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Planning a Memorable Day

June is Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association encourages its partners to schedule “Longest Day” celebrations on the day of the summer solstice. This year we will be participating in a big way: with a community event scheduled to stretch over an entire day! Our “Day of Light and Love” will be an opportunity for individuals living with the disease and their caregivers to promote awareness and solidarity, share their common experience, and have fun along the way. Being together in the moment, and encouraging positive emotion throughout the day, we are planning a one-of-a kind, stress-free celebration, truly a “Day of Light and Love.”

We will begin near our pond with blessings and opening remarks, followed by an invigorating drum circle animated by one of our favorite friends, Jammin’ Joe Clark. If you have never participated in a drum circle, you are in for a connection treat. Through the use of rhythm, people can groove together regardless of cognitive abilities. There is no right or wrong way of participating, just enjoy the opportunity to be in the moment. We will follow the drum circle with a soothing stretching and cooldown, led by our Director of Wellness Holly Shearer.

Food trucks will be on-site and will feature a variety of tasty offerings such as pretzel logs, burgers, shrimp baskets, fried Oreos and more. Dine under the pavilion – or in the sunshine – while making new friends. After lunch, we will take a moment to relax and enjoy the inspiring musicianship of our Village Choir, in a variety of musical selections in Nicarry Meetinghouse.

The afternoon will see a showing of the engrossing documentary film “Alive Inside,” presented by our Music and Memory Specialist Sam Jarvis. Sam will outline the amazing benefits of the Music and Memory program, a great success right here at Cross Keys Village. A Quick Bites display, prepared by our Dining Services, will be offered in the Nicarry lobby before we head back to the pond for the concluding Gifts Showcase. This will be an opportunity for individuals to show their gifts through music or poetry. Volunteer performers will include Cross Keys Village team members and residents. This portion of the day is very close to my heart, as my favorite childhood memories are singing with my family and listening to my mother play the piano. This serene time will allow for reflection and bring closure to a memorable day.

Kimberly Korge – Memory Care Coach