Spectrum Generations is the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging. Our mission is to promote the life-long learning, health, wellness, nutrition, community engagement, and social well-being of all older and disabled adults. We actively

engage the people of central Maine, across the entire generational spectrum, in redefining how older and disabled adults live healthy, socially enjoyable and independent lives. We invite you to connect with us in various ways:

@SpectrumGen spectrumgenerations www.SpectrumGenerations.org 1-800-639-1553

MUSKIE N E W S L E T T E R

Upcoming Events

38 Gold Street, Waterville, ME 04901

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.— 4:00 p.m.

(207) 873-4745 or [TTY] 1.800.464.8703

Fax: (207) 872-6168

March 2020

March 18, 2020

Family Caregiver Support Group Are you a caregiver for a family

member or friend? Does your loved one have dementia, or

another chronic illness? If so, come and talk with others who share a

similar journey to support one another, and to learn about

resources and information that may help. The Caregiver

Support Group will meet on Wednesday, March 18

1:00—2:30 p.m. For more information call

(207) 620-1670.

Message from the Muskie Center

Medicare 101 Clinics Attendance is required before an

individual appointment can be made. Nearing the age for Medicare eligibility? Learn the

facts! Do you know the four different parts of Medicare? The difference between a Medicare

Advantage Plan and a Medigap Plan? The Medicare out-of-pocket costs? What to consider when

choosing your Medicare coverage? Do not wait until you are 65! Late enrollment can

lead to financial penalties. You should begin learning about Medicare three to six months before you are eligible. You will need to know the answers

to these questions to make the best choice from the many Medicare options. Attending a

Medicare Clinic can help! The next Medicare Clinic will be held Monday,

March 9, from 1:00—3:00 p.m. at the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold Street in Waterville.

Pre-registration is required by calling (207) 873-4745.

The census counts every generation Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone who lives in the country, from

newborn babies to the oldest among us. It is important for everyone to complete the 2020 Census so that communities like ours can be

accurately funded and represented.

Responding is important. The 2020 Census will influence community funding and congressional representation for the next decade. Information collected in the census will inform the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds for states and communities each year. That includes money for things like:

› First responders › Medicare Part B › Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program › Libraries and community centers › Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) › Senior Community Service Employment Program

Responding is easy. Beginning in mid-March 2020, you can respond to the census online, by phone, or by mail. Choose the option that is most comfortable for you. From May – July 2020, census takers will visit households that have not yet responded. A census taker can assist if you need help completing your form.

Responding is safe. Your personal information is kept confidential by law. Your responses can only be used to produce statistics. They cannot be shared with law enforcement agencies or used against you by any government agency or court in any way.

CACFP Awareness Week March 15-21 In the Somerset, Waldo, Cohen, and Muskie Adult Day programs we are grateful to be involved with the national Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). With the organization’s guidance and cooking of our chefs and staff, we can ensure all consumers are getting nutritious meals throughout the day. In Adult Day programs we provide consumers with a continental breakfast, a full hot lunch, and a satisfying afternoon snack.

During CACFP Awareness Week, the Adult Day and Community Support Services program will be learning about nutritious foods, creating healthy recipe cookbooks, playing meal matching games, and reminiscing about memories involving food. If you have any healthy meal or snack ideas, or stories about food, please stop in at the Adult Day program in your center and share with us!

“The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” Are you passionate about helping others and desire to make a difference in your community? This March, we encourage you to uncover your inner hero. If you want to help others increase skills and knowledge to prevent injuries and disease, and foster well-being, Spectrum Generations has volunteer opportunities available for you.

Upcoming Leader Trainings: Living Well for Better Health (LWBH)

Horizon Clinic, MaineGeneral Health, Gardiner March 12 and 13, 19 and 20

Living Well with HIV Cross Training

(Prerequisite – LWBH) Horizon Clinic, MaineGeneral Health, Gardiner

March 26 and 27

Upcoming Community Workshops Living Well with Chronic Pain

Muskie Community Center 38 Gold Street, Waterville Tuesdays, 12:15—2:45 p.m.

March 17 – April 21

To learn more or to register call 1-800-620-6036.

Our 18th Annual Golf Fore a Cause tournament, benefiting our programs and services, will take place on Friday, June 26, at the Brunswick Golf Club.

For more information, to register, or to be an event sponsor visit www.spectrumgenerations.org/golf

SAVE THE DATE

The cost is $125 /individual, $500/team

SPECTRUM GENERATIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER. *HELP LINE* 1-800-639-1553 SPECTRUM GENERATIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER. *HELP LINE* 1-800-639-1553

Richard Simmons Workout Come join us for this upbeat and energizing workout!

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00—10:00 a.m. Call 873-4745, or stop by reception to register.

Fee: $1.00.

Mahjong Mondays and Fridays, 1:00—3:00 p.m.

Mahjong is similar to rummy, but it's played with tiles instead of cards. If you have a

board please bring it with you! Cost: $1.00

Quilters

Tuesdays, 9:00—11:00 a.m. Cost: $1.00

Hand and Foot Card Game Tuesdays, 1:00—3:30 p.m. Cost: $1.00

Play as an individual, or as a team.

