VIROQUA, Wis. – McIntosh Memorial Library, in partnership with Vernon County Over 50, is pleased to announce the “Planning AHEAD” series, a comprehensive end-of-life planning curriculum. This 7-session program, designed for all ages, will begin on April 10, 2025, and provide attendees with critical information about financial, medical, legal, and emotional preparations for the end of life.
The series, developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, is a research-based program specific to Wisconsin law, providing participants with valuable insights on planning for themselves or a loved one. The sessions are designed to help individuals understand the importance of having a plan in place and the peace of mind that comes with it.
The “Planning AHEAD” series will take place at the Bethel Home Fellowship Hall, located at 614 S. Rock Ave. in Viroqua. Each session is scheduled to last one hour, except where otherwise noted, with Q&A opportunities included throughout the program. Space is limited to 20 participants, and registration is required for the entire series.
Session Schedule
- April 10 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Getting Started
- April 17 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Handling Financial Changes (Financial Planning Overview)
- April 24:
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Financial Planning Q&A with Thomas Dolan, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Viroqua
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Advanced Medical & Legal Directives
- May 1:
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Medical Directives Q&A with Beth Brendel & Brenda Olson from ADRC of Vernon County
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Estate Planning (Choosing Financial Power of Attorney & Wills)
- May 8:
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Estate Planning Q&A with Kevin Connelly, Connelly Legal Services
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Choices in End-of-Life Care: Hospice vs. Palliative Care
- May 15:
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: End of Life Q&A with Janessa Peterson of St. Croix Hospice
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Final Wishes & Funeral Arrangements
- May 22:
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Final Wishes Q&A with Nathan Popp of Popp Funeral & Cremation Services
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Understanding Grief
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Grief Discussion with Nancy Bongers, Grief Support Leader, Viroqua Church of Christ
- May 29 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Green Burial with Susan Nesbit, Founding Member of Threshold Care Circle
Registration Information
Participants must register for the entire series. To register, visit the McIntosh Memorial Library website at https://mcintoshmemoriallibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/ or call the library at 608-637-7151 ext. 6. Space is limited to 20 individuals, and early registration is encouraged.
About the Program
“Planning AHEAD” is a collaborative effort by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and is specifically tailored for Wisconsin residents. The curriculum, along with a comprehensive workbook, equips individuals with the knowledge they need to address important decisions surrounding end-of-life care, estate planning, and grief support. The program fosters discussion on topics such as advanced medical directives, financial planning, funeral arrangements, and understanding grief, providing participants with the tools they need to make informed decisions.
This educational program is hosted by McIntosh Memorial Library and Vernon County Over 50, with support from local experts in various fields.
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