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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 will 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!
For safety reasons, everyone needs to attend with at least 1 partner! Call Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711
for more information. Click below for our upcoming café schedules.
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Join Us at Kaukauna Public Library
for a Community Service Project Memory Café
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November is a time to be thankful and think of those in need who are less fortunate. Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to donate. Join us at the Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Rd, Suite 200 on
Monday, November 13 at 2 PM as we complete a service project to share with a local charity!
For safety reasons, everyone needs to attend with at least 1 partner!
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Join Us for an "Afternoon of Coffee"
at the Atlas Waterfront Café
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Take the beans toasted and new, Add the water, grind and brew. Bitter as chocolate, rich and sweet,
Mix with friendship ... oh, what a treat!" Join us for an afternoon of coffee and friendship at the Atlas Waterfront Café, 425 W Water St, (Paper Discovery Center building) on Thursday, November 16 at 2 PM. Bring your very own cherished mug for Sue and Bogey to fill with your favorite brew. We'll learn a bit about this beverage and then share stories, poetry, and song during our good old-fashioned coffee house open mic segment. For safety reasons, everyone needs to attend with at least 1 partner!
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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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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.
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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Join Us 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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Storycatchers Live: Voices of Our Elder Caregiving Community
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Join us for a live storytelling event in partnership with "Storycatchers" as members of our community become storytellers surrounding the theme: "Elder Caregiving." You DO NOT need to tell a story to join in the fun! After all, a story isn't a story without someone to tell it to. This very unique program will be held on Thursday, November 16 from 5-7 PM at the Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany
Rd. Donations gratefully accepted (suggested donation: $5).
In celebration of National Family Caregiver Month, we are asking for your stories surrounding living, loving, or supporting the elderly. Caregiving can be an isolating experience, high in stress and demands. Caregiving can also be full of joy, wisdom learned, and full of unexpected gifts. We are celebrating the courage and commitment of people caring for elders. Tell us your real and raw hardships, as well as delightful stories of being a caregiver. You do not have to be a full time caregiver to have stories to share of the time spent loving and caring for others. The deadline for storyteller submissions is Thursday, November 9.
Click here to submit your story.
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| Join Us for a Theater Event at University of WI - Fox Valley |
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Fox Valley Memory Project participants have been invited to the dress rehearsal of the "Roustabout, The Great Circus Train Wreck!" on
Wednesday, November 8 at 7 PM.
Historical fact and historical fiction blend together to resurrect the stories of five unknown circus performers who met their fate when an American military train plowed through a circus train outside of Chicago in 1918. Jay Torrence's Roustabout: The Great Circus Train Wreck! is a cheerful eulogy exploring the nature of performance, self and tragedy. This performance will take place in the Baehman Theater on the UW Fox Valley Campus, 1748 Midway Rd in Menasha.
Please contact Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711 or [email protected] to reserve your seat no later than Monday, November 6.
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| Join Us 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 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 no later than Wednesday, November 22.
Click here to view photos and video clips of last year's show.
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| REMEMBER THE MOMENTS - Tell Your Story |
"Remember The Moments" is a collaborative workshop designed by Appleton area high school students in the Willems Student Marketing program for persons with dementia and their care-partners. Students will assist you in making a special memory album. Please bring 10 to 20 photos of your special memories to the Atlas Waterfront Cafe (425 W Water St) on
Saturday, December 9th from 1 to 3 PM.
All materials will be furnished and no RSVP is required. Come and join the creative fun. Click here for details.
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Holiday Entertainment at Menasha Public Library
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The Elisha D Smith Public Library at 440 First St in Menasha has invited the members of the Fox Valley Memory Project to an afternoon holiday play and music concert on
Saturday December 9th.
2 PM "Bus Ride to Gresham Falls", a
one act drama that tells the journey of an elderly lady abandoned at a nursing home during the Christmas season and the efforts of the staff to help her find her way home. This play is w
ritten and directed by Joanne Flemming, a local journalist and writer.
3 PM Following the play,
pianist Jennifer Levenhagen will entertain attendees with a Holiday Music concert.
Come join your friends and check out the new host site of the Menasha Memory Café.
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| "On a Positive Note" Chorus |
Frank Rippl will once again lead the "On a Positive Note" chorus with 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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| Save the Date for the FVMP All-Memory Café Holiday Party |
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Fox Valley Memory Project Memory Café participants will celebrate friendship and the joy of the holiday season on
Thursday, December 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM
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 the December newsletter!
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Chiropractic Advantage, LLC
A Purple Angel Super Hero
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The staff of Chiropractic Advantage, LLC received their Purple Angel "Dementia Friendly" education in December, 2016. In spring of 2017, Dr. Skibba (with permission from his patient) contacted Lynn Ann at the Fox Valley Memory Loss Resource Center seeking resources for his patient Mary (not her real name). During her chiropractic appointments, Mary had expressed concerns about her memory and getting lost while driving. Mary was displaying signs of memory loss including confusion and often missed her appointments. Dr. Skibba and the staff were concerned about her safety and well-being as she lived alone.
Lynn Ann met with Mary several times. Mary shared her concerns about needing more support with daily living skills such as taking her medication and cooking for herself. After meeting several times, Mary invited her daughter Jane into the conversation. Jane was concerned about her Mom's driving ability and expressed concerns about Mary's safety and others' safety on the road while Mom was driving. Jane was concerned about her Mom's finances as well as the fact that she was not able to prepare her meals and was not getting proper nutrition.
Lynn Ann was able to support Jane and Mary by providing both education and resources. Jane met with Mary's primary physician to activate her medical power of attorney and arranged for Mary to have transportation (since driving was no longer a safe option). Lynn Ann was also able to provide Jane with resources for both home health care and options to help her find alternative living arrangements.
Fast forward 6 months and Mary is living in a local assisted living facility and is receiving support with medication and meals. Special thanks to Dr. Skibba and the staff at Chiropractic Advantage for understanding the signs of memory loss and knowing how to support Mary by connecting her with the resources of the Fox Valley Memory Project.
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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:
Fiduciary Partners Trust
Evergreen Credit Union
Walgreens in 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 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.
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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 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.
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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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| 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, November 6 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.
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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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.
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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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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.
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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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