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Seeking Volunteers - Fox Valley Memory Purple Angel Educators
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"Hello! As many of you know, we offer Purple Angel trainings 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. The time commitment would include:
- A two-hour training to be held in early 2018, and
- A two-hour observation of an experienced trainer, and
- A commitment to be available, on average, for two trainings per month after completing the first two steps.
It is our hope that we will find volunteers who can commit to being available for at least one year of trainings so that we can build a roster of trainers who are available to meet the increasing demand. If you are interested, or think you might be interested but have questions,
please contact Laura Smythe at
[email protected]
. Thank you!
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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 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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Join Us at Mosquito Hill Nature Center
and Enjoy the Colors of Autumn |
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The fall colors will be vibrant as you arrive at
Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rogers Rd, New London on Wednesday, October 11 from 1:30 - 3 PM. We will preserve some of the beauty as we make leaf stamped and pressed greeting cards. We'll have a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of leaves to choose from. We'll also learn why leaves change colors. We hope you can join us for an afternoon of learning, conversation and creativity!
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Menasha Memory Cafe has a New Location and Date
Join Us At The Elisha D. Smith Public Library
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We are looking forward to our new Menasha Memory Cafe site at the Elisha D Smith Public Library at 440 1st St. Join us on
Wednesday, October 18 from 1:30 - 3 PM when we talk about Superstitions! Did your mom or dad shake salt over their shoulder? Were you afraid if a black cat crossed your path? Bring your best memories to share about our belief and disbelief in superstitions. As Halloween approaches, our project will reflect some fun and creativity with an artistic masquerade mask.
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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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"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 hve started another "Transitions" program 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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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 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. We thank Karen Aspenson for her service as our first Coach and wish her well in the future.
Read more about this
free
six month program for those caring at home for persons with significant memory loss.
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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 care partners and their loved ones with memory loss.
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Save The Date for a Special Anniversary Party
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The Fox Valley Memory Project will celebrate its fifth anniversary at an open house on Wednesday, November 8, from 4:30-6:30 PM, at Atlas Waterfront Café, 425 W Water St, in Appleton.
Everyone is invited to join us in celebration with great friends, a glass of wine and tasty appetizers! Join us even
if you haven't attended a memory café for a while. If you have never come to a memory café but the Fox Valley Memory Project has touched your life in some way, please join us for this special celebration.
Former staff members Betty Lefebvre-Hill and Sandy Potts will be joining us. If you know others who may not receive this newsletter but have been a part of the Fox Valley Memory Project "family," please share this invitation. Please RSVP by Friday, November 3rd by c
ontacting Susan McFadden at 920-739-8695 or by email at
[email protected].
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| Save the Date for "Christmas Stars" |
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Fox Valley Memory Project participants have been invited to the "Christmas Stars" preview performance on
Wednesday, November 29 at 7 PM.
This spectacular, holiday-themed extravaganza celebrates and honors the joy of the season with a mix of secular and religious music, dance, scenes and plenty of fun!
Join us for a delightful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year at the
Xavier Fine Arts Theatre, 1600 W Prospect Ave, in Appleton.
Please contact Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711 or [email protected] to reserve your seat.
Click here to view photos and video clips of last year's show.
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| Save the Date for the FVMP All-Memory Cafe Holiday Party |
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Fox Valley Memory Project Memory Cafe participants will celebrate friendship and the joy of the holiday season on
Thursday, December 21 from 1:30 to 3:30
in the Social Room at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. 2330 E Calumet St, in Appleton. Please use the west
entrance. More details to follow in future newsletters!
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| "On a Positive Note" Chorus |
Frank Rippl will once again lead 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!
Rehearsals will be on Tuesday afternoons from 3 - 4 pm at
Thompson Center on Lourdes
Take the Elevator to Room 203
2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton
Rehearsal Dates: Tuesdays
November 7, 14, 21 and 28
December 5 and 12
Click here for more information. For safety reasons, everyone needs to attend with at least 1 partner!
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We Welcome New Purple Angel Partners in the Fox Valley
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Congratulations to the following businesses for taking time out of their workday to become our most recent "Purple Angel" dementia-friendly businesses:
Appleton
Walgreens on Meade and Northland
Walgreens on Casaloma, (Fox River Mall)
Greco-Italia Fitness (Personal Trainer)
Kaukauna
City of Kaukauna
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
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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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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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Valley VNA Senior Care Offers "Lyrics & Laughter"
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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, November 9.
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.
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| Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra's Free Senior Concert Series |
The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce the next event in the Senior Outreach Series of small group concerts. The next concert will be held at
6 PM on Thursday, October 12th
and is presented in partnership with Oak Park Place at 2205 Midway Rd. in Menasha. This concert will feature a woodwind trio. The senior outreach series concerts are free and open to the public. Click here for more information. Please RSVP to Oak Park Place at 920-702-0000 by Monday, October 7.
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| Attend the 3rd Annual Caregiver Appreciation Event |
The Outagamie Caregiver Coalition invites all caregivers to the 3rd Annual Caregiver Appreciation Event on
Sunday, November 5 from 1 to 3:30 pm at the Grand Meridian, 2621 N Oneida St in Appleton. You are a caregiver if you assist someone with daily activities such as grocery shopping, providing transportation to appointments or provide in-home care. Join us to get refreshed and feel pampered. Activities include hand and chair massages, musical presentations, hor d'oeuvres, a chocolate fountain, interactive presentations and resources. Free on-site respite care will be provided. Call 920-225-1700 to RSVP to attend as well as to request respite care.
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Memory Care Respite Partners
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A monthly respite program will be held on
Monday, October 2 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.
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| 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.
"Powerful Tools for Caregivers" is a 6 week
program that helps caregivers better care for their loved one and themselves. We know that taking care of someone can be hard - even someone you love. Click here to learn more about this educational series.
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.
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Educational Programs offered by the Alzheimer's Association
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Thank You to Our Generous Supporters
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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.
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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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