February 2016 Brunswick Senior Buzz by Brunswick Senior Resources Inc.

Love Story

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Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc.

3620 Express Dr. P.O. Box 2470 Shallotte, NC 28459 (910) 754-2300 (910) 754-9629 Fax Office Hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. BSRI Main Office Staff

 Jim Fish, President & CEO  Yvette Gosline, Vice President of Programs & Services

 Melody Stephens, Director of Operations

 Debra Marlowe, Organizational Development Coordinator

 Anita Langin, Accounting Technician

 Jennifer Sherman, Director of Case Management

 Derissa Gore, Operations

Administration Coordinator

 Eddie Jackson, Technology & Reporting Compliance Administrator

 Belinda Stroops, Nutrition Program Director

 Teresa Muchler-Nogi, Data Systems Coordinator

 Lee Norris, Ramps and Rails Coordinator

 Chauvet “Mel” Jackson, Operations Technician

 Sarah Powell, Volunteer Coordinator

BSRI Center/Site Staff

              

Virginia Long, Ash Marilou Smith, Leland Sandra Brooks, Leland Zach Canady, Leland Anne Gass, Shallotte Emory Saghy, Shallotte Kathy Gehlhardt, Shallotte Shelley Cooper, Shallotte Beverly Bridgers, Southport Randy Gillette, Southport Doug Russell, Southport René Tarquinio, Southport Susan Whitley, Southport Karen Kirkman, Sunset Harbor Grace Rochefort, Town Creek

ebruary, and especially Valentine’s Day, is a great time to reflect on our relationships and the love that we enjoy from those around us. For the most part, we have spheres of individuals who revolve around us and provide a level of security and comfort. Some of those spheres may be immediate family, extended family, church family, charitable or club family, work family, neighborhood family; and for seniors, your BSRI family. Please know that we care about each of you, and while true love rarely runs smooth, anything worth having comes with effort. May we all recognize the value of our families, take the good with the bad, and enjoy the happiness of our experience together. The month of February has to be one of the most interesting and special months of the year. It usually represents a “make it or break it” scenario for our New Year’s resolutions, and the pace picks up after a month of recovering and readjusting from the holidays. Our lives hopefully settle into a routine that is familiar; and we look forward

Jim Fish, President/CEO, BSRI

to warmer weather and the change of seasons that breathes renewed life into longer, sunshine-filled days. A year ago at this time, BSRI announced plans to craft a 5-year plan and solicited help from our senior community. I am pleased to say that we get to check off two major goals accomplished since that publication. The announcement of two senior centers: one in Town Creek opening in September 2015 and one opening in Calabash by the end of this calendar year, topped the list. We are also working on other major goals FROM THE CEO, continued on page 4

FROM THE CEO, continued from page 3

with regards to senior center certification (March 2016) and taking the meal program to a new level. A special thanks to all those who provided feedback, insight, support and experience to help us prioritize goals.

 Advantage open enrollment began January 1, 2016 and will end February 12, 2016. Advantage open enrollment allows individuals to leave an Advantage plan and switch to Original Medicare if desired. If going back to Original Medicare during this period, the beneficiary will also have until February 12 to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage. Coverage will begin the first day of the month after the plan gets the beneficiary’s enrollment form. BSRI encourages all those who have questions concerning open enrollment and other health insurance issues to please call 910754-2300 to schedule an appointment.

 BSRI’s three Senior Centers are finalizing preparations to become North Carolina Certified Senior Centers of Excellence in March 2016. The North Carolina Certification process, SCOPE, is a best practice and standards module used to ensure BSRI is providing valuable and worthwhile programs and services to you. BSRI strives to provide exemplary services and opportunities to older adults throughout Brunswick County.

 BSRI is seeking community support from residents, business and local nonprofits to assist with the needed supplies, furnishings, donations etc. that will be nonbudgeted items for the new Leland and Calabash Senior Centers. A fundraising committee is being formed to help raise the $100,000 that will be necessary to meet that need. If you would like to make a contribution or have interest serving on the committee, please call 910-754-2300 and ask for Debra Marlowe. Thanks to all who make a difference each day!

Your Devoted Servant, Jim

Around and About

Photos by Anne Gass

The Brunswick Center at Shallotte has been hopping with programs and patrons in recent weeks. At left is a busy day in the billiards room in Shallotte.

Above and below: Demonstration and presentation on Tai Chi by instructor Keith Webb.

Patrick Pickerell from Walgreens Shallotte talks with program participant Pat Seader.

Janelle Taylor from the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing visited the Shallotte Senior Center.

