Welcome to the first ever Arizona Senior Center Association Virtual Conference! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ASCA is offering this professional development opportunity for members in a virtual platform. While this is not ideal, this is the safest way to stay true to our mission to provide “information, networking and advocacy toward developing quality programs and services for Arizona seniors”. I would like to thank our sponsors who help ASCA fulfill its mission:

Platinum Sponsor: Area Agency on Aging, Region One Gold Sponsors: Insurus Medicare Solutions and OptumCare Silver Sponsor: televeda

Because of their generous sponsorship, ASCA is able to present these webinars free to members! Please check out their websites for valuable information and resources. We have a great slate of presenters for you the week of July 20-24. Information will help you assist seniors during this pandemic. We also recognized that you, frontline staff and service providers, are also being impacted by the pandemic. Speakers on mindfulness and self-care will help you navigate through this tumultuous time. I look forward to seeing you, on-line, this summer at the Arizona Senior Center Association Virtual Conference!

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTERS: SUPPORTING SENIORS IN A PANDEMIC

July 20-24, 2020

Inside this issue:

WELCOME 1

WEBINAR SCHEDULE 2

MONDAY, JULY 20 PRESENTATIONS

3

TUESDAY, JULY 21 PRESENTATIONS

4

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 PRESENTATIONS

5

THURSDAY, JULY 23 ANNUAL MEETING

6

FRIDAY, JULY 24 PRESENTATION

6

MEMBERSHIP FORM 7

SPONSORS 8

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

Arizona Senior

Center Association

Officers & Board

Members

Patty Contreras President Santiago Cornejo Vice-President Lillian de la Cruz Treasurer Iliana Hernandez Secretary Board Members Josie Salas Anita Hinojos Leslie Sickafoose Luz Pardo Wendie Manning Ciria Juvera Brenda Gerardo Sandra Bernal

www.arizonaseniors.net

Patty Contreras President

Monday, July 20

2 to 2:45 p.m. National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) -

A National Senior Center Collaboration

Maureen O’Leary and Scott Harlow, NISC

3 to 3:45 p.m. Responding to Needs During a Pandemic

Mary Lynn Kasunic, President and CEO, Melissa

Elliott and Lizzie Kazan, Area Agency on Aging,

Region One

Tuesday, July 21

2 to 2:45 p.m. Latest News from the Social Security Administration

Jack Burns, Social Security Administration

3 to 3:45 p.m. Combatting Social Isolation in the Era of COVID-19

Shruti Gurudanti, CEO, Televeda

Wednesday, July 22

2 to 2:45 p.m. Stayin’ Alive - Senior Dance Class During A

Pandemic

Michelle Dionisio, Teaching Artist

3 to 3:45 p.m. Self-Care Equals Aware-Care

Terry Mills, Emblem Hospice

Thursday, July 23

2 to 3:30 p.m. Annual ASCA Meeting

Friday, July 24

2 to 2:45 p.m. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

Wayne Tormala, Bureau Chief, Arizona Department

of Health Services

You must be an ASCA member to register for the webinars. Individual membership is $25. Senior Center and Organizational memberships are also available. To become a member, sign up on the ASCA website: www.arizonaseniors.net/member-registration/

Registration is required. You can register for the webinars using this survey monkey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMTHX5B. Deadline is July 17.

Links to the webinars will be provided the week before the conference.

The Annual ASCA Meeting will be on Thursday, July 23. Agenda includes an election of new board members.

For more information, contact Patty Contreras, ASCA President at president@arizonaseniors.net or (602) 534-7436 or (602) 809-8018.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTERS: SUPPORTING SENIORS IN A PANDEMIC

July 20-24, 2020 Free Webinars for ASCA members!

Serving Arizona seniors for over 30 years!

