Fabulous Fall
AIM is a great place to make social connections which can lead to friendships. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, and many programs to attend. Take a chance and come out to a Saturday Social, Montclair Museum event, or join one of our facilitated groups. AIM can become part of your community. Join us!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Lynda Hollander, President
Loneliness and Making New Connections
As we move from long warm days to cooler shorter days, many of us don’t seem to get out as much. This can be due to colder weather, the fact that some of us do not like to drive at night, or we just don’t like getting bundled up. It’s important to acknowledge that winter months can be lonely, isolating, and we may even experience feelings of depression. Did you know that loneliness can have an impact on our health? As reported by the CDC, loneliness can increase a person's risk for: heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety, confusion and memory loss.
“Loneliness is about the quality of connections in your life and not the quantity of connections,” stated Dr. Ruth Westheimer. In her last publication, “The Joy of Connections,” Dr. Ruth offers a sort of roadmap for coping with loneliness. With Zoom, Facetime, and other digital connection platforms, it is easier to stay in touch with family and friends.
Making new social connections can be challenging as we age. Think about making time in your day to contact others who care about you, or join a group with shared interests. Reach out for help and the support of others. Take care of your health so you can connect with others socially. A few small acts of connection can cultivate friendships and improve social connections.
AIM is a great place to make social connections which can lead to friendships. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, and many programs to attend. Take a chance and come out to a Saturday Social, Montclair Museum event, or join one of our facilitated groups. AIM can become part of your community. Join us!
Workshops & Programs ~ where AIM members connect!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MEMBERS
LOCAL ART NEWS
There is no shortage of talented artists in AIM. Several members entered the Senior Art Show, sponsored by Essex County. Works were exhibited at the Essex County Robert J. O’Toole Center in Cedar Grove.
Participants and category submissions:
Carmela Cohen: Digital Print Portrait Regan Caton: Collage
Lori Fuchs-Meyers: Mixed Media Lynda Hollander: Digital Print
Judy Beck: Mixed Media Lauren Meyer: Collage
Emy Kamihara: Craft/Collage Oks Dang: Mixed Media
Congratulations to Lynda on her first-place submission in the Non-Professional Digital Print category, to Judy on her first-place submission Professional – Mixed Media and to Regan on her first-place submission - Non-Professional, Collage. An awards ceremony was held on September 12 at the Essex County Robert J. O’Toole Center in Cedar Grove.
Emy Kamihara has written an article: Older Adults Organizing, Advocating, and Connecting – The Journey of Aging in Montclair (AIM,) which was featured in the September/October issue of Horizons Magazine. She discusses the formation, goals, programs, and history of AIM, and its 10+ year of advocacy for a Senior Center. Emy would like to acknowledge Carolyn Lack, Susan Ladov, and Judi Kalmanson for their assistance. If you would like to purchase a copy of the article ($4.00) email https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/shop, or call 800 533-4371