Seasoned

febrUary 2019

Mental clarity The capacity to sign Texas documents

Aging

You don’t have to become weak and frail

Physical therapy

Dealing with chronic pelvic pain

Celebrate

Acknowledge love given, longed for, lost

Rekindle the romance Don’t resign yourself to receding happiness as time passes

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Crystal Dupre’

A monthly publication of The Eagle 1729 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802

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Contents

3 Shining a light on capacity to sign Texas documents 4 You don’t have to become weak and frail 6 Valentine’s Day romance and diet tips 8 Dealing with chronic pelvic pain 9 Tips for Valentine’s Day survival 10 Calendar

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Mental clarity:

Shining a light on the capacity to sign Texas documents Imagine that your mom has Alzheimer’s. She calls you one day, out of the blue, saying that she wants to sell the family home. When you ask her where she would live if the family home is gone, she doesn’t seem to have a clear plan. Ten minutes into the call, Mom gets upset with your questions. She declares that she can sell the house without your help and hangs up the phone.

Now what?

Can she just sell the house, despite her diagnosis?

Doesn’t her diagnosis mean that she can’t sign legal papers, no matter what she says?

If reading this caused you to break out into cold sweat, you are not alone. The concept of “mental capacity” is complex, and there’s a lot of confusion about incapacity. Here’s what you need to know.

Understand the requirement

Different legal documents have a different degree of required capacity. Without diving too deeply into legalese, you need to understand that the bar for signing a Power of Attorney, a Warranty Deed, a Contract, a Divorce Decree, or a Settlement Agreement is a little lower than for signing a Will.

Leaving the Will aside for the moment (because it would warrant a separate article), let’s focus on other legal documents first. The person signing them must be capable of two things. One, understanding and appreciating what he or she is signing. Two, the effect of the document.

So, back to our example. Can Mom sign the Deed to her house over to the buyer? If, in the moment of signing, she understands that she is selling her house, and that, once the document is signed, the house will belong to someone else, then the answer is “Yes, she can”. A terminal diagnosis or a neurodegenerative disease doesn’t automatically render a person unable to sign legal documents. A case-by-case assessment is necessary to determine whether the document will be valid.

What if the person can’t sign his or her name?

This is another common misconception. Just because someone can’t write his or her name doesn’t mean that they lack capacity. If Mom can’t sign her name (possibly due to tremors or T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

neurodegeneration) she can sign with an “X”. Alternatively, she could place her hand on top of someone else’s and allow the other person to sign Mom’s name. Done in front of the witnesses and the notary, that would be perfectly legal.

QQ Declining ability to do math where it had once been easy QQ Disorientation and changes in depth perception (i.e. driving into an obstacle, tripping on a step)

TracY Stewart financial literacy

What if the person’s mental clarity comes and goes?

This is a tough aspect of disease. Sometimes, Mom might be perfectly sharp and “with it”. Other times, she may be off in her own world. She might be making sound decisions today but trying to walk in the middle of rush hour traffic tomorrow.

Alternatively, she might get agitated for no obvious reason, become aggressive, or slide into nonresponsiveness.

Capacity can be fluid. Progress of a neurodegenerative or other terminal disease is rarely linear. This is why the best time to sign critical documents is sooner rather than later. You might think that you have plenty of time, but no one (not even your Mom’s doctor) can guarantee that the “window of capacity” will remain open for a certain number of days, weeks or months. If you miscalculate, you risk spending money, time, and effort on creating legal documents that may be challenged and found to be invalid later.

What are the signs that you should act now?

We all live full and busy lives. The temptation is great to delay signing a Power of Attorney or a Deed, especially if interacting with your loved one isn’t smooth or pleasant. And yet, the process will be least painful if you get through it before your parent’s legal capacity declines.

How do you know when you have to act right away? You don’t. However, the following signs should prompt you to move a little quicker.

