_____________________________________________________________ Senior Spotlight July/August 2020

Did you receive a handwritten card, letter, or postcard in your mailbox last month? We were so

pleased that some local community members decided to “team up” to spread joy to our seniors

during this pause on in-person visits. You may be familiar with the Gold Award, which is the

highest-level award Girl Scouts can achieve, but fewer people know about the Bronze Award,

which can be achieved by junior girl scouts in 5th grade if they work together on a community

project. Local scouts from Troop #720 were planning their group effort to solve a

community problem when the pandemic closed schools and they could no longer meet. Several

of the girls came up with their own projects

that could be accomplished while social

distancing and one chose to support our local

seniors through letter writing.

This scout, who attends Holy Cross Academy,

put out a call for letters in her neighborhood

and over her mom’s social media account –

and then collected letters to a box on her

family’s porch. She raised money for stamps

by selling extra plants from her yard like mint,

cilantro, and lamb’s ears with an “on your

honor” money jar. It was heartwarming to see

the community response: friends, neighbors,

fellow girl scouts, some of our very own Teen

Council members, and several honor students

at Courtland High School poured their artwork

and heartfelt messages onto paper. We hope

these cards brought you a little bit of joy

during this time!

We want to make sure that all of our seniors and friends have the resources and assistance they need during these unprecedented times. Please call our office number at (540) 371-2704, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., if you need

assistance. We are here for you!

Health and Safety

Look in this section of our newsletter each month for important health and safety tips and community health-related events or resources specifically for seniors! (This month’s health and safety tips come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov)

Though many businesses and services are reopening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to urge awareness and caution, especially for those who are higher risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. Here are their recommendations: Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.

Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. o Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus. o Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. o Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of

getting very sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the

grocery store or to pick up other necessities. o Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who

has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a

substitute for social distancing. Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Then, use a household disinfectant.

Sources for Reliable Outbreak- Related Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) http://www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization, 525 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037, 202-974-3000 http://www.who.int/en

Our Stories Meet Leigh Haverstick, her daughter Lauren, and their

senior friend, Margaret. This terrific trio met in 2018. In her own

words Lauren explains, “Ever since I was little, I’ve been a

people person. I love being around anyone I could talk to. One

day, I ran down into our kitchen and told my mom I loved “old”

people. I said I wanted one I could talk to, a senior that could

be my own friend – that I could visit with. My mom laughed and

said she wasn’t exactly sure how to help me. The next day, an

ad on my mom’s Facebook was for the Senior Visitors

Program and we signed up.”

Lauren goes on to say, “Mrs. Margaret is a wonderful lady!

Since the first time we met her, she has been nothing but kind.

She is also very humorous; most of our visits are filled with

laughs. She has a very good history of Virginia and I have

learned a lot about what is around here from her. At 92, she is still very active and engaged. She

even tends to go outside and do yard work!” Leigh says of Margaret, “She’s wonderful! She’s always

up-to-date on the latest news in Fredericksburg and usually finds out about new things being built or

opening before we do! I love hearing her observations on life over the course of 92 years.”

When asked what she enjoys most about their visits, Margaret says, “They are always so friendly.

It is like we already knew each other. It is nice to have both mother and daughter visit me. I feel

uplifted and not isolated. I enjoy hearing about Leigh’s work and Lauren’s activities. It is nice to know

what’s going on in schools today. It is so different from when I was young. And Leigh and Lauren

seem to enjoy stories of when I was young.”

Before COVID-19 restrictions, their weekly visits included playing games, putting together puzzles,

walks, sharing stories and memories, catching up on their busy week, or baking oatmeal raisin

cookies (their mutual favorite!). Now they stay connected through frequent phone calls and

occasional drop offs of notes or word search books or little goodies. Margaret says, “Some younger

people have no time for seniors, but Lauren gets so excited to call me. She tells me about her family,

her grandparents, and school. It is such a joy!” Leigh has a unique perspective on keeping in touch.

“Our calls are so important. I’m a Respiratory Therapist and work mainly in the COVID ICU or ER. I

can see what the virus does to people. I want to know she is okay.”

Margaret says she also enjoys reading Front Porch Fredericksburg and the Senior Visitors

Program bimonthly newsletter, Senior Spotlight. She likes the information that both provide for

seniors and highlights about what is going on in the community (and the word search in the Senior

Spotlight).

Leigh, Lauren, and Margaret all agree they will be glad when they can go back to visiting in-

person. Leigh and Lauren both serve the community in many capacities, but Lauren says of being a

volunteer with the Senior Visitors Program, “It’s not hard to make someone feel so good. It is

something cool to do for someone and makes you feel better about yourself.” Lauren has spread this

message to her friends and as a result, one of her friends and her friend’s mother have also become

volunteers!

Fun and Games Through the Looking Glass

Find and circle all of the Through the Looking Glass words that are hidden in the grid. The

remaining letters spell a quote by Humpty Dumpty from the book.

