forward focus
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Spring 2013 editionTRANSCRIPT
PRSRTSSTDU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDNASHVILLE, TNPERMIT NO. 1287
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
by Donna Clark, Fift yForward Communicati ons Director
For many older adults, reti rement can be a welcome chance to explore the world around them. Aft er years of working or raising kids, oft en older adults welcome a chance to visit diff erent cultures and plan exoti c trips. According to Travel Industry Associati on of America (TIA), seniors are one of the fastest growing facti ons of the tourism market. Travelers 55-plus peaked at more than 180 million in 2000 and that number conti nues to grow. These older adults have the ti me to travel and the purchasing power to do so. longer life expectancies and a healthier, acti ve mindset contribute to the growing number of older travelers well into later life.
continued on page 3
INSI
DE 4 Volunteer opportuniti es
6 When is interventi on necessary? 7 Social Security electronic payments 9 Preparing for non-emergency surgery 10 Fift yForward class listi ngs 12 Fift yForward special events13 2013 Crown Aff air15 Music for Seniors spring concerts17 Food and Wine Together19 Giving to Fift yForward Endowment20 Communicati on Checkup for Baby Boomers 22 It’s Just Stuff ! by Connie Davenport
Expand your Horizons with FiftyForward Travel
2 | Forward Focus
Forward Focus is published quarterly by FiftyForward, a nonprofit corporation with head-quarters at 174 Rains Ave., Nashville, TN 37203. An annual subscription is included with yearly dues to FiftyForward. We welcome annual subscriptions from non-members at $15 per subscription. To subscribe, contact Misa Culley, editor.
Advertisements appearing in Forward Focus do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the newspaper, but the staff will not knowingly accept ads which are misleading, fraudulent, objectionable, unethical or illegal.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJanet Jernigan
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORDonna Clark
GRAphIC DESIGN AND pUblICATIONS MANAGER
Misa Culley(615) 743-3430
ADVERTISING SAlESBob Neuman
(615) [email protected]
Forward Focus174 Rains Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203(615) 743-3430
fax: (615) 743-3480fiftyforward.org
FiftyForward enriches the livesof adults 50+ by providing pathways
to health, well-being and lifelong learning.
Funding sources for programs and services include the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, the United Way of Williamson County, Metro Nashville Government, City of Brentwood, Williamson County Commission, Metro Arts Commission, Victims of Crimes Act, DHS, TDMHDD, GNRCAAA, Corp. for National and Community Service, private foun-dations, individuals, organizations/corporations, and FiftyForward special events and campaigns. FiftyForward is committed to fair and equitable treatment and protection of all employees, volunteers, and beneficiaries of our services.
A profile of FiftyForward may be found at www.givingmatters.com. After “Organization Name” type in “FiftyForward” and click on “Search.”
Expand your horizons with FiftyForward Travelcontinued from page 1
A number of travel companies today offer comfortable amenities and a focus to luxurious destinations. FiftyForward Travel offers up a multitude of travel destinations, near and far, with some exciting overseas trips planned to Australia, Asia and Ireland this spring.
Is travel on your “bucket list”?If the answer is “yes,” then FiftyForward Travel can help you check those dreamed-about destinations off your bucket list.
Past trips abroad include China, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, New Zealand, Fiji, France and a Mediterranean cruise – among others.
Closer to home, FiftyForward Travel has taken senior adventurers to destinations such as Mt. Rushmore, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Pennsylvania Amish Country, Savannah, Macinaw Island, Chicago, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, St. Augustine, Orlando, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Caribbean islands and Washington, D.C. Bus trips to Tunica sell out quickly.
FiftyForward Travel Coordinator Janice Judd, group leader and travel agent, contracts with vetted professional travel companies that offer trips with special appeal to older adults. Included in the amenities of these companies are transportation, reservations, and baggage handling and the services of a professional guide.
“This guide stays with the group 24 hours a days,” offers Janice. “Travelers are then free to enjoy their journey because the details are handled and their safety ensured.” The guides are also trained to handle emergencies.
“Sometimes relatives travel together, other times friends. Singles, however, do not feel left
out because the groups tend to ‘gel’ quickly. Even faraway family members have traveled cross country to join a FiftyForward trip.”
FiftyForward Travel has enjoyed 11 years of success, booking more than 1,000 happy travelers each year. This success is reflected in the happy comments by frequent trip takers like Judy and Wes Speulda who recently returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic.
“It’s the most beautiful water and beach I’ve ever seen,” exclaims Judy. “This was
our first visit to the Dominican Republic. It was a joy to meet the Dominicans and see how they lived. One day, on an inland excursion, we had the opportunity to chew on the stalk of a sugar cane plant and on the bark of a cinnamon tree, and to taste freshly ground coca beans. Wes was pleased with native cigar he was given.” (The Dominican Republic exports more cigars each year than Cuba does.)
“We have recommended FiftyForward Travel to our family and friends. Those who have taken advantage of the opportunity have thanked us for it.
“I especially like the way the trips are planned and handled; I like the way you feel so secure; you know you are in good hands and that’s important. Also, we have been pleased with our guides at our destinations. I think we have taken a dozen or more trips with FiftyForward.”
On the Road with Joan For those who want to take advantage of all the beautiful, historic and delightful towns and sights within a one-day roundtrip of Nashville, On the Road with Joan offers monthly, different-from-what-you’d-expect trips. Traveling aboard luxurious motor coaches, with snacks, destination previews by Joan, travel games and lots of conversation, those who participate in this program give it rave reviews. Joan Sincerbox can be reached at [email protected] or (615) 646-0059.
To begin your adventures, check out page 16 for a list of exciting destinations on the FiftyForward travel itinerary. We also invite you to visit fiftyforward.org., or contact Janice (Ja-nees) at 231-1235 or [email protected].
Janice Judd, FiftyForward Travel Coordinator, is ready and waiting to book your next travel adventure.She can be reached by phone, (615) 883-8375 or by email, [email protected]
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Judy and Wes Speulda share a photo of themselves in sunny Dominican Republic, one of the dozen trips they have taken with
FiftyForward Travel.
We have recommended FiftyForward Travel to our family and friends. Those who have taken advantage of the opportunity have thanked us for it. —Judy Speulda
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FiftyForward RSVP and Operation Stand Down: Assisting Veterans and their Families
With a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), FiftyForward RSVP and community partner Operation Stand Down (OSDN) are helping veterans and their families to be self-sustaining and better connected to the community.
The duo is offering two new, important, meaningful volunteer opportunities as Instructors/Mentors with the Return to Life program and as Intake Specialists at the OSDN Veterans Service Center.
