Milwaukee: Building Bridges of Understanding that Span the Generations - Best Intergenerational Communities Award Winner

Mosess Intergenerational Dance Performance

Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a big city with a small town feel, thanks to its unique neighborhoods and engaged residents working to promote quality of life for all ages.

In the early 80's, a 3-year-old girl named Katie helped the community to think intergenerational.

St. Ann Center, which launched on the city’s south side in 1983, initially offered just community-based adult day care for older adult clients in the basement of the Convent of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.

One day, when Katie’s single mom, a St. Ann Center employee, couldn’t find daycare for her daughter, she brought Katie to work.

During the visit, Katie saw a client lapsing into a grand mal seizure. The 3-year-old immediately ran to the shaking man, jumped on his lap and gave him a big hug. And, with Katie’s hug, the man’s symptoms stopped—the seizure never occurred.

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care

That’s when St. Ann Center’s intergenerational model of care was born, becoming the first intergenerational shared site of its kind in the nation and setting a strong foundation for a community that embraces the value of all ages and abilities.

Consequently, Milwaukee is now home to a host of intergenerational programs, including two Generations United Programs of Distinction: St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care and TimeSlips Creative Storytelling.

Through TimeSlips, a program of the Creative Trust Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) students are trained and partnered with community groups to facilitate storytelling with older adults, many with symptoms of memory loss.

The city’s other intergenerational initiatives include Aged to Perfection (an undergraduate class developed by UWM’s Center for Aging and Translational Research), The Arts at Home (an artist and student team that brings engagement to elders living alone) and Reach Out Reach In (teens develop daily activities for children and older adults).

The Intergenerational Council promotes intergenerational dialogues within and between the races and cultures. This year’s theme, “Turning Points,” encourages adults and youth to discuss key life decisions that affect the future of each individual and the community in which that resident lives.

Toddlers on a mission at Saint Johns on the
Lake Retirement Community

In 2015, The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging and partnering agencies hosted an intergenerational panel discussion and audience talkback in honor of Vel Phillips, the city’s first woman and African American official and judge and Wisconsin’s Secretary of State.

The ethnically and culturally mixed intergenerational panel discussed how the city’s past race relations affect Milwaukee residents today and how all ages can take lessons learned from the past to build a bright future together.

Additionally, Milwaukee, host city for the 2017 Global Intergenerational Conference, showed commitment to creating spaces that connect the generations.

Mayor Tom Barrett noted that “the City’s Villard Square Library project replaced an aging library with a new facility that includes housing for grandparents raising grandchildren.”

Reekaya Free Jenkins, an eighth- grader at Hope Christian School Prima, jumped at the opportunity to join the St. Ann Center Buddy Program, which connects youth (ages 11-15) with older adults suffering from severe developmental and physical disabilities.

“There were many older people I got to know,” she explained. “They were happy they had someone to share what life was like when they were growing up. I learned a lot from their stories. It was like a history lesson, only better. I had fun updating them on what’s happening with kids like me.”

L. Jane Shatto, who retired in 2012, was also inspired to work across the ages.

During her seven years of volunteering at City on a Hill, a nonprofit organization working with central city youth and families, she encountered too many youngsters who struggled with reading.

Interfaith RSVP Tutoring Program

Now, she works with second-graders in the Milwaukee Public Schools through InterFaith Older Adult Programs, which is funded by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

“I have seen improvement when additional help, encouragement and support are given,” Shatto noted.

Her rewards include watching a child, who previously struggled, read confidently. “When a child tells me about their latest test scores,” she explained, “or that they are moving to a higher reading group, I feel blessed.”

That and other blessings won over the Posner Foundation, which helped fund intergenerational programming at the Jewish Home and Care Center, where Milwaukee schoolchildren practice reading skills by reading to seniors.

“Many organizations work in our neighborhoods to ensure that people of all ages are able to share their talents and resources with each other,” Mayor Barrett said. “A community flourishes when youth and older adults have an opportunity to share life experiences.”

