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03/18/25 7:30 AM 03/18/25 5:30 PM America/New_York Registration Desk Opens View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30464 <br/> Registration is located in the Kalamazoo Foyer on the lower level. Kalamazoo Foyer, Lower Level New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Kalamazoo Foyer, Lower Level
Registration Desk Opens
Registration is located in the Kalamazoo Foyer on the lower level.
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03/18/25 8:00 AM 03/18/25 9:00 AM America/New_York Breakfast & Networking View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30442 <br/> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">Fresh Start Continental Breakfast Buffet</span></strong></p> <ul><li>Freshly Cut Fruit Salad FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Build-Your-Own Yogurt Parfait</li><li>Vanilla Yogurt FG, FN, VG, Assorted Fresh Berries FG, FN, VG, Granola VG</li><li>Assorted Bagels FN, VG with Plain and Flavored Cream Cheeses FN, VG</li><li>Assorted Muffins and Pastries VG</li><li>Oatmeal Bar: FG, FN, FD, VG, VV<ul><li>Stewed Apples FG, FN, VG</li><li>Bourbon Caramel FN... Kalamazoo I New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
8:00 - 9:00 AM Kalamazoo I
Breakfast & Networking

Fresh Start Continental Breakfast Buffet

  • Freshly Cut Fruit Salad FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
  • Build-Your-Own Yogurt Parfait
  • Vanilla Yogurt FG, FN, VG, Assorted Fresh Berries FG, FN, VG, Granola VG
  • Assorted Bagels FN, VG with Plain and Flavored Cream Cheeses FN, VG
  • Assorted Muffins and Pastries VG
  • Oatmeal Bar: FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
    • Stewed Apples FG, FN, VG
    • Bourbon Caramel FN, VG
    • Mixed Berries FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
    • Pecans, and Brown Sugar

Drinks
  • Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas, Apple and Orange Juice

Key
  • Gluten Free (FG)
  • Vegetarian (VG)
  • Dairy Free (FD)
  • Vegan and Dairy Free (VV)
  • Nut Free (FN)

This year at Choices, all food will be presented buffet style. We do our best to ensure green salad ingredients and cheese are presented individually and all garnishes and sauces on the side. We have selected a variety of options at each meal that ar gluten free, vegetarian and vegan and labeled them here on Connect Space. The Kalamazoo Radisson Hotel will also label the food that is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.
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03/18/25 9:30 AM 03/18/25 10:00 AM America/New_York Welcome & Opening Remarks View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30443 <br/> <p>Welcome to Choices, Michigan Fitness Foundation's annual training conference that brings together those delivering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Michigan to share experiences, learn best-practices to deliver nutrition education and physical activity promotion, and connect with one another to enhance local programming and community change efforts.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Choices is made possible through SNAP-Ed funding. Michigan Fitness Foundat... Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
9:30 - 10:00 AM Arcadia Ballroom
Welcome & Opening Remarks

Welcome to Choices, Michigan Fitness Foundation's annual training conference that brings together those delivering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in Michigan to share experiences, learn best-practices to deliver nutrition education and physical activity promotion, and connect with one another to enhance local programming and community change efforts.

Choices is made possible through SNAP-Ed funding. Michigan Fitness Foundation is a State Implementing Agency of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the education component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP-Ed is an education program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that teaches people eligible for SNAP how to live healthier lives. 

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03/18/25 10:00 AM 03/18/25 11:00 AM America/New_York Opening Keynote: Theater for Community-Based Change View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30444 <br/> This session will discuss the use of artistic storytelling in sharing actions that can help shape the places where we live, work, and play. Examples from history and the presenter's own experiences will be shared, and attendees will learn simple techniques to begin integrating storytelling into their community-based work.&nbsp; Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
10:00 - 11:00 AM Arcadia Ballroom
Opening Keynote: Theater for Community-Based Change
Speaker
Graham Atkin, PhD · Michigan State University and The University of Michigan
This session will discuss the use of artistic storytelling in sharing actions that can help shape the places where we live, work, and play. Examples from history and the presenter's own experiences will be shared, and attendees will learn simple techniques to begin integrating storytelling into their community-based work. 
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03/18/25 11:00 AM 03/18/25 11:15 AM America/New_York Beverage Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30461 <br/> <strong>Beverages</strong><ul><li>Freshly Brewed Coffee</li><li>Decaffeinated Coffee</li><li>Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas</li><li>Bottled Water</li><li>Assorted Soft Drinks</li></ul> <br> Outside Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:00 - 11:15 AM Outside Arcadia Ballroom
Beverage Break
Beverages
  • Freshly Brewed Coffee
  • Decaffeinated Coffee
  • Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas
  • Bottled Water
  • Assorted Soft Drinks