QQ Short-term memory loss QQ Personality changes (i.e. the person becomes unusually angry, inappropriate, or withdrawn) QQ Mixing up or forgetting common-usage words and names

Remember that diagnosing mental decline is tricky. Any one of the signs above could be caused by dementia or a host of other problems—from medication side effects to depression or vitamin deficiency. Work with your loved one’s doctor and specialists to get to the issue’s root cause. Reach out to an elder law attorney who can walk you through your options, document your loved one’s legal capacity, and get the right documents executed sooner rather than later. Do your part so that other professionals can help you take care of your loved one.

Tracy Stewart, CPA consults on financial issues related to elder planning and divorce. She can be contacted at tracy@TracyStewartCPA.com.

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CHANGING WITH AGE: You don’t have to become weak and frail

The usual course of aging includes becoming weak and frail. You will likely have falls, some of which may cause devastating fractures. Most people start losing muscle mass at age 30, and it gets worse in old age. Aging changes that cause frailty include a decline in muscle stem cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, a decline in protein quality and turnover, and dysregulation of hormones. As strength declines, we become less active, which creates a vicious cycle in which we go from bad to worse.

There is only one known cure – exercise. Exercise can slow the muscle deterioration of aging and even reverse muscle loss and weakness.

Exercise acts on the same functions that cause muscle aging in the first place. In particular, exercise improves mitochondrial function, increases protein turnover, and improves hormonal regulation.

A review of several independent studies reveals that muscle cells do not divide. Thus, the only way you can get stronger is to stimulate the few residual muscle stem cells to mature and to build up the protein in muscles by exercise. Stem cells amount to about eight percent of total muscle cells in young adults, but declines to only 0.8 percent after about 70. Moreover, aging represses many genes in the surviving stem cells.

Mitochondria are the energy factories of cells, and muscle contraction needs energy. Gene expression in muscle cell mitochondria is suppressed with age, leading to a depression of energy production in muscle.

The elderly may not eat enough protein, and if they have kidney deterioration (also common in aging), they should not be eating too much protein. Adding to the problem is that aging impairs the ability of muscle cells

to recycle used and damaged proteins.

Muscle is sustained by growth hormones, but these hormones decline with age. Injecting dr. bill klemM mice with these the memory medic growth factors can reverse age-related decline, A surprising discovery is that muscle itself is an endocrine organ that secretes some 965 different proteins called myokines that circulate in the blood to help repair muscle cells. They

may also act on the brain in unknown ways. The best-known myokine is interleukin 6 (IL-6), which blocks inflammatory cytokines and increases insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

Another myokine, IGF-1, helps muscle cells “bulk up,” but this hormone declines with age.

These biological mechanisms have not yet led to pharmaceutical therapies.

The only thing that works is exercise.

One study of amateur cyclists showed that their lifetime of regular exercise prevented loss of muscle mass and strength as they aged.

Another study has shown that exercise promotes more youthful levels of muscle proteins. For example, one study revealed that just six months of a resistance training program for adults averaging 70 reversed the mitochrondria dysfunction.

How exercise helps is not completely worked out, but exercise does increase the number of muscle stem cells and promotes mitochondrial health in mature muscle cells. Exercise also seems to improve the cellular debris cleanup processes, as has been shown in mice that were given treadmill exercise. Finally, exercise can reverse the decline in myokines.

Both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise help sustain muscle. Up to a point, we might assume that the more exercise the better. But it need not take a lot. For example, a study of older women showed that one hour of brisk walking improved insulin sensitivity on the next day. We can expect that research will eventually titrate the relationship between amount and kind of exercise with increases in muscle mass and strength. Such research may also lead to useful pharmaceuticals.

Taking a pill is less work than exercise.

But we don’t have such pills yet. In the meanwhile, we can all exercise more.

Exercise may or may not help you live longer. It will surely make you live more vigorously.

To learn more about “Memory Medic,” check out his web site at WRKlemm.com and his blog on learning and memory at thankyoubrain.blogspot.com.

