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Message from Director Sandra Potts
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As many of you know, the time has come for me to retire. My last day in the office will be May 2.
I am thankful for the time I have had with the Fox Valley Memory Project. The times shared, friendships forged and the successes we have enjoyed have been an extraordinary part of my life. The Fox Valley Memory Project and the people who are a part of it will always be near and dear to my heart.
I would like to introduce you to the new director, Laura Smythe. We have been working together since late April. My b
est wishes to all of you and the Fox Valley Memory Project.
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Thank You
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The Fox Valley Memory Project wishes to express appreciation to all who have made memorial gifts in honor of loved ones who have passed. Thank you for remembering us during your time of loss. It is an honor to know that our programs and services have touched you and your loved ones.
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Memory Cafés
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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 lots of 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! Call Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711
for more information. Click below for our upcoming café schedules.
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Transitions
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Fox Valley Memory Project care partner participants have requested 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 June 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.
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Come Journey with Nature Photographer Bruce Danz
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Come journey with nature photographer Dr. Bruce Danz at the Appleton Public Library, 225 N Oneida St, on Tuesday, May 2, 10:00 - 11:30 AM. Dr. Danz will share his experiences with nature photography, beginning with the landscape photography of his early youth and more recently of bird photography. We hope to see you there!
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Join Us For An Old Time Sing-A-Long
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Join us for an old-time sing-a-long with musician Tom Schneider and his concertina for a special Mother's Day celebration at the Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Rd. on
Monday May 8 from 2 to 3:30 PM. Do you have a special memory of a Mother's day gift you made or received? Bring your memories to share with the group
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Save The DATE for our Upcoming Bus Trips
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We are busy planning our 2017 bus trip outings. While we are still confirming our exciting destinations, you may want to reserve the following dates to join your Memory Project friends for fun day trips on the following Thursdays: June 8, August 10 and October 12. These bus trips are specially designed for persons experiencing memory loss and their care partners. More details will be announced as they become available.
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Seeking Bus Trip Sponsors
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We have some exciting bus outings planned for our Memory Cafe participants. The trips are opportunities for our participants to get away for a fun filled day and are specially designed for persons experiencing memory loss and their care partners. We are looking for your support to help us keep the cost of the bus trips affordable to all of our participants. Can you help by sponsoring one of our bus trips with a financial donation? For more information contact Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711 or [email protected].
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Memory Loss Resource Center
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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.
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Sensory Theme Kits Available for Checkout!
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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 includes 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.
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Memory Assessment Center
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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.
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REACH In-Home Caregiver Support
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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 will provide resources and support. Read more about this
free
six month program for those caring at home for persons with significant memory loss. For more information contact Karen Aspenson at 920-832-2783.
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We Welcome New Purple Angel Partners in the Fox Valley
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We are happy to announce that the dental clinic of Smile On, Appleton has joined 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 their 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 free
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
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Come Sing-a-Long with the "On a Postive Note" Chorus
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Frank Rippl is again leading the "On a Positive Note" chorus in 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 not necessary to attend all rehearsals to participate
! Click here to print the chorus announcement.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday afternoons, 3 - 4 PM at the
Thompson Center on Lourdes,
2331 E Lourdes Dr. in Appleton. Take the elevator to Room 203.
Rehearsal Dates: Tuesdays,
May 2, 9 &16
Presentation Events:
Monday, May 15 at 10 AM for an Intergenerational Program
at Fox Valley Christian Academy,1450 Oakridge Rd, Neenah
Saturday, May 20 at 2 PM for
"Community Kaleidoscopes - Honoring the Arts in our Ever-Changing Lives"
at Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton
Please let Lynn Ann know if you can join in this musical adventure by calling 920-225-1711 or emailing her at
[email protected].
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Join Us to Dine and Socialize
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One of the goals of the Fox Valley Memory Project is to reduce social isolation in a stigma free environment for both care partners and their loved ones with memory loss.
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Community Kaleidoscopes
Honoring the Arts in our Ever-Changing Lives
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This exciting community event featuring music, poetry and an art gallery will be held on
Saturday, May 20th, from 2 to 3:30 PM at the Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr. in Appleton.
One of the goals of the Fox Valley Memory Project is to ensure that all persons with dementia continue to be viewed as valued members of our community and given opportunities to engage with the community. This program will showcase the talents of persons living with dementia that participate in Fox Valley Memory Project programs as well as those residing in long-term care facilities.
Our Community Kaleidoscope celebration will include:
MUSIC With members of the "newVoices" Choir,
the "On a Positive Note" chorus and
residents from local long term care facilities
POETRY Created by Karla Huston, Poet Laureate of WIsconsin
in
collaboration with persons with dementia created at Memory Cafes
ART Created by residents of long-term care facilities and our Memory
Cafe
participants and SPARK participants.
Come join us for this exciting afternoon. A reception with refreshments will follow the program. There is no charge for you to attend.
Click here to print the program flyer.
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Strings in the Garden at Valley VNA
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The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra will celebrate music and our community's elders with a small ensemble presentation called "Strings in the Garden" on Tuesday, June 13 at 6 PM at Valley VNA Senior Services,1535 Lyon Dr, in Neenah. This program is free but you are requested to RSVP by calling 920-727-5544. A reception will follow the concert. Thank you to Home Instead Senior Care for sponsoring this program.
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SPARK!
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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 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.
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Memory Care Respite Partners
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A new monthly respite program will begin on
Monday, May 1, 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 will be staffed by professional caregivers and trained volunteers. Activities will include music, organized arts and crafts and refreshments.
Click here for more details. Advance registration is requested by calling 920-383-1180 or by email at [email protected].
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Research shows that music, especially with active participation, demonstrates physio
logical, 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, May 4th.
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 Services, 1535 Lyon Dr in Neenah.
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| Programs Offered by Lutheran Social Services |
Come join a new 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 about "The Mug Club." Please contact [email protected] or (920)225-1704, to sign up and get your book for the next session.
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Alzheimer's Association Offers Educational Events
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The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin offers free family and consumer education programs.
Click here for May programs
offered throughout Wisconsin. For more information about the caregiver support group
click here.
You can also access their website by
clicking here.
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| Thank You to Our Generous Supporters |
Programs of the Fox Valley Memory Project are totally funded by donations and grants. Thank you to all who have 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.
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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.
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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