Golden Review
To receive an email notification of when the digital edition of the Golden Review is online, sign up for the Talgov.com Email Subscription Service.
- Senior Center Re-Accredited Nationally
- Tallahassee Active Lifelong Learners
- Acting Up with Martha Stewart
- Advisory Council's Pomidor Encourages Geriatric Practice
- "Doctors in the House" Fills the House…
- We Want to Recycle Your Old Cell Phone
- Faces, Places and Events
- Daily Activities Schedule
- Special Events
- Health and Fitness
- Tallahassee Senior Center for the Arts
- Tallahassee Senior Services Southside
- Tallahassee Senior Services at Lincoln Center
- Tallahassee Senior Center at Heritage Oaks
- Volunteer Opportunities
- TSC Foundation News
Senior Center Re-Accredited Nationally
Mary Crozier, first director of the Tallahassee Senior Center in 1978, kept one goal in mind: to be the best senior center in the state. As a member of the center's national re-accreditation team this past year, she believes the center has achieved that goal many times over.
A team of 20 community partners, center participants, volunteers and staff prepared for the five-year re-accreditation certification by the National Institute of Senior Centers over the past year and a half. On February 4th and 5th they got their opportunity to shine.
Peer Reviewer Jill Kranz of the Middleton Senior Center in Wisconsin visited TSC and gave it high marks for extensive programming and community involvement. She was also impressed by the excellent maintenance and cleanliness of the 73-year-old building and how space was maximized to accommodate a large number of activities, thus serving a high volume of participants.
Kranz specifically commended the City of Tallahassee for its support of the center, and applauded the joint work of the Senior Foundation in conjunction with City resources. During the presentation of the review, Assistant City Manager Tom Coe and Neighborhood and Community Services Director Tom Lewis listened as Re-accreditation Team, Advisory Council and Foundation Board members commented on their experience with the process and the valuable asset the senior center is to the community.
The only caution Kranz expressed was how to manage the tremendous growth TSC has experienced over the past five years and continues to achieve. With the increasing population of older adults in the area, and the success of TSC, it is imperative that a good plan is in place to sustain quality services and programs.
National accreditation indicates that TSC continues to meet its mission and comply with nine standards of senior center operations developed by NISC, a unit of the National Council on Aging. Sheila Salyer, senior services manager for the City of Tallahassee and executive director of the Senior Foundation, pointed out "among the benefits of accreditation is heightened awareness of activities within the community, improved operations, and an active strategic plan with outcome measurements."
Salyer credits the work of the Senior Services team - including staff, board members, volunteers, participants - for the successful result of re-accreditation and invites adults of all ages to come and enjoy some of the many interesting and fulfilling programs being offered.
 |
 |
 |
Active Living Expo - For Active Adults, Caregivers and Boomers
- Thursday, April 24, 5:00 - 8:00pm and Friday, April 25, 9:30am - 12:30pm
- More than 90 exhibitors and screenings to maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Showcasing recreation, home improvement, technology, fitness, and more
- Sponsored by Tallahassee Democrat, Humana, and WFSU
- Hosted by Area Agency on Aging of North Florida and Tallahassee Senior Center
- Exhibitors still welcome. For Sponsor or Exhibitor Information call Hella Spellman at 891-4000.
| Look for these exhibitors and more | |
|---|---|
| AES Auction Company Alzheimer's Project, Inc. American Red Cross-Capital Area Chapter Angie Goodman, Realtor, CRS, SRES Beltone Hearing Center (Video Otoscopy screening) Big Bend Crime Stoppers Big Bend Hospice Broadview Assisted Living @ Tallahassee Brookdale Senior Living - Clare Bridge & Sterling House Capital Health Plan Caroline Collins, Independent Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics Cherry Laurel Club 50 Fitness Centers (BMI Screening) Elder Care Services Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE) Florida Legal Services' Prescription Drug Helpline HarborChase Assisted Living HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Heritage Oaks |
Home Instead Senior Care HarborChase Assisted Living HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Heritage Oaks Home Instead Senior Care Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. (legal advice and referrals) Leon County Emergency Medical Services Lew Wilson, Realtor, Estate Services Program Magnolia House McConnaughhay Law Group New Leaf Market (food samples) Panhandle LTCOC Tallahassee Diagnostic Imaging Tallahassee Memorial Neuro Science Center (Stroke screening) Tallahassee Parks & Recreation Department US Financial Mortgage Co WFSU Woodmont Assisted Living Community |
Tallahassee Active Lifelong Learners - by Rosetta Stone Land
In partnership with the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Tallahassee program, the Tallahassee Active Lifelong Learners (TALL) kicked off the first class with 14 members. "TALL provides an opportunity for area seniors to enhance positive change in the community through advocacy and volunteerism," said class coordinator Hella Spellman. Spellman also pointed out that in the process of effecting community change, "seniors enrich their own lives through lifelong learning. The resources they bring from varied life experiences are invaluable."