Source: Butler-Browne, Gillian et al. (2018). Researchers untangle the multifarious nature of muscle aging. So far, the only reliable Metro Creative Connection treatment is exercise. The Scientist. Sept. 1. https://www.thescientist.com/features/how-muscles-age--and-how-exerciseExercise can slow the muscle deterioration of aging and even reverse muscle loss and weakness. can-slow-it-64708 Exercise acts on the same functions that cause muscle aging in the first place.

4 | February 7, 2019

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Rekindle THE ROMANCE You don’t have to resign yourself to receding happiness as time passes. A challenge of your current beliefs can help you rekindle the spark and enjoy a closer, more meaningful relationship.

Metro Creative Connection

6 | February 7, 2019

StatePoint Whether you’re a honeymooner or you’re celebrating your 50th anniversary, there’s a chance that the romantic spark that brought you and your partner together in the first place needs to be rekindled. Experts say that a continually fulfilling relationship requires establishing and maintaining a complete connection.

“Marriage is more than a wedding and a license, it’s a psychological, emotional and spiritual sense of connection,” says Dr. Frederick D. Mondin, a marriage counselor, human sexuality professor and author of the new book, “Erotic Love & Marriage: Improve Your Sex Life and Emotional Connection,” which offers insights on the issues that almost every relationship struggles with, as well as solutions that highlight connection, communication and exploration.

Dr. Mondin is sharing tips and insights to all couples seeking to connect or re-connect with one another.

Q Keep dating: No matter how busy you become, you should never stop having the kind of fun you had when you were courting.

Whether it’s hiking beautiful trails, going to concerts, or giving and attending parties, these activities should be carried into any longterm relationship if you intend to have a meaningful romantic life together and a healthy emotional connection.

Q Take each other seriously: Don’t allow gender stereotypes to lead you to discount each other’s feelings or opinions as irrational.

You’ll communicate more effectively, and be happier as a result, if you listen to your partner and take him or her seriously. In other words, there should be no “boss” in the marriage. Work at maintaining a peer relationship.

Q Ritualize contact time: Couples need ritualized contact time in which they get together, such as going to lunch once a week, having coffee together in the morning or watching a television program they both like. This is one of the most important components of having a close, emotionally intimate relationship.

Q Speak the language of love: Emotional intimacy has its own language, the language of endearment. Focus on all the right features of your partner – the personal qualities you saw when you first met and still appreciate, and start to verbalize that information. If your partner reciprocates, it will create a feeling of closeness. These words don’t have to be rational or logical, but they should always be a validation of the relationship and your partner.

Q Lose your inhibitions: Be open with each other about everything – including sex. Unfortunately, lingering guilt, fear and shame on this topic prevent many couples from being candid with one another. Learn to lose those inhibitions so that you can share your needs, desires, feelings and concerns.

Q Give each other space: You don’t need to do everything together to have a happy relationship. In fact, the happiest couples tend to give each other the support and space needed to maintain their independent interests.

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Handling Valentine’s Day when you have diabetes Metro Creative Connection

Metro Creative Connection Sweethearts who want to keep their relationships running strong know that Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on February 14. But even the most ardent Valentine’s Day enthusiast might not know just why this day designed for lovers to express their affections for one another is celebrated in mid-February.

According to the Library of Congress, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, though the date might have ties to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a spring festival celebrated each year on February 15. The holiday was moved to February 14 after the spread of Christianity. The Christian faith had several early martyrs named Valentine, and each of them were celebrated with a saint day on February 14.

But the unique history of Valentine’s Day and its association with February 14 as well as its romantic sentiments does not end there. The Library of Congress also notes that, in the Middle Ages, people believed birds selected their mates on February 14. As a result, it was not uncommon for lovers to recite prose to one another on this date.

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Celebrating a holiday can be challenging for those with diabetes, as sweet treats are a part of many holiday celebrations. Come Valentine’s Day, chocolates, candy and rich desserts can often be found on the menu, which can prove problematic for those who have to watch their blood-glucose levels.

