May 2019

The month of May is Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month!  What a perfect time to think about mental wellness in the context of aging.  So often we talk about these issues separately, but the impacts of mental health affect everyone at every age.  The American Psychological Association predicts that the number of older Americans with mental and behavioral health concerns will quadruple, from 4 million in 1970 to about 15 million in 2030.  What a huge increase! So, what can we do to help?

The theme for Older Americans Month this year is Connect, Create, Contribute.  This is a great way to begin thinking about how we can help influence mental wellness within our community.

• Connect!  An increase in mental and behavioral health concerns, like depression, is not a normal part of aging.  If you believe that you are exhibiting differences in mood or behavior, get connected with your doctor.  They can also get you connected to the right resources for you.
• Create!  Studies show that we are healthier when we are participating actively in our communities.  Life is full of ups and downs.  But creating a community of friends who understand and support you can provide you with people to celebrate successes with as well as share disappointments with. Good friendships make the world a brighter, happier place.
• Contribute!  Talk about the ways mental health affects the older adult population.  The more we talk about it, the more we contribute to a culture where mental health awareness is a normal part of life.  The more we share our stories, the more we can help others do the same.

Don’t go through mental health challenges alone. Ask a Senior Center staff member how you can get involved in social groups, social activities, and other community resources.  If you feel that you may be experiencing a mental health crisis, please call Cardinal Innovations 24 Hour Crisis and Referral Line at 1-800-939-5911 or call 911. 

Resources

For more information, check out.....

• The mission of the team is 'to support the mental health of seniors and their families through training and other initiatives provided for Project EngAGE SRTs, volunteers, and the community to increase their understanding of the symptoms and treatments of mental illness while helping to alleviate the associated stigmas.'
• The group created a Resource Guide and is also planning a panel discussion about happiness later this month.

Announcements

The survey is fully anonymous, accessible and available both online and offline in multiple languages. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete, the questions are predominantly multiple choice and targeted to four key sociodemographic groups:

• the general public

• health and care professionals

• people living with dementia

• carers of people with dementia
  
  

  Click here to learn more about the survey.

Upcoming Events

Social Events

Memory Cafe at Bruegger's Bagels

Monday, May13 at 2pm
1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe on the Move

Counter Culture Coffee Roasters
Friday, May 17 at 10am
Contact Kim for more information.

Pickleball for Parkinson's

Seymour Center: Wednesdays at 2pm
See Flyer for more information.

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group at Passmore

Thursdays, May 9 and 23 at 1pm

Caregiver Support Group at Seymour

Fridays, May 10 and 24 at 10:30am

**No Registration Required - Contact Kim for more information.**

Educational Opportunities

Parkinson's Disease 301 - An Overview of 'Advanced Parkinson's'

Courtyard by Marriott, Chapel Hill: May 10th at 11am

See Flyer for more more information.

What Can We Expect? - A Dementia Basics Education Series

UNC Wellness at Meadowmont
Mondays, June 3-24 at 5:30pm
See Flyer or contact Marie for more information.

Special Events

Parkinson's Wellness Recovery

2019 Geriatric Conference: Building a Dementia Friendly Community

Upcoming at the Senior Centers

Please note each event’s location and call the respective senior center to register. Passmore Center: 919-245-2015            Seymour Center: 919-968-2070

A VETERANS’AFFAIR - WALL OF HONOR RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Join us to celebrate the Wall of Honor’s new honorees.  This is our way of expressing gratitude to those who served our country. We will salute them through music and song with Charles Bradshaw and Robert Wade followed by a reception. The current honorees are: Charlie Hayes, Jr; William Gattis; Roosevelt Wilkerson; Larry Reid; Jane Lyonnais; Michael Alston; Joey Ingram; and Billy Ashworth  On Mon, May 6, we will recognize eight new honorees: Alan Rhodes; Helen Council; Cleavon Atwater; Bobby Kennell; Janis Parker; John Mitchell; Timmy Craig and Claude Eubanks
Register by: Mon, Apr 29
Contact: Cydnee Sims, 919-245-4250
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Mon, May 6                            (343069-01)                 10:30 - 11:30 am
                        
 A Mother’s Day Celebration of Women
During our morning event we will display our slide show and you will be the stars of the event!  Enjoy light refreshments as we watch each other on the big screen and share a “getting to know you” moment.  What a great way to meet new people and make new friends.  Everyone is invited - come and enjoy the fun.
Register by: Thu, May 2
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Fri, May 10                 (223016-01)                            10:30 am – 12 noon
 
ART SHOW – PASSMORE CENTER
Art Opening – Luna Lee Ray and students
Luna Lee Ray is an accomplished artist and teacher.  She has been teaching at the Passmore Center for 15+ years.  This exhibit will highlight not only her work, but those of her students.   Art will be on display Mon, May 6 - Thu, Jun 20.  Please join us for an afternoon reception and an opportunity to meet the artist.
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Mon, May 6         (253002-04)                                   3 pm
 
70’s Dance Party and dinner
The era of Disco dancing, platform shoes, and bright patterned polyester is coming to Passmore.  DJ Steve Wray will have you up and dancing to the Hustle, YMCA, Electric Slide and many more oldies as we listen to the hits of the 70’s.  The center will provide the main dish, Swedish Meatballs, and you bring the sides to share.  Be sure to call the center and let us know what side dish or dessert you plan to bring.  Min: 30 Max: 60
Register by: Thu, May 9
Fee: Side Dish to share
Passmore Center
Thu, May 16               (253007-05)                            5:30 pm
 
ART SHOW – SEYMOUR CENTER
MINGLE WITH THE ARTIST
You will be greeted with a bio of the artist, list of artwork in the show and a beverage and refreshments for the occasion. The artist will be available to share inspirational stories and to answer questions about the show.
ANSHU GUPTA: EXPRESSIONS OF INDIA
Anshu, a native of India, graduated from NC State Univiersity with a MBA. She has been very interested in different forms of arts and crafts. Recently she started painting with acrylics and has found it a very satisfying medium. Her paintings cover a wide range of landscapes, landmarks and pieces inspired by Indian culture.  An opening reception will be held on Mon, May 20. Hostesses will be: Ceresa Clark, Ann Wilkerson, Margaret Mayes and Amina Singletary with live music by Charles Bradshaw. Her paintings will be on display from Mon, May 20 – Thu, Jul 11.
Seymour Center
Mon, May 20  (353003-04)                                           3 – 4 pm
 
A SPRING RECITAL with ERTZ AND OKADA’S VIOLIN and VIOLA STUDENTS
Welcome the beauty of spring with violin and viola students of Nonoko Okada and Simon Ertz.  Okada is an avid chamber musician who has performed at Carnegie Hall and is a graduate of the Juilliard School. Ertz is principal violist of the Winston-Salem Symphony and a member of the Greensboro Symphony's viola section. Their students’ evening performances will include a selection of solos and ensemble works. Min: 30/ Max: 80
Register by: Tue, May 14
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Tue, May 21   (313081-04)                                            6 – 8 pm

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