Sept 11 header
January  2014
e-newsletter  
The Compassion To Care, The Leadership To Conquer

The Alzheimer's journey is a long one, with many twists and turns. The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter has been here as a strong, passionate, and committed resource for over 30 years and with your support we intend to stay committed until the vision of a world without Alzheimer's is attained.

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Do Your 2014 Goals Include Making a Renewed Commitment to  
A World Without Alzheimer's?
 
As you strategically plan your personal and professional goals for the New Year, please recommit to this important cause today! 
 

If you need some ideas we've got some great ones for you to consider: 

  • Help us reach individuals who don't even know we exist. Tell others about us and direct them to our website - alz.org - or invite them to call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
  • If you are interested in learning how to add us to your estate plan and join the Founders Society, please contact MaryAnn Vance at 414.431.8813 or [email protected]
  • One simple and popular way to financially support is to designate the Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin as a beneficiary on your insurance policy or IRA, or make an IRA Charitable Rollover gift for 2014.
  • Maybe you'd like to attend or volunteer at our events? There are many coming up in 2014; Mardi Gras Gala on March 4, Treasure Art Auction on June 4, and seven Walk To End Alzheimer's events in September and October.  Bring someone new and introduce them to the Alzheimer's Association.
  • Don't just hope for a cure - help us find one.  Find a clinical trial through TrialMatch 
  • Write the editor at your local paper about the importance of funding Alzheimer's research.
  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and share our news with your circle of influence.  Use the hashtag #endalz to connect with others who support our mission.

Whatever you choose to do, please know it is greatly appreciated. Together, we can be the generation that beats Alzheimer's. Thank you so much for making that day come as soon as possible. 

 

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MARDI GRAS GALA - March 4
 
Reserve your tickets NOW for the Best 
Fat Tuesday Gig in Milwaukee!

 

The Milwaukee Art Museum is the place to be on Fat Tuesday as the Alzheimer's Association hosts the best party in town - the Mardi Gras Gala!  Cajun inspired food, lively entertainment, incredible auction packages and delectable Mardi Gras Martinis await you! 

 

Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Time:  5:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Milwaukee Art Museum
Cost: $200 per ticket....tables start at $2,500

Call 414.479.8800 today to reserve your tickets!  

 

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Shelby at [email protected]  

If you would like to donate an item to the auction, please contact Amanda at [email protected]

 

Special Thanks to M Magazine for being a media partner for the 
2014 Alzheimer's Association Mardi Gras Gala.



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U.S. Should Commit to Beating Alzheimer's Disease

On Sunday, December 29th, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a guest editorial written by our Executive Director, Tom Hlavacek.  This exceptionally well-written opinion column suggests that what we really need is a Manhattan Project on Alzheimer's disease.  Read the column here 
 
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"I Have Alzheimer's" Website  

Helps People with the disease Understand They are Not Alone


In September, the Alzheimer's Association� launched "I Have Alzheimer's Disease," a 23-page section of alz.org offering information and tools to help those living in the early stage of Alzheimer's or other dementia live their best life for as long as possible.
 

"I Have Alzheimer's" was created with input from people living with the disease and provides valuable resources to serve a growing group of individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's. In addition to supporting those with the disease through education, the Web section strives to create a sense of normalcy and validation for its users. An Alzheimer's diagnosis can feel isolating, but "I Have Alzheimer's" helps individuals move past that feeling and on to planning, preparing and receiving support.

 

The site is also a valuable resource for caregivers, family members, or friends of someone with Alzheimer's. Whether they seek the information for themselves or are looking to empower the person with dementia, "I Have Alzheimer's" provides a better understanding of the experience of living with the disease and what others are doing to live their best life after diagnosis. Visit "I Have Alzheimer's" to learn more.

 

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Graphic Design Students Invited to Create New Logo for Memories in the Making

Program

  
 

This fall, the Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Wisconsin chapter launched a contest to engage and challenge university students in Southeastern Wisconsin to design a new logo for our chapter's Memories in the Making� program. 