Trips Canada & New England Cruise September 14-24, 2016 Pricing starts at $1535* per person $250 deposit per person due at the time of registration Due to cabin availability we request you RSVP immediately! Deadline to cancel with no penalty: March 14, 2016 Passport is required Trip includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation from Brunswick County, 1 night hotel accommodation, guided tour of Baltimore, 1 breakfast, 10 day/ 9 night Canada & New England cruise onboard Royal Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grandeur of the Seas to include cabin, shipboard meals, port charges and taxes. Ports & Sights included: Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Portland, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; St. John NB (Bay of Fundy), and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Departure Locations Vary *pricing is based on cabin availability at the time of your registration. The cruiseline reserves the right to lower our inventory or increase the price per cabin at any time. Please RSVP for Trips in person at your local Senior Center. Special dietary needs or room requests, please notify us at the time of registration.

Holiday Festival of Lights in Historic Charleston, SC December 5-7, 2016 $369 per person based on double occupancy $100 deposit per person, due at the time of registration Registration Opens: Tuesday, Feb. 16th, Please RSVP in person at your local Senior Center. Deadline to RSVP & Cancel with no penalty: Friday, August 19 Departure Locations Vary Trip Includes: Deluxe Motorcoach transportation to Charleston, SC, 2 nights hotel accommodations, 2 breakfasts, 2 Dinners (includes 1 dinner at the Charleston Crab House), The Charleston Christmas Special Show, James Island Holiday Festival of Lights, Guided Tour of Historic Charleston, Holiday Shopping at Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Historic City Market, standard taxes, fees, meal gratuities and baggage handling. Please RSVP for Trips in person at your local Senior Center. Special dietary needs or room requests, please notify us at the time of registration.

Second Time Around: A Love Story By Linda Walters ife can seem like a Valentine full of clichés, such as, “You'll find someone when you stop looking.” “It's not who you meet, it's when you meet.” Or, “Everything happens for a reason.”

These two complement each other, as both have had many interesting life experiences.

Alex was drafted into the Army and served during the invasion of the Philippines and For one Brunswick Okinawa and was County couple, these among the first clichés came true. Photo by Debra Marlowe troops in Japan in On October 4, Alex and Carolyn Moskowitz staff a table at the 2014 Seniors Helping Seniors Event to World War II. After 1986, two people display Alex's memorabilia from his years of service. Everyone enjoyed hearing his military service, Alex were browsing at wonderful stories, including Jerry Block, at left. worked with the New Trunzo's Meat York City Subway Market in Brooklyn, New York. Alex Transit and raised two sons before Moscowitz was reentering the social retiring. scene two years after the loss of his wife Carolyn worked as a secretary at to breast cancer. He noticed a pretty Decca Records, where she met many lady wearing a t-shirt printed with “The recording artists, among them the Great Irish Fair, Steeple Chase Park, McGuire Sisters, Don Cornell, and the Coney Island, 1986.” Alex was a fan of great Ella Fitzgerald. Carolyn was also Steeple Chase Park and found the Photo contributed secretary for comedian, television star, courage to approach the woman and Alex and Carolyn Moskowitz were and writer Steve Allen. She raised three start a conversation. married January 16, 1991. daughters and a son, and later worked at Carolyn was adjusting to being a widow. The youngest and retired from King Features Syndicate, Inc. of her three daughters was in college and still living at With their blended family, Alex and Carolyn have six home. Carolyn liked to be busy and stay active. She was children, eight grandchildren, and six great intrigued by the gentleman who struck up a conversation. grandchildren. So began the romantic courtship of Alex and Carolyn Moskowitz. On their first date they got to know one another while eating ice cream at Howard Johnson's. Many more dates followed: long walks in New York, fun at Coney Island, vacations to coastal areas. They dated for four years; Carolyn’s daughter graduated, and both Alex and Carolyn retired. Alex and Carolyn celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on January 16, 2016.

After vacationing in the area, Alex and Carolyn moved to Brunswick County in 1992. Alex volunteered for 10 years at Brunswick Hospital. Carolyn also volunteered at Brunswick Hospital and continued her service at the new Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center for a total of 23 years, until her position was automated. Carolyn currently serves as volunteer chairman for the VFW. She also designed the volunteer t-shirt for BSRI.

SHIIP Monthly News

Submitted by M. RenĂŠ Tarquinio, LBSW

2016 Changes to Medicare Part A and B Announced

Information derived from monthly SHIIP Column

Volunteers Have Heart to Share By Kathleen Boyle February, which centers on Valentine’s Day, is a time for taking care of our hearts. A heart provides both health and joy. And no one shows more heart than volunteers. Roy and Linda Dixon are a couple of active volunteers who love to share. They live and volunteer in Boiling Spring Lakes. Both have a history of donating their time and energy, even before they retired. Roy Dixon was raised in Arkansas and Linda in Missouri—the “heart” of our country. For several decades, both Roy and Linda were involved in their communities. “Years ago, we were very active RVers,” Linda said. They began to share their time and talents to benefit the needs of others and make themselves useful. “Although I was initially more laid back than Linda, I realized that life was passing me by, so I jumped in,” Roy said. Photo by Kathleen Boyle

Linda and Roy Dixon moved to Brunswick County in 2009. They enjoy volunteering at mealtime at the Boiling Spring Lakes Senior Site.

