Celebrating 20 years of being

POSITIVELY AGELESS

Senior Americans’ Day

“MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009”

It’s Our 20th Anniversary Come and be positively ageless for a day! Gather your friends and family and join others from around Wisconsin to celebrate two decades of living, learning and laughing.

Take a spring break to recharge your batteries on the beautiful University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus. Be inspired by Father John Heagle as he presents his inspirational keynote “Life to the Full.” Join in singing with Gary Polden and be entertained by the Eau Claire Male Chorus. Take part in over 40 workshops to satisfy your curiosity and enhance your life. Explore the latest resources for aging well as featured in two Exhibit Halls.

Join us in being positively ageless - we’ll provide the cake!

 

• Register Now
• Brochure - [PDF] -
• Date, Time, Location
• Who Should Attend
• Senior Americans' Day Goal
• Schedule and Break-out Sessions
• T-Shirt Design
• Keynote Speaker
• Sponsors
• Exhibitors
• Fee

Date/Time/Location

March 18, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

W.R. Davies Center
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

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Who Should Attend

This day is designed for the positively ageless adult, 55 and better.

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Senior Americans' Day Goal

• To dispel the myths of aging
• To reinforce the positive aspects of aging
• To provide information to help meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of older adults.

The day will also provide you with an opportunity to socialize and network with others.

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Schedule and Break-out Sessions

 

