WPS Health Solutions: Learning how to live with loneliness after losing a spouse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Learning how to live with loneliness after losing a spouse

MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 26, 2022—When you lose a loved one, there are always a lot of changes. When that loss is your partner or spouse, those adjustments can become drastic. Coping with grief is difficult even in the best circumstances. Adjusting to living alone, and possibly parenting alone, means balancing your finances, maintaining your home, and caring for your well-being, all while dealing with the grief of your loss.

“It’s important to remember that there is no single set of rules or timeline for dealing with grief,” says Dr. Ken Robbins, Medical Director of Behavioral Health for WPS Health Solutions. “Everyone is going to cope differently. However, there are some needs that are universal. We all know what it feels like to be lonely and experience sadness. It’s vital that we address our mental health in times of grief.”

Tips for adjusting to living on your own:

• Maintain social connections: Make an effort to stay in touch with your loved ones—your friends and family. You should avoid becoming too isolated even though grief can make us feel like we want to be alone all the time. Time spent alone is fine, but it can be a problem when it becomes isolation.

• Don’t wait to ask for help: It’s likely you’ll face new challenges living alone or guiding a family by yourself. You should not feel like you can’t ask others for help. Maybe your spouse did most of the yard work and now you need an extra set of hands. Maybe they handled the finances and now you need to talk to a professional.

• Don’t stop learning new things: When we are faced with changes and new challenges, it is tempting to stop trying new things. Loss and grief can already make us uncomfortable, and we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone even further. It’s fine to retreat into your comfort zone sometimes, but it’s vital for your mental health to keep experiencing new things.

• Treat loneliness and depression the way you would any medical condition: Most people would not think twice about seeking medical care for broken bones, diseases, or other injuries. However, some people still hesitate to treat their mental and emotional well-being the same way.

Behavioral health focuses on behaviors, habits, thoughts, and actions that directly impact your mental and physical well-being. Seek treatment if you are experiencing loneliness, have increased anxiety, or think you may be depressed.

Behavioral health professionals have specialized training to help you understand your problems with an objective, independent viewpoint. They can help identify why you may feel unhappy, depressed, anxious, fearful, or in need of emotional help. They can also prescribe medicine—or connect you with someone who can determine if you need medication.

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 2,700 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Wisconsin Union Theater: Cory Henry’s Voice of Gold, Virtuosic Musicianship Combine During Night of Future Soul on Nov. 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 25, 2022

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

DOWNLOAD PHOTO: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/jkkq1hhfsqp2u9hz7mx6v4mxswvr0cqb,  photo by Raymond Alva

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/cory-henry.

CORY HENRY’S VOICE OF GOLD, VIRTUOSIC MUSICIANSHIP COMBINE DURING NIGHT OF FUTURE SOUL ON NOV. 3

MADISON – Renowned composer, producer, and keyboardist Cory Henry’s musical journey began at just two years old when he started playing the organ at church. Quickly recognized for his talent, his musical skill grew, leading him to perform at the legendary music venue the Apollo Theater in New York at just six years old.

The chance to experience Henry’s talent and passion for music first-hand comes to Shannon Hall in Memorial Union on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. CDT and through online streaming as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s Jazz Series.

Since his early start in music at church, he has toured with well-known artists, such as Bruce Springsteen, P. Diddy, Boyz II Men, and The Roots; won three GRAMMY Awards as a member of Snarky Puppy; and been nominated for four GRAMMYs for his album “Something to Say” as well as for co-producing and co-writing albums, such as Eric Bellinger’s album “New Light.”

While often referred to as a jazz artist, Henry does not limit himself to one genre; he allows genre to take a backseat to prioritize producing great music without genre constraints. Patrons will hear influences of gospel and the artists that inspire him, such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince and James Brown. He has called his music future soul.

He values the messages in these artists’ music, which still resonate with listeners, and wants to incorporate lasting messages in his work as well as inspire people through his music.

“Cory Henry delivers powerful, progressive funk and soul,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “He’s as dynamic to watch perform as he is to listen to. People should come in person if they can to get the full live music experience.”

Patrons can purchase virtual and in-person tickets online, by phone at (608) 265-2787 or in person at the Memorial Union Box Office. Wisconsin Union members, guests under the age of 18, and University of Wisconsin–Madison students, staff and faculty are eligible for discounted tickets.

The Jazz Series will also feature performances by Cécile McLorin Salvant on Feb. 7, 2023, Samara Joy on Feb. 16, 2023, and Immanuel Wilkins on March 25, 2023. Other 2022-23 Wisconsin Union Theater events include Sō Percussion with Caroline Shaw on Nov. 5; American Patchwork Quartet on Nov. 17; Geneva Lewis with Evren Ozel on Jan. 27, 2023; PILOBOLUS Big Five-OH! on Feb. 1, 2023; Imani Winds on Feb. 5, 2023; Anthony McGill with the UW-Madison Symphony Orchestra on April 4, 2023; and the Danish String Quartet on April 18, 2023.

The Wisconsin Union Theater presents its 2022-23 season with the UW–Madison student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Performing Arts Committee. Patrons’ tickets and their purchases at Memorial Union partly support professional development experiences offered through WUD.

Patrons can click here to learn more about the Nov. 3 performance by Cory Henry.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 80 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an extensive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for all who engage with the Theater’s programming, events, and activities. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends study and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee is part of the Wisconsin Union’s leadership development program for UW–Madison students and supports the Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission of serving students through the performing arts. By helping to program the Theater’s annual season of performing arts presentations, the students learn about program curation, relationship-building, marketing, communications, budgeting, and production. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/get-involved/wud/performing-arts.

