December 1, 2017      
 Seeking Volunteers  -  Fox Valley Memory Purple Angel Educators
"Hello!  As many of you know, we offer Purple Angel education to local businesses who wish to become "dementia aware".  The training helps employees understand how best to communicate with their customers who have some form of memory loss. We would like to expand the number of people who can offer this sort of training and will be hosting a "Train the Trainer" for volunteers in early 2018.  

If you are interested, or think you might be interested but have questions,   please contact Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch at lynnann.clausing @lsswis.org .  Thank you!
Memory Cafés
Memory Cafés welcome those experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss or cognitive impairment, as well as family and friends of those affected.  They are a great opportunity for lively discussions, information gathering, refreshments, camaraderie and creative fun! We have a gerontology professional on hand to answer questions and an enormous wealth of experience among participants to be shared. We'd be delighted if you would join us!   We encourage everyone to attend with a partner! Call Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711  for more information.  Click below for our upcoming café schedules. 

Join Us In Kaukauna As We Welcome Harpist Ellen Scheibe
Come join us for our annual holiday event at our Memory Café on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 2 -3:30 PM at the Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Rd, Suite 200.  We will welcome harpist Ellen Scheibe, who will lead us in singing some of our favorite carols.  Feel free to bring your favorite Christmas cookies or holiday snacks to swap and share!  We encourage everyone to attend with a partner! 
Join Us for An Afternoon of Music
at the Atlas Waterfront Café
Join us for a holiday sing-a-long with members of the newVoices Choir on Thursday, December 7 at 2 PM at  Atlas Waterfront Café (425 W Water St) in Appleton.  What are your holiday traditions?  Please feel free to bring along a special item that holds meaning to you that you would like to share with the group.  We also have an activity that involves small pieces of ribbon.  Please feel free to bring your ribbon bit's and pieces that you would like to recycle.    We encourage everyone to attend with a partner! 
Memory Loss Resource Center
The Memory Loss Resource Center  welcomes those experiencing dementia, their care partners, family and friends. Get information and support in a warm and caring environment. We look forward to meeting you.

Call 920-225-1711 to schedule a personal appointment to obtain information, support and/or referrals.   We can also share information with you about our ongoing activities
Transitions
The Fox Valley Memory Project hosts a  specialized support group focusing on the needs of the care partner as they transition into new phases in their life.  Our discussions are focused on topics such as grief, guilt and shame, placement in long term care, treasuring memories, self-care and setting personal goals for the future.

We will be starting another "Transitions" program in mid January and are looking for care partners that would like to join.  Our co-facilitators are Rev. Karon Sandberg, Heartland Hospice and Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch of the Fox Valley Memory Project.  

   Memory Assessment Center
Assessments are offered at Mosaic Family Health in downtown Appleton by Dr. Lee Vogel and resident physicians. Initial assessments screen for memory impairment, assess overall health and, if warranted, proceed to a more comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the cause/type of dementia. For more information, call the clinic at 920-997-8436.
REACH    In-Home Caregiver Support
REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health) is an evidence-based caregiver intervention program.  REACH supports the caregiver by addressing issues such as emotional well being, stress management, troubling behaviors, problem solving and self-care.  A certified caregiver coach provides resources and support.

A new REACH Caregiver Coach is being readied for service and until he/she is in place, please contact Program Supervisor, Beth Belmore, 920-997-8436.  

Read more about this free six month program for those caring at home for persons with significant memory loss. 

REMEMBER THE MOMENTS - Tell Your Story 
"Remember The Moments" is a collaborative workshop designed by Appleton area high school students in the Willems Student Marketing program for persons with dementia and their care-partners.  Students will assist you in making a special memory album.  Please bring 10 to 20 photos of your special memories to the Atlas Waterfront Cafe (425 W Water St) on Saturday, December 9th from 1 to 3 PM.   All materials will be furnished and no RSVP is required.  Come and join the creative fun.  Click here for details.  
"On a Positive Note" Chorus
Frank Rippl is again leading the "On a Positive Note" chorus with favorite and familiar songs.   This chorus is especially designed for those experiencing memory loss and their loved ones.  No special musical skills are required. Plan to attend and put a little music in your life!  It is never too late to join the fun!  

Final practices are on Tuesday afternoons,  December 5 & 12  from 3 - 4 PM  at
Thompson Center on Lourdes
2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton

Presentation Events: 
Monday, December 18 at 10 AM
A Collaborative Musical Program with SPARK! and Xavier High School Students  at The Building for Kids, Children's Museum
100 W College Ave, Appleton   &
Wednesday, December 20 at 10:15 AM for  Residents & Guests
of St Paul Elder Services,  St. Clair Room
316 E 14th St, Kaukauna

Click here for more information.  We encourage everyone to attend with a partner!

 Join Your Friends for an All-Memory Café Holiday Party
Calling ALL Fox Valley Memory Project Memory Café participants to help celebrate the friendship and the joy of the holiday season on Thursday, December 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM  in the Social room at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2330 E Calumet St, in Appleton (Use the west  entrance).  

Do you have a holiday item or photo that holds special meaning to you?  Bring it along to share your special memories with us.   Please join us as we sing holiday music, sample tasty treats and create a special project.  All Memory Cafe participants, family members,  volunteers and facilitators are invited to attend!      
Join Us to Dine and Socialize
One of the goals of the Fox Valley Memory Project is to reduce social isolation in a stigma-free environment for care partners and their loved ones with memory loss. 
 