Diabetics may be tempted to indulge in too many sugary foods on Valentine’s Day. Fortunately individuals do not have to put their health in jeopardy in the name of Valentine’s Day, as there are many healthy ways to celebrate with some minor tweaks.

Q Focus on fun, not food. Rather than making food the focus of the day, shift your attention to all the fun things you can do with your valentine. Fill the day with activities such as ice skating or sightseeing. Even though the weather may be cold, it’s possible to enjoy the great outdoors. Dress appropriately and enjoy a walk in the park, or do something out of the ordinary, like sledding. If you must retreat indoors, watch a romantic movie.

Q Plan ahead when changing your diet. It’s often possible to work small amounts of a particular dessert or food into your normal meal plan by adjusting what you eat for the rest of the day. If you plan ahead for a bite of chocolate, you can balance out sugar levels by eliminating something else. Keep tabs on your sugar levels throughout the day, and always weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the foods you eat.

Q Include smart substitutions. Many favorite foods are available in low-sugar or

sugarless varieties that are diabetic-friendly.

Lean toward low-carb offerings and foods that are relatively low in fat. Baking your own treats or cooking your own meals will give you greater control over the ingredients used in your recipes, and that can pay big dividends in terms of health.

Q Send nonfood items into the classroom. Diabetes affects people of all ages. When sending valentines into the class for children, do not accompany the cards with chocolate kisses or other candies.

Instead, choose toys or keepsakes, such as heart-shaped erasers or scented stickers.

Moderation is key when managing diabetes around Valentine’s Day. Place a greater emphasis on time spent together, entertainment and socialization rather than potentially unhealthy treats.

February 7, 2019 | 7

Dealing with chronic pelvic pain Do you suffer from having pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic region areas? Is there pain with having sex, urination, bowel movements, exertion, walking and/or other daily activities?

Are you aware that some physical therapists here in the Brazos Valley are specifically trained in pelvic floor pain? Physical therapy is an important addition to your family physician’s plan of care.

Chronic pelvic pain is a common and often unbearable problem that can have profound effects on the physical and emotional health for both men and women. Is chronic pelvic pain a common problem for women? One research study found the incidence of chronic pelvic pain to be similar to that of migraine, back pain and asthma, making it one of the most common problems seen in medical practice for women ages 12 to 70.

Additionally, around nine percent of women having hysterectomy surgery will develop pelvic pain or back pain within two years after their surgery.

Personally, I think nine percent is a very low number because many women just live with their pain – thinking nothing can be done.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is not a specific disease, and the term CPP refers to the symptom of pain, specifically, the duration and location of the pain. Pain is considered “chronic” when it has been present for at least 6 months. Patients with CPP may report pain in a variety of different areas in the region below the belly button. They may report pain both internally and externally; one-side, both sides, or right in the middle; or shooting into the low back, belly, buttocks, hips or thighs. The pain may be related to a woman’s menstrual cycle, only occurring once in a while, after having a baby, postsurgery, or be constantly present.

Patients with CPP may describe pain with intercourse and changes in bowel and urinary habits. CPP can be the result of a number of different

disease processes, or muscle imbalances.

It can be difficult to identify the true origin of a patient’s symptoms, often leaving the sufferer leon bradway with more questions physical therapy than answers, and a significant medical record of seeking various treatments without relief.

However, it is very important for you to know that you still have effective treatment options when it comes to pain relief, and the answer is not always found in repeated trials of medications or surgery.

Physical therapy is usually a welcome addition to the medical management of CPP because it often results in significant pain relief, improvement in function, and provides strategies for patients to manage and treat their pain more effectively. Pelvic pain can be caused by problems such as pelvic joint dysfunction; muscle imbalance within the muscles of the pelvic floor, trunk and/or hips; lack of coordination in the muscles related to bowel and bladder function; tender points in the muscles of the pelvic floor; pressure on one or more nerves in the pelvis; and weakness in the muscles of the pelvis and pelvic floor. Pelvic pain can also be related to the presence of scar tissue after abdominal or pelvic surgery.

