By Ruth Egger Homage Senior Services
SnoMentia is a grassroots movement taking off in Snohomish County to empower people with memory loss and their loved ones to stay active and connected in the community.
A counterpart to Seattle’s Momentia movement, its goal is to transform what it means to live with dementia in the community, changing the story to one of hope, connection and finding joy in the moment. Working together, a variety of organizations and community members promote accessible programs that focus on strengths and take place in familiar public settings.
SnoMentia’s latest program was an Aug. 29 field trip to Flower World hosted by Edmonds Senior Center. Five people with memory loss and their loved ones took a ride on the Edmonds Senior Center bus to Flower World near Monroe. The manager, Terri, gave a brief history of the facility, how it has grown over the years and the jobs it provides in the community. She then provided a brief tour of the centrally section of this vast property, which covers 200 acres.
Participants enjoyed a free cup of coffee and looking at the beautiful flowers and plants. Following the tour, they moved across the street to Flower World’s fruit and vegetable stand for a little shopping, and then wandered the pathways looking at a multitude of chickens, peacocks, ducks, geese and goats. On the bus ride home, the group discussed favorite sights and shared a snack. Everyone is looking forward to the next outing.
Upcoming programs are just as wonderful:
Dinner and Elvis will be Sept. 23, 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center, which is hosting the event for people with memory loss, friends and family, and all who support a dementia-friendly community. The evening includes dinner, dessert and a chance to hear an Elvis Presley impersonator, Shane Corbane, sing some of your favorite songs. This is a opportunity for a date night with your favorite family member or friend. A voluntary $5 donation at the door is requested, if you are able. Call 425-672-2407 for information or to sign up.
Other south county dementia-friendly programs coming up this fall include:
Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds and the Alzheimer’s Association co-host an Art Walk at the museum. Call Joanne at 206-529-3872 for information.
Friendly Folk Dance classes at Edmonds Center for the Arts begin Nov. 6. The center also offers matinee movies as part of their dementia-inclusive series. The first one is Fiddler on the Roof, 10 a.m. Oct. 21. Donation is $10, or $2 for low income families. Call the box office, 425-275-9595, for information.
Alzheimer’s Cafes, a friendly place to meet others, eat and sing, at Pagliacci’s Pizza in Edmonds, 2 to 3:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month, and at IHOP in Smokey Point, 2 to 3:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month. No registration required — just show up. For information, call Ruth, 425-740-3794.
In north county, SnoMentia-North will be starting programs this month — watch for information.
If you are living with dementia or know someone who is and would like to participate in enjoyable programs, please join us. You will meet new people, laugh a lot and be part of a larger community. Check out the calendar on www.snocare.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
