To advocate for individuals age 60+ and adults living with disabilites, and assist them in securing needed services or benefts, live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life.
Meals on Wheels Adopt-A
Eau Claire County invites you to adopt a garden this summer at our Meals on Wheels Kitchen!
Whether you're a master gardener or just starting to nurture your green thumb, we have four garden spaces that need your love and care.
Garden Details:
• Sizes: 8’x36’, 8’x26’, 8’x20’, and 8’x16’, 8’x12 and 8’x8’
• Available on a frst-come, frst-served basis
Gardens can be adopted by individuals, groups, or businesses. We encourage you to team up and split the work throughout the summer. You're free to plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables. While we encourage you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, the Meals on Wheels Kitchen is always grateful for any surplus donations.
Gardener’s Responsibilities:
• Prepare the garden for the season
• Regular weeding and upkeep (May – October)
• Add plants and seeds
• Clean out the garden bed at the end of the season
Eau Claire County Provides:
• Water and garden beds with dirt in them
• Limited tools available upon request
• A custom sign with the adopter’s name
Join our Adopt-A-Garden program and make a difference in our community!
To learn more about or to reserve your spot contact Betsy Henck at betsy.henck@eauclairecounty.gov or 715-839-6259.
The Eau Claire ADRC Team
ACCOUNTANT
Kelli Weiss
ADRC VAN DRIVER
Dave Okas
COOKS
Aaron Pritzl
Bill Angell
Karen Mittag
Linda Vogler
Penny Parkinson
DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST
Lisa Wells
DISABILITY BENEFIT SPECIALISTS
Jim Coldwell
Melissa Wendtland
ELDER BENEFIT SPECIALISTS
Jessica Smith
Leda Welke
KITCHEN COORDINATOR
Gilda Halbleib
MANAGEMENT
Linda Struck, Director
Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager
Lisa Riley, ADRC Manager
MEAL DELIVERY DRIVERS
Doug Salter
Gordy Geurink
Kris Riphenburg
Norm Brunkow
Sue Klauck
SENIOR DINING SITE
Glenda Nelson
OPTIONS COUNSELORS
Barb McRae
Brianna Werner
Jenna Belter
Jennifer Solfest
Liz Nett
Maddie Kettner
Molly Yang
Sue O’Branovich
HEALTH PROMOTION
COORDINATOR
Deb Bruning
RESOURCE GENERALISTS
Heather Craker
RESOURCE SPECIALISTS
Karen Hauck
Katie Telschow
Lindi Engedal
ADRCs: Help for Older Adults and Adults Living with Disabilities
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Eau Claire County provides information about resources and support on all aspects of life related to aging or living with a disability. ADRC staff are unbiased and knowledgeable professionals who listen to your concerns, help clarify your options and direct you to appropriate resources. The ADRC administers the Meals on Wheels/Senior Dining programs for Eau Claire County, and is also the access point for information about long-term care options and public benefts. Services provided by the ADRC are free and available to all Eau Claire County residents regardless of income or assets.
Aging and Disability Resource Center Board
Tami Schraufnagel, County Board (Chair)
Jean Doty, Citizen Member
Stella Pagonis, County Board
John Folstad, County Board
Deirdre Jenkins, County Board
Bill Libberton, Citizen Member
Sandra Romey, Citizen Member
Terri Stanley, Citizen Member
Thomas Vue, County Board
Jonathan Wessel, Citizen Member
The advertisements in this newsletter are obtained from the printing company LPI, not the ADRC. The ADRC provides unbiased information and assistance to those we serve.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The primary purpose of the ADRC is to provide the customer with unbiased information about services that will meet their needs. This includes sharing information with customers about agencies that provide needed services. The ADRC may operate programs that provide direct services to customers. The ADRC Specialist:
• Cannot attempt to influence customers for fnancial gain or other self-interests.
