|
|
|
|
January 2022 E-News Vol 11, #1
In this issue:
-
SCOSA News and Events
-
SCOSA Older Adult Programs
-
Age Friendly University Update
-
Events in South Jersey and Beyond
-
Events of General Interest
SCOSA NEWS
SCOSA is pleased to announce that our competitive bids to receive funding for older adult education, socialization/recreation, and physical activity programs have been approved by county commissioners in Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties. We received expanded funding in Atlantic and new funding in Cape May and Ocean! We also received a commitment of additional funding from Dean Marissa Levy, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences for staff support for our programs at Stockton at Hammonton.
Kudos are especially in order for Gina Maguire, primary author of our successful applications. Thanks to Michaelle Cooke (SCOSA TES), AmyBeth Glass (Associate VP for Academic Affairs), Jenn Kosakowski (Interim Executive Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs) and members of their staff for assistance in preparing and submitting these complex and lengthy applications. Additional thanks to recent graduate Stevie Kiziukiewicz, our 9th District elected officials (Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove), Cindy McNellis (Executive Director, Atlantic County Area Agency on Aging), and Michele Collins-Davies (Director, Stockton University at Manahawkin) for their kind support letters for our Ocean County application.
Most of the funding comes via the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), first signed into legislation in 1965 and periodically reauthorized, which supports various community-based programs for older Americans. The funding runs through SUA’s (State Units on Aging), to Area Agencies on Aging (county offices in NJ) that create area plans every three years and then issue requests for proposals (RFP) from vendors/provider agencies to provide programming for older adults using the OAA funds.
SCOSA collects registration and attendance information for all programs to satisfy the reporting requirements of the OAA. These expanded funds only cover a portion of our costs and, as required by the OAA, we inform participants and others that donations to support our programs are always welcomed.
Thank You to Survey Participants
In early December, SCOSA e-mailed requests to 2021 participants in our Older Adult Programs to complete a brief satisfaction survey. Thanks to all who participated in this survey, required by our funding source. Our results were encouraging, indicating the value of SCOSA involvement for our participants. Feedback will also be used to make recommended modifications to our programs (and we’ll do our best to make suggested formatting changes to our newsletter).
Welcome to SCOSA Student Fellow, Student Interns and Interim Assistant Director
SCOSA is pleased to introduce our first Student Fellow and two new Student Interns who will all be assisting us in various ways during the Spring 2022 Semester.
Riley Gondek is a junior psychology major and gerontology minor with extensive experience in office management and bookkeeping in the business sector where they have also worked extensively with older adults. SCOSA has created a new (paid) student fellow position, with assistance from Trish Collins, who replicated the successful Student Fellow program in the Stockton Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (SCCESL).
Amanda Maurer is a senior public health major with a concentration in health administration and minors in gerontology and business studies. Amanda is the president of Stockton's Public Health Society and serves as a peer mentor for the honors program and student success scholars.
Nicole White is a senior psychology major with a concentration in empirical research and minors in behavioral neuroscience and gerontology. After Stockton she plans to pursue graduate school to focus on psychological research. Her ultimate goal is to become a researcher focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. Nicole is currently a research assistant to Dr. Jessica Fleck and works at her hometown’s local Applebee‘s.
Professor of Social Work, Dr. Lisa Cox has been elected to serve as SCOSA's Interim Assistant Director for January through June to replace Dr. Christine Ferri, who will be studying intergenerational relationships.
New Guided Autobiography Group (GAB) Starting in February Seeks Participants
Building on SCOSA’s long-term successful Time to Tell programs where writers gather regularly to write about and share stories about their lives and thoughts, we will be starting a new Guided Autobiography Program in February. Details will be provided in our February E-News (or sooner) but we wanted to alert potential participants now as this program will support student intern Nicole White’s project for distinction in psychology. Please e-mail whiten10@go.stockton.edu for further information.
The GAB approach was developed and perfected by Dr. James Birren and colleagues. Birren, a giant in the early scientific study of aging while on the faculty at the University of Southern California, moved to UCLA “in retirement” in the 1980s and developed GAB as a vehicle for life enrichment, reflection, and enjoyment for older adults.
