Annual State Conference
Each year, PAPA offers a conference for activity professionals to learn about the new challenges and advancements in the field, to network with other activity professionals and discover new resources.
The 2009 Conference:
October 18-21, 2009 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, PA
Download the Conference Brochure or just the registration form.
Download a vendor application as a pdf or word document.
Chairperson is Linda Gossar-Loesch. You can contact her at 
Conference schedule:
Sunday October 18 2-6 pm - Registration 2:45-5 pm - Bus tour leaving from Hotel Main entrance 3-6 pm (3 clock hours) 7-8 pm (1 clock hour) Monday, October 19 7:30-8:15 am - Registration and Continental Breakfast 8:15 am - Opening Remarks 8:30-10 am (1.5 clock hours) - Opening Keynote Address 10-10:30 am - Break 10:30-12 noon (1.5 clock hours) E. Making Music on Easy Play Instruments - This is a presentation for all those who have wanted to play an instrument but have been afraid they lack the talent for it. Session participants will have fun as they explore the use of therapeutic instruments. The ability to read music is NOT required for this hands-on session. Participants will discover the minimal degree of difficulty involved in learning to play an Autoharp or Q Chord. Learn how to read and play from a lead sheet, while experiencing the joy of playing calming chord progressions for the patient who is struggling with pain or agitation. Evaluate the pros and cons of both instruments to assist in the possible future purchase of one of these easy play instruments. Presenter: Cass Jendzurski, Certified Music Practitioner F. Brain Education for Successful Aging - This presentation will address the importance of brain health. We will understand that cognitive function (memory, attention, perception, problem solving…) relies on the whole brain, not just one area. Participants will be able to identify activities that a person can do to keep their brains active and have the opportunity to participate in these activities so that they can take the concepts of the activities back to their place of employment to implement. Presenter: Candy Yingling, CTRS G. CPR - See Workshop A. 12-1 pm - Lunch 1-2 pm (1 clock hour) I. Activities for the Cognitively Impaired - Participants will be provided education related to the Alzheimer’s disease process as it relates to providing meaningful activities. Strategies for approach, communication and use of sensory programs will be shared. Presenter: Janice Mullen, BA, MA, National Certified Dementia Practitioner J. Doodling, Dabbling & Drawing - This session will teach you to draw and enable you to teach others. Learn basic drawings through the humorous world of cartooning. Activity professionals will learn easy tricks of the trade to show residents how easy it is to draw. Cory will demonstrate how to turn squiggles and doodles and dabbles into figures and drawings. He’ll illustrate looney lettering and sketch a few caricatures as well. You will participate in art games that residents can partake in with small groups or even one on one visits. 2-2:30 pm - Break 2:30-3:30 pm (1 clock hour) L. Behaviors - What are they Telling Us? - Working in LTC and assisted living centers, we come across several different types of behaviors. These behaviors happen for a reason; whether mediation, or process, hunger, mental illness, etc. Find out how to help the elders. Presenter: Sherry Barzak, BS, ADC. PAPA Board Member M. Baby Boomers - The biggest largest generation that has influenced life, as we know it is now headed toward your facility. This population will change the way that we do business as activity professionals. Their needs and interests will challenge us all to re-invent activities services. 