By providing a diverse group of actively engaged seniors a "snapshot" of the cultural, political, safety, legal and justice, educational, and health and human services climate of our community through site visits, bringing them together with community leaders, and interactive activities, they will be better equipped to continue to enhance positive change and growth in the community.
Spellman, assistant supervisor of Tallahassee Senior Services, guides the class sessions and engages area leaders from all fields to participate. Site visits to cultural centers, government centers, law enforcement agencies and other venues throughout the community foster an awareness of available services, challenges and opportunities in Tallahassee and Leon County. TALL class members assemble weekly for eight weeks. Presentations, interactive discussions and hands-on activities help the lifelong learners become more alert to offerings within the area.
"Identifying individual leadership strengths through self assessment and evaluation is very important to the group as a whole," Spellman said.
Planning members who helped develop the curriculum for TALL include Barbara Boone, Leadership Tallahassee executive director; Leadership Tallahassee graduates Bryan Desloge, Merlin Landley, Jana McConnaughhay, and Michael Spellman; and community seniors Joan Guilday, Roger Owen, Irene Perry and Emily Millett.
The inaugural class will graduate on March 19. Class members include Zilpha Boyd, Ann Camp, Pamela Flory-Smith, Joan Guilday and Margaret Hamilton; additional lifelong learners Sarah Houston, Rosetta Land, Elaine McConnaughhay, Emily Millett and Roger Owen join the weekly presentations, as do Irene Perry, Joy Rowan, Larry Schwartz and Mary Transou.
Joan Helms of JAH and Associates, the Mary Brogan Museum of Arts and Science and the law firm of Coppins, Monroe, Adkins, Dincman & Spellman sponsored the current TALL class. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities or participation should contact Hella Spellman at 891-4007.
Acting Up with Martha Stewart - by Rosetta Stone Land
Senior theater is a national wave. Be on the crest to experience new things and stretch your imagination. Learn to utilize voice and movement exercises that stimulate senses and evoke emotions. Engage in performing arts to stay alert and alive!
Everyone's invited to join the fun of Acting Up and to benefit from the basic introduction to the art and craft of the actor. Classes are designed especially for older adults. The next Level 1 class begins Thr. Mar. 27 and continues through May 15, 4 - 6 pm.
Instructor Martha Stewart "acts up" a lot. She's taught acting classes at high school, community college, and university levels." It's always been a part of who I am," said Stewart. Acting Up Level 1 classes at the Tallahassee Senior Center teach students to listen, focus and to talk and think on their feet. In Acting Up Level 2, students learn to "attack a scene - break down and study it," explained Stewart.
Research shows that staying engaged, learning new things and stepping out of the comfort box keeps seniors healthier. Level 1 classes do "improv" while Level 2 involves some memorization. Stewart experiences the joy of watching students gain in self-confidence and explore areas of their character that they otherwise could not.
She serves as executive and artistic director of the next level - the Acting Up Players. The Players often perform at the Tallahassee Little Theater, Westminster Oaks, area churches, and the Killearn Country Club among others. Several members recently acted in Bye Bye Birdie at the Quincy Music Theatre. Ted Judd, one of Stewart's former students now performs with the Players, and together with his wife Barbara, presides over the Tallahassee Theater Guild. Judd is quick to point out that acting is a family affair!
Register now for the upcoming Acting Up Level 1 class. Fee is $90. For more information, contact the Tallahassee Senior Center at 891-4000.
Advisory Council's Pomidor Encourages Geriatric Practice - by Marjorie Brenner
Alice Pomidor, M.D., M.P.H., is in her second term as a member of the Tallahassee Senior Services Advisory Board. Dr. Pomidor's unique attributes, in addition to her professional titles and accomplishments, surpass the high qualifications needed for these appointments.
The young physician married another physician, Dr. Bill Pomidor, 22 years ago and the two are the parents of three teenagers. She is currently associate professor in the Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine at Florida State University. She is also associate director of the Live Oak Geriatric Education Center, a federally funded program which provides advanced geriatric training for health care professionals in the community.
Alice Napier (later Pomidor) was born in Garfield Heights, Ohio. In her early years her family, which included an older sister, moved many times, finally settling in a suburb near Chicago. She attended both college and med school at nearby Northwestern University," Dr. Pomidor relates. "I participated in a merit scholarship program there, and attained three degrees in a shortened period of six years - Bachelor of Science, Master of Public Health, and Doctor of Medicine.
"After med school," Dr. Pomidor continues, "I took a residency at Akron General Hospital. That's where I met my husband! He is not very traditional as a physician," she says with a laugh. "He has written five mystery novels, teaches Internet classes to med students, and loves to cook!"
