The Heyman Interages^®Center is a program

of JCA^® - Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington.

See volunteer opportunities anytime through our

Volunteer Portal

Please note, all opportunities require

preregistration and background check.

🌟 Join Us for a Coffee Meet and Greet!

Date: Wednesday, December 13th

Light Fare

Time:

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Introductions and Q and A Session
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Socializing

Location: Jewish Council for the Aging

12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852

Interested in volunteering or just curious about the opportunities available? Join us at the Jewish Council for the Aging (12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20852) for an interactive Coffee Meet and Greet on Tuesday, December 19th!



From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, dive into our Q and A session, where our team will provide information about various volunteer opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or considering it for the first time, we've got something for everyone. Stick around from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for some socializing—bring a friend and enjoy casual conversations and light fare. It's a fantastic chance to meet like-minded individuals and build connections within our community. The more the merrier!

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY!

The JCA Heyman Interages Center is looking for two adult volunteers to join us this winter for an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program called Opening Minds Through Art (OMA). Volunteers will work alongside JCA staff to support our second OMA intergenerational program.

High school and college students will partner with JCA's Kensington Club members (older adults with early stages of memory loss) as they create abstract art projects that engage the mind and break through cognitive barriers. OMA is a failure-free program designed to provide older adults with opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement.

Adult volunteers are needed to serve art supplies and provide artistic choices to the intergenerational pairings as well as help with set-up and clean-up. When students are absent, the adult volunteers are matched with Kensington Club members to support the art-making.

The following eight dates led by trained OMA facilitators will be held at the JCA in Rockville and are required to participate.

Friday, January 19th from 9 am - 12 pm: Volunteer training

Six Fridays, January 26^th - March 1^st, from 9:45 am - 12:15 pm: OMA art classes

Friday, March 8^th, 10:00 am -12:00 pm: Art Show

If interested, please contact Indira Dingledine at idingledine@accessjca.org. Application and background check required.

Seeking Volunteers! New Dialogues Across the Ages: Gaithersburg Middle School Special Education Group

NEW DETAILS FINALIZED!

🌟 Discover Interages' "Dialogues Across the Ages"

"Dialogues Across the Ages" brings students and volunteers aged 50+ together for meaningful conversations. It's a golden opportunity for students to tap into the treasure trove of life experiences, wisdom, and insights from older generations.

If you're a volunteer aged 50+, this is your chance to connect with the younger generation, share your knowledge, and bridge the generation gap.

Gaithersburg Middle School- Dialogues Across the Generations Special Education Group

2 Teachers’ Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Thursdays 2:15 – 3:00 pm With 6th graders. Weekly starting Nov. 30 through Jan. 11, 2024.

Pre-screening and MCPS fingerprinting are required for volunteer participation.

For more information or to get involved, contact Indira Dingledine at idingledine@accessjca.org.

🌟 Embark on a Literary Adventure with Interages Grandreaders! 📚

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on a child's academic journey? Join our Grandreaders program and be paired with a delightful second-grader for a rewarding reading experience!

🏫 Location: Wheaton Woods Elementary School: 4510 Faroe Place Rockville, MD 20853

📅 Time: Tuesdays, 3:00 – 3:45 pm

📆 Session Duration: Currently open - May 7, 2024

Why Volunteer?

• Inspire a Love for Reading: Spark joy in a child's heart and foster a lifelong love for books.
• Build Connections: Form a special bond with your young reading buddy, creating memories that last a lifetime.
• Community Impact: Contribute to the educational growth of the next generation.

Requirements for Volunteers:

• Pre-screening and MCPS fingerprinting.

How to Get Involved:

Contact Indira Dingledine at idingledine@accessjca.org to express your interest or gather more information. 📢 Spread the Word! Share the Joy of Reading!

Visit the Volunteer Portal for more Grandreader programs at other schools.

Seeking volunteers! Bridges is back!

🌟 Become a catalyst for positive change by joining the Interages' Daly Elementary Bridges Program as a 50+ volunteer! Embrace the opportunity to connect with children whose primary language is Spanish, French, and more, even if you only speak English. Our program, held from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM every Wednesday, promises a blend of fun activities, fostering language and cultural exchange. No prior knowledge of a second language is necessary, as we provide comprehensive training and support. Ensure your participation by completing pre-screening and MCPS fingerprinting. For inquiries or to express your interest, contact Indira Dingledine at idingledine@accessjca.org. Your involvement could be the key to creating impactful connections and meaningful experiences for both you and the children. ✨

The Montgomery County Third Summit on Aging

We are delighted to feature in our newsletter snapshots from the Montgomery County Third Summit on Aging, capturing the collective wisdom and commitment of attendees and facilitators. Pictured (left to right) are David Engel, Chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, Clotilde Puértolas, Program Manager at Montgomery County Public Libraries, and Robin Riley, Director of Montgomery County Recreation. Notably, these esteemed individuals also serve as dedicated committee members of the JCA Interages Advisory Committee, embodying a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to advance the Interages intergenerational mission.

The Montgomery County Third Summit on Aging was a significant milestone in the county's ongoing efforts to cultivate an age-friendly community. This event served as a crucial avenue for residents to voice their concerns and engage directly with influential leaders from both the county and the state. The breakout sessions, covering topics such as community design for longevity, mutual care and support, and strategies for maintaining connections, provided a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted aspects of aging in the community.