There can also be an identifiable disease process related to pelvic pain; therefore it is important to consult your physician and explore other effective options to fully determine the cause of your pain. Now let’s discuss how physical therapy can help relieve your pelvic pain.

Physical therapy treatment typically does not directly target the pelvic or abdominal organs.

Rather, PT treatment is based on the principal of referred pain and therefore, physical therapists may treat the muscle, nerve and joint consequences of organ dysfunction.

8 | February 7, 2019

While this may or may not entirely eliminate the source of a person’s pain, it will reduce the person’s pain and improve overall function.

Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, weakness in muscle groups, nerve entrapments, scar tissue, tissue sensitivity and failed surgery are all potential causes of pelvic pain. Physical therapists trained specifically in the area of pelvic health can confidently identify the possible generators of pelvic pain and develop a treatment plan specific to the patient. A physical therapist trained in this area will utilize handson techniques to address muscle tightness or targeted exercises to improve muscle strength and reduce faulty patterns of muscle recruitment.

Other treatment strategies may

include biofeedback, retraining of muscles to improve coordination, postural training, strengthening of the abdominal core muscles, acupressure techniques, and techniques involving laser, dry needling, relaxation and mindfulness.

You should be aware of all your options when it comes to treatment of pelvic pain. A physical therapist trained in the area of pelvic pain can provide effective, natural, noninvasive treatment to help alleviate your pelvic pain. Talk to your family physician about a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist. Your pain problem can be significantly reduced or eliminated!

Dr. Leon F. Bradway, PT MS, OMPT – for more information on hip pain, visit our website at BVphysicaltherapy.com.

The Most Important Thing in any Relationship

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Tips for Valentine’s Day survival Ah, February.

Valentines. Cards. Chocolate.

Flowers.

The month of love.

For some, this time might have deeper meaning than ever before. For others, this Valentine’s Day might be painfully challenging.

Love is powerful. We come out of the womb crying and clamoring for it. We’re designed for relationship and wired for connection. We were made to love and be loved. When we experience this, our hearts rejoice. When we don’t, they ache.

When love is lost, hearts break.

What is love anyway?

A combo of definitions from Webster’s might read something like, “Love is the strong affection or attachment to another person rising out of kinship, personal ties, romance, admiration, or devotion.” We use the word “love” in many of ways in our world, including references to food, movies, clothes, hobbies, restaurants and just about anything. The “I’m Lovin’ It!” on the McDonald’s cup in front of me is another example.

When something becomes common, it’s original meaning usually gets diluted, if not changed altogether.

Perhaps it would be good to dig a little into the origins of this word we sling around so often.

The ancient Greeks had four words for love. One referred to familial love – the affection of a parent for a child.

Another described romantic attachment.

Another pointed to the affinity between friends and others we feel a close bond to.

The fourth word was, well, unusual.

It was used sparingly in ancient Greek because it was thought to be so lofty as to be almost unattainable. This extraordinary kind of love was seen as the basis for all the others, yet superior to them all. It was the goal of the purest hearts.

It was called agape.

Agape referred to the genuine, active pursuit of the ultimate good of T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

the other person. It was other-focused, unconditional, and self-sacrificial. Rather than emotion-based, agape was a conscious, deliberate decision. It gary roe was active, expressive, hospice committed, and faithful.

In a world of disposable relationships, the existence of agape might seem rare. Rare or not, it’s the love we all long for. It’s also the love we long to give.

Agape is beyond fickle trends, infatuation, and feel-good moments.

This love requires courage and gutsy decision-making. In an age of selfies, agape demands we get out of our own heads and begin to see those around us – especially those who have become invisible.

Of course, none of us love with 100 percent purity, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make agape our goal.

With agape in mind, allow me to suggest four tips for navigating this month of love – and life beyond it.

and families. Even when we are massively blessed and fortunate, our hearts still yearn for completion.

