EDITION SPRING | 2 017
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF W INDSOR & ESSEX COU N TY NEW SLETTER
Alzheimer Awareness Month
The Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County is excited
to present the Matching Gift Campaign!
Caring for someone with dementia is a 24/7 job. Caregivers
juggle appointments, chores, and often new roles and
responsibilities. Caregivers don’t get breaks, or take time
off. Caregivers put their needs last, or forget about them
entirely. Without the care and rest they need, caregivers are
at risk of increased stress, health problems, and eventually,
burnout.
Jim Scott ,
CEO, Ground Effects Ltc
This spring, with the support of
Ground Effects Ltd. of Windsor, help
us provide caregiver relief by
donating
to
the
CaregiverRx
Matching Gift Campaign. Between
now and June 30,2017, Ground
Effects Ltd. will match your
donations to our Caregiver Matching
Gift Campaign up to $25,000.
That means that starting now, all donations received will
go twice as far.
Consider showing your support for our caregivers when it
will count for twice as much and help us spread the word
about this exciting campaign.
Donate today to CaregiverRx Matching Gift Campaign and
make life a little easier for Caregivers
that give all that they have to those
they love.
January was Alzheimer Awareness Month and it was busy
and
successful.
We
launched
our
Awareness
Campaign #InItForAlz on social media and this year we are
focusing on how it’s not just the person who is diagnosed
with dementia that is affected, but their entire support
system. For our health-care system and economy this means
higher demand for services and soaring costs.
Our 6th Annual Battle of the Brains was a huge success,
selling out early with over 900 people in attendance! We
raised $20,500.00, The Dream Warriors retained their title
as the Ultimate Trivia Experts in a highly competitive
evening. We’re already planning for next year – January 20,
2018 – save the date!
Event Organizers
Champs! The Dream Warriors
Our 2nd Annual Laugh Out Loud A-Thon was a chuckle-filled
hour at Devonshire Mall. Guided by our Laughter Leader,
Christopher Lyons, attendees giggled, laughed, and
guffawed their way to better health and helped raise
$2,500. Thank you to our friends at Seasons Retirement
Communities for sponsoring this event.
Double your donation!
Call 519-974-2220 to make your
donation by phone or donate on-line
at www.AlzheimerWindsor.com.
Sponsor, Seasons Retirement Communities
From the Board Chair, Vice Chair and CEO
The first three months of 2017 have been incredibly
busy at the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex
County, and there's real excitement as we move one
step closer to making a fully-funded Ontario Dementia
Strategy a reality.
In January we were invited to attend a provincial
pre-budget meeting at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts,
Pat Soulliere, Board President &
Sally Bennett Olczak, CEO
and ASWE CEO Sally Bennett Olczak gave a brief and
powerful presentation about the need for increased
funding to provide care for our clients and their caregivers. At the same time, she stressed
the importance of continued research to find a cure for this disease.
As the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care wound up a series of public consultations on
how to develop a successful dementia strategy, ASWE began meeting with area politicians
to talk about the growing need for increased dementia care in our own community, and to
let our elected representatives know that we can, and do, provide programs for people
throughout Windsor and Essex County.
It's no secret that Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield has long been a champion of our
cause, and he was the key to crafting a petition that led to non-partisan, all-party support
of the Ontario Dementia Strategy. He, along with MPPs Lisa Gretzky and Taras Natyshak,
agreed to meet with Sally, board vice-chair Karen Hall and a past chair Bob Renaud in
February and March to talk more about reaching our goal. But it was the life experience of
two special guests that made the most compelling and memorable case for putting more
emphasis on the needs of those with dementia and their caregivers.
Retired university professor
Kai Hildebrandt spoke to all three
MPPs about the joys and
struggles of caring for his
beloved wife Susan WendtHildebrandt, a brilliant languages
professor
who
has
had
Alzheimer's Disease for many
Karen Hall, Marjorie Brown, Kai Hildebrandt, Lisa Gretzky,
years. And Marjorie Brown, who
Sally Bennett Olczak, Percy Hatfield & Bob Renaud
was diagnosed with dementia in
2011, explained what it was like
to live in the early stages of the disease. Both Kai and Marjorie have become great
ambassadors for ASWE by bravely sharing their stories with people from all walks of life,
and by giving a face to a disease expected to strike more than 255,000 people in Ontario
by 2020. No family will escape the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
They will, in some way, touch each and every one of us.
(story continues on next page)
The Board of Directors extends to you an invitation
to attend the 2017 Annual General Meeting.
Mission
To alleviate the personal
and social consequences
of Alzheimer’s disease
and other dementias.
Role
The role of the Alzheimer Society
of Windsor and Essex County is
to collaborate with all levels of
the organization and our local
community in order to foster
excellence in services, education
and to support research.
Vision
A world without Alzheimer’s
disease and other dementias.
