Session Descriptions
Bingocize® combines the game of bingo, exercise, and/or health education. This is a 1-time session designed to showcase the larger program. Typically twice per week, each 45-60 minute session consists of exercises (range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises) and health education questions.
Presenter Jessica Bronish is one of the two fabulous Education and Outreach Specialists at SeniorsPlus, primarily supporting the education center and offerings in Wilton. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMF. She is passionate about spreading joy and education in our communities.
Body Disposition Options in Maine: Most people think there are two basic body disposition options—burial and cremation. Not true! There are many more, several of which are far more affordable than the “standard offerings” from the funeral industry. We will discuss the body disposition options available in Maine and review and discuss “The Funeral Rule,” a law implemented and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission in 1984 (amended in 1994) to protect consumers when purchasing funeral goods and services. In short, protecting consumers from unscrupulous selling practices in the funeral industry.
Presenter Leona Oceania is a Home Funeral Guide, Death Educator, and End‑of‑Life Doula who facilitates Death Cafés and death education programs across Maine. She serves on the board of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine and is passionate about helping people understand the options they have at end of life.
Chair Yoga: This experience is designed to help with ease of movement and breath, finding stability, balance, and strength with variations for every ability.
Presenter Martha Stone has been a yoga instructor since 2016 at Posabilities in Norway, LL Bean, Prime 360, Gathering Winds Farm, RSU 16, Poland Recreation and Poland Senior Center.
Emergency Preparedness (Take Control in 1,2,3: Empowering Older Adults for Emergencies) This workshop is designed to provide older adults with practical knowledge and confidence to stay safe in their homes during unexpected events like power outages, severe weather, or medical emergencies. Participants will learn how to assess their unique home safety needs and build a personalized preparedness strategy by 1. identifying a personal support network, 2. preparing an Emergency Kit, and 3. addressing Home Safety and Risk Mitigation.
Presenter Cammie Sprague serves as the Deputy Director of the Oxford County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Before stepping into this role in 2022, she had been a dedicated 911 dispatcher at the Oxford County Regional Communications Center for 17 years. Her extensive background in public safety communication gives her a unique, firsthand perspective on crisis management and community response needs. In her current role, Cammie is focused on strengthening local emergency planning, coordination, and public education. She is committed to ensuring that all members of the community have the resources and knowledge to feel safe and prepared before, during, and after emergency events.
Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. This workshop is designed to effectively plan for the future, ensuring peace of mind and financial security. Discussion will include key elements of estate planning, retirement planning, advanced directives, various options and strategies for paying for long-term care, and how to pass your assets outside the probate process.
Presenter Mark J. Nale is an Elder Law Attorney at Nale Law Offices in Waterville and has practiced law in Maine for over 40 years. Mark speaks frequently to professional and community groups, serves on the Heritage Board of the Alfond Center and has past service on numerous boards of directors in Maine. Co-presenter Matthew J. Nale is also an Elder Law Attorney at Nale Law Offices in Waterville. He worked on the Volunteer Lawyers Project and helped to improve legal access for low-income Maine veterans.
Internet Safety (Don’t Get Hooked! Learn Internet Safety). Learn basic internet safety and privacy from a local business owner and cybersecurity expert. In this session you will learn how to identify common email scams, how to use computers safely, and how to protect your privacy on the internet.
Presenter Tyler Despain is the owner and founder of Physher Cybersecurity, a local IT and cybersecurity business. He has been working in cybersecurity and IT for ten years. During that time, he has set up and secured business networks and educated employees about cybersecurity risks.
Maine Rocks and Minerals: An engaging presentation that explores Maine’s extraordinary geological heritage through beautiful gems, minerals and natural history. Discover what makes our state a global treasure.
Presenter Deb Johnson is the daughter of an old Maine Rock Hound who spent a lot of time in sandpits with a hammer and an old coffee can collecting Maine crystals. She taught Gifted and Talented students in SAD17 for years and lucked out in getting the perfect retirement job at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum so she’s back in the sandpits with a hammer and a coffee can!
Medical Aid in Dying: Join the discussion about MAID: Medical Aid in Dying, focusing primarily on Maine’s Death with Dignity Act. The Maine Death with Dignity Act enables competent, terminally ill Maine state residents with a life expectancy of 6 (six) months or less, to legally request and obtain an oral prescription medication which they may ingest voluntarily and without assistance to peacefully end their life on their terms.
Presenter Leona Oceania is a Home Funeral Guide, Death Educator, and End‑of‑Life Doula who facilitates Death Cafés and death education programs across Maine. She serves on the board of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine and is passionate about helping people understand the options they have at end of life.
Medicare Made Easy. With many Medicare plan options available, it can be difficult to know the best choices for your health needs. Learn how to navigate the different options, coverage costs, enrollment periods, and resources available to Medicare beneficiaries.
Presenter Brandi Connor-Vargeson is the SeniorsPlus Medicare Supervisor. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from Elmira College. Brandi is certified by the state of Maine to provide education on Medicare. She has been with SeniorsPlus for 2 years.
Norway—Stories from a Small Town: Learn about Norway through this presentation of photographs and interesting artifacts.
Presenter Susan Denison was born and raised in Norway. After retiring from a career as an Intelligence Analyst with the FBI in Washington, DC, she returned to her hometown. Her interest in local history led her to volunteer at the Norway Museum & Historical Society, where she currently is the museum’s curator and researcher.
Relax and Rock-Paint: Would you like a little bit of time to unwind while dabbing with paint pens? Chat with new and old friends while you transform ordinary stones into colorful, creative works of art! Easy-to-use pens means no artistic skills required (and we provide the rocks)!
