April 1, 2018      
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 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. 

                 April Memory Café Schedule          May Memory Café Schedule
Sing Along with the Duo Doodlebugs in Neenah 
Join the talented Duo Doodlebugs, Sharon Bowen and Judy Sarnecki on Monday, April 16 at 1:30 for a sing along of popular favorites.  The musical fun will take place at the  Neenah Public Library, at 240 E Wisconsin Ave.  We request everyone attend with a partner!
Musical Moments with Alan & His Guitar
Come sing along with Alan Schultz. Atlas Waterfront Café, 425 W Water St. on 
Thursday, April 19 at 2 pm. Alan will share his favorite Classic Country songs by artists such as Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.  Don your boots, hat and favorite cowboy shirt and join us to sing as well as we learn abit of cowboy wisdom. Here's one to get you started: "If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around."  We request everyone attend with a partner!
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
   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 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. 
"Portrait Journey: An Intergenerational Experience"
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.
 The Fox Valley Memory Project Participants are
Ready to Celebrate Spring in Style
Join us on Thursday, April 26th as we take our first 2018 coach bus outing.   Our first stop is at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan.  While there, we will tour the galleries as well as engage in an interactive SPARK! hands-on art project.  For those of you unfamiliar with SPARK!, they are special programs designed to "spark" artistic engagement for persons with memory loss and their care-partners.

Our final stop of the day is at Honeymoon Acres Greenhouse in New Holstein.  We will have ample time to check out this family run operation that has over 3 acres of plantings.  You won't be able to resist bringing some flowers home! There will be room underneath the bus for your purchases.  
  
Special thanks to the Schmerein/Heaney Charitable Trust for sponsoring this trip. 
Click here for more details and the registration form.                                    
"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 workshop is entitled "Dementia Conversations" and will include a focus on the Fox Valley Memory Project's Memory Loss Resource Center.  This workshop will be presented at 5:30 pm on  Tuesday, April 10 th  at the Prince of Peace Church, 2330 E Calumet St, Appleton.  

The workshop to be held on Tuesday, May 22nd at 5:30 pm at the Neenah Public Library, 240 E. Wisconsin Ave is entitled "The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer's" with a special presentation from Mosaic Family Health.  

Light refreshments will be served.  For more details on this exciting collaboration, click here.   
"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. Join us to put a little music in your life! 

Rehearsals will be on  Tuesday afternoons, April 3,10,17, 24, and May 1 from 3 - 4 pm at the  Thompson Center on Lourdes,   2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton. Take the Elevator to Room 203. 

Our performance event will be on Saturday, May 5th at 2 pm for "Portrait Journey: An Intergenerational Experience" at the Thompson Center on Lourdes. 

Click here for more information.  For safety reasons, we request that everyone attend with at least 1 partner. If you would like more information,  please contact Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch, Program Coordinator by email at lynnann.clausing@lsswis.org or by phone at 920-225-1711.
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. 
 
Participants have expressed an interest in having more opportunities to socialize. The next social meetup has been set for Wednesday, April 18th 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.   
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 8th at 1:30 pm at the History Museum at the Castle, 330 E College Ave in Appleton.  Attendees are responsible for the $5.50 per person admission charge.  We will have a guided tour of the museum.  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.

Memory Camp: A Time for Relaxation & Inspiration for 
People Living with Dementia & their Families 
Registration Opens April 2
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 .   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 Phoebe@ucci.org.   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.  
Dementia Friendly Businesses in the Fox Valley
Our Purple Angel Heros!
Congratulations to the congregation members of All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton for being our latest Purple Angel Partner.  Thank you for taking the time to learn the best ways to serve your fellow members 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 
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 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. 
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 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. 

Memory Care Respite Partners
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, April 2 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 memorycarerespitepartners@gmail.com or by calling 920-383-1180.   Click here  for more information.  
 Valley VNA Senior Care Offers "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, 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.
 Educational Programs Offered by the Alzheimer's Association
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.
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.  
 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 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.
  
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.  
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.