March 2020

In March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month! Sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this campaign highlights the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. This year’s theme is “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.” For caregivers, this can be a perfect opportunity to “check-in” with yourself to make sure you are getting the proper nutrition to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

“Eat Right, Bite by Bite” offers weekly tips during the month of March that can help you become more aware of your food choices, make healthy meal plans, learn how to create new and exciting meals, and provides suggestions on where to seek appropriate advice on your specific dietary needs. Here’s how it works:

Week 1: Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day!

Include healthful foods from all food groups.
Hydrate healthfully.
Learn how to read Nutrition Facts panels.
Practice portion control
Take time to enjoy your food.

Week 2: Plan your meals each week!

Use a grocery list to shop for healthful foods.
Be menu-savvy when dining out.
Choose healthful recipes to make during the week.
Enjoy healthful eating at school and work.
Plan healthful eating while travelling.

Week 3: Learn skills to create tasty meals!

Keep healthful ingredients on hand.
Practice proper home food safety.
Share meals together as a family when possible.
Reduce food waste.
Try new flavors and foods.

Week 4: Consult a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN)!

Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
Receive personalized nutrition advice to meet your goals.
Meet RDNs in a variety of settings throughout your community.
Find an RDN who is specialized to serve your unique needs.
Thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.

It is important to remember that eating well and maintaining proper nutrition does not have to be rigid or require hours of work in the kitchen. Keep it simple! Small changes can really make a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing, which in turn, can help you as your care for your loved ones.

For more information on how to create healthy meal plans, learn about the foods you eat, and find healthy and delicious recipes to try, go to https://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Special thanks to MSW Intern Erin Spreng for this month's article! Erin is an advanced standing student at UNC and will be working with OCDoA through April of this year before graduating in May.

Resources

For additional information...

From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

From AARP

Healthy Eating While Caregiving

From Home Care Assistance

Meal Prep Ideas for the Busy Caregiver

From the Orange County Department on Aging

Simple Meals for Care Partners: Monday, July 20, 1:30-2:30

From the Orange County Health Department

Nutrition Services, including Nutrition Counseling and Diabetes Prevention

Announcements

Staff Changes

Annie Deaver, former Administrator for the Aging Transitions Team, has moved into a new role as Assistant Director at an Assisted Living Facility in Raleigh. We wish her the best in her new role!

Our own Kim Lamon-Loperfido has accepted the position of Aging Transitions Administrator! Congrats to Kim for hew new role!

Melissa Hunter is moving on to work for the National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, based out of RTI International. Good luck Melissa!

We look forward to introducing you to two new social workers very soon! If you know someone who may be interested in joining the Aging Transition Team they can see more information and apply here.

Dementia Friendly Orange County

Special thanks to the following organizations for committing or recommitting to being part of the Dementia Friendly movement!

A shby Insurance Agency, Inc

Dementia Friendly organizations aim to be aware and accommodating of the needs of patrons with dementia or other special needs. Thank your local businesses for being a Dementia Friendly Partner or ask them to become one!

Care Partner Collaborative

Join us as we come together weekly to co-create a space that welcomes and supports seniors experiencing cognitive and/or physical challenges. In a relaxed setting, we’ll share conversation, have lunch, and enjoy music, movement and other activities of our own design.

This gathering, Wednesdays at the Seymour Center from 10 am to 1 pm, is part of a collaborative project that relies on the input and participation of care partners. Through their active involvement, care partners gain connection, community, comfort and confidence for their journey ahead.

Click here to see this month's schedule of programming.

Registration is required. Please contact Lisa Meinert at lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251 to discuss eligibility details and whether this is a good fit for you and the person you are caring for.

Upcoming Events

Social Events

Memory Cafe at Cup-a-Joe

Tuesday, March 3 at 2:30pm
Tuesday, April 7 at 2:30pm
120 W. King Street, Hillsborough
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe at Bruegger's Bagels

Monday, March 9 at 2pm
Monday, April 13 at 2pm
1800 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Contact Kim for more information

Memory Cafe on the Move

West Point on the Eno Tour - 5101 N. Roxboro St, Durham
Thursday, March 19 at 2pm

Contact Kim for more information

Pickleball for Parkinson's

Seymour Center: Wednesdays at 2pm
See Flyer for more information
Passmore Center: Mondays at 3:30pm
See Flyer for more information

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group at Passmore

Thursdays, March 13 & 27 at 1pm
Contact Kim for more information.

Caregiver Support Group at Seymour

Fridays, March 12 & 26 at 10:30am
Contact Kim for more information.

Parkinson's Disease Caregivers Open Discussion Group

Seymour Center
Tuesday, March 3 at 12:30
Tuesday, April 3 at 12:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Parkinson's Disease Patient Open Discussion Group

Seymour Center
Tuesday, March 3 12:30
Tuesday, April 3 at 12:30
Contact Jessica Shurer for more information.