Return to Life This program offers life skills, job training, and health and wellness classes to veterans to enhance learning, employment and life opportunities. RSVP is seeking volunteers to serve as Instructors/Mentors in these areas. The list of opportunities is endless. For example, healthy cooking, nutrition, painting, computers, financial management, music, employment counseling, interview techniques, dressing for success and social skills are possibilities for classes. Prospective volunteers suggest what they want to teach!
Classes are held at the OSDN Veterans Service Center, 1125 12th Avenue South, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. They can be offered once a week, once every two weeks, or once a month.
Intake SpecialistsAt the same service center, other volunteers will connect veterans with employment services, transitional housing programs, veterans benefits information, and referrals to community programs and agencies. However, all veterans seeking these no-cost services must complete an intake application, which includes an initial 10-page assessment – an often frustrating and overwhelming experience for veterans in need of immediate services.
RSVP Intake Specialists work with new and returning clients to complete the 10-page intake application, qualifying them to receive the services they so desperately need to live and thrive in the community. These volunteers work four-hour shifts; positions are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. RSVP and OSDN staff will provide training in advance.
Both RSVP Volunteer Instructors and Intake Specialists are eligible for mileage and meal reimbursement. To sign up as a volunteer or learn more about these programs, please contact Liane Proctor, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected] or 615-743-3426.
Celebrate RSVP Volunteers!
National Volunteer Week, April 21-27 and Senior Corps Week, May 6-10
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, contact RSVP Volunteer Coordinator Robin Johnson, [email protected] or call (615) 743-3423.
Above:Lena Deter, RSVP Volunteer and Richard Eaton, OSDN, Customer Service Coordinator.
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volunteer opportunities
RSVP and the VA: Seeking Volunteer Van Drivers
The Veteran Affairs (VA) Department’s Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) Medical Center provides medical, health, and wellness services to veterans in the Middle Tennessee area. The Center is partnering with RSVP to offer a unique volunteer opportunity.
RSVP volunteers will serve as Transportation Van Drivers, transporting veterans to and from the TVHS Medical Center and Clinics in Davidson County. In addition to driving a van, volunteers will maintain required records, use the van’s communication equipment (cellphone), observe all safety police/precautions and work with veterans and military families of various backgrounds and circumstances.
Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday, in four- to six-hour shifts. Volunteers will be eligible for mileage and meal reimbursement.
To sign up as a volunteer or learn more about the program, please contact Liane Proctor, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected] or call (615) 743-3426.
RSVP COMMUNITY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT: NASHVILLE ADULT LITERACY COUNCIL
Unfortunately, one in eight Nashville adults has below-basic literacy skills. Across Tennessee, 53% of adults possess only basic or below basic-literacy skills. On a national level, 43% of adult Americans perform in the two lowest levels of literacy.
To combat illiteracy locally, the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) provides an extensive list of services to Davidson County residents, eighteen and older, who need assistance in the areas of Basic Literacy, English Language Learning and Citizenship.
RSVP volunteers work with the NALC help build a community of adults empowered through literacy. The One-on-One Tutor program matches one adult learner with one volunteer tutor; the Start Now program allows learners to get immediate service while waiting to be matched with a long-term volunteer tutor. Currently, RSVP has ten (10) volunteers serving and making a difference with NALC learners. Become a part of a growing volunteer base. To sign up as a volunteer or learn more about the program, please contact Liane Proctor, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected] or (615) 743-3426.
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Care TeamGretchen FunkCare Team CoordinatorMaster’s Level Social Worker615.743.3436gfunk@fi ftyforward.org
6 | Forward Focus
“Something has got to change. This is just not working anymore!”
You may feel this way when you fi nd your loved one in a diffi cult situation. While we value independence and the freedom to make our own decisions, there are times when we see things that worry us, especially when it affects those we care about the most.
When and how do you intervene? Try to have “what if” conversations in advance. Talk with your loved one about situations that require change such as living arrangements and no longer being able to drive. Have these conversations when everyone is well and thinking clearly. Decisions can then be made about powers of attorney for fi nances and healthcare. The person who will need help gets to decide who and how decisions will be made.
Communication is key when having what can be uncomfortable discussions. One helpful step is to learn from the experience of a peer who has faced the same problem (as you/your loved one) and successfully resolved it. You receive valuable information, while also defl ecting the focus from your relative.
If you have not been able to hold diffi cult conversations, your loved one is resistant to talking about the future, or circumstances have changed, intervention will probably be necessary. A few of these times are:
• When your relative’s or another’s safety is in jeopardy – e.g., When your mother’s doctor says she should no longer drive and she continues to do so, (putting herself and others in harm’s way), or when your father lives at home, but now is falling and getting injured or having near misses.
• When health is endangered, such as when your mother repeatedly forgets to take her medication and her blood pressure becomes dangerously high.
The best hope for a good outcome is always clear, non-judgmental and respectful communication. Tell your loved one what you have observed that concerns you. Ask what they
When is Intervention necessary?
Caring for aging loved ones
think about their diffi culties, and what could be done. Express your concern. Where possible, plan to make changes gradually, as abrupt change is hard for everyone.
If your loved one has lost the capacity to communicate wishes, has judgment impaired by a diagnosis of dementia or is in harm’s way, you can consider enlisting the help of a third party – a pastor, doctor or social worker who specializes in assisting older adults. They can address the issues from a distinct point of view, as they do not have anything to gain or lose by suggesting changes. They can share valuable experiences and help locate resources.
Some other ways that you can intervene are:
• seeking police intervention if dangerous driving is the issue.
• If a power of attorney is in place, using it to set up a safe situation for a loved one, even if they resist.
• If no one has been enlisted to make decisions, petitioning a court to appoint a
conservator to make decisions in the best interest of a person who cannot exercise good judgment.
• If your loved one needs medical treatment, is unable to consent to it, and no legal documents are in place, having someone appointed who knows their circumstances and what their wishes would be to serve as a health care surrogate in the hospital on an emergency basis.
• Calling Adult Protective Services to ask for their help. They assist individuals who are unable to protect their own interests. In Middle Tennessee, they can be called at 1-888-277-8366.
Whenever possible, start crucial conversations early so you will have the best chance of honoring the wishes of your loved ones and avoiding stress in an already diffi cult time. Enlist help to reach your desired goal of ensuring the well-being of the older adults in your life.
FiftyForward
Care TeamKatie Griffi th, ConservatorMaster’s Level Social Worker615.743.3414kgriffi th@fi ftyforward.org
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FiftyForwardFiftyForward
Care TeamDon’t take chances with something this important
Caring for a loved one can feel overwhelming.
Our professional care managers will guide you in choosing the right options for your family.
Whether you are in crisis, or want to plan ahead,
our expertise will give you peace of mind.
Get help with one phone call!
615.743.3436or email [email protected] Middle Tennesee since 1956.