ALICE BEETLE

BOAT BROOCH CARPENTER

CHESS DAISIES

DINAH ELEPHANT FAWN

FROG GARDEN

GNAT GOAT

GOLDEN CROWN GUARD HAIGHA

HATTA HILL

HUMPTY DUMPTY JABBERWOCKY KITTY

LION LOOKING GLASS

OYSTERS PAWNS

POETRY RATTLE RED KING

RED KNIGHT RED QUEEN

ROSE SHAWL SNOWDROP

SOLDIERS SQUARES

TIGER-LILY TRAIN

TWEEDLEDEE TWEEDLEDUM UMBRELLA

UNICORN VIOLET

WALRUS WHITE KING WHITE KNIGHT

WHITE QUEEN

Did you enjoy this puzzle? Visit: https://www.puzzles.ca/word-search

Creative Ways To Stay Connected:

Even with social distancing, a smile

can brighten a life! In the month of May during Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health America of Fredericksburg began the “Share a Smile Campaign” to give you and a friend/loved one something to "smile" about. The response was so positive that we are continuing to give out “smiles” for June and July. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg will place a smiley face yard sign in the front yard of your friend/loved one with a note telling them who sent it. Funds raised from the campaign will go to support Mental Health America of Fredericksburg programs such as the Senior Visitors Program.

Contact us for more information or to order a smile. www.mhafred.org (540) 371-2704

Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging offers the following services for Seniors 60+ and there are no fees for services.

Meal delivery: We provide meals delivered to your door.

Errands: We can do your shopping and prescription pick up.

Transportation: We take you to doctors, shopping, and other appointments.

Wellness Checks: Weekly phone calls to make sure everything is okay.

Respite Care: We can assist in providing for a loved one while the caregiver takes an opportunity to take care of themselves.

Pet Food: We can provide pet food. Also coming soon… A virtual café program!

Contact Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging at (540)371-3375 or at HealthyGenerations.org.

We all look forward to being able to resume in-person visits with each other. Until it is safe to do so, we appreciate your patience and we appreciate the many creative ways volunteers are finding to stay connected to their senior friend. Most of our volunteers are staying in touch with frequent phone calls. However, not everyone can hear well or is comfortable talking on the phone. Here are some other creative ideas for staying connected:

1. Mail a card or note. 2. Arrange a time to drive by and wave to each other through the window. 3. One of our volunteers has started having “window” visits. They both wear masks and visit

through the window. 4. Another volunteer stood in their senior’s driveway and sang happy birthday to them on their

birthday. 5. Arrange a regular time to “exchange” a note that you leave/pick up form the

door/porch/mail box. The note could be a weekly exchange of jokes, riddles, or just updates on how each other are doing.

Here’s a joke for you: Why don't eggs tell jokes? They'd crack each other up!

VirginiaNavigator Family of Websites E-QUICKTIP: May 8, 2020 How to Identify and Report COVID Scams You send money to someone on Craigslist selling face masks, but you never receive your order. A robocall offers free test kits and diabetes monitors, but first you have to share your personal information. A text message asks for an online donation, but you don't recognize the organization. These are all examples of real, recent scams that have arisen during the pandemic. Be informed, so you won't get fooled! Learn about COVID-19 fraud and how to report it. If you need help, and you're not sure who to trust, come to VirginiaNavigator.org. Let us help you connect to the services and information you need at this critical time: financial assistance, legal assistance, vetted apps to support caregiver self-care, and much, much more. • Find local resources on VirginiaNavigator.org • See our updated COVID-19 information page for older adults, caregivers,

and families

Bonus Puzzle: Birds

BLACKBIRD

BLUE JAY CARDINAL

CRANE CROW

DOVE

EAGLE

FALCON

HAWK MAGPIE

OWL PELICAN

PIGEON

ROBIN

SEAGULL SPARROW

SWAN WOODPECKER

WREN

July/August 2020 Birthdays

Lessie R – 7/1 Beth G – 8/1

Joseline C – 7/3 Priscilla K – 8/1 Normita H – 7/3 Doris M – 8/4 Elizabeth S – 7/8 Jane C – 8/11 Darnell C – 7/13 Bonita A – 8/17

Rebecca J – 7/17 Priscilla D – 8/21 Florence V – 7/23 Barbara R – 8/23 Carol F – 7/25 Mary E – 8/24 Mary L – 7/26 Joyce T – 8/26 May Jane T – 7/26 June J – 7/28 Gertrude P – 7/29 William H – 7/30

If we missed your birthday, please let us know at (540) 371-2704.

The hidden message is:

WHEN I USE A WORD, IT MEANS JUST WHAT I CHOOSE

IT TO MEAN - NEITHER MORE NOR LESS.

“When you get older, you learn certain life lessons. You apply that wisdom, and suddenly you say, 'Hey, I've got a new lease on this thing. So let's go.’ ”

- Robert Redford (birthday: August 18, 1936)

Need extra emotional or mental support right

now? Connect with one of MHAV's Warm

Lines for a friendly voice and other resources

for wellness and recovery.

Warm Line 866-400-MHAV (6428)

Or New COVID-19 Response Warm Line

(877) 349-6428 Call or TEXT

Both lines are available:

9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST (Mon. - Fri.) and

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Sat. - Sun.).

Senior Spotlight Senior Visitors Program Mental Health America of Fredericksburg 618 Kenmore Avenue Suite 2A Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 mhafsv@mhafred.org 540-371-2704