February 1, 2018      
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 available to answer questions and an enormous wealth of experience among participants to be shared. We'd be delighted if you would join us!   We request everyone attend with a partner!  Call Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711  for more information.  Click below for our upcoming café schedules. 

Celebrate Valentine Day at the Hill! 
Join us in New London at the Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rogers Rd on Wednesday, February 14, 1:30 - 3 PM.  We are lucky enough to welcome you to Mosquito Hill on Valentine's Day! We'll sing some songs with the word "love" in them...so bring your ideas! Cupcakes and cookies will be ready for you to decorate. Join in for some fun as we play our Presidential trivia game!  Hope to see you at the Hill!   We request everyone attend with a partner!
Get CREATIVE in Kimberly!
Let's get creative on Wednesday, February 28 from 1 - 3 PM. at the  Village of Kimberly Municipal Complex, Cedar Room, 515 W Kimberly Ave. We will be working together on a collaborative piece of art which will be proudly displayed at the Kimberly Library upon completion.   All art supplies will be provided. Get ready to collage!   We request everyone attend with a partner!
Would You Like to Facilitate a Memory 
Cafe for Two Hours Once A Month?
Are you looking for a way to support the Fox Valley Memory Project?  We are looking for a lead facilitator for our Menasha Memory Cafe.  We have 3 regular volunteers who are available to support programming and activities but we are looking for a leader to coordinate the cafe activities.  Please contact Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711 or by email at [email protected]  for more information. 
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
   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
Welcome to our New Caregiver Coach Heather Flick
Join us in welcoming our new Caregiver Coach for the REACH Program, Heather Flick! Heather has been involved with the Fox Valley Memory Project and the REACH Program since their beginnings and we are excited to have her on board.  Heather will provide education, resources, and support free of charge to families.  

REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health) is a 6 month evidence-based in-home caregiver intervention program.  REACH supports the caregiver by addressing issues such as emotional well being, stress management, troubling behaviors, problem solving and self-care.   You may contact the Caregiver Coach, Heather Flick, directly at 920-997-8407 to find out more about this program. All calls are confidential.   Click here to read more about the REACH Program. 
Join Your Fox Valley Memory Project Friends for 
"Dream Role 7" 
UW Fox Valley has generously offered us tickets to the dress rehearsal of "Dream Role 7" on Wednesday, February 21st.

"Dream Role 7" is 90 minutes of showing stopping hits and will be an experience you don't want to miss! Over 100 of the area's BEST talent will come together to bring the house down with their favorite Broadway songs! Come and enjoy the fun! You won't believe the energy of the night.

If you are interested in attending, please reserve your seats by Friday, February 16th  by contacting Lynn Ann at  [email protected] or call her at 920-225-1711.  We will meet in the lobby of the UW Fox Valley Theater, 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha at 6:45 PM.    Click here for more information about this exciting program.
Doctors in Recital
Join talented medical professionals as they share their love for music and raise money to support the Fox Valley Memory Project on Saturday, March 24, 2018.   Doctors In Recital-Fox Valley will take place at James Perry Hall at UW-Fox Valley on Midway Road in Menasha.   Hors d'oeuvre and wine r eception begins at 6 PM.  Concert begins at 7 PM.

Tickets for the concert and reception are $30 and can be purchased at the Fox Valley Memory Project Website at Heid Music Appleton (308 E. College Ave) or at the door the evening of the event.  
Volunteers Needed  for Doctors in Recital
We are seeking volunteers to support our Doctor's in Recital event on the evening of Saturday, March 24.   We need wine pourers, ushers, food servers, ticket takers and greeters.   If you are willing to help us at this exciting evening and support the Fox Valley Memory Project, please contact Deb Wetter at [email protected] for more information.   
"Understanding the Dementia Journey"
Free Educational Workshops Across the Fox Valley
The Fox Valley Memory Project and the Alzheimer's Association are partnering to present a year-long educational series about dementia.  The next workshop is entitled "Healthy Living for your Brain & Body" and will include a focus on Memory Cafés.  This workshop will be presented on  Tuesday,  February 13th  at 5:30 PM at the Prince of Peace Church, 2330 E Calumet St, Appleton

Light refreshments will be served.  For more details on this exciting collaboration, click here.   
Join Us to Dine and Socialize
Date Change for February 
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, February 7 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.   
Dementia Friendly Businesses in the Fox Valley
Our Purple Angel Heros!
Thank you to our Fox Valley Memory Project family of dementia-friendly businesses for taking the time to learn the best ways to serve your customers with dementia.  Please let them know you appreciate them.   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. 
Memory Camp: A Time for Relaxation & Inspiration for 
People Living with Dementia & their Families 
This special camp is designed for people living with mild to moderate dementia and their care partners and family members.  Trained volunteers and camp staff will provide a variety of programs at the beautiful Moon Beach Camp in St. Germain, WI on August 20 - 23, 2018.  Click here for more details.  If you would like additional information, please contact Susan McFadden at [email protected]
Programs Offered by Lutheran Social Services 
The MindWorks program provides a supportive place for persons to proactively work on brain fitness and allows attendees to connect with others who understand memory loss challenges.   Click here  for more information about this program.

Join a discussion group called "The Mug Club" where care-partners discuss a book about care-giving and share ideas on becoming a better caregiver.   Click here for more details about "The Mug Club" in Appleton and  here for more details about "The Mug Club" in Kaukauna. 

"Powerful Tools for Caregivers" is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend.  Parents, spouses or friends of persons with chronic illnesses such as dementia, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, physical, or intellectual disabilities will benefit from this program.  Click here for details about this program in Kaukauna and here for the program in Appleton.  

Finding support while caring for someone with Alzheimer's and dementia can be difficult.  Click here for more information about a support and educational program for spouses and adult children of persons with dementia.  
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, March 8.   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 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah. The next program w ill be held on Monday, February 5  from 1:30 - 3:30 PM.   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  by email at [email protected] or by calling 920-383-1180.   Click here  for more information.  
 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.