DOORS OPEN
7:00 - 7:45 a.m.	Wake-Up Walk West Lobby entrance, Davies Center
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.	Registration/Coffee/Juice/Muffins West Lobby, Davies Center
7:30 - 1:30 p.m.	Exhibit Halls open
7:30 - 12:30 p.m.	Photo Galleria
	Have your picture taken (no charge). Picture “Photography by Dennis” - Dennis Smith, Boyd
7:30 - 12:30 p.m.	Screenings
	Free blood pressure checks and cholesterol (no fasting required) screenings will be held throughout the day. Glaucoma screenings will be held from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
OPENING
8:15 - 8:30 a.m.	Music in the Morning with Gary Polden
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.	Welcome Katie Evans, Western Dairyland RSVP Program, Chair, Senior Americans’ Day Committee Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance American Legion Post 53
Keynote Address: “LIFE TO THE FULL - Spirituality and Life-Long Learning” Father John Heagle Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. We cannot stop the flow of time or control the outer circumstances of our lives, but we can choose to become life-long pilgrims and seekers. We can choose to live more expansive, creative, and generous lives. We can be intentional about widening our circle of loving and affirming the gift of life and community. This presentation focuses on the spiritual call that is integral to each of our lives-the call to fulfill the deepest promises of our hearts and our relationships.
WORKSHOP SESSION 1 9:45 - 10:35 a.m.
Select one workshop to attend. If you select a double session, you will not be able to select a workshop in Session II.
1. “I’m Not an Accountant — What Would I Ever Use Excel For?” Jeri Weiser, Sarah Brower, and Carol Accola, Learning and Technology Services, UW-Eau Claire This is a double session | 9:45-11:45 a.m. A hands-on computer lab (Windows format) that will provide practical examples of everyday uses of Excel. You’ll create an Excel worksheet to help you track prescription medications, including names, daily dosages, and expiration dates. Time permitting, we’ll use Excel to do a household inventory and an address book. Enrollment Limit: 25
2. DASH to Prevent or Control Hypertension Jane Pedersen, L.E. Phillips Senior Center, Eau Claire This is a double session | 9:45-11:45 a.m. A review of the basics of the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) Meal Plan. This meal plan can help prevent or control high blood pressure by practicing healthier eating. The plan also provides guidelines for weight reduction. Even people with normal blood pressure at 55 have a 90% chance of developing hypertension later in life. You will receive a DASH handbook. Enrollment Limit: 20
3. The Warm Heart of Africa Diane Kaufmann, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA Malawi, Africa, while one of the world’s poorest countries, also offers us a rich look at life. This workshop will use sight and sound to introduce you to the country known as “the warm heart of Africa”.
4. Just ONE More Story! Storytelling that will have your grandkids asking for more. Shelly Collins-Fuerbinder and Chrissy Knoelke, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Want advice on how to choose great stories for your grandchildren? Need tips on how to read aloud? Techniques for choosing and reading picture books to children will be shared. Be prepared to be asked for “just one more!”
5. The Disappearance of Childhood by Neil Postman Arlyn T. Anderson, Communication/Journalism, UW-Eau Claire Let’s examine the effect of television on our definition of what constitutes childhood today based on the book Amusing Ourselves to Death. We’ll review the creation of modern childhood in Ancient Greece and discuss how television has diluted what has become our longstanding idea of childhood.
6. Let’s Talk Turkey! (wolves, deer, whooping cranes, etc.) John Dunn, Department of Natural Resources From huntable species (deer and turkeys) to the protected species (wolves and whooping cranes), Wisconsin has management plans. Come with questions on your favorite wildlife species.
7. Genealogy-How do I Start? Joan Hamilton, genealogist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Want to learn more about your family, but don’t know where to start? This workshop will show you how to get started with your genealogy, web resources and how to write your family history. This will be an interactive class.
8. Aging with Grace and Style Katherine Schneider, Ph.D., emeriti, UW-Eau Claire There are lots of books to guide us to successful aging in the areas of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual growth. We’ll explore what they say, but, also what the experts in the room have to add from your own experiences.
9. The Middle East Crisis Cathy Sultan, author/activist on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict The war in Iraq is a disaster, or so goes public opinion. The US called for peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians in 2007. If real peace is the goal, why are both the Israelis and Palestinians excluding Hamas from the talks? Why is Israel actively continuing its settlement expansion? Can we, as Americans, change the course of events? Are our elected officials listening to us or are we powerless? Join in a lively discussion on this topic.
10. Volunteering in Theater Ann Sessions, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild Do you have the acting bug, or maybe love to sew or just enjoy meeting new people? Community theatre can be a great place to volunteer your time and talents. Learn what you can do for your local theatre.
11. Writing Your Own Story Sue Gunn, instructor and educator, Eau Claire Time will be spent actually writing short fun exercises under the encouragement and suggestions of the leader. Explanation of the health factors and benefits of writing will be explored.
12. Benefits of Laughter Pam VanKampen, Northern Area Agency on Aging This joy-filled session will identify health benefits of laughter and burn calories! There are many stressors in our lives, but, “If you can laugh at it you can survive it!” (Bill Cosby).
13. About Breast Cancer Panel of speakers from the Regional Cancer Center at Sacred Heart Hospital A panel of specialists will present information on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment followed by a question and answer session.
14. Live Life in Line Pollie Evans, dance instructor, Spring Valley Line up and dance as you improve muscle tone, relieve stress and increase heart health. Line dancing is fun and easy to do. No partners needed, just a desire to have fun and MOVE your body. Watchers are welcome!
15. Delve Within-Pathways to Personal Spirituality Nancy Hirsch, retired educator This workshop can awaken your consciousness to new ways of thinking and being. You can develop a vision of hope for transformation into a new humanity.
16. Learning from our Elders: Memories of World War II Lois Taft, R.N., College of Nursing and Health Sciences, UW-Eau Claire This workshop will present the results of an oral history project to record the memories of older adults about WWII and life in the 40s.
17. Sheepshead/Schafskopt Ronald Herkowski Sheepshead is an old German card game. The game can be played with 3, 4, or 5 players. There are many local variations of Sheepshead, and being originally from Milwaukee, Mr. Herkowski will show you the versions that he learned from his family. Come prepared to play.
EXHIBITOR HALLS 10:35 - 11:15 a.m.   Blugold Room & Skylight Lounge
We’ve responded to your request and provided you more time to visit our exhibitors in the Blugold Room and Skylight Lounge of DaviesCenter. Make sure you sign up for the door prizes at the various booths to be given out at the end of the day.
WORKSHOP SESSION II 11:15 - 12:05 p.m.
Select one workshop to attend.
18. Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman Arlyn T. Anderson, Ph.D., Communication/ Journalism Department, UW-Eau Claire Postman’s argument is that there are biases for how television creates and disseminates information, and based on these biases, our public discourse-from news, politics, education, etc., have changed and are now conducted as entertainment, not news. Come prepared for a lively discussion.
19. If Not Us, Who? Rev. Greg Kaufmann, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA We will look at research which points to the pivotal role adults play in passing on values to the youth of our communities. You do make a difference!
20. Overview of Medicare, Health Plan Options and Medicare Savings Programs Marti Andro, UCare An overview of the original Medicare-what’s covered and some expenses not covered. Health plan options-similarities and differences between Health Plan Options and Medicare Savings Programs will be discussed.
