Director’s Comments…...

WOW, talk about how time flies! The holidays are just around the corner and your center is gearing up for a warm and cozy 2015 holiday season. The annual decorating of the mansion will begin on November 20th in preparation for Christ-mas at Silvermont on December 5th. More details of this tradition will be in our December newsletter. We are very eager to start another fundraiser before the end of the year. Details for our “RealPad” fundraiser can be found on page 4. Thank you for your con-tinued support and dedication to this magical place! I would like to offer up a “SOC Wish List”, at the bottom of this text box, for those who enjoy the gift of giving during the holidays. Our wish list contains items we use regularly, items we “wish” we had and other miscellaneous things from our suggestion box and our participants. I want to wish you a Thanksgiving filled with the joys of feast, fellowship and fun. Take time to check on someone that may need your eyes, your hands or your ears. Reach out to those who need kindness during this holiday time. Remember...kindness in words creates confidence; kindness in thinking creates profoundness; kindness in giving creates love. — Lao Tyn

Gobble Gobble, Chris Parker, SOC Director Wish Llst:

decaf/regular coffee, BUNN coffee filters, hand sanitizer, Dawn dishwash-ing liquid, Clorox, salt & pepper, small plates, tinfoil, plastic wrap, dish rags, dish clothes, drying pads, chair exercise videos, aging documen-taries (cd’s/VHS), music cd’s ( 40’s, 50’s 60’s) weekly Coffee Room spon-sors….daily dishwashers, volunteer musical/singing groups and partici-pation!

Silvermont Opportunity Center

364 East Main Street

Brevard, NC 28712

Phone: 828-884-3166

Email:

silvermont@wcca.net

Enjoying the Peak of Life

The mission of the Silvermont Opportunity Center is to invigorate and

enhance the quality of life for adults over the age of sixty in Transylva-

nia County. We provide a range of services, activities, programs, and opportunities designed to encourage active aging and improve the

health & well-being of older adults in our community.

Silvermont Opportunity Center is open to all who are 60 years of age and better. There are no membership fees. You may make a donation to Silver-mont to help underwrite the costs of our programs, instructors and program

equipment. All donations are appreciated and are tax deductible.

Living the Dream Silvermont Opportunity Center

November 2015 Newsletter A Division of

Western Carolina Community Action

www.wcca.net

Free Ageless Grace Classes November—December “Lunch Plus” October Highlights

A Little About Carol Gerson... Carol Gerson, has been teaching Ageless Grace® at Silvermont almost 3 years and continues to enthusiastically motivate students to exercise all parts of the body and mind to fun, age appropriate music. A Certi-fied Ageless Grace Educator/Trainer and a Certified Dementia Valida-tion Worker, it is evident that she believes in the Ageless Grace exercise program and portrays it. Carol is proud to teach all abilities of people the benefits of staying functionally active and healthy.

Our Lunch Plus folks en-joyed the beautiful fall weather while checking out Silvermont Park’s “Revenge of the White Squirrels” Pumpkin Patch recently.

Lunch Plus participants Reba S. and Alda F. visit with Hattie, a therapy dog “in training”, who stopped by to see us.

Pisgah Forest Gem Mine gave a wonderful presenta-tion on Gems last month. We had a lot of fun learning about different gems and how they are used in many com-mon items from toothpaste to computers as well as jewelry.

Silvermont Opportunity Center has been blessed to receive another generous grant from one of the Certified Ageless Grace Educator, Carol Gerson’s most supportive stu-dents. The anonymous donor believes strongly in the over-all benefits of exercising and wants more in-active people to participate in this fun way to exercise the brain and body. Play Instead of Living Limited is the PILL prescribed by the Ageless Grace Ex-ercise program! This grant enables all students to attend Carol’s 11:30 am Wednesday class for free November—December 16th! Come get energized for the holiday season! Classroom space is limited, so for new students please contact Carol to register at 684-8798 or via email at agelessgracecarol@gmail.com.

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* Continuing in November * NC DSDHH Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program

Exploring Pastels with Deborah Kidwell Tuesdays 10:30 until noon

November 10th, 17th, and 24th

Week 1: landscape

Week 2: still life object

Week 3: floral or bird

$35. for 3 weeks of classes

Includes : set of 48 pastels, sanded paper each week, frame for your favorite piece

Call the center to register at 884-3166.

NO PREVIOUS ART EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Holiday Closings for November 2015 Veteran’s Day—Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Thanksgiving—Thursday, November 26 And Friday, November 27

Gentle Yoga

This class has segments in Pilates Pos-ture Training, core Movement mechanics

followed by Gentle Yoga Postures. This senior’s class is for beginners, peo-ple with injuries, health challenges, or

who just need to get back in shape.