Many of us are hurting this time of year. Valentine’s Day stabs us with longings of love never experienced. We yearn for something better, deeper, more pure, more fulfilling.

This ache is natural. Every human being tussles with it. We turn over every rock looking for full, unconditional acceptance. We hunger to feel completely safe.

In our search, we often encounter great disappointment. Our pain drives us to immerse ourselves in work, entertainment, revolving relationships and addictions.

We thirst for agape.

We do better when we acknowledge this longing. We’re incomplete, imperfect, and very human. Our hearts are needy and vulnerable.

You long for love. You yearn for agape. We all do.

Grieve love lost.

Relational upsets are common.

Break-ups, separations, and estrangements are frequent. Diseases like Alzheimer’s steal our loved ones, piece by piece.

Life is full of departures. Our hearts crack and sometimes break.

We often express death as “the loss of a loved one.” Love is not lost, of course.

We continue to love, and that is what makes loss so painful. We miss them. We miss their presence, their voice and their companionship. Our lives will never be the same.

These are heavy losses. Many of us shrug our shoulders and soldier on. Snuffing out the voice of the heart, however, never leads to healing. When we fail to grieve what we’ve lost, we merely store up the pain for later.

Grief will be expressed, one way or another. Grieve what you’ve lost. Find healthy ways to release the past.

Celebrate love given.

Think back for a moment. Recall the love you have given. Remember thoughts, words and actions you directed toward serving others for their immediate and ultimate good.

Some of the love you poured out might not have been well received. Some was probably unrequited. Perhaps you felt unappreciated or even invisible at the time. Rather than grimacing with what didn’t come back to you, celebrate the love you gave. Though unseen, I believe that love had its effect and that the ripple effects are still going on today.

Whatever the response, you can celebrate the love you’ve given. It mattered. Every act of agape counts.

Acknowledge love longed for.

Commit to love with greater purity.

What if we committed to loving with greater purity than ever before? What would that look like?

It would mean…

QQ Getting out of our own heads.

QQ Seeing the people around us.

QQ Entering another person’s world, if only for a few moments.

QQ Learning to listen past the words and hear the heart.

QQ Being more concerned about being loving than about being right.

You’re more important than you know.

This Valentine’s Day will be different.

That’s okay.

You might be hurting. That’s okay, too.

Celebrate the love you’ve given, no matter what the response. Acknowledge the love you long for, and then seek to give it. Grieve love that you’ve lost. Rise above and commit to loving with greater purity than ever.

The world needs you.

Gary Roe is a multi-award winning author, speaker, and chaplain with Hospice Brazos Valley. His latest book, Comfort for Grieving Hearts, was a 2018 USA Best Book Award Winner.

Featured on Focus on the Family, Dr. Laura, and other national media, you can visit Gary at www.garyroe.com, or contact him at 979-821-2266 or groe@ hospicebrazosvalley.org.

We all long for love, even those of us in wonderful relationships, marriages,

February 7, 2019 | 9

CALENDAR ONGOING QQChronic Pain Self-Management Workshop

by Daunte’ Cauley with TAMU HSC – Join us for the Active for Life Chronic Pain Self-Management class series every Thursday in February. These workshops complement clinical care and are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Topics include fatigue management, pacing and planning activity, getting a good night’s sleep, better breathing and much more. Light refreshments will be served. The workshops will be held at the Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. Make your reservation by calling 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

QQColored Pencil Drawing Class & More – Ages 55+ can learn how to draw with colored pencils from Ann Walton, an award-winning and certified Texas Art Teacher. Free with membership at Southwood Community Center every first, third and fourth Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 979-7646351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

QQBeginner Mixed Martial Arts & Self Defense For Seniors – This beginner’s class for ages 55+ focuses on Taekwondo and Jujitsu principles. Wear loose clothing, tennis shoes or water shoes. Free with membership most Fridays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. For more information, call 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

QQSaturday Senior Social – Enjoy an afternoon of coffee with friends, play games, dominoes or cards. Free with membership every Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. For more information, call 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

QQLine Dance Workshop for Beginners – Adults 55+ are invited to learn the latest line dance steps and terminology at Southwood Community Center. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/ seniors.

