Prime Times Briefs: Wood Co. Committee on Aging sponsoring Annual Poetry Contest

        The Wood County Committee on Aging is sponsoring its 18th Annual Poetry Contest, themed “A Moment in Time.”
         The contest is open to Wood County residents age 50 and over. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, March 29 at 4 p.m.
        Entries must be typed in English, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font or handwritten (please print). Handwritten poems will be typed exactly how they have been written.
        Submissions must include the entrant’s name, address, phone number and email (if applicable).
        Poems must be entirely the entrant’s own work and never previously published. Each person is limited to two  entries. Poems must be no more than one page.
        Faculty from the Bowling Green State University Writing Department will judge the entries. Prizes include a $100 gift card for the first-place winner and a $50 gift card for the runner up, sponsored by Manor of Perrysburg and Wood Haven Health Care.
        Winners will be announced by the end of April on the WCCOA blog and Facebook page. The winner will be contacted and a photo will be taken for media purposes.
        All submissions become the property of WCCOA and may be published online or in print. Submitted poems will be placed in a book and will be shared with all entrants. Additional books may be requested for $5 per book.
        Send entries to the Wood County Committee on Aging Programs Department at 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 or email entries to programs@wccoa.net.
        For more information, call 419-353-5661 or 800-367-4935
 
Ladies’ Night Out: Cheers to You and Your Health
        Wood County Hospital will offer a free Ladies’ Night Out event Thursday, Feb. 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Wood County Hospital surgery waiting area.
        The free event will highlight many important aspects of women’s health that can be easily overlooked.
        In addition to wine, appetizers, screenings, tours and giveaways, the event will feature tables with important information, opportunities to speak with providers and information and facts on trending topics.
        Dr. Purvi R. Saraiya, from Wood County Neurology, will share information on headaches and migraines. Each attendee will have a chance to enter to win a float spa gift card, and a swag bag of goodies will be available while supplies last.
        Registration is requested and may be completed by visiting woodcountyhospital.org/ladiesnightout.
        “Ladies Night Out is a perfect event to gather your girlfriends and enjoy a fun night learning more about women’s health, prevention and treatments available at Wood County Hospital,” said Sara Meyer, director of marketing, business development and call center at Wood County Hospital.
 
Virtual Dementia Tours
        Parkcliffe Memory Care Community, 3055 E. Plaza Boulevard, Northwood, offers free Virtual Dementia Tours designed to help participants experience and better understand physical and cognitive challenges facing those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
        The Virtual Dementia Tour is a scientifically proven method that temporarily alters participants’ physical and sensory abilities, simulating changes associated with cognitive decline, or effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by Second Wind Dreams and based on research conducted by geriatric specialist PK Beville, the simulation has been used worldwide by educators, law enforcement, caregivers, medical providers and families of those suffering from dementias.
        Appointments are required. Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule, contact Liz Hofbauer at 419-467-9139.
 
Book discussions
        The Oregon Branch Library Evening Book Group will meet Thursday, Feb. 1 from 6-7 p.m. to discuss “One Italian Summer,” by Rebecca Serle.
        The library’s Evening Book Group will meet Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 2-3 p.m. to discuss “Lessons in Chemistry,” by Bonnie Garmus.
        The Oregon Branch Library is located at 3340 Dustin Rd.
 
Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program beginning
        Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) will begin its first Arthritis Foundation Program (AFAP) 6-week session of classes starting Feb. 20, on Tuesdays at 1, 2, or 3 p.m.
        AFAP is a program that uses a variety of water-based exercises to increase physical activity among adults with arthritis. This program is meant to increase range of motion, muscle strength, moderate intensity endurance, and day-to-day function. It is also meant to reduce fatigue, pain and stiffness.
        The pool is located at the Sandusky County Board of DD Administrative wing.
        AFAP classes will be a one-on-one session in a heated (83-90 degrees) shallow water pool for one hour a week for six weeks. Classes will be led by GLCAP Program Planner Brenda Kuieck, a certified AFAP instructor who is also certified in Water Safety and CPR.
        Participants must complete and provide informed consent forms, including physician consent and emergency contact forms before participating in classes. If medical status changes, an updated consent form is required.
        Participants must be able to enter and exit the pool and change clothing (if applicable) without assistance.
Participants are required to wear a swimsuit and bring their own towels. Aqua socks (water shoes) are recommended. Call 419-334-8383, Option #1 for more information and how to get signed up.
 
Senior center planning trips
        The East Toledo Senior Center, with the help of Diamond Tours, will host a Lancaster, Pennsylvania Show Trip June 10-14.
        The cost is $829 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes motorcoach transportation, four nights lodging, eight meals, admission to the show “Daniel,” a show at the Magic & Wonder Theater, admission to the Amish Experience and admission to the Gettysburg National Park and a guided tour of Lancaster.
        Beautiful Vermont
        The center is also hosting a trip to Vermont, departing Sept. 16 and returning Sept. 21.
        The cost is $955 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes motorcoach transportation, five nights lodging, three consecutive nights in Vermont, eight meals, a tour of a maple farm, a tour of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, a dinner cruise on Lake Champlain, admission to Shelburne Museum and more.
        A deposit of $75 per person is required with a reservation for each trip. Trips are open to adults 21 and older. Call 419-691-2254 for more information.
 
Support groups to meet
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. will be holding two monthly support groups for caregivers.
        Caleb Johnson, LSW, will facilitate the groups, which will offer a space for participants to openly share and support each other’s journey through caregiving.
        Groups will meet at the Wood County Senior Center at 140 S. Grove St. in Bowling Green every second Tuesday of the month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and at the Perrysburg Area Senior Center at 140 West Indiana Ave. on the fourth Thursday of the month from 10-11 a.m.
        Pre-register by calling Johnson at 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935, ext. 1012.
 
Advance care planning
        In partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Hospice of Northwest Ohio will offer four Advance Care Planning information sessions for the community.
        The sessions will be held at various times at library locations during January through April.
        Each one-hour presentation will provide an overview of completing a living will, designating a medical power of attorney and donating your organs. Following the presentations Sara Chambers, BSN, RN, CHPN, community educator and advance care planning facilitator for Hospice of Northwest Ohio, will be available to set up one-on-one appointments to assist attendees with completing their own advance care planning documents.
        Registration is not required to attend one of the following free sessions:
        • Jan. 24, 11 a.m.-noon, Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd., Holland.
        • Feb. 28, 6-7 p.m., Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon.
        • March 27, 10 a.m-1 p.m., Mott Branch Library, 1010 Dorr St.
        • April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo.
        For more information about advance care planning or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Sara Chambers at 419-931-5423 or schambers@hospicenwo.org.