Generations United Welcomes New Board Members

Generations United elected two new members to its Board: Amanda Charlsie Cavaleri, founder and CEO of Connect the Ages, and Joseph Cuticelli, head of Seniors for Sodexo North America.

Amanda Cavaleri is a Millennial entrepreneur and global thought leader on a mission to build technology into a tool to bridge generations and foster purpose.

"I am thrilled to contribute a Millennial perspective and a gerontechnology background to the Generations United Board," Cavaleri said.

Her holistic approach and focus on value creation challenges the norm. She brings intergenerational and multidisciplinary innovation to the growing longevity economy in an energetic response to massive demographic, economic, policy, technological and workforce opportunities.

"Intergenerational collaboration has the potential to better our families, our schools, our aging experience, our communities and our world," Cavaleri said.

In 2014, she founded Connect the Ages, an intergenerational storytelling and mentorship program, through which elders teach young people about the values of being in the moment, learning from mistakes and intrinsic rewards while younger people help older adults feel relevant in their community and co-create avenues for continual contribution.


"The timing to bridge the generations is now," Cavaleri said. "I am honored to join Generations United on this journey."

As head of Seniors for Sodexo North America, Joseph Cuticelli is responsible for a business with $720 million in annual revenues that serves more than 400 client locations. He is a member of the North America Regional Leadership Committee for Sodexo, the 18th largest employer in the world and the leaders in delivering integrated facilities management, food service operations and recognition programs in 80 countries.

At Sodexo, he has held positions that include Vice President of Client Relations for Seniors, where he developed and executed a successful long-
term retention strategy and exceeding financial and sales targets. His other positions were Director of Business Development for Education, District Manager for Seniors and Area Generation Management for Seniors.

Meet Bonnie Her - Generations United Summer Intern

I’ve witnessed firsthand the injustices toward older adults.

It wasn’t until I took an intergenerational course that I realized the linchpin for that maltreatment and neglect is the lack of understanding that young and old are interdependent on one another.

Prior to my new understanding, I began my college career hoping to one day become a nurse.

Now, I’m a junior at San Diego State University, pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Gerontology with an interest in intergenerational issues.

I graduate next Spring.

As someone who likes snorkeling, rock climbing and backpacking through Arizona’s canyons, I’m always looking for new experiences.

And this summer is no different with me making D.C. home for two months.

I’m thrilled to be with Generations United researching intergenerational programs for our directory, compiling information and materials for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren bibliography, and assisting in the research for the next State of Grandfamiles report.

This is a great opportunity for me to learn and contribute to Generations United’s successes.

Dr. Mary Catherine Bateson - Honorary Co-Chair of Seniors4Kids

A writer, cultural anthropologist and scholar, Mary Catherine Bateson is a legend encouraging older adults to advocate for the future.

Through her book Composing a Further Life: The Age of Active Wisdom (Knopf, 2010), Bateson celebrated the contributions and improvisations of engaged older adults.

“As people grow older, some of the ways they have contributed in the past may no longer be possible,” she wrote in Composing a Further Life, “but the challenge to society is not only to provide help and care where these are needed but also to offer the opportunity to contribute and care for others.”

Bateson offered an opportunity in 2004, when she founded GrannyVoter, a non-partisan effort that helps grandparents share their voices, pool their power, and use their vote to advocate for their grandchildren.

Today, that program is now merged with Generations United’s Seniors4Kids, of which Bateson is national honorary co-chair.

Her book, Composing a Further Life, continues to lead to further exploration of intergenerational communication and changing ways of experiencing time.

Through her Huffington Post blogs, which she often co-authors with her honorary co-chair, Joan Lombardi, Bateson uses election season, Grandparents Day and various campaigns to charge older adults to support investments in generations to come.

“Today, entering kindergarten without quality early education is like starting a race an hour behind everyone else, making it very difficult to catch up,” Bateson and Lombardi wrote in their post, “Uniting Across the Generations to Assure a Strong Start for Children.” 

“Study after study,” they continued, “has shown that children who are exposed to quality early education derive benefits that are long-lasting.”

Those long-lasting benefits include children becoming students who are 29 percent more likely to graduate from high school, according to The First Five Years Fund.