Dr. Pomidor remained in the Cleveland area and was on the faculty of different medical schools. She tells, "During a summer fellowship as a medical student in Rehabilitation at Northwestern, I observed that only young people were treated. It was then I became interested in Geriatric Rehabilitation."
Her career took an unexpected turn while talking to Ken Brummel-Smith, M. D., at a meeting of the American Geriatric Society. "He told me, 'They are starting a new Medical School in Tallahassee,' and that I should come and work for him. At the time I didn't want to move, but after about six weeks I decided to come down and look around. The crape myrtles were in bloom. I thought Tallahassee was just beautiful!"
A meeting with Sheila Salyer led to Dr. Pomidor's participation in health fairs and talks at the Senior Center. Membership on the Advisory Council strengthened her relationship with the Center and opened new opportunities for her to pursue her advocacy for the continuing health of older persons.
One of her consuming passions is the need to interest young future doctors in Geriatrics while they are still in medical school. Dr. Pomidor says, "By the time they get to be residents their thinking is 'cast in stone.' You have to catch them while they are still med students. They don't realize that about half of their patients are going to be older adults. It is important for doctors in all specialties to know how to take care of older adults properly."
"Doctors in the House" Fills the House...
The new series is a hit! In February, Dr. Freddy Kaye expertly weaved wit into his topic of "Eating for Better Health" to a full house and more than 200 people attended January's H"EAR"ING EXPO. Dr. Kaye's highly entertaining and informative session explained how his teachings help individuals control a variety of chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol. Dr. Kaye is a busy clinical nutritionist who, for 18 years, has been on the faculty of The Family Practice Residency at TMH. He specializes in Lifelong Learning and Nutrition Education for Adults.
FTRI sponsored the H"EAR"ING EXPO - an event that focused on medical and psychosocial issues; safety and adaptive issues; and assistive listening devices and current hot topics. Exhibitors included: Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc (FTRI); Tallahassee Ear, Nose & Throat (TENT); Communications Access Real-time Translation (CART); Division of Blind Services; Vocational Rehab; Tallahassee Police Department (TPD)
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST); Florida Institution Rehabilitation Education (FIRE); Audio rehab Lab; Audibel; Beltone; Ability First; Hearing Loss Association of America; Hearing and Balance Associates; "Hear Now" Starkey Foundation; and Ryan Sullivan, LMT.
The popular lunchtime "Doctor in the House" series gained tremendous momentum in recent months with renowned specialists like Dr. Paul McGhee, author and humor researcher. His presentation "The Laughter Remedy" proved entertaining, insightful and magical for more than 250 attendees. Doctor in the House covers topics of interest to boomers and seniors alike and everyone's invited to bring a brown bag lunch for the noon-1 pm presentation.
We Want to Recycle Your Old Cell Phone – A Special Fundraiser for Senior Centers!
Through a partnership with the National Institute of Senior Centers and Cellular Recycle, the Tallahassee Senior Center can raise funds for programs and services. Just bring us your old cell phone to 1400 North Monroe Street. The Senior Center will recycle the phones and receive money to support activities that help keep seniors well and connected to their community. Call 891-4000 for more information.
AARP Tax Aide at the Senior Center
- Monday - Friday, 1:30 - 4:30pm; Wednesday, 1:30 - 7:30pm
- Now through April 15
- Call 891-4030 for an appointment
Faces, Places and Events
 |
 |
 |
| Magic 107.1 selects the Tallahassee Senior Center as "Office of the Week." Participants and staff enjoy a bouquet from Blossoms Florist. (l to r) Morning Show hosts Blythe and Troy drop by to make the presentation. Rosetta Land accepted the flowers and a Ruby Sky certificate on behalf of the center. | Carole Gentry interests Pomeroy Brinkley in materials on recycling at the Tallahassee Leadership Class 25 'Green' Mini-Expo at the senior center | Jean Delancy and Adelle Sistrunk wandered exhibits, enjoyed entertainment, and toured the Capitol complex as Florida celebrated Ambassadors for Aging Day. |
 |
 |
 |
| The annual Antiques Show & Sale sponsored by Killearn Antiques to benefit the Tallahassee Senior Center, fills the house for vendors. Carla Mitchell shows depression glass to Judi Fell as Sheila Skipper and Funiyo Smith browse displays. | Frank and wife Carol Arroyo reminisce during the Valentine's Day "I Love Lucy" marathon and seal it with a kiss. | |
 |
 |
 |
| Lisa Myrick and Amanda Lawrence of Tallahassee Ear, Nose & Throat demonstrate "TV Ears," a television listening device that amplified and allows the user to adjust the tone control for their ears only. | Eddie Belk signs with Casey Senesak, of Ability First. CART provider Vicki Y. Johnson provides valuable service as Broadcast Captioner/C.A.R.T. Provider at the H"EAR"ING EXPO. | Pat Thomas studies materials at "American Legacy Study" - a recent segment of Expert in the House. |