June 2025

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

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Greendale Chimney Tour – June 26, 2025

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

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

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.

Biking 2025

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.

May 2025

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

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

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

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