One of the responsibilities of being Project Coordinator for Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca entails traveling door to door, store to store, prior to upcoming events. While I love chitchat, I dread the notion of asking people for money to promote and support ADF and Alzheimer’s Awareness events. While all donations are spent on local education presentations and respite, both our Thursday Pleasant Senior Center version as well as for caregivers who serve 24/7 and need a break to regroup and rethink, I struggle. Ask me to sweep your floor, clean the windows, write a story about your loved one, or chair a meeting, I can do it, however, peddling is tough.
Over the last few days, though, my routine has brought such pleasure. Every person I talked to supported out Winnemucca efforts to be the most educated, open, and dementia-friendly community in Nevada and then the US. Many had personal stories to tell, a link that has made Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias too real, too painful, and too agonizing while also bringing back happy memories, touching moments, and love. From Grandma who mowed down the mailbox, got out and replaced it in its ground slot, then smacked it again to Uncle Joe who frequented bars regaling the crowd with fantastic, made-up tales to entertain the crowd.
No one requested that I leave, although I realize that I created anxiety in one business as the employee wondered exactly where my explanation might lead the conversation. As you know, I like to joke and I like to appeal to the sense of duty such as, “I am so pleased that you are ready to compete in our Sprint Triathlon. Taking on all 3 legs is awesome.” I am certain he had no idea to what I referred even though he smiled and accepted my poster and flyers.
I learned many wonderful attributes of our community as I traveled the streets. At the forefront: our residents care. They listen, they share, they assure me of their interest and dedication to helping others, and I recognize the commitment they possess. While our first two events are “listening sessions” on becoming a Dementia Friend (April 18th), followed by Brain Health: A Healthy Body, Mind, and You! (May 16th), interest on these important topics piqued attention and I believe many will attend. And if they cannot, they know where to reach me to receive hand-outs and more information. I envision milling and talking as folks gather their beverages and snacks, attentive and interactive engagement during the presentations, and then active interaction and discussion. I also believe that knowledge gained will go back to the workplace to the benefit of every employee, shopper, and beyond.
I hope that attendees will embrace ways to make their brains healthier and more vital. They will have already started risk reduction by attending events, socializing, reflecting, and joining our mighty force. Perhaps more interest in exercise and cognitive health will arise. What better way to set a new physical regime in motion than recruiting a Sprint Tri team – partnerships increase power (June 3rd) – and trailing that with our golf scramble (June 25th). Again, many signed up for one event or the other or both, committed themselves to sponsorships, and above all made me so proud to live here. Each day after my rounds I returned home, required a nap, then with renew invigoration planned the next steps of our projects. With our magnificent team, all undertakings are achievable.
If I have not visited you or sent an email, do not worry. I either ran out of time or saved you for another morning. Of course, you can also head to our website or check out our activities on Facebook. Although I set out with ample hours to stop by 15-20 places, I also have a tendency to chat. It’s my chance to catch up with friends, meet new ones, and then explain plans and ideas as they pop into my mind. There is a strong correlation between the thought development on swimming mornings which usually focus on organization and implementation and jogging mornings where emphasis shifts to the “What Ifs?” I ponder. I admit smooth strokes bring peace and that pounding feet propel blood to my brain, and with rich oxygenation inspiration flows. I wonder if those I popped in on detected my swimming versus jogging state-of-being? It is in writing this piece that I identified my approaches and mindset.
