Fitchburg Active Women's Group

March 2025

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Linda Gorchels

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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Horicon Marsh, May 15, 2025

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Linda Gorchels

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

Posted on January 28, 2025 by Linda Gorchels

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

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Linda Gorchels

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

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Linda Gorchels

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

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Linda Gorchels

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

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Linda Gorchels

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.

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.

September 2024 Meeting

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Linda Gorchels

From Grass to Garden

September 11

Ready to convert your turf lawn into a garden oasis? Master Gardener Rita Thomas will guide you as she describes her journey to transforming her grassy lawn into a natural, welcoming haven. You’ll gain insights to help you:

Swap out some of your turf for native plants that support a healthy, balanced environment.
Design a yard that’s full of interest, color, and life all year round.
Improve your mental and physical health by engaging in various gardening activities.
Turn your garden into a lively, buzzing space that attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Rita is or has been a member of the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society, The Fitchburg Garden Club, the Hemerocallis Society, the WI-IL Rock Garden Society, the Woody Plant Society, the Wisconsin Peony Society, and The Madison Area Master Gardeners Association. As a volunteer, she designed and supported the gardens at Agrace Hospice, Longenecker Gardens, and the Olbrich Gardens Conservatory. Her garden has been part of many national tours—including the Rare Plant Society, The Perennial Plant Society, and The Rock Garden Society’s national event—as well as Olbrich Gardens and other local garden tours. On September 11, she will show you how she reshaped her 100’ x 144’ city lot “From Grass to Garden.”

EPIC Campus Tour – Thursday, September 19

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Linda Gorchels

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: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Time: Meet at 1: 15 p.m.
Where: Main Entrance of the EPIC campus
Travel: Carpool with people interested in the same self-guided follow-up tour, since the end times are variable
Presentation: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Self-guided tours: 2:30-5:00
Maximum group size: 40 people

Contact: Audrey Bath, 608-220-9256

More information from Audrey: I’d suggest we drive with people we know that are of like mind to tour with afterward (some may not want to walk). I recommend taking Hwy 18 to the last Verona exit to Epic campus. Visitor parking is plentiful

August 2024 Meeting

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Linda Gorchels

Food Wants vs. Food Needs

August 14

Join Nutrition Educator, Emily Randerson as we discuss our food wants vs food needs. How often are you buying foods you want each week? Foods you need? Together we will learn about MyPlate, practice how to choose healthy foods, and try a new recipe together!

You will go home with: