Trying to track down your vaccine record?

I lost my vaccination card…
Where can I find my COVID-19 Vaccine Record?

1) If you got the #COVID19 vaccine in Wisconsin, check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR): dhfswir.org/PR/clientSearch.do?language=en. Families and individuals can use WIR to view and print their immunization records. You will need your social security number, Medicaid ID, or a Health Care Member ID to get your records in WIR.

2) If you don’t have that information, call the organization where you were vaccinated. They may be able to give a new vaccination card or provide you with your Member ID number to use in WIR.

3) If these options don’t work for you, fill out the Wisconsin Immunization Registry Record Release Authorization form: dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/f02487.pdf to gain access to your records in WIR.

If you received your vaccination in another state, go to that state department or health’s website to search their vaccine registry.

Get more information: dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-record.htm

Source: https://www.facebook.com/DHSWI/posts/6830764803615868

Classic Car Enthusiast Gets behind the Wheel for Stoughton Seniors

Article written by Mary Schmelzer of RSVP of Dane County, Inc.

Scottish author James Matthew Barrie believed that “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.” Volunteer Howard Vander Zanden is someone who knows how to bring a bit of sunshine to what he does, through his kindness and concern for others his positive nature shines through.

After a 32-year career as a vault teller for M&I Bank, Vander Zanden was looking at the post-work horizon and during a conversation with friend Henry Jacky, learned about the Driver Escort program in Stoughton that provides rides to medical appointments to area seniors.  “I like to drive in general,” he said. “When I was younger, I always wanted to drive a Greyhound Bus, but it never quite materialized.” So in a twist on the Greyhound dream of his youth, he took the steering wheel in hand to serve seniors in the Stoughton area. 

“I like the people, they are so kind, friendly and considerate. It makes the job easy,” Vander Zanden shared.  “It’s a good service where they know they will get to their appointments on time and someone will be there to take them home when it’s done. Honestly, I don’t know where they’d be without it. And I usually don’t have a problem fitting a ride in.” 

Raised in Fond du Lac, WI with two brothers by a father who worked on the railroad and a mother who was a nursing assistant, he combines the love for transportation and the concern for others that his parents modeled.  “It gives me a sense of personal satisfaction to help others – that’s what it’s all about,” Vander Zanden said.

He and his wife of 50 years Joanne, raised their son and daughter in Stoughton and explored the Midwest together over the years, visiting family and attending classic car shows, where Vander Zanden sometimes shows his 1983 Chevrolet Caprice, which he reports to be in mint condition!

Vander Zanden also keeps busy with bowling and as a collector, and he used to call Bingo at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. He encourages others to consider driving.  “It gives you something to do and it’s better than sitting around,” he said.  “Retirement can get boring once in a while and this can make it interesting!”

The Driver Escort and Vets Helping Vets passenger services need drivers in the Stoughton area and in all Dane County communities. Drivers are offered reimbursement at .56 cents/mile and additional liability insurance. RSVP provides PPE supplies. Drivers must be vaccinated and starting on October 15, this will be a requirement for passengers as well.   The service operates weekdays, 8:30-am to 3:30pm.   For more information, contact Mary Schmelzer at mschmelzer@rsvpdane.org or 608-441-7896.

 

Face Coverings Required in Enclosed Public Spaces

Per order of Public Health Madison & Dane County, as of August 19, 2021 face coverings are required among people ages two and older when in any enclosed space open to the public where people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, are present.

Face coverings are also required while driving or riding in any form of public transportation.

See Face Covering Emergency Order PDF and our news release for details. This order is in effect until September 16, 2021.

Community Assessment

The Stoughton Wellness Coalition is in the process of conducting a Community Assessment to help identify the current strengths and challenges in the community in preparation for our next Drug Free Communities Grant application. Their goal is to gather input specific to youth substance use from all areas and perspectives within the Stoughton Area School District Geographic Area. This will assist the Coalition in planning for the resources and help that is needed to serve our community. Please take the time to fill out the survey. survey.alchemer.com/s3/6406816/Stoughton-Survey

Senior Farmers’ Market Vouchers and Distribution

The Area Agency on Aging of Dane County offers vouchers to seniors for use in purchasing $25 worth of fruit, vegetables or herbs at farmers’ markets and roadside farm stands in Wisconsin during the 2021 season (June to October). The vouchers are distributed on a first come/first served basis to those 60 or older, who have gross incomes under $23,828 per year (or $1,986/ month) for a one person household and $32,227 (or $2,686/month) for a two person household, and live in Dane County. One set of vouchers per household regardless of household size.