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

Phone: 602 534-7436

Email: contact@arizonaseniors.net

P.O. BOX 23894

Phoenix, AZ 85063

www.Arizonaseniors.net

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER

ASSOCIATION

2 to 2:45 p.m. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SENIOR CENTERS (NISC) - A NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER

COLLABORATION

Presenters: Maureen O’Leary, NISC Program Manager and Scott Harlow, NISC

NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) provides benefits to its members and to all senior center professionals through national senior center collaboration. Join this session to better understand NISC resources and benefits for members and the senior center field. Understand NISC member benefits. Find national ideas for senior center programming. Find opportunities to network and engage nationally.

3 to 3:45 p.m. RESPONDING TO NEEDS DURING A PANDEMIC Presenters: Mary Lynn Kasunic, President and CEO Melissa Elliott and Lizzie Kazan, Area Agency on Aging, Region One As a central hub for aging services in Maricopa County, older adults looked to the Area Agency on Aging, Region One for help in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how the Agency has supported its clients, it’s staff and its providers during this unique time. Attendees will learn innovative program ideas. Enhance skills and knowledge about how to respond to the community during a crisis. Increase knowledge about the Area Agency on Aging, Region One and its programs and services.

Presenters Maureen O’Leary, NISC Program Manager for NCOA Maureen O’Leary is responsible for NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers and provides effective, results-focused, “behinds the scenes” leadership. She coordinates NISC membership resources, communication and networking opportunities. Maureen also oversees the coordination of the NISC National Senior Center Accreditation Program which guides senior centers in a self-assessment on nine national senior center standards that results in official accreditation. Scott Harlow, Senior Membership Coordinator Mary Lynn Kasunic, President and CEO, Area Agency on Aging, Region One Mary Lynn has been active in the Phoenix community for over four decades and is a tireless advocate for older adults in Maricopa County. She is currently the president and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging, Region One but she is also president and CEO of other human service organizations including AgeWORKS, DOVES Incorporated, Antigua LLC, ELDERfriends: A Foundation for Older Adults, and AGEconnect LLC. Melissa Elliott, Vice-President of Programs and Services, Area Agency on Aging, Region One Since 2013, Melissa has been responsible for eight of the Agency’s direct service programs. She provides supervision and complete oversight of programs including development, delivery, budget, and planning with a team of 45 staff. She has worked with the Agency in various capacities since 2009 including the Care Transitions Program Director of Healing @ Home, Lead Information & Assistance Specialist with the Senior Helpline, and Lead Prevention Specialist with the ElderVention program. Leslie “Lizzie” Kazan, Lead Contract Specialist, Area Agency on Aging, Region One Lizzie currently manages numerous contracts for the Area Agency on Aging, Region One. She started her career with the agency as the DOVES Community Programs Manager in 2012 where she managed multiple programs including the DOVES Emergency Housing Program, Volunteer Coordination, Community-Based Services, and Outreach & Education resulting in the creation of innovative programs, and an increase in national presence. She also conducted over 300 educational trainings to community partners on abuse.

Monday, July 20

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

2 to 2:45 p.m. LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Presenter: Jack Burns, Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security in Arizona

A summary of how Social Security’s services have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the latest news on new tools and resources available to those that are registered for a My Social Security account on www.ssa.gov. Gain an awareness how services have been impacted by COVID-19 2. Gain an understanding of the

newest services available on www.ssa.gov. Gain an understanding of the Social Security 2020 Trustees Report findings. Learn what the latest scams are and how to report fraud related to Social Security. 3 to 3:45 p.m. COMBATING SOCIAL ISOLATION IN THE ERA OF COVID-19

Presenter: Shruti Gurudanti, CEO of televëda

Social isolation amongst seniors was a problem in the best of times. With the COVID-19 crisis and social distancing efforts, social isolation has become an even bigger problem. We need to support the emotional wellbeing of our seniors now more than ever. Caregivers and staff have a unique opportunity to support seniors and promote wellness through this challenging time by leveraging technology. In this session, we’ll talk about certain cues or identifying behaviors that demonstrate a need, as well as best practices for engaging seniors using easy-to-use technology. How to identify and address the emotional needs of seniors. As staff, what can you do to engage residents during these challenging times. What type of technology can you leverage to easily and effectively reach and engage seniors.

