September 1, 2017
 Seeking Volunteers  -  Fox Valley Memory Project Action Teams
As most of you know, the Fox Valley Memory Project relies on, and benefits from, the dedication and time of hundreds of volunteers.  We are currently looking for a few volunteers who have the time, and the interest, to serve on our Action Teams (working groups that support our staff and our Executive Coordinating Committee).  The time commitment varies depending on the work being done by each team but does include participation in a monthly 90-minute meeting.  

We know that many of you have very full days with multiple obligations.  If you don't think you have the time to assist right now, we hope you'll think about whether or not you know somebody else who might be willing and able to volunteer with us.  If you are interested in learning more - or - would like to recommend a potential volunteer, please contact our Director, Laura Smythe at Laura.Smythe@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 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.   

               September Memory Café Schedule   October Memory Café Schedule          
 A Special VIsit from the Flour Sack Sisters
Straight from the local feed mill and hot off the Singer sewing machine, the Flour Sack Sisters make their Memory Cafe debut.   During the Depression, flour and feed sacks were used out of necessity to make clothes.  Farm women took thriftiness to new heights of creativity by transforming the humble feed bags into dresses, underwear, towels, curtains and quilts.  Join us for this special program on Thursday, September 21 at 2 PM at the Atlas Waterfront Cafe.  We would love to hear your flour sack memories. 
Get Out Your Blue Suede Shoes!
Elvis will be in the house to serenade us as the "King of Rock and Roll".  He will share his favorite snack: grilled peanut butter & banana sandwiches.  Bring your Blue Suede Shoes and your Loving Teddy Bear!    Join us for our inaugural café at the  Village of Kimberly Municipal Complex, 515 W Kimberly Ave, Evergreen Room on Wednesday, September 27, at 1 PM.  White arrow signs will be posted outside so you know where to go!
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
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 mid September 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 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.  
   In The News!
Check out the article called "Forgetfulness vs Dementia" in the August 15 edition of My Women Magazine  written by Laura Broullire.  The article (that begins on page 30) includes information from one of our SUPER volunteers and Executive Coordinating Committee member, Michelle Graf of CarePatrol as well as our Program Coordinator, Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch.   Click here to read this informative article.  
Join us for a "Meet Up" in Oshkosh at the
Experimental Aircraft Association Museum

We Need Your Input!
John and Susan McFadden invite you to join them on September 29, from 1:30-3:00 PM at the Appleton Public Library (Room A) to talk about the possibility of a camp program for people living with dementia, their care partners, and other family members. 
 
John and Susan have met with the director of Moon Beach Camp in Saint Germain, WI, and they recently visited the camp to see the facilities and speak with the person in charge of camp programs.  They are envisioning a chance for people to enjoy a beautiful north woods environment for a few days in late August or early September, 2018.  First, however, they want to hear from memory café participants and others about whether this would be of interest, what they'd like to do at the camp, what their concerns might be, etc. 
 
On September 29, they will show slides of the camp property and the individual cabins that could accommodate up to four people.  Please come and give your ideas about a holiday in the north woods.  Contact Susan ( susan.h.mcfadden@gmail.com) or John ( john.t.mcfadden@gmail.com) to let them know you're coming, to share your thoughts, or to ask questions.
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. 
 
Some of our participants have expressed an interest in having more opportunities to socialize. The next social meetup has been set for Wednesday, September 20 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.   
Get Ready for Another Fox Valley Memory Outing 
Save the Date
"On a Positive Note Chorus"
Frank Rippl will once again lead the "On a Positive Note" chorus in favorite and familiar songs beginning in November.  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!  Watch for more details in future newsletters.  
 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:                
 
Financially Speaking, LLC
Medicare Masters
Provident Financial Consultants
The Sullivan Group, LLP
                                                                                                               
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 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 
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. 
Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Care Clinical Research Updates
Dr, Gizell Larson of Neuroscience Group in Appleton is presenting a public education program to be held at St Paul Elder Services, Inc, 221 E 13th St in Kaukauna on Tuesday, September 12, from 6 to 7:30 PM.  Dr. Larson will discuss the latest research from the International Alzheimer's Conference in London and will share an interactive presentation on what we all can do to promote brain health.  Click here for more information.  

Please register for this free seminar by calling 920-766-6020, ext 102 or by emailing lauriel1@stpaulelders.org.  Refreshments and brain healthy snacks will be served.  
Teepa Snow's GEMS Workshop
Learn how to classify and define the changes in a person caused by the effects of dementia.  Developed by Teepa Snow, this philosophy is based on existing cognitive models but focuses more on abilities instead of losses, allowing each individual living with dementia to truly shine with the right type of care!

This five-week series will be presented by certified Positive Approach trainer Carol Brauer, of BrightStar Care.  Sessions are on Thursday evenings beginning on September 14 from 3 - 5 PM at BrightStar Care, 47 Park Place, Suite 375, in Appleton.  Seating is limited.  The registration fee of $49 includes all 6 sessions. Visit www.carolbrauer.com to RSVP. Click here for more details about this educational series.  
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, September 14 th. 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.
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
Date Change for September
A monthly respite program will be held on  Monday, September 11 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 will include music, organized arts and crafts and refreshments.   Advance registration is requested at memorycarerespitepartners@gmail.com or by calling 920-383-1180. 
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.   

Please contact Terry.Schmeckpeper@Lsswis.org or (920)225-1704, for more information about these programs.  
 Educational Programs by the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin offers free family and consumer education programs.  Click here for the September 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 funded entirely 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.