Informati on provided by Maribeth Farringer, Executi ve Director, Council on Aging of Greater Nashville
Beginning on March 1, 2013, all federal benefi t recipients will receive their payments electronically. This includes Social Security checks, veterans’ payments and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks.
To save taxpayers $1 billion over 10 years, the u.S. Treasury Department is now paying benefi ts one of two ways:
1) Direct Deposit - your federal benefi t payment will go straight into your checking or savings account on payment day each month. On ti me, every ti me.
2) Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card - your money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. you can make purchases and get cash back with purchases at no charge anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for opti onal services may apply. For informati on on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org.
If you were receiving a check at your home and did nothing to change to electronic payment, you have been switched to the debit card. your card was mailed to you and looks like this: (picture from www.directexpress.org).
Electronic payments have many benefi ts:
• no risk of lost or stolen checks
• no delays caused by bad weather
• no need to make a trip to cash or deposit a check
• faster access to your money.
For additi onal informati on go online at www.godirect.org or call the u.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Soluti on Center at 1-800-333-1795.
Watch for Electronic Payments for Social Security!
8 | Forward Focus
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National CrimeVictims’ Rights
Week
April21–272013
For more inFormation, contact:
www.Victimsofcrime.org
For more information on how FiftyForward Victory Over Crime can assist you, please call 743-3417 to learn more. All calls are confidential.
Join us in commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 21-27, 2013. FiftyForward’s Victory Over Crime program assists victims all year long. FiftyForward Victory Over Crime assists older adults who are victims of crime to:
• identify needs, • apply for and receive services, • participate in the criminal justice system, • put a safety plan in place to avoid further victimization.
If you have been a victim, we can help you become a survivor. You will understand services and your rights, as well as having basic needs met (food, shelter, safety) and improved quality of life (having a support network, living without fear, taking control of their lives).
Call 743-3417 to learn more. All calls are confidential.
Special feature
Each year, more than one million Americans choose orthopedic surgery to alleviate chronic joint pain.
If you, a parent, or loved one is facing orthopedic or another non-emergency surgery, one of the challenges is to create a safer and more functional home environment that will im-prove your recovery experience.
The good thing about having non-emergency orthopedic sur-gery is that you can prepare for it – emotionally, physically, and environmentally. Knowledge is power. Fully discuss the surgery with your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe prepara-tory exercises that help keep joints flexible, develop strength to use assistive devices (like crutches and rails), and build the capacity to compensate for a temporary loss of function while healing.
Preparedness is key to a smoother recovery. Under-standing the risks and recovery process helps you anticipate and adjust to the emotional and physical challenges to come.
Preparing your home environment will help you and loved ones reduce the emotional and physical challenges encountered during recovery. Here are some tips for improved recovery:
• Make safe the entries and exits to/from the home and to/from vehicles.
• Clear pathways wherever the patient travels.• Create a recovery space (bed and bath) on the main floor to
avoid climbing stairs.• Set up a comfortable “nest” for watching TV, visiting with
friends, eating meals, etc.• Make changes to the bedroom and bathroom for greater
safety and functionality.• Utilize appropriate Assistive Devices.• Provide easy access to food, drink, toiletries, and items used
daily.• Set aside space for in-home therapy, if required.
Each situation is different. Many people find it a relief to work with a qualified professional, such as a certified aging-in-place specialist, who will conduct a home livability assessment and determine how your home
can start working for you and your loved ones.
Jason Biddle is the community relations manager for A Better Nest, a local privately owned company dedicated to helping individuals and families make their home environments simpler, safer, and more livable. He can be contacted at (615) 624.0954 or [email protected].
Preparing for Orthopedic and Non-Emergency Surgery
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FiftyForward BordeauxFor more information, call the Center at (615) 248-2272.
CLASSES/ACTIVITIESBible Games Bible Study Bingo Crocheting ClassFitness ExerciseGardeningGet Fit DancingHealth and Nutrition Education Healthy SmoothiesJewelry MakingSpades, Wii Bowling, Word Puzzles, Card Games and other optional activities
SpECIAL EVEnTS Fire Safety Nashville Fire Dept.Monday, March 25th at 10 a.m.
Healthy Hair and nailsPorsha with First Class SalonMonday, April 15th at 10:15 a.m.
TrIpS Southern Thrift in Donelson Monday, March 11th at 10 a.m. Van Fee $2
Horseshoe Casino Saturday, April 13th $10 members $15 non - membersDepart center at 9 a.m. Please call for details
Cedar park Monday, May 13 at 10 a.m. Van Fee $2
SAVE THE DATE!HATS OFF TO BOrDEAux!FRIDAy, JuNE 21PATRICIA HART BuIlDINGVisit Fiftyforward.org for more details
FiftyForward College GroveFor more information, please call the center at (615) 368-7278. CLASSESArtBob Ross painting workshopBible StudyBingoBread Day BridgeCanastaCollege Grove Community libraryComputerDigital Scrapbooking
History & Genealogyline DancingMonthly Birthday Potluck (3rd Wed.)Open Computer lab with WiFiPedro Card GamePokerPool RoomThursday lunchTV loungeHEALTH & WELLnESSAerobicsBlood Pressure ScreeningsMassage Therapist (by appointment)WalkingWellness Centeryoga
CLuBS AnD GrOupSBook Discussion GroupHandwork GroupHealth Education GroupRed Hat SocietyStudio Fifty Art ClubWriting Group
DAy TrIpSTwo to three day trips are planned each month. Call the center for more information, 368-7093.