Participants have expressed an interest in having more opportunities to socialize. The next social meetup has been set for Wednesday, December 20th at 4:30 PM in the private meeting room at Pizza Ranch,  N139 Eisenhower Dr in Appleton. Come with your loved one or come by yourself to meet up with your Memory Project friends for some tasty food and a great social opportunity.   
 We Welcome New Purple Angel Partners in the Fox Valley
Congratulations to the following businesses for taking time out of their workday  to become our most recent "Purple Angel" dementia-friendly businesses:    
            
Easter Seals, Appleton
Evergreen Credit Union, Menasha
Kaukauna Police Department
Options for Independent Living, Appleton
Office for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Thompson Center On Lourdes, Appleton

We welcome them to our Fox Valley Memory Project family of dementia-friendly businesses. Please let them know you appreciate them taking the time to learn how to best serve valued customers and clients with dementia. The Fox Valley Memory Project Purple Angel program continues to spread dementia  awareness throughout the Fox Valley and beyond. The Purple Angel Community Team  is made up of a small group of dedicated community members who offer  dementia awareness training to area businesses.  

Click here for a list of local businesses and organizations that have received dementia awareness training.
     
If you are interested in having your business or organization become a Purple Angel partner, please contact Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711 or by email at 
Sensory Theme Kits Available for Checkout!
Have you ever struggled to find ways to interact with your loved one with dementia?   The Fox Valley Memory Project has sensory kits available for you to borrow.  Each kit has items to trigger memories by using sensory connections and  provide an opportunity for your loved one to share their memories.  Kits include a list of ideas to start conversations.  Our current kits include the following themes:  Crafts, Gardening, Farming, Fishing, Green Bay Packers, School Days and Pets.  Thank you to the staff of St. Paul Elder Services for preparing these sensory theme kits. 
 Scents of the Season - A Night for Caregivers!
St Paul Elder Services, Inc. is hosting a special caregiver event on Thursday, December 7th from  6 to 7:30 PM.   As a person caring for a loved one with a memory disorder, you no doubt have moments where you neglect yourself.  This is a night to relax, socialize and create useful products using essential oils to take home and enjoy.   
 
Refreshments and light hor d'oeuvres will be served.  This event is free but you are requested to register in advance by  calling  (920)766-6020 ext. 102 or by  email at  l [email protected]
 
Please use the Memory Care Resource Center entrance at 221 East 13th Street, Kaukauna.
SPARK!
SPARK! is a program for caregivers and loved ones living with memory loss.  The Trout Museum of Art (with a second program at St Paul Elder Service) and The Building for Kids Children's Museum are pleased to be among the Wisconsin museums awarded funding by Bader Philanthropies and the Community Foundation to create programming where participants engage in lively discussions, art making, and multi-sensory activities.

Each one-hour program is led by a specially trained museum educator who will engage participants in interactive exhibit experiences.  After each program, coffee and conversation is led by volunteers who give participants and caregivers the opportunity to support and socialize.  
                  
Registration: Contact The Trout Museum at 920-733-4089 or the Building for Kids at 920-734-3226 to reserve your spot.   Registration is required at least one week prior to your selected program(s).  Space is limited. 

 Valley VNA Senior Care Offers "Lyrics & Laughter"
Research shows that music, especially with active participation, demonstrates physiological, emotional and social benefits to those with memory loss. Active participation stimulates the brain and also has some physical benefits. Music is a road to memories and helps those with dementia to engage and socialize in ways they normally cannot do.

The next series of "Lyrics & Laughter" begins on Thursday, January 11. You can choose between a morning session beginning at 9:30 AM or an afternoon session beginning at 1 PM.   Please call 920-727-5555 to make a reservation for this engaging program. Click here  for more information. This program is held at Valley VNA Senior Care, 1535 Lyon Dr in Neenah.
Memory Care Respite Partners
A monthly respite program is held on the first  Monday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 PM  at St Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah.  Offering care partners 2 hours of personal time, this free program is staffed by professional caregivers and trained volunteers. Activities include music, organized arts, crafts and refreshments.   Advance registration is requested at [email protected] or by calling 920-383-1180.
Click here for more information.  
Programs Offered by Lutheran Social Services 
Come join a discussion group called "The Mug Club", where care partners gather to discuss a book about care giving and share ideas on becoming a better family caregiver.   Click here for more details. 

Outagamie County Caregiver Coalition is offering a series of Caregiver Cafes for all kinds of caregivers, including parents, spouses, siblings, adult children, and friends. People come away finding support, new ideas, and resources that will directly help them as they care for their loved ones. Click here for more information about these supportive events.  
 
Please contact [email protected] or (920)225-1704, for more information about these programs.  
 Educational Programs Offered by the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin offers free family and consumer education programs.   Click here to access more information about these local educational events and as well as support groups.    You can also access their website by  clicking here.
 Thank You to Our Generous Supporters
Programs of the Fox Valley Memory Project are funded entirely by donations and grants.  Thank you to all who so generously support the Memory Project.  Your continued support will assure the Fox Valley Memory Project will continue to be here for those in need.
  
We are delighted to announce that United Way Fox Cities has approved Lutheran Social Services' Fox Valley Memory Project for admission as a United Way program in 2018.  We look forward to partnering with United Way Fox Cities to serve our community.  
Mission Statement
 The Fox Valley Memory Project collaborates with other organizations to offer programs and services that improve quality of life for persons with dementia, as well as their family care partners and friends. We encourage practices of hospitality and inclusion that make our community dementia-friendly.