Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan

Senior EmPower Day Information

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Senior EmPower Day 2009 Save the Date

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"Senior EmPower Day 2009" is set for Friday, September 18, 2009 at the East Bay Calvary Church, located at 2225 Hammond Road, Traverse City, Michigan. This will be the second year at this location and planners are preparing to welcome 400 guests from around Northwest Lower Michigan to this important educational opportunity. Doors will open for registration at 8:30am, with opening remarks slated for 9:30am. The event will conclude at 3:00 pm.

The theme for this year is "The Power of Advocacy - Speaking Up for Ourselves and Others". The fifth annual informational event, proudly planned and hosted by the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan (AAANM) Board of Advisors, is designed to provide the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information regarding speaking up for ourselves, whether it be with legislators, doctors, lawyers, emergency response personnel, even family membersÉ.any persons that are perceived as "authority figures". Guests are encouraged to come and learn tips and tricks for communicating their needs or the needs of others in meaningful, powerful ways.

The AAANM Board of Advisors is pleased to announce that they have secured Mary Ablan, Director of the Michigan Area Agencies on Aging Association in Lansing, as their keynote speaker. Mary has vast experience dealing with legislators and lobbyists in Michigan and will bring a snapshot of proposed legislation that impacts seniors and their caregivers. She will also encourage those in attendance to speak up for them selves, reminding them of useful techniques to employ when communicating with law makers and their staff.

To complement Ms. Ablan's opening remarks, the Senior EmPower Day 2009 agenda will be chock full of mini-sessions from which attendees may choose, tailoring the day to suit their individual interests. All presenters will weave the "Power of Advocacy - Speaking Up for Ourselves and Others" theme into their sessions. Whether you want to learn how to talk more confidently to your doctor or nurse practitioner, wonder how to get what you need from your insurance company or want to speak more effectively with your legislator or lawyer, attendees are bound to come away with some useful information.

In keeping with the intention for the day to be informative, yet relaxed and fun, the planning committee will again include the opportunity to leisurely visit throughout the day with event sponsors and exhibitors at their informational displays. Guests will receive refreshments, lunch and materials. And, as the day concludes, door prizes will be presentedÉthanks to contributions from County Commissions and Councils on Aging, event sponsors and exhibitors.

Generous sponsorship from businesses that support the concept of Senior EmPower Day helps make the cost for the entire day of programming, including materials, refreshments and lunch reasonable. Pre-registration is required to assist planners with preparations. A non-refundable pre-registration fee of $5 for attendees age 60 or greater and $10 for those under age 60 will guarantee participation at this popular event, including refreshments, lunch, materials and access to all sessions. Attendance is being limited to the first 400 pre-registrants, so event planners encourage that you register at your earliest convenience.

Register by the final deadline of Friday, September 11, 2009. Interested parties in Northwest Lower Michigan should contact your local County Commission or Council on Aging or the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan in Traverse City at 231-947-8920 or 800-442-1713.

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