Senior Day on the General JacksonIris City Gardens
FiftyForward KnowlesFor more information, call the center at (615) 743-3400 Weekly AcTiviTieS:
Arthritis Exercise ChoraleersDominoesExercise & FitnessKnit/Crochetlet’s Talklisten and laugh (Reading Walking Across Egypt)
Movie GroupScrapbooking SilverSneakers®Writing Groupyoga
MOnTHLy EVEnTS BingoBook Club Curb Symphony Dress RehearsalsDiabetes Support Group First Monday lunchGenealogyMen’s Group
Safety SeriesWellness luncheon Series (Holistic Health Series: Healing Touch, Acupuncture, Good Sleep)
DAyTrIpSMarch: Ride in an electric CarMystery lunch tripsThrifting
SpeciAl evenTS:April: Nashville READS life of Pi(see ad on page 12)
FiftyForward Donelson StationTelephone (615) 883-8375
*nEW* CLASSESStrength trainingBroadway DanceMicrosoft WordPhotographyGuitar lessons by appt.Songwriters classSpanish Zumba with yo-yo
CLASSESArt classesArthritis Foundation AerobicsBasic Computer (June) 4 week session Beading (10wk session)Cold ConnectionComputer ClassesCore fitnessFacebook FridaysiPad/Tablet Classlapidarylow impact aerobicsRing Workshops
Silver JewelryTai ChiWalk with Ease- Arthritis Foundation Water AerobicsWire Wrappingyoga
CLuBS/GrOupSAARP Grief and loss ProgramBridge ClubBible StudyBingoBook ClubBowling ClubBuncoClean EatingComputer ClubCornhole ClubCrochet--all levelsDigital Camera ClubGame HourHiking ClubHorseshoesKnit Clubline danceQuilt ClubRed Hat SocietyRelatively Old Men Eating Out (R.O.M.E.O.)Primetime PlayersPowder Puff Pool Girls
Social BridgeTexas Hold’emWalking ClubZumba GoldZumba Toning
SpeciAl evenTS:Farmer’s Market Coming in May, Fridays, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Monthly luncheonsMonthly Birthday PartyDinner Theatre
March/April/MayCraft ‘n’ Snacklisa’s lunchbunchKatie’s Mystery lunchAmanda’s Supperclub$2 Movie club
OThER SERVICESFitness walking and exercise Green Room Coffee Shop with daily activitiesladies and Gents SalonOpen computer labFiftyForward TravelMid-Tennesee Gem and Mineral SocietyPalm Tree Café
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FiftyForward Martin CenterFor more info, call (615) 376-0102
CLASSES AARP Safe Driving Advanced level Watercolor Advanced Oil Painting with Renee laRose Beginning Watercolor Beginning Oil Painting with Renee laRose Canasta lessonsDrawing with Renee laRoseElements of WritingHistorical SeniorsGenealogy Iris Card MakingMixed Media WorkshopTechnology on DemandWine Pairing
GrOupSBook ReviewBrunch Group
BridgeCanastaConcord Grapes Red Hat SocietyCyber Café Dinner GroupKalukiKnitwitsKrystal and Korn Holelunch and Movie BunchMartin Members Game Day Mountain DulcimerM2: Martin MenMen’s Breakfast GroupMonthly Potluck luncheonPamper n’ PlayTexas Hold’emWii Mondays Witty Wise Women’s luncheonWeight Watchers
Health and WellnessAerobicsBetter Sleep Seminar
Cool Springs Eye Care lunch and learnDepression ScreeningsFlex ExerciseHealth Aging Sponsored luncheon by Saint ThomasManicure and PedicureMassage TherapistPilatesSenior Expo at FactoryTai ChiTransitions of life sponsored by Rolling Hillsyoga
SpECIAL EVEnTSArrington Winery TourChaffin’s Barn Dinner TheatreDine Around the WorldFranklin Theatre TourNashville Symphony Dress RehearsalPotluck luncheonRenaissance Dinner Theatre in DicksonTPAC
FiftyForward Madison StationFor more information, call the center at (615) 860-7180 CLASSESBallroom dance practiceBeginning and Intermediate BallroomBible Conversation and StudyCrochet for beginners Framing for beginners Golden Slippers exercise line danceMake-n-Take Craft classPiano lessonsSenior stength trainingSilverSneakers® yoga Stretch Silversneakers ® Cardio CircuitSilver sneakers® Muscular StrengthTai Chi with larry leeTechnology on Demand Watercolor for Beginnersyoga
CLuBS & GrOupS Book ClubCornhole Players Crochet Club Genealogy ClubGoldentones Choir
Inglewood and Friends ClubKaraoke SingersKnitting GroupMadison Station Silver Notes BandMadison Travelers ClubMexican Train DominoesOpen Music JamQuilting ClubRed Hat SocietyReminisceScrabble Players
HEALTH & FITnESSBlood pressure checksFitness CenterMassage therapyWalking ClubWater Aerobics through Fitness PlusWeight training
SpECIAL EVEnTSDinner Theaterlunch & learnsMonthly luncheonsFriday Night Music Jam (see page 12)BingoFlea Market
TrIpS Four to five day trips are planned each month. Call the center for more info, 860-7180
FiftyForward J. L. Turner CenterCall or email for the current class schedule, 646-9622 or [email protected], ArTS AnD CrAFTSArts and Crafts with PamCalligraphyJewelry makingline Dancing (beg. and advanced) Sit and KnitSudoku QuiltingWatercolorWeight Watchers
GrOupSBellevue CaregiversBellevue History and Genealogy Bellevue Belles Red HattersBook/Written Memory Discussions Monthly Supper Club
GAMESBingoBridgeIntroduction to Bridge Canasta Game Day Pitch-insMah-Jongg and Mah Jongg classTournament Bridge Wii Bowling
HEALTH AnD WELLnESS CLASSESFull fitness facility with a poolSilverSneakers® (several classes) Tai chi
Zumba Gold
EDuCATIOnAL TALkSElder law AttorneyHealth and WellnessSocial securityStar Physical Therapy TalksVanderbilt Memory /Alzheimer’s CtryMCA Meet the Trainer
SpECIAL EVEnTS AnD TALkSAARP Tax assistanceBible StudyCholesterol and Blood Sugar testingDeloitte Impact Techie DaysMarket Fest and Silent Auction(see ad on page 12)Medicare info and counselingMonthly potlucksVolunteer opportunities
TrIpSJoin us for trips to: Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville Symphony and Opera, Chaffin’s Barn, Bluebird Café, volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, and tours of local historical venues.
ACTIVITIESTransportation Program for Homebound Seniors Bellevue Recycling Center benefits the J. l. Turner Center
ON THE ROAD WITH JOANSee p. 16 for specific trips and dates.
FiftyForward C
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Play music?
Come to FiftyForward Madison Station’s
Weekly Music JamAll styles of music are welcome.
FREE, Fridays, 6 - 9 p.m.
FiftyForward Special E
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The 24th annual Crown Affair will be held on Thursday, April 4. We are proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the Crowning Achievement Award will be patricia I. Hart,
who is being honored for her many years of tireless work and generosity on behalf of not only FiftyForward but also of our entire community. (Patricia is one of only four individuals to be given a lifetime board membership in our agency’s 57-year history.) FiftyForward board member
Brian Shelton will receive the 2013 Shining Star Award, in recognition of the 23 years of service and support Bradley Arant Boult Cummings has provided to us.