Young people with quality early education become adults more likely to be employed and earn a 33 percent higher average salary.

As a grandparent, Bateson sees it as a responsibility for her and other older adults to protect the future of children too young to vote.

“The past empowers the present,” according to the anthropologist, “and the sweeping footsteps leading to this present mark the pathways to the future.”

You can stay connected with action alerts relevant to national legislation and join a large group of like-minded older adults who care about, and want to support, younger generations. Learn more

Intergenerational Holiday Gift Ideas

by Sheri Steinig

All of us at Generations United wish you, and those you love, a happy intergenerational holiday season. This is a great time of year to give the gift that shows the power unleashed when generations connect.

Here are some ideas.

Books:

Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar By Keith Richards (Author), Theodora Richards (Illustrator)

Long before there was a band, there was a boy: a young Keith Richards, who was introduced to the joy of music through his beloved granddad, Theodore Augustus Dupree, affectionately known as "Gus," who was in a jazz big band and is the namesake of Keith's daughter, Theodora Dupree Richards. GUS & ME offers a rare and intimate look into the childhood of the legendary Keith Richards through this poignant and inspiring story that is lovingly illustrated with Theodora Richards's exquisite pen-and-ink collages. This unique autobiographical picture book honors the special bond between a grandfather and grandson and celebrates the artistic talents of the Richards family through the generations. Learn more 

Orphan Train
By Christina Baker Kline

Christina Baker Kline's ORPHAN TRAIN follows Vivian Daly, who, as a child, was one of the abandoned children traveling on what were called "orphan trains" that ran regularly from East Coast cities to Midwest farmlands. Vivian, a New York City-native sent to an uncertain future a world away, later returns east and lives a quiet life on the coast of Maine. Through a volunteer program, the older widow enlists the help of 17-year-old Molly Ayer, who knows her community-service position is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. As Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes, she learns that she and Vivian have a shared experience of being outsiders raised by strangers, and that they both have unanswered questions about their past. http://christinabakerkline.com/novels/orphan-train/

Films:

Keep On Keepin' On

KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON depicts the remarkable story of 93-year-old jazz legend Clark Terry. A living monument to the Golden Era of Jazz, having played in both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands. He broke racial barriers on American television and mentored the likes of Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, but his most unlikely friendship is with Justin Kauflin, a 23-year old blind piano prodigy. Justin, fighting a debilitating case of stage fright, is invited to compete in a prestigious competition, while Clark’s health takes a serious turn. The two face the toughest challenges of their lives. The result is an intimate portrait of two remarkable men–a student striving against all odds and a teacher who continues to inspire through the power of music. Select showings in theatres and available for pre-order. DVD release January 13, 2015. Learn more

UP (Not a new release, but one worth watching with family and friends of all ages)

In UP, from Disney/Pixar, retired balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, an overeager 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell is on Carl's front porch! The world's most unlikely duo meet fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, a rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life's biggest adventures aren't the ones you set out looking for.

Music:

Cheek to Cheek – Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga

In September, Tony Bennett, 88, and Lady Gaga, 28, put out their album, CHEEK TO CHEEK. While the album stemmed from Bennett and Gaga's desire to introduce jazz standards to a younger audience, it is a testament to the creativity unleashed when different generations work together. “I have been singing the Great American Songbook my entire career and all along forging a bridge between pop and jazz music,” said Bennett. “Creating this album with Lady Gaga has been a beautiful experience as she is a fantastic singer and I am hoping that all her fans will embrace this music and swing along with it.” The experience of making the album and working with Bennett was transformative for Gaga. As she recounted in an interview, “So when I say ‘at this point in my career’, he’s changed my life for me because he’s gonna make my art better from this moment on. Because he said: ‘Hey, you’re so much better than you’re even letting yourself be.’ ” Learn more

Bridges – Mary Sarah

On her album BRIDGES, released in July of this year, 18-year-old singer and songwriter Mary Sarah duets with some of country music’s biggest names. The album features Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, the Oak Ridge Boys, the late Ray Price and others singing with Mary Sarah on their most iconic hits. Mary Sarah wants to connect those who love traditional country with those who follow today’s more polished sound. “I see Bridges as something that spans now and then,” she says, “and brings that music back over to this generation.” http://marysarah.com

TV:

Click image to view enlarged version.

