It is amazing to live in a community where I feel like everyone pretty much likes and cares for each other. While there are gripers and naggers, sprinkled with some naysayers, overall, I am so pleased to live here. Just last week Alzheimer’s Awareness hosted “The Longest Day in Winnemucca, Part 1”.
The event included book club, arts and crafts, food devouring, music, and much laughter and inspiration.
The silk scarves, wall hangings, and paintings churned out by guests were all terrific. It is wonderful to watch friends nervously set to work as they slowly slip into quiet determination in which to create a masterpiece.
In addition to all of the fun, $500 (which was added to the $155 already pledged) was donated to the Alzheimer’s Association for research to uncover a cure, a reversal, a prevention for this horrible disease. Each dollar counts in making a difference for us all.
Next arrived the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca and Humboldt Volunteer Hospice Sprint Triathlon. On our initial voyage in Year 1, we had bright shirts, splendid goodie bags, excellent volunteers, and a field of competitors full of zest. Although our numbers were few, spirits soared and I am sure that Year 2 will bring an entire contingent of new participants. After all, a Sprint Triathlon should be on everyone’s list of desired accomplishments, whether striving to beat a time or just to simply say, “I trained, I tried, I succeeded!” We will be working throughout the coming year to fix kinks and problems to grow our Sprint into something phenomenal.
Funds raised with our Sprint Triathlon have been divided into two pods: one will be used by Humboldt Volunteer Hospice to attend to the needs of its clients; the second will be donated to the City for the construction of a Memory Wall to be located near the fitness pad/splash pad/playground/picnic area in the Whitworth Recreation Complex. Currently plans are being designed for a 5’ tall x 10’ long brick wall (like the one seen at the entry to the Complex).
After completion, plaques can be purchased so that you, too, can pay respect to someone you love in a visible and tender fashion. Plaques can be purchased for $50 – just contact me for more information.
A generous benefactor has offered to match the ADF-Winnemucca Sprint Triathlon funds to be donated for Alzheimer’s research. Wow! And thanks. Kindness and thoughtfulness fill our city. Who could ask for more?
I imagine by now you are thinking about and wondering how you can volunteer your time and expertise to our many pursuits. Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca meets the second Tuesday of each month from 8-9:30am at HGH. Let’s Talk About It, a discussion group on dementia, caregiving, and health concerns, meets the second Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and the Winnemucca Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Wednesday from noon-1:30 p.m.
Please join us for any and all. We need you and your valuable ideas.
ADF-Winnemucca also offers respite care the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 10am-noon at the Boys and Girls Club.
Whether as a volunteer or a caregiver in need of a break, come ahead on. Your life will be enriched as you engage in a variety of activities or enjoy some moments of caregiver solitude as you slip away for a couple of hours.
Above all, have a wonderful day. My mom used to remind me, “Happiness comes from within.” Anytime I wanted to grumble or complain, she’d sing out this little ditty and sure enough, I felt myself relaxing as joy seeped into my soul.
I felt happy because I had decided to be happy. While rough times sneak back into my life from time to time, for the most part, I have found a smile and positive attitude are much more helpful in making my day shine than anger or general “pissiness”. Some people ask me where I get my energy and drive from and I must say that a good deal of it comes because I am happy. I also love to jog, enjoy a pleasant swim, eat well, read and write, plus I receive power and encouragement from being with my family and friends. Thanks to you all!