Planning the elegant evening are co-chairs Ellen and Townes Duncan, enthusiastic supporters of our organization. Ellen serves on the FiftyForward Endowment Board and successfully chaired the first Moveable Feast, (with laurie Eskind), to support FiftyForward’s Meals on Wheels program. She also serves on the Friends of the Arts of Belmont Board. Together, Ellen and Townes serve on the Board of Visitors for the Vanderbilt Divinity School and on the Family Foundation Fund board. Townes serves on the Board of the Nashville Public library Foundation. Passionate about improving education for all children in Tennessee, he has served on the boards of the Tennessee
Federation for Children, the Tennessee Charter School Association and KIPP Academy. In January, the Duncans hosted a kick-off meeting at their home for the Crown Affair Committee. In her welcome, Ellen thanked committee members for serving and added, “I am so impressed with the variety of programs offered by FiftyForward and with all that the agency does to add to the quality of life for seniors.” She also shared that their six grandchildren – ages two to nine – inspire them to contribute to the community in a variety of ways in order to ensure its future welfare. Crown Affair guests will be delighted with this year’s colorful and festive spring decorations, planned by Jay Joyner. Jay is well known in Nashville’s philanthropic circles through his work on the Antique and Garden Show 2013 Preview Party, The Ballet Ball 2012, and Magdalene Fall Fundraiser 2011.
In addition, this year’s Silent Auction, chaired by board member Gina Grisham, will have something for everyone: fine art, trips and events, and jewelry. An extensive wine collection is always a highlight of the auction. Also included are gift certificates from many of our area’s finest restaurants and a beautiful
assortment of gift baskets that will go to the highest bidders.
Janet Jernigan, FiftyForward’s executive director, highlights the importance of the
Crown Affair when she states, “The exceptional programs and services offered by our organization are supported through the critical funding that the Crown Affair has provided throughout the last 23 years. More than two million dollars have been raised by this premier event, and we anticipate that this year will exceed all others.”
For additional information, contact Elizabeth Ralph, Crown Affair Coordinator, (615) 743-3409 or [email protected]
2013 CROWN AFFAIR April 4
Street Decor (16” x 20”) by Bitsy Hughes, a well known Nashville artist who has served on our 2013 Crown Affair committee soliciting
art from other local artists. Her work will be featured in the Silent Auction. Come bid on some fabulous art!
Patricia I. Hart
Brian Shelton
This year’s Silent Auction will have something for everyone: Fine art, trips, event tickets, jewelry and
an extensive wine collection.
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14 | Forward Focus
Even
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Join us for these Making a Move events:May 4, 2013 Girls on the Run Nashville 5K gotrnashville.org
Aug. 17, 2013 Girls Tri It On Nashville team-magic.com
Sept. 7, 2013 Femme Fondo www.granfondocycles.com/GFC/femme_fondo/Welcome.html
Oct. 26, 2013 Race for the Cure komennashville.org
Nov. 16, 2013 Viva la Diva vivaladivarun.org
Making a Move is a series of five Middle Tennessee events designed to encourage women to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle by participating in some or all of the events.
This is a fun way to make a positive move in your life while raising funds and awareness for programs that support health and wellness for women and girls in the participating charities.
This unique series is designed to encourage you to continue your fitness/training program throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons with goal events scheduled throughout the year.
ATTEND THE 2013 KICK-OFF RECEPTION and meet the Making a Move organizers: Saturday, March 23, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Gran FondoSaturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Fleet Feet Nashville
For more information, please visitwww.makingamove.org
Participants in at least two of the events will receive recognition at the Making a Move Celebration Dinner on December 5, 2013.
Save the Date!
Join us for Hats Off to Bordeaux!Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Patricia Hart Building
for more info, visit � ftyforward.org or call (615) 248-2272
Find a Hat!
by Sarah Martin McConnell, Director, Music for Seniors
A devastating situation changes livesWhen Hurricane Katrina hit, we waited anxiously for hours to make contact with our family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My sister was frantic. “You have to come get Mom,” she tells me, “It’s chaos here. There’s no water, no electricity and it’s so hot. It’s miserable!” And so my mother, Marguerite (Marge) Martin – recently diagnosed with mid-stage Alzheimer’s – came to live permanently with my husband and me in Nashville. Unexpectedly, Life was opening the door for the creation of FiftyForward Music for Seniors. Inspiration hitsShortly after her arrival, Marge began attending FiftyForward Adult Day Services (ADS) program, which provides an enjoyable environment, breakfast and lunch for frail older adults who no longer can manage daily life on their own. As full-time caregivers, finding this safe place for my mother was crucial to my husband and me: we could continue working while Mom had fun with her peers at ADS. A couple of weeks after Mom begins attending, I ask the director if I can bring my guitar and dulcimer and come for an hour of music with the group. With a resounding yes, we schedule a morning performance. The “show” is a big success. I sing standards and hymns, camp songs and turn-of-the-century ballads. I weave among the tables, taking requests and encouraging them all to sing along. Afterwards, walking back to my car on this beautiful September morning, I am filled with joy and enthusiasm. It was such fun. Everybody loved it, especially me. Buzzing with excitement and deeply touched by the warm connection I have just made with these delightful seniors, I decide to commit to playing once a month for Mom and her group. After several months, I have an epiphany: there should be an organized effort to connect musicians with older adults in this way to share live music together. A program is bornThus, with enthusiasm and support from Janet Jernigan, Executive Director of FiftyForward, the Music for Seniors program launched in July 2007 with generous seed money granted from The Memorial Foundation. At first we had three musicians performing at two adult day services groups. Today, the program has more than 50 participating musicians and groups performing interactive one-hour music programs for more than 1,000 older adults monthly at 50 locations in Middle Tennessee. The outreach performances are based on the original model of those first programs for my mother’s group and occur where older adults live and congregate. In addition, utilizing FiftyForward’s seven centers and partnerships with area arts organizations, our FREE Daytime Concert Series presents senior music events every month at varying public locations. These concerts are free to all area seniors,
their friends and caregivers at no cost and often include complimentary refreshments. Some of our area partners include Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville Jazz Workshop and Nashville Opera. Partners generally provide the performance space and often extend additional perks to our concert-goers, like free gardens admission at Cheekwood and free museum admission at The Frist. In addition to inviting us for “look-in” rehearsals at Noah Liff Center, Nashville Opera offers us discounted tickets to all their performances.
For more information on how your organization might benefit from a Music for Seniors performance, please call Sarah at (615) 742-4691 or email [email protected].
The Story of FiftyForward Music for Seniors
FiftyForward Program highlight Sharing live music, lighting up lives!
Spring 2013 | 15
16 | Forward Focus
FiftyF
orward
Travel
On the Road with JoanJoin Joan on the Road for these refreshing spring daytrips
MARCHST. PATRICK’S DAY, Erin, Tenn.Saturday, March,16Parade, food, crafts, music! Lunch on your own. Cost: $25 APRILSPRING IN THE HOLLOW Lynchburg, Tenn.Saturday,April27OnthesquareinLynchburg–gardensale,plants,flow-ers, strawberries, iron works, quilts, crafts, distillery tours, several restau-rants, clogging and much more. Lunch on your own. Cost: $25 MAYMILKY WAY FARM, Pulaski, Tenn. Thursday, May 23 Guided tour and history of this beautiful farm which was owned by Frank Mars who created Mars and Milky Way candy bars. Catered lunch in the Manor House. Cost: $48 including lunch JUNEAMBER FALLS WINERY TOUR, Hampshire, Tenn. Thursday, June 20 Complimentary biscuit & Coffee at Loveless Café. Ride the Natchez Trace to Hampshire to Amber Falls winery where we will have a riding, guided tour of the vineyards and guided tour of the winery including a wine tasting. Lunch in the pavilion overlooking the beautiful hillside. Cost: $35 including lunch.Pick-up sites at Donelson Station and J. L. Turner Center
Metropolis trips – First Thursday of each month – J.L. Turner
For more information on these trips, or to register, contact Joan Sincerbox at (615) 646-0059 or email [email protected].