21. Re-Creating in the Outdoors Dave Carlson, host & producer, Northland Adventures Regardless of age, gender or skills, outdoor opportunities abound wherever you go. Learn how to grow physically, psychologically and spiritually as you “re-create” through outdoor adventures.
22. What Do I do with all those Dwarfs? Learning to Deal with Differing Personalities in our Lives Father Larry Dunklee, Center for Spiritual Care, Sacred Heart Hospital Join Father Dunklee as he explores the differing personalities represented by the Seven Dwarfs, offering strategies on how best to effectively handle these traits and cope with our own “inner dwarfs.”
23. Massage Joan Hamilton, Optimum Therapies, LLC This workshop explains the benefits of geriatric massage for different health conditions and what to look for in a massage therapist, plus some self-help techniques that you can do on your own.
24. Dakotas, Fur Traders & White Pine Forests Chad Ronnander, Ph.D., History Department, UW-Eau Claire Explore local history through the story of how and why the Mdewakanton Dakota leader Wabasha allied himself with Prairie du Chien fur traders to establish the Chippewa Valley’s first sawmills during the 1820s and 1830s.
25. Buying and Selling Safely on eBay Rick Walters, educator Increase your knowledge of buying and selling on eBay. We’ll cover safe payment methods, using Paypal effectively, reducing buying and selling risks, phishing scams and securing your computer for internet use.
26. The Innocence Project Linda R. Short, Executive Director, The Innocence Project, Hamline University School of Law The Innocence Project is a national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system. This is a topic of concern to everyone-a wrongful conviction can happen to anyone. Learn more about The Innocence Project procedures and outcomes.
27. Creating Hardbound Photo Albums Using Digital Images Susan Jewett, Creative Memories Is your computer a digital shoebox? Do you have thousands of images that you haven’t printed? Find out a quick and easy way to create beautiful photo albums using digital images.
28. Explore Ways to Maintain Your Brain™ Karren Gunderlach, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Wisconsin This workshop will help you change the way you may think about maintaining your brain by exploring ways to keep your brain healthy as you age.
29. Advances in Home Care Kelly Sikkink & Sue Breneman, Northwest Wisconsin HomeCare Learn about the current trends in home health care and the practice of blending the “old fashioned” home visits with today’s advances in technology to help keep your loved ones in their homes.
30. Dancing with the Stars — the Basics of Waltz & Swing Dave & Karen Goggin, Goggin Ballroom Dancing Learn to dance the basics in waltz & swing.
31. Proteins Gone Wild: Current Research on Alzheimer’s and Mad Cow Disease Scott Hartsel, Chemistry Department, UW-Eau Claire Alzheimer’s and mad cow disease seem to be as different as disorders can get. However, both are incurable and caused by a similar conversion of a brain protein into a deadly toxin. We’ll discuss new, innovative ideas that point to the possibility of a cure or at least effective treatments for Alzheimer’s and mad cow disease. Also, how pain relievers like ibuprofen and statins may stop the inflammation that leads to brain damage.
LUNCH & LEISURE HOUR 12:05 - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch	Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baby Red Potatoes, Carrots, Fruit Salad, Apple Pie, Rolls, offee/Tea/Milk
Photo	One free photo -- yourself, couple, or group until 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Grace Lutheran Foundation
Screenings	Blood Pressure Checks & Cholesterol Screenings continue. Sponsored by Luther Midelfort
Benefit Specialists	Area Department on Aging specialists will be available to answer your questions
Exhibitor Halls	Representatives from area businesses and groups providing goods and services will be available to speak with you.
WORKSHOP SESSION III 1:15 - 2:05 p.m.
Select one workshop to attend.
32. Protecting Your Home Front: Computing Security and Internet Safety Jeri Weiser and others from Learning and Technology Services, UW-Eau Claire This session will raise awareness of security concerns related to computing and the Internet. You will leave with strategies that you can employ to improve your own computing safety.
33. Life is Not Always a Box of Chocolates Karren Gunderlach, Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Wisconsin Life is not always easy. Stress can work hard to pull you down. Together, we will look at ways to help us dance, even when there is no music.
34. The Spirit of Mayberry Lives On Ken Anderson, retired educator A relaxing look back to a much simpler and innocent time in our lives as seen on the “The Andy Griffith Show.” Come and plan to laugh and relive life as it was meant to be.
35. Adulthood is not a Terminal State! Embracing growth in the afternoon of life Father John Heagle, TARA For life-long learners life does not “go on hold” after getting a degree, following a career, choosing a life vocation, or retiring. Carl Jung reminds us that we cannot live “the afternoon of life with the same assumptions with which we lived the morning.” What are the psychological and spiritual challenges that come with maturity? This workshop explores the gift and task of growing in wisdom and creativity during the afternoon of life.
36. Spirit of the Bluebird Terry Glanzman, board member, Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin Learn about the life cycle and habits of the Eastern Bluebird and how to identify features of their preferred bluebird habitat. In addition, receive plans for building a BRAW approved bluebird nest box and how to monitor nest box activity.
37. Christmas in Norway-Traditions and Music Ev Krigsvold and Deb Jarvar, Sons of Norway The Sons of Norway believe it is very important to preserve the cultural heritage of their ancestral home. Norwegian Christmas crafts will be shown and demonstrated as the “Norske Folke Sangers” perform Christmas music around the Christmas tree.
38. Managing Medications Rick McClaflin, M.D., Eau Claire Family Medicine Residency Explore some important questions and helpful resources that can help you and your doctor decide on the best medicines for your individual needs.
39. Wonders of Wine Eric Nelson, The Coffee Grounds, Eau Claire Learn how to evaluate wines and sample several varieties of grapes. We’ll smell and taste while discussing the geographical regions, “vocabulary” used in describing wines, plus food/wine pairings. Enrollment Limit: 25 Material Fee: $5
40. Can You Name that Tune? Pollie Evans, dance instructor, Spring Valley Did you play along with the 1950’s game show NAME THAT TUNE? Reminisce and remember as tunes of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s lift your spirits. Anyone can play and there will be prizes for the winners! Enjoy the music and trivia while you “name that tune”.
41. Gaining Strength at Any Age Mary Pica-Anderson, L.E. Phillips Senior Center, Eau Claire Exercise is something in which we can all participate. We just need to select the right program. Learn how to develop an exercise program that meets your capabilities and goals.
42. Finding Your Inner Muse: A workshop for practicing and aspiring writers Amy Segerstrom, Ginnie Everson, Jim Alf, Mary Burt Ink Spillers Writers Group of Mondovi Eight years ago, The Ink Spiller Writers Group formed. This group will share practical suggestions and lofty inspiration to senior writers pursuing their own literary dreams.
43. Flower Arranging Brent Douglas Floral, Eau Claire The styles, principles, elements, periods and techniques of flower arranging will be demonstrated. You will complete a small floral arrangement to take with you. Enrollment Limit: 15 Material Fee: $8
44. About Lung Cancer Panel of speakers from the Regional Cancer Center at Sacred Heart Hospital A panel of specialists will present information on lung cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment followed by a question and answer session.
45. Making the Most of the Memory We’ve Got Left Sandra Sunquist Stanton, Connections of the Heart LLC Forget anything lately? This workshop will be a lighthearted review of our memory: how it works, why it doesn’t, and how to give it a boost.
CLOSING 2:15 - 3:00 p.m.
Greetings	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Entertainment	The Eau Claire Male Chorus under the direction of David Fehr
Evaluation/ Door Prizes
Cake and coffee	Provided by the UW-Eau Claire Foundation

