C O N N E C T I ONS / W HAT â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S NEX T magazine I WINTER 2017

More to see The adventurous who continue on the trail will come

upon picturesque Roosevelt Lake. The views are worth the drive on the winding dirt road. Roosevelt is the third-largest lake in Arizona, behind Lake Mead and Lake Powell. It is 22 miles long and has 128 miles of shoreline, offering many water activities. Visit www. rlmaz.com. Tonto National Monument offers the history of native culture with two Salado-style cliff dwellings, woven cotton, colorful pottery and a variety of artifacts that tell the story of those living in the dwellings from 1250 to 1450. Visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/ home for tours, trails and hours. When you are off the trail, plan to spend some time in the wonderful city of Mesa. In fact, you can take another trail: the Fresh Foodie trail, a linked collection of farms. It is a culinary journey. Download a brochure at www. FreshFoodieTrail.com.

For more information on things to do and places to stay, go to www.visitmesa.com.

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The Center for Active Living (CAL) is a multi-purpose center offering older adults in Athens and surrounding communities opportunities to stay active and engaged. CAL provides unique social, educational, and wellness related classes and activities, group trips, and supportive services. For membership information or to register for trips and classes, contact Nikaela Frederick, CAL Wellness Coordinator, at (706) 549-4850 or nfrederick@accaging.org.