June 1, 2017
Introducing Our New Director Laura Smythe
Hello,   Most of you know that Sandy Potts retired at the end of April to enjoy some well-earned time with family.  I am delighted to be the new Director of Fox Valley Memory Project.  I have lived in Appleton since 1997 and have two daughters.  My elder daughter is in college and my younger daughter will be a senior in high school next year.  
 
I have worked in the non-profit world since 2003 including as Executive Director of a non-profit organization in Green Bay.  I have worked with people who are aging and their families as an estate planning attorney and as a mediator facilitating family conversations.   
 
I look forward to increasing community awareness of the many ways that the Fox Valley Memory Project serves persons with dementia and the care partners who  provide support and assistance to people living with dementia.  I welcome your thoughts and ideas as we strive to create a dementia friendly community. 

Warmly,  

Laura C. Smythe, M.A., M.A., J.D.
Thank You 
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.  
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 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.   
 
June Memory Cafe Schedule          July Memory Cafe Schedule         
Transitions
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 early 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.  

"Holding Onto Dignity When You Have Dementia"
by Susan McFadden
Susan McFadden, one of the visionaries of the Fox Valley Memory Project contributes articles about memory loss that are posted to our website.   Her most recent article is titled "Holding Onto Dignity When You Have Dementia."   All her articles are archived and available for your review in the link:   Susan's Research Corner 
Put a Little Music in Your Life!
Join your Fox Valley Memory Project friends for a social meetup on Wednesday June 28 in the parking lot of St Paul Elder Services, 316 E 14th St in Kaukauna.  We will meet under the tent at 6 PM to enjoy a brat fry.  Music will be provided by The Little Chute Community Band from 7 - 8 PM.  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music, food, & fun!  Look for the Fox Valley Memory Project signs to find us!  Click here for more information.
Who Doesn't Love to Eat? 
We are excited to welcome award winning Chef Ace Champion to Atlas Waterfront Care in Appleton on Thursday, June 15 from 2 to 4 PM .  Chef Ace is the host of "The Chef Champion Show" and has been featured on "Living with Amy" and "Good Day Wisconsin."   Chef Ace will be leading us in a creative cooking project.   Come join the fun!  Click here for more information about our guest, Chef Ace Champion!
Good Things Come To Those Who Bait!  
Join us at the Neenah Public Library(240 E Wisconsin Ave)on Monday, June 19 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM as we fish off the pier.  We'll meet inside the library and then head out to see how many fish we can catch. We have received a special fishing license waiver for participants from the Wisconsin DNR.  The Neenah High School Fishing Team will join us and will have plenty of fishing poles. You may also bring your own pole.  If the weather is poor, we'll share our fish stories and engage in other fish related activities in the library.
Save The DATE for our Upcoming Bus Trips
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: 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.  
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. 
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 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. 
   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 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.  
 We Welcome New Purple Angel Partners in the Fox Valley
We are happy to announce that New London Public Museum, Living my Legacy, Fischer Retirement Solutions, Neelam Davison Investments, LLC, Tri-County Dental and Walgreens (Menasha and Richmond/Northland sites) have 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 
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 both care partners and their loved ones with memory loss. 
 
Some of our participants have expressed an interest in having more opportunities to socialize. The next social meetup has been set for Wednesday, June 21 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.   
Strings in the Garden at Valley VNA
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.  
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 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. 

Memory Care Respite Partners
A monthly respite program will be held on Monday, June 5 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].  
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.
 Educational Programs
Brookdale of Appleton is hosting an education evening with a presentation by Kathy Davis from the Alzheimer's Association entitled "Know the Ten Signs - Early Detection Matters" on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:30 PM.  Click here for more details!
The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin offers free family and consumer education programs.  Click here for the June calendar  of events  offered throughout Wisconsin.  For more information about the caregiver support group  click here.  You can also access their website by  clicking here.
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.
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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