Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca and Humboldt Volunteer Hospice hosted a Golf Scramble to commemorate the Longest Day for Alzheimer’s. The Longest Day reflects the hours and hours of care provided to those with this devastating disease. Celebrated in June near the summer solstice it truly links to the day with the most sunlight. Bright and sunny with a hint of cottonwood floating about, 17 teams arrived for a rousing morning of golf at our local course. While there were many adults on hand, kids participated, too, not only marking their Alzheimer’s awareness, but also building skills in a lifelong sport.
To be honest, the lead-up to this event about exhausted my mind and body. I’d gotten used to Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving which entails purchasing shirts and having them designed, securing chocolate milk, water, and bananas, double checking with Lowry Wrestling to be certain they will launch the event and Lowry Cheer to guide runners, walkers, bikers, and strollers. Easy. Tie-One-On because of the help of ribbon bow creators and again Lowry Cheer rolls out like magic. The Sprint Triathlon, Brain Health presentation, and other education opportunities require just a little time and effort. But a Scramble? Especially the first endeavor? Challenging. I imagine Joey Dendary is relieved to have my daily questions halted.
Because of the many facets, our team worked to secure hole sponsors and raffle prize donations. The original gathering of 18 teams came off without a hitch, however, cancellations and rethinking the day drove me into sleepless nights and nervousness. I recruited and Joey added others as he assured me that we’d meet our goal. Fortunately, my children and grandchildren golf and Lowry students thought the competition looked fun, and friends signed up to ease my angst. And of course, the generosity of our community (and beyond) prevailed. With contributions made, we are approaching $6,000 for local respite and education and about $3,000 for the Northern Nevada Alzheimer’s Association. As for the latter, all of that money stays in Nevada for respite grants, education, publications, and research.
No event can succeed without volunteers and sponsors. The Chamber (Rich and Debbie Stone), Humboldt Volunteer Hospice (Cindy Michael and Eleanor Taylor), Humboldt General Hospital Employees (Diane Klassen and Garrett Vess), and Pleasant Senior Center (Brandie Pettis) entertained teams at each chosen holes offering contests and prizes. Photographs by Kelsey Cunningham captured each team and were handed out at the lunch and raffle held after the last group arrived at the clubhouse. Athiwan Husted and Cindy Michael brought breakfast and delicious beverages were served by the golf course and PAC-RES. Goodie bags and photo frames came from Edward Jones, aka Walt Vetter and Jordan. Jackie Resciniti arrived from Reno with Alzheimer’s hand-outs, engraved cups from Jim Dandy and golf towels from Patty Ellifritz and the Madhatter, and State Farm bling rounded out the bag contents. Betty Lawrence, Debbie Stone, Billie Lucero, and Debra Shaw ran the raffle ticket sale and organization and then there are so many more. I hesitated to start with a list because someone is inevitably omitted.
We are looking ahead to next year. We need to host this in June, the Longest Day being then, and Sunday provided a different day and a different entourage of particpants. We liked making it “kid friendly”. My 4 grandkids ended their 18th hole with joy and excitement for other golfing opportunities. Charlie, age 5, did retire early, however, he still had a good time. So, all of my fretting and worry paid off in a glorious way. I can sleep again, perhaps, as more ideas pop into my brain.
Have you noticed the ADF-Winnemucca, the Longest Day, Dementia Friendly Nevada banners in front of the Courthouse (please say yes!). While they could not be positioned on the entry pillars, the corner placement is ideal for passing traffic. Betty Lawrence, our June/July volunteer of the month, got ADF on the County Commissioners agenda where we gained permission to have these signs in view. Borrowing the idea from Humboldt Connections and having Jeri Billingsley key on design, these represent a City and County that care about everyone. They are attuned to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and we appreciate that.
Generosity and kindness ensure our Thursday respite is funded, the materials need for this can be purchased, and that additional community education opportunities can be planned as we meet the needs of our aging population. Paying it forward offers tremendous inspiration.