Active Adult Programs Age 50 & Better

September 2020, Issue No. 6

Your guide to events and happenings at Forsyth County Senior Services.

Email Announcements....................................1

Resources for Assistance................................1

Craft Projects...................................................1

Caregiver Support Group.................................2

Events..........................................................3

Group Fun on the Phone.................................3

Presentations..............................................4-7

Interactive Groups........................................7-8

Fitness.......................................................8

Virtual Social Clubs.........................................9

Community Recognition..................................9

Registration for Activities...............................10

Sexton HallCharles Place

Hearthstone Lodge(770) 781-2178

www.forsythco.com/seniors

Check out our Transportation Study feature on Page 2!

New and Returning At-Home Programs!Your favorite programs are back including fitness

classes and friendly group competition. Health benefits of food seasonings are explored in Spice

of Life. Groups pursue quests in Dungeons and Dragons for Seniors and

challenges in Team Jeopardy. Get tips to stay safe in Reduce Your Risk of Falls. A new virtual

Caregiver Support Group offers education, compassion and support to those caring

for others.

Live long.

Age well.

Enjoy your life!

Behind the Scenes - Science Experiment Class

Staying ConnectedIf you’re on our email list, you’ve been receiving weekly emails sharing various links, tips and other helpful information. If you’re not on our list, please sign up by sending a request to seniorservices@forsythco.com. We are committed to staying in touch with you until we see you again!

Meals on Wheels - The Families First Coronavirus Act and the CARES Act have provided additional funding for meals. Whether medically homebound or not, those age 60+ and sheltering in place are eligible for meal delivery. If you, or someone you know, is having difficulty getting adequate food supplies or preparing meals, please call Charles Place. The staff there continue to work hard delivering frozen meals and non-perishable food items each week to those that are homebound.

Medicare - Medicare open enrollment is coming in October. We will be setting up appointments with a representative from Legacy Link/Georgia Cares for open enrollment questions in October. In response to COVID-19, there are changes in telehealth benefits, prescription refills and more that will be addressed. Please contact Barbara Wiggins at Charles Place, (770) 781-2178 if you have additional questions.

Forsyth County Senior Services (770) 781-2178

For project instructions, call Sexton Hall at (770) 781-2178. When calling, please indicate if you would like to receive supplies; patterns and colors will vary. You can pick up your supplies kit, or for those without transportation, arrangements will be made to deliver or mail it to you.

Do You Have a Need?

At Home Activities

Terracotta Apple JarDisplayed in your home or used as a candy dish, this clay pot can be painted several layers of red and finished with a clear sealant. Top off your project with a knob and faux leaf to celebrate the start of apple picking season.

Sunflower Clothes Pins WreathCrafters will enjoy constructing this project with painted clothes pins around a wire wreath form. If you’re looking for a project that produces a beautiful accent for a door or wall in your home, this may be the perfect project for you! Add sunflowers as the finishing touch.

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The Future of Forsyth County Public TransportationThursday, September 10, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Call (770) 781-2178 to register.There may come a day when you or someone you know will no longer drive, and we have good news for you. Though Dial-A-Ride is the main public transportation service currently, supplemented by the Common Courtesy ride-share program using Uber and Lyft, Forsyth County is working on a plan to improve public transportation services.

The new master plan for public transportation is called Link Forsyth. When completed, it will guide the vision and implementation of future public transportation in Forsyth County for years to come. Please attend the online presentation on September 10 to hear all about it and give your input!

Your feedback is essential to enable county leaders to develop a plan that caters to the needs of the entire community. If you can’t attend the presentation, please fill out the survey online or on a paper copy (provided by calling Charles Place). You may also want to have a look at the website https://www.forsythco.com/linkforsyth, or you can send an email to info@forsythco.com with your comments, questions or concerns.

English survey – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XSDVXML Spanish survey - https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/XRVFDLZ

Don’t miss this opportunity to help determine future services for older adults and others in the community! The deadline to return surveys is September 18, 2020.

Getting Around Town

Thursdays, September 17 and October 1, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.At some point in life, many will be in the role of caregiver. It can be challenging, especially during this time of social distancing. Join us for a new virtual caregiver support program. Get support from others and learn how to care for yourself while caring for a loved one. For further information and how to connect online, contact Laura Bagwell at (770) 781-2178.

Online Caregiver Support Group

You Be The JudgeFridays, September 11 and 25, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Evidence and witness testimony are read out loud from a courtroom case. As judge and jury, participants will need to listen closely, then discuss and determine if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Once a verdict is reached, the real-life results will be revealed.

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Fun on the phone activities will not include video or visuals, but you’ll be able to hear and interact with the group leader and other group members. You can dial in from a phone or connect with a Zoom link - whichever way works best for you. Tech help is available to assist you with dialing the correct number or to transfer you into the program if needed. Call (770) 781-2178 and choose either the Sexton Hall or Hearthstone Lodge extension to register.

Group Fun on the Phone

TriviaWednesdays, September 16 and 30, 1:30 - 3 p.m.Do you have a knack for facts? On the phone, everyone will have a chance to answer multiple choice and true/false questions. Test your knowledge and learn something along the way!

EventsAutumn Harvest BingoThursday, September 24, 1:30 - 3 p.m.No charge; registration required by September 11.Enjoy this game of bingo from your own home. Join by telephone or with your favorite tech device (smartphone, computer or tablet). Play several rounds of bingo with a chance to win excellent prizes. Kindly sponsored by Jennifer Farine of Vineyard at Johns Creek and Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory. Once registered, bingo cards will be mailed to you. Call (770) 781-2178 to register!

Resources for Older AdultsMonday, September 21, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.The Senior Resource Guide is the first of its kind in Forsyth County. This publication highlights nonprofit and governmental services for older adults. Hear from members of the Senior Resource Coalition that was formed to better collaborate on these services. The creation of the group and the guide was supported by a grant from the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. Be among the first to know about the Coalition and the guide. All participants will be provided a copy of the guide hot off the press!

An internet connection and your favorite tech device (smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer) can be used to enjoy a staff-led presentation. See and hear other participants to make this activity even more fun. Presentations will be given online through a user-friendly platform. If you are new to online discussions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through the steps to connect! Contact us at (770) 781-2178 and choose either the Sexton Hall or Hearthstone Lodge extension to register.

Informational Presentations

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Education and Entertainment

Living Long and Aging WellInspiration and information for wellness and longevity. Fridays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

September 18 - Comedians Bob Hope and George Burns: Living to 100 is no joke, but these famous comedians accomplished it. Explore the lives and careers of these beloved performers. Discuss the sense of gratification and rewards they received from their work and the possibility that laughter may be the best medicine.

Connect with T.E.C.H. (Technology Education and Communication Help)Tuesdays, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

September 15: Virtual Concerts and Events – Experience live concerts and events from the comfort of your home. Learn how to find these shows and participate. Discover the “back end” information about how they are created.

September 22: Tech Talk - Discuss current tech stories, share tips & tricks or have your technology questions answered.

September 29: eReaders – Learn how to get the most out of your eReader, an alternative to hard copy books and periodicals. We'll cover general safety and care tips plus how to find free and secure books.

Technology

October 2 - Shinrin-yoku: This Japanese practice, also known as “forest bathing," explores how connecting with nature through our senses helps ease stress and worry.

Big Bend National Park Thursday, October 1, 3 - 4 p.m. Travel virtually to this magnificent park in southwest Texas with desert wildlife and limestone cliffs carved from the Rio Grande.

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Virtual Park and Museum ToursOlympic National Park and ForestThursday, September 17, 3 - 4 p.m. Experience the vast and varied landscape of this enchanting national park in Washington state that includes a temperate rainforest, radiating mountain range, large lowland lakes, wild rushing rivers, tidelands and saltwater beaches.

Cooking Demo - ApplesWednesday, September 30, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Connect online to observe a fun cooking demo with Chef Dan of Shade Tree Kitchens. Get tips on cooking with apples for sweet and savory dishes.

Curiosities and ConspiraciesThursdays, September 17 and October 1, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Odd occurrences and fascinating creatures' features are explored.

