Still Alice, a wonderful experience

Still Alice
Contact Gail Sonnesso
252-480-3354
GEM Day Services, Inc.

Still Alice "."It was a wonderful day of learning, networking, and
supporting!"[Our families living with memory loss]

A recent showing of the film, "Still Alice," at the R/C Theaters received an
overwhelming community response with over 150 people in the audience. The
showing sponsored by GEM was made possible by the generosity of the OBX
Hospital and the Dare County Arts Council. The film, based on a book
written by Lisa Genova, is about a happily married woman with three grown
children, and is a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget
words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease,
Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to
stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and
inspiring
A panel followed the film addressing questions from the audience. Tess
Judge, Moderator, stated her concern for citizens of our community
struggling with the disease and welcomed this opportunity to bring some
awareness to the issue. She addressed questions to panel members: Kaye
White, Dare County's Delegate to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature; Lynne R.
Raisor, Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Albemarle Commission; Roisin
McKeithan, M.D., Family Practice Physician; Carol Meyer, R.N., widow of a
person with Alzheimer's Disease; and Tami Chase Montiel, R.N. whose father
passed away from Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia.

Panelists were asked questions such as "How long will a person live with a
diagnosis of Alzheimer's? What is the difference in the cost of care between
a facility and home care?' What activities are best to keep a person living
with dementia active and involved?'
Comments from the attendees: "What an experience! We thoroughly enjoyed
the movie; "Still Alice" There is nothing like seeing the struggle that our
people have to endure. We thank you for the opportunity to attend." "My
husband and I can witness everything that the family was experiencing, a
true story indeed." And from another "It was a wonderful day of learning,
networking, and supporting!"
We as a community have begun the conversation about this difficult disease
and we are very pleased that three Dare County Commissioners attended;
Margarette Umphlett, Wally Overman and Warren Judge.

GEM, a community based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, has been providing care for
Outer Banks families since 1996 and currently offers; Art at the Park a day
out at our local Parks for people living with memory loss and their
families; GEM In partnership with the Dare County Arts Council, offers
classes in pottery, Sea glass jewelry, beading, painting and more. Our
caregivers support group the "GEM Club" meets monthly at the Baum Senior
Center and our next program on Tuesday May 5th will feature a teaching DVD
with Teepa Snow, OTR, nationally known dementia trainer.

To learn more about GEM programs and volunteer opportunities contact Gail
Sonnesso, executive director at 252-480-3354 or by email at
gsonnesso@gmail.com

GEM Visits Jockeys Ridge this Thursday 4/23 @ 1:30

We will meet at the park at 1:30 and watch a movie about the animals in the
park and using clay make some take home critters. The park offers "a ride
to the top" with a park volunteer to thrill us with stories of the history
of Jockeys Ridge.
There is no charge but please let me know that you are coming.

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS
AFA Excellence in Care Specialist
GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.
252-480-3354
www.gemdayservices.org

GEM PROGRAMS This week

Dear GEM Friends,

 

GEM programs this week.

 

Tuesday April  21 @ 2pm Collage with Artist Faye Davis-Edwards at the Dare County Arts Council

Wednesday April 22 @2:30 Complimentary Memory Screenings  at the Community Clinic of Dare, Health Center Drive Nags Head

Thursday April 23 @ 1pm Jockeys Ridge with Justin he will be talking about raccoons,

foxes and other common animals seen around the park, Nick Hodsdon will perform for us with guitar.

Sunday April 26 @ 2pmthe R/C theater in Kill Devil Hills Still Alice  - no charge BUT you must have a  ticket!

Call -252-480-3354 - or email Gail Sonnesso Gsonnesso@gmail.com  to let me know you are coming to any or all of these events!

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

GEM ART CLASS with Carol Jones TUESDAY APRIL 14th @ 2pm Dare County ARTS COUNCIL Manteo - GREETING CARDS

I am writing to invite you to our next class at the Dare Arts Council. We will me making greeting cards with Carol Jones. The class starts at 2pm and we would love to see you.

Carol has beautiful card stock and a creative way to help us design our cards. We will also have sentiments for you to pick out for your cards.

There is NO CHARGE, but we invite you to register by replying to this email. We will be on the second floor but the Arts Council has an elevator if stairs are a challenge.

 

Looking forward to our class with Carol.

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

Albemarle Chorale Concert

 

Just wanted to let you know that the Albemarle Chorale concert will take place on

Sunday, April 26 at 4pm at Swain Auditorium in Edenton and the second concert is

Sunday May 3 at 4pm at Perquimans County High School.

 

The title of our concert this year is "Lift Every Voice: America in Song" and will

include selections from Broadway shows such as Oklahoma and West Side Story,

some patriotic songs, and other selections written by American composers.

 

Bring family & friends. I think you'll enjoy this uplifting program. 

I've attached a copy of our flier if you'd like to share with others.

Hope to see you there.

 

Tina Sclafani 

  

PREVENTING FALLS GEM Lunch & Learn Tuesday April 7th @11:30 Baum Senior Center

Hello friends,

We are very excited about this program and hope that the information you
gain will help us in the fight against falls. Please let me know that you
are coming and don't forget a bag lunch! GEM will be providing dessert.
Join us at the Baum Senior Center When: Tuesday April 7th Time: 11:30-1pm
Topic: Preventing Falls

Do you provide hands-on care, emotional, financial or other support to a
loved one with a long-term illness or disability?
You're not alone!
Learn with Teepa Snow, Dementia Specialist (via DVD) and meet Danielle
Stine, PT II, Physical Therapist, Dare Home Health and Dare Hospice.
Danielle holds a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and a Master's Degree
in Rehabilitation Science-Physical Therapy, will join us to answer your
questions.
There is no charge but registration is required by calling Gail Sonnesso,
MS, Executive Director at 252-480-3354.
You will also learn how you can assess your loved ones risk for falls.
The FIRST 10 people to register will receive a Complimentary Caregivers
Workbook thanks to the generous support of The Albemarle Commission. * Bring
a bag lunch and we will provide dessert!
Gail Sonnesso, MS, QDCS
GEM Day Services, Inc.
252-480-3354
gsonnesso@gmail.com