 

Memories in the Making combines the art of painting watercolor with reminiscing. The program, held in long term care communities, adult day centers, and within the general community, allows individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias the opportunity to paint.  Skilled facilitators encourage, prompt and guide where needed with an emphasis on personal engagement. Currently, our chapter oversees 30 Memories in the Making programs in our eleven county service area.

 

The logo contest gave us the exciting opportunity to receive a fresh new marketing tool.  But equally important, it allowed us to reach out to a very important demographic - bridging the gap between youth and those more advanced in age.  

 

Special thanks to our astute panel of judges: Lee Ann Garrison, visual artist and Executive Director, Peck School of the Arts Design Research Institute; Richard Taylor, internationally recognized sculptor, and adjunct instructor at MIAD; and Amy Kirschke, Adult and Studio Programs Manager at Milwaukee Art Museum. 

 

The winning design will be presented on Saturday, January 18, 1:00 p.m. during a reception at the Milwaukee Art Museum, in the Lubar Auditorium.  Members of the public are welcome to attend.

 

For more information on Memories in the Making, please contact Nancy Armitage at [email protected]

 

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Barb's Got the Buzz -  Do Something Meaningful in 2014
 
Barbara Cheek Johnson, a journalist living with early -stage Alzheimer's disease, recounts a memorable post-holiday event with her early-stage friends, while acknowledging the potential of a fresh New Year. 
 
Read Barb's newest post at http://alzheimersblogger.wordpress.com/  

 
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Coming Up - Alzheimer's Association Education Programs
 
Sexuality and Intimacy in Dementia Care: A Train-the-Trainer Program Caregiver

January 24 - Milwaukee
February 25 - Racine
March 20 - Sheboygan
April 16 - Madison

This new one-day curriculum is a train-the-trainer model specifically for nursing homes in Wisconsin. The program will prepare attendees, already familiar with Alzheimer's and dementia care, to train direct care staff in dementia capable care - focusing on intimacy and sexuality.

Training is only open to Nursing Home staff, which may include up to 3 attendees per facility. Appropriate attendees could include executive director/nursing home administrator, director of nursing, social worker, staff educator, or shift leader.

There will be a $50 fee per nursing home facility and will include refreshments and lunch.  Pre-registration is required and space is limited. The one-day training, which will run from 9am-5pm, is being offered in 4 convenient locations in Southeastern Wisconsin.  Please contact Krista Scheel at 800.272.3900 for a registration packet.
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Dementia Specialist Training: Best Practices for Direct Care Staff

This 15-hour, two-day, highly interactive program is for direct care staff including nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, supervisors, administrators and therapists. The training is fun, interesting and innovative and is designed to provide the skills necessary for successfully interacting with people who have dementia.  A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the training.

Thursday - February 6 and 13
8:00am - 4:00pm
Alzheimer's Association Office
620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160 - Milwaukee 

Cost is $120 per person and includes breakfast, lunch and all materials.  There is limited enrollment and pre-registration is required.  To register please contact Deborah at 800.272.3900.

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What's It Like? The World Through the Eyes of Someone  Challenge Match
with Alzheimer's Disease

This presentation explores what is happening to the brain when affected by Alzheimer's disease.  Interactive experiential exercises allow participants to feel what it might be like to have the disease.  Insights from those who have the disease are discussed throughout the program.

Wednesday - February 5
2:00 - 3:00pm
Aging and Disability Resource Center
50 N. Portland Street - Fond du Lac

Registration is required - please contact Ginny Nyhuis at 920.838.1311 or [email protected] to register.
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Education, Programs, and Support

We are offering numerous education programs, conferences and support groups for caregivers in the next months. To view our education calendar which features a complete listing of the programs offered in your community, click here. For a listing of caregiver support groups, click here.
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Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In

Tell your friends that you're a part of one of the fastest growing movements in the country - the fight to end Alzheimer's.  With your help, we can increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Click the icons below to start! 

 

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Alzheimer's Association | Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter | 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 | www.alz.org/sewi