September 17 - Oddities of the Oceans: In the darkest depths of the ocean, Lanternfish and Ctenophores, also known as comb jellies, are examples of curious fish that actually emit light. Examine their habitats and the roles these strange but true denizens of the deep play in our ecosystem.

October 1 - The Search for Signs of Martian Life: Did our neighboring planet once sustain life? NASA’s Perseverance rover is on a five-month journey to Mars. Learn more about this robotic vehicle that will roam the planet, extracting pieces of Martian rock that could reveal whether life once existed on the red planet.

Spice of Life - NEW!Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Tired of bland cooking? Explore the most popular and rare spices of the world that add a flavorful boost to food and possibly your health. Spices have been shown to have properties of antioxidants, reducing inflammation, lowering blood sugar and more.

Canvas and Creativity - Vibrant SunflowerMonday, September 21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Watch our in-house artist share a live demonstration with you as she paints an easy project. If you have some basic art supplies, you can paint along with her or just get inspired for your next piece. The finished project will be a partial image of a sunflower using acrylic paint.

Art

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To destinations near and far, let’s travel together online. With photos, facts and video clips, we’ll explore locations featuring wineries and finery.

Tuesday Travels

Wine with a ViewTuesday, September 15, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Georgia is more than just craft beer and moonshine. The Peach State has its fair share of wineries, especially clustered around the North Georgia mountains. Travel with us online to a few Georgia wineries with the best views around.

Seven Castles of the SouthTuesday, September 29, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. You might think castles are only found in fairytales or in Europe, but the South boasts fancy abodes as well. Who doesn’t want to pretend to be king or queen for a day?

Garden

Shade GardensMonday, September 28, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Shade gardens are a coveted feature of landscapes for good reason. Discover their many benefits and how to develop your own.

MumsMonday, September 14, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Mums are a beautiful fall plant that can be added to your yard or front porch decor. Available in a variety of rich colors, displays of these flowers let you know fall is here.

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Staff will lead and moderate games or discussions between participants through an online platform using audio and video features. An internet connection and your favorite tech device (smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer) can be used to participate. Please call (770) 781-2178 and choose either the Sexton Hall or Hearthstone Lodge extension to register.

Friendly FeudWednesday, September 9, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Play the game with your peers and see who can guess the survey responses. No family required – we will set you up in a team. Win or lose, silly and outlandish responses just make it more fun during this friendly feud!

Coffee with a CopTuesday, September 22, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department will provide updates regarding their actions in the community with particular focus on older adults. Presented by Community Relations, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department.

Interactive Groups

Reduce Your Risk of Falls - NEW!Tuesday, September 22, 3 - 4 p.m.Falling is one of the biggest hazards with 1 in 4 persons experiencing a fall of some kind each year. Learn how to avoid falls, exercises to improve balance and ways to create and maintain a safe environment at home. Presented by Jackie Payne of Northeast Georgia Health System.

Out and About: Farmer's Markets & Fresh ProduceWednesday, September 23, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.Learn about local farmer’s markets and locations to purchase seasonal fresh produce. Explore Forsyth County and neighboring areas to make the outdoors more enjoyable during social distancing. Share your own experiences and recommendations.

What You Need to Know

Dungeons and Dragons for Seniors - NEW!Wednesdays, September 16 and 30, 3 - 4 p.m.Grab your friends and a set of dice as we play one of the oldest and most popular role playing games around. No previous experience needed, just your imagination. The quest begins!

Flex and Balance Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 8 - October 1, 10 - 11 a.m.After a warm-up with aerobic activity, dive into stability training with a focus on stretching and balancing all sides of the body. Increasing range of motion in your upper and lower body is a goal of this class. Instructor: Ranee Pattison

Stay active with staff-led exercises. An internet connection and your favorite tech device (smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer) is all you need to take advantage of these online fitness offerings. Call (770) 781-2178 and choose either Sexton Hall or Hearthstone Lodge extension to register. Dance, Dance, DanceMondays, September 14 - 28 (no class September 7), 3 - 4 p.m.Get your heart rate up and your muscles pumping with dance favorites like wedding dances, 80’s pop and today’s greatest hits. Great for endurance, coordination and improving your posture. Instructor: Ranee Pattison

