April 2006 TLC was recognized in the Southern Illinois Health magazine and also participated in the West Frankfurt Lifestyle Expo.

March 2006 our staff presented research at the national Society for Behavioral Medicine Convention in San Francisco, CA. We were also in the local community participating in programs for the Parkinson’s Support Group.

February 2006 TLC was out and about again at the Senior Lifestyle Expo, Alzheimer’s’ Association Conference, “Maintain your Brain” program at the SIU recreation center, and through publication in the Heartland Women Magazine.

January 2006 TLC presented caregiver information to the Lion’s Club.

December 2005 TLC provided assistance to the WSIU Medicare Part D phone bank.

November 2005, National Caregiving Month, TLC presented caregiving research at the Annual Gerontological Society of America, and was featured on a radio ad on Z100 with hosts “Nut and Honey”. We also send letters to the editor for several area publications raising awareness about the joys and stress of caregiving.

October 2005 the TLC staff embarked on another lovely walk around the SIU campus lake as a fundraising team for the annual Alzheimer Memory Walk for the Carterville chapter of the Greater Illinois Alzheimer Association. Later in the month the co-directors, Kathleen Chwalisz, Ph.D., and Stephanie Dollinger, Ph.D., were featured on a Channel 3 interview discussing the upcoming Caregiver Month in November.

September 2005 TLC was active in the community through participation in the Southern Illinois Women’s Health Conference at John A. Logan and at the Carbondale Senior Center Health Fair. We also presented at the ‘Caring for Others’ caregiving educational series in Benton, IL.

August 2005 TLC served the greater Illinois community through participation in the Illinois State Fair in DuQuion. We enjoyed the opportunity to promote our services and learn from caregivers in the community. TLC also presented caregiver research at a national convention in Washington, D.C. at the annual American Psychological Association convention. Furthermore, TLC staff helped man the phone bank during a WSIU Alzheimer’s program.

In June and July of 2005, TLC joined hands with John A. Logan Community College to present a caregiving workshop. “Caregiving 101: A Workshop for Southern Illinois Caregivers” is a four week workshop for caregivers of older adults. Topics include: Preparing for Caregiving, Skills for the Caregiver, Accessing/Utilizing Community Resources, and Self-Care/Other-Care: Finding the Balance. The June classes were held at four Tuesday nights in a row, beginning June 14th at 7-9pm. These classes are repeated in July at 10am-12pm on Tuesday mornings, beginning the 12th and ending the 1st week in August. Feel free to call TLC for more information. This workshop is free and no registration is needed. The workshop is held at John A. Logan Community College in RM H128.

In May 2005, TLC displayed materials at the Eurma Hayes Center Health Fair “Health is Wealth: Taking Care of Ourselves in the 21st Century”. This health fair provides hands-on activities for children while parent pursue the exhibits or attend a seminar.

In May 2005, TLC staff members presented material at two Alzheimer’s Association support group meetings. One meeting is held every 2nd Tuesday night in Pinckneyville, IL for Alzheimer’s caregivers. The second meeting is held the 4th Tuesday night in Nashville, IL for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Please contact TLC if you are interested in attending these support group meetings.

In February 2005, TLC displayed material at the Senior Life-Style Expo, held in the Illinois Center Mall. This is one of the largest health fairs held for older adults in the Southern Illinois area. Information regarding healthcare issues and services for older adults are displayed during the two day expo.

In November 2004, TLC displayed material at the Alzheimer’s Association “A Journey through the Mind: From Here to Hope” Conference. This was an all-day educational conference for professionals, clergy, family, friends, and caregivers of those with dementia.

In October 2004, TLC staff members donated baked goods to the “Make a Difference Day” held by the Salvation Army League of Mercy. The Salvation Army and Shawnee Alliance for Seniors raised funds through donations collected from baked goods for older adults that had emergency needs.

In September 2004, two of our staff members participated in “Rebuilding Together” a national movement to preserve and revitalize low-income housing. This program kept 12,000 seniors in their home in 2004. Visit http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/ for more information.

In September 2004, TLC displayed material at the 18th Annual Southern Illinois Women’s Health Conference. TLC will be attending this conference again this year, which is held at the John A. Logan Community College in September.