Linda Watson has been creating beautiful craft pieces for the NSC Gift Shoppe for over five years. Her specialty is in knit and crochet work and she has been practicing this art since she was five years old. At an early age, Linda’s mother began teaching her how to knit, which sparked a love for crafting. As a young child, she would make pieces for her doll babies. As her work improved, she started making clothes, blankets, scarves, and more. She has even taught knitting classes and joins fellow knitters to create items to donate to organizations such as the Salvation Army. Over the years, she has tried a variety of art projects including stain glass and candle making.
In the Gift Shoppe, you may find a variety of Linda’s pieces including baby blankets, hats, scarves, dish clothes, socks, and more. Her favorite craft to make is something new that throws a challenge at her. She loves that crafting is different each time and the artist has the option to switch it up whenever they create a new piece. In addition to creating beautiful items, Linda also volunteers her time to help run the Shoppe. Stop by to say hello and check out her wonderful art!
Craft artist Jim Dandy blends a combination of hard work and dedication when it comes to creating unique pieces for the Newark Senior Center Gift Shoppe. His passion for crafting began when he was 12 years old. When he was a child, he watched his father perfect crafts which led him to try it on his own. In 1984, he was also introduced into the crafting world by one of his co-workers. This particular colleague taught him how to carve wood, make speaker consoles, and create other carved products. By the 2000s, Jim started to take carving seriously and began crafting items on his own.
Jim has been in the carving business for over 30 years. Some of his favorite items to make are pens, bottle/wine stoppers, bowls, and candlesticks. When creating crafts, Jim typically uses domestic wood such as oak or cherry. He also uses foreign woods depending on the item he is making. When planning and prioritizing his work, Jim likes to locate some of the best woods imported in the country. Some of the wood products that he uses typically come from Africa and South Asia. He then figures out what he wants to make and finds the right measurements for those items. When asked how often research is involved when it comes to design inspiration, he stated “I don’t look too often. I typically like to do my own projects.” Jim loves to use exotic woods to differentiate his work from other crafters. He typically uses these types of woods because of the colors involved. Creating crafts doesn’t take as long as you think; in fact some only take a few hours. For example, a bowl typically takes about 4-5 hours to complete, where as a pen may only take 1 hour. Although Jim enjoys crafting, there are some challenges that he faces while creating crafts. According to Dandy, “There are mistakes that are made. Sometimes you notice different cracks in the wood when the project is almost complete.” Although these obstacles are faced, Jim still continues to excel in what he does best, crafting. For any individual looking to enter the crafting field, Jim offers some beneficial pieces of advice. The first step is to invest in what you what to do, and pick a subject that you want to make. Another important step is to find the right equipment along with someone who is skilled with operating the equipment.
Meet our Fantastic Fitness Instructors : Linda Adams
By: Meredith Butler
The first fitness instructor at the center I had the pleasure of meeting is Linda Adams. Linda teaches Arthritis Land Class, Balance Class and Tai Chi; she has been with the Center for many years. Throughout the interview she emphasized that her classes are for both active individuals and those who have not been active before but are looking for a way to improve their health and change their lifestyle.
The classes that Linda teaches were of interest to me because they aren’t classes typically offered at most fitness centers. Linda’s fitness classes are all catered to fit the senior population. Linda started off by telling me about her Arthritis Land Class because she believes the most prevalent health issue among seniors is Osteoarthritis. She explained that in her Arthritis class at the Center participants perform various exercises in order to be more pain free by reducing the symptoms associated with Arthritis.
Additionally Linda teaches Balance Class which she considers to be more preventative than anything else. The class helps people restore their sense of balance; she says even athletes may not have a good sense of balance and not realize it. Linda’s focus for teaching this class is to improve hand eye coordination and teach seniors to put out their hands before a potential fall. Tai Chi is the third fitness class that Linda teaches at the Center and it works on multiple components of health including coordination, balance and strength. Linda teaches the gentlest form of Tai Chi called “Sun Style” which was developed by a medical doctor in Australia. She stressed that the strength component of this class was very significant because too often as people age they lose muscle and strength ability.
After hearing about the different fitness classes Linda instructs at the center I wanted to know what other seniors could expect her class atmosphere to be like. Linda informed me that along with exercise her classes provide a fun and social environment. “When people hear exercise they have a certain opinion that it will be very difficult. But in my classes there is a lot of socialization and many times I have to tell them to stop exercising their mouths!” Besides enjoying each other’s company the people that attend Linda’s classes provide encouragement and help keep each other motivated. Many times Linda will bring in props or join in on the humor, really anything to make the participants time spent exercising more pleasant.