SILL Classes to Resume in February
Look for an update on SILL classes in mid-January. SCOSA assistant director Christine Ferri has been working on some exciting offerings for the months of February to May before heading off on a 6-month sabbatical. We are pleased to present Professor of Art History Kate Nearpass Ogden from 10:30-11:30am via Zoom for the four Fridays in February. "From Thomas Cole to Paul Gauguin: Famous 19th and 20th Century Painters" will feature powerpoints full of famous paintings by artists such as Van Gogh and Gauguin. The course will begin with a presentation on those two famous "frenemies." Other topics will include earlier 19th century Romantic artists, the Impressionists, and the early 20th century competitors Picasso and Matisse.
For additional SCOSA News please scroll down below our January Programs.
January 2022-Older Adult Education, Socialization & Recreation Programs
Reminders: Masks are required for all indoor programs until further notice. All visitors to the Galloway campus must register for each visit. The registration includes a health pledge and the opportunity to register your car (and avoid parking tickets) here: https://go.stockton.edu/public/visitor/form
SCOSA Classic Film First Friday: Till the Clouds Roll By
1/7/2022 1-3pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
This musical is a biography of songwriter and Broadway pioneer, Jerome Kern. Kern journeys to England where his dreams of success became real and where he met his future wife, Eva. The cast includes Robert Walker, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Angela Lansbury!
Tour of Poetry
1/8/2022 11:00am-1:00pm
Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield
Register Here
During each session of this monthly program, an established poet will read original work, present an engaging lecture, and encourage participants to write & share something of their own. Participants will have an opportunity to have their poetry included in the Tour of Poetry Anthology.
January Walks
1/10, 17, 24, & 31/2022 11am-12pm
Location Varies
Register Here
Is physical fitness a New Year’s Resolution? If so, meet Michaelle Cooke (SCOSA staff member) at 11 am Mondays in January for a walk. All levels welcome! Locations vary (click on title for details). You can attend one walk or all! Let's get moving and take in some fresh air together. Please bring water and comfortable walking shoes.
Liberation & Return to Life Webinar
1/10/2022 3-4pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
In 1945, as the world celebrated the victory of the Allies and the fall of Nazi Germany, the surviving remnant of the Jewish people grappled with the reality of their near total destruction. Communities, families, and individuals were completely decimated. Where would the survivors go? How could they continue to live? They survived. Now what?
Make a Reuasable T-shirt Bag
1/12/2022 11am-12pm
Stockton at Hammonton
Register Here
Bring some old t-shirts in and let us show you how to turn them into a reusable bag! At the end of the workshop, you have the option to donate some of your bags to local organizations in need!
ASA Webinar: Age your Way- Planning for the Future
1/12/2022 1-2pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
Nearly 80 percent of adults ages 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, according to AARP. Aging in place is often more affordable than transitioning to a community care setting and allows someone to retain independence in a comfortable, familiar setting. However, aging in place isn’t right for everyone. It requires careful planning, research, and coordination. Join this webinar to learn more about how to identify goals as a person ages and important considerations for planning for the future.
One Little Word Basket
1/15/2022 10am-12pm
Swan Bay Folk Art Center
Register by calling Niki 609-652-0366
To begin your new year, pick one little word that will be your inspiration for the year. The word will be burned into the bottom of your wooden base basket. The basket sized will be determined by the word you choose.
Players and Playwrights Meeting
1/15/2022 1-4pm
Online via Zoom and John F Scarpa Academic Center, Room 210
Register Here
Players and Playwrights (P&P) is a collective of playwrights and readers (aka players) who meet monthly to read original plays. Performances are organized several times a year. Interested players and playwrights are invited to attend a meeting once before committing to join
Time to Tell Memoir Writing
1/21/2022 12:30-2pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
Personalized instruction with monthly meetings to help you chronicle the stories of your life. Creative writing styles, including poetry and photographs, can also be used to tell your story.
Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors
1/25/2022 2:30-3:30pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
This class is designed for the intermediate researcher and will focus on resources and techniques for researching Ulster Scots and Protestants in Irish records. It will examine books and websites and will discuss the challenges of locating Irish records from the eighteenth century, when many Ulster Scots immigrated to America. Many record examples will be shown and explained. Presented by John Beatty.
Echoes in Ink: A Liberation Day Reading of Short Stories From the Holocaust
1/27/2022 11am-12pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, join the Museum of Jewish Heritage for a reading of three short stories: “The Road of No Return” by Rachel Häring Korn read by Jackie Hoffman, “The Shawl” by Cynthia Ozick read by Mili Avital, and “A Wedding in Brownsville” by Isaac Bashevis Singer read by Eleanor Reissa.
Greeting Card Workshop
1/28/2022 1-2pm
Stockton at Manahawkin
Register Here
Join us for greeting card classes. We will make two creative greeting cards, suitable to send to your friends or family. Bring scissors, glue, and either colored pencils or markers to each class.
Death, Dying & Grieving
2/2/2022 1-2pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
As humans, we would like to think we have an infinite amount of time on this earth. However, the reality is, our time will eventually run out. For some this is a scary thought, while others find comfort in some version of an afterlife. Regardless of what people think about death, many individuals don’t feel comfortable talking about death, dying and grieving. While talking about death is not easy, end-of-life planning is vital to ensuring that an individual’s wishes are carried out at the end of their life. It is especially important to ensure that proper documentation is in order to ease the burden of decision-making on their loved ones. This ASA webinar will provide information on how professionals can help to prepare older adults and their families for difficult conversations about death, dying and grieving.
The Nazi's Granddaughter: How I Discovered My Grandfather Was a War Criminal
2/3/2022 3-4pm
Online via Zoom
Register Here
This is a story about perpetrators, collaborators, Holocaust distortion and justice. While writing a book about her famous WWII hero grandfather, Sylvia Foti, a high school teacher, discovered that her grandfather, Jonas Noreika, was actually a Lithuanian war criminal. Silvia's discoveries brought her to a personal crisis, challenged her Catholic faith, unearthed Holocaust denial, and exposed an official cover-up by the Lithuanian government. Join us for a fascinating webinar as Silvia Foti tells her story.
SCOSA NEWS AND EVENTS, Continued
SCOSA Programs in Cape May County Senior Centers for January
Thanks to the Older Americans Act funding, we invite Cape May residents over 60 years of age to these events:
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In November the chair volleyball participants at North Wildwood and Lower Township challenged each other to a tournament. The athletes gathered at North Wildwood, and played seven games. Read the story to find out how it ended here.
SCOSA Hosts Day-Long Event
On Friday, December 3rd, SCOSA hosted a free day-long event that included lunch for our participants. Because we have missed two years of Spring Festivals, we decided to share six interesting and educational programs. Below are some of the day’s highlights.
Artisan Basket and Felting Gallery: The participants in the Swan Bay Folk Art Center’s Saturday classes were invited to share their completed works with SCOSA. A day long Artisan Basket and Felting Gallery was held in the SCOSA Office (F-227). Six participants, ranging in age from 51 to 87, displayed their hand-crafted baskets and felted works.
Baskets and Felting by Gina Maguire and Marianne Venturella
Baskets by Cal Bastedo and Pat Dagnall
Baskets and Felting by Niki Giberson and Liv Dietrich
Tapping the Source Reading: The participants in Cindi Graham’s monthly Tapping the Source Memoir Writing program gathered and shared some of their written works from 2021 with SCOSA. These very talented writers have been working together for several years: Gay Laubert, Lucy Jerue, Cindy Weinraub, and Rita Coyne (pictured below) read for us.
SILL Offerings in December were our gift to participants, and included a tour of the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center (12/3), The Seeds of Activism (12/10 & 12/17) and Maple Sugaring: A New England Tradition Comes to South Jersey (12/3, 12/10, & 12/17)!
Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center director Gail Rosenthal sharing the story of Holocaust survivor Leo Ullman. If you have not taken the time to visit the Resource Center, you should!