Presenters Jack Burns, Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security in Arizona Jack has worked with the Social Security Administration for almost 20 years. He is currently the Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security in Arizona. Previously, he held positions both supervising and training staff as well as determining eligibility for the different benefits Social Security offers.

As Public Affairs Specialist, Jack educates the communities throughout Arizona on the various benefits and services Social Security offers by providing educational workshops and seminars at no cost. Shruti Gurudanti, CEO of televëda Recognizing the serious threat that social isolation poses to the health of older adults, Shruti co-founded televëda. televëda helps organizations that service seniors and other vulnerable individuals create, build and grow virtual community centers to combat social isolation. As turnkey software, televëda provides organizations with everything from a secure livestreaming platform, to live recreational programs led by experts from around the world so that staff burden is alleviated and participants can interact from anywhere. In addition to managing televëda, Shruti is also a practicing attorney with over 7 years of experience advising on complex corporate and business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital. She has particular experience representing luxury hotel owners, investors and developers in all types of hospitality and leisure transactions throughout North America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, particularly in the luxury and upscale segments.

Tuesday, July 21

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

2 to 2:45 p.m. ”STAYIN’ALIVE”- SENIOR DANCE CLASS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Presenter: Michelle Dionisio, Teaching Artist

This session will highlight how a teaching artist motivates seniors to dance each week while increasing socialization, building community and well-being during the pandemic. Topics covered: how idea emerged, the logistical challenges, and benefits of this weekly class. Attendees will learn steps to take to develop virtual classes. How to identify potential instructors and resources Ways to continue to build a sense of connectedness and build community among the seniors. Learn to do the “Fever” line dance.

3 to 3:45 p.m. SELF-CARE EQUALS AWARE-CARE

Presenter: Terry Mills, LMSW, Emblem Hospice

This presentation is about self-care and the need for self-awareness as we navigate through changing times of pandemic and reform. These times give rise to a new kind of “complicated grief,” as well as “ambiguous loss.” Anxiety is a common symptom of a society in crisis. We, as service providers, must be aware of our own reactions and responses to assist those who are struggling. Public Tragedy must be acknowledged. The need for communities to work together toward healing cannot be overstated. Grief, loss, anxiety, and hopelessness, in the arc of change – present a daunting scenario – for service providers. Self-Care in personal and public crisis becomes essential on a larger scale. We must assess, address, acclimate, and achieve balance until we right ourselves. “Human beings are like turtles on their backs: They always try to right themselves.” This is the innate nature of the human spirit. Definition of Self-Care, Awareness and Self-Awareness, Public Tragedy, Ambiguous Loss, and

Complicated Grief. Explore coping strategies. What is resiliency and recovery?

Presenters Michelle Dionisio, Teaching Artist Michelle Dionisio has a degree in dance, and is an innovative dance artist/teacher who has worked in senior programs for over 40 years. She currently designs and implements dance /movement classes and programs for older adults living in the greater Phoenix area. Her skills include an expertise in Creative Aging and dance for older adults. She has specialized training in Brain Based Dance and Dance for Parkinson’s Disease. Michelle has great interpersonal skills and the ability to engage older adults with an inclusive practice that includes older adults with disabilities in dance and movement. She is very knowledgeable of a variety of dance forms/programs and has years of experience in working with seniors and a passion for working with older adults. Terry Mills, LMSW, Emblem Hospice Terry is the author of: “A Hospice Heart: The Painful Journey to Joy,” (copyright 2018), and is the current lead Social Worker at Emblem Hospice. She conducts many presentations throughout the valley on Humor, Aging, and Loss. She has a Master’s Degree (MSW) from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Wednesday, July 22

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

2 to 2:45 p.m. MINDFULNESS & SELF-COMPASSION

Presenter: Wayne Tormala, Bureau Chief, Arizona Department of Health Services

This course will include both didactic and experiential learning formats that promote knowledge and skill-building for integrating mindfulness and self-compassion practices aimed at reducing/mitigating compassion and caregiver fatigue and enhancing resilience in coping with uncertain times. Mindfulness is defined in this session as “awareness that arises through intentionally focusing to one’s thoughts and feelings in the present moment in the service of self-understanding and purposeful action.” Acquire knowledge of basic tenets of mindfulness. Acquire knowledge of the four levels of caring for others. Develop a plan for practicing mindfulness daily.