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T-Shirt Design

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Keynote Speaker

(Rev) John L. Heagle, MA, JCL, LMHC, is the co-founder and co-director of Therapy and Renewal Associates (TARA), a counseling and consultation resource in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1985 he has served as a licensed psychotherapist and as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University. A native of Menomonie, WI, and ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of La Crosse in 1965, John has had 43 years of pastoral experience, including college teaching, campus ministry, justice and peace leadership, and almost 10 years as a pastor. John served as the pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Eau Claire from 1977 to 1985. For the past 30 years, he has also served as a retreat director and a presenter of national and international conferences and workshops. He is the author of 7 books and co-author of three books with Sister Fran Ferder, FSPA. Seven years ago he and Sister Fran initiated the Pastoral Mental Health Outreach Program to support faith communities in responding with great compassion to those who struggle with mental illness.

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Sponsors

Platinum	UCare
	Grace Lutheran Foundation, Inc.
	St. Francis Apartments
Gold	AgeAdvantAge, Inc.
	Community Health Partnership, Inc.
	Eau Claire County Department on Aging and Resource Center
	Sacred Heart Hospital Center for Healthy Living

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Exhibitors

AgeAdvantAge, Inc.; American Lutheran Homes, Inc.; Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield; Autumn Village Assisted Living; Beaver Creek Reserve; Center for Independent Living of Western Wisconsin; Chippewa Valley Eye Clinic Ltd; Chippewa Valley CARE Coalition; Chippewa Valley Family Caregiving Alliance; Chippewa Valley Regional Airport; Community Health Partnership; Curves; Dove Healthcare Nursing & Rehabilitation; Eau Claire County Department on Aging & Resource Center; Grace Lutheran Foundation; Harbor House; Housing Authority of the City of Eau Claire; Humana Market Point; Indianhead Federated Library System; L.E. Phillips Public Memorial Library; Lifenet Supportive Services LLC; Luther Midelfort; Oakwood Hills Retirement Community; Luxury Bath of La Crosse; Northwest Wisconsin HomeCare; Optima Health & Vitality Center; Optimum Therapies LLC; Sacred Heart Hospital Center for Health Living; St. Francis Apartments; The Meadows at Otter Creek; Triniteam; UCare; UW-Eau Claire Foundation Inc.; Western Dairyland/RSVP Program; Wisconsin Public Radio; Woodland Cottage

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Fee

$26 per person (includes instruction, handouts, continental breakfast and lunch). Several break-out sessions have an additional material fee.

Register early! Please register by MARCH 14, 2008. Registration for workshops is based on a first-come, first-registered basis. No refunds will be made, but you may send a substitute in your place.

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Contact Information

(715) 836-3636 or
toll free 1 (866) UWEC4CE

E-mail: ce@uwec.edu

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