Denmark Connects Luncheon 2

On Saturday, Denmark Connects hosted their second ever Luncheon focused on sharing information about benefits and services available to aging members of our community. The event was a rescheduling of a previously-slated dinner that was canceled due to weather but still managed to bring in nearly 150 attendees to Gatherings 43. The Denmark News stopped by to learn more.

In December, Denmark Connects hosted their first luncheon aimed at demonstrating the wide range of benefits and services available to aging peoples and their caregivers. For their second luncheon, Denmark Connects decided to focus on two key points of confusion for older people–medical benefits and the writing and maintaining of a will.

On Saturday morning, attendees filed into Gatherings 43 for the luncheon. When they registered, they were presented with a folder filled with a range of information and were encouraged to visit a number of tables on the side of the hall which had even more resources. At 10 a.m., Denmark Connects Campaign Coordinator Molly Arneson welcomed all and explained the day’s luncheon was just one example of the “free, fun and informative” events her organization puts on.

A representative from Brown County ADRC then provided a presentation entitled “Navigating Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security” explaining in detail the types of programs available and the eligibility and level of payment required for each. He discussed the finer points of both government programs as well as private sector supplements and encouraged all to contact the ADRC to discuss their options. He closed by answering a number of questions from the audience.

Next, Julie Filapek of NeighborWorks Green Bay took the stage and, after recognizing the efforts of the Denmark Connects team, led the audience in a survey activity to discover and catalog their strengths and skills. Attendees were asked to swap surveys with a neighbor and interview each other about what they would be able to teach others as well as what they would like to learn. All then enjoyed a delicious chicken lunch with all the fixings as they socialized with one another.

Following lunch, Attorney Jeffrey J. Martinson provided information about preparing for the end of life with a presentation entitled “Your Estate Planning Questions Answered”. Martinson went over key terms, types of estate planning and ways people could prepare at any stage in their life. When he concluded, Martinson also answered any questions the audience had.

The second ever Denmark Connects Community Luncheon was another huge success with nearly 150 people coming out to learn more about benefits and services that could help them as well as enjoy a great meal with great company.