Parenthood on NBC

Now in its final season, PARENTHOOD is a favorite among Generations United’s network for its depiction of a multigenerational family. Past seasons are available for purchase on DVD or to watch on Netflix.

The Goldbergs on ABC

In its second season, THE GOLDBERGS is a comedy set in the 1980s and is loosely based on the showrunner's own childhood. The series focuses on the family of five and prominently features a grandfather who is frequently around to provide advice or help out his grandchildren. The first season is now available on DVD.

Games:

Last Letter

Thinkfun’s fresh take on the simple last letter game will inspire creativity, laughter and quick thinking. Race to come up with and blurt out a word from one of the picture cards in your hand, remembering that your word must begin with the last letter of the word previously called. Unique illustrations will spark imagination and allow for endless opportunities for new words. Recommended for ages 8 and up. http://www.thinkfun.com/lastletter

Big Fish Games

Big Fish Games produces games for computers and mobile devices, offering a wide assortment of games for people of all ages. There are many games here that would interest both younger and older people. http://www.bigfishgames.com

Tom Taylor’s Grandparents Day Story

Tom with his granddaughter.

This blog post and photo appear courtesy of Tom Taylor, special advisor to Generations United's Seniors4Kids initiative. 

Three days before Grandparents Day, one of my granddaughters called to say she would be coming from her home in Arlington, VA, to where I live in downtown Silver Spring, MD, for a business meeting.

She was appointed to a position on the executive level at a major restaurant when she lived in Florida before her transfer to Arlington over a year ago.

She wanted to drop by after her meeting.

When she first moved back to Arlington, we were in contact on a weekly basis by phone or visits as she helped me with Facebook and computer problems.

Her fiancé from Florida moved in with her about four months ago, and our communications stopped. Rumors about a big wedding began floating through the family.

When she called to say she would be in town, I was excited to see her. She helped me update my Facebook, fixed my computer issues, and then we went to dinner.

At the restaurant, I realized the wedding rumors were true when she told me about her plans, which will include a ceremony this December in the Dominican Republic.

As we talked about the wedding, she became more relaxed and her ebullience lifted both our spirits.

When I told her I would not be able to attend, she said: "I have a special role for you. The event in the Dominican Republic is not the legal ceremony. We will be married in Arlington two days before and I want you to be my escort."

I let her know that I would be honored to have such an important role in her life since her Dad lives in California and will not be able to be here.

We spent nearly two wonderful hours in the restaurant. When the waiter brought the check, she took it and said, "I'm paying. Sunday is Grandfathers Day."

Let us know how you celebrated Grandparents Day so we can possibly share your story through our social media and here, on our Together Blog. If you missed our Grandparents Day awareness-raising campaign, check out highlights. Let's Do Something Grand all year long. Check out GrandparentsDay.org for ideas.

Social Media Campaign for Best Intergenerational Communities Awards

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Help Us Spread the Word!

Jump to: Sample Facebook Posts | Sample Tweets | Sample Newsletter Item | Logos

It’s that time again! We need your help to spread the word about the MetLife Foundation/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Awards.

We’ve made it easy by offering text for sample Facebook mentions, tweets, and newsletter articles. We’ve also included logos you can use if you wish.

As always, we appreciate your help!

Add It to Facebook!

Sample Facebook posts for Best Intergenerational Communities Awards:

·       Think your community is a great place for all generations? Apply for a 2016 Best Intergenerational Communities Award sponsored by MetLife Foundation and Generations United. Application deadline is Jan. 15, 2016. Learn more at http://www.gu.org/OURWORK/Programs/BestIntergenerationalCommunities.aspx

·       Proud of your community? Does it offer a well-rounded life for all generations? Then apply today for a 2016 Best Intergenerational Communities Award sponsored by MetLife Foundation and Generations United. Application deadline is Jan. 15, 2016. Learn more at http://www.gu.org/OURWORK/Programs/BestIntergenerationalCommunities.aspx

·       There’s no place like home—especially if you live in a community that offers opportunities for every generation. Sound like your community? Then apply today for a MetLife/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Award.  Application deadline is Jan. 15, 2016. Learn more at http://www.gu.org/OURWORK/Programs/BestIntergenerationalCommunities.aspx

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Tweet It!

