JOIN US AT OUR VIRTUAL SENIOR CENTER
Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, said “change is the only constant in life.” We embrace change at the Tallahassee Senior Center. It is how we stay responsive to the ever-changing needs and interests of the older adults in our community and it keeps our ideas fresh and progressive. However, usually we approach the changes we make with a bit more contemplation and strategy. As is the case with everybody, we are currently adapting and changing more rapidly than usual! 

While we had planned to implement online classes and events (a virtual senior center) to supplement our brick and mortar opportunities prior to COVID-19 – the current situation just propelled us into these unchartered waters much sooner and more quickly than we had planned. We are learning a lot as we develop and implement this virtual senior center as soon as possible. Thank you for your support and patience as we make this transition!

We are currently trying to make several Fitness, Lifelong Learning, Health & Wellness, and Art opportunities available online. We will schedule LIVE classes and events as well as many ON DEMAND classes and events that you can access at your leisure. To continue to expand our offerings we are transitioning to an online calendar and registration process for our virtual classes and events. 

Everything will be available on our Foundation website, TallahasseeSeniorFoundation.org and for the time being, we will continue to offer these opportunities at no charge ( although donations are always welcome and appreciated )! The transition begins next week with on-line registration for all LIVE Classes. Additionally, on-demand classes will be available at that time. 

How will this work? For LIVE classes + events , simply go to the website , click the appropriate button, view the schedule of classes, and register for those you wish to take. You will subsequently receive an email message that includes the Zoom link – which will enable you to participate in the class – as well as any other information you might need. 

For ON-DEMAND classes + events , go to the website , click the appropriate button, the list of classes and events will be available, and just click on the link! You will be able to do these at your leisure! Many of the LIVE classes will be recorded and will subsequently be available ON DEMAND. 

We are all navigating new territory rapidly! Learning new things is great for the brain as we age, so any challenges we as staff and you as participants encounter are opportunities to enhance our brain health! Be assured that assistance will be available if needed! Staff will be available to assist, and instructions will be available that we can email you as well as on the website. 

Again, thank you for your patience as we make this transition! It is because of your guidance and support that we are one of the most progressive senior centers! Thank you for taking this ride with us as we propel to the next level!

Please feel free to contact me Hella Spellman, Director of Programs & Services, at Hella.Spellman@talgov.com o r 850.294.6127 if you have any questions!
Adult Mental Health Awareness Day
In honor of Adult Mental Health Awareness Day (May 7) and Month, Melanie Lachman, LCSW, UPSLIDE Program Coordinator, would like to share the following story:

 When the Tallahassee Senior Center closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were concerned about everybody’s mental health, of course. But we were particularly concerned about participants in our UPSLIDE program.  UPSLIDE is a three-year program funded by the Florida Blue Foundation and Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation with the goal of reducing isolation, loneliness and depression. Wouldn’t people become more depressed now? How would we keep them socially connected and engaged?

One of our participants, Sharon*, shared that she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to handle being alone all day again. She was sleeping more; her days were beginning to blend together, and she was becoming anxious. What if her depression returned and she lost the social connections she had worked so hard to forge?

We didn’t want that to happen, either. So we began to regularly check-in on our participants, to provide them with mental health resources, to offer individual counseling via video and phone and to hold our Friends Connection chat groups via video conferencing. Soon people were offering Sharon ideas on how to cope (listen to soothing music, limit your exposure to news, take a walk every day) and reminding her that a caring ear was only a phone call away.

UPSLIDE has become Sharon’s lifeline for navigating the pandemic and the fears it stirs up. She attends the virtual Friends Connection meeting weekly and receives individual support regularly. She still gets depressed and anxious at times but feels more able to handle difficult feelings when they come up knowing that she can call on her fellow participants and UPSLIDE staff. Staying involved in the program has been vital to maintaining her mental health.

Every person’s struggle and outcome are going to be different, of course. Sharon’s story demonstrates the incredible power of social connection even in the face of forced isolation. Despite the closure of Tallahassee Senior Center and the shelter in place order, UPSLIDE continues to do its work to keep people connected and mentally healthy.

*Sharon is a combination of a number of people in order to protect privacy.