By June, past participants will receive an application in the mail along with instructions for this year’s program. For those who have never participated in the program and wish to apply, contact AAA Dietitian Shannon Gabriel at (608) 261-5678. Once we receive and approve your application, vouchers will be mailed starting on June 1st. For more information on farmers’ market vouchers, contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center at (608) 873-8585, or call Shannon Gabriel at the number above. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The vouchers may be used at most Dane County Farmers Markets.

Schedule and locations in the Stoughton area:

Stoughton Farmers Market
1050 W. Main Street (Stoughton Shopping Plaza)
Fridays, now thru October, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Stoughton Community Farmers Market
207 S. Forrest St. (City Hall Parking Lot)
Saturdays, now thru September 25, 8:30 AM—Noon

Eugster’s Farm Market
3865 WI-138
Stoughton (608) 873-3822
Opening June 12

Summer Sign-ups Are Here!

We are excited to announce that the Stoughton Area Senior Center building is open to individuals and small groups by appointment — starting with use of the computer lab, pool tables, Wii Bowling, woodshop and checkout of large-print books. We appreciate your patience as we continue to re-evaluate potential usage and service expansion. Questions? Please call Director Cindy McGlynn (608) 873-8585.

As of now, all visitors to the Senior Center must follow these guidelines:

  • Call (608) 873-8585 to register for a scheduled in-person activity.

  • Wear a mask.

  • Keep a safe 6-feet distance from others.

  • Regularly wash hands/use hand sanitizer.

  • Stay home when feeling ill or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or with COVID-19 symptoms.

  • NOTE: These safety rules are subject to change as we receive more local guidance.

We encourage you to enjoy the warmer days ahead by visiting local parks, and take advantage of our outdoor riverfront space. We now have an extra bench and picnic table, and we will soon have a more accessible launch site for our canoe and kayak rental.

2021 City of Stoughton Volunteers of the Year

The 2021 City of Stoughton Volunteers of the Year recognition went to our very own Stoughton Area Senior Center Meals on Wheels Volunteers! Sincere gratitude to the many people who make this program a success and provide an invaluable service to our community. Mayor Tim Swadley recognized the Proclamation honoring the volunteers and their service at the City Council meeting on April 13, 2021. And, on the morning of April 23, Mayor Swadley presented the Proclamation, a plaque and some delicious cupcakes to some of the volunteers at a gathering outside the Senior Center. View the proclamation.

COVID-19 Vaccine News from the ADRC of Dane County

ADRC Vaccine Information Flyer
We all need to step up to beat COVID-19. We ask you to join us in protecting yourself, your family and friends, and our community by getting vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated adds an important layer of protection for you, your family, and loved ones. Here are some things you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine:

· All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are very effective at preventing the disease.

· The most common side effects are pain in the arm where you got the shot, feeling  tired,
headache, body aches, chills, and fever.

· Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available—wearing masks, staying at least 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated.

We want everyone in our community to be safe and get back to hugging our families and friends and shaking hands with our neighbors.

We all play a part in this effort, and you are key.

If you have a local healthcare provider, they should be reaching out to you, based on vaccine availability. Visit your provider’s website for more instructions. Keep in mind that there is limited vaccine supply. If you have read instructions on your provider’s website but have not been contacted yet, please be patient as they prioritize their large patient population.

Healthcare providers in Dane County

· Access Community Health Centers: (608) 443-5480, accesscommunityhealthcenters.org

· Group Health Cooperative UW Health: (608) 828-4853, ghcscw.com

· SSM Health: (608) 250-1222, ssmhealth.com

· Stoughton Health: (608) 873-6611, stoughtonhealth.com

· Unity Point Health — Meriter: (608) 417-6000 unitypoint.org

· UW Health: (608) 720-5300, coronavirus.uwhealth.org

If you do not have a local healthcare provider, Public Health Madison & Dane County will match you with a vaccinator in Dane County. Call them at (608) 242-6328 or fill out a survey to get on the list to be matched.