Strength and ToneWednesdays, September 9 - 30, 10 - 11 a.m.After a cardio warm-up, perform strength training exercises using your own body weight and chair assistance. Weights and household objects may be used as you combine the best of aerobics and weight-bearing activities. Instructor: Ranee Pattison

Online Fitness Instruction

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Tai Chi - Series 2 - NEW SERIES!Tuesdays, September 8 - 29 (no class September 22), 3 - 4 p.m.Practice continuous flowing motions to increase harmony. Every class will begin with a full body warm-up and then focus on one Tai Chi for Arthritis form. Series 2 will provide a chance for experienced students to learn new movements but is easy enough for beginners to learn as well. Instructor: Brian Blasick

Weight Training Fridays, September 11 - October 2 (no class September 25), 10 - 11 a.m.Learn exercises for large muscle groups while practicing appropriate reps, sets and rest times. 1 - 8 lb. weights are utilized, although modifications may be made with household objects. Instructor: Brian Blasick

What You Need to Know Team Jeopardy - NEW!Wednesday, September 23, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Just like the version on TV, compete with team members to select categories and answer in the form of questions. Categories will be displayed on screen along with prompts for easy participation in the game.

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We would like to thank those in our community that have contributed food, made monetary donations, sewed masks and offered services to support our homebound elders in need during the month of July.

Northside Hospital Forsyth Surgical Services

Shirley / William Elwood in honor of Stuart Elwood’s

90th Birthday

Senior Services Angels

Bloomin' Buds - Ladies' GroupMondays, September 14 and 28, 10 - 11 a.m. Ladies, you have your own discussion group to chat about reading, cooking, gardening, crafts and much more! Invite a friend and meet some new ones.

Common Grounds Social ClubThursdays, September 10 and 24, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Join us for virtual club meetings! This is a great opportunity to chat with friends. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s catch up!

Breakfast Boyz - Men’s GroupMonday, September 21 (no meeting September 7), 10 - 11 a.m. This groups combines our Sexton Hall and Hearthstone Lodge men’s social clubs to discuss life, sports, hobbies, personal lives and more. Enjoy an hour of conversation and laughter to make new friends and see familiar faces.

Virtual Social Clubs

Do you have a story to tell about facing challenges in your life? Words of wisdom to share with future generations? If so, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! Share your life lessons and guidance with college students through this program. Please consider participating to help out the students and to pass on some wisdom. For more information and to enroll in this opportunity, contact Maxine Douglas at UNG by emailing maxine.douglas@ung.edu or by calling (678) 717-3412.

UNG - Generation to Generation

Registration is required to participate in all activities. Call our main line at (770) 781-2178 and choose the Hearthstone Lodge or Sexton Hall extension to register. The number of participants is limited for each activity.

Select up to four different online activities or sessions. You may ask that your name be put on a waiting list for additional activities. Please let us know if you will not be able to attend all the classes in a selected session so that spot can go to someone else.

Activities are led by Senior Services staff and other community partners. There are guidelines to be mindful of when participating in a phone or online video chat:

• Be on time for the start of the activity.• Minimize background noise, or when not speaking, mute your phone or device. • Do not interrupt others. Be patient, respectful and open-minded. • Make sure features like webcams and microphones work prior to joining an activity. • Understand that there may be technical issues as we navigate this new way of connecting.

We thank you for joining in on the adventure!

Registration for Activities

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Staff Recognition

Online Programming Staff:Laura BagwellHunter BennettBrian BlasickMatt Bradford

Courtney FlemingSusy Hollaway

Jessica LotspeichLisa Mann

Jane MauldinRanee PattisonSerena Telleria

Forsyth County Senior Services (770) 781-2178

seniorservices@forsythco.com

ACTIVITY REMINDER FORM Don't forget to call and register for classes. See page 10 for registration instructions. Use this form as space to record and remind yourself of the activities for which you registered or were placed on the wait list.

Registered Activity: Start/End Dates: Phone Online

Wait List:

Additional Notes: