MARTIN COUNTY. Adult & Aging Services MARTIN SENIOR FOCUS. January Activities & Events Guide

January 2021

MARTIN SENIOR FOCUS MARTIN COUNTY

Adult & Aging Services

Activities & Events Guide

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Martin County

Adult & Aging Services (252) 792-1027

Williamston Activity Site (252) 792-1027

Jamesville Activity Site (252) 792-1215

Oak City Activity Site (252) 798-9761

Robersonville Activity Site (252) 795-4580

Social Media Accounts

Martin County Council on Aging

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Barney Conway

Betty Jones Eliza Waters Jerry McCrary Joseph Williams Lula Council Skip Gurganus

Vickey Manning

Martin County Adult & Aging Services

MISSION STATEMENT

The Marn County Adult and Aging  Services Department responds to older

adults’ needs and interests by providing

resources and programs that enhance  independence, personal growth, and 

selfͲesteem.

@mcaagingservices @MCAdultandAging @mcaagingservices

FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CALL

(252)792-1027

Martin County Adult & Aging Services | 3 January 1

CAROLYN O'ROURKE

January 18 MARCIA S. PEELE

January 21

GERTRUDE R WARREN January 26

MARTHA LEE

THIS SPACE IS

3-D-5-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com 14-1559 902 Washington St.

Williamston, NC 27892 252-792-2175

www.bbt.com

Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging

www.mecaaa.org

Williamston Location 252-792-1015 www.mastdrug.com

Pharmacies

252-792-6605

WTDA 96.5 FM Radio

Anita Aguilar to place an ad today!

aaguilar@lpiseniors.com or (800) 950-9952 x2677

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Using Technology to Connect and Combat Loneliness

For better or worse, technology is here to stay. Nearly extinct are letters written between family and friends or lengthy phone conversations while tethered to a coiled phone cord. In its place are emoticons, text messages, emails, Messenger, Twitter, Facebook, video chatting, and a plethora of other avenues to connect.

While older adults are the fastest growing segment of the online population (and utilizing Facebook, Google, YouTube and Instagram), nearly a third of adults ages 65 and older say they’ve never used the internet and half don’t have internet access at home. And that number grows exponentially after age 75.

This digital divide increases social isolation among older adults. Research demonstrates that chronic loneliness is as hazardous to the health as smoking. Those who experience chronic loneliness are 50 percent more likely to die prematurely due to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia than those with healthy social relationships.

Technology for Seniors

Thankfully, connecting with family and friends is not as overwhelming as it may appear. There is help.

Senior centers, local Eldercare Centers, and public libraries often offer computer labs and technology classes that encourage active aging. These are a great means to gather stress-free support in learning to safely navigate cell phones and computers as well as understanding the ins and outs of search engines, news sites, email, and social media.

Various forms of technology can help seniors combat isolation by easily connecting them to friends and family.

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Cell phones: Several phone manufacturers offer phones with seniors in mind, such as Jitterbug. The Jitterbug line of phones features large text, oversized buttons, easy-to-navigate menus, and quick access to emergency contacts. These providers also offer more advanced options for seniors who desire added features.

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Smartphones: Smartphones can serve as a useful part of the senior’s daily life. Apps such as Google Maps, travel and transportation reservation apps, grocery and other retail shopping apps, Medisafe, Airbnb, and gaming apps such as Luminosity can keep seniors informed, boost cognitive function, and make it easier to get out.

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Video Chat: With a larger geographical distance between families, busy schedules, and job requirements, visiting in person might be difficult on a regular basis. Video chat is the next best option to a face-to-face conversation because it allows users to hold conversations with and to see each other in real time. This is a great option for grandparents wanting to visit with grandchildren. This feature comes standard on many phones, tablets, and laptops. Skype, FaceTime, or Messenger are very popular and user friendly.

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Social Networking: Facebook remains the top social networking site and is easy for older adults to stay connected with family and friends. This medium allows seniors to see photos of loved ones as well as comment on posts and exchange messages privately through Messenger. Instagram is another medium where seniors can share and comment on photos with loved ones, as well as send private messages.

Groups are available for seniors to share on a variety of topics, especially age-related issues. AARP offers resources through a Facebook community for seniors to share and exchange information.

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Blogging: Another great way to stay connected with others and to boost writing skills and memory is through blogging. Normally, blogs are maintained by an individual and offer the opportunity for followers to comment. Various websites offer free, easy-to-use blogs, such as blogger.com, wordpress.com, and livejournal.com. Youtube.com is a video-sharing website where individuals can

view, upload, and share videos with friends and family and start a video blog (or Vlog).

