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Welcome to the Senior Center Dispatch!
Senior Center Dispatch is a new monthly e-newsletter featuring the latest news and information on important issues facing seniors and their families.
Each edition will include articles on a variety of topics of interest, while also highlighting special events, classes, resources, and services offered at the Northern Wake Senior Center.
We are pleased to offer the Senior Dispatch via E-Notifier - the Town of Wake Forest's free email subscription service - as the most recent addition to our menu of information categories. So, please be sure to tell your friends and family that they too can receive the Senior Center Dispatch by signing up for E-Notifier.
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A Time for Transformation at the Northern Wake Senior Center
By Jennie Griggs
We are so very fortunate that Wake Forest continues to be a leader in the sustainable aging movement. During the July 16 Wake Forest Board of Commissioners meeting, an AARP representative announced that the Town had joined the highly regarded list of AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (see article below). A special thanks to everyone who helped make this happen.
For newcomers to Wake Forest, you may not know the history of our local “Aging Movement.” Here's a little background: In September 2015, the White House hosted a "Conference on Aging." From that, the “Dementia Friendly America" initiative” was born.
Dementia Friendly America is committed to fostering community support for people living with dementia and their essential care partners so they can safely remain and continue to engage in the community.
Minnesota was the first state to introduce a statewide multisector program, and the Town of Wake Forest was soon to follow. This mission was accomplished by a group of local business owners, known as SING-WF (Senior Information & Networking Group of Wake Forest), a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide a comprehensive resource for volunteers, non-profit and for-profit senior-focused organizations. Their goals include education, outreach, public awareness, and advocacy for the senior population.
SING offers dementia and age friendly business training for owners and staff of business and service organizations and all other settings in our community. This training helps employees and volunteers better understand and responded to customers and clients living with dementia and their families.
Thanks to SING's efforts, many Wake Forest businesses display a sticker on their front door to signify that they have been "Dementia Friendly" trained. This program is still offered to the business community and citizens at the Northern Wake Senior Center by trained SING educators.
Speaking of the Senior Center, here are a few important updates:
The Dementia and Age Friendly certifications have provided a keener awareness among our officials, businesses, and members. If you remember one thing, remember that by 2030, there will be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18; by 2025, 1 in 5 of us will be 65 plus.
For these and other reasons, including high demand, we are changing our communication strategies to provide a more sustainable future for “All Ages & All Stages” and a more professional level of interaction. To that end, please note the following:
Newsletter
Starting now, this monthly newsletter (Senior Center Dispatch) will come from the Town of Wake Forest. A link to the newsletter will also be posted on the NWSC page of the Town website. There, you can also access our NWSC information hub, which includes our schedule of events and more.
Wednesday Wink
The Wednesday Wink may still be delivered via email through Constant Contact. However, this communication will only be used for special announcements.
Membership
To become a member of the NWSC, we ask that you watch our new member video in the library, take a volunteer-led tour of our facility, and complete our membership form. Due to the increased interest in the center, we will need at least 48 hours to process your application before allowing you to attend any program requiring a sign-up.
Registration
The registration schedule will soon be posted in the newsletter. Registration times will be grouped according to class subjects. Online registration through the Town of Wake Forest website is preferred, and pre-training is available. However, we understand that several of our members may require special accommodations which we are happy to provide. Thank you for your patience while answering questions, as this is soon to be announced.
In closing, Margaret Wheatley reminds us, “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
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Wake Forest joins AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities
To best prepare for a population that is both growing and aging, the Town of Wake Forest recently joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The announcement was made during the July 16 Board of Commissioners’ meeting.
Wake Forest joined the network to ensure that civic improvements benefit the very old, the very young, and everyone in between. Through the network, the Town will receive both technical assistance and shared expertise to help develop changes to support people of all ages.
A city, town, or rural area that is “age-friendly,” is one that helps people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. That means access to affordable housing, transportation options, health care, opportunities for social engagement, the ability to walk and bike and much more.