Sample tweets for Best Intergenerational Communities Awards:

·       Best Intergenerational Communities. Is yours one? Enter MetLife Foundation/@GensUnited Awards Program. http://bit.ly/QI8TaN

·       Is your community great for all generations? Enter MetLife Foundation/@GensUnited Awards Program. http://bit.ly/QI8TaN

·       Tell us why your community outshines the rest. Enter MetLife Foundation/@Gens United Awards Program. http://bit.ly/QI8TaN

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Newsletters

Sample Newsletter article for Best Intergenerational Communities Awards:

MetLife Foundation and Generations United are searching the nation for communities that place immense value on intergenerational connections and quality of life for all. If your community fits that description, they invite you to apply for the fourth annual Best Intergenerational Communities Awards program. Deadline to apply: Jan. 15, 2016. Learn more at http://www2.gu.org/OURWORK/Programs/BestIntergenerationalCommunities.aspx

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Logos

Generations United logo:

                                              

Logo for MetLife Foundation/ Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Awards Program:

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AARP Experience Corps - 2014 Program of Distinction Designee

Lequetta Diggs, an AARP Experience Corps volunteer, working
with students at Maxfield Elementry school in St. Paul
to help develop their reading skills.

Photos courtesy of AARP Experience Corps.

In the four years Generations United, through our partnership with New York Life Foundation, presented the Programs of Distinction Award, we realized something: our applicants are adventurers at heart, whether they know it or not.  

While applying isn’t as dangerous as wingsuit gliding off a 13,000-foot mountain or kayaking over a waterfall, the consideration process is just as rigorous.

That’s why our successful applicants enjoy the bragging rights and national legitimacy that comes from joining an elite group of programs celebrated for their effectiveness. (See our post, “What is a Program of Distinction Designee and why is it so important?”)

This year’s honorees are AARP Experience Corps, Family Care Center at Virginia Commonwealth University and Geriatric Career Development Program at Jewish Home Lifecare.

This post is one of a three-part series, highlighting our 2014 designees. First up, is AARP Experience Corps.

What makes this an award-winning national program is how it engages people 50-plus years old to meet their community's greatest challenges.

Two thousand AARP Experience Corps volunteer members tutor and mentor in 19 cities across the country, providing literacy coaching, homework help, consistent role models and committed, caring attention.

Independent research shows that AARP Experience Corps boosts student academic performance, helps schools and youth-serving organizations become more successful, and enhances the well-being of adults 50 and older in the process.

They tap into the desire for 50-plus adults to be engaged in community, leveraging their capacity to create lasting change and making sure we conduct the research necessary to deliver the best results.

Their volunteer members tutor children who need basic literacy skills, they mentor students who count on them for guidance, they partner with classroom teachers to make schools better places to learn and they help create healthier communities. Learn more about AARP Experience Corp.

Stay tuned for next week, when we introduce Family Care Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems.  

Meet Tomesha Thompson - Generations United Summer Intern

Tomesha Thompson with her grandfather

The past three years I worked as a Camp Counselor and Supervisor at the YMCA, I saw firsthand how intergenerational work brought the generations together.

I saw it through the Zumba classes the elders facilitated for the youth. Watching young and old together sparked my initial interest.

I couldn’t pass up a chance to be a summer intern with Generations United.

All the way from Richmond, Virginia, I’m a student at George Mason University, where I’m studying Community Health with a concentration in Nutrition.

This summer, I’m helping Generations United expand and showcase their Youth Jumpstart Grantees’ work. I’ll also be using social media to get our partners and friends interested in our initiatives like Grandparents Day in September.

I also look forward to highlighting your cool intergenerational ideas on this blog.

