TRIAD convention

meets in New Ulm

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Various TRIAD groups of seniors and law enforcement officials attended a two-day state conference ending Wednesday and today at the Holiday Inn, New Ulm.

The TRIAD groups have formed in various communities throughout the United States. Their focus is to create greater community policing for the safety and awareness of seniors citizens.

The conference is used as an opportunity to form new TRIAD groups and to share information with already established groups.

Approximately 70 people attended the convention.

"It's gone real good, and we've gotten lots of good comments from people," said Leah Willaert, Brown County Deputy Sheriff, "I'm real happy with all the idea exchange going on throughout the group -- that was one of the main goals."

The seminars offered at the convention included information on legal aid, power of attorney, Red Cross, health maintenance, CPR/basic first aid, reflexology, adult day services, hospice care, long-term care insurance and financial transitions for seniors.

Other seminars included information on starting a new TRIAD groups or keeping their TRIAD groups active.

Seniors also received information about various scams to avoid.

Guest speakers included Mancel Mitchell, Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety; Terry Ferdinandt, Brown County Veterans Service Officer and Rep. James Clark, (R-New Ulm).

Membership in the Brown County TRIAD group includes seniors as well as representatives from law enforcement agencies and Family Services.

Home safety tips, driving tips, information about 911 and other information are shared monthly with seniors, according to Brown County Sheriff Larry Pederson.

"We want them (seniors) to not be afraid to report things ... suspicious things," said Pederson, "We'd rather be called and not be needed than not be called at all."

The conference ends at approximately 1 p.m. today. Participants will be offered a bus tour of New Ulm this afternoon.