Dane Buy Local: Soup’s On! Returns!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2022

Colin Murray, Executive Director
Dane Buy Local
2801 International Lane, Suite 110
Madison, WI 53704
608.712.3440
colin@danebuylocal.com
danebuylocal.com

SOUP’S ON! RETURNS!

The third season of the incredibly popular Soup’s On! premiers October 26. The seasonal program, which began in 2020 during the pandemic, will once again sell frozen quarts of freshly made, homemade soup created and prepared by local restaurants. The weekly sales help the restaurants, who continue to struggle because of staffing shortages and increased food costs.

Last season, 5,633 quarts of soup were sold with the $83,746 going directly to the local restaurant participants. And of those quarts sold, 503 were donated to the Healthy Food for All food security program. A double win. New this year, purchasers will have the option to add FEED Bakery’s Cookie of the Week to their order.

Soup’s On! is supported, organized, and presented by Arcus Communications, Bunky’s Catering, Cap Times, Communication Concepts, Dane Buy Local, FEED Kitchens, Madison Essentials, Northside News, and Ulla Eyewear. The 2022‒2023 season starts October 26 and will run through March 2023. Orders can be placed weekly (Wednesday‒Saturday) at danebuylocal.com/soups-on and picked up on Tuesdays at FEED Kitchens (1219 N. Sherman Ave. Madison). Delivery is also available.

Dane Buy Local is part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support independent businesses, ensuring the opportunity to operate an independent business endures. Dane Buy Local is a non-profit member organization helping to create a sustainable, vital local economy through collaboration, education, and promotion.

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WPS Health Solutions: Army Col. Izzy Thompson saluted for Operation Fan Mail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Army Col. Izzy Thompson saluted for Operation Fan Mail
Program is sponsored by WPS Health Solutions and the Green Bay Packers

MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 18, 2022—The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid special tribute this week to U.S. Army Col. Israel “Izzy” Thompson and his family in conjunction with the Oct. 16 game against the New York Jets. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, marks its 16th season in 2022.

A native of south Milwaukee and a lifelong Packers fan, Thompson was an Eagle Scout and played for Marquette University High School’s 1995 state championship football team. He earned an ROTC scholarship and was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Marquette University.

Following his college graduation in 1999, Thompson continued his military career, going on to serve three tours in Afghanistan, two tours in Korea and one to Iraq during which he commanded a company in combat. Most recently, he was deployed to Germany to support current operations in Ukraine. Thompson also served two no-notice deployments to the Pentagon immediately following 9/11. He has served in the Army for 23 years.

His family says he has always exemplified selfless service, one of the seven Army values, and he has always prioritized the safety and comfort of his team over his own, whether that team be his unit or family. Thompson has also earned many awards throughout his career, including two Bronze Star Medals and a Legion of Merit; however, what he values the most is when the soldiers he has led in the past reach out to him as a mentor.

Thompson attended Sunday’s game with his mom, Susan, his wife, Janet, who nominated him for Operation Fan Mail, as well as their son, Sam.

As the honorees for Operation Fan Mail this week, the Thompson family also received four tickets to the game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card, courtesy of WPS.

The program, which debuted in 2007, is designed to honor families with a member who is on active duty or a member who is a veteran. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions will host a family at each 2022 season home game and recognize the members on the video boards during pregame activities. A total of 152 individuals, families, or groups have been recognized through the program since it began.

The Packers and WPS Health Solutions invite interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted this year. Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty, or a member who is a veteran. The family member can be a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, or sibling.

Essays can be sent to Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628 or online at packers.com/lambeau-field/operation-fan-mail.

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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One City and Fetch Rewards Announce Signature Partnership

Will Work Together to Prepare the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Yesterday, One City was honored to host Wes Schroll, the founder and CEO of Fetch Rewards, and his team when they visited our new Pleasant T. Rowland Leadership Campus to announce a new signature partnership between Fetch and One City Schools that will engage and benefit our young scholars and community for years to come. 

Fetch Rewards will work with us to prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators and contributors in STEM fields enrolled at One City Preparatory Academy, a new early college and career middle/high school located in Dane County, Wisconsin. Together, we will help fill the need for more technology developers, engineers, scientists and systems thinkers who are dedicated to making the world better, for everyone.

Fetch Rewards staff will work with our Scholars on their STEM projects, provide job shadowing and internship opportunities, and will help keep our staff and Scholars current on the latest needs and innovations in STEM industries and occupations. Fetch Rewards is also naming our school’s co-working space and making a $50,000 contribution to our STEM program. We are excited to begin this journey together. 

For more information or to discuss your interest in partnering with us, and supporting the education of our young scholars, please contact Gail Wiseman, One City’s VP of External Relations, at gwiseman@onecityschools.org or (608) 531-2128.

About Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a mobile shopping platform that rewards shoppers for buying the brands they love. The Fetch Rewards app gives users the easiest way to save on everyday purchases by simply scanning their receipt. For our brand partners, the platform allows them to understand a 360 degree view of shopping habits, and to meaningfully reward a customer’s individual loyalty.

About One City Schools

One City Schools is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that provides high quality educational opportunities for young children. Our mission is to seed a new model of public education that ensures young children are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program from birth through high school graduation. We currently operate three schools: a tuition-based independent preschool that serves 2 and 3-year-olds, and two tuition-free public charter schools, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System, that presently enroll children in 4K through 10th grade. We will eventually enroll 926 children from age 2 through through 12th grade and serve as a national model for the transformation of PK-12 education in the United States.