I am so excited to be interning with Generations United! I love the idea of youth and older adults working together to "break the silos" and learn from each other.

This is also personal for me.

My grandmother, who prefers fresh foods and cooks everything from scratch, gave me a better appreciation and understanding of food and wellness, which is why I’m studying Nutrition.

In turn, I show her how to search for recipes online as an option to her worn cookbooks with pages falling from the binding.

Moments like these reinforce our emotional support for each other. Generations United says it best, "Because we are stronger together". 

Spring Brings Transitions - The Power of Prevention

Jack Levine (read his full bio)

EDITOR'S NOTE: We are re-blogging this piece with permission from the author, Jack Levine, founder of 4Generation Institute 

While some friends and family members are still experiencing a harsh Winter there is promise for a glorious Spring, the season of transitions. 

The blooming of beautiful flora inspires us to energize and achieve new successes.  Those delicate green leafs and ground shoots are symbols for rebirth and renewal.

Tallahassee is where we've called home for 35 years.  One of our town slogans is "Where Spring Begins."   

My wife, Charlotte, and I have an organic raised-bed garden for vegetables, herbs and flowers which attract our beloved bees from their nearby hive to perform their pollination services and produce delicious honey.  Nature's life cycle amazes me!

Springtime also means March Madness for college basketball fans and "Hope Springs Eternal" for all of us baseball fans anticipating that first pitch in early April!  I am devoted to my Orioles!

The celebrations of Easter and Passover are symbolic of what we hold most dear.  Easter gives us the spiritual message of the power to overcome suffering, dedicate ourselves to faith, and celebrate the fabulous rebirth of life’s cycle.  Passover focuses on freedom from oppression and the importance of faith and persistence in the face of adversity.

All religions strive to provide an emotional connection to life’s realities, and light a path for understanding our complex life voyage. 

My friend who practices Buddhism reminds me how all of life's events, including death, are transformations into another stage of being.  In Buddhism, Karma (from the Sanskrit for "action, work") is the force that drives Samsara  — the cycle of natural suffering, rededication and rebirth for each being.

Transitions are life’s crossroads.  We are rooted in personal experiences and make important choices as we move forward. 

As a parent, I know how critical it is to carefully balance guidance and freedom, influence and acceptance. 

Who among us would not wish for more power to make decisions for others, especially for our children, but know we have limited capacity to do so.  We can hope for the best, but must be prepared to respond to whatever events come our way.. 

The Power of Prevention

Focusing on prevention is a most noble calling. Keeping bad things from happening is as important a priority as any.

As I travel the advocacy road, I'm learning about the power of even just one person to lead the way.

I meet people everywhere who inspire me and instill confidence in those around them....neighbors, parents, grandparents and yes, even children and youth......and of course dedicated professionals who work passionately to make a difference.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Volunteer Month across the nation. 

It's a time to focus on ways to protect family members from abusive environments and to prevent abuse from ever occurring in our community by giving our time and support to causes we believe in.

Among the actions I advocate to prevent violence and promote safety at home and in our community:

• Pay attention to recognize the signs of family violence, child and elder abuse and animal neglect....and report your suspicions to the proper authorities. Silence may prove deadly.

• Support organizations that educate families, children, neighbors and community members on how to prevent abuse and neglect and promote positive parenting.

• Healthy Families is an excellent voluntary parent-focused program model. Visit their website to select a state for more localized contact information....and here's a resource for Floridians

• Volunteer for an organization that helps vulnerable children and their families. Guardian ad Litem and CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) are especially focused on representing children in the court system. Visit CASA's website to locate a local program nationwide....and here's another resource for my fellow Floridians.

PHOTO: bearingthestandard.org

• Invite a speaker to your civic organization, workplace or place of worship to spread the word about the threat of family violence and how to keep all of our family members safe.

• Mentor a child, visit a lonely elder or give the gift of time to your community Hospice....become a beacon of hope for someone who needs kindness and special attention.

• Give personal support to a mother or father in need.....or to a caregiver of an elder or special child experiencing the stress of their round-the-clock duties.    

