THURSDAY, December 26, 2025

Farewell, Mandi, UW Extension Area 8 AED 

We want to share that the Area 8 Extension Director, Mandi Dornfeld, will be departing her role with UW–Madison Division of Extension on January 2nd.

During her time with Extension, Mandi has been a steady, thoughtful leader who truly knows how to connect with people and support teams and communities. Her ability to listen, build relationships, and lead with care has made a lasting impact across Area 8 and beyond. She has been a trusted partner, advocate, and encourager, and her presence will be deeply missed.

We are excited to share that Mandi will be stepping into a new role as Executive Director of Youth Go in Neenah. This next chapter is a wonderful fit for her passion for youth development, community connection, and meaningful leadership.

Please join us in thanking Mandi for her incredible service and wishing her all the best as she begins this exciting new journey.

Dates: February 4 – April 18

Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Location: St. John's Lutheran Church in Morgan, WI at 3374 County Highway C, Oconto Falls, WI.

Register by January 29: https://go.wisc.edu/w9bt8w

Questions? Contact Sarah Schindel sarah.schindel@wisc.edu or 920-834-6898

Strong People, Strong Bodies – Morgan

Looking for a safe, effective way to stay active and feel stronger as you age?

Strong Bodies is a research-based strength training program designed for mid-life and older adults that supports lifelong health, independence, and confidence.

Participants can expect improvements in muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and overall mobility, which can help reduce the risk of falls, make everyday activities easier, and support bone and joint health.

Many participants also report increased energy, better posture, and a greater sense of well-being from staying active in a supportive group setting.

UW-Madison Division of Extension Oconto County in partnership with Healthy Oconto County and Oconto County Health and Human Services, are hosting weekly walking groups located at Oconto Falls School District, Gillett School District, Suring Public School District as well as Lena School District.  Because of this amazing partnership you can find a place within our county to walk safely, indoors with other community members most days of the work week.  Thank you to our partnering schools for working with us to make our communities a healthier place to live!

Fore information and a closer look at the flyers, visit our website!

How are you incorporating physical activity into your days and weeks?  Morning walks, lunch time movement breaks or evening sweat sessions ALL COUNT!

Ever heard of mindful eating?

It’s all about being fully present while you eat — paying attention to taste, texture, and how your body feels instead of eating on autopilot or while distracted. It helps you enjoy your food more, notice when you’re really full, and build a healthier relationship with eating.

Check out this guide to mindful eating from UW Health! https://www.uwhealth.org/news/guide-to-mindful-eating

Take Care of Yourself by Helping Others!

Did you know that volunteering is not only good for your community — it’s good for your health too?

Research shows that people who volunteer often feel happier, less stressed, more connected to others, and even enjoy better overall well-being. One large study found that volunteers report lower depression and higher life satisfaction compared to non-volunteers. (Source: PubMed ID 23968220)

If you're looking for a simple way to lift your mood and strengthen your community, consider getting involved with local schools, churches, hospitals, or nonprofits.

Reward your mind and body by helping others!

Introducing the 12 Days of Self Care

The holiday season brings joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also bring extra stress, packed schedules, and the challenge of keeping up with healthy habits. That’s why the Healthy Oconto County Health and Wellbeing Community Action Group—a coalition of community organizations dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Oconto County residents—is launching the 12 Days of Self Care!

Over the next 12 posts, we’ll share quick, practical tips to help you:

-Manage stress

-Maintain healthy routines

-Support your mental wellbeing

-Stay active during the winter months

-Nourish your body

-Strengthen community connections

Each day offers something small you can do to feel better, stay grounded, and make the most of the season.

Follow us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/OcontoCountyUWExtension 

Strong Bodies is Coming to Gillett!

Looking to build strength, improve balance, and stay active as you age? Strong Bodies is a proven, research-based strength training program designed to help adults maintain independence, increase energy, and support overall health.

Join us in Gillett this winter for this supportive, instructor-led program that uses simple equipment and exercises appropriate for all fitness levels. Whether you’re new to strength training or looking for a safe way to stay active, Strong Bodies meets you where you are.

Come move, connect, and invest in your health—your future self will thank you!

Dates: January 5 – March 25

Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00–10:15 a.m.

Location: Hillside Assembly of God (Gym),
5890 Hwy 22 West, Gillett

Register by December 29: https://go.wisc.edu/b34ct5

Questions? Contact Katie Daul at katie.daul@wisc.edu

or 920-834-6845.

Looking to feel more confident using your smartphone, tablet, or other devices? Join UW–Madison Division of Extension and the Gillett Public Library for Using Technology to Thrive, a three-part, hands-on series designed to help adults build practical technology skills. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices and learn in a supportive, small-group setting with Extension Educator Katie Daul.

Sessions cover Smart Phone Basics (January 26), Tools and Tips (February 23), and Frauds and Scams (March 23). Classes meet Mondays at 11:00 a.m. at the Gillett Community Center.

For more information, contact Oconto County Extension at 920-834-6848 or email Katie.Daul@wisc.edu

Thursdays, January 15 – February 19, 2026

1:00pm–2:30pm

Held virtually on Zoom

Completely Free

During this workshop, caregivers will learn how to:

Are you caring for an adult with a chronic illness? You don’t have to do it alone.

We’re excited to offer a FREE 6-week “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” workshop, designed to support you with practical skills, encouragement, and tools that truly make a difference.

This is a supportive, judgment-free space where caregivers can connect and grow. If you or someone you know could benefit, please share!

Questions? Contact:

Alicia (Waupaca County Extension) – alicia.utkebecher@wisc.edu/715-258-6225

Katie (Oconto County Extension) – katie.daul@wisc.edu/920-834-6848

Let’s strengthen our caregiving community—together.

2026 Medicare Costs 

Medicare, the U.S. federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, published its costs for 2026. 

Part A, which covers inpatient hospital, hospice, inpatient rehab, and other services, is free for 99% of Medicare beneficiaries. However, there is a deductible for hospital services, which will be  $1,736 in 2026.

Part B covers typical doctor's visits. Its monthly premium, which is deducted from social security payments, will  increase by 9.7% to $202.90.    

    How Can Credit Rating Affect Auto Insurance Rates? 

National Public Radio (NPR) analyzed insurance estimates for nearly every zip code in the country from Quadrant Information Services, a pricing analysis firm, and found the cost difference between a driver with "poor credit" and one with "excellent credit" can be thousands of dollars per year in premiums.

The amount of cost difference varies across insurance companies and zipcodes. In Wisconsin, the data shows the difference can range widely. The data on average annual premiums per company based on credit rating in Wisconsin (excellent credit to poor credit):

Acuity: $1926 to $3342

Allstate: $1698 to $3128

Erie: $1495 to $4669

Geico: $863 to $1850

Progressive: $1359 to $2858

Visit our website to view the December Agricultural Newsletter! 

Winter Academy Registration Open! 

Delve into how your sparks can lead to lifelong learning and successful career pathways in this 100% virtual program. Youth will gain experience with creative problem solving strategies and work with peers and adults to become ready for work and ready for life. Winter Academy is designed for youth in their first years of high school. Completion of the Winter Academy program will earn participants a 30% coupon code off registration for Summer Academy in the same year.

Winter Academy consists of three virtual sessions which provide youth with tools to set career and college goals, develop soft skills most important to employers, and build problem-solving skills. By applying, youth agree to actively participate in all three sessions. The sessions will not be recorded for viewing later. Once registration is closed, participants will receive a Zoom link, syllabus and materials needed to complete the sessions including a LEGO® Serious Play® Kit and a Clifton Strengths workbook for youth.

Winter Academy 2026 is limited to 30 youth participants and registration closes January 11, 2026.

Feeling invisible as a family caregiver? 

In Care Of: Postcard-Sized Portrayals of Caregiving in Wisconsin -- the popular and moving exhibition from the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology -- is now available in digital form. 

Drawing on anonymous postcards shared by caregivers across Wisconsin (including Oconto County), In Care Of emphasizes the way conflicting emotions and experience are intertwined in the caregiving role, shaping us in unique and transformational ways.

Tour the virtual exhibition and be part of a movement bringing visibility and awareness to this crucial role. Click the button below.

Football Players Fall — You Don’t Have To

Winter in Wisconsin brings snow, ice, and plenty of chances to slip. While falls might be part of the game for football players, they don’t have to be part of everyday life. The good news? Most winter falls are preventable with a little planning and a few simple habits.

Falls Free Wisconsin encourages everyone—especially older adults—to take proactive steps to stay safe this season. From having a plan for snowy days to improving traction, slowing down on icy surfaces, and making your home safer, small actions can make a big difference in preventing injuries and maintaining independence.

Check out the 6 Tips to Prevent Falls This Winter and learn how you can stay steady, confident, and active all season long. Staying on your feet is a win worth celebrating!

Check out this website for balance and strength training to prevent falls!

https://fallsfreewi.org/prevent-falls/balance-strength/ 

For more information on staying fall free year round, visit:

https://fallsfreewi.org

Community Members:

We’re excited to share that a brand-new After School Club is launching in January 2026 at Oconto Middle School! As we begin this new adventure, we’re introducing Guest Educator Nights every Wednesday—a weekly opportunity for students to learn from the incredible talent and expertise within our community.

We are inviting community members to lead a session on topics such as:

Drug prevention and safety

Psychoeducation and mental wellness

Financial literacy

Practical life skills

Creative hobbies, arts, and crafts

Or any area of knowledge you’re excited to share!

If you would like to participate as a Guest Educator—or know someone in the community who might—please sign up using the link below:

https://forms.gle/tVoCt7t5C94MW8Tz8

Shared on behalf of Hilary Trepanier - Oconto Unified School District

Dudes & T.A.C.O.S.

HEY DUDES!

You're invited to join us for our January Dudes & T.A.C.O.S. "OFF THE GRID" event on January 27th from 6pm-8pm at The Good Place (1128 Main St. Oconto, WI 54153). Dudes will get to hear a testimony from Ryan Baudhuin about his experiences after returning home from combat and his focus on veterans' advocacy!

This is a FREE event with FREE food and FREE bowling!

Learn more about our Dudes & T.A.C.O.S. initiative to help men live well by visiting our website here:

https://wearefoundations.org/dudes/.

Bring a buddy and we'll see ya there!