Once I knew more about Linda’s fitness classes I asked what she appreciated about working with the senior population. What Linda enjoys about working with seniors is seeing their progress and growth throughout time. Seeing seniors who attend her classes being able to perform exercises they couldn’t at their start point is special to her and is what makes the job rewarding. “It’s always great to see people starting to do like they never did before; I like to see the people progress and have them feel it on their own too”.
Lastly I asked Linda about the Newark Senior Center, how she felt about the Center and how it may be different from other Centers in the community. She said that the variety of not only fitness classes but of all the activities offered and people here is what sets the center apart. “There are different levels of exercise here and different personalities of instructors that lets the people here relate to what they want to do”. Linda also wanted to point out that the NSC is the only senior center in the area with this type of preventive Balance Class which is the most popular class she teaches right now.
Try a class by Linda! Purchase a workout ticket or fitness class pass from the reception desk & attend a class that is convenient for you. If you are unsure of which class you will like, you may try one class for free!
Class Times:
Arthritis Land Class : Monday – 1:00pm
Balance Class : Wednesday – 1:00pm
Tai Chi Class : Friday – 1:00pm
Payment Options :
Workout Tickets = a package of classes. They do not expire.
$20 Blue Ticket ($30 for non-members) = 4 classes
$50 Yellow Ticket ($60 for non-members) = 12 classes
Fitness Class Pass = Unlimited Exercises classes for the 30 days before your pass expires.
Both the City of Newark Police Department and New Castle County Police Department have programs to help you be more prepared if you have a family member who is known to wander due to dementia or Autism. Please see below for information about these two programs.
City of Newark
The Newark Police Department (NPD), in partnership with MedicAlert Foundation, announced the implementation of a free program aimed to protect community members with dementia and autism who are at-risk for wandering emergencies. Through the new program, NPD will be able to enroll residents (and their caregivers), via an online portal, into the MedicAlert national registry/database to receive a free medical identification bracelet and free 24/7 emergency support services.
“This program will help us protect some of our most vulnerable residents,” said police chief Paul Tiernan. “We hope it will also provide their caregivers with peace of mind knowing their loved ones can immediately be identified if they have wandered.”
While the wandering statistics for Alzheimer’s disease and autism are staggering (6 in 10 adults with Alzheimer’s or related dementia will wander, and 50% of individuals with autism spectrum disorders will elope); MedicAlert has been hailed as an important part of the overall safety plan for families with a loved one at-risk of wandering. The charity reports there is a 98% success rate for locating missing persons when MedicAlert products and services are utilized.
“We know that wandering is a grave concern for families, especially those with loved ones who have a dementia or autism spectrum diagnosis,” says David Leslie, President and CEO for MedicAlert Foundation. “Therefore, we are pleased to work with the Newark Police Department to further protect their community members who are at risk.”
Interested residents may contact Victims Services Coordinator Melissa Pennachi at 302-366-7100 ext. 3137 or MPennachi@newark.de.us to register for the program or for more details. Residents can also initiate the registration process through any NPD officer.
New Castle County Police Department – PROJECT LIFESAVER
Mission
Project Lifesaver helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, dementia and other related disorders. A pre-programmed personal radio transmitter is placed on an individual who may wander away from the safety of their homes. These transmitters, unobtrusive for the client to wear, have the ability to assist emergency agencies in locating those who may have become unable to help themselves. This program has saved the lives of many who otherwise may have succumbed to the elements while lost.
How does it work?
An application is completed by the primary caregiver and submitted to the New Castle County Police program coordinator. Once approved, a police
officer will install the unit and train the caregiver. If an individual is discovered missing, the caregiver immediately places a call to 9-1-1 to activate the New Castle County Police Project Lifesaver team. The mobile tracking system and search procedure will be initiated to augment the existing search methods currently utilized by police and responding emergency personnel. Teams using this program have averaged a rescuetime of 30 minutes or less.
What is the Cost?
There is an initial equipment fee of $300 (plus shipping and handling) for the transmitter and a year’s supply of batteries. After the original payment,
there is a yearly fee of $75 to maintain the unit and replenish the battery supply. If the program is discontinued by the client, the unit will remain the property of the New Castle County Police.
More information:
New Castle CountyPolice, Community Services Unit, 302-395-8050
We would like to thank Chef Raymond Williams for serving the Newark Senior Center community for the past 8 years. Recently Raymond left the Center to pursue other interests, we wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter. We are also very grateful for our Food Service staff as they are working to continue to serve Meals on Wheels and the midday meal here at the Center. Please stop by for lunch and thank them for their hard work.