QQBeginning Tap Dance Review – Adults 55+ are invited to learn basic tap dance steps and terminology with instructor Sue Engbrock at Southwood Community Center. Tap shoes are recommended but not required.

Free with membership on Thursdays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact

College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

QQHand & Foot Canasta – All levels are invited learn how to play this fun card game at Southwood Community Center. Ages 55+, free with membership most Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m.

QQLine Dancing – Join other adults 55+ on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. as they line dance to the hottest tunes and enjoy a great low impact aerobic workout at Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road. Free with membership. For more information call 979-7646351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQSit & Fit – Join other adults 55+ on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. for a gentle exercise class while sitting. Participants follow a video that features fat-burning aerobics and weight lifting exercises at Southwood Community Center, located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Free with membership. For more information call 979764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQClassic Country & Bluegrass Jam Session – Open to all adults 55+ who enjoy listening or playing Classic Country or Bluegrass music. Bring string instruments and invite a friend! Join us every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a Jam Session at Southwood Community Center, located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. All levels welcome including beginners! Free with membership. For more information call 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQGame Night – Adults 55 + are invited to join the fun every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Southwood Community Center. Table games and table tennis available or bring your own favorite game. Meet friends and enjoy a fun game night. Free with membership. For more information call 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQLearn to Play 42 – Learn the popular dominoes game of 42 every Wednesday, 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Free with membership. For more information call 979-7646351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQForevercise – Forevercise is an exercise

1 0 | February 7, 2019

class for adults 55+ offered at Southwood Community Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Class offers individuals healthy lifestyle practices and exercise. Exercises may be done while standing or sitting in a chair. Free with membership. For more information call 979-7646351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQIndoor Walking Group for Seniors – Join our Instructor, Ms. Susan Lehr in our free indoor walking class weekly to get your heart rate up with a fun, go-at-your-own pace environment. Class is offered at Southwood Community Center on Tuesdays from 9 to 9:30 a.m. No registration necessary. Free with membership. For more information call 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQMah-jongg – Adults 55+ interested in playing the game of Mah-jongg meet at Southwood Community Center on Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Beginners welcome! Free with membership. For more information call 979-764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQ Play “42” Dominoes – Adults 55+ meet every Thursday to play “42” at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free with membership. For more information call 979-7646351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQFriday Bridge – Southwood Community Center offers a senior friendly environment to play bridge every Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Southwood Community Center is located at 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. Free with membership. For more information call 979764-6351, email kpeterson@cstx.gov or visit cstx.gov/seniors.

QQBible Study at Lincoln Center – Join other senior adults every Thursday morning at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in College Station, for Bible Study from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Contact Annie Williams at Lincoln Center at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov for more information.

QQHealth Education Classes at the Lincoln Center – Topics cover increasing functional capacity, improving self-care and stimulating one’s social environment. Admission is free for ages 50+. Held at Lincoln Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in College Sta-

tion on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

QQExercise Class at the Lincoln Center – Participants follow a video that encourages movement through dance at Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in College Station. Exercises will tone, improve balance and muscle and bone strength. Admission is free for ages 50+ from 10 to 11 a.m. every other Wednesday. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

February 12 QQHot Breakfast at The Lincoln Center – A healthy, well-balanced breakfast that is prepared monthly by our senior group for ages 50+.Admission is free. Event is held at the Lincoln Center located at 1000 Eleanor Street from 8:45 to 10 a.m. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-7643779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

QQHealth Education Classes – The class will have cooking demonstrations, healthy recipes, helpful hints and giveaways. The topic for Feb. 12 is “Preserving the Harvest.” Held at Lincoln Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor Street in College Station from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@ cstx.gov.