Free Transportation Available
If you are age 65+ and have exhausted all options available to you and still need a ride to your vaccine appointment, call NewBridge Madison for a free ride at (608) 512-0000, ext. 3. This service is available to older adults living independently in a home or apartment—not in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

ANNEX UPDATE

The Stoughton Area Senior Center’s request to regain its next door annex space in two years is on the next City Council meeting’s agenda. We welcome you to share your thoughts on the matter by contacting your Stoughton City Council Alderperson. You may also register to speak or share a written comment during the public portion of the meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM via this online form or through the meeting’s agenda link.

For more details, you may review our local Commission on Aging (COA)’s proposals to the Stoughton City Council and COA’s meeting minutes:

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Stoughton Area Senior Center Director, Cindy McGlynn, at cmcglynn@ci.stoughton.wi.us or (608) 873-8585.

COVID Vaccine Information

THIS JUST IN...Adults who are 65 and older in Dane County that DON'T have a local healthcare provider can fill out a survey and Public Health Madison & Dane County will match you with a vaccinator.

Dane County has begun vaccinating people 65 years old and older, per state guidelines.

If you have a local healthcare provider, they should be reaching out to you, based on vaccine availability. You can also visit your provider’s website for more instructions.

If you do not have a local healthcare provider, Public Health Madison & Dane County will be able to vaccinate you or match you with a vaccinator in Dane County. See their website for details.

In the meantime, it’s as important as ever to continue to still take precautions to prevent the spread of disease, as disease level and hospitalizations in our community remain high.

Information: COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination, Data, and More

Have questions regarding COVID-19? Get info on testing, vaccination, data and more from the following resources:

2019/2020 SASC Survey Results

In late-2019/early-2020, the Stoughton Area Senior Center (SASC) conducted a survey to evaluate our effectiveness, generate ideas and prioritize future goals. We received great information about our respondents’ views and preferences, their suggestions, as well as their critiques. While SASC is currently closed to the public, this survey’s results are guiding our plans for now and into the future. We invite you to take a look –review all the comments we received, as well as the conclusions/observations, and the recommendations our staff and Commission on Aging are now considering to address what we learned. See the full report here: 2019/2020 Survey Results, or call us at (608) 873-8585 for a printed copy.

Enjoy a virtual City of Stoughton meeting

Public meetings for the City Council and city committees are interesting to attend virtually — by phone or over the internet. Plan to join 5-10 minutes before the meeting starts.

No pre-registration is required for council meetings unless you want to speak. To speak at a committee meeting, simply use the built-in chat to send a request to the clerk or meeting host during the meeting. 

To join by phone, call the city at 608-873-6677 to find the phone number for a meeting.

To find both the meeting web link and meeting phone number, visit the City of Stoughton website. On the homepage, first read the City Calendar at ci.stoughton.wi.us for dates and times. 

Usually the meeting phone number and web link appear on the meeting agenda. Council meeting agendas are posted at ci.stoughton.wi.us/council. Committee, commission, and board agendas are posted at ci.stoughton.wi.us/committees. 

For virtual meetings, the City of Stoughton uses GoToMeeting, which is similar to other methods like Zoom, Facebook Messenger Group meetings, Facetime, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Google Meet.

If you have never joined a virtual meeting before, it is easy to see what the experience is like beforehand. Just visit zoom.us/test and "join from your browser" to see how a virtual meeting looks.

Optional tips: Mute your microphone by clicking the picture of the microphone so that the picture has a slash through it. Either you or the meeting host can turn your audio and video off and on. If you put a sticker over your computer's camera, then it doesn't matter if you or the host turns off your video. 

For more information, call the Senior Center or view a slide show at tinyurl.com/VirtualSASC.

This helpful article and guide is brought to you by Joyce Tikalsky, Senior Center Volunteer

Stoughton Area Senior Center

248 W. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589  
(Map) • Phone (608) 873-8585 • Fax (608) 873-8162
Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

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