Well Spouse Association Support Group for the Triangle

Seymour Center
Thursday, Feburary 13 at 5:30pm
Contact Russ Wiener for more information.

Educational Opportunities

Caring Basics Series

Advanced Directives 101
Seymour Center - 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
Monday, March 23 at 1:30pm
See Flyer or contact Kim for more information.

Dementia Basics Education Series

Cedar Grove Community Center - 5800 NC Hwy 86 N, Hillsborough
Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, & 22 at 10:30
Register at 919-245-2640
Contact Marie for more information.

Loud and Proud 2020
Duke Integrative Medicine - 3475 Erwin Rd, Durham
February 10 and March 9 at 2:00pm
See Flyer for more information.

Special Events

Parkinson's Wellness Recovery

UNC Wellness Centers: New program each month
See Flyer for more information.

Caregiver's Zentangle

Coming Soon - A NEW monthly class at each senior center!
Seymour Center - Monday, March 2 at 2pm
Passmore Center - Monday, March 23 at 2pm
See Flyer or contact Kim for more information.

Meet the Researchers - Duke Department of Neurology
Friday, April 10 at 12pm
See flyer for more information.

2020 Stroke Survivor & Caregiver Event
Saturday, March 7 at 9am
The Carolina Inn - 211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill
See here for more information and registration.

Duke Dementia Family Support Program's Brain Walking Group

Upcoming at the Senior Centers

Below is a selection of low-stress programs that could easily be enjoyed by caregivers and those they care for.

Please note each event’s location and call the respective senior center to register.

Passmore Center: 919-245-2015 Seymour Center: 919-968-2070

IRISH PUB – CHRIS MANKOFF BAND
It’s no blarney, in addition to the Corn Beef, cabbage, and potatoes; we will enjoy The Chris Mankoff Band comprised of fiddle, banjo, accordion, and flute players. So put on your green and bring a side dish to share with others. Contact the center to register and let us know what you dish you plan to bring.
Register by: Wed, Mar 5
Fee: FREE (side dish to share)
Passmore Center
Thu, Mar 12; 5:30 pm

MINGLE WITH THE ARTIST - Joyce Sandy
Joyce Sandy, a self-taught artist from the age of 16 and scholar of the Art Students League in New York City, will introduce her exhibit, “Transitions”. You will enjoy beautiful acrylics on canvas featuring butterflies and bridges and how in many cultures, they are symbols of transition. Her work will be on display until Thu, Apr 23. Art Opening Hostesses will be: Margaret Mays, Ceresa Clark and Ann Wilkerson with live music by Horace Sher. Seymour Center
Mon, Mar 16; 3 – 4 pm

CELEBRATED MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON
Performed by Gary Brunotte, Bill Easley and George Hindenach” “Jazz Experience” - Gary Brunotte (Hammond Organ), Bill Easley (Saxophones) and George Hindenach (Drums) - will play the music of DukeEllington. They are all experienced professional musicians - in fact Bill actually played with the Ellington orchestra. They will be playing classics such as: and many more. Bring your toe-tapping shoes and requests for a most enjoyable afternoon.
Register by: Thu, Mar 19
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Thu, Mar 26; 3 – 4 pm

SPRING TEA TASTING WITH DUKE COMMUNITEA CLUB
Duke students from CommuniTEA Club will brew you a nice cup of tea from natural leaves and a strong cup of conversation! This tea tasting experience allows you to gain a deeper understanding of wellness through tea culture. You will have the opportunity to interact through the medium of tea appreciation in a space that promotes relaxation and selfcare. (Note: Natural tea contains caffeine.)
Register by: 1 week before event
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Thu, Mar 26; 2 – 3 pm

SPRING GARDEN PORCH AND PATIO PARTY
Join the Seymour Garden Club members for an afternoon of fun. They have special activities planned including a plant sale, crafts, treasure hunt, light refreshments, decorated vase sale and an opportunity to mingle with members to learn more about their ongoing beautification projects of the designated surrounding areas at Seymour.
Register by: Mon, Mar 23
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
Mon, Mar 30 1:30 – 3 pm

PASSMORE SINGING GROUP
If you enjoy singing and socializing, then you may like this group. Choose the songs you would like to sing and enjoy the company of other people. For more information contact Nancy Parcel at 919-810-1970.
Leader: Nancy Parsells
Fee: FREE
Passmore Center
Tuesdays ; 12:30 – 1:30 pm

SONG SWAP
Bring your favorite songs and/or your acoustic instruments, and let’s make some music! Folk, blues, old time, bluegrass, or original songs - whatever suits your mood or your style, all are welcome.
Leader: Ralph Besser
Fee: FREE
Seymour Center
1st Tue; 7 – 8:30 pm

Contact Us

For more information, resources, and services, please reach out to our team through the Aging Information & Referral Helpline:

919-968-2087

or

AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov

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