2021 Virtual Centervention Conference

Association of Illinois Senior Centers

2021 Virtual Centervention Conference

Adaptive, Resilient, and Moving Forward with Innovation through Connection

Virtually, Thursdays at 1:30 in February and monthly webinars throughout 2021!

Links for individual sessions are emailed to registrants.

February 4, 2021  at 1:30pm

Tapping into your passion: Becoming the leader you want to be 

Presented by Jim Dalbec, Assistant Director, Ela 55+ for Ela Township in Lake Zurich, IL

Is happiness elusive? Are we destined to burn out? Not really, if we learn to take care of ourselves, celebrate the wins, and capitalize on our strengths. Learn more about how to learn more about yourself, understand your strengths, and practice a positive frame of mind. 

After focusing strictly on Youth Programming at the YMCA, Jim decided for a change of pace and was hired to create Men's Programming for adults 55 and older in 2013.  He found the transition surprisingly easy (who knew Men and children had so much in common!), has seen his position grow into additional responsibilities, and has never looked back.  He currently lives in Cary, IL with his two toddler boys and wife Kristin.

3:30pm: HVAC: Helpful Venting and Cocktails

Facilitated by Jim Dalbec and Susan Dillon, Ela Township 55+

A networking opportunity to connect with others, find commonality with frustrations, and get suggestions for new approaches from peers.  

February 11, 2021 at 1:30pm

Program Development and implementation in the Pandemic: Lessons learned, Post COVID-19 and beyond- Panel Presentation (rural/suburban/urban)

Panelists:

· Kim Schaefer, Director, Mercer County Senior Center (rural)

· Susan Dillon, Director, Ela Township 55+ (suburban)

· Pamela Mahn, Director of Senior Services for Oak Park and River Forest Townships (urban)

The pandemic has put a damper on so many of the good plans we were all working on prior to this chaotic lifestyle change. A panel of center directors representing rural, suburban and urban geographic regions of Illinois will discuss lessons learned in transitioning services during the on-going pandemic, and what they’re looking forward post-COVID-19 and beyond.

About the presenter’s: 

Kim M Schaefer, Administrator, Mercer County Senior Center, happily married to Leon Allen, with 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. She is honored to be celebrating  6 years on July 20th, 2021 as the Administrator to MCSC. Prior to MCSC she started her career path as a CNA in LTC/Geriatrics at age 17. After getting married & having children, she became self-employed for 15 years, owning and operating a Help at Home business. Once her youngest child was in High School, she sold the business then went back to school to obtain a National & State license as an EMT. After burn out in the medical field at the age of 45, she pivoted and took on the awesome challenge to be MCSC Administrator. Since then she has obtained my AIRS CIRS/AD certification and SHIP certification. 

Susan Dillon has worked with the senior population since she began volunteering at the Ela Township Senior Center while the Director of Youth and Family at the Foglia YMCA. Susan also collaborated with the previous director in several intergenerational programs amongst the seniors and her younger population. In 2011, Susan became the Director of Adults & Seniors for Ela Township. Since taking the reins, Susan and her staff have grown their member population by over 1500 participants and have broadened it’s programming into a 28 page newsletter every 3 months. In September of 2018, Susan’s role with Ela Township was expanded as she took on the responsibilities of the Youth Department, thus becoming the Community Programs Director. Susan Dillon is a past President of the Illinois Township Senior Division and the Vice President of the Association of Illinois Senior Centers. 

Pamela Mahn is a Senior Services Director with a long history serving older adults in Oak Park and River Forest Townships. Driven by serving the community,  she takes pride in expanding the comprehensive array of Township programs and services available to older adults, providing resources to help them remain living independently in the community as long as possible.  Pam worked on the action teams to achieve recent designation as a Dementia Friendly community for Oak Park and River Forest.  A proposal is currently underway to expand offerings to include a home repair program for residents. When she’s not busy working with her fantastic team to pivot delivery of their programs and services due to a pandemic, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading good books, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.

February 18, 2021 at 1:30pm

• Director Paula Basta, Illinois Department of Aging
•  AISC Annual Meeting and Presentation of the Mind, Body, Spirit Award

Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta will join us to talk about the state of Aging in Illinois followed by our annual organizational meeting including the Mind, Body, and Spirit Award presentation.

February 25, 2021 at 1:30pm

Promoting Interconnectedness and Engagement with All. 

Presented by Sandy Pastore, Mindful Innovations Consulting, LLC

As isolation and loneliness are peaking for age groups across the board, due to the restrictions of COVID-19, finding ways to bridge connection is imperative for community health at all age levels. Even before 2020, almost 3/4 of adults reporting feeling lonely, with more than 30% feeling profound loneliness. Understanding your communities strengths and barriers can help identify pathways for intergenerational connections.

Sandy Pastore is a social worker and a former senior center director. Over the last year, she has had fun creating educational content for, presenting to, and connecting with Illinois seniors through a variety of virtual senior center programs. She also works with Concordia University’s Center for Gerontology to develop a high school gerontology program to support the needs of the older adult population through a better prepared upcoming labor force. Sandy sees clients of all ages for therapy services at Neighborhood Counseling Associates.

4th Thursdays Series: starting March 25 at 1:30 PM

Connectedness-Togetherness; Breaking Down Barriers and Being Inclusive. 

Presented by Michael Spiro of the Noetic Institute. 

Mr. Spiro is returning for an inspirational and timely presentation on breaking down our own barriers to create inclusivity for all. Don't miss it https://noetic.org/profile/michael-sapiro/

Links for the 4th Thursday Series will be sent out the beginning of each month. Topics include: Senior Centers of the Future, Brain Health, Volunteer Management, Evaluation of Programs, Dementia and Age Friendly initiatives, Evidence Based Programs, Work Place/HR Issues, and more!