When: Thursdays, 10:30—11:30am Class Runs: Oct. 15—Dec. 17

Cost: $72 for 9 sessions. or $10 per class

Facilitator: Kashmyra Asnani Please bring Yoga mat

To Register call Silvermont

(828) 884-3166

Pilates & Yoga Flow Class

This continuing gentle but challeng-ing class is for all ages. It has seg-

ments in Pilates Core Mat Exercises and a Slow Yoga Flow.

Can help alleviate stiffness, fatigue and aches and

pains naturally. When: Tuesdays, 6-7pm

Class Runs: Oct. 13—Dec. 15 Cost: $72 for 10 sessions.

or $10 per class Facilitator: Kashmyra Asnani Please bring Lotus Yoga mat and

Yoga Strap To Register call Silvermont

(828) 884-3166

What: The Silvermont Opportunity Center is excited to announce that we are collaborating with the

North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NC DSDHH) in Asheville.

Where: At the Silvermont Opportunity Center, Senior Center of Excellence.

Why: To offer convenient access for folks to take full advantage of all the services and devices that

enable people with hearing loss and speech-impairment to use the telephone and to be alerted when the telephone rings. NC DSDHH provides free equipment to North Carolina residents with a hearing loss including one free hearing aid or telephone device though their Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program. Other equipment available include vibrating alarm clocks and special alerting fire alarm/smoke alarm devices just to name a few.

Who: All individuals who have hearing loss receive general information about telecommunication

devices. Those wishing to apply for a telecommunication device must meet certain eligibility require-ments.

When: A representative will be meeting with folks by appointment only here at the senior center

Monday, November 9th. Please call their office in advance at 828-665-8733 to schedule your appointment. Five time slots are available on this date.

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“Medicare 101” Open Enrollment Program

Do you have a Health Care Power of Attorney? Designating a Health Care Power of Attorney will help you receive the Health care you desire. Join Mountain Area Coalition for Advanced Health Care Planning here at Silvermont Monday, November 16th from 1-2pm or 2-3pm for assistance in choosing a Health Care Power of Attorney and completing the necessary paperwork. All forms will be provided and there will be a Notary on site to witness your document. For more information about advance care planning or to review the documentation that will support your choices log on to: www.BeginTheConversationNC.org

If you would like to attend one of the sessions, please call Silvermont at 884-3166 to register.

Attention: Medicare Advantage &

Medicare Prescription Enrollees

Coming Monday, November 16, 2:30-4:30 Medicare 101 Open Enrollment Program

This group program is for anyone approaching Medicare age or becoming eligible for Medicare due to disability to under-stand the basics of Medicare Health insurance. Those already on Medicare will learn about the changes for 2016 and how to make informed decisions about their current drug plan or their Medicare Advantage plan. If you have questions or need assistance in making changes, please call 884-3166 to register and plan to attend the Medi-care Open Enrollment Program. For more detailed information or to contact your local SHIIP volunteer, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit the website at www.medicare.gov for more information.

Health Care POA Program

“RealPad RAFFLE” Fundraiser!

Buy your tickets now for the new RealPad designed by AARP, navy leather cover case

and two classes with our Tech Guy Mike McLain. A bundle worth $150! Think you’ve

got an excuse not to go digital? You say it’s too complicated? Too expensive? Too scary?

Then RealPad from AARP is the perfect Wi-Fi tablet for you. RealPad is all about be-ing user friendly. Tons of free apps preloaded.

Tickets are available at Silvermont Opportunity Center.

Raffle Tickets are $2 each, or 3 for $5.

**Winner will be drawn in December. Proceeds will go to Silvermont Opportunity Center

operating fund so we can continue to bring you even more quality programs!

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Silvermont Opportunity Center Activities Ageless Grace: This seated, upbeat and fun exercise program, taught by certified instructor, Carol Gerson, addresses balance, flexibility, muscle strength, breathing and self-confidence. $40.00 for 8-9 week session.

Bridge: Join one of our largest programs as they try to trick their oppo-nents. Consisting of placing bets where the highest trump wins is just part of this highly popular card game.

Free Write: Eager to w rite? Join class instructor, Darleen O ’Dell, as she leads you in a writing session.

Gentle Yoga: This class is facilitated by Kashmyra Asnani and incorporates segments in Pilates Posture Training and Core Movement Mechanics Followed by Gentle Yoga Postures. ** Still room for more participants**

Lunch Plus: I f you are age 60 or older and would like to come out M-F and enjoy a morning activity and a hot lunch consider calling the center for more infor-mation and enrollment. This program is funded through our Home & Community Care Block grant.