Therapeutic Arts with Older Adults Students Make Gifts
Students in Gina Maguire’s (SCOSA Staffer) Therapeutic Arts with Older Adults course took some time to share some holiday cheer with small gifts for the older adults we serve in the Cape May Senior Centers.
SCOSA ON FACEBOOK
Please follow us on Facebook for more information on ageing, our programs, interesting articles, and student involvement in Gerontology. Find Stockton Center on Successful Aging... and “Follow” and “Like” us to include us in your Facebook feed!
Stockton Age Friendly University (AFU) Update
by Karen Rose, Ph.D., SCOSA AFU champion
Adjunct professor, Psychology and Health Science
This month I attended a forum sponsored by the American Society on Aging (ASA): From Ageism to Age Inclusion. Among many stimulating topics presented, I decided to report on recent strategies for combating ageism because they begin at the grassroots level—with individuals like you and me. For purposes of discussion, ageism is described as prejudice and stereotypes attributed to older adults based solely on age.
According to experts on the panel, combating ageism begins by standing up to language bias; this may mean dropping phrases that you use in everyday language, educating others about the bias, or reframing the question in your answer. For example, avoid phrases such as ‘senior moment’ when referring to forgetting as forgetting occurs across all ages not just in older adulthood. Do not give or accept compliments that are qualified such as ‘you look great for your age’! If this is bothersome to you, experts suggested respectfully asking, ‘would I still look great if you didn’t know my age?’ And finally, when asked how old are you? Answer in a way that is seen as positive rather than negative: I have lived 69 years, or I am 69 years bold rather than I am 69 years old? In essence, becoming more aware of your language and language of others around you can offset some of the negative consequences of stereotyping.
Combating ageism also requires acknowledging both external and internal forces that support negative views on aging. Yes, there are external reasons for ageism as we live in a youth-oriented culture, but what about our own feelings about aging. According to forum experts, we need to 1) acknowledge the role we play in ageism (do you see you own aging as a negative thing?) 2) identify our internal fears about ageism (do you fear it and if so, why?) and 3) make changes in our thoughts, language, and actions (can you think of aging as momentum rather than deceleration?). It is about disarming fears and reframing the way you think about aging.
In summary, combating ageism begins at the grassroots level by standing up to language bias, addressing our own fears about aging, and reframing thoughts, language, and actions to reflect a lifetime of living and learning.
EVENTS AND NEWS IN AGING IN SOUTH JERSEY AND BEYOND
The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore Virtual Programs in January
Ring in the New Year with an Array of Fun Programs
Margate, NJ (December 15, 2021) – Lets kick-off the new year with nine unique, interactive and entertaining virtual programs in January offered through The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore at Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS). Plan to invite your friends, family and neighbors to participate while continuing to socialize safely at home.
The Village Movie Society Tuesday, January 11,
10:30am to 11:30am
Join Theater teacher and coach Louise Marshall Hacker and Tina Serota for a discussion about the movie, Going in Style. This film is about three lifelong senior friends desperate to pay the bills and come through for family. To solve their problems, they embark on a daring bid to rob the bank that absconded with their money. The film is available on Netflix. RSVP by January 7.
Care Patrol: Navigating Senior Living Options Wednesday, January 12,
10:30am to 11:30am
Whether it’s aging at home or moving to independent or assisted living, how do you decide what’s best for you or your loved one? Join Jodi Lewis Smith, Certified Senior Advisor and Owner of Care Patrol of South Jersey & the Jersey Shore, as she explains senior living options including terminology, costs, insurance coverage, Veteran’s assistance and more. An interactive Q&A discussion will follow the presentation. RSVP by January 6.
Memoir Workshop Friday, January 14,
10:30am to 12pm
Experience the thrill of capturing your life’s adventures, history and ancestry at a Memoir Workshop led by award-winning author and Drexel University Professor of Creative Writing and Publishing, Harriet Levin Millan. You need a laptop or pen/paper for the workshop. RSVP by January 10.