February 14 QQValentine’s Day Tea & Fashion Show – Join us for afternoon tea, finger foods, sweetheart Bingo and a fashion show. The fashion show will be hosted by Karen W. Kasper, owner of Maddie Joy Boutique. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reserve your spot by calling 979-764-6351 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov. Free for ages 55+ with a membership from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

QQValentine’s Day Dance – Adults 55+ are invited to enjoy an evening of dancing with a live DJ at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. The dance is held from 7 to 9 p.m. Door prizes and light refreshments served. No reservation needed.

For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or kpeterson@cstx.gov.

QQCelebrate Valentine’s Day at The Lincoln T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Center – Enjoy food, activities, raffle prizes and more while we celebrate the love in our lives. Free for ages 50+ from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx. gov.

February 20 QQExploring History Luncheon: A presentation on “Muster Speeches” by Jerry Cooper – The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the College Station Parks and Recreation Department present monthly lectures on the history of our community and state. The luncheon will be held at the Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. A reservation is necessary for lunch and the cost is $7. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The speaker will begin at noon. Please make your reservation no later than the Friday before the luncheon by calling 979-764-6371 or email kpeterson@cstx.gov.

QQMovie & Popcorn at The Lincoln Center – Enjoy popcorn and a movie each month with friends. Free for ages 50+ from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Movie feature this month is “The Help”.

For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

QQFamily History Computer Group: “Best

State Websites” Presented by Jerry Markowich – This program will highlight the States with the best websites for the genealogist.

Held at the College Station Water Treatment Plant, 2200 North Forest Parkway at 9:30 a.m. Contact: Jerry Markowich, jermar3537@ suddenlink.net.

the last Friday of each month. For ages 50+ from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Annie Williams at 979-764-3779 or awilliams@cstx.gov.

February 25 QQSenior Advisory Committee Meeting – The Senior Advisory Committee meets on the last Monday of the month to discuss programs and activities for adults 55+. The meeting is held at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd starting at 9:30 am. Visitors welcome! For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors.

February 21 QQMovie & Popcorn – Join us for a movie and popcorn every third Thursday at Southwood Community Center from 1 to 3 p.m. No reservation needed. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371, kpeterson@cstx.gov or cstx.gov/seniors. Refreshments this month are provided by Lampstand Nursing & Rehabilitation.

February 26

Tournament – The College Station Parks & Recreation Department and Right at Home present four seminars on how to safely age in place and maintain our independence.

The 30-minute discussion/lectures will be delivered by Alec Moreno with Right at Home. Light refreshments will be provided and a cornhole tournament will follow the lecture with prizes for the winners. The event will be held at the Southwood Community Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie Road from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Admission is free for ages 55+ with membership.

Reservations are required. RSVP by calling 979-764-6351 or contact kpeterson@cstx. gov.

QQRamblers General Meeting: “Facebook for Genealogists” Presented by Shelby Rowan – Learn how this popular social media website might be the genealogist’s new best friend! Held at A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive in College Station, 9:30 a.m. Contact: Jerry Markowich, jermar3537@suddenlink.net.

QQPotluck and Pizza Social – Bring your favorite dish to share. There will also be pizza QQBingo & Birthday Celebration – Join us on and live music with the Jam Session Players. the last Friday of each month from 1:30 to The event will be held at the Southwood Com2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center munity Center located at 1520 Rock Prairie for bingo and cake as we celebrate monthly Road from noon to 4 p.m. Reservations are birthdays! Prizes donated by Signature Se- required. Please RSVP by calling 979-764If you have an event you would like lect Services. No registration necessary. Call 6351 or contact kpeterson@cstx.gov. listed in the monthly Seasoned calendar, 979-764-6351 for more information. please e-mail the details to kelli.weber@ QQBirthday Celebration at The Lincoln Cen- February 27 ter – Enjoy a potluck lunch and fellowship on QQAging In Place Lecture Series/Cornhole theeagle.com.

February 22

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