FiftyForward Travel makes it easy to plan your adventures
Image courtesy of Amber Falls Winery
By Janice Judd, Travel CoordinatorFiftyForward makes it easy to plan your adventure of a lifetime. For more information on these upcoming trips, please call Janice at (615) 883-8375 or email her at [email protected]. Call to reserve your spot today!
March 21, 2013Harrah’s Casino, Metropolis, Ill.Cost: $5 FiftyForward members and Keeton Theatre season ticket holdersIncludes transportation, lunch and $5 casino voucher
April 8-22, 2013Australia and new Zealand, with an option for FijiCost: $5,299 pp/dbl
April 16-May 4, 2013Southeast Asia and China: Cruise aboard the Diamond PrincessPorts: Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nagasaki, Busan and Beijing. Inside Cabin $5,575, Balcony cabins available.
May 13-16, 2013Biloxi, MississippiStaying at Imperial Palace. Includes $30 Free Play Casino Bonus Package and $10 meal voucher per person per night.Cost: $369 pp/dbl
June 7, 2013Mystery Tour (day trip)Cost: $89 pp includes transportation, lunch and all activitiesJune 23-29, 2013niagara Falls and TorontoThe Maid of the Mist journey to the Falls, Casa loma visit. Passport is re-quired. Cost: $665 pp/dbl (This is sold out, but a waiting list is available.)
July 15-20, 2013Lancaster Show Trip and the Dutch CountryNOAH show, Chocolate World in Hershey, Penn. Cost: $549 pp/dbl
August 10-18, 2013Colorado and the rocky MountainsGarden of the Gods, uS Air Force Academy, the Royal Gorge, uS Olympic Training Center. Cost: $749 pp/dbl
September 8-17, 2013Ireland Highlights include Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and limerick; Blarney Stone kiss; Cliffs of Mohr; Cabra Castle overnightCost: Book by March 8 to save $250 per person. Before March 8, $3,099 pp/dbl.September 22-28, 2013Myrtle Beach Show TripThree evening shows, Broadway at the Beach, guided tour of CharlestonCost: $669 pp/dbl
October 5-13, 2013Cape CodTour “Outer Cape,” Hyannis, Sandwich, Martha’s Vineyard, JFK MuseumCost: $789 pp/dbl
For more information on FiftyForward Travel, visit fiftyforward.org
Nutrition
Spring 2013 | 17
Aaahh, Spring! After a cold and damp winter I can hardly wait for the hills to be covered with beautiful green leaves on the trees, I begin counting the days when I can safely plant the vegetables I started from seed. Nashville weather tends to tease us several times before spring is truly here, but waiting to plant until April 15 is usually a sure bet. I’m usually ready to eat fresh young veggies long before they are ready to be picked here. Thankfully we have surrounding states that can produce them for us without transporting them very far.
Two of my favorite spring vegetables are asparagus and sweet peas. I remember walking through my grandparents garden picking peas, shelling them and popping the sweet things into my mouth. Neither asparagus nor peas need much of anything added to them to enjoy their taste. Here is a recipe that highlights their fresh flavor.
Wild Rice Salad with Peas and Asparagus
1-1/2 cups cooked wild rice*8 oz of peas12 oz asparagus 12 oz grape tomatoes1/4 cup red onion, chopped1/4 cup fresh dill
Dressing:1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar1/2 cup olive oil
Put rice into a large bowl. Cut asparagus into 1-1/2 inch lengths. Cook the peas and asparagus in boiling water about 3 minutes. Slice tomatoes in half. Combine all vegetables with the rice mixture. Whisk oil and vinegar together and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss dressing with rice mixture to coat. Sprinkle top with feta cheese if desired. Serves 4 people as a main course, 8 as a side dish.*You can substitute other grains such as barley, couscous, quinoa or farro if you prefer.
Food & Wine
Accent Your Favorite Meal with a Refreshing and Food-Friendly Wine from France
Vouvray, a very food-friendly wine, just happens to be one of my favorite wines from France. Chenin Blanc is the grape varietal and the wine is known as VOUVRAY as well as the region of The Loire Valley of central France where the grapes are grown. Wines from France are traditionally named from the region or commune of which they are cultivated.
This refreshing, medium-bodied white wine from The Loire Valley will fill your mouth with layers of peach, lemon peel, apricot, a hint of almond and mouthwatering acidity (minerality).
Some of my favorite wines come from France and this no exception. The combination of the varied climates,unique soils and location of vines throughout the France often produce wine styles that cannot be reproduced anywhere else in the world.
The unique soil where the grapes are grown in the Loire Valley of Vouvray contains chalky limestone and ancient marine fossils with a high calcium content that help the grapes retain acidity. Wines from the Chenin Blanc grape from this region can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet.
I have enjoyed pairing 2010 CHAMPALOU Vouvray (Kermit Lynch) with a dinner for two or for crowd and for the very approachable price under $20, you can’t go wrong! This slightly off-dry wine offers a balance of chalky minerality (acidity), and the concentrated flavors of stone fruits particularly pairs well with a variety of salads of field greens, argula or a grain salad with fresh asparagus and tangy vinaigrette featured in Deborah’s Recipe (at left). It also pairs well with mild and creamy cheese, lemon and herb roasted chicken and seafood dishes such as shrimp scampi or pan-seared fish. For the best expression of this wine, be sure to serve it chilled at 45 - 55˚F. 2010 Champalou Vouvray is locally available at many wine shops in the Nashville area.
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The culinary skills of Patricia Hart Building Events Manager Deborah Stillwell are well known, especially to her family, FiftyForward members, and facility renters who request in-house catering. A self-confessed foodie, she loves to revamp standard fare in a whole new, heart-healthy way. She teaches cooking seminars using fresh herbs, and her yummy recipes are regularly featured in the Knowles Center’s First Monday lunches. If you would like to ask Deborah for an alternative recipe for one of your favorite foods, contact her at [email protected].