Notary Public Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m.

Donations are appreciated! Call (207) 873-4745 to book your appointment.

Speak French Social Hour

Wednesdays, 9:30—10:30 a.m. Cost: $3.00 Do you speak French, but only have a few people to

converse with? If so, join our Speak French Social Hour. Price includes coffee and a muffin.

Call (207) 873-4745 to join today.

Cribbage Wednesdays, 12:30—3:00 p.m. Cost: $1.00

Bridge The Waterville Non-Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge group meets Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.—3:45 p.m.

Cost $2.00. Please bring your own partner. Call (207) 872-5932 for more information.

“63” Card Game

Fridays, 1:00—3:45 p.m. Cost: $1.00

Learn, Play, & Socialize!

Spectrum Generations is an Equal Opportunity Provider. Please let us know if you require special

accommodations at least two weeks prior to the event.

Health & Wellness

Nintendo Wii Gaming Console Want something to do when it’s too cold outside?

Looking for a fun way to exercise? Spectrum Generations’ Muskie Community Center has a Nintendo Wii gaming

console available for your use! Nintendo Wii emulates the motion of real sports and can be a great tool to improve your agility. Playing a

Wii tennis game involves swinging the controller as if it were an actual racket!

Wii games available include: bowling, tennis, golf, baseball, and boxing. For more information stop by the reception desk or call (207) 873-4745. Donations are appreciated!

ocus Group Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Walking Program at Colby College The Health Reach RSVP Walking Program at Colby College runs from now till April 3, and is for people aged 55 and up. The Walking Program is Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. at the Colby College Field House, 4000 Mayflower Hill Drive in Waterville.

Participants are asked to park in the lower parking lot of the Field House and enter/exit through the main lobby. Outside footwear is not allowed on the track, please bring a separate pair of shoes to wear. The track will be closed March 23 — March 27. FMI, please call Community Health at (207) 872-4102.

This program was designed for people with an ongoing pain condition, or their caregiver, and offers techniques and strategies for dealing with symptoms. Class topics

include techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep, appropriate exercise for

maintaining and improving strength, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family,

friends, and health professionals, nutrition, pacing activity and rest, and how to evaluate new treatments.

Location: Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St,

Waterville on Tuesdays, 12:15-2:45 p.m. March 17-April 21

Living Well with Chronic Pain

Yoga Yoga is an ancient artform based on a harmonizing system of development for the body, mind, and spirit. The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness, and harmony in both the mind and body. Join Kim Nashed, a Yoga Alliance certified instructor, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30—9:30 a.m. Fee: $5.00.

Also known as Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention, this program is an enjoyable exercise that can improve balance, relieve pain, and improve health and ability to

do things. It is a slow exercise. It is easy to learn and good for all ability levels. The essential principles of

Tai Chi include mind and body connection, fluid movements, controlled breathing and mental

concentration. Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for the health of mind and body.

Location: Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St,

Waterville. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Tai Chi for Health and Balance

FMI or to register visit healthylivingforme.org or call 1-800-620-6036

March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month, and we would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our Case Management Team who serve these members of our communities. Spectrum Generations has 9 case managers serving 7 counties; we’re here to help you and your family navigate the many complexities of available resources. The term “intellectual and developmental disability” may refer to a broad range of characteristics or conditions. An intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in functioning and difficulties exhibited in social and practical skills. A developmental disability is attributed to a cognitive or physical impairment that results in limitations such as self-care, language, and mobility. These conditions are often misunderstood, but what should never be in doubt is that all people have the fundamental and inherent right to be respected, valued, and accepted for the contributions they make to their families, their relationships, and their communities. With effective and responsive coordination, Spectrum Generations’ case managers link consumers to resources, enhancing their quality of life and inclusiveness in their communities. We are here to help: Follow the wishes and needs of each individual

through a person-centered planning process Enable people to explore a full range of options Develop formal and informal supports Advocate for the interests, preferences, and

dreams of the individual Assist individuals and families in independently

coordinating their own supports and services if they so desire

Be free from conflict of interest Support the development and expression of

self-determination and self-advocacy Provide a wide range of available resources

Join us at Spectrum Generations’ Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold Street in Waterville,

for a free cooking class!

Cooking Matters for Adults Wednesdays from 2:00—3:30 p.m.

March 4 through April 8.

Samuel McClean, Nutrition Educator of the SNAP-ED program at MaineGeneral, will be

teaching basic nutrition and cooking skills. Samuel will discuss healthy cooking techniques, tips for safe

food handling, preparation, and storage.

Participants will learn fundamental food skills such as: tips for smart grocery shopping, understanding

nutrition facts on food labels, budgeting tips to spend less, and maximizing food resources.

Tasty food samples will be prepared by both the chef and class attendees. Participants will receive

groceries to take home to prepare the recipe taught that day in the class and a free recipe

book upon completion of the class.

The class size is limited.* Pre-registration is required. Call (207) 873-4745, or

stop by the reception desk to sign up.

*Please note: only first time attendees are eligible to participate.