Whether it’s emailing, texting, blogging, or talking, making use of technology has a positive impact on the lives

of seniors because they communicate more frequently with family, reconnect with loved ones, combat

loneliness, keep up with community developments, and manage health issues.

| 5 | 5 Martin County Adult & Aging Services

Special Days

Holiday & Celebrations ^

  January 01 New Year’s Day

  January 02 National Buffet Day

  January 03 Toss the Fruitcake Day

  January 04 National Spaghetti Day

  January 05 Bird Day

  January 06 National Technology Day

  January 07 National Bobblehead Day

  January 08 National Bubble Bath Day

  January 09 National Apricot Day

  January 10 Houseplant Appreciation Day

  January 11 National Milk Day

  January 12 New Moon

  January 14 Dress Up Your Pet Day

  January 15 National Hat Day

  January 16 National Fig Newton Day

  January 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

  January 19 National Popcorn Day

  January 20 Cheese Lovers Day

  January 23 National Pie Day

  January 24  National Peanut Butter Day

  January 25 National Clean Out Your Inbox Week

  January 26 National Spouses Day

  January 27 National Chocolate Cake Day

  January 28 Data Privacy Day

  January 29 National Puzzle Day

  January 31 Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

     

Monthly Observances

~ Cervical Health Awareness Month ~ Fiber Focus Month ~ National Bath Safety Month ~

~ National Blood Donor Month ~ National Clean Up Your Computer Month ~ 

~ National Glaucoma Awareness Month ~ National Hobby Month ~ 

~ National Mentoring Month ~ National Oatmeal Month ~ National Soup Month ~ 

~ National Sunday Supper Month ~ Personal SelfDefense Awareness Month ~

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Site Activities

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LET US PLACE YOUR AD HERE.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 ^Events

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

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4 5 6 7 8

11 Caregivers Support Group

@ 10:00AM FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

TAMYRA JOVEL

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18 CLOSED 19 20 21

Food Box Distributions

@ Moratoc Park

& Robersonville Site

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Martin County Adult & Aging Services

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DONATIONS

Contributions can be made to the Adult &

Aging Services Department in memory or

in honor of a person or as a general donation. If you would like a card sent to

someone in the family notifying them of your contributions, please let us know.

The $7 subscription fee for the newsletter is not considered a memorial donation. This is because, according to the IRS, you are receiving something in return. Therefore, it has to be done separately.

Checks should be made payable to Martin County Council on Aging, Inc. (MCCOA), PO Box 1023, Williamston NC 27892. This will insure that your money is used exactly as you prefer. All contributions (not newsletter subscriptions) are tax deductible as provided in Section 10 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The following have made donaons or  memorial contribuons since our last 

newsleer:  x Arthur C. Crofton 

Meals on Wheels x Nancy Smith

Meals on Wheels

Donation & Obituary

Willard C Moses Dale E Lilley Sylvester James

Leda F Coltrain William R Cowin Asa M Harrison Jr Christine C Davenport

Kenneth Holliday Micheal A Dickenson Donnie L Washington

Larry Roberts Ryan T Penfield

Martin County Adult & Aging Services

\Ç `xÅÉÜç

| 9 January Puzzle

Martin County Adult & Aging Services

WINTER WONDERLAND

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Recipes

Martin County Adult & Aging Services

THE BEST MASHED POTATOES

SERVINGS: 12

What You Will Need:

5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes ½ cup butter

2 cups Parmesan cheese 1 cup chopped fresh chives 1ௗ½ cups cream cheese 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste ½ medium head garlic, peeled and minced

What To Do:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes; cook until tender but still firm. Drain and return to stove over low heat to dry for 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add butter, Parmesan cheese, chives, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth, and serve.

HAMBURGER STEAK

WITH ONIONS AND GRAVY

SERVINGS: 4

What You Will Need:

1 pound ground beef 1 egg

¼ cup bread crumbs ½ teaspoon garlic powder ǩ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon seasoned salt ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 cup thinly sliced onion

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon cooking sherry ½ teaspoon seasoned salt

What To Do:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 8 balls, and flatten into patties.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties and onion in the oil until patties are nicely browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the beef patties to a plate, and keep warm.

3. Sprinkle flour over the onions and drippings in the skillet. Stir in flour with a fork, scraping

bits of beef off of the bottom as you stir. Gradually mix in the beef broth and sherry. Season

with seasoned salt. Simmer and stir over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the

gravy thickens. Turn heat to low, return patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer for another

15 minutes.

GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE TEXAS SHEET CAKE

What You Will Need: SERVINGS: 24 Cake Ingredients: Icing Ingredients:

1 cup salted butter 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup unsalted butter 1 cup water 1 tsp baking soda 6 tbsp milk

3 tbsp cocoa powder ½ cup buttermilk 3 tbsp cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups white sugar ½ tsp salt 2 cups confectioners' sugar What To Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10x15-inch cake pan. Combine butter, water, and cocoa powder for cake in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until butter has melted and mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, mix flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Beat buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl.

3. Add melted butter mixture to the flour mixture, then add buttermilk-egg mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Remove cake from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, combine butter, milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract for the frosting in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts, then stir in powdered sugar. Spread frosting over the warm cake.

3-D-5-5 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 • www.lpiseniors.com 14-1559

MARTIN COUNTY ADULT & AGING SERVICES . . .

proudly serving its older adults since 1972.

AVAILABLE SERVICES & PROGRAMS

General Transportation Medical Transportation Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals In-Home Aide Respite Care Support Groups

Our Care System Caregiver Information Computer Classes SHIIP Income Tax Assistance Referral Bargain Shoppe

End of Life Forms Volunteer Opportunities Monthly Newsletter Educational Trips Recreational Trips Senior Games

Health Screenings Legal Assistance Referral Sitter’s List Health and Wellness Program

For more information about provided services and programs, contact the Martin County

Adult & Aging Services Department (252) 792-1027

Martin Co. Council on Aging, Inc 201 Lee Street

P.O. Box 1023

Williamston, NC 27892

STAMP

MAILING LABEL

MARTIN COUNTY

Adult & Aging Services

MARTIN SENIOR FOCUS

January 2021