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"De-Prescribe & Thrive: Empowering Caregivers" August 10
The Northern Wake Senior Center and the Wake Forest Senior Information Networking Group (SING) are partnering to host a series of free classes, workshops, and other events over the next several months to raise awareness about aging, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias.
Each event in the 2024 Age & Dementia Education Series will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about dozens of aging and dementia-related programs, services, products, and resources – all at the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave. These free events are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m., and no registration is required.
The series continues Saturday, Aug. 10, with "De-Prescribe & Thrive: Empowering Caregivers." Led by Dr. Leon Canterbury, this session will provide caregivers with the knowledge and tools necessary to optimize medication regimens for their loved ones. Through education and support, caregivers learn how to safely reduce or discontinue unnecessary medications, promoting better health outcomes and improving overall well-being.
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Acoustic Music Jam second & fourth Thursday of each month
You're invited to join us at the Senior Center from 2-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month for Acoustic Music Jam. Hosted by Steve Pfanenstiel, the bi-monthly event features all music genres, including traditional, folk, bluegrass, country, rock, and pop.
Open to all ages and skill levels, the event welcomes players of all musical instruments, including guitar, ukulele, voice, banjo, violin, mandolin, and more! For more information, call Steve Pfanestiel at 315-743-1121.
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Mark your calendar!
Be sure to mark your calendar for these special events taking place in August at the Northern Wake Senior Center:
The Real Truth Series: The Real Truth About Assisted Living
Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 10-11:30 a.m.
The Real Truth Series of lectures on important topics for today's aging population. Series runs the second Wednesday of each month through December.
SHIIP Appointments
Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased information about Medicare and can assist with enrollment and subsidy applications that could save you money.
SHIIP Counseling Appointments are one-on-one and will help you understand your Medicare options. If you are turning 65, or on disability and qualify for Medicare, a SHIIP counselor can help you learn about Medicare and your options. Appointments must be preregistered before date.
Friday Night Social Dance
Friday, Aug. 23 | 7-9:30 p.m.
A night of dance in the styles of Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Country Dancing. Music from Frank Battagalia. All proceeds benefit the Northern Wake Senior Center. No registration needed. Come and have fun on a Friday!
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NWSC to host 9/11 Ceremony
The Northern Wake Senior Center will host a 9/11 Commemoration Event on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 6-8:30 p.m.
The occasion will include an emergency vehicle display, a memorial ceremony from 6:30-7:15 p.m., live music by Loos Change, food, raffles, and a silent auction. For more information, call the NWSC at 919-554-4111.
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From the National Council on Aging
Dear Coalition Members and Friends,
The National Council on Aging recently released a call to action alert regarding significant proposed cuts by the House Appropriations Committee to key aging services programs for Fiscal Year 2025.
Key Impacts
Nutrition Programs: $37 million cut from meal services.
Employment Program: Elimination of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
Direct Care Workforce: Closure of the Workforce Strategies Center.
Adult Protective Services: Removal of Adult Protective Services (APS) funding.
Falls Prevention: Cuts to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) falls prevention and home modification grants.
Social Security: $453 million cut to the budget, risking service reductions.
What You Can Do
Email Your Representatives: Urge them to protect funding for aging services using the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) form.
Advocate Locally: During the August recess, meet with your elected officials to stress the importance of these programs.
For more details, visit the National Council on Aging alert.
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Upcoming Programs, Classes & More | |
We offer something for EVERYONE! Click on the icons below to view a complete listing of offerings in each category. | |
In Case You're Interested | |
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PRCR Master Plan Update Open House August 5
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is in the process of updating its five-year Master Plan. Community input is the cornerstone of that process, also known as Play It Forward Wake Forest.
On Monday, Aug. 5, from 6-8 p.m. the PRCR Department and PRCR Advisory Board will host a public meeting (drop-in style open house) where attendees can share their thoughts and opinions on the draft Master Plan Update.
The meeting will take place in the Wake Forest Town Hall Ground Floor Meeting Room, 301 S. Brooks St. The room is most easily accessed via Town Hall’s Taylor Street entrance.
The draft version of the Master Plan Update is now available for review.
