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Encore Seniors

a good church to grow up in and a good church to grow old in.

We believe that VFC can be a good church to grow up in and a good church to grow old in. Encore Seniors is a ministry designed for everyone over 60 years of age, whether married or single. We host quarterly events that will center around enjoyable activities, food, fun, and community. This ministry is for those who are looking to meet new friends, foster deeper relationships, stay actively engaged, and enjoy fun times. (If you are 60 and over but your spouse is not...your spouse is also invited to be a part of this group. No spouse left behind!)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Managing Life Transitions Seminar

As we become empty nesters, retirees, grandparents, and in some cases, “snowbirds,” our focus changes, and we begin to take a closer look at the second half of life and all that it brings! There are major benefits to aging, like the blessing of having more free time and the joys of cultivating our friendships, but there are also new and specific challenges to navigate.

The big question, whether spoken or unspoken, often becomes: How do I navigate life’s transitions with wisdom, grace, and confidence?Here’s some good news – you don’t have to figure it out alone!

This April, Encore Seniors will be hosting a “Managing Life Transitions Seminar” on Saturday, April 27, from 8:00am to 12:00pm at Valley Family Church. This FREE seminar includes a continental breakfast and is designed to empower you with specific strategies, tools, and resources from expert presenters on the following topics: Leaving a Legacy and End of Life Considerations, Self-Defense for Seniors: Protecting Yourself in an Increasingly Dangerous World and Living Accommodations for Any Budget: Downsizing, Senior Communities, Assisted Living and Nursing Homes.

REGISTER HERE

Seminar Schedule

Saturday, April 27, from 8:00am-12:00pm


8:00-8:50: Doors Open (Continental Breakfast)
8:50-9:00: Welcome/Introductions
9:00-9:45: Leaving a Legacy & End of Life Considerations - William R. Wieringa, PC Estate Planning and Elder Law
9:45-10:00: Break
10:00-10:45: Self-Defense for Seniors: Protecting Yourself in an Increasingly Dangerous World - Dave Johnson
10:45-11:00: Break
11:00-12:00: Living Accommodations for Any Budget: Downsizing, Senior Communities, Assisted Living & Nursing Homes - Lynn McFarlen, Mary Beth Visniski & Todd Bradfield 
12:00: Dismissal

Speaker Bios

 

Bill Wieringa is an estate planning and elder law attorney with more than 20 years of experience. Bill helps clients understand and develop plans on how to preserve assets, protect loved ones, and other end-of-life issues, including how to make sure their family experiences as little stress as possible when tying up legal, financial, and personal matters that follow someone’s passing. Bill has been attending VFC since 1999 and serves in many areas of the church, including overseeing the Encore Seniors Ministry with his wife, Mary Jane Mapes.

Dave Johnson studied and trained in various forms of martial arts for more than 30 years. Toward the end of his training, Dave participated in many self-defense classes. Recently, he has been considering how to take his knowledge and adapt it to the needs of older adults to help raise situational awareness, an understanding of their capability, and gain confidence in utilizing some basic techniques in situations that require defending themselves. He and his wife, Shelly, have been attending VFC since 2018.

Lynn McFarlen is the Outreach Partner with Milestone Senior Services. Lynn educates the community on services provided by Milestone Senior Services, including Meals on Wheels and their Home Safety Modification Program. Milestones builds interior and exterior ramps, grab bars, and does free safety checks for people that want to feel safer in their homes. Lynn is an Oshtemo resident with her husband Ted, their two children, and two dogs.
 
Mary Beth Visniski is the owner of CarePatrol of Grand Rapids West and Kalamazoo. Mary Beth is a Certified Senior Advisor, Certified Placement and Referral Specialist, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Mary Beth volunteers with the Alzheimer's Association as a Caregiver Support Group Facilitator and Community Educator. Mary Beth chose a career in helping families find care for older adults after losing her mom to Alzheimer’s. 
 
Todd Bradfield is a local real estate agent with over 23 years of experience. Todd has earned the highest awards and continues to serve as a highly respected agent, representing both buyers and sellers. Todd has had the opportunity to be featured as a keynote speaker to share his knowledge and train other agents. Todd has been attending VFC for more than 20 years and currently serves on the church boards as well as in the Valley Starting Point Class.