Mah Jongg: Join the longest running program at Silvermont. This is a game of Chinese origin, played by 4 people and beautiful tiles. The object of the game is to build a winning combo of tiles.

Mountain Music: A Silvermont tradition, this Thursday night jam session features some of the finest bluegrass pickers and singers in our area. Always open to the public, musicians are welcome to play and sing.

Non-Fiction Book Club: Come out on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am to discuss books of local interest and find out the book choice of the month.

Pilates & Yoga Flow: This continuing gentle but challenging class is for all ages. It has segments in Pilates Core Mat Exercises & a Slow Yoga Flow and is Facilitated by Kashmyra Asnani. **We still have room for more participants In this class **

Readers Theater: This award w inning program originated in Michigan in 1992 by Julie Vorus who brought the program to our center. Participants will read one act plays, scenes, monologs and radio and television scripts in a relaxed at-mosphere. No auditions, memorizing or experience required!

Sit & Stitch: Bring your knitting, crocheting or needlework and join this talented group of women for a “Sit & Stitch” morning.

Slow & Easy Dulcimer Practice: Bring your Dulcimer and practice on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Silvermont with renowned Dulcimer teacher/player, Mary Sherwood. No experience required, only a Dulcimer.

Social Dance: Learn to dance gracefully for weddings, ballrooms or night-clubs with instructor Rhonda Smith. The cost is $20/couple per class and $12/ singles per class. Call 884-3166 to register.

Super Scrabble: Join our word-game lovers to play on the big board to cre-ate words in a crossword style.

Tai Chi: Andrea Heidmann leads this class in this Chinese martial art and meditative exercise with the assistance of videos.

Tech Guy Assistance: Volunteer Mike McLain will meet with you for 1 hour one-on-one to assist you in answering questions you have about your tech-nical device (camera, computer, cell phone, computer, IPAD, IPOD etc.) This is a FREE service but you must register by calling the center at 884-3166 to schedule an appointment for Mondays between 1pm and 4pm.

Woodcarving: Open to all skill levels. Come out and enjoy one of Appala-chia’s oldest art forms—woodcarving. Led by master carver Carl Munn.

Yoga: Join instructor, Andrea Heidmann, as she leads the class for in-creased mediation, better posture and improved breathing with video assistance.

Zumba: Join instructor Rianna Perry-Mullins as she leads a great cardio/dance workout to popular upbeat Latin music. Call 884-3166 for fees. Drop-In Activities: Board Games, Higher Grounds Coffee Room, Internet Access, Walking Trails, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Lending Library, Puzzles, Learning Gardens, Information Center, Mountain Music.

2 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-4pm Tech Guy (By Appointment Only) 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg

3 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 9:30-12:pm Lunch Plus 10:30-11:30am Non-Fiction Book Club 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

4 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-4pm Glen Cannon Bridge 1-4pm Mah Jongg

5 9-10am Yoga Practice 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10:30-11:30am Gentle Yoga 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 2-3:00pm Slow & Easy Dulcimer Players 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

6 9-10am Freewrite Friday 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 12noon SOC Closed

9 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Tech Guy (By Appointment Only) (By Appt. Only ) ** Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing

10 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10:30-12pm Exploring Pastels 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

11

CLOSED FOR VETERAN’S DAY Thank a Veteran Today

12 9-10am Yoga Practice 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10:30-11:30am Gentle Yoga 10-12pm Toasty Toes 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 3-5pm Woodcarving 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

13 9-10am Freewrite Friday 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 12noon SOC Closed

16 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-2pm ** Healthcare POA Program/ MAHEC 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Tech Guy (Appt Only) 2-3pm ** Healthcare POA Program/MAHEC 2:30-4:30pm ** Medicare 101

17 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10:30-12pm Exploring Pastels 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

18 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-4pm Glen Cannon Bridge 1-4pm Mah Jongg

19 9-10am Yoga Practice 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10:30-11:30am Gentle Yoga 1-2pm Tai Chi for Arthritis 2-3:00pm Slow & Easy Dulcimer Players 1-3:30pm Coffee Room 5:30-6:30pm Social Dance 7:30-until Mountain Music

20 9-10am Freewrite Friday 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 12noon SOC Closed

23 30 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-11am Zumba 1-2pm Reader’s Theater 1-4pm Mah Jongg 1-4pm Tech Guy (By Appointment Only)

24 8:30-9:30am Tai Chi Practice 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10:30-12pm Exploring Pastels 1-4pm Social Bridge 6-7pm Yoga & Pilates Flow

25 9:30-12pm Lunch Plus 10-12pm Sit ‘n” Stitch 11:30-12:30pm Ageless Grace 12:30-2pm Super Scrabble 1-4pm Mah Jongg

26

Closed

27

Closed

Thanksgiving Holiday