Harmony Cafe with the Lost Colony Choir Sat July 2ond from 11-2pm

Dear Friends in Ministry to older adults, I am the founder of GEM ~
Gentle Expert Memory care and we are thrilled that Kitty Hawk United
Methodist Church is hosting a monthly get-together to assist families
caring for people living with dementia whether they be spouses, parents,
children with early on-set dementia or people with downs syndrome who are
now experiencing dementia.
This get-together, which I named "Harmony Cafe," would provide a craft/art
activity (which encourages conversation and sharing of memories as folks
work), a light lunch, exercise time (chair aerobics), and music (group
singing).
On Saturday July 2 we will be joined by the Lost Colony Choir and our
co-hosts will be our friends at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of
the Outer Banks!

Frail seniors can attend with their family member or community friend for 3
hours (11 am-2 pm) with hopes that as the seniors were able to "trust" the
GEM staff and church volunteers the seniors could be dropped off and picked
up by their family, giving these emotionally exhausted caregivers 3 hours of
time off on a Saturday to shop, go to the beach, or just relax at home.
Gail Sonnesso would always be at the event, along with her husband Angelo,
and other CNA staff(who could assist patients in case of emergencies, help
with bathroom time, etc.).
Gail will register participants either by email gsonnesso@gmail.com or
by calling 252-480-3354 through the G.E.M. office. The dates are set for
the first Saturday of each month and the program runs from 11 am - 2 pm
Kitty Hawk UMC is simply providing space for the program -- area churches
will take turns hosting the event each month (Kitty Hawk hosted the May
meeting, attended by a total of 11 staff, caregivers, and clients).

I suggest that we refer to this as socialization for frail seniors and their
families to protect families' privacy in dealing with memory issues. It is
important for the participants comfort that Harmony Cafe meet in the same
building each month (many memory care participants have lots of anxiety in
new surroundings), on the ground floor, in a place with easy handicap access
– KHUMC is perfect!

Jo Anne Schwartz says this about our program "I'm personally very thankful
to Gail for thinking up such a program for senior adults with these issues,
I'm thankful to the generosity and hospitality of Kitty Hawk UMC for voting
to host it for a year, and I just give a shout out to the Holy Spirit for
giving all of us the opportunity to offer these members of the Greatest
Generation comfort, hospitality and friendship."

GEM is thrilled that The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer
Banks, Outer Banks Presbyterian, Ocean view Baptist and St.
Andrews-by–the-Sea are hosting up-coming Cafes.

If you would like to volunteer personally or your faith community would like
to host a "Harmony Café" please all or email Gail Sonnesso, executive
director of GEM.
We are so thankful for Jo Anne Schwartz and the congregation of Kitty Hawk
United Methodist Church for their vision and support.

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS
AFA Excellence in Care Specialist
GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.
252-480-3354
www.gemdayservices.org
70% of people living with dementia are cared for at home!
https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter