The Bike Riding Group will ride on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. (weather permitting and holidays excluded). We will depart from the parking lot at the lower level of the Senior Center. Our first ride will be held on Monday, April 28. Contact Sheree Dandurand (sgdandurand@gmail.com) or Lindy Bass (lindymb@aol.com) to be added to the contact list or for more information.
Author Archives: Linda Gorchels
May Meeting
Realistic Wild Fowl Sculpture by Greg Curless
May 14, 2025
Greg Curless, Sculptor
Are you a bird enthusiast? An artist? Or perhaps an avid learner curious about wildlife and nature? Anyone in these categories will love Greg’s incredibly detailed bird sculptures, which bridge the gap between art and ornithology.
- Learn about the techniques and tools used to achieve striking realism in sculpture.
- Discover the inspirations and artistic journey of Greg Curless.
- Explore the ways that sculpture can enrich your appreciation of wildlife
- Leave with practical tips for starting or refining your own nature-inspired art.
April 2025 Meeting
Andrew Jackson Bovee and the Battle of the Wilderness
April 9, 2025
Rich Fronek, President of the Madison History Roundtable
Could your family tree contain branches linked to the Civil War? Rich Fronek, President of the Madison History Roundtable, traced his Civil War lineage back to his great-grandfather, Andrew Jackson Bovee. His great grandfather’s narrative includes:
- The state of America at the time of Bovee’s birth
- His journey from birthplace, to Wisconsin farming, to enlisting in the U.S. Army
- Bovee’s involvement in the Civil War’s Battle of the Wilderness and links to Madison
- His great-grandfather’s return to Wisconsin farming and logging, and the connection to Antigo
- The end of his story in Washington state
March 2025 Meeting
Exercise and Balance Training As We Age
March 12, 2025
Mary Wichern, Respiratory Care Practitioner
Are you interested in improving your health? Let’s start with balance training. It directly improves lung function, strengthens your core, and boosts physical activity. Join Respiratory Care Practitioner Mary Wichern as she details:
- Balance training in everyday life to help you get stronger
- How physical activity contributes to a long and healthy life.
- How balance training reduces fall risks and enhances mobility
- Real-world applications to improve coordination and endurance
- The importance of breath control in movement and recovery
- Tips for simple balance activities you can try at home
Handout from the presentation:
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Open in new tab Horicon Marsh, May 15, 2025
Join us on May 15th for a guided Horicon Marsh boat tour. The excursion will take you through the heart of the country’s largest freshwater cattail marsh. A skilled naturalist will help you spot many birds and other wildlife, including muskrats and turtles.
We’ll carpool from the Senior Center at 9:30 a.m. (about an hour drive) for the 11:00 tour, and return by 4:30 p.m. The cost is $26.36 (including tax); Leslie would like to receive your payment by March 1. There is a 32-person maximum per boat.
Post tour, we will have self-pay lunch (~$10) at the boat landing. After lunch you have several options: (a) Peruse the museum exhibits in the education center (~$6.00); (b) View the free exhibits on the main level: (c) Hike down the trail or view wildlife through the wall windows; (d) Browse the gift shop.
- Date: May 15, 2025
- Time: Carpool from Senior Center at 9:30 a.m., return at 4:30 p.m.
- Tour: 11:00 to noon
- Cost: $26.36 in advance to Leslie. Lunch is self-pay.
- Contact: Leslie Hall 608-217-1699 (slannyannie@yahoo.com); Gail Schauer 815-742-2482 (Gshower123@gmail.com)
- Deadline: March 1, 2025
Embodied Wellness Yoga Series
Experience yoga in a whole new way with Linda Gorchels, an inspiring instructor who blends the clarity of a corporate trainer with the depth of a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification and years of teaching experience. Through affirmations and movement, she helps you take your yoga practice beyond the mat—integrating its wisdom into your daily life. With additional certifications in yin yoga and mindfulness meditation, Linda creates an uplifting, empowering space where you can move with intention, breathe with purpose, and cultivate lasting inner strength.
