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Thanks for subscribing to the Memory Hub Newsletter, your source of the latest news, events, and resources at our vibrant community center for people living with memory loss, their families, and all who support a dementia-friendly community. This dynamic space is operated by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, alongside partners the Frye Art Museum, the Alzheimer's Association, Elderwise, and Full Life Care. | |
We are expanding open hours by over 50%! | |
We are excited to announce that that starting in July, we are expanding Memory Hub open hours by over 50%! Drop in anytime between 9am - 4pm, Monday - Thursday. | | |
Visit us: 1021 Columbia St, Seattle on Tues, Wed, Thurs from 9 am to 3pm. Limited valet parking provided around the corner at Murano Senior Living, with validation at our front desk. We are excited to greet you! | | |
Drop by to explore Memory Hub resources | |
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Our care consultant from the Alzheimer's Association acts as “Memory Navigator" to provide free 30-minute appointments to help you get connected with helpful memory loss resources. Learn more.
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Enjoy the new pieces in our Frame of Mind Art Exhibit. The gallery features artwork created by people with memory loss and dementia. View the gallery at the Memory Hub from 9am - 4 pm on Mon, Tues, Wed, and Thurs. Learn more.
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Our library/resource room provides a wide array of books about living well with memory loss and caregiving. View our titles.
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Maude's Garden, Washington's first public memory garden, offers a botanical oasis at the Memory Hub. Learn more.
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Team Spotlight: Barry Franklin, Front Desk Volunteer and Poet | |
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Barry Franklin is a Front Desk Volunteer at the Memory Hub, where he welcomes in visitors and program participants.
Franklin brings 12 years of involvement with dementia-friendly community programs, with his biggest role being a leader of the Early Stage Memory Loss Zoo Walks. He estimates that he led about 1,000 zoo visits for 175 people with dementia and their care partners. He has worked with Memory Cafes and participated in music shows for memory care units. He currently supports his wife Melinda in her many efforts within the Momentia movement.
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Franklin volunteers at the Memory Hub as a way to contribute to a compassionate movement that he wishes his mother could have experienced. When she was living with Alzheimer's disease in the 1990s, "there was stigma, very little support and zero activities and awareness. Things have changed. I love the idea that the Memory Hub can make a dent in this problem," he says.
What he appreciates most about volunteering at the Memory Hub is the opportunity to meet others who support a dementia-friendly community and learn about new resources. He enjoys seeing the impact of programs at the Memory Hub, such as when participants come out of Elderwise or the Garden Discovery Program with smiles on their faces.
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A book of poetry by Barry Franklin in the Memory Hub Library. | |
Franklin is a poet whose subjects span human consciousness, awareness, and humor. Barry's book Exquisite Comforts: Poems resides in the Memory Hub Library, and he is now preparing a third volume of poetry. He also helps teach a poetry class at the Greenwood Senior Center and enjoys playing sticks. | |
My Friends
By Barry Franklin, published in Exquisite Comforts: Poems, copyright 2023
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My friends are all "alive inside"
And out and all around the town
They prove their courage against unfair odds
Even when they're feeling down
My friends are all "still alive"
And I owe them my attention
Their genius is always waiting
To surprise me with invention
My friends all have an "artist within"
Their creativity so great to see
Their talent seems endless
Their paintings mesmerize me
My friends are not all still able
To engage in repartee
But they often still impress me with
their humor, the punny, funny things they say
My friends all love their music
The lyrics they can still recall
I love to hear them sing, see them dance
Their joy is never AWOL
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My friends and I share so much
But their courage I'll never acquire
Everyday they face down dementia
With strength, will, and their inner fire
My friends, I love to see them one and all
They have given me so much
I look forward every week to
Being together, though times are tough
My friends' challenge is so serious
But they persevere on their heroic quest
For which they have my admiration
I wish them all the absolute best.
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Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience Program (S.O.A.R) | | |
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Beginning soon: Next season of S.O.A.R for people living with younger-onset dementia
The 2024-2025 season of S.O.A.R is beginning soon with the first hike on July 18 through the Lincoln Park's trails to find the Lincoln Park Troll! Reinforce your strengths and connect with others through monthly small group hikes and other outdoor adventures, led by Seattle Parks and Recreation, in the Seattle area. S.O.A.R is for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia before age 65, with a family member or friend.
Sign Up
Questions: mbecker1@uw.edu
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Chinese Tai Chi & Karaoke Celebration | |
We had a wonderful potluck celebration at the end of the Chinese Tai Chi and Karaoke program in partnership with Kin On, in June. The summer series will run 2:30-4 p.m. Mondays July 8 – September 30 at the Memory Hub. If you are a Chinese-speaking older adult looking to connect with others through movement and singing together, contact Kin On to sign up: 206-800-5025. | |
Support, Education, and Engagement | |
Learn about all support, education, and engagement programs hosted at the Memory Hub, offered by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and our on-site collaborators: | |
Special Events & Workshops | |
Join us at the 2nd Annual First Hill Brain Health Block Party!
Celebrate the numerous paths to brain health and wellness this summer at our second annual Brain Health Block Party. From 1- 4 p.m. on Wednesday July 10, enjoy a walk through the First Hill neighborhood, stopping at activity stations listed below for fun brain-healthy activities such as music, puzzles, creative arts, movement and more. Healthy snacks included! A fun and free event for all ages, with a special invitation to folks age 50+.
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Tues. Aug 2, 1pm - 2:30pm: Book Group for Caregivers / Music Group for People with Memory Loss | | | |
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Contribute your nature-inspired art to our 2nd Annual Garden of Inspiration Art Show at the Memory Hub
Are you someone who enjoys being creative? Everyone in the Memory Hub dementia-friendly community is invited to contribute nature-inspired art to our 2nd annual Garden of Inspiration Art Show - a one-day outdoors art exhibit in a healing garden, taking place August 23.
The show celebrates the creativity of the Memory Hub community. A collaboration between the UW Medicine's UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Elderwise.
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Dementia Friends Washington | |
Latest Milestones in Dementia Awareness Program
Dementia Friends is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. It’s energizing to see much-needed awareness continue to spread throughout the state.