• Cannot attempt to influence customers in the interest of any service or program provider, including the ADRC itself. The ADRC is prohibited from using revenue generated from direct service programs to support the ADRC Specialist program.
ADRC Equity Statement:
The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County is welcoming and safe for all. We are committed to serving with equity in mind. No judgement, assumptions or shame.
There are no income requirements to utilize the services of the ADRC.
ADRC's assist anyone age 60 and over, as well as adults age18-59 living with a disability.
ADRC services are also available to family members, friends, caregivers and professionals working with these populations.
P.R.I.D.E.4 Adults Program at UWEC
The intention of the P.R.I.D.E.4
Adults program is to serve adults with disabilities ages 17+ years by providing them an individualized exercise program. The exercise program will consist of an aerobic, resistance training, and range of motion components. Overall, the evidence shows that exercise provides important health benefts for people with disabilities. The benefts include improved aerobic and muscle ftness, improved psychosocial health, and better ability to do tasks of daily life.
Individualized programming for each participant will be based on initial screening, interests, and referral information. Participants will receive individual/group instruction, attention, support, and encouragement from UWEC undergraduate students supervised by a university faculty member. The program will be suited for adults with a wide variety of ability levels.
The P.R.I.D.E.4Adults program last one hour and is held at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St. in Eau Claire from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The sessions are held on Monday’s and Wednesday’s for a total of 12 sessions. The cost is $100 per individual and a sliding fee is available. For an application and more information go to www.uwec.edu/academics/college-education-human-sciences/ departments-programs/kinesiology/about/community-outreach or Dr. Marquell Johnson, at johnmarq@uwec.edu, 715-836-3948.
March for Meals
The Meals on Wheels Program in Eau Claire County serves a home made from scratch meal to approximately 450 homebound older adults every weekday. All the meals are made locally in our kitchen in Eau Claire. We believe that good nutrition will help people maintain healthy minds, bodies, and ultimately their independence. Some of our program funding comes from the individuals who receive meals. Some participants are on fxed incomes and are battling the rising cost of living.
One year of Meals on Wheels, per participant, is the same cost of one day in the hospital. 11% of Wisconsin seniors struggle with hunger, deciding between medication, housing or food. We would like to offer business leaders and community partners an exclusive opportunity to help by sponsoring a route for homebound seniors in Eau Claire County.
March for Meals is a campaign for the Meals on Wheels program and our participants. Here is how it works: For a one-time donation you can sponsor meals for our local Meals on Wheels participants at a level of support of your choosing.
Donations can be made one of three ways
1. Mailing back this form with a check payable to Meals on Wheels, Attn: March for Meals to: ADRC of Eau Claire County
Attn: Betsy Henck
721 Oxford Ave., Room 1130
Eau Claire, WI 54703
2. By calling the ADRC at 715-839-4886 to make a donation over the phone using a credit card.
3. You can visit our website at www.eauclaireadrc.org and click on the Make a Difference Donate button to make a contribution.
Yes, I want to help!
_____ $125 will sponsor 25 meals (business or individual acknowledgement in our newsletter and social media pages)
_____ $625 will sponsor 125 meals (business or individual acknowledgement in newsletter, social media and postcard with personal message or business information will be given to each participant.)
_____ $________ (another amount, specify)
Business or Individual Name making donation: ________________________________________________ Donation made in honor of: _________________________________________________________________
Need more information? Contact Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager at betsy.henck@eauclairecounty.gov or 715-839-6259
3
March 2025 Meals on Wheels & Senior Lunch Menu
Meals on Wheels Phone Line: 715-839-4886
Suggested contribution $5/meal
St. John’s Apts | 815 Chapin Street, Eau Claire| Mon– Fri Serve Time: 11 am | 715-839-4886
Augusta Senior Center | 616 W Washington St, Augusta | Mon– Fri Serve Time: 12 pm | 715-286-2953
Fairchild Comm Center | 121 Farmer St, Fairchild | Every Wednesday Serve Time: 12:15 pm | 715-839-4886
L.E. Phillips Sr Center | 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire| 1st & 3rd Friday Serve Time: 11:45 am | 715-839-4886
All meals are served with 1% milk and subject to change without notice due to diffculty with supply chain. Home Delivered & Lunch Sites-Reservations & Cancellations must be submitted by 1 p.m. the day before. Wednesday Salads-Senior Dining Sites only Monday
The ADRC van has room for one wheelchair and 3 additional individuals for no cost non-medical trips. The van is available for seniors 60+ and adults living with a disability in Eau Claire County. Contact Dave, Transportation Coordinator to schedule at 715-225-0975. Priority given to individuals who live rurally.