Lisa Mays lends her wine expertise to Deborah’s healthy recipes. Lisa is a local wine enthusiast and educator who earned an WSET Intermediate Certification. Her “inner wine spirit” is on a mission to help others experience the same joy she gets from Food and Wine pairings. Check out her website and blog www.winewithlisa.com for great selections, pairings and recipes.
18 | Forward Focus
Modern Options for Senior Living MDHA is Now Accepting Applications
- Apartments available to applicants 62 years old or older.
- Income-based rent. - Utilities paid. - On-site management and maintenance. - Laundry facilities. - Secured access. - Recreational opportunities.
Carleen Waller Manor, near Vanderbilt
Edgefield Manor in East Nashville
Gernert Studio Apartments in Edgehill
Questions? (615) 252-3734 for Waller (615) 252-3717 for Gernert (615) 252-3713 for Edgefield
FiftyForward News
Don’t miss our exciting calendar of special events!
March 26 14th Annual Whistlestop at Madison Station
April 4 The Crown Affair at FiftyForward/Patricia Hart Bldg.
April 15-16 MarketFest at the J. L. Turner Center in Bellevue
June 13 Music & Memories at The Martin Center
June 21 Hats Off to Bordeaux! at the Patricia Hart Building
Visit our new website, fiftyforward.org
Spring 2013 | 19
More Bang for the Buck!
How to give to an Endowment in a Win-Win Fashion
By Robert Smith
Tony Hoffman is a native of Nashville who runs a small industrial distribution business. Growing up, his father had instilled in him the value of giving back to the commu-nity. As Tony’s business prospered and grew over the years, the notion of “giving back” became increasingly important to him.
Tony initially became acquainted with FiftyForward by attending its Crown Affair fundraising event. He subsequently became in-volved with FiftyForward by serving on the Investment Commit-tee of the FiftyForward Endowment. Through his service, Tony became impressed with how efficiently FiftyForward used its available resources to accomplish its mission of service to the community. This led Tony to consider making a gift to the Fifty-Forward Endowment.
The initial question Tony faced was how to gift the Endowment in a way that could potentially make a big impact and differ-ence to the organization. His life insurance agent provided the answer: Purchase a term life policy and name FiftyForward the beneficiary. Additionally, Tony could make an annual donation to the FiftyForward Endowment to cover the cost of the policy premium. So Tony decided to purchase a $50,000, 20 year term life policy on himself, naming the FiftyForward Endowment as the sole beneficiary. That’s all there was to it.
Here’s the win-win from all this. Through the gift of a term life insurance policy, Tony has created the option to leave a sub-stantial unrestricted legacy gift to the FiftyForward Endowment. In return, he is entitled to claim a tax deduction for his annual donations to cover the premium payments.
So how does Tony feel after making this gift to the FiftyForward Endowment? Great! He has taken steps to leave a significant legacy to a worthwhile organization that does a terrific job in serving Nashville’s mature adult community. And he has hon-ored his father’s example by doing so.
To learn more about ways to give to FiftyForward’s Endowment, please contact Pam Brown at (615) 743-3434.
Robert Smith serves on the Executive Committee of the FiftyForward Foundation Board as Education Chair.
Tony Hoffman, President Elect, FiftyForward Endowment Board
Special feature
20 | Forward Focus
your smartphone is the latest model and you are an expert on Skype and Facebook, but what about your basic communication abilities? Are you keeping your hearing and speech in good working order? We asked experts at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Department of Hearing and Speech to talk honestly about aging and communication abilities.
FiftyForward: We’ve all been talking and listening since we were very young. Are there changes in those abilities we need to watch out for as we age?
Bill Wilkerson Center: like all physical processes, hearing and speech can be affected by aging. Our auditory system is particularly vulnerable to aging; the tiny nerve endings in our inner ears can become damaged — particularly if we’ve spent time around loud noise — causing a decrease in hearing acuity for speech sounds. Typically, it becomes harder to hear higher, softer voices and speech sounds. So it may be more difficult to understand children when they talk, and even adults will sound muffled, particularly in background noise.
FF: But hearing aids can help, right?
BW: Absolutely. Studies show that adults with hearing loss who use hearing aids live longer, healthier, and more satisfying lives. In addition, hearing aid technology is getting better and better. Instead of simply amplifying everything as our grandparents’ hearing aids did, digital technology allows the equipment to compress sounds into a comfortable range for your unique hearing. Hearing aids can adjust for particular listening environments and help you hear in a noisy restaurant as well as a quiet park. Finally, hearing aids are much smaller now, and use tiny ear buds so as not to block sounds you might hear naturally.
FF: What else can we do to help our hearing?
BW: The most important thing you can do for your hearing is to protect it from loud noise. Always wear ear protection when you are using power tools, hunting, or around loud motors. Encourage your children and grandchildren to do the same, especially when they attend concerts or loud events. See your doctor immediately if you experience a sudden drop in hearing, which can indicate a medical problem.
FF: How about speech? Can that change as we age?
BW: Some of us are fortunate enough to maintain our expressive abilities into extreme old age. However, many neurological conditions
can affect the physical act of talking (speech skills) or the ability of the brain to process language (language skills). Vocal strength and swallowing ability can also experience changes.
FF: What sorts of problems might arise?
BW: Aphasia, the inability to process language, is a common problem after stroke or brain injury. Neurological disorders also can cause problems with the ability to use the muscles involved in speech and swallowing. Fortunately, these functions may improve as the brain heals and with the right intervention. Speech-language pathologists can help patients regain speech and language abilities in some cases and learn to use alternative communication systems in others. Some speech pathologists specialize in swallowing or voice disorders, helping patients who are having trouble in those areas.
FF: Can some of these issues be prevented?
BW: Of course, not every age-related illness or disability can be avoided; however following guidelines for staying mentally and physically healthy is a good start to keeping your communication skills in good working order. Know the early warning signs of a stroke, and get to a hospital immediately if you recognize them. And remember: not every sign of age is just “something to live with.” Communication problems can be diagnosed and treated effectively.
The Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences reminds you to take care of your communication abilities so that you can stay connected for years to come. For more information about the services provided or to contact the Center, visit www.vanderbiltbillwilkersoncenter.com. To learn more about May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, visit www.asha.org.
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Can you hear me now? Communication Check up for Baby Boomers
Community News
As required by the united States and Tennessee consti tuti ons, the Tennessee General Assembly redrew and approved new district boundaries in 2012. The goal was for each district to be equally represented according to 2010 Census populati on data. The new boundaries became eff ecti ve prior to the 2012 primary and general electi ons and are in aff ect through 2021.