If you or someone you know can benefit from this program, email Melanie.Lachman@talgov.com or call 850-891-4000 for more information and eligibility.
Lifelong Learners Via Zoom! New Classes!
NEW! Modeling Historic Headstones with Photographs - via Zoom - Wednesday, May 6, 1:30 - 3 p.m. We often think of headstones as something that will last forever, but even these stones will decay with time. Tristan Harrenstein from Florida Public Archaeology Network will present on the best method we currently have of preserving historic grave markers beyond their time with software that turns mere photographs into full 3D models! This workshop will introduce you to the technique, take photos, and create your very own 3D model.  To take full advantage of this workshop, participants will need : a digital camera (smartphone cameras are fine!) and a way of transferring photos to a computer; a computer that runs the Windows operating system; and a computer with an internet connection that they can download the free software. To participate, register by 9 a.m., Tue., May 5.

Geology of the National Parks - via ZOOM - Thursdays (ongoing through May 28), 10 – 11:30 a.m. Our U.S. National Parks preserve spectacular icons of Earth’s geologic heritage. They contain some of the world’s finest examples of geologic phenomena including mountains, canyons, glaciers, volcanoes, coastlines, caverns, dunes, and more. TSC Lifelong Learning Coordinator and geologist Maureen Haberfeld will share some basic geology lessons and lead participants on virtual exploration of the geologic wonders in our beautiful parks. To participate, register by 9 a.m., Wednesday morning.
NEW! China Now - via Zoom - begins May 12 Tuesdays (May 12, 19, 26 and Jun. 2), 1:30-3:00 p.m. Instructor Tom Friedman will begin with a review of the philosophies that shaped the Chinese worldview nearly 2500 years ago. Next, we will examine the final two dynasties, Ming and Qing and the actions that led to the establishment of the Republic 1912 – 1949. The Republic, led by Sun Yat-sen, began with high hopes and which were dashed by weak, corrupt governing of General Chiang Kai-shek and his spending enormous resources from 1931 to 1945 fighting Japan (this was the real beginning of WW II). The exhausted Republic was defeated by the Communists in 1949. Major events include the Korean Conflict, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and the trial of the Gang of Four. Leaders Chairman Mao, the enigmatic Zhou Enlai and others. Finally, we will consider the extraordinary gathering of powers by Xi Jinping, who is presently President, Chair of the Military Commission and General Secretary of the Communist Party.  To participate, register by 9 a.m., Mondays before each class (5/11, 5/19, 5/26, 6/1).

To register for the above LifeLong Learning classes or for more information, email Maureen Haberfeld and she will send you a Zoom link. If you don’t already have zoom on your computer/tablet/or phone, you will be prompted to download the application and set-up a login and password, upon receiving a link from Maureen. Sometimes these emails go to junk/spam folder – so check there and let Maureen know if you don't get an email invite.
New "On-Demand" Fitness Classes
Shared on our Facebook Page at the times below
Mindful Movement - Tuesdays at 11 am
Yoga - Wednesdays at 10 am
Stretch & Flex - Thursdays at 3 pm
Brain - Body - Balance
Mondays at 1:30 pm
For more information on the above "On-Demand" Fitness Classes (which will be posted on TSC Facebook and on the TallahasseeSeniorFoundation.org website next week ) email Ruth.Nickens@talgov.com .
Zooming Into Online Art
Upcoming Live Zoom Art Classes!
Register NOW!

Draw With Your Eyes, Paint With Your Heart, Mark Fletcher - (ongoing, newcomers welcome), Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. Pen & Ink with a little watercolor. To register, email by 9 a.m., Tuesday prior.

Hands-On Art History with Mark Fletcher - Mondays (ongoing, newcomers welcome), 12:30 p.m. Create your own art applying and combining the methods of various artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Durer and others. To register, email by noon Thursday prior.

Acrylic + Mixed Media by Robin Gray, Thursdays (ongoing), 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, starts Apr. 30. Acrylic paint is a wonderful medium, equally at home in fine art and personal journals. You can paint on paper, canvas or wood. Think you can't draw? You'll learn to use color, shape, value, and size to express yourself. You really only need five colors of acrylic paint, some gesso, and painting surfaces you may already have in the house. You'll also learn how to make do-it-yourself stencils and stamps to create exciting papers for collage work. Let this class be the beginning of a journey that can take you wherever you want to go. Register by 9:00 am, Wednesday prior.


To register for the above class(es) or for more information - email Jennifer Haskins. Let her know which class(es) you are interested in; she will send you a Zoom link. If you don’t already have zoom on your computer/tablet/or phone, you will be prompted to download the application and set-up a login and password, upon receiving a link from Jennifer. Sometimes these emails go to junk/spam folder – so check there first and let Jennifer know if you don't get an email invite.
Join us on Friday at 11 a.m. on our Tallahassee Senior Center Facebook page for an Updates and Recap with Kristy Carter, Assistant Program Supervisor . This review of the week will include a Facebook Challenge. You will not want to miss it . . .and speaking of missing - we miss you! Sending virtual hugs!
Brainteaser Challenge
Let's keep our minds challenged and active!