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03/18/25 11:15 AM 03/18/25 12:15 PM America/New_York Concurrent Breakouts A: Select the breakout session you plan to attend. View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30445 <br/> <p><br> </p> New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Concurrent Breakouts A: Select the breakout session you plan to attend.


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03/18/25 11:15 AM 03/18/25 12:15 PM America/New_York Sorting Fact from Fiction: Navigating Science in Today's Digital World View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30446 <br/> This session explores how to critically evaluate nutrition information in an era of mixed messaging. The presentation will equip nutrition educators with the tools to distinguish credible sources from sensationalized claims, understand the hierarchy of scientific evidence, and confidently guide others toward evidence-based nutrition knowledge. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for assessing online content, identifying trustworthy research, and addressing common nutrition myths. Glens New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Glens
Sorting Fact from Fiction: Navigating Science in Today's Digital World
Speaker
Katie Serbinski, MS, RDN · Mom to Mom Nutrition, LLC
This session explores how to critically evaluate nutrition information in an era of mixed messaging. The presentation will equip nutrition educators with the tools to distinguish credible sources from sensationalized claims, understand the hierarchy of scientific evidence, and confidently guide others toward evidence-based nutrition knowledge. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for assessing online content, identifying trustworthy research, and addressing common nutrition myths.
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03/18/25 11:15 AM 03/18/25 12:15 PM America/New_York How to Make Nutrition Come Alive: A Crash Course in Creativity! View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30447 <br/> Join an Emmy Award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist as she showcases dozens of innovative ways to connect with your communities, build stakeholder support, and inspire children and families to improve their eating and lifestyle habits. This session will help participants ignite their own creativity, promote their programs, and bring back best practices from theatre, puppetry, storytelling, public speaking, and improvisation to engage, motivate, and inspire positive change in a fun-fi... Prairies New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Prairies
How to Make Nutrition Come Alive: A Crash Course in Creativity!
Speaker
Barbara Storper, MS, RD · FoodPlay Productions
Join an Emmy Award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist as she showcases dozens of innovative ways to connect with your communities, build stakeholder support, and inspire children and families to improve their eating and lifestyle habits. This session will help participants ignite their own creativity, promote their programs, and bring back best practices from theatre, puppetry, storytelling, public speaking, and improvisation to engage, motivate, and inspire positive change in a fun-filled, non-threatening way. 
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03/18/25 11:15 AM 03/18/25 12:15 PM America/New_York Community Garden Impact on Food Security in Missouri View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30448 <br/> <p>School and community gardens are an important tool in addressing food insecurity. Gardens also provide additional benefits, such as increasing individual physical activity and providing a venue for social connection. Learn how school and community gardens have impacted food security in Missouri.&nbsp;</p> Stone Theater New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Stone Theater
Community Garden Impact on Food Security in Missouri
Speaker
Jo Britt-Rankin, PhD., MS · University of Missouri

School and community gardens are an important tool in addressing food insecurity. Gardens also provide additional benefits, such as increasing individual physical activity and providing a venue for social connection. Learn how school and community gardens have impacted food security in Missouri. 