In Montgomery County, ten interconnected Age-Friendly Domains, or areas of focus, have been identified:

 • Civic and Social Involvement • Communication and Outreach • Elder Abuse Prevention • Employment • Health and Wellness • Home and Community-Based Services • Housing • Planning, Outdoor Spaces, Parks and Community Buildings • Public Safety • Transportation and Mobility.

Another Opportunity to Attend This Required Session 

“Know Your Learner” 

Wednesday, November, 29, 2023

4:00-5:00 pm 

Heyman Interages Zoom Room 

 

Mike Anderson, the Student Support Teacher at Daly Elementary School, will be returning to give us a presentation addressing school culture and who we are as tutors, teachers, and those with authority. He also will discuss the promotion of positive relationships and the academic, social, and psychological well-being of students. 

All active JCA Interages volunteers who have not yet attended this class are asked to participate in this session or a future session, as it is a requirement for volunteering. 

Pre-Registration is required. Here is a Zoom registration link. When you register, you will receive a link for entering the session. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAscOurqzsqH9EQXyw0ufvDRzuxr1czN-F0

MONTHLY READING TUTOR TRAINING SERIES

We hope you will join us on Zoom for our monthly Reading Tutor Training series. We are so grateful to presenter Megan Bainbridge, Reading Specialist of the Captain James E. Daly Elementary School, who is providing the sessions. Each session focuses on a different Reading Tutor Training topic, and lasts about an hour. Pre-registration online is required. 

Please note, these sessions provide broad tips and are not intended to be certification level training.

Reading Tutor Training: December 15 at 1:00pm Topic TBD

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sf-6hrTIpHtLL8W2MmxAAIRmEu7FGSpL9

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you cannot attend the session, you can register to you receive a video recording.

RECORDED SESSIONS

To view past recordings of the Reading Tutor Training sessions, visit our Volunteer Portal.

Today's Slang by Andy. Andy is in high school and a frequent contributor to the Interages Connector.

In today's fast-paced world, communication has taken on new forms and expressions, especially among the younger generation. Teens today often use slang and informal language that might leave some of us scratching our heads. Fear not! This guide is here to decode the mystery of teen slang, helping you bridge the generation gap and stay in the loop with younger people.

"Lit":

When teens exclaim that something is "lit," they're not talking about setting something on fire. In the world of teens, "lit" means that something is exciting, excellent, or really fun. For example, a party can be described as "lit" if it's lively and enjoyable.

Example: "Grandma, that new movie is so lit! You should totally watch it with me."

"FOMO":

"FOMO" stands for Fear Of Missing Out. Teens use this term to describe the anxiety or uneasiness one feels when they think they're missing out on a social event or experience.

Example: "Grandpa, don't have FOMO! Join us for the family barbecue this weekend."

"Savage":

In teen slang, calling someone or something "savage" doesn't necessarily mean they're wild animals. Instead, it's a compliment for someone who is bold, confident, or doesn't hold back.

Example: "Nana, you're so savage for trying out that new dance move!"

"Flex":

To "flex" is to show off or boast about something, often related to one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

Example: "Did you see Timmy's new car? He's really flexing with that ride!"

"GOAT":

No, we're not talking about the farm animal. "GOAT" stands for Greatest Of All Time, and teens use it to describe someone or something that they consider the absolute best.

Example: "You're the GOAT, Aunt Mary, for making those delicious cookies!"

"Ghost":

When someone "ghosts" another person, it means they suddenly stop communicating or disappear without explanation.

Example: "I can't believe she ghosted me, Grandpa. We were supposed to hang out."

"Sip tea" or "Spill the tea":

This phrase is a way of asking someone to share the latest gossip or spill the details on what's happening.

Example: "Come on, spill the tea, Uncle Bob! What's the latest scoop in the neighborhood?"

Understanding teen slang might seem like deciphering a secret code, but with a little guidance, you can navigate the conversational landscape with confidence. Don't be afraid to ask your grandchildren for clarification or share a laugh as you explore the vibrant and ever-evolving language of today's youth. Embracing these slang terms is not only a fun way to connect with younger generations but also an opportunity to bridge the generation gap and strengthen family bonds. So, go ahead, stay "lit," and enjoy the journey into the world of teen slang!

Make a gift to support the good work that we do.

You can designate your gift to intergenerational programs on the donation form.

But how do I actually have a conversation?

We know that developing relationships between age groups is one of the proven ways to reduce ageism. But, it's one thing to know that and quite another to know how to have a conversation with someone who may have different perspectives.

Many of you have asked for guidance in how to have conversations and build relationships between people of different ages.

Changing the Narrative and LinkAGES Connects are excited to present this webinar where we will go through techniques for starting conversations and developing connection. Join us for this one hour presentation and leave with concrete tips and resources that you can put into practice immediately. 

WHEN: December 4, 2023

10:00 am Pacific

11:00 am Mountain 

12:00 pm Central

1:00 pm Eastern

WHERE: Virtual - A link will be sent when you RSVP

WHO: Everyone who wants to have better conversations and grow their relationship building skills.

REGISTER FOR CONVERSATION TECHNIQUES

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

Wayne Dyer

For your convenience, past issues of the JCA Interages Connector are available on the JCA Interages website. Or hold your phone camera over this QR code or take a screenshot of the QR code and it will take you to our website.