The recently convened 108th Tennessee General Assembly has some newly elected offi cials, along with many who have been re-elected to conti nue representati on. They are:
SEnATEDavidson County -Dist. 19 Senator Thelma Harper [email protected] 741-2453
Dist. 20 Senator Steven Dickerson [email protected] 741-6679
Dist. 21 Senator Douglas Henry [email protected] 741-3291
Williamson County -Dist. 23 Senator Jack Johnson [email protected] 741-2495
HOuSEDavidson County -Dist. 50 rep. Bo Mitchell [email protected] 741-4317
Dist. 51 rep. Mike Turner [email protected] 741-3229
Dist. 52 rep. Mike Stewart [email protected] 741-2134
Dist. 53 rep. Jason powell [email protected] 741-6861
Dist. 54 rep. Brenda Gilmore [email protected] 741-1997
Dist. 55 rep. Gary Odom [email protected] 741-4410
Dist. 56 Speaker Beth Harwell [email protected] 741-0709
Dist. 58 rep. Harold M. Love, Jr. [email protected] 741-3831
Dist. 59 rep. Sherry Jones [email protected] 741-2035
Dist. 60 rep. Darren Jernigan [email protected] 741-6959
Williamson County -Dist. 61 rep. Charles Sargent [email protected] 741-6808
Dist. 63 rep. Glen Casada [email protected] 741-4389
Dist. 65 rep. Jeremy Durham [email protected] 741-1864
If you are unsure of who your state representati ve or senator is, you may go to www.legislature.state.tn.us. you may either type in your address or go to district maps. Also featured on the website, each elected offi cial has a biographical sketch that includes contact informati on, educati on and career highlights, public service history, committ ee membership and sponsored or co-sponsored bills.
Informati on brought to you by Fift yForward Government Aff airs Committ ee.
Have Your State Legislators Changed? Keep up with all the legislative changes in your community
Spring 2013 | 21
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22 | Forward Focus
Inheriting a Mountain of StuffOur collecting habits have changed drastically since 1977. That’s
when I opened an antique shop in Madison, Tennessee. My best sellers were one-drawer walnut and cherry bedside tables, Aladdin lamps, Haviland china, and yard-long prints of flowers and puppies from the late 1800s. Cannonball beds and bonnet chests were a staple item, as well. Celebrations surrounding our nation’s bicentennial encouraged us to recall the seemingly idyllic lives of our ancestors.
We set out to recreate the look and feel of our childhood dwellings in suburban homes. Often inspired by an inherited piece of furniture or an even a larger personal property inheritance, collecting late 19th Century furniture became a National pastime. Customers believed, as did the dealers, that antiques were a great investment. Since no more could be made, they would inevitably go up in value.
It was fun, fun, fun! Our mothers had a fear of empty space. They all bought the same items at the same time, causing the value to go up. Now they are all selling at the same time, forcing value to go down. Many people became dealers in an antique mall to sell and then buy more. Good times at local auctions became our network of friends. Shopping at the giftware store to purchase Beanie Babies or Gone-With-the-Wind figurines was an anticipated social event. I can almost hear my mother’s chatter and giggle as she waited in line for the latest Barbie or tree ornaments.
Collecting became a national pastime – a competitive sport. For example, an appraisal client in the midst of remodeling a farmhouse, amassed more than 80 rolling pins to display on a kitchen all. Charmed and intrigued by her grandmother’s rolling pin, she had begun buying all she saw at flea markets and sales. They were all different, colorful, used, loved. Most likely, this collection of country nostalgia has risen in value. Many antiques dating before 1850 have gone up in value since the 1970s, but we paid higher for many pieces in the 1990s than they will bring today.
As we arranged our grandmother’s quilts on rope beds and hung grandfather’s crosscut saw on the side of the utility shed, we were motivated to buy more. Soon I began inventorying rooms dedicated to collections like trains, phones, butter molds, Ball jars, or dolls Because of our state of mind, the sale of reproductions proved lucrative. Manufacturers tapped into our obsessions by producing collectibles like anniversary Barbie dolls, I Love Lucy lunch boxes, ‘limited edition’ toys, prints, collector tins, packaged coins and collector plates.
New and ever expanding cable and satellite services offered shop at home convenience through dedicated home shopping channels. Collector dolls were sold from the Sunday paper. Extended news and information programs had time to fill and used press releases from corporate marketing departments as fillers. Reports of remarkable auction values were peppered into the news and further heightened
our desire to invest in items that would one day make us rich, too. We were investing, after all, in our future. Everyone was buying.
I recently completed an estate inventory with 122 pages! Fewer than 10 items were dated earlier than 1900. The property was all purchased by the last generation. Although some of my clients have inherited large collections passed down from the early 1800s, most items were made after 1930.
There’s a bit of a pile-up of mass produced decorative items in homes and at sales right now. The Internet has further diluted their value because, nationwide, there’s even more for sale. In every home, though, there’s an overlooked group of furniture or decorative items that are selling briskly to the new generation of buyers. In the same way we chose between light wood of dark, today’s shoppers are either seeking the bold colors of the ‘60s, or the washed out subtle hues of Victoriana. Just like us, they buy from the secondary market to save money and decorate cleverly.
Although mass produced collectibles are slow to sell even at low prices, the antiques and consignment business is alive and well. New dealers have embraced the Internet for inexpensive marketing. Sites like Etsy.com, Craigslist, EstateSales.net, and of course, eBay.com, are the new way to reach buyers. If you’ll glance at these sites, you’ll learn what’s hot, and see if it’s in your basement, spare rooms and sheds. Although the party is over for anything decorated with pink flowers or for rooms of brown furniture, there are still sales to celebrate. Items made before 1850 and everything 1960s is the first place to look.
Connie Sue offers antique appraisal events, private appraisals, and estate sale consulting services to individuals, businesses and organizations. Sign up for It’s Just Stuff, her FREE quarterly newsletter at: www.ConnieSue.com. Send questions to:4064 Highway 31W Cottontown, TN, 37048Office: 615.672.1992Email: [email protected]
Helping you find a peaceful place among your things.
Connie Sue DavenportAccredited Member,
International Society of Appraisers
Our mothers had a fear of empty space. They all bought the same items at the same time, causing the value to go up. Now they are
all selling at the same time, forcing value to go down.
Spring 2013 | 23
Target your advertising to reach adults 50 and older!Forward Focus, a quarterly publication of FiftyForward, has a circulation of 35,000 and is distributed in Davidson and Williamson counties. Forward Focus is mailed to members of FiftyForward, as well as key donors and select community and business leaders. Copies are available at all public libraries. and inserted in Mature Lifestyles in March, June, September and December.
We accept camera-ready ads, but layout and composition services are available. The deadline for placing an ad is the first of the month preceding publication. For more information, contact Bob Neuman, Advertising Manager, at (615) 885-6556 or email [email protected].
Mar
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The Perfect Venue for Your Next
Call FiftyForward Martin Center at 376-0102 and the Patricia Hart Building at 743-3400 for more details.
Event