Author Archives: Linda Gorchels

October 2025

Posted on by

Why Listen to Your Inner Critic? 3 Secrets to Unlock Your Blocks to Confidence and Success

October 8, 2025

Annie Notestein, MS, Dating & Relationship Coach; Self-Esteem & Confidence Coach

Every woman has an inner critic—that voice that whispers, “You’re not enough” or “You can’t do this.” But what if that voice isn’t here to hold you back, but to guide you toward your greatest breakthroughs? Annie Notestein will show you how to transform your inner critic from a source of doubt into a powerful ally.

You will discover:

  • How to recognize your inner critic’s real purpose—and why it’s not your enemy.
  • Three strategies to transform self-sabotage into self-confidence.
  • A new perspective on personal growth—one rooted in self-trust, empowerment, and resilience.

September 2025

Posted on by

Fighting Hunger in Turbulent Times

September 10, 2025

Marcia Kasieta, Business Director, Badger Prairie Needs Network

Food insecurity is real. Nearly 12% of Dane County residents are struggling. This September, during Hunger Action Month, Marcia Kasieta of the Badger Prairie Needs Network highlights how the facility fights poverty and tackles hunger and nutrition. Discover how you can be part of the solution.

You’ll learn:

  • What the Network does and the people it supports
  • The real impact of hunger in our community
  • Easy, meaningful ways to get involved

Fall Potluck, October 8, 2025

Posted on by

Fitchburg Senior Center Active Women’s Group Fall Potluck

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, let’s come together to share warmth, friendship, and delicious food at our Fall Potluck Gathering!

  • Wednesday, October 8, 2025      
  • 12:30 pm  (prior to regular monthly meeting)       
  • Fitchburg Senior Center Main Dining Room

Potluck Coordinators

  • Nan Hoffman 608-219-4325
  • Leslie Hall 608-217-1699

The Signup sheet will be passed around at the September meeting. If unable to attend but would like to sign up for the potluck, email Nan Hoffman at nmhoffman13@gmail.com.

EPIC Campus Tour – Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Posted on by

Discover the wonders of the EPIC Medical Records campus, starting with a one-hour presentation, followed by exploration at your own pace. This tour allows you to explore the stunning campus grounds, marvel at the innovative architecture, and take in the unique themed buildings and art installations that make EPIC a true work of art. As you navigate through the campus, you’ll have the freedom to delve into the areas that interest you most, whether it’s the cutting-edge technology shaping the future of healthcare or the creative spaces that foster innovation and collaboration.

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: Meet at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lower level of the Senior Center
Travel: Carpool from the senior center
Presentation / tour: 1:00 p.m.
Self-guided walking tours: 2:30-5:00
Maximum group size: 35 people  

Contact: Audrey Bath, 608-220-9256

August 2025

Posted on by

The Traditional View of Retirement is Outdated

August 13, 2025

Stephanie Blankenheim, financial advisor of Edward Jones

Julie Genjac, vice president and managing director of applied insights for Hartford Funds and a Certified Advanced Corporate Coach

 

Join seasoned financial advisors Stephanie Blankenheim and Julie Genjac for a thought-provoking presentation that challenges outdated assumptions about retirement. With longer lifespans and rapid technological changes, the retirement landscape is shifting—and your planning should evolve with it.

What you’ll take away:

  • How to rethink retirement as a dynamic, multi-stage life phase—not a fixed end goal
  • Tips for leveraging technology to enhance your financial security and lifestyle
  • Insights on aligning your personal values with your financial decisions in later life                                                                        

Recommended Resources

July 2025

Posted on by

Healing the Whole Person Through Acupuncture

July 9, 2025

Joseph Zirneskie, MD

Discover how acupuncture goes beyond symptom relief to support whole-person healing, promoting balance in the body, mind, and spirit. You’ll explore treatment details, acupuncture’s holistic health integration, and its power in managing stress, pain, fatigue, and other issues.

 What you’ll take away:

  • A clear, easy-to-understand explanation of how acupuncture works and what it feels like
  • Insight into how acupuncture can support your body’s natural healing
  • An introduction to the mind-body connection
  • Simple, practical techniques you can try at home—like acupressure points and breathing exercises—to support your own wellness

June 2025

Posted on by

Proactive Wellness: Detox, Decompress, and De-stress

June 11, 2025

Linda Gorchels

Proactive wellness prioritizes prevention over treatment. I’ll cover lymphatic system detox, posture’s effect on the spine, and stress-relieving wellness activities. You’ll learn:
  • Basic skills to improve postural alignment
  • Simple lymphatic massage techniques
  • Ways to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system

5-Minute Guided Meditation for Mindfulness

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [558.74 KB]

Greendale Chimney Tour – June 26, 2025

Posted on by

Judy Nackers has volunteered to lead a field trip to Greendale for their Historic & Folk Art Chimney tour. Alongside cobblestone streets and quaint alleyways are many chimneys representing a significant part of the town’s cultural heritage. You’ll learn the stories behind the intricate designs, from early settlers’ folk motifs to the influences of various architectural styles over the centuries. There are over 200 in the village.

  • Date: Thursday, June 26
  • Where: Carpool from the Senior Center at 8:30 a.m.(departure time)
  • Tour: Starts at 10:30 for 1½ hour walking tour
  • Cost: The tour is $10, self-pay at the start of the tour
  • Lunch: Depends on the group’s preferences, and will be self-pay
  • Post-tour option: Shop in their unique boutiques and dine or relax in one of their locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, or wine bar. Also, visit the “Our Wisconsin” outlet store. If you don’t want to shop/browse, be sure you have transportation back to Madison via your own vehicle or with others who don’t want to stay for a while after the tour.
  • Contact: Judy Nackers (judynackers@gmail.com)

Monthly Breakfasts

Posted on by

Women’s Breakfast

The Women’s Breakfast is a monthly gathering of women in and around Fitchburg aimed at providing a space for women to connect, share ideas, and support each other. The group meets on the second Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. at the Pancake Cafe, 6220 Nesbitt Road in Fitchburg.

To be added to the Women’s Breakfast contact list, or for more information, contact Sandy Ermis at skermis@hotmail.com.

June 2025 – TO BE RESCHEDULED

Posted on by

Global Connections through Local Hosts both Domestic and International: The Power of Friendship Force

June 11, 2025

Jan Barbone, Outreach Coordinator

Discover how Friendship Force International transforms travel into a powerful tool for cultural education through its unique model of reciprocally hosted homestays. In this inspiring talk, you’ll learn how the organization connects people from different countries, not as tourists, but as guests in each other’s homes—breaking down stereotypes, building lifelong friendships, and fostering true global understanding. Whether you’re passionate about intercultural exchange or curious about meaningful ways to explore the world, this speech will show how hospitality can be a bridge to peace.

You will:

  • Learn how homestays create authentic cultural immersion beyond traditional tourism.
  • Embrace the concept of reciprocal hosting and its impact on mutual respect and empathy.
  • Discover how you can participate in or host an international exchange.
  • Walk away with a renewed sense of how grassroots connection can shape global citizenship.