We will be welcoming our new Food Service Director in mid May.
Spring weather will be here before you know it (As long as the snow finally melts…)!
The beginning of a new season often motivates a fresh start, and for many, this means one thing: spring cleaning. As the temperatures begin to rise, it’s the perfect time to pull back the curtains, open up the windows and let the fresh air in while taking care of the tedious tasks that you neglected all winter. Check out these helpful tips below to make the process a little easier on yourself.
Ask friends/ family for help.
Cleaning an entire home on your own can be a daunting task. Don’t tackle the chores by yourself! Instead, reach out to some of your loved ones for assistance. Not only will this make the cleaning day more efficient, it is also the perfect opportunity to bond with your family or friends. You can dig up old family photo books to look through, and find toys from your kids’ childhood to pass on to your grandchildren. An extra helping hand can also take care of the chores that are difficult for you to complete on your own, such as dusting in hard-to-reach places or rearranging large pieces of furniture.
Make a spring cleaning checklist.
Before starting, sit down and create a checklist of all of the tasks you’d like to complete. Spring cleaning generally consists of sanitizing and organizing rooms, but there are a dozen other chores that are typically overlooked. Aside from mopping, vacuuming, and reorganizing, consider these tasks.
Medicine cabinet – Remove all medications and prescriptions that are expired, as well as ones that you no longer use.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Replace all dead batteries.
Refrigerator and pantry – Eliminate all food that is expired.
Rooms and hallways – Replace all broken light bulbs. Also, eliminate area rugs that pose a tripping hazard.
Bathroom – Consider installing grab bars in the bathtub, shower and near the toilet.
Reorganize before you cleanse
Once you’ve eliminated the clutter in your home, you’ll have a fresh slate for cleansing and organizing. For your first task, gather all of your important financial, health and legal documents and organizing them in one space. This will save you time, money and stress in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, make the items you use regularly easily accessible, and place items you rarely use tucked out of your way. This is also the perfect time to check your home for any issues that make living conditions less safe.
Eliminate the clutter.
As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to part with the items we’ve accumulated over the years. However, hoarding the things that you rarely use takes up space and has the potential to negatively impact your physical and mental health. Take it room by room and make three separate piles: yes, no, and maybe. Place all of the items you use often in the “yes” pile while you turn items that are just taking up space in your home to the “no” pile. For items you’re unsure of parting with, place them in the “maybe” pile. For all of the things that you’re willing to part with, determine the condition and either throw them in the trash, or donate them to charity. The NSC Spring Flea market is right around the corner – the perfect place to donate gently used items! Donations are accepted in the lounge Monday, April 3rd through Friday, April 21st.
Meeting of Minds is a guided group experience for those with early stages of dementia or cognitive impairment. The program offered at the Newark Senior Center is an active, social program for adults who are in the early stages of dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. Through diverse social, mental, creative and physical activities, participants gain improved self-esteem, socialization, and a sense of belonging. Caregivers receive some respite time, knowing that their loved ones are in a positive and safe environment.
Meeting of Minds is run Monday – Fridays : 10:00am – 2:00pm. Cost of the program is $30 per day, which includes transportation (on NSC bus if needed), lunch, and materials. Caregivers & members love the program. Check out what they have to say below!
“The routine is key. She comes home smiling, engaged, and sometimes even giggly. I am so grateful for this program. Keep up the good work you do!” ~ Caregiver
“I was in a bad place and coming here helped me. This is my generation. Being here is wonderful and makes me very happy. Happy, happy, happy. “ ~ Member
“I am just so thankful to have this opportunity for him and it gives me a break – which is HUGE!” ~ Caregiver
There are currently openings in the program Monday through Friday. Contact Kat Foizen, Program Coordinator for more information. (302) 737-2336 x124 or kfoizen@newarkseniorcenter.com
Do you treat yourself to massages? If your answer is no, you may want to consider adding a massage to your overall plan for wellness. No longer are massages only viewed as a luxury but instead they are becoming a way to care for the body, right alongside exercise and proper nutrition.
5 Reasons You Should Get Massages Regularly
Massage Reduces Anxiety and Stress
It’s said that the vast majority of diseases and their complications are brought on by anxiety and stress. Massage has been proven to lower cortisol levels in the body while increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, thus helping to alleviate the stress we suffer from day to day, and promoting perspective and clarity.
Massage Addresses Low Back Pain
Massage addresses a number of musculoskeletal issues, but let’s single out the leading cause of disability in the U.S. (according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010). Thirty-one million Americans are suffering with low back pain at any given time, with over $50 million dollars spent every year spent on traditional medical treatment, worker’s compensation, and lost time from work. A 2011 study found that regular massage to the lower back can help alleviate pain.