If you’ve ever thought about trying yoga but felt hesitant, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re worried about flexibility, keeping up, or just not knowing what to expect. No problem. The Embodied Wellness Yoga series offers a no-cost opportunity for you to connect with your body and mind in a way that feels right for you. No pressure, no judgment. Step up your practice and step into your power! You’ll re-educate your muscles to ease pain, reclaim mobility, and lessen stress.
Keep in mind any personal injuries or limitations and consult with your physician before signing up.
Please bring a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, a small hand towel, and an open heart. Snatch an extra sweatshirt or even a cozy throw for savasana.
SUMMARY FOR EMBODIED WELLNESS YOGA SERIES:
- Location: Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ (1501 Gilbert Rd)
- Room: Fellowship Hall
- Dates: Fridays
- Time : 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Cost: $0
February 2025 Meeting
Fitchburg Economic Development Update
February 12, 2025
Mike Zimmerman, Fitchburg Economic Development Director
Curious about Fitchburg’s approach to economic development to ensure a vibrant future for the community? Mike Zimmerman, Fitchburg Economic Development Director, will share what the city is doing to strengthen our local economy, support sustainability, and ensure long-term prosperity. His presentation will showcase:
- State of Fitchburg today
- Forward Fitchburg City in Motion, a place-based economic development strategy, including upcoming projects and areas of long-term development
- Fitchburg’s economic development toolkit to enhance infrastructure, foster small business growth, and attract investments
- Success stories of innovative partnerships
- Alignment of Dane County’s Regional Housing Strategies with Fitchburg’s Housing Plan, Initiatives, and Programs
- Fitchburg’s evolution to a full-service City
Here is a link to Mike’s presentation materials.
January 2025 Meeting
Nervous System Dysregulation: Common Signs & Solutions
January 8, 2025
Dr. Laura Konopacki, Body Wave Chiropractic
Understanding your nervous system is key to managing stress, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and chronic fatigue. In this enlightening session, Dr. Laura Konopacki will guide you through the subtle yet powerful indicators of an overactive nervous system, and how it can affect your daily life. She’ll share practical tips and proven strategies to help restore balance to your neurological health, providing you with the tools you need to thrive.
This session will help you:
- Spot the common signs of nervous system imbalance
- Discover 3 powerful exercises to help your nerves relax naturally
- Understand how your daily habits may be locking you in stress
November 2024 Meeting
Stay Safe: Protect Yourself from Scams and More
November 13
Join Captain Ned Hartwick from the Fitchburg Police Department for an eye-opening presentation on staying safe in today’s world. Discover tactics criminals use to target individuals and businesses, from phishing emails to phone scams, and learn how to protect yourself. Capt. Hartwick will allow time for a safety Q&A session and update us on the department’s K-9 program.
Key Take-aways:
- How to recognize and avoid common scams
- What to do if you suspect a scammer has targeted you
- Time to ask individual questions
- News about the K-9 program
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October 2024 Meeting
Bring Your Skin Back to Life
October 9
Join us for *”Bring Your Skin Back to Life”* with Melissa Hoefling and Mel Stafford, Kneaded Relief’s estheticians, as they reveal the secrets to achieving soft, hydrated, and
glowing skin for both your face and body. Melissa will provide a brief explanation about skin and body care, and how Kneaded Relief can help you reach your personal skincare goals. You’ll also have the chance to try out products, take home samples, and snag informative flyers to enhance your routine. After the presentation, staff will be available for one-on-one consultations to answer your specific skincare questions.
glowing skin for both your face and body. Melissa will provide a brief explanation about skin and body care, and how Kneaded Relief can help you reach your personal skincare goals. You’ll also have the chance to try out products, take home samples, and snag informative flyers to enhance your routine. After the presentation, staff will be available for one-on-one consultations to answer your specific skincare questions.
You’ll get:- Hands-on experience with products, samples to take home, and flyers with helpful skincare tips.
- Practical advice for selecting the best products and routines for your unique skin type.
- One-on-one time with Kneaded Relief staff to discuss your personal skin and body care goals.