Unavailable
JohnsWoodmans trip. Pickup at 9AM
Open date call to schedule trip.
What Do You Know About Opioids Presentation
In this free 60-minute workshop, participants will learn about opioids in Eau Claire County and what to do to prevent and reverse an opioid overdose.
A medication lock bag or box, medication deactivation bag, Narcan nasal spray, and other resources will be available for free.
Training Includes:
• What are opioids
• Eau Claire County Use
• Medication storage and disposal
• Signs of an opioid overdose
• How to use Narcan nasal spray
• Information on fentanyl & fentanyl test strips
When: Friday, March 7th, 2025— 10:00 a.m.
Location: Augusta Senior Center 616 W. Washington St., Augusta, WI 54722
Please call the Center at 715-286-2953 to register by Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Building Resilient Brains Presentation with Lisa Wells
Resilience is the ability to adapt, to bounce back, and to overcome. Learn some tips on how you can build a more resilient brain as you age.
When: Thursday, March 13th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Augusta Senior Center 616 W. Washington St., Augusta, WI 54722
Call the Center at 715-286-2953 to register by Wednesday, March 12th, 2025
What is the diference between Full Retirement Age (FRA) and the age of Medicare Eligibility?
:
A:
Full Retirement Age (FRA) and the age of Medicare eligibility do not always happen at the same time. You do not need to draw Social Security to have Medicare and you might not have Medicare even if you are drawing Social Security. The Social Security website states, “You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62…[but if you wait, you can receive your full benefit] when you reach FRA. If you delay taking your benefits [beyond FRA] your benefit amount will increase monthly… [up to age] 70.” FRA is based on your year of birth.
What is my FRA?: Anyone born in the year of 1960 or later has a full retirement age of 67. If born before 1960, check SSA.gov or contact Social Security.
Income Limit: There is an income limit for how much you can earn while drawing Social Security before you reach your FRA. This is important, so be aware of these limits and how they apply to your personal situation. Do not rely on information from family or friends as their situation could be different.
Only the Social Security Administration can tell you what benefits you are eligible for. Watch out for scams and be careful when giving out personal information! To estimate your Social Security retirement benefits, create a secure account at SSA.gov or contact the local Eau Claire Social Security office at 1-866-815-2924, Option 2, Option 0 to set up an appointment.
The age of eligibility for Medicare is 65 for most people; it can be sooner if you are disabled or receiving Medicare under a special circumstance. You can delay Medicare if you or your spouse have active and creditable employer coverage.
If you are new to Medicare please call to sign up for one of our Medicare and You Seminars, which goes over this information in more detail. If you are already on Medicare or have more questions, please contact the ADRC and request to talk with a Benefit Specialist. See Page 5 for March’s Medicare and You Seminar.
BoostYour Brain and Memory
7-week Class
Tuesdays
April 1 - May 13, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Altoona Public Library 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona
Boost Your Brain and Memory Class is a unique program that takes on a holistic approach to improving brain health in older adults. Participants will learn new habits to maintain cognitive health while also practicing new skills for better memory performance...and have fun! Participant guide, handouts, and more included in this no -cost class! The 7-week class is free & attendance in all 7 classes is recommended.
