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An Introduction From Our New Executive Director
Jill Grambow
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I am Jill Grambow and I have called Menasha my home for most of my life. I have a wide range of work experience, but spent the last 12 years operating a unique department that houses a wide variety of out-of-school learning programs for Menasha Schools. Prior to that, I worked in the nonprofit world as well as private sector service and sales.
The mission of Fox Valley Memory Project (FVMP) is near and dear to my heart. I am eager to roll up my sleeves and work alongside the action committees, Lynn Ann, numerous partnering agencies, and all of the friends of FVMP. In Joanne Koenig Coste's 2003 book, "Learning to Speak Alzheimer's," she describes an approach to care that is loving, inclusive, and engaging while maximizing the abilities of those living with progressive dementia. This depiction echoes all that I have come to know about FVMP and I am honored to be a part of such a respectful and collaborative movement. Furthermore, I look forward to turning the page to the next chapter of my career while assisting FVMP in their next chapter as an independent nonprofit agency.
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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 available to answer questions and an enormous wealth of experience among participants to be shared. We'd be delighted if you would join us!
We request everyone attend with a partner! Call Lynn Ann at 920-225-1711
for more information. Click below for our upcoming café schedules.
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| Honoring Our Veterans |
Join us at the
Elisha D Smith Public Library, 440 First St in Menasha on Wednesday, May 16, 1:30 pm as we remember our veterans with music that honors our special heroes. Try your hand at "Name that Tune" and listen to stories from members of the Menasha VFW as they show us the medals they have earned. Have you seen a Purple Heart?
We request everyone attend with a partner!
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It's Kentucky Derby Time!
Join Us To Celebrate The Annual RUN FOR THE ROSES!
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Monday, May 21 at 1:30 pm at the Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave.
Don your best hat and join us for mint juleps (non-alcoholic of course) and our own competitive horse races. Down the stretch the horses come! Will yours be the winner?
We request everyone attend with a 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 a 6 month evidence-based in-home caregiver intervention program. REACH supports the caregiver by addressing issues such as emotional well being, stress management, troubling behaviors, problem solving and self-care.
You may contact the Caregiver Coach, Heather Flick, directly at 920-997-8407 to find out more about this program. All calls are confidential.
Click here
to read more about the REACH Program.
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"Portrait Journey: An Intergenerational Experience"
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The Fox Valley Memory Project is excited to present "Portrait Journey: An Intergenerational Experience". Join us for an afternoon of creative expression with persons living with dementia on
Saturday, May 5, 2018 from
2 - 3:30 pm
at the
Thompson Center on Lourdes,
2331 E Lourdes Dr in Appleton.
Plan to attend and witness i
ntergenerational portraits being created between local middle school students and persons living with demen
tia including Memory Café participants and residents from
local long-term
and residential care communities.
This program will feature music by the
"On a Positive Note" choir dire
cted by Frank Rippl.
Reception and refreshments will follow the program.
All are welcome to attend this free event including all middle school students!
For additional information, please call (920) 225-1711. For more information, please click here.
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| Join Us For a History Museum at the Castle Meetup |
Sometimes we overlook the greatest treasures that are located right in our own community. An exciting Memory Project friend meetup has been set for Tuesday, May 8 at 1:30 pm at the History Museum at the Castle, 330 E College Ave in Appleton. The building is the site of a Masonic Temple built in 1923 and many original architectural features remain. Current exhibits include "Play, The Golden Age of Toys, "Harry Houdini", "Asylum, Out of the Shadows" and other local historical features. Attendees are responsible for the $5.50 per person admission charge. Following the visit to the museum, those interested will gather at the Pizza King at 800 E Wisconsin Ave in Appleton for an early supper.
Click here
for more information about the History Museum at the Castle.
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Transitions
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Fox Valley Memory Project hosts 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 June and are looking for care partners 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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"Understanding the Dementia Journey"
Free Educational Workshops Across the Fox Valley |
The Fox Valley Memory Project and the Alzheimer's Association are partnering to present a year-long educational series about dementia. The next workshops are entitled "The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer's" with a special presentation by Beth Belmore, Community Care Coordinator from Mosaic Family Health. These workshops will be presented at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, May 22 at the Neenah Public Library, 240 E. Wisconsin Ave and on Tuesday, June 12
at the Prince of Peace Church, 2330 E Calumet St in Appleton.
Light refreshments will be served. For more details on this exciting collaboration,
click here.
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"The Sniff Test"
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 "The Sniff Test."
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Researchers have known for a number of years that people with Alzheimer's dementia have a poorer sense of smell than persons without dementia. Not having a good sense of odors can reduce enjoyment of life because of the connection between odors and tastes, and it can also be dangerous if a person doesn't smell smoke or a gas leak. We don't realize how we process scents all day long and how this contributes to our orientation toward the world."
Click here
to read the full article and access the archive of all of Susan's articles.
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| 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.
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Memory Camp: A Time for Relaxation & Inspiration for
People Living with Dementia & their Families
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The first residential Memory Camp in the U.S. will take place this summer at Moon Beach Camp in St. Germain, WI, on
August 20 - 23
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This special camp is designed for people living with mild to moderate dementia, their care partners and family members.
Click here
for more details.
Moon Beach Camp is three and a half hours from the Fox Valley and not far from Eagle River. The cost is $400 per person which includes lodging, all meals, and programs. People with dementia must be accompanied by a care partner. Two or more additional family members may be accommodated in most housing units (lodges and cabins). Contact Phoebe Spier, Managing Director with questions by phone at 715-479-8255 or by email at at [email protected].
To r
egister for camp please click here. C
lick on "My Account" on the upper left hand corner to set up your account before you make your camp selection.
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Dementia Friendly Businesses in the Fox Valley
Our Purple Angel Heroes!
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Congratulations to the congregation members of Congregational United Church of Christ Neenah-Menasha and St Timothy Lutheran Church in Menasha for being our latest Purple Angel Partners. Thank you for taking the time to learn the best ways to serve your fellow members with dementia.
The "Key Leaders" at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA received Purple Angel refresher training as well as learning more about the resources that the Fox Valley Memory Project provides in our community. We are happy to revisit your business and offer refresher training to your staff.
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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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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Memory Care Respite Partners
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A monthly respite program is held on the first Monday of each month at St Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah. The next program w
ill be held on
Monday, May 7 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm.
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 by email at [email protected] or by calling 920-383-1180.
Click here
for more information.
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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, May 3.
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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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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| Programs Offered by Lutheran Social Services |
The MindWorks program provides a supportive place for persons to proactively work on brain fitness and allows attendees to connect with others who understand memory loss challenges.
Click here
for more information about this program.
Join a discussion group called "The Mug Club" where care-partners discuss a book about care-giving and share ideas on becoming a better caregiver.
Click here for more details about "The Mug Club" in Appleton and
here for more details about "The Mug Club" in Kaukauna.
Finding support while caring for someone with Alzheimer's and dementia can be difficult.
Click here for more information about a support and educational program for
spouses and adult children of persons with dementia.
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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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