Skip to Content

SEEK Conference 2024

SEEK Conference 2024

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Registration: 8:00 a.m.)
Sinclair Community College Dayton Campus
Sinclair Conference Center, Building 12, Smith Auditorium

Registration Fee: $10 (includes all sessions, box lunch, and parking under Building 12)
Register here by Wednesday, July 31 to reserve your seat.


Featured Opening Speaker: Kay Frances, MBA, BS, CSP

Funny Motivational Speaker, Kay Frances, has shared her message to "lighten up, stress less and take care of ourselves" in 49 states and Canada for over 30 years.  She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a degree in Health and Education.

When it comes to humor, Kay is the "real deal" having performed as a professional standup comedian for many years and appearing on a number of national television and radio programs.  Additionally, Kay is the author of "The Funny Things about Stress; A Seriously Humorous Guide to a Happier Life."


Breakout Sessions: 10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.

Institute of Holistic Leadership: Longevity
Patti McCormick, RN, PHD, President
You can make a difference in not only how long you live but the quality of health while you are living that long wonderful life!  There are many areas of Holistic Health that you can incorporate and there is research to prove it.  Dr. McCormick will also discuss information as presented in the Blue Zones research - a study of current cultures that live to 100 while staying active!  Discussion of activities, healthy habits and foods that can keep you living longer and healthier...maybe even a recipe or two!

Discover Longfellow Commons Community - An Emerging, Innovative Housing Community for 55+ where All Are Welcome
Gloria Hurwitz, Vice President of Advancement, United Church Homes
The former Longfellow School property at 245 Salem Avenue is poised for an innovative $52M adaptive reuse. This project is a historic preservation initiative to save the historic Longfellow School, an economic revitalization effort to add investment back into the treasured historic Grafton Hill neighborhood and will serve a marginalized population with intentional programming and amenities for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Sinclair Police: Fundamental Self Defense
Wayne Dumolt, Training and Education Coordinator
Everyone has the right to protect them self.  In this session, we will explore some fundamentals of how to get started or add to what you already know.  This session is open to demonstration and discussion of concerns relating to defending yourself from a potential threat.

Thrifty Tips: Clipping Digital Coupons & Overview of Dayton Metro Library
Tracy Borders, Information Services Assistant - Tech Emphasis
This session will cover how to create online accounts for Kroger and Meijer in order to clip digital coupons.  Additionally, we'll discuss how to capitalize on the offerings at Dayton Metro Library, like one-on-one technology assistance and the Pantry Partner Food Distribution program.

Front Street: If Walls Could Talk
Richard Lundin, Managing Partner, Samantha Mang, Marketing Director, Office Manager
"If Walls Could Talk" explores Front Street's historical significance to the economic and industrial history of Dayton.  From its original use as an envelope factory in one of Dayton's earliest factory districs to being the heart of Dayton's Art District, Richard Lundin and Samantha Man of Front Street take you back to the turn of the 20th century and share with you the rich history of how it came to be what it is today; home to 150+ art studios, galleries, shops and boutiques.

Kettering Health - Obesity Trends
Carlos Ventura, MD, Primary Care with Kettering Health Years Ahead
What questions do you have about the obesity pandemic and treatment options for weight loss?  What are the side effects?  Who is the best candidate for treatment and why?  While there are benefits and drawbacks to alternate treatments, should you consider these approaches over traditional methods like nutrition and exercise?

WestCare Ohio: The Aging Mastery Program: Navigating Longer Lives
Nanci McGuire, Prevention Program Specialist
The Aging Mastery Program, created by the National Council on Aging, is a 10-week course encouraging older adults, age 55 and over, to explore the realities of living longer, physical activities, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness, managing medications, planning ahead for sickness/death, healthy relationships, falls prevention and community engagement.  Sessions are held monthly at various locations including East End or other community centers, Dayton Metro libraries, senior residential sites and churches.  Everyone completing all 10 classes earn a certificate and a Chromebook to stay connected with family and friends, healthcare providers and other community resources.


Breakout Sessions: 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.

Sit Down Shape Up
Jessica Shields-Quijano, Zumba Instructor
Choreographed chair routines and strength moves plus stretching to work your entire body.

The Rosko Group - Keller Williams: Downsizing Roadmap
Jodi Rosko, Realtor
Considering downsizing but not sure where to start?  Join us to learn about the mindset of moving, tips and tricks to downsize your belongings, how to maximize your home sale price, and much more to get you where you want to go!