3:30-4 pm - Break 4-5 pm (1 clock hour) O. Simple Slick Crafts from Everyday Items - It’s craft time and you neglected to go to the craft store. Don’t sweat it. Just use what you have around the activity room. Come and learn some interesting ways to use Styrofoam cups, empty toilet paper rolls and more to create some different and useful items. You don’t have to be crafty or good at creating things to make these simple things. Your residents will have success with these easy crafts and fun doing them too. Presenter: Linda Gossar –Loesch, ADC; PAPA President P. Death is a Profound Lesson for the Living - A deep curiosity and interest surrounds the mystery of death. There is value in the fact we openly discuss a subject usually shrouded in fear. Hence, when growth is accepted or a life long experience, death can provide a profound lesson for the living. Sharing this topic is essentially a reflection on occasional experience, study and dialogue. Presenter: Sister Denise Bernas, Felician Sister, ACC, BA, PAPA Board Member 5-5:30 pm - Vendor Time Supper on your own 7:30-8:30 pm (1 clock hour) 7:30-9 pm (1.5 clock hour) 8:30 pm - Raffle Drawing for prizes, Networking Time |
Tuesday, October 20 7:30-8:30 am - Registration 7:30-8:30 am - Continental Breakfast 8:30-10 am (1.5 clock hours) 10-10:30 am - Break 10:30-12 noon (1.5 clock hours) T. Making Music on Easy Play Instruments - See Workshop E U. Balance Assessment & Exercise Prescription - This session will help you to assess postural alignment that affects balance in a seated, standing and/or walking position. The second half of the presentation will provide safe and effective ways to improve an elder’s posture, flexibility, muscular strength and balance to help prevent falls. Presenter: Lori Gravish, BS, Exercise Sports Science, MS Cardiac Rehabilitation 12-1 pm - Lunch & Raffle 1-2 pm (1 clock hour) W. Activities for the Cognitively Impaired - See Workshop I X. Adaptable/Retro Games - A trip down memory lane for residents who created the biggest “Boom” in games and toys. This session aims to adapt games formerly enjoyed by baby boomers and their parents. These amended games will renew the feeling and memories of playing with the newest and most innovative toys and games on the century. 2-2:30 pm - Break 2:30-2:30 pm (1 clock hour) Z. Life History - This session will help you to have a better understanding of what information is essential in the initial assessment process. Learn how to incorporate the principles of person centered life history collection information by developing a realistic Life History to enhance a person centered community life. Presenter: Kay Lynne Ege, BS, ACC, CMC AA. Artistic Expressions - This is a hands on session for professionals new to the field or those who claim they are not “artistic”. Session involves simple, fun art projects successfully used with mixed populations of independent through dementia residents. The most emphasis is placed on the process and not the end product. Examples: “Blind Art”, “Great American Art Fling”, Tissue Art, Painting with Marbles, Bubbles and Bubble wrap, as well as Sculpting with Shaving Cream. Presenter: Carol Gockley, ADPC, PAPA Board Member 3:30-4 pm - Break 4-5 pm (1 clock hour) CC. Senior Fitness - The Road to Living - This will be an interactive session on ways to enhance quality of living in lower functioning assisted and skilled nursing programs. Presenter: Lori A. Gravish, BS, Exercise Sports Science, MS Cardiac Rehabilitation DD. Tai Chai - The ancient art of Tai Chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce stress and improve health. Tai Chi has been proven to improve muscle strength, balance and coordination, reduce the number of falls, and relieve chronic pain. Learn how to adapt traditional Tai Chi movements for your residents. Presenter: Sandy Newfield, ADC, PAPA Board Member Supper on your own 7:30-8:30 (1 clock hour) 8:30 pm - Raffle Drawing for Prizes, Networking Time. Wednesday, October 21 7:30-8:30 am - Breakfast 8:30-10 am (1.5 clock hour) 10:30-12 noon (1.5 clock hour) 12:00 noon - Lunch & Raffle Conference Wrap Up |
This year's vendors:
| SeaBay Games Company | www.seabaygame.com |
| ActivityConnection.com | www.activityconnection.com/ |
| Lifecycle Systems | www.lifecycle-systems.com/ |
| Guided Angels Ministry | www.guidedangels.com |
| Marti Visits | www.martivisits.com |
| Flaghouse | www.flaghouse.com |
| Belinda Aquino Enterprizes | www.hotpakhuggies.com |
| Continental Health Equipment, Inc. | |
| Unlock the Memories | www.unlockthememories.com |
| A New Day | www.activitymaterials.com |
Copyright, PAPA, 2005-2010
If you have comments about the website, please contact the webmaster.