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Mental Wellness Fair September 28
The Town of Wake Forest and several community partners will host a Mental Wellness Fair Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1-4 p.m., at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Free and open to the public, the event is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness.
Led by Commissioner Nick Sliwinski, the fair will feature presentations on a variety of topics by experts from several local mental health organizations. Several vendor advocates will also be onsite from organizations, agencies, and non-profits that provide services in the areas of mental health, health care, social services, and more. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required.
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Registration underway for Fall “Dinktoberfest” Pickleball Tourney October 4-6
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with Pickles and Play to host the 2024 Wake Forest Fall “Dinktoberfest” Pickleball Tournament Friday-Sunday, Oct. 4-6, at the Flaherty Park Pickleball Courts and Tennis Complex, 1226 N. White St.
Registration is underway and continues through Monday, Sept. 30. The entry fee is $45 per player, plus $10 for each additional event. For more information, email Tournament Director Lisa Groeschner.
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2024 Concerts in the Park set for September 1 & 8, Wake Forest Unplugged offered as part of September 1 concert
Spend a couple Sunday evenings in September with family and friends at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, while enjoying some foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times during the 2024 Concerts in the Park. “Throwback Collaboration Band” will headline the first concert on Sunday, Sept. 1, followed by “The Breakfast Club” on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Throwback Collaboration Band will play your favorite old-School funky music. With the rich melodies they create, you would think they are a group of 12, but they are merely composed of six brilliant musicians.
The Breakfast Club is the longest running, most recognized ’80’s tribute band in the United States. The group embodies the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the original MTV generation of the 1980s.
Free and open to everyone, these performances are scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park amphitheater. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic, leashed pets, a blanket, or lawn chair and enjoy the music. However, alcoholic beverages, smoking, and unleashed pets are prohibited at Joyner Park.
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Wake Forest Unplugged
As a bonus, on September 1 from 5-7 p.m., the PRCR Advisory Board will provide an array of organized games and activities as part of the 14th annual Wake Forest Unplugged.
This free, family-friendly event offers area residents a unique opportunity to “disconnect” from their cell phones, computers and other electronic devices and “reconnect” with their community, friends, and family by engaging in healthier, more active pursuits.
In the event of inclement weather, these events may be canceled. Updated information will be available by 3 p.m. on the day of the concert on the Town website, Facebook page, and Nextdoor site. Smart phone users who have downloaded the Town app will receive a push notification message informing them of any schedule changes.
For more information, contact PRCR Events Coordinator Suja Jacob at 919-556-7063.
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HRC seeks nominations for “Good Neighbor of the Year”
The Human Relations Council (HRC) is soliciting youth and adult nominations for the 15th Annual Good Neighbor of the Year Award. The award recognizes Wake Forest residents who work to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods without seeking recognition for their efforts.
Nominees are sought in two divisions: adult (ages 19 and older) and youth (ages 10-18). To qualify, a nominee must be a Wake Forest resident who has made a significant contribution to the community between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.
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Wake Forest Farmers Market open Saturdays from 8 am-Noon
Over the years, the Wake Forest Farmers Market has grown into a lively community event on Saturday mornings.
From April through September, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. From October through March, it is open 10 a.m.-noon.
Now located behind the Wake Forest Town Hall, along South Taylor Street, the Farmers Market offers fresh-off-the-farm produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork; free-range eggs; fresh and dried herbs; honey, jams, and preserves; fresh-cut flowers and delicious baked goods.
A majority of the market's farm products are raised using environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, which are healthy for the soil, water, air, animals, and you!
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Download the Town of Wake Forest App
Android and iPhone users can have a handy pocket guide to all things related to Wake Forest by downloading the Town of Wake Forest app. Designed to provide smartphone users with useful information about Wake Forest, the app offers instant access to downtown Wake Forest, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, upcoming popular events, plus so much more! The app also provides contact information for every Town department, allows you to report non-emergency issues through SeeClickFix and delivers breaking news.
IPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android users can download the Town’s free app by searching for “Town of Wake Forest” on iTunes, in the iPhone app store, or in Google Play - or be scanning the appropriate QR code below.
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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