City of Dayton Police Department: Fraud and Scams Against Senior Citizens
Officer Dan Mamula, Police Officer, Community Engagement Unit
Class teaches how to avoid fraud and scams targeting senior citizens.

Harnessing the Power of AI: Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence
Paul Hansford, Associate Professor, Sinclair College
The introductory workshop is designed for people who are new to the world of artificial intelligence (AI).  Participants will learn the basics of AI, understand its potential applications, and explore how it can be integrated into their life.  No prior knowledge of AI is required.

Kettering Health: Navigating Your Healthcare Journey: How to Advocate for Yourself
Denise Berthold, Taira Suchland, Pam Walker, Healthcare Navigators
Quality medical care is available for those who know how to persue it proficiently and advocate for themselves.  This enlightening and interactive program will equip, empower and educate you with the tools and confidence you need to help you recieve your best medical outcomes.  Come prepared with your questions for a lively, informative session and Healthcare Navigators with Kettering Health will be happ to assist you!

Dayton Metro Library: Who's That Lady?!
Karen Brame, Information Services Librarian, Africana Archives Empasis, Special Collections
Presenter, Karen D. Brame of Special Collections highlights the accomplishments of amazing Black women achievers, including Octavia Butler, Stella Jean and Edna Lewis, within diverse fields of endeavors in celebration.

Dayton VA Medical Center: History and Current Projects with Innovation
LaCario Johnson, Interim Assistant Director
This session will explore the vast history of the Dayton VA Medical Center and the current projects happening with innovation for the future.


Breakout Sessions: 12:45 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.

Dayton History: Preserving the Legacy of Mound Laboratory
Jaclyn Miller, Site/Project Manager of the Mound Cold War Discovery Center
Mound Laboratory was the first Atomic Energy Commission Site built after World War II in order to continue and consolidate work done in the Dayton Project, a subsidiary of the Manhattan Project.  Operating from 1948 to 2003, Mound Laboratory was an integrated research, development and production facility that supported the U.S. nuclear weapons, energy, and space programs.  In 2018, the Discovery Center was opened to educate the public about Mound's contributions through tours, educational programs, and outreach.

AxessPointe Community Health Centers: Benefits of Volunteering through the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program
Hiroko Schierman, Volunteer Coordinator
The AmeriCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been a prominent volunteers network for over fifty years, catering to individuals aged 55 and above.  The program encourages volunteers to utilize their skills, knowledge, and experience to help address the challenges local communities face.  What makes volunteering through AmeriCorps Seniors worth it?  What are the benefits of volunteering?  In this session, we will delve into the benefits of volunteering by briefly reviewing the research on the topic, listening to the local RSVP volunteer's testimonies, and learning about the local non-profit organizations.

The Dayton Art Institute: Your Lifelong Learning Partner
Dr. Shannon Peck-Bartle, Education and Community Engagement Director
Explore the programming, exhibitions, and collections at the Dayton Art Institute while discovering ways you can help preserve the rich history and stories of the art and architecture at the Dayton Art Insitute.  Join Dr. Shannon Peck-Bartle, Director of Education and Community Engagement, for a deep dive into current and upcoming exhibitions and education programming.

Long-term Care Ombudsman Office, Region 2: Here to Help You Coordinate Long-Term Care Needs and Navigate Nursing Home Selection
Chip Wilkins, Program Director, Megan Oiler, Assistant PD/My Care Ohio Specialist, Dotty Young, Volunteer Coordinator
Know anyone who is receiving Long-term care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, group home, or their private home?  Want to help their voice be heard?  Come learn how our office can help consumers expect excellence in their long-term care no matter where they live!  Come learn about their rights!  Our team advocates for these consumers in many ways and we need help.  You can help!  Think about joing our team as a volunteer.

What Leadership Looks Like
Michael Carter, Sr. Advisor to the President/Chief Diversity Officer
Join a discussion and Q&A session with Michael Carter as he shares the insights he has gained from over 20 years in leadership.  You will also have the opportunity to share your own perspectives on what makes good leadership.

RetireMed: Medicare 101 - Navigating Medicare
Kevin Lowden, Senior Account Executive
Whether you are approaching age 65 and retirement, working past age 65, or are already enrolled in Medicare, it's important to understand the plans and benefits available to you.  Get the answers to your Medicare questions in this informative session.

Overview of Lifelong Learning and Sinclair
Ada Middleton and Carolyn McGill
Join us as we discuss the Lifelong Learning program, how to volunteer on the Advisory Board and subcommittees, registering for non-credit classes and auditing credit courses.