Massage Enhances Immunity
Swedish and deep tissue massage promotes the movement of lymph, the body’s natural defense system.
Massage Reduces the Effects of Long Hours of Desk-Sitting and Driving
The average American worker sits 8-9 hour a day either at a computer or behind the wheel, causing shoulders to become pulled forward and rounded, upper and lower back muscles to become overstretched and weak, and that’s just what happens to the upper half of your body. Coupled with a regular exercise routine, massage can help alleviate pain, and keep those postural deviations in check.
It fends off headaches
Lots of things can trigger a headache, but many stem from tension in the neck that restricts blood flow to the brain. Oftentimes, a neck massage can boost blood flow and alleviate the pain. Also, research suggests that massage also reduces frequency and severity among chronic headache suffers.
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection. Check out the February Newsletter for further details on the massages you can get here at NSC!
Chair Massage with Lloyd Adams : Tuesdays 11:00am – 1:00pm
Short Story Telling
Do you have any interesting hobbies, special interests, or a unique story or life experience? Would you be willing to share these with college students to give young adults a better idea about what it is like to grow older and dispel the myths of aging? If so, please contact Katie Greenawalt (717)-341-6249 for more information. (Must agree to have your answers audio or video recorded)
Bi-Weekly Check-Ins with Class
Would you be willing to connect with college students at University of Delaware? We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to virtually check in with undergraduate students who are enrolled in a class called “Health & Aging.” This means you will be connected live into the classroom from the comfort of the Newark Senior Center! By checking in with the class, you can help the students gain a better understanding of what it is like to grow older. Requirements: You must be willing to answer
questions from the class and share your experiences, and you must be available on at least 4 different Tuesdays/Thursdays starting the week of February 28th through May- 9th between the times of 9:30AM-12:30PM. For more information, contact Katie Greenawalt, 717-341-6249. Digital Story Telling Project
WE WANT YOU to tell your story. What have been the most influential experiences in your life? Do you feel you have an interesting or unique life story or experience that you want to share? What would you like your children and grandchildren to remember about you? If you would be interested in preserving your story for generations to come, please contact Katie
Greenawalt (717)-341-6249 for more information.
As individuals age, they may not move as fast as their younger counterparts. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not capable of self-defense. The first thing to learn about self-defense and how to avoid being targeted by criminals is that you have to be aware of your surroundings.
When you pay attention to what’s going on around you, you’re less likely to find yourself in a self-defense situation. If victims had been more aware of their surroundings, the circumstances could have been avoided.
Here are things to remember that can lessen your risk of being victimized. And remember, it’s always better to avoid trouble than confront it.
Walk with purpose.
Keep your eyes up.
Know where the exits are.
Watch for suspicious people.
Avoid places that are known to be unsafe.
Don’t go places alone.
Run errands during the day.
Don’t linger in isolated places.
Don’t be distracted.
Stay in well-lit areas.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Keep your keys in your hand, ready to go.
Don’t Be Overly Trusting
One of the things that makes seniors easy prey for perpetrators is the fact that they are often more trusting than younger folks. While it’s always nice to give people the benefit of believing they’re good, don’t do it with a blind eye. Here are ways to avoid being overly trusting and putting yourself and your property at risk.
Never open your car or house door to a stranger. If they need to borrow the phone, leave them on the porch.
If someone starts moving toward you asking for help, tell them right away you can’t help them and keep moving.
Don’t give out unnecessary personal information. No one needs to know your street address (saying you live in Chicago is close enough). And if they ask whether your children live locally, always say yes – even if they’re halfway around the world.
Never allow someone to take you to another location. If you’re in an attacker situation, fight to stay where you are. Once you leave, chances are that the danger will increase.
A Few Tips
If you’re carrying groceries or laundry, use a luggage cart or pull behind. This keeps your hands free and makes you less likely to be attacked.
Instead of carrying around $1,000 in cash and 10 credit cards in your wallet, only carry what you need. That way if your wallet is stolen, the criminal didn’t get everything.
Carry a travel wallet instead of your regular wallet. It keeps your valuables hidden and isn’t accessible to pickpockets and other thieves.
For women who carry purses, consider wearing it on the inside of your jacket instead of the outside. This makes it less visible and harder to reach if someone tried to snatch it.
Improve your chances of evading criminals by staying active and fit. Seniors who live active lifestyles are faster, stronger, and have quicker reaction times than their peers.
