File of Life First Responders Tool

Free wallet-sized and magnetic File of Life folders for your refrigerator are available at the Stoughton Area Senior Center to make lifesaving information accessible to emergency personnel. 

Additional Form: Helpful Information for First Responders When Assisting Persons Dementia.
Available upon request or the Dane County DHS website, these forms provide extra space for caregivers to note the best way to communicate with their loved ones who have dementia.

Other publications available fromt the Stoughton Area Senior Center

The Stoughton Memory Cafe is back!

Stoughton Memory Cafe (flyer)
Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
9:30 - 11:00 AM
Stoughton Health
Bryant Health Education Center
900 Ridge Street, Stoughton, WI 53589

Please note: Participants may use Stoughton Health’s valet parking and wheelchairs to attend the Cafe—just inquire at the front desk.


Looking for a fun place that encourages friendship and acceptance among individuals with memory loss and their care partners? Join the Stoughton Memory Cafe!

Who should attend?

Memory Cafés are designed for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The Memory Café is open to anyone without a formal referral or assessment. Those with dementia or memory issues may attend unaccompanied when appropriate, or with family, friends or care partners. This group is not suitable for people with dementia to attend alone if they have specific care needs such as problems with incontinence, mobility issues that require aid, high levels of anxiety, disorientation or history of wandering.

What is a Memory Café?

A Memory Café is a place where individuals with memory loss and their care partners can get together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. It is a time and place where people can interact, laugh, find support, share concerns and celebrate without feeling embarrassed and misunderstood. The Memory Café encourages friendship and acceptance. Participants share conversation in a relaxed atmosphere that can include music, art or other forms of activity.

Do I need to pre-register?

You do not need to pre-register for the Memory Café but it would be helpful for us to have a general idea of how many attendees to expect so we can plan accordingly for refreshments. Please call the Stoughton Senior Center at 608-873-8585, if you want to give us a heads up that you're coming, if you have questions, and/or if you would like to receive a monthly email or postcard reminder of future Memory Cafe meetings.

What does it cost?

There is no fee to participate. We look forward to meeting you!

For more information, contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center at 608-873-8585.
Stoughton’s Memory Cafe is coordinated, sponsored and facilitated by members of Stoughton’s Dementia Friendly Coalition. Find us on Facebook.com/StoughtonDFC

Flu Shots AND Bivalent Pfizer COVID Boosters

Friday, October 21, 2022
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Stoughton Area Senior Center

Stoughton Health staff will be here at the Senior Center providing flu and Bivalent Pfizer COVID booster vaccines. Medicare B and Medicaid will be accepted. Please bring your health insurance card for payment coverage.

You are eligible for the Bivalent COVID Booster if:

  • it has been at least 2 months since your last COVID booster

  • you register by calling the Senior Center
    at (608) 873-8585

  • you are free of symptoms

  • you bring your COVID vaccine card

If you have had COVID recently, you may want to talk with your doctor regarding the optimal time to wait before getting your booster. Again, you must be symptom free to receive either vaccine.

Music Appreciation

MUSIC APPRECIATION SERIES (flyer)
For people who love music and would like to learn more about it!


MONDAYS, SEPTEMBER 19 – NOVEMBER 14, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
STOUGHTON OPERA HOUSE
381 EAST MAIN ST., STOUGHTON, WI 53589

The following programs are free, with donations accepted:


Monday, September 19: Ted Ceplina, Accordion
Mr. Ceplina will present a program on the workings and history of the accordion which as been used in many cultures. He will perform on several different accordions that are specific to the country’s music –Irish, Italian, Austrian, Cajun, etc.


Monday, September 26: The Blue Moon Klezmer Band, Richard MacDonald
This group will perform music from Eastern Europe, featuring Ashkenazi Jewish dance music used for celebrations such as weddings, etc.Think Hava Nagila.

Monday, October 3: Lina Lee, Piano
Lina Lee is native of Korea and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at UW-Madison. Her playing is described as personal with insightful expression.


Monday, October 10: con vivo (With Life), Chamber Music
con vivo is a professional ensemble which was formed in 2002 to deliver dynamic and high caliber musical performances. They have represented Madison performing in Carnegie Hall.

Monday, October 17: Kathy Mohs, Soprano

Kathy Mohs has a vocal performance degree from UW-Madison. She taught at the Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts and her repertoire covers a broad range of solo music.


Monday, October 24: TRIO FON-Piano Trio (violin, cello, piano)

Many great composers have composed music for this traditional chamber ensemble.


Monday, October 31: The UW Whitewater Faculty Brass Quintet

This Faculty Brass Quintet (2 trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba) performs a wide variety of music from various composers.


Monday, November 7: Middleton Jazz, music of the 40’s and 50’s


Monday, November 14: Marvin Rabin String Quartet

UW-Madison Doctoral String Scholarship Students


This series is sponsored by the Stoughton Area Senior Center,
the Stoughton Opera House and a grant from the Bryant Foundation

Summer Time Concert in the Park

Mark your calendars for this fun event!