The Dixons relocated to Brunswick County in 2009 to be closer to their daughter and grandson—now they’re less than a mile away. Here they are involved in church activities and enjoy volunteering. They began by entertaining at Dosher Nursing Home: Roy played guitar and Linda told jokes and taught a beading class. Roy participated in Meals on Wheels, allowing him to bring a little joy—and lunch—to homebound seniors. After volunteering for various agencies for four decades, the Dixons have now scaled back to help with their grandson. Linda was a teacher who home-schooled her daughter and intends to do the same for her grandson. The couple enjoys the Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center. Both Roy and Linda help during the lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They set up, help distribute meals, and clean up afterwards. They also play games and assist those who

are having difficulties. Linda is a registered volunteer with BSRI, and will help out at Boiling Spring Lakes whenever needed.

Volunteers provide many of the niceties that may not be available in nonprofit budgets. BSRI couldn't offer all its services without them. Volunteers save money and share ideas and they often become an integral part of the organization. And volunteering can be a lot of fun for the people offering their time, like the Dixons. What do they find most gratifying? “People enjoying themselves,” Roy said. “Smiles make me happy,” Linda added. If that’s the case, they are both very happy.

Volunteers

The Buzz needs you! Help get the word out about YOUR senior center by volunteering for the Buzz. We need:

Bring copies of the Buzz to your Senior Site, or take copies out into the community. We need distributors for each Senior Site to take the Buzz to doctor’s offices, coffee shops, etc.

Keep track of Buzz circulation so we know how many copies are needed and where.

Write a feature story about a special person or event at your Senior Site. We will help you get started!

Take pictures at parties, trips, and other events, and see your photos in the Buzz.

Photo by Shelagh Clancy

Meet Linda Walters, left, and Kathleen Boyle at the Buzz’s monthly volunteer meeting. These stalwart Buzz volunteers write stories, photograph story subjects, and help with distribution. Read Walters’ Valentine story on page 7. Find Boyle’s volunteer story on page 9. Find out how you can help with the Buzz at our volunteer meeting, 10 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Brunswick Center at Shallotte.

Volunteers

Want to do a good deed, but not sure where you’ll fit in? Maybe you’ll find your perfect volunteer fit right here. BSRI depends on volunteers. Helping Brunswick County’s seniors is a great way to meet new people and make our county a little better place. It’s great when volunteers work once or twice a week consistently, but you may volunteer less or more.

Interested in travel? Join a group of volunteers to put travel ideas together and generate interest for BSRI trips. We work with tour groups to book the trips, but we need your ideas for fun and exciting trips.

and Fridays. To help, call volunteer coordinator Sarah Powell at (910) 754-2300.

Volunteers are needed 12-1 p.m. Monday through Friday to help serve lunch in Shallotte and Leland. The Brunswick Center at Southport needs volunteer administrative assistance. With a flexible schedule, we need volunteers from 8 to 10 a.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday . Volunteers will do administrative work, answer phones, assist and direct clients, ensure folks sign in, and do clerical work if desired.

BSRI needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Calabash area on Mondays, Wednesdays,

The Brunswick Center at Leland needs volunteer administrative assistance for case management. Volunteers will assist with games, arts, crafts, and bingo. They will help coordinate activities, guest speakers, fundraising activities, and field trips.

To volunteer for these positions, or to learn more, call volunteer coordinator Sarah Powell at (910) 754-2300.

Ash Senior Site Ash Senior Site Virginia Long, Manager Waccamaw Community Building 5859 Waccamaw School Road Ash, NC 28420 Call 910-287-3998 for reservations Operating Hours: 10 am -2 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays Lunch Served at 12pm

Activity Calendar-February 2016 Subject to change

Tuesday

Thursday

2 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 11am TV game show

4 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 11am TV game show

9 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 11am TV game show

11 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 11am TV game show

16 10am 10:45am 11am show 12pm

18 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 12:15pm Community news

Board puzzle Exercise TV game Nutrition Presentation

23 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 11am TV game show

25 10am Board puzzle 10:45am Exercise 11am TV game show

Boiling Spring Lakes Senior Site BSRI/BSL Senior Site

BSRI Nutrition Program Operating Hours: 10am to 2pm

at Boiling Spring Lakes

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Parks & Recreation Department 1 Leeds Road Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461 910-363-0018

Karen Kirkman, BSRI/ BSL Site Manager 910-754-2300; kkirkman@bsrinc.org

Activity Calendar

February 2016

*Subject to change

Monday 1 10:15am Qi Gong 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm Senior Lunch 12:30pm Rummikub 12:30pm Card club

Tuesday 2 9am Yoga-Pilates Combo 6pm Yoga

9 10:15am Qi Gong 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm Senior Lunch 12:30pm Rummikub 12:30pm Card club

22 10:15am Qi Gong 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm Senior Lunch 12:30pm Rummikub 12:30pm Card club

29 10:15am Qi Gong 11am Fit 4 Life 12pm Senior Lunch 12:30pm Rummikub 12:30pm Card club