In what has become a popular, well-anticipated event for Chatham residents and those in surrounding counties, Chatham’s 3rd Senior Education Conference will be held on Nov. 14th at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center in Pittsboro.
To register for the event, go online to www.chathamcoa.org or visit the Chatham County Council on Aging’s two centers located in Pittsboro and Siler City.
The Council on Aging and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service of Chatham, which team to plan and coordinate the event, have put together another outstanding program. It includes a distinguished keynote speaker, 18 workshops, and a wide array of private and public exhibitors.
“This may be our best conference yet and the first two have been outstanding,” said COA director Dennis W. Streets.
The keynote speaker is Dr. David Casarett, a Duke Professor of Medicine and Chief of Palliative Care in DukeHealth. A respected researcher and author, Dr. Casarett will present a timely and somewhat controversial topic: The Truth about Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD oil).
“People may have a hard time choosing among the 18 workshops, but they can’t go wrong with any of the topics or presenters,” Streets said. With three hour-long workshop tracks during the day, participants can enhance their knowledge and skills in many diverse areas.
Those interested in learning more about financial and estate planning have an opportunity to learn from experts in estate administration and documentation and steps to leave a legacy.
Participants eager to improve their health can choose from topics that include the sleep deprivation, anti-cancer living, hearing loss, opioids, remaining safe and sound in the hospital, managing stress, and the healing powers of the NIA technique.
For the history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, there are other options. Among the workshops are the N.C. Dialects Project, Chatham’s history told through photographs, native plants for wildlife-friendly landscapes, and bees and other pollinators.
“For those who still seeking other interests, you might want to learn about science projects you can do with grandchildren, hear about the latest consumer scams, and experience the Cooperative Extension kitchen for sessions on food safety and cooking for 1 or 2,” said Melanie Girard, the COA’s Development & Communications Director.
“If this isn’t enough,” added Girard, “participants will also have a chance to meet with a wide array of exhibitors, including representatives from the Chatham County Tax Office, Chatham Hospital, the Veterans Service Office, and the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).”
Girard cautioned that while it’s not too late to register, tickets are going fast. The $25 ticket price includes the educational sessions, plus a hot lunch from The Old Place.
The low price for this event is made possible through the support of many sponsors. Major sponsors include Carolina Meadows, Galloway Ridge, Chatham Hospital, SHIIP, Hearing Health Care Services, Mountaire, Transitions LifeCare and Kennon Craver PLLC.
Proceeds from this event go to support the work of the Chatham County Council on Aging, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 45th year of service to Chatham seniors and their families.
“Again, it’s not too late to get your ticket for this outstanding day, but don’t wait too long,” said Girard. “Here’s an example of what we heard from last year’s participants: ‘My husband and I want to thank you for an amazing day — the entire Senior Education Conference was so well put together, great variety of topics, and a lovely lunch. It was difficult to choose only three workshops. We do know what a tremendous amount of work it was for all of you, and once more we say thank you!’”
To register, go to www.chathamcoa.org or visit the Chatham County Council on Aging’s two centers located in Pittsboro and Siler City. The Pittsboro Center is at 365 Hwy. 87 North and the Center in Siler City is at 112 Village Lake Road. Persons needing additional information may contact Melanie Girard at 919-542-4512, or melanie.girard@chathamcoa.org.