Tuesday, July 12, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Nordic Ridge Park, 1300 Hoel Ave. Stoughton

Come to our Summer Time Concert in the Park Fundraiser event benefiting the Stoughton Area Senior Center!
-MUSIC by Marcy and the Highlights
-FOOD, DRINKS & SNACKS for purchase (cash only) including: Italian subs, chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, vegetarian caprese skewers, fruit, cookies, water & soda pop
-FREE KONA SHAVED ICE Courtesy of Cornerstone Caregiving
-FUN for ALL ages! (temporary tattoos, bubbles for children)

Can't make it, but want to support the Senior Center? You may donate online: stoughtonseniorcenter.com/donate

May is Older Americans Month

To help us kick off Older Americans Month, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Wisconsin Senator Melissa Agard and Mayor Tim Swadley both paid our Stoughton Area Senior Center a visit. They presented proclamations honoring the Stoughton Area Senior Center's 50th Anniversary and our commitment to our community's older adult population. We are grateful for their recognition and support. Photos of the event may be found on our Facebook page.

SASC Celebrates 50 Years!

50th Anniversary Open House, Friday, April 8, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

A small group of older volunteers met throughout the 1960’s in different locations around Stoughton to share friendship, hobbies, and advocated for a formal place for volunteer senior citizens to meet. In 1972 the City of Stoughton established the Commission on Aging committee to oversee the newly formed Senior Center located at 217 S. Division St. We celebrate 50 years of the Stoughton Area Senior Center this month! April is also Volunteer Month, which makes it even more special to remember those volunteers from so many years ago who thought older adults deserved a place of their own to enjoy. We have been fortunate in all of those 50 years since to be supported by wonderful volunteers who continue to make the Senior Center what it is today. We should also be thankful that our city government and community have supported the Senior Center for those many years, showing older adults that they are worthy of such a special place. Please join us to celebrate the Stoughton Area Senior Center’s 50th anniversary.

PUBLIC HEARING on INTERNET / WiFi Dane County Broadband Task Force

The Dane County Broadband Task Force is working to identify where broadband (internet) is and is not accessible in Dane County, as well as exploring solutions.The Task Force will be holding two public hearings and invites members of the public to attend on the following dates:

Monday, February 28, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Register: https://bit.ly/228BBTF
Friday, March 4, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Register: https://bit.ly/34BBTF

In addition to the public hearings, residents can provide testimony through using any of the following ways:
Dane.Broadband.Task.Force@countyofdane.com
(608) 266-5758
Dane County Board of Supervisors
210 MLK Jr. Blvd. Room 362
Madison, WI 53703

More Information: board.countyofdane.com/initiatives/Broadband-Task-Force

2022 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in Stoughton

IRS certified volunteers are providing free tax preparation through the Dane County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site at the Stoughton Area Senior Center.

LOCATION: Stoughton Area Senior Center, 248 W. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589

DAYS: Saturdays (1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2) from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

APPOINTMENTS: Drop off and pick up only. Packets will be available for pick up starting 1/22/2022. Volunteers will begin preparing returns on 2/5/2022. Packets will also be available for pickup at the Stoughton Area Senior Center during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) starting on 1/24/2022.

For more information regarding the VITA program and locations call (608) 266-2486 or visit: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/pcs-vita.aspx

VITA income tax assistance is available for:

  • Low-to-moderate income individuals

  • Senior individuals

  • Individuals with disabilities

  • Individuals who qualify for the homestead credit or the earned income credit

VITA/TCE sites prepare:

  • 1040

  • 1040X

  • WI Form 1

  • WI homestead credit


VITA/TCE sites DO NOT prepare:

  • Schedule C (Profit or Loss from a Business)

  • Schedule D (Complicated and Advanced Schedules)

  • Schedule E (Rental Income)

  • Form SS-5 (Request for a Social Security Number)

  • Form 2106 (Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses)

  • Form 3903 (Moving Expenses)

  • Form 8606 (Nondeductible IRA)

  • Form 8615 (Tax for Children Under 14 with Investment Income)

Note: VITA/TCE sites do not prepare returns for individuals who are married but filing separate.

What should I bring to the VITA/TCE site?

You must bring the following:

  • Photo identification

  • Social security cards for you, your spouse and your dependents

  • All wage and tax statements, including Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, SSA-1099

  • Interest and dividend statements

  • Any other tax documents you received

If you are claiming homestead credit, you must also bring:

  • Copy of property tax bill or rent certificate signed by your landlord

  • Record of any Wisconsin Works(W-2) payments

  • Record of SSI payments from the Social Security Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

  • Proof of earned income if both you and your spouse are under age 62 and not disabled

  • Proof of disability (if under age 62):

    • Statement from Veteran's Administration certifying that claimant is receiving disability benefit due to 100% disability, or

    • Document from Social Security Administration stating date disability began, or

    • Statement from physician stating beginning date of disability and whether disability is permanent or temporary

Note: If you are filing a joint return, both spouses must sign the return.

