Conference Speakers

Tom Henderson - Founder and CEO ShelterBox (Friday Dinner)
The ShelterBox concept was thought up and developed by Rotarian and ex-Royal Navy search-and-rescue diver Tom Henderson. Without protection from the elements survival can be a real battle – particularly for the young, old and infirm. ShelterBox was launched in April 2000 with the first 143 ShelterBoxes flown to the earthquake-hit region of Gujarat in India in January 2001. Now, ShelterBox has become one of the most effective aid agencies in the world.

Roger Cram - Director of Special Projects at Hiram College (Saturday Breakfast)
Roger researched for five years “how” the famed Tuskegee Airmen, the first black US military pilots, solved their almost insurmountable problems peacefully. Based on his findings he developed the curriculum he teaches entitled “Modeling Future Heroes – A Practical Application of Human Values.” The course presents problem solving, values, and conflict resolution skills for practical applications in today’s various culture and is designed to inspire and guide our youth.

Joe Dittmar - 9/11 Survivor (Saturday Lunch)
Joe’s recitation of his journey from the 105th floor of Two World Trade Center provides a wealth of insight on an event that not only changed the world, but changed the way we proceed with our daily lives. His perspective deals with not only our political and militaristic vulnerability, but also with the reawaking of patriotic spirit and human determination. His offering stresses the point of “Always Remember...Never Forget”, allowing all of us to help him continue to “tell the story” so that perhaps history does not repeat itself.

Geri Heppe - (Sunday Breakfast)
Geri has a Masters in “Gerontology” from UW-Madison and is Campaign Coordinator and Legislative Aide in the Wisconsin State Senate. She is the Director of Resident Services for the first Assisted Living Community in Wisconsin. Geri oversaw the development and then management of Hawthorne Terrace, a pioneer in the concept of “Aging-in-Place” style of independent retirement living.

Geri is currently Director of Life Enrichment for Lutheran Homes of Oconomowoc, involving the construction of a 26,000 sq. ft. education complex with café that will encourage healthy aging and prevention. Her position also includes helping people stay in their homes rather than having to move by coordinating community services to enhance independence.

She is President of the End of Life Coalition of SE Wisconsin, on the Board for the Caring Place, Silver Streak Taxi Service, Advisory Board of Interfaith, and Public Health Advisory Committee and serves on four other boards and committees all related to the field of aging.

Geri is married with two dogs that rule the roost and bring much pleasure. She has worked in the field of aging since 1976 and has been doing a fair job of aging herself!