Board of Directors
Mr. Pat Soulliere, Chair
Ms. Karen Hall, Vice Chair
Ms Helen Biales, Past Chair
Mr. Arvind Arya, Treasurer
Mrs. Gay Wrye, Secretary
Ms. Claire Bebbington, Director
Mr. Marty Beneteau, Director
Dr. Gaston Franklyn, Director
Mr. Bill Marcotte, Director
Mrs. Patricia McMahon, Director
Ms. Eve Sigfrid, Director
Ms. Marilyn Villalta, Director
Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. Sally Bennett Olczak
Address
2135 Richmond St.
Windsor, ON N8Y 0A1
Telephone
519-974-2220
Fax
519-974-9727
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Please RSVP by Tue. June 20, 2017
519-974-2220 ext. 221
[email protected]
Location: Alzheimer Society
2135 Richmond St. | Windsor, ON
All welcome.
Website
AlzheimerWindsor.com
Funded by
(story continued from previous page)
We feel our local politicians are great ambassadors for our cause, taking our story to
constituents who might not know that we're here to help. Since January we've had the
pleasure of meeting with City Councillors Paul Borrelli, Fred Francis and
Hilary Payne. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara and
Windsor Councillor Ed Sleiman are long-time supporters, as is Essex County Warden
Tom Bain, who was the first to pop in and see us.
Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, LaSalle Mayor Ken Antaya and Kingsville Deputy
Mayor Gord Queen recently stopped by our Richmond Street home to pay a visit, and
we look forward to welcoming more elected ambassadors soon.
In fact, we look forward to welcoming everyone.
2
1
It's our goal to see an Ontario Dementia Strategy in place before
the end of 2017, and we have great faith it will happen. This has
truly been a great start to an exciting year!
Pat Soulliere
Board Chair
Sally Bennett Olczak
CEO
Karen Hall
Vice Chair
3
4
1 | Sally Bennett Olczak, Tom Bain & Karen Hall
2 | Karen Hall, Fred Francis, Sally Bennett Olczak
3 | Aldo DiCarlo& Karen Hall
4 | Sally Bennett Olczak, Sarah Overton, & Ken Antaya
5 | Marjorie Brown, & Taras Natyshak
6 | Sally Bennett Olczak, Paul Borrelli, & Karen Hall
5
6
Education and Support Programs
A Very Special Day.
“Thank you for providing a special day for us caregivers.“
On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 24 care partners participated
“Super excellent!! Fabulous! Thank you for this opportunity.”
in a Caregiver Retreat Day at Willistead Manor. The day was
made possible through sponsorship from Caesars Windsor.
Four guest speakers shared one-hour presentations, offering
much time for questions.
The day began with Mr. Mike Akpata highlighting concrete
tools for guarding against fraud and identity theft. Key points:
* Clean out your wallet or purse, and carry only necessary
documents (Driver’s license, debit card, one credit card)
* Keep other documents in a safe but unusual space (that is,
not the top drawer of your dresser)
* Know your banker
Mr. Robert Tomek, McTague Law Firm spoke about Powers of
Attorney and wills.
* Know your documents
* What type of POA documents do you have in place?
* Review your will to ensure it is reflects your current wishes.
* Don’t have a will or POA in place? Take the time to do so.
“Thank you for a relaxing day that was knowledge based.”
Mrs. Maureen Comartin shared a great presentation
reminding us all to take care of ourselves.
Take a few minutes daily to recharge. This can be as
simple as sitting in a quiet space, and focusing on your
breathing. Putting this into practice every day allows you to
manage whatever stressors you may be experiencing.
Ms. Julie Myers, owner of Thyme to Go, ended the day
with some Tips from the Kitchen, and a great recipe.
Fruit & Seed Protein Balls
Mix ¼ cup water with
2 cups rolled oats.
Add: ½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup sunflower butter
¼ cup maple syrup
1 pinch salt
Mix together, then shape
into 1” balls.
Client Care Programs
Be Active. Be Healthy.
Exercise is not only good for your body, but also your brain.
Physical activity is so important that we ensure it is part of our
daily Day Away programming.
For the last 5 years, local Zumba and LaBlast instructor, Jo-Anne
Ediger has been bringing ‘Zumba Gold Seated’ to our Day Away
clients. On the first Wednesday of every month, lively music can
be heard throughout the building as clients experience what
Jo-Anne refers to as, “the goodness and effectiveness of fitness
through dance movements that anyone can enjoy.”
Jo-Anne brings nearly ten years of dance instructor experience,
check out what she has to say about volunteering in Day Away:
“When I am instructing, I notice their smiles, their laughter, and
their ability to focus when doing the movements. I love
instructing your enthusiastic fun-loving ladies and gents while
your amazing staff helps and participates to make it complete! All
of this makes my day!”
Thank you Jo-Anne for your enthusiasm and ongoing
service to our clients.
“When I am instructing, I notice their smiles,
their laughter.”
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE!
World Alzheimer’s Day
Breakfast & Award
Presentation
As the weather gets warmer, we start thinking about all the great things we have
in store to enjoy those summer months – and raise some money too!
Walk for Alzheimer’s (May 28)
September 21, 2017
Spring is here and that means it’s time for our annual
Walk for Alzheimer’s! The date is set for Sunday, May
28 at Ford Test Track in Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Register
yourself or get a team together and walk, run, wheel
or skip to help raise funds for local programs and
services. Visit www.alzheimerwindsor.com to sign up
and start collecting pledges today!
Each year the Alzheimer Society
honours individuals, or groups who
demonstrate continued commitment
to our Society.
This year the Generosity of Spirit
Award will be presented
company,
group, or
whose efforts
to
a
organization
assisted in meeting
capital and operational needs through
philanthropy and/or fundraising.
The Award will be presented at a new
annual breakfast event, held to
Art in the Park (June 3 & 4)
Last year we raised a record $3,000 utilizing our prime Walkerville location to
provide parking for Art in the Park goers in exchange for donations, and we are
hoping to do the same this year. Want to help out? Give us a call.
celebrate and raise awareness for
The Color Run (July 22)
World Alzheimer’s Day.
The Color Run returns to Windsor on Saturday, July 22, 2017 and we are happy to
say that once again we are the chosen charity for the #Happiest5K. It takes a lot
of dedicated volunteers to make this event a success and we will be looking for
250 individuals to help us raise $10,000! Want to get involved? Give us a call.
This event will be held at the
Windsor Club – more details coming
soon!
New Event Alert – Disc Golf Tournament (July 15)
MAYORS CHARITY GOLF
TOURNAMENT
September 11, 2017
ASWE is pleased to be selected as the
recipient charity of this years’ Gary
McNamara’s 9th annual Mayor’s
Charity Golf Tournament.
The tournament will take place at
Beach Grove Golf & Country Club.
Sponsorship opportunities available.
For further details please contact the
Mayor’s Office at 519-735-2184
ext.115.
Please join us for a great day of golf!
We are always on the lookout for new and fun
activities and this year we are thrilled to bring
you a Disc Golf Tournament. Taking place at the
new Disc Golf Course at Lakewood Park in
Tecumseh, gather a foursome and join us for
some fun on Saturday, July 15. Stay tuned for
more details!
What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, players
use a flying disc, or Frisbee®. A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target
which is the "hole". The objective is completing each hole in the fewest throws. It
is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Go to www.pdga.com/introduction to learn more about disc golf.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Society is always looking for Corporate Sponsors that would like to support our
cause through our community events. Please contact Peggy Winch, to discuss
either new or existing sponsorship opportunities at 519-974-2220 ext. 225.
GIVE HOPE ALL YEAR THE EASY WAY!
“I became a Forget-Me-Not
Partner, because Alzheimer’s
disease is important, but not
enough is being done or being
spent on it. The needs of seniors
are often overlooked. It’s time to
take action and start giving to
support research and help families
and caregiver in our community.”
For-Get-Me-Not Partner, Georgett
∞∞∞
“After years of benefiting from the
fine services of the Alzheimer
Society of Windsor & Essex
County, I felt it important to give
back financially in an easy
consistent manner.”
For-Get-Me-Not Partner, Tom
Please consider joining our Forget-Me-Not Partners Monthly Giving
Program. Give hope all year with the ease of Monthly Giving.
Monthly gifts provide a secure funding base for the Alzheimer Society of
Windsor & Essex County and lowers administrative costs. This allows us to
direct more money to our vital services through the community.
A monthly donation of $10 may seem like a small amount, but your are one
of many caring pople helping us with your monthly gift and together, these
monthly gifts add up to help those affected by Alzheimer disease and other
dementias . Your monthly gift means:
» You make one decision—your gift works each month to support a cause
your believe in
» You can divide your (tax creditable) donation into twelve equal
payments receiving one tax receipt each year before February 28th
» We can plan long-term projects—A regular and predictable source of income provides stability in programs planning and gives the Society
security to get involved in long-term project
» Monthly donations are one of
environmentally friendly ways to give
the
most
cost-effective
Contact Peggy Winch at 519-974-2220 ext. 225.
Did you know that leaving a gift to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor
& Essex County in your will could help you leave more to your
beneficiaries and pay less tax?
The last Wednesday of each month
1:00 to 3:00pm | Ojibway Nature Centre
5200 Matchette Rd. Windsor, ON
What is a Memory Café?
What is offered?
A memory café provides a FREE gathering place for
people living with dementia, their care partners,
families and friends to relax, and enjoy refreshments.
It also provides socialization, discussions, and
entertainment all in a coffee shop environment.
• Free coffee and other refreshments
• Socialization
• Educational Opportunities
• Recreational Activities
Sponsored by:
• Guest Speakers
• Celebrity Servers
The Café Is Not:
• A Day or Respite Program
• Support Group
• Workshop
and