We have a correct answer to last Friday's Brainteaser - Guess the Animals. The answers are: 1. Moose (Mousse); 2. Bear (Bare); 3. Lion (Lyin'); 4. Whale (Wail); 5. Boar (Bore); 6. Deer (Dear); 7. Toad (Towed); and, 8. Lynx (Links).

High Five to the first three participants that correctly responded:
Don Ruane (in under 36 minutes), Virginia Loewe, and Karen Lakin.

Here's a new one submitted to Braingle.com by dutchymonster. Solve the 10 clues. Take each initial letter, to form a new 10 letter word.

1. Polite greeting
2. Opposite of begin
3. It comes from a bulb
4. Eskimo's home
5. Another name for an axe (or ax)
6. Black Sabbath front man
7. Where a child may play
8. Large vessel for liquids
9. To change something
10. Neither left, nor wrong

Share your answer with Nancy Gentry, Special Projects Assistant (Nancy.Gentry@talgov.com) ! We will give you a "shout out" during the Friday Update on Facebook , if you are the first to get the answer. Find more brainteasers at www.braingle.com
Zoom into Ukulele
Quit Smoking - Virtual Tobacco Cessation
Today is good time to quit smoking, and tobacco cessation classes - either Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. OR Thursdays 2 - 4 p.m. (ongoing) are now offered virtually on Zoom. Receive support and nicotine patches at no-cost. Class instructor/leader: Emily Kohler (BBAHEC). Call 850-224-9340 to register for a class of your choice. 
Zoom User Guide
Want to learn more about Zoom? How to get started? Join a meeting? Host a meeting? Tutorials? Click here!
Our programs are funded and dependent on your membership donations
If you can, we ask that you continue to support our programs by renewing your membership to the TSC Foundation. For membership information, benefits and to give online - click here or print and mail this form in. Or, to make a donation - click here .
Checks can be mailed to: TSC Foundation, 1400 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL, 32303.

The mission of Tallahassee Senior Services is to offer programs, activities, and opportunities designed to encourage active living, optimal aging, and social fitness for independent adults age 50+.
YES, I/WE WANT TO SUPPORT OUR SENIOR CENTER!

Payment options: 
Mail a check made payable to TSC Foundation, 1400 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303
 Renew on-line (by credit card) - click here  
 Set up automatic monthly or annual payments, complete & return the form found here

(COVID-19) Resources
Could you use someone to talk too, a little "lift," or some help with resources – the main number is 850-891-4000 and it will be forwarded to a staff member’s phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

General Resource
2-1-1 Big Bend ,You can call 2-1-1 for human service information and assistance. They are available 24 hours a day to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and information & referrals.

Comprehensive guide that provides extensive information and resources for dealing with COVID-19; can be downloaded or viewed on line.

Resource Cards are a service of Tallahassee Senior Services and the Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation . Could you use some resource information or have some questions, call 850.891.4000, or email Sandra Stoutamire . Note: Resource cards are not guaranteed to be all-inclusive and does not imply endorsement of any persons, offices, or agencies by Tallahassee Senior Center.
Be a Supporter of Senior Services!
Tallahassee Senior Services offers programs, activities, and opportunities designed to encourage active living, optimal aging, and social fitness for independent adults age 50+. The mission of the TSC Foundation is to generate funding to support programs, services and participants of Tallahassee Senior Services. Here are three ways you can support Senior Services:
Become a Member! Donate!
Donations, honorariums, memorial gifts, and legacy gifting are appreciated ( click here to donate ). For more information on membership or on becoming a Key Holder click here. Your membership is tax deductible. Call 891-4041 or email Karin Caster for information or assistance. 

"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF THE CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE or WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." Registration #CH8035.
Host a Facebook Fundraiser!
Are you celebrating a birthday or a special occasion and have enough "stuff"? How about hosting a Facebook Fundraiser to benefit the Senior Center? To do this, you must have a Facebook account/profile and then click here and follow the directions! Need help? Email Audrey Byrne.

Be certain to thank your friends for their generosity and thank you and your friends forsharing the joy of active aging opportunities for our community!
Shop at Smile.Amazon.com
Shop at Smile.Amazon.com ! Choose the Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc. as your charity of choice, and every time you shop, 0.5% of AmazonSmile purchases will be donated .
Links to programs, classes and opportunities!