http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news.html Jacqmin is a Resident Playwright at Chicago Dramatists, the co-founder of the Yale Playwrights Festival, and is the winner of the 2008 Wasserstein Prize (a $25,000 award for emerging female playwrights given by the Dramatists Guild and the Educational Foundation of America). Her plays have been produced and developed by Victory Gardens Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Culture Project, Perishable Theatre, Collaboraction, The 24 Hour Plays: Old Vic/New Voices at the Atlantic Theater, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, the Contemporary American Theater Festival, and the inaugural NNPN/University Playwrights Workshop at the National Center for New Plays at Stanford University, among others. Her play HAPPYSLAP was a winner of Aurora Theatre Company’s 2007 Global Age Project and was produced by the Ohio University School of Theater in their 2006-2007 season. She is the recipient of a 2006 Ohio University SEA research and development grant for 10 VIRGINS, which will receive its world premiere in Chicago Dramatists’ 2007-2008 season. She is currently working on a commission for Victory Gardens Theater, made possible by the Wallace Foundation. She earned an MFA in playwriting from Ohio University and a BA from Yale. The CAC Residency in Applied Arts is designed to provide an intensive learning experience for artists interested in exploring the topic of aging and memory loss, supported by grants from the Helen Bader Foundation and the Brookdale Foundation. Artists receive a $20,000 stipend for three months. The residency also provides housing, travel funds, and up to $7,000 in supplies. CAC’s first Artist in Residence was nationally recognized documentary photographer Wing Young Huie. The current Artist in Residence is artist and musician David Greenberger, who is collaborating with musician Paul Cebar to transform interviews with people with memory loss into music. Greenberger and Cebar will share the progress of their work at the October 28th Milwaukee Aging Consortium’s Networking Fair. The selection panel for the 2009 Residency in Applied Arts included Wing Young Huie (photographer), Lisa Dorin (Art Institute of Chicago), and Amy Horst (John Michael Kohler Art Center). http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/cac-announces-the-2009-residency-in.html Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:47:31 GMT More Americans are living longer than at any other time in history. Aging is a dynamic field of study where demographic and generational shifts are cracking open all disciplines and demanding innovations in how we care for older adults. We gathered at the Zelazo Center to celebrate 10 students who have chosen to focus on aging and who will, through their practice and research, contribute to those innovative efforts. The Center on Age & Community (CAC) is proud to be a part of educating the upcoming workforce to improve the quality of life of older adults. Graduate students pictured: Lisa Simolon, Samantha Klinger, Kathy Wolfgram, Jessie Weathersby, Joshua Lang and Jessica Linberts. (Missing from picture: Stephanie Bruce, Miho Fuji, and Susan Ringle). Read [more](http://cac.obiki.org/education/graduate_programs.html) about the Certificate in Applied Gerontology. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/cachonorsappliedgeronotologycertificategraduatestudentsatgradluncheonmay15.html Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:16 GMT The Center on Age & Community (CAC), in partnership with the Helen Bader Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008-09 scholarships for UWM graduate students in the Applied Gerontology Certificate Program. Thanks to the generous support of the Helen Bader Foundation, an unprecedented $80,000 in scholarships were awarded This year's recipients are Steve Bernfeld, James H. Brown, Stephanie R. Bruce, Stacy K. Ehler, Gretchen Fairweather, Jennifer R. Fiscal, Elizabeth Grimm, Myounghee Jorn, Joshua Lang, Mark A. Proffitt, Chia-Jung Shih and Maggie Wallendal. These twelve students come from diverse backgrounds but have all demonstrated their commitment to the study of Gerontology through research, community service and extracurricular activities aimed to better the lives of older adults. The Scholarship Program is part of CAC's mission of linking University expertise to community innovation in aging services. Since the Center on Age & Community was first established in 2001, one of the primary goals has been to remove the barriers that prevent students from studying Gerontology. In today's world with so many older adults on the horizon, the study of Gerontology is needed more than ever before. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/congratulationstohelenbaderscholarshipwinners-1.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:10:20 GMT Listen to the power of songwriting with older adults. On WUWM 89.7, the Lake Effect program featured Songwriting Works!, the interactive songwriting workshop that uses the power of performance to foster healing and personal growth for older adults. Hear the transformative power of songwriting, from Founder [Judith-Kate Friedman's](http://www.songwritingworks.org/) performance recorded at Luther Manor, in Wauwatosa on April 16, 2008. Visit the [WUWM website](http://www.wuwm.com/) to hear a podcast of the event. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/tuneintowuwm897.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:33:37 GMT The CAC would like to congratulate the following individuals, who were recently awarded Helen Bader Scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year: Steve Bernfeld James H. Brown Stephanie R. Bruce Stacy K. Ehlers Gretchen Fairweather Jennifer R. Fiscal Elizabeth Grimm Myounghee Jorn Joshua Lang Mark A. Proffitt Chia-Jung Shih Maggie Wallendal http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/congratulationstohelenbaderscholarshipwinners.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:39:52 GMT Applications are on the Education page. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/scholarshipdeadlineapproaching.html Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:25:32 GMT The Think Tank itself will include a dozen nationally-renowned and dynamic "out of the box" thinkers with wide-ranging expertise in: Family caregiving research; Culture change in long-term care (LTC); LTC regulations; State LTC policy; Organizational transitions; and Community-based aging services Our Friday Public Forum will distill the essence of our conversation the day before, and respond to questions/dialogue. Sample topics and questions: The field of aging services is transforming. Innovations are coming from both academic and practice realms. How can we help those innovations take hold? What is the role of academic and community partnerships in ensuring they do? What are the goals of such partnerships? What are the best practices in research/practice partnerships? How do they go awry? How do they work best? What are the resistances and misunderstandings on both sides? How might we brainstorm our way around those misunderstandings and obstacles? What are the potential rewards of doing so? To ensure vigorous, open dialogue, we limit the number of participants to 40. The event is free, but you must register to hold your seat. A short list of those invited to the Think Tank: Barbara Bedney, Judith Gonyea, Karen Schoeneman, Gail Hunt, Katie Maslow, Ann Montgomery, Sinikka Santala, Laura Trejo, Donna Walberg [Registration](https://www4.uwm.edu/ageandcommunity/think_tank/ ) now available. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/registrationavailablefornextstepthinktank.html Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:29:51 GMT Fritsch will discuss the latest research in memory, reducing the risk of memory loss, maintaining brain function, the role of computers as a training tool, and new ways to look at dementia. Generations on Line includes special guest Tobey Dichter, president of the nonprofit Philadelphia company that developed this computer program for getting seniors on-line in congregate settings. Also presenting are key individuals from the Milwaukee pilot program testing Generations on Line in 29 low-income housing communities: Robert Frediani, Institute for Collaborative Health Interventions (ICHI)/Therapy Plus, and Mike Soika, YMCA CDC. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/cacstomfritschtopresentatmacmembershipmeeting.html Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:26:18 GMT A Workshop with SWW founder, Judith-Kate Friedman. Come share in the creation of song in a group setting. The workshop is ideal for anyone interested in using songwriting to build community, particularly with older adults, or those with disabilities. No musical experience necessary. SWW is the winner of multiple awards. It models person-centered care principles and celebrates the creativity and gifts of every human being. 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration 9:00 - 2:00 p.m. Workshop Registration Fee: $60 (includes lunch and Manual) [Registration](https://www4.uwm.edu/ageandcommunity/songwriting_workshop/) now available. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/registrationavailableforswwworkshop.html Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:59:34 GMT The Center on Age & Community sent a strong contingency of staff, scholars, and graduate students to San Francisco, CA for the Gerontological Society of America's 60th Annual Conference in November. In addition to the papers, poster presentations, and symposiums showcasing a range of interesting research projects, the center's display booth attracted people from all over the country interested in our list of creative products, the upcoming Post Doctoral Fellowship opportunity, and the cool freebees! The following people participated in conference activities by presenting papers, posters, or taking part in symposiums on their projects: Anne Basting, CAC Director, Poster session on the impact of a service learning program with TimeSlips at UWM and at Lehigh University; Symposium with Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Dolores Gallagher-Thompson called "From the Lab to the Livingroom: Challenges in Translating Research on Memory-Loss." Thomas Fritsch, CAC Associate Director, Poster presentation entitled, "Prevalence and cognitive bases of subjective memory complaints in older adults: Evidence from a community sample." Jung Kwak, CAC Post Doctoral Fellow, Presented three posters and participated in a symposium: "Ethnic Differences in End-of-Life Care Planning and Preferences for Hospice"; "Neoliberalism and the Future of Retirement Security in the United States"; "Behavioral health problems and service costs for White, Black and Hispanic Medicaid beneficiaries before and after admission to nursing homes"; and "The Relationship between Filial Identity and Caregiver Burden among Adult-Child Caregivers." Joshua Lang, Office of Applied Gerontology, Presented poster entitled "The Impact of Creative Activities on Elder Engagement" Rhonda Montgomery, Office of Applied Gerontology, presented four papers: "The Development of a Caregiver Assessment Tool: Translating Research into Practice"; "Measuring Caregiver Identity and its Association with Caregiver Burden"; "The Impact of Creative Activities on Elder Engagement"; "The Impact of Social Embarrassment on Caregiving Distress in a Multi-Cultural Sample of Caregivers"; and "Beyond Eligibility: Caregiver Assessment as a Sustaining Device." Sarah Morgan, College of Nursing, Poster presentation entitled, Using Principles of Diffusion of Innovation to Improve Nursing Home Care (co-authored with Christine Kovach, PhD, RN, FAAN and Michael Brondino, PhD). Jeannine Rowe, Office of Applied Gerontology, Participant/Co-author of Symposium Session: The Relationship between Filial Identity and Caregiver Burden among Adult-Child Caregivers; Poster Session: The Impact of Creative Activities on Elder Engagement. Marie Savundranayagam, Social Work, Colloquium: What makes a stressor burdensome? Explaining the variability of burden in spouse caregivers. She also chaired a session on "Aging and Mental Health." http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/strongcontingencygoestogsa.html Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:06:02 GMT Click on the link below to visit our post doc page and access the application. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/2008-2010postdoctoralfellowshipapplicationsnowavailable.html Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:31:50 GMT CAC has hosted post-doc fellows in aging and the environment; nursing; and social work. We are thrilled to be able to continue offering these in-depth, interdisciplinary experiences for emerging scholars in gerontology, and to bring some of the countries best hearts and minds to Milwaukee. In addition to the Post-doc fellowship program, the Helen Bader Foundation funding will provide support for our Next Step Think Tank series each spring, and support the development of innovative products for the field of aging. Products in development include: a manual for the ArtCare program; a discussion guide for a lovely short film entitled Koyoko, Naturally; and an edgy graphic t-shirt design. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/cacreceivesfundingforpost-docs.html Sat, 27 Oct 2007 20:04:48 GMT In partnership with Luther Manor, Lutheran Home, and Lutheran Family Services, Tom Fritsch will consult on the creation of a common curriculum and evaluate the program itself. This will be among the first in-depth evaluations of such programs in the country. Congrats to the team! http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/earlymemorylossstudyfunded.html Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:57:28 GMT We capped the attendance at 40 to ensure a relatively intimate setting for discussion - so our apologies to those of you who weren't able to join us. We hope to have our White Paper (transcripts and continuing thoughts) available soon. Keep your eye on the website. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/thanksforthedialogue.html Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:00:25 GMT The CAC offers travel grants to support UWM students and faculty who are making a presentation at a conference on a topic of aging. Grants for 2007/08 Fall/Spring travel were awarded to Marcellus M. Merritt, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Carol H. Ott, PhD, RN, LPC, Associate Professor, College of Nursing. Dr. Merritt plans to present "High John Henyrism Predicts Heightened Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Levels Among Black Female Dementia Family Caregivers" at the American Psychosomatic Society annual meeting in Baltimore, MD, from March 12-15, 2008. Co-authors include T.J. McCallum and Thomas Fritsch, PhD. Dr. Ott will present "The Experience of High Levels of Grief in Alzheimer's Caregivers" at the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) 30th Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec, April 29-May 3, 2008. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/cactravelgrants.html Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:44:33 GMT Should doctors always tell older adults how long they have to live? How much of a role should families play in communication about end of life issues? How does communication about end of life issues differ in various cultures? What are the ethical/spiritual issues at the end of life? UWM's Center on Age & Community's "Dialogues in Best Practices: How to Best Communicate End of Life Issues with Older Adults with End-Stage Dementia and their Families" will tackle these questions and more. The Dialogue is set for October 16th from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at UWM's Zelazo Center, Room 171. The Dialogue is free, but [registration](https://www4.uwm.edu/ageandcommunity/event_registration/index.cfm?a1=edit&notify=TRUE) is required. Click [here](http://www.ageandcommunity.org/education/fall_2007_dialogue_in_best_practices.html) for more details, including directions and parking information. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/datesetforfalldialogueonend-of-lifeissues.html Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:54:42 GMT In May 2007, Kwak was selected as one of AARP's Diversity Student Fellows to attend the AARP Diversity and Aging in the 21st Century Conference, which was held in Los Angeles, CA from June 19 thru June 21, 2007. "I was honored to be selected as a fellow to attend the conference." The conference brought together nationally recognized scholars, innovative thinkers, policy makers, and practitioners as well as fellow junior researchers from all over the country. With support from the CAC, Kwak attended the 2007 Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research at the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She took two statistical analysis courses, longitudinal analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). "Although it was one of the most intense and intellectually challenging four weeks I have ever spent," said Kwak, "I am really glad to take two courses. The knowledge and skills gained from these two courses have already proven to be essential in my current research projects with my colleagues at the CAC and Applied Gerontology. Thank you so much, CAC!!!" In August 2007, Kwak received a year-long mentorship award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), a leading national organization that brings together researchers, physicians and other medical professionals to promote excellence in and advancement of palliative medicine. "I feel truly honored to receive this award which will allow me to receive a direct, focused mentorship from Dr. Kramer, who is a nationally recognized researcher in the field of palliative and end-of-life care." Under her mentorship, Kwak will gain additional knowledge and skills in mixed method research methodologies and agency-based research as well as meet and network with other scholars in the field by attending the annual AAHPM conference in January, 2008. Invited by the Ethics Committee of Communty Care, Inc, Kwak presented her research on cultural diversity and end-of-life care on September 4, 2007. "This was a great opportunity to share research findings with practitioners working with elders of diverse cultural backgrounds. Exchange of ideas and experiences with practitioners not only validated many research findings and related implications for practice, but also helped me appreciate the complexity and challenges associated with everyday work of these practitioners and learn from their experiences and wisdom." Keep up the great work, Jung! http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/postdocjungkwakupdates.html Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:49:59 GMT CAC offers travel grants to support UWM students and faculty who are making a presentation at a conference on a topic on aging. Two awards for $750 each will be awarded in the Fall for Fall/Spring travel, and two in the Spring for Spring/Summer travel. CAC will award two grants (up to $2,000 each) to support Faculty/Undergraduate Collaboration in Research on Aging. Two grants will be awarded in the Fall for Fall/Spring research; two will be awarded in the Spring for Spring/Summer research. http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/grantopportunities.html Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:07:49 GMT The recent issue of Voice of America News (voanews.com), which reaches an international audience, highlights the StoryCorps Memory Loss Initiative. It is a lovely article that explains more about the project and its participants, including comments from our own Anne Basting! ["Recording Project Preserves Stories of People with Memory Loss"](http://www.voanews.com/english/AmericanLife/2007-08-13-voa34.cfm) By Veronique LaCapra http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/internationalcoverageforthestorycorpsmemorylossinitiative.html Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:17:21 GMT Greenberger will interview people with memory loss in the area and work with a composer to set their words to music. His work includes cd's, radio pieces, graphic novels, magazine/newsletters, and live performances. To learn more about his work see www.duplexplanet.com http://www.ageandcommunity.org/news/newartistinresidencyawarded.html Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:58:42 GMT