The dates include: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13
Please register online at the Aging & Disability Resource Center, www.adrcevents.org or call 715-839-4735
The Association of Community Living (ACL) and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), have announced the theme of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, “A World of Opportunities,” focusing on removing obstacles to community living faced by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Over the past decades the number of people with I/DD living in large institutions has declined, in favor of a community living situations that allow those with I/DD to live independently as possible. There are more than 90,000 adults with an I/DD living Wisconsin. These fellow Wisconsinites wish to be independent, have careers, and lead an engaged life.
Though people with an I/DD face many barriers to achieving this goal. Diffculty in fnding services such as case management, personal care services, transportation, fnancial and budgeting support, housing and employment supports, which are generally supported through Medicaid home and community based programs. Though there are not enough direct care professionals to meet the demand, due to low of wages, benefts and limited career growth. This has forced some agency’s to cut services or decline to enroll new participants. These cuts impact the health and wellbeing of those with I/DD compared to those without disabilities. According to the Healthiest Wisconsin 2020 report, as they are more likely to struggle with lowincome, less access to health care, along with an increased risk of obesity and both diabetes and prediabetes.
By eliminating the barriers to the essential supports and healthcare needed by those with I/DD “A World of Opportunities” can open up to them. To fnd out more on how to support those with I/DD in Eau Claire County go to www.thearceauclaire.com
Going “Green” Sweep the Kitchen Pasta Salad
Going Green and fnding ways to reduce food waste is important to know about. It allows you to save money from buying less food, it reduces methane emissions, it conserves energy and resources, and you can support your community through it.
There are several ways to reduce food waste from proper storage, planning, and prepping. Planning your meals ahead of time can stop you from overbuying. Freezing fruits and vegetables can keep them good for longer. Preparing and freezing meals ahead of time can allow you to have more meals for longer. Try this “Sweep the Kitchen” Pasta Salad for a great way to use up those leftovers.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup chopped cucumber or broccoli
• 1/4 cup sliced olives
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh, dried or canned)
• 1/2 green pepper, chopped
• 2 oz. cheese, shredded or cubed
• 1/4 cup Italian Dressing
• Add additional produce, such as greens, onions and herbs, to clean out the fridge and pantry.
Mix all ingredients in a medium sized bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, mix again before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
This salad is versatile, which makes it a simple way to use up extra produce. Adapted from myplate.gov
Experience Maple Syrup Season with Access Ability Wisconsin
As winter gives way to spring, Wisconsin’s forests come alive with one of the state’s sweetest traditions-maple syrup season! The Natural Resource Institute states that Wisconsin has 3.7 million acres of maple forests and ranks forth in the nation for maple syrup production, producing 300,000 gallons annually. While the industry continues to grow, Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) is making sure everyone can take part in this beloved tradition.
Ensuring Sweet Adventures and “Outdoors Access 4 All!” For many Wisconsinites, maple syrup season is more than just a production process it’s a hands-on adventure flled with tree tapping, sap collecting, and the transformation of sap into syrup. However, for individuals with mobility challenges, muddy trails, snow-covered paths, and rugged sugarbush terrain can make participation diffcult. That’s where AAW comes in. AAW provides all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs (OWCs) and adaptive equipment, allowing more people the opportunity to explore Wisconsin’s great outdoors. Designed to handle snow, mud, and uneven ground, these OWCs allow individuals with mobility challenges to:
• Explore maple groves and witness the magic of sap dripping from freshly tapped trees.
• Navigate outdoor trails to participate in guided maple syruping tours.
• Join in the collection process and enjoy the rich sights, sounds, and smells of one of Wisconsin’s greatest pastimes
With 34 all-terrain wheelchairs and 28 trailers, AAW is working toward its goal of having at least one unit in every Wisconsin county. Each unit (OWC and trailer) exceeds $26,500, and with your support, they can continue to grow.
To make a reservation go to www.accessabilitywi.org
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