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03/18/25 12:15 PM 03/18/25 1:15 PM America/New_York Lunch Break & Networking View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30450 <br/> <strong><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">Asian Fusion</span></strong><ul><li><strong></strong>Arugula, Carrots, Celery, Chilled Rice Noodles, Orange Segments, Red Onions, finished with a Sesame Ginger Dressing FG, FN, VG</li><li>Sweet Rolls with Citrus Butter FN, VG</li><li>Ginger Scallion Steamed White Rice FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Sautéed Broccoli with Carrots, Red Onions and Celery FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Citrus Ginger Glazed Tempura Chicken FN</li><li>Sesame Charred Vegan Cauli... Kalamazoo 1 New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
12:15 - 1:15 PM Kalamazoo 1
Lunch Break & Networking
Asian Fusion
  • Arugula, Carrots, Celery, Chilled Rice Noodles, Orange Segments, Red Onions, finished with a Sesame Ginger Dressing FG, FN, VG
  • Sweet Rolls with Citrus Butter FN, VG
  • Ginger Scallion Steamed White Rice FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
  • Sautéed Broccoli with Carrots, Red Onions and Celery FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
  • Citrus Ginger Glazed Tempura Chicken FN
  • Sesame Charred Vegan Cauliflower FG, FN, FD, VG, VV 

Dessert: Coconut Cake with Mango and Pineapple with Thai Basil Syrup VG

Drinks
  • Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas, and Iced Tea

Key
  • Gluten Free (FG)
  • Vegetarian (VG)
  • Dairy Free (FD)
  • Vegan and Dairy Free (VV)
  • Nut Free (FN)

This year at Choices, all food will be presented buffet style. We do our best to ensure green salad ingredients and cheeses are presented individually and all garnishes and sauces on the side. We have selected a variety of options at each meal that are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan and labeled them here on Connect Space. The Kalamazoo Radisson will also label the food that is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.
    Less Info
    03/18/25 1:15 PM 03/18/25 2:15 PM America/New_York General Session: Connected: The New Age of Building Community and Trust View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30451 <br/> Muffy Mendoza, the founder of a thriving community of over 7,000 mothers in Pittsburgh, has spent over a decade transforming digital spaces into engines for authentic connection and impactful programming. By listening to her community and leveraging online tools, she has developed dynamic programming, addressed real needs, and garnered national recognition for her work. This presentation will blend her experiences with practical strategies, helping attendees harness the power of digital platf... Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    1:15 - 2:15 PM Arcadia Ballroom
    General Session: Connected: The New Age of Building Community and Trust
    Speaker
    Muffy Mendoza · Brown Mamas
    Muffy Mendoza, the founder of a thriving community of over 7,000 mothers in Pittsburgh, has spent over a decade transforming digital spaces into engines for authentic connection and impactful programming. By listening to her community and leveraging online tools, she has developed dynamic programming, addressed real needs, and garnered national recognition for her work. This presentation will blend her experiences with practical strategies, helping attendees harness the power of digital platforms to build trust, engage authentically, and support community-based work. 
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    03/18/25 2:15 PM 03/18/25 2:30 PM America/New_York Networking Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30661 <br/> New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    2:15 - 2:30 PM
    Networking Break
    03/18/25 2:30 PM 03/18/25 3:30 PM America/New_York Concurrent Breakouts B: Select the breakout session you plan to attend View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30452 <br/> New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    2:30 - 3:30 PM
    Concurrent Breakouts B: Select the breakout session you plan to attend
    Less Info
    03/18/25 2:30 PM 03/18/25 3:30 PM America/New_York Supplementals are the Spice: Considerations for Identifying Relevant Supplementals to Increase Engagement and Outcomes for Your Participants View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30453 <br/> Glens New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    2:30 - 3:30 PM Glens
    Supplementals are the Spice: Considerations for Identifying Relevant Supplementals to Increase Engagement and Outcomes for Your Participants
    Speaker
    Katie Serbinski, MS, RDN · Mom to Mom Nutrition, LLC
    03/18/25 2:30 PM 03/18/25 3:30 PM America/New_York The Spaces That Shape Us: Embracing and Influencing Urban Design for Physical Activity View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30455 <br/> <p><br> </p> Meadows New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    2:30 - 3:30 PM Meadows
    The Spaces That Shape Us: Embracing and Influencing Urban Design for Physical Activity
    Speaker
    Cade Surface · Crim Fitness Foundation


