May 9, 2014 at 3:35 p.m.
Seniors learn valuable information at Alive to Life conference
Seniors learn valuable information at Alive to Life conference
By Kayla Thomason-
"The day is intended to celebrate aging," said Dianne Jacobson, director of the Oneida County Department on Aging. "We don't have the traditional workshops like macular degeneration, arthritis, it's all more about living life. We didn't just focus on aging items but more about what do people that are aging enjoy."
Approximately 170 older adults from Oneida, Forest, Vilas, Lincoln, and Langlade counties attended the seminars.
"I think this is very interesting. All of the programs have been very informative, the speakers have been very easy to understand, the audio-visual equipment has been a great advantage to all of us to understand the speaker as well as to remember some of the items that are talked about," said Donna Ruf, a five-time attendee.
She sat through the "Information Anxiety and Digital Overload," "Dollar-A-Day Boys," and "Birds in the Bush - Where is the Bush?" seminars.
"Information Anxiety and Digital Overload" detailed the changes in how information is disseminated and how to make sense of the daily bombardment of information.
The Civilian Conservation Corps' "Dollar-A-Day Boys" took attendees back in time to the 1930s Federal Works Program.
"Birds in the Bush - Where is the Bush?" was about birding, where to find them birds, early migratory waterfowl, and common and not so common birds.
"Each year it's exciting to look forward to coming because the program selection changes and there is something for everyone," Ruf said. "It's a wonderful program that the ADRC of the Northwoods has put together. The staff has been extremely welcoming and helpful and the food is always good so it's a great way for us to spend a fun day and learn something at the same time."
Sandra Halverson found it very uplifting to attend the event on a rainy, dreary day. This is her eighth time attending Alive to Life.
"I loved the opening, Geri Heppe, it was wonderful, it really got you charged up," she said.
Heppe taught the audience that humor is good for your health.
Halverson also attended "There's Poison in Your Pocket," "Birds of Prey and Animal Rehabilitation," and another seminar.
"I really appreciate the Department on Aging for putting this on," Halverson said.
"Birds of Prey" was about wounded animals, what someone should do if they find an injured animal and what Wild Instincts does.
"There's Poison in Your Pocket," alerted pet owners about what items they may be carrying that are toxic to their four-legged family members.
"They're really good sessions, I'm really impressed with them," said MarySue Dakin. "It's a nice all-day thing. I think it's really great."
Dakin attended "There's Poison in Your Pocket," "Birds of Prey" and "Birds in the Bush."
Anice Stein enjoyed a seminar on memory.
"This session is really, really nice, everybody is so friendly and they're not afraid to ask questions," she said.
Stein is already looking forward to attending next year's event.
Al Denninger was quite pleased with his first visit to Alive to Life.
He attended "There's Poison in Your Pocket," "Birds of Prey" and "Birds in the Bush." He said he plans to come back next year.
"I think more men should come, they're missing out," he said. "I'm sure they think it's just for women but it's very interesting for men also."
Other seminars included "RV Living," "Aging with Pizazzz!" "Bale Gardening," and "Pro Active Aging."
Guests were served food from Lynn's Catering for lunch and a barbershop quartet entertained the guests during dessert.
"Rouman Cinema is just a great partner," Jacobson said.
The event was held in collaboration with the Forest County Commission on Aging, Oneida County Department on Aging, and the Vilas County Commission on Aging.
Rennes Health & Rehab Center was the major sponsor.
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