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Community Corner

Virtual Memory Cafe with musical performance set for Nov. 10

Free social events for people with dementia and caregivers planned through May

Happiness, Information, Love, Togetherness, unity, together, fon
Happiness, Information, Love, Togetherness, unity, together, fon (Punchstock)

The first of a series of Virtual Memory Cafes offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter is scheduled from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

Intended for people with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers, the event will feature a performance by Ricardo and Doug. Ricardo Gautreau has musical influences including jazz, blues, Latin, the Beatles and more, while Doug Munro has released 11 albums as a leader and appeared in over 60 recordings as a sideman, producer and arranger with artists including Dr. John, Michael Brecker and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

There will be seven Memory Café sessions held between November and May on the second Thursday of each month (except December, which will be on the third Thursday). December’s session on Thursday, Dec. 15, will feature Music Therapist Melinda Burgard, who has worked with people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia for more than 30 years, leading various Alzheimer’s Association activities such as Music Socials and Wellness Retreat sessions.

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“We are pleased to be able to offer these programs virtually during the winter months to help boost interactions for those living with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers, who might be less apt to venture out in cold, inclement weather,” said Eileen Hendriksen, Care Consultant & Director of Early-Stage Services for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, who oversees these Virtual Memory Cafe programs and schedules the performers. “We’ve got a great lineup for the end of this year and are looking forward to getting more great acts scheduled in 2023.”

Pre-registration is required to participate in this early-stage activity. Please call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900 or click here to schedule a pre-screening appointment and Care Consultation.

Find out what's happening in Mid Hudson Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

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