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    03/18/25 2:30 PM 03/18/25 3:30 PM America/New_York Engaging Older Adults: Meeting Them Where They're At View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30456 <br/> <p>In this session, Milestone Senior Services will share information about their organization and the array of programs they provide to meet older adults where they are at. The session will also highlight how ensuring older adult programming meets their needs and how delivering programming with empathy and understanding can help increase engagement and program retention.</p> Stone Theater New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    2:30 - 3:30 PM Stone Theater
    Engaging Older Adults: Meeting Them Where They're At
    Speaker
    Taylor Benthin · Milestone Senior Services

    In this session, Milestone Senior Services will share information about their organization and the array of programs they provide to meet older adults where they are at. The session will also highlight how ensuring older adult programming meets their needs and how delivering programming with empathy and understanding can help increase engagement and program retention.

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    03/18/25 3:30 PM 03/18/25 3:45 PM America/New_York Light Snacks and Refreshments Break View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30463 <br/> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">Dip Dive Break</span></strong></p> <ul><li><strong></strong>Toasted Garlic Caramelized Shallot Dip FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Smoked Chicken Chipotle Dip FG, FN</li><li>Blistered Tomato Hummus FG, FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Pita Chips and Tortilla Chips FN, FD, VG, VV</li><li>Fresh Vegetable Crudités Served with Ranch FG, FN, VG, VV</li></ul> <p><strong><br> </strong></p> <p><strong>Drinks</strong></p> <p>Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeina... Outside Arcadia Ballrooom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    3:30 - 3:45 PM Outside Arcadia Ballrooom
    Light Snacks and Refreshments Break

    Dip Dive Break

    • Toasted Garlic Caramelized Shallot Dip FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
    • Smoked Chicken Chipotle Dip FG, FN
    • Blistered Tomato Hummus FG, FN, FD, VG, VV
    • Pita Chips and Tortilla Chips FN, FD, VG, VV
    • Fresh Vegetable Crudités Served with Ranch FG, FN, VG, VV


    Drinks

    Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee, Assorted Herbal and Organic Teas, Bottled Water, and Assorted Soft Drinks

    Less Info
    03/18/25 3:45 PM 03/18/25 4:45 PM America/New_York General Session: Moving for Wellness for Every BODY View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30457 <br/> <p>If we want family, friends, and colleagues to experience good quality of life, promoting physical activity is essential. Movement is for every BODY. This interactive session will help people understand how they can champion physical activity in a joyful way and get creative ideas for how to integrate movement into the nutrition programming they are already doing.&nbsp;</p> Arcadia Ballroom New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    3:45 - 4:45 PM Arcadia Ballroom
    General Session: Moving for Wellness for Every BODY
    Speaker
    Frances Meyer, PhD, CHES® · National Dance Society

    If we want family, friends, and colleagues to experience good quality of life, promoting physical activity is essential. Movement is for every BODY. This interactive session will help people understand how they can champion physical activity in a joyful way and get creative ideas for how to integrate movement into the nutrition programming they are already doing. 

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    03/18/25 5:30 PM 03/18/25 6:30 PM America/New_York Restorative Yoga View session: https://mff.connect.space/accounts/events/choices-training-conference-2025/agenda/2025-03-18#session_row_30458 <br/> <p>After a day of thinking, join Sarah Belanger for an hour of restorative yoga. Ease into your evening with restorative, full body movement with intentional and gentle flowing movements that support and challenge your mind and body. </p> <p><br> </p> <p>This class is perfect for those beginning their yoga journey, those that have limited mobility, or those that already have incorporated yoga into their daily lives. Yoga helps build strength and increase flexibility, reduce stress, increas... Kalamazoo II New and Innovative Ways to Engage and Inspire training@michiganfitness.org MM/DD/YYYY
    5:30 - 6:30 PM Kalamazoo II
    Restorative Yoga
    Speaker
    Sarah Belanger, MA · Sarah Belanger Yoga

    After a day of thinking, join Sarah Belanger for an hour of restorative yoga. Ease into your evening with restorative, full body movement with intentional and gentle flowing movements that support and challenge your mind and body.


    This class is perfect for those beginning their yoga journey, those that have limited mobility, or those that already have incorporated yoga into their daily lives. Yoga helps build strength and increase flexibility, reduce stress, increase focus, and revitalize the senses.

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