• Support advocacy organizations and communicate with elected officials in support of parent education, abuse prevention, health care, victims rights, justice for teenagers and access to quality services across the generations. 

Please continue to exert the power of your influence.  Our success is rooted in what we do for others who need us, and the energy we invest in making a difference. 

Advocacy is giving voice to causes which we know need attention and effective action. As the Talmud poignantly asks... "If not, who?  If not now, when?"

Join me as an ardent advocate....entering every door with an optimistic spirit.

Because prevention is relevant to every stage of life.... 

Here is a selection of excellent websites I recommend for your inspiration and enjoyment:

Encore is a valuable life transitions network launched by Marc Freedman, one of my true heroes. Millions of us and our neighbors are already in the midst of inventing a new stage of life and work – the encore years – between the end of midlife and anything resembling old-fashioned retirement. We're envisioning this chapter as a time when we make some of our most important contributions, for ourselves, for our world, for the well-being of future generations. Learn more

Generations United is bringing our generations together for mutual benefit with public policy and model program initiatives. My 4Generations Institute is affiliated with GU as an active member of this outstanding network. Learn more

Institute for the Ages believes Potential Never Gets Old.  I am pleased to be an active ally because I believe in the value of older adults' insights and in their capacity to be co-creators for innovations in aging. The power of education, community engagement, and the building of networks to transform aging through the authentic voice of the older adult. Learn more

GRAND, the e-magazine for grandparents and we who love them, is a valuable facet of my commitment to bridging the generations. Click here for free subscription information, which you may share with others.

The National Gardening Association is a rich resource for starting an "edible landscape" which is both a beautiful and healthful way to enjoy nature's bounty.  One site link is "KidsGardening" providing ideas for introducing the world of gardening to our newest generation as a learning experience with delicious results. Learn more

In the spirit of learning from those who have paved the path, the Top 100Speeches in American History is a free treasury offering both transcript and audio/video links to some of the most compelling messages ever expressed by a diverse group of inspiring leaders. Learn more

I heartily recommend journaling as a practice to collect thoughts and deepen our understanding of self and others.  As written meditation, journaling for 15-minutes per session, three times each week will provide a powerful tool for accomplishing personal and professional goals. Here's a source for journaling tips.

I welcome invitations to share my advocacy messages in keynote addresses, strategy seminars, and assisting organizations and with their strategic planning needs on how to become more powerful advocates, connect with community opinion leaders for public policy impact, communicate effectively, and develop financial resources to achieve their program goals.

Simply hit the reply key and let me know what you have in mind!  I would enjoy hearing your thoughts......

If you wish to receive one of my favorite parables....The Water Pots....please reply with the words "Water Pots" in the subject line....I guarantee it will edify you!

Helen Keller/PHOTO: Encyclopedia Brittanica

I'm pleased to share that I've been participating in an exciting nutritional business enterprise which has proved a wonderful opportunity to improve my wellness......If you'd like to find out more, please let me know....

Five favorite quotes....

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart -- Helen Keller

Don't  judge each day by the harvest you you reap but by the seeds that you plant - Robert Louis Stevenson

The best thing about the future is it comes but one day at a time  - Abraham Lincoln

There is nothing more tragic than to find an individual bogged down in the length of life, but devoid of breadth - Martin Luther King, Jr.

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and a lightening bug - Mark Twain

Registration's Now Open for 2014 Best Intergenerational Communities Event!

Join us on March 25 at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as we honor the communities that are best at serving and engaging all generations: The Greater Phoenix Region, Arizona; City of Parkland, Florida; Reston, Virginia and Village of Shorewood, Wisconsin. Learn about innovative programs and practices occurring in these communities to intentionally bring multiple generations together to thrive. Register today!

Are You Ready for the New 'America the Beautiful'?

by Donna Butts

Whoever thought "America the Beautiful" and Cheerios could be so controversial?

While a puppy and a horse won the hearts of Super Bowl viewers, a growing biracial family explained through Cheerios and a familiar song sung in various languages ignited a conversation.

Wake up and smell the demographics. America, are you open?