Presenter

Wayne Tormala, Bureau Chief, Arizona Department of Health Services Dedicating his career to human service, Wayne Tormala has provided leadership for over 40 years in the public and private sectors at the local, state, national and global levels. Wayne has developed successful programs across a wide range of issues, including poverty, world hunger, mental health, HIV/AIDS, environmental conservation, economic development, social justice, and public health. He has developed several “best practices” in economic development and public health for high-risk, disparate populations, and has performed extensive public-speaking and media work throughout his career. In his current duties as Bureau Chief at Arizona Department of Health Services, Wayne provides leadership across a range of population health arenas, including tobacco control, chronic disease (cardiovascular, cancer, pulmonary, stroke, diabetes, asthma, HIV prevention), healthy aging (falls prevention, Alzheimer’s Disease), men’s health, worksite wellness, chronic pain, health disparities, refugee health, and injury & violence prevention. Wayne serves on the Advisory Board of the Altruism in Medicine Institute, a global initiative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and provides personal and professional growth experiences for healthcare and other human service professionals on such topics as Loss & Grief, Doing Things That Matter, Being a Catalyst for Community Change, and Compassion for Self & Others. He is an Adjunct Faculty of the University of Arizona - College of Public Health, and an affiliate member of the Center for Mindfulness, Compassion and Resilience at Arizona State University. Wayne finds balance with daily meditation, relaxing with family and friends, playing guitar, gardening, and enjoying the nearby deserts and mountains of Arizona

Thursday, July 23

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

Friday, July 24

ANNUAL MEETING 2 p.m.

Agenda I. Welcome and Introductions II. Sponsor Appreciation III. Secretary Report IV. Treasurer Report V. Presidents Report - Annual Report VI. Board Elections VII. Old Business VIII. New Business IX. Adjourn

Organization

Contact Name & Title: Email:

Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Phone Number: ( ) Ext Fax Number: ( )

Website:

Additional members (Senior Center - 3 total memberships, Organizational – 6 total memberships):

Name & Title: Email: Address:

Name & Title: Email: Address:

Name & Title: Email: Address:

Register on-line at www.arizonaseniors.net

Please complete form and Email to: contact@arizonaseniors.net or mail to: Arizona Senior Center Association, P.O. Box 23894, Phoenix, AZ 85063

Payment Amount Due $_____________

Credit Card: □ Visa □ MC Check #___________ Purchase Order #______________

Credit Card _____________________________________________ Exp. Date___________

Credit Card Billing Address ____________________________________ Zip Code ___________

Name on Credit Card _________________________________________CCV # ______________

Card Holder’s Signature ___________________________________________________________

MEMBER REGISTRATION FORM Arizona Senior Center Association

P.O. Box 23894 Phoenix, AZ 85063

http://www.arizonaseniors.net

CHECK ONE Individual ___ $25 For individuals who work in individual senior center, staff and representatives of agencies and organizations which provide services, directly or indirectly, to the aging population . One vote. Senior Center ___ $50 Voting membership for up to 3 people who are staff or active, approved volunteers of a senior

center. One vote per member. Organizational ___ $100 Voting membership for larger organizations, which oversee two or more Senior Centers, to include up to 6 people. One vote per member. Additional memberships are $25. Association ___$50 Non-voting membership for any other entity that has an interest in the 50 or better population but not associated with or part of a senior center. Retiree/Student ___$10 Non-voting membership for former members or students studying in related fields.

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

ARIZONA SENIOR CENTER ASSOCIATION

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

MISSION STATEMENT

The Arizona Senior Center Association serves as a strategic

partner to its members providing information, resources,

networking and advocacy toward developing quality programming

and services for Arizona seniors.