Seminars and Workshops

Health Coverage After Retirement

Presenter Jill McDermott of BCBSVT

9:15 a.m. - Amphitheatre

Are you turning 65 or retiring soon? Do you have questions about Medicare?
Jill McDermott will lead BCBSVT’s presentation and provide general information about how Medicare Parts A & B work, as well as how to be sure you’re covered when Medicare requires deductibles and coinsurance or you exceed its maximums. She’ll also discuss Medicare Part D, a program through which the federal government teams up with private carriers to cover prescription drugs. After the presentation, Jill and other BCBSVT representatives will answer questions from the audience and have one-on-one discussions with people who have specific questions about their Medicare coverage needs and options.

A Conversation Worth Having

10:15 a.m. - Amphitheatre

Death and dying — once-taboo subjects — are becoming increasingly relevant for Baby Boomers and their aging parents. Research finds that Americans are more likely to talk to their children about safe sex and drugs than to talk to their terminally ill parents about end-of-life care options and preferences. Often such conversations are avoided out of an understandable desire to spare each other’s feelings. They need not be. Learn about the types of care options available and get help with ways to start the conversation with your loved ones. Presented by the VNA and Vermont Ethics Network.

Being a Caregiver to a Loved One is a Big Responsibility

10:15 a.m. - Diamond Ballroom

Along the way, many caregivers forget to take care of themselves while serving others. This workshop offers insights, lessons and techniques on: the benefits of self care for both the caregiver and the loved one; the dangers of not caring for the caregiver; and specific tips on how to care for the caregiver. Join us in learning how you and/or your caregiver can stay healthy and happy in 2012!

 

10 Reasons to Travel with VT’s Green Mountain Tours

Presenter Bill Greenwood - Owner,
VT's Green Mountain Tours

11:15 A.M. - Amphitheatre

Vermont’s Green Mountain Tours owner Bill Greenwood will explain the benefits of traveling with his company including the “one Price does it all” concept.

Presenter Bill Greenwood has been traveling for more than 50 years. He has been to 49 countries, all 50 states and across Canada. He is more than qualified to be your tour director.

Financial Shenanigans and How You Can Protect Your Wallet

Presenter Vermont Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and HCA

11:15 a.m. - Diamond Ballroom

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are scammed out of their hard earned money by unscrupulous individuals claiming to have their best interest at heart. This year, the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration is holding a seminar to help the 50+ crowd spot some of the tell-tale signs of some of the most common methods predators utilize to separate you from your money. We will be discussing high pressure sales tactics, bait and switch schemes, predatory lending practices and many more. Please join us to learn how you can identify these artful predators and protect your pocketbook. We’ll also be having a drawing for some great door prizes and hope to see you there!

BISHCA is pleased to announce that the “Savvy Seniors” will be introducing their presentation, as well as performing informative and humorous skits to begin the program.

Understanding Heart Rhythm Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, Risks & Treatments

Presented by Dr. Peter Spector

12:15 P.M. – AMPHITHEATRE

More than 2 million people suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that occurs when the heart’s two small upper chambers do not beat effectively. Learn about the symptoms, causes and risks associated with AF as well as two general treatment options available to those living with this condition. Peter Spector, M.D., Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology & the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory at Fletcher Allen, will explain how each of these treatments are performed and how physicians determine which method is most appropriate for their patients.

Planning for a Confident Retirement

12:15 p.m. - Diamond Ballroom

Are you feeling confident about your retirement? With the markets and economy changing all the time, you may feel less than confident these days about reaching your retirement goals.

This workshop offers tips and strategies that can help you: plan to bring your retirement dreams and goals more within reach, determine how much you’ll need to save to reach your dreams, and find smart and sensible ways to save more. Learn about different ways to generate dependable income that could last through your whole retirement.