To try to find out, Generations United and the Generations Initiative commissioned a survey, engaged thought leaders and emerging experts, and together in December released the report "Out of Many One: Uniting the Changing Faces of America."

read the full article at National Journal

MetLife Foundation and Generations United Announce 2014 Best Intergenerational Communities

They are places that folks of all ages proudly call home because they recognize the benefits of  intergenerational programs, practice, policies and services. Please join us in applauding the recipients of the 2014 MetLife Foundation/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Award: Maricopa County, AZ; City of Parkland, FL; Reston, VA and Village of Shorewood, WI. In addition, kudos go to the 2014 National Finalists: Miami Gardens, FL and Rye, NY. Stay tuned to learn more about each community and our upcoming event on March 25 to celebrate the award winners.

Press Release: Generations United welcomes new Board Chair and Officers

MEDIA CONTACT: Alan King Generations United, 202.777.0116 aking@gu.org

PRESS RELEASE                       For Release:  Immediate

Generations United welcomes new Board Chair and Officers

(Washington, DC) – Generations United announced the election of three new officers to its Board of Directors: Chair Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE; Vice Chair Walter Jones, Region President for Verizon; and Secretary Marla Viorst, an independent communications consultant. In addition, Paul Thornell, managing director of Federal Government Affairs for Citigroup, returned as treasurer. Francine Salamone, vice president of Corporate Affairs at Pfizer Inc., was elected as a new member to the Generations United’s Board.

Matthew Melmed, who succeeds Larry Minnix (President & CEO, Leading Age), is only the third chair of Generations United’s Board and the first to come from the children and youth sector.

“Matthew Melmed is the country’s leading advocate for babies and toddlers and has served on Generations United’s Board since 2006,” says Minnix, outgoing chair. “The new vice chair, Walter Jones, brings a great corporate perspective to our vital mission. Matthew and Walter are just what Generations United needs in governance leadership taking us forward.”

“Larry is a tremendous leader, not only in his life but in his sector,” Melmed said. “I’m humbled to follow in his lead and work with this great Board to grow relationships and increase investments in Generations United so we can have an even greater impact.”

Generations United officers and new member bring deep and wide-ranging nonprofit and corporate experience to Generations United’s board:

Matthew Melmed is executive director of ZERO TO THREE, an organization that promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers. He also served as the first elected Chair of the Children’s Leadership Council, a coalition of 55 leading national policy and advocacy organizations working to improve the health, education and well-being of America’s children and youth.  Additionally, he serves as a Trustee of the Turrell Fund in New Jersey and is past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Food Research and Action Center, the nation's leading hunger solutions organization.

Walter Jones is president of Consumer and Mass Business’ New York South/East region for Verizon, where he's responsible for delivering industry leading products and services to wireline customers in New York.  Prior to this position, he served as vice president of the West Area Network for Verizon Wireless. His professional career in telecommunications spans 24 years – including leadership positions in operations, sales, and call center management.

Paul Thornell serves as managing director of Federal Government Affairs for Citigroup.  Prior to joining Citigroup, he served as senior vice president of Public Policy and Field Leadership at United Way of America, the nation’s largest charity. 

Marla Viorst is an independent communications consultant with 20+ years working with clients on a range of public affairs, policy and consumer issues. She has worked in some of the leading global communications agencies, including Fleishman-Hillard and Hill & Knowlton, at the lobbying firm Wexler & Walker, and on Capitol Hill as a spokesperson for Congresswoman Lois Capps. 

Francine Salamone is vice president of Corporate Affairs of Pfizer, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies whose diversified health care and consumer products are commercialized globally. In this role, Dr. Salamone leads public affairs and policy teams to advance critical commercial goals across all business units operating in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and key markets in Europe.  Francine began her career at Pfizer in 1990 and held positions of increasing responsibility including roles in Regulatory Affairs, Business Development and Strategic Planning.

About Generations United
For nearly three decades, Generations United has been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations, evoking the vibrancy, energy and sheer productivity that result when people of all ages come together.  We believe that we can only be successful in the face of our complex future if generational diversity is regarded as a national asset and fully leveraged. www.gu.org