Comfort Cuisine: Healthy & Delicious Tuesday, January 18,
10:30am to 11:30am
Join Bernadette Getzler, healthy eating and gardening guru, as she takes us on a food journey using farm fresh ingredients. Learn to cook your favorite recipes in new and inventive ways by substituting healthier options. Eat comfort foods in a whole new way! RSVP by January 14.
BINGO Wednesday, January 19,
1pm to 2pm
Join friends and neighbors for an afternoon of BINGO games and prizes with Louise Marshall Hacker. BINGO cards will be delivered to those who register in advance. This event is free for Holocaust Survivors and Village Members. For non-members, the cost is $5 payable prior to January 13 to Tina Serota.
Coffee Klatch Thursday, January 20,
10:30am to 11:30am
Your world in 60 minutes. Insightful, animated and fast-paced conversation with friends spanning “both sides of the aisle and the middle.” Share your thoughts on politics, technology, world events, the arts and more. This program is moderated by Tina Serota. RSVP by January 17.
Trivia Game Day Thursday, January 27,
4pm to 5pm
With questions covering an array of topics including science, geography, history, music, theater, movies and more, you can test your knowledge with this fun program. This event is free for Holocaust Survivors and Village Members. For non-members, the cost is $5 payable prior to January 17 to Tina Serota.
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free for community members to participate. You must RSVP to participate in any program by contacting Tina Serota at 609.287.8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org. A Zoom link or call-in number for each program will be e-mailed or provided to you.
The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore is a membership program for adults over the age of 50. The program provides Intergenerational Events, Transportation, Grocery Shopping and Delivery, Kosher Meals on Wheels and more. For information or to join The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore, contact Tina Serota at 609.287.8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org or visit jfsvillagebytheshore.org.
Inviting Submissions for Events in Aging in South Jersey and Beyond
We invite organizations to submit their event information for inclusion in our monthly e-news no later than day 18 of each month for inclusion in the subsequent month’s Newsletter, which we anticipate e-mailing a few days before the beginning of each month. The E-News is also posted on SCOSA’s Web-Site under the Newsletters/Press Releases tab. Click here to submit items that will be published on a space available basis. We reserve the right to reject items that are not consistent with SCOSA’s mission or deemed inappropriate for our audience. Please direct any questions to David Burdick, Director, Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA), at David.Burdick@stockton.edu or by telephone (609) 652-4311.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS ON AGING
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) which is part of the National Institutes of Health, “...leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is also the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research” (https://www.nia.nih.gov/about). The NIA is a good source of information on maintaining health across the age span. The agency also has a number of publications available to order. Check it out here.
EVENTS AND RESOURCES OF GENERAL INTEREST
The New Jersey Legislature passed a law that requires NJ Human Services to study social isolation among four groups: seniors age 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, individuals with mental illness, and those who have served or currently serve in the military. All individuals in these groups are welcome to complete the survey, regardless of whether they consider themselves socially isolated.
If you identify with one or more of these groups, please consider completing the survey. If you care for or communicate with people in one or more these groups, please provide individuals with the Survey Monkey link and consider assisting them with completion of the survey.
For this study, social isolation is defined as a lack of contact or meaningful connection with others. Social isolation may have varying effects on someone’s quality of life and well-being. By studying how widespread social isolation is and determining related risk factors, it is hoped that services can be improved or introduced to improve people’s lives.
The survey includes demographic questions and asks about recent social experience, engagement in community and work activities, and access to support services. All responses provided are anonymous and will be reported in an aggregated manner. Any questions regarding this survey can be sent to Oresp@dhs.nj.gov.
Thank you for your collaboration on this important project,
NJ Department of Human Services
Some of the older adult programs offered by SCOSA are partially funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, through a grant by the Division of Intergenerational Services, Atlantic County, New Jersey. You may make voluntary donations to SCOSA. Such donations are not a fee and are not required. Any donations received will be used to develop and operate future programs. If you wish to donate directly to SCOSA please make your checks payable to SCOSA and send them to:
SCOSA/SOBL, Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205-9441.
Quick Links to Stockton Programs and Facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