When A Parent Moves In

Presenter Author David Horgan

1:15 p.m. - Diamond Ballroom

David Horgan is an award-winning medical educator, filmmaker and director who shares his firsthand account of what to do, what not to do, and what can happen (the good and the bad) when a parent moves in. He has been interviewed on this subject by USA Today and ABC News. Horgan has been repeatedly interviewed by NPR, ABC, NBC, CNN, USA Today, New York Times, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Entertainment Weekly, and other media outlets. Horgan is also Media Director for Project-13, a non-profit dropout prevention program in Holyoke, Mass. that reaches inner-city kids through film and music production as well as practical work experience.

 

Connect with Family & Friends:
Easy Tips on Using Email, Facebook & Skype

1:15 p.m. - Amphitheatre

Modern forms of communication like email, Facebook and Skype aren’t just for kids! In fact, the fastest growing group of people who are using social media are adults 55+!

Come see how you can take full advantage of the many types of Internet-based technology to stay in touch with acquaintances, family members and friends. Wake Robin staff and residents will be on hand to offer social networking tips and describe how today’s digital technology keeps them connected and informed.

 

Medicare 101: What you need to know about Medicare & Medicare Fraud

Presented by Patricia Allen Selsky, CVAA

2:15 p.m. - Amphitheatre

Learn how to navigate the Medicare system. If you are approaching 65 or are already on Medicare learn what you need to know about hospital, medical, prescription and supplement coverage as well as private insurance options. This seminar is designed to help you understand the choices that can impact your life. Find options that fit your personal health care needs. Learn how to avoid being a victim of Medicare fraud. As you approach age 65 there are choices that need to be made to avoid costly punitive fees. Learn your Medicare options today.

Patricia Allen Selsky’s early career was in the marketing field with Marriott Corporation and IBM in the Boston area. She is a graduate of the Whittemore School of Business at the University of New Hampshire. After moving to Maine, her work continued in the business field while volunteering in the non-profit world.

Her personal life has shape-shifted her career today. Her experience with the Alzheimer’s Association (Maine & Vermont), The Vermont Respite House, Williston Adult Day Care and currently CVAA has brought her full circle. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she brings her life experience and passion to her position as SHIP Coordinator for CVAA.

Preparing Raw Vegan Foods for a Healthier Lifestyle

Presented by Geniel Fife -
Certified Chef & Herbalist
Owner, Geni’s Raw Vegan Foods

2:15 p.m. - Diamond Ballroom

Our purpose is to help people live long, happy lives free of degenerative diseases.

That may seem like a tall order, but we believe most illnesses happen when the foods we consume over a lifetime lack the necessary nutrients needed to sustain a healthy body.

Our classes teach simple but necessary information and skills required to make sustainable nutritious lifestyle changes.

The notion that healthy foods must taste bad is definitely a myth! We can show you some of the most delicious, satisfying foods available that you can prepare for yourself and/or your family. Come and see for yourselves!

Dating in 2012: How To Meet Singles While Staying Positive Until You Find ‘The One’

Presenter Nicole LeClerc, owner of Compatibles

3:15 p.m. - Diamond Ballroom

For those of us middle-aged and up, dating is sometimes a whole new ball game. Re-entry into the dating world after years of a long-term relationship is scary. The trick is really in being proactive and staying positive along the way. Sometimes, the best approach is to take the pressure off and stop dating and start “friending.” Many daters look for instant chemistry, sparks and violins to play . . . surprisingly, this approach can actually screen out Mr. or Ms. Right. This workshop offers insight into how to find like- minded singles and how to alter your approach so you don’t miss an opportunity while staying optimistic on the dating journey to romance.

What Is A Stroke & What Do We Do About It?

Presented by Dr. Mark Gorman

3:15 P.M. – AMPHITHEATRE

A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the U.S. with 780,000 Americans suffering a new or recurrent stroke each year. Stroke is the third cause of death following heart disease and cancer. Time is of the essence in treating a stroke in order to minimize damage to the brain. Mark Gorman, M.D., Director of the Stroke Program at Fletcher Allen, will explain the basics of what causes a stroke, how to recognize the signs, and action steps to take if you or a loved one experiences one.