December 21, 2018 Community Round Up
CHAIRMAN CIRCLE MEMBERS
CHAMBER NEWS
Merry Christmas and
thank you for another great year in Farmington!
Congratulations to our Redcoat of the Year: Melissa Ramsted!
The Farmington Redcoats had their yearly Christmas Party at the Country Club and Melissa Ramsted was the winner of this year's Redcoat of the Year Reward!
WHAT OUR PARTNERS HAVE GOING ON
Local Events
New Events
Let's Welcome Chevel Home!
Join the Party!
Chevel Shepherd is coming home and we want to ensure she receives a warm welcome that she and our community will never forget! On Saturday, December 22nd we hope you will come out and celebrate her epic journey and winning The Voice!
Welcome Home Procession
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 22
A dignitaries security escort will lead Chevel into San Juan County. Family, friends and fans are encouraged to line the streets of Aztec, Flora Vista and Farmington, with signs, flags and more to show our love and support for this local teen. Remember to be safe and watch children close to streets.
Line up locations on Procession Route
  • Aztec along Highway 516
  • Flora Vista along Highway 516
  • Farmington along Pinon Hills, Main Street to College Blvd.
  • Farmington along College Blvd., Pinon Hills Blvd. to 30th Street

Welcome Home Rally
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 22
Farmington High School Arena

Doors open at 1:00 pm, seating available first come first served. Chevel is expected to arrive around 2:00 p.m. This is an event that will include several presentations and surprises. If you cannot attend, 94.9 fm KWYK Radio will broadcast the event live.
Share Videos and Pictures
Event organizers are asking everyone to share photos/videos of the event across social media using: 
#chevelourvoice #teamchevel #nbc #farmington #joltyourjourney
December
Theater Ensemble Arts
22nd Season Tickets
Greetings Theater Patrons
Theater Ensemble Arts is currently selling season tickets for our upcoming 22nd season.
Take advantage of this great deal to see three amazing live performances at a discounted rate. You can print and return the attached form either by postal mail or email or you can buy online at  https://squareup.com/store/theater-ensemble-arts
If you or someone you know is interested in advertising opportunities or sponsoring your community theater please let us know. We are a 501(c)3 non- profit and we rely on the generous donations from our local community members and businesses.
Farmington Hosts Free Alzheimer's Caregiving Courses
Weekday and Weekend Options
 
Families facing Alzheimer’s disease will have access free six-week caregiver education courses in Farmington, NM offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter. The course will be available on both Tuesday and Saturday mornings

 “Skills for Dementia Caregiving” is a FREE six-session program designed for family and friends caring for a loved one with dementia, and presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. The two-hour course will be offered once a week for six weeks, on two different days:

·    TUESDAY MORNINGS, 10:00am-12:00 noon, January 8 - February 12 at the San Juan Center for Independence, 1204 San Juan Blvd, Farmington, NM 87401.

·    SATURDAY MORNINGS, 10:00am-12:00 noon, January 12 – February 16 Cedar Ridge Inn Assisted Living, 800 Saguaro Tr., Farmington, NM 87401.

This evidence-based training aims to teach caregivers practical techniques for interacting with loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and for understanding and managing their behavior. It also imparts tools for long-term planning and for reducing stresses common to dementia or Alzheimer’s caregivers. The course explains the signs, impacts and pathology of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
To register or for more information, call 800-272-3900 or email wllynch@alz.org . For directions, call 505-326-3680.

Class size is limited and they do fill up quickly. Call now to register. Participants of “Skills for Dementia Caregiving” may be reimbursed for the cost of having others tend to their loved one while they attend the classes.
The Holidays and Alzheimer's
Tips to Help New Mexican Families Navigate Challenges this Holiday Season

Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions that families look forward to all year, but they can be challenging for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5.7 million people in the U.S., and more than nearly 16 million people care for someone with the disease. In our own state, there are currently 39,000 New Mexicans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and 107,000 family members and friends who serve as unpaid caregivers.
 
The hustle and bustle that accompanies the holidays can be stressful for people living with Alzheimer’s. Changes in the daily routine, large gatherings and noisy environments – all holiday hallmarks – can create extra anxiety for someone living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
 
To help families navigate holiday-related challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter is offering these simple tips to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all.
 
Prepare Your Guests: The holidays are full of emotions, so let guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can help. Suggest activities to engage the person with Alzheimer’s or best ways to communicate with them. Cross talk or simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with Alzheimer’s, so try engaging them one-on-one or in smaller group settings.
 
Build on traditions and memories: Take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with your caregiving responsibilities. If evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch or brunch.
 
Involve the person living with Alzheimer’s: Depending on abilities and preferences, make sure to keep the person with Alzheimer’s involved in the celebrations, such as packing cookies in tins or helping wrap gifts. 
 
Plan ahead: When attending a holiday party, prepare the host for special needs, such as a quiet room for the person to rest when they get tired, away from the noise and distractions.
 
Adapt gift giving to ensure safe and useful gifts: Diminishing capacity may make some gifts unusable or even dangerous to a person with dementia. If someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items people living with the disease can easily enjoy, such as comfortable clothing, favorite music, videos and photo albums.
 
More holiday tips can be found by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline also provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call the helpline toll-free anytime, even holidays, at 1.800.272.3900. 
Future and Ongoing Events
Interested in being a part of
our Chairman's Circle?
100 W. Broadway | 505-325-0279 | chamber@gofarmington.com | www.gofarmington.com