Interfaith Network On Aging Planning 24th Annual Caregiving Conference

MADISON — “Spirituality of Aging” will be the theme for the Connecticut Interfaith Network on Aging’s 24th Annual Caregiving Conference.

The event will take place at The Mercy Center at Madison, 167 Neck Road, Tuesday, September 25, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The keynote address, “The Real Power of Laughter, Humor & Daily Positive Attitude,” will be presented by Dr Steven N. Sobel, a motivational speaker, educator, and author. Dr Sobel teaches at Western New England College in Massachusetts.

Conference workshops provide opportunities for education, spiritual reflection, respite, and support.  Morning workshops this year will include “Nurturing Intimacy in Later Years,” led by the Rev Robert Raines; UCC minister, author, and educator; “Moving into Meaning: Creative Approaches to Aging,” by dance and movement therapist Susan Sandel; “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother,” Rabbi Gloria Rubin and Shaykha Halima Krausen, Hamburg, Germany, Muslin Leader; “When One is Too Many,” Edwina Ranganathan, Rushford Center; and “Care for the Caregiver,” by health and nutrition coach Wendy Battles.

The afternoon workshops will include: “Remembering Our Spiritual Roots,” by the Reverend Ray N. Cooley; “Keep Your Energy: Mind/Body/Spirit in Motion,” Beth Hugh, a teacher of tai chi and QiGong, and a reike practitioner; “Conscious Aging,” Lina Chase, LCSW/Oncology & Survivorship Clinic, Yale New Haven Hospital; “Healing Art of Music for Those Who Are Sick and Dying,” by the Reverend Charles H. Woody, Hospice chaplain; and “Spirituality, Faith and Dementia,” by Dr John Zeisel, president and co-founder of Hearthstone Alzheimer’s Family Foundation.

The Reverend Barbara Cheney, rector of the Episcopal Church of St Paul & St James, New Haven, will close the conference with a liturgical dance that will culminate the day’s spirituality theme.

Due to limited space and the popularity this annual conference, CINA Chair the Reverend Barbara Barlok encourages registration before September 14.

All denominations, religions, or spiritual traditions are welcome to attend the conference. The  conference registration fee of $45 includes lunch.

An optional evening retreat will be held on Monday, September 24, beginning at 7.

For further information or registration call Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers 230-8994.