Transitions With Jean - Columns
Three things for you.
Today, there are three things for you. 1. Falling can change your life! “Finding Balance Together” is a community group of caring professionals who want to help all of us stay upright. Their mission is to “increase awareness that falls are the leading cause of...
A Building with Heart: The Journey of the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center
Over the decades, our community center in Appleton has taken on many names and locations—but its heart has always stayed the same. It began as the Appleton Civic League, then became the Golden Agers Club House, and later the Appleton Senior Center. Eventually, the...
I need help with my stuff!
One of my favorite things to do is to talk with people about making a transition. I have met Red Hat ladies, spoken at libraries, been at churches, senior communities, Rotary, Kiwanis, everywhere! My presentation is often called “I need help with my stuff.” Sometimes...
It is painful when we cannot grieve for someone we love.
Recently, a customer told me matter-of-factly: “When I die, I don’t want a funeral.” My first thought was “Ouch. Where does that leave your family?” I reached out to an expert, Eric Stadler, Pre-planning Specialist at Valley Funeral Home. I asked what his response...
Jean’s big sister talks experience, benefits of a part-time job after you retire.
My big sister, Laura, is someone I look up to. As the oldest of eight kids, she spent her early years taking care of her siblings. She was also the one that had to break in Mom and Dad as parents. She did the supervising role well, and she did a pretty good job...
Why is it so hard to let go of things?
I have this thing. I need to clear-out things because I have too much stuff. But this thing is special. It cannot just go to charity. It must go to the right person, someone who will appreciate it. I’ll bet you have a thing, too. We want to control our stuff and...
Conversation starters to get grandchildren engaged in conversation
Dear Jean: When I am with my grandchildren, I don’t know what to talk to them about. They just sit on their phones. We don’t seem to have anything in common. Do you have any ideas? Answer: Sometimes, I wonder about the same thing. I am pretty sure my grandkids are...
Allowing strangers into your home when selling your “stuff” is risky
Dear Jean, Recently, I was in the audience at the library when you spoke about how to get rid of our stuff. You told us not to sell things on Facebook Marketplace or Craig’s List, because we shouldn’t let people in who can haul things out. I disagree. I have been...
Will you be a good holiday guest? Here’s a quiz to get you thinking.
A few years ago, I had a fun quiz about how to approach family gatherings over the holidays. Here are more questions for you to consider. There is no perfect answer, just food for thought. 1. The family dinner is the highlight of the day. It means so much to Mom to...
Without change, there would be no butterflies.
Change is hard. This month, I get to experience that first hand. After 64 years in business, we are closing A-1 Moving & Storage. I have been running the company for 30 years. I am ready to dedicate more time to my passion: helping seniors as they transition from...