SASC continues to reduce services

In an effort to minimize the recent contagious spread of COVID infections, the Stoughton Area Senior Center will continue to reduce services through the week of January 18 - 21.
The following services will remain available: 

  • Home Delivered Meals

  • RSVP Ride Program

  • Case Management

  • Congregate Meals (with two individuals to a table).

Support groups, card and table games, the movie and other activities that do not allow for social distancing will be canceled. Michael Hecht’s Celebrating Dr. King’s presentation will be meeting via Zoom or call-in. You can view the event here for details. 

It is our hope that by limiting the number of contacts individuals have we may be able to better keep our clients, participants, volunteers and staff from becoming ill. If you have any questions, please contact Senior Center Director Cindy McGlynn at (608) 873-8585.

Help the Senior Center Expand!

The older adult population in our area is growing, and the Stoughton Area Senior Center needs space to expand. "The Annex" next to our main building is owned by the City of Stoughton. Stoughton City Council has approved this building to be used by the Senior Center beginning in 2023. With some basic renovation, this will become an area for larger group presentations, and more fitness and wellness classes.

The Senior Center must fundraise the cost of the renovation and any equipment needed. The project will cost approximately $200,000. Renovations must be accessible for all participants. If you would like to assist us in our mission to making services available now and for many years to come! we invite you to donate and volunteer. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Director Cindy McGlynn at (608) 873-8585.

SASC reduces services

As of January 10, 2022 the Stoughton Area Senior Center will reduce services in an effort to minimize the recent contagious spread of COVID infections. The following services will remain available: Home Delivered Meals, RSVP Ride Program, Case Management, and Congregate Meals (with two individuals to a table). Support groups, card and table games, and other activities that do not allow for social distancing will be canceled until further notice.

On January 18, we will re-evaluate whether and how we can return to normal usage. It is our hope that by limiting the number of contacts individuals have we may be able to better keep our clients, participants, volunteers and staff from becoming ill. If you have any questions, please contact Senior Center Director Cindy McGlynn at (608) 873-8585.

National Caregiver Month: Celebrate Family Caregivers

November is National Family Caregiver Month, a time to recognize and thank the many hard working and devoted people who provide care to a loved one.

We all know a caregiver—the gentleman who patiently walks with his wife whose mobility is failing; the woman who gently nudges her forgetful husband to follow her back to the car after purchasing groceries; the woman who brings her aging mother to her doctor appointments; the man who brings his kids along to do some repairs on his parent’s house. They are everywhere—family, friends, and neighbors who help their loved ones with the daily tasks of life, allowing them to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. The role of the unpaid caregiver is invaluable and yet they often don’t recognize their own worth.

Let’s Celebrate Caregivers this month! Here are some simple things you can do to really help a caregiver and let them know that they are important and appreciated.

  • Stop by their house and say hello. You don’t have to bring anything or do anything. Stopping for a quick visit to let them know you are thinking about them can mean a lot, especially if it is hard for them to get out of the house.

  • Call the caregiver and check in on how they are doing. Too often the conversation is about the person needing care and the caregivers’ needs are forgotten. Listen to them without judging or advising. An opportunity to share their feelings openly and in confidence can be a great help and comfort.

  • Offer to help. Instead of telling them to call if they need something, be more persistent in offering your help. Try this. “I am going to help you. Do you want me to bring a meal or a mop?” Or ask what they need from the grocery store or when is a good time to send your teenager over to mow/rake/shovel snow. Be specific and gently insist on helping.

  • Invite them to do something – go for a walk, coffee, a movie. Maybe they have turned you down too many times, so you stopped asking. Try asking again and offer to help find someone to be with their loved one if that is a problem. Even if they say no, being asked will help them see they are still included.

  • Remind them of the importance of self-care, then help them seek out ways to get a break. Accompany them to their Senior Center to see what they offer that provides support.

  • Attend a support group meeting with them. Sometimes it is hard to go alone, and your presence will open up this valuable resource to them. Contact the Caregiver Program to get a listing or help them locate a group in their church or community center.

  • Check in regularly. A weekly phone call to ask how things are going can alleviate feelings of loneliness and help them feel special and important. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them, and sometimes hearing about someone else’s life gives them a break. If you feel comfortable offer to visit with their loved one so they can get out for a while.

Take some time to recognize and thank the family caregivers that you know. They deserve to be celebrated!

—Jane Mahoney, Older American’s Act Consultant
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, gwaar.org/

If you are a caregiver who needs support and/or a break, contact Jane De Broux at the Dane County Caregiver Program: (608) 261-5679.

Face Covering Emergency Order

Per order of Public Health Madison & Dane County Face Covering Order #4 goes into effect on November 5, 2021 at 12:01 AM.

  • 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 Dane County’s Face Covering Emergency Order PDF and news release for details. This order is in effect until November 27, 2021.

FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED IN ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES

Per order of Public Health Madison & Dane County, as of October 8, 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 Dane County’s Face Covering Emergency Order PDF and news release for details. This order is in effect until November 5, 2021.

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.

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

National Institute of Senior Centers and WASC logos A (002).jpg