Area Walk to End Alzheimer's raises more than $17,000

The true charm of pedestrianism does not lie in the walking, or in the scenery, but in the talking.  The walking is good to time the movement of the tongue by, and to keep the blood and the brain stirred up and active; the scenery and the woodsy smells are good to bear in upon a man an unconscious and unobtrusive charm and solace to eye and soul and sense; but the supreme pleasure comes from the talk.

~Mark Twain

Saturday, September 17th: the day we've been looking forward to and training for when area walkers, volunteers and teams gathered for the start of the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's. This year's event was a great success and helped raised more than $17,000 for local programs of the Alzheimer's Association.

Central Wisconsin Senior Living was proud to host this year's event with Harmony Living Center. The Walk was led for a community volunteer committee that included CWSL's Kelly Opiola and Lori Schuler.

                                 The Spirit Award was presented to the Sky Club Team.
                                                     Never, Never, Never, Give Up!


"There has never been a greater need for residents to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Diana Butz, Alzheimer's Association development and marketing director. "As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and funds raised will provide support services to the residents of this area living with Alzheimer's. The level of support shown by the Stevens Point community for the Alzheimer's Association is truly amazing."


Donations are still being accepted. You can contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living or visit the Alzheimer's Association web site at www.alz.org/gwwi and click on the Stevens Point Walk to End Alzheimer's link or click here.


If you are interested in joining the 2012 Planning Committee contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

The End of Alzheimer's Starts Here

The Alzheimer’s Association has proudly announced the new name for its annual Memory Walk, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care support and research.  Now known as the ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’, our new name captures the energy and strength of our participants, volunteers and donors, and the momentum of our cause and vision that drives why we participate.  The event will take place here in Stevens Point, September 17, 2011.  

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Thousands will come together to support the work of the Association raising critical funds for education, counseling, support groups, the 24-hour Helpline and research to find a cure.  Each event offers a unique environment of inspiration and comfort as loved ones and friends living with Alzheimer’s are honored and remembered. This year, more than 200,000 participants will Walk to End Alzheimer’s, by teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association, you can walk with a purpose – and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. 

Since 1989, Alzheimer’s Walks across the country have raised more than $300 million to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease.  Stevens Point raised almost $11,000 and had 100 walkers attend in 2010.  Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050.  Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

When Alzheimer’s touches your life the Alzheimer’s Association is here for you.  Wherever you are, we’re nearby with community programs and support services.  Anytime day or night, call us for reliable information and support.  Online guide helping individuals and families find the right care options.  Help in locating licensed facilities in your area when placement of your loved one is needed.  Our library provides a variety of research and reference services. .

I challenge this community to ‘Lead the Way’ and help us change the course of the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  Be a part of something big.  Start a team, join the movement and reclaim the future for millions of Americans.   We are determined to end this disease and provide support for those affected now and in the future, and we are committed to advocating for the 5.3 million people with Alzheimer’s until there is a cure.

Together, we are an unstoppable force against Alzheimer’s.

Join us:  www.alz.org/gwwi/ or call 715-393-3950

Lori Schuler is activity and marketing director for North Haven Homes

Pioneer Place Meeting Seniors' Needs

A recent article on the needs of seniors' housing needs caught our attention. Published in the Fresno Bee, the concerns of California’s aging population are just as relevant in north central Wisconsin. Craig Smith, director of development for AMCAL Multi-Housing Inc., a Los Angeles-based non-profit that’s building is quoted in the Fresno article, “Affordable housing is probably one of the biggest things ... the need, whether it’s affordable or not, for senior housing is going to increase.” 

The senior population is expected to grow nationwide, fueled by the oncoming generation of baby boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964. The oldest of the baby boomers will celebrate their 65th birthday this year.

According to Clear Senior Living, Wisconsin has a higher than national average of residents who are over the age of 65. At the time of the web posting, 13% of Wisconsin residents are seniors, the national average is 12.4%. The current number of 722,000 seniors in the dairy state will most certainly rise in the coming years, increasing the need for independent and assisted living and long term care in our state.

The need for apartments in areas near grocery stories, social activities is growing; local housing agencies and senior organizations across the county receive phone calls daily from seniors looking for affordable places to live.

The establishment of Pioneer Place fills this need offering the most affordable and quality alternative for senior living in central Wisconsin.

Independent Living communities are often times referred to as "55 retirement communities" due to the fact that often, the residents must be at least 55-years of age, with exceptions being made for younger spouses. Independent living offers a carefree lifestyle and social connection for active adults and should not be confused with nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Those options are for residents who require medical and/or physical care. Independent living is the choice for seniors whose lives are no longer focused on career and raising families.

When considering an Independent Living community, consider the location. Ask yourself: Do I like the location and its appearance? Is the building in a safe neighborhood and convenient to areas that are important to me (libraries, shopping, parks, doctors?) 

Pioneer Place is housed in the former Lullabye Furniture Building located along the Wisconsin River. We’re proud of our renovation efforts creating individual one and two bedroom living units while maintaining the buildings' distinct historic 1931 charm, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Situated within walking distance of downtown Stevens Point, Pioneer Place’s access to the Green Circle, Stevens Point’s famous Square, shops, Charles M. White Public Library and a wide variety of cafe’s and restaurants makes it ideal for the independent senior.

In future posts, we’ll detail more of the amenities that place Pioneer Park ahead of the competition. We are always available to assist you with any questions you may have choosing your new home.