Vital Aging Network e-Bulletin
 
 

Tribute to Jan Hively

We’re happy to share a new tribute to Jan Hively, co-founder and initial administrator of the Vital Aging Network. Moira Allan, Jan’s co-founder of the Pass It On Network, reminds us of Jan’s groundbreaking work, helping people see aging as potential rather than just decline.


Jan’s words, “meaningful work, paid or unpaid, through the last breath,” live on in the grassroots networks she left behind. The Pass It On Network is a global peer-learning network that includes aging activists from 60 countries.
Jan Hively
Listen to the tribute on YouTube

New VAN Leadership Structure


As VAN enters its 25th year in 2026, we are taking the time to examine how we are achieving our mission, our role as we move into the future, and our leadership structure.


As a volunteer-led and operated organization, VAN doesn’t have staff to handle everyday details for our organization. In the past, we have depended upon a volunteer executive director to do that work. Last month, the VAN Board appointed a Leadership Team to take the role of executive director for the organization. Sally Brown, Donna Comer, Kris Orluck, Mary Quirk, Julie Roles, and Colleen Swedberg will serve as the Leadership Team. They, along with Jan Cunningham, Chris Ferris, Joan Grzywinski, and Mark Skeie, make up the VAN Board.


Thank you, Vickie Snyder!

A special thank you to Vickie Snyder, who has served as the VAN Board chair and executive director for the past several years. We deeply appreciate her work and are happy to say that she will continue to be a vital volunteer with VAN in the future.

Members of the VAN Board and friends celebrate the gigantic contributions Vickie Synder has made to VAN.
Vickie Snyder

Vickie with her “retirement” garden stake
 
 
 
graphic image of a potted plant

Aging DIY Tip: Downsize with Purpose

By Sherri Weiss, VAN contributor


Having worked in aging services, I never lose sight of aging realities — some rewarding, some annoying. One example of where people may get in trouble is giving little thought and planning to their post-65 housing. Ignorance is NOT (necessarily) bliss.


After 40 years together, my spouse and I have owned three homes, the last a townhome we lived in for 24 years. A modest lifestyle suits us. With aging unknowns ahead, we decided to change our living environment from ownership to lease, and to control the downsizing process ourselves rather than burden others. The goal: A simple, possession-light life.
Read the article
 

VAN Forum

What’s the role of older adults in our democracy today?

We held two forums earlier this year to discuss democracy and our roles in it. The forums were well-received, with lively, engaged discussions. Now you can join in the conversation.


Monday, November 10 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Ridgedale Library

12601 Ridgedale Drive

Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305

 

In its simplest terms, democracy is governance by the people. American democracy is nearing its 250th anniversary, and it is showing signs of stress. According to John Dewey, an American philosopher and educator, “Democracy needs to be reborn in every generation.” What’s our role in that rebirth?


Hear others’ views, share your own, and walk away with refreshed energy for doing our part in preserving and strengthening our democracy. All voices welcome. No expertise needed, just curiosity, concern, and a belief in the power of people.
Register for the forum

Upcoming VAN Events


Wellness 50+ Oakdale


Craft Socials with Nicki Fischer

Sundays: October 19, November 16 and December 21 | 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Oakdale Discovery Center

Need more table space, like to share your crafting, need help to finish a craft, or just want to see what others are working on - come to this program.

Refreshments provided.

Register online or call 651-747-3860


Why Estate Planning Matters

Friday, October 24 | 1:30 to 4:00 pm

Oakdale Discovery Center

Learn the basics of estate planning with local attorney Laurann J. Kirchner. Topics include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate and more. Laurann’s approach includes practical advice and a welcoming environment for questions. Social time follows.

Register online or call 651-747-3860


Nutrition for Healthy Aging

Saturday, November 8 | 1:00 to 2:30 pm

Join Katherine Rivard, RDN, LD and build your better self. Learn nutrition requirements and patterns to boost your wellness in this interactive session. Social/time/refreshments to follow presentation.

Register online or call 651-747-3860


Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, December 26 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Oakdale Discovery Center

Sign up at American Red Cross Blood Services or call 1-800-Red Cross


Visit the calendar on the VAN website for ongoing Wellness 50+ Oakdale events


Wellness 50+ Twin Cities


Lake Elmo Evening Hike (Currently full, click on the link to join the waitlist)

Tuesday, November 4 | 5:30 to 7:30 pm

We will hike the lighted Nordic ski trails before the snow comes and the trails are not available to hikers.

Register on Meetup


Adopt A Road Clean Up

Thursday, November 6 | 1:00 to 3:00 pm

This will be our last cleanup session of 2025 on our adopted section of Washington County Highway 13. High-visibility vests and bags are provided. We will walk the shoulder and pick up trash before winter sets in.

Register on Meetup


Aging with Gusto


Are you interested in hosting a three-part Aging with Gusto session or a Confronting Ageism session? Please email us at AWG@vital-aging-network.org and let us know what you have in mind.

Mark your calendar for GiveMN on November 20
GiveMN logo

Your donation to the Vital Aging Network provides essential funding for programs like Aging with Gusto, Wellness 50+, and other community-building initiatives.


Help ensure that VAN can continue making a positive impact on the lives of older adults in our community!
Donate today!

Good to Know


Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging 2025 Summit

Are you interested in having your voice heard on policy issues that affect older adults? Attend this year’s Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging Summit on December 10 (Zoom) and 16 (St. Catherine University). This conference is Minnesota’s only systems-level conference focused on aging policy. Learn more and register.


Age-Friendly Regional Exchange Sessions

The Age-Friendly Minnesota Council is hosting community meetings to learn about efforts to advance Minnesota's Multisector Blueprint for Aging, celebrate regional innovations, engage with lawmakers, and learn how you can shape the age-friendly work in your region. Learn more and register.

 

Dementia Care Navigation

Trellis has just launched a Care Ecosystem program for free, personalized support for people living with dementia and their caregivers in the Twin Cities metro area. The telephone-based service provides guidance, resources, and connections to make the dementia care journey easier to navigate. Learn more or make a referral.


The Supreme Court: What’s at Stake for Older Adults in 2025

During the 2025-2026 term the Supreme Court will hear several cases with significant implications for older adults. This preview from AARP attempts to forecast what’s coming and what’s at stake. Read the report.

 
 

Vital Aging Network | PO Box 51 | Lake Elmo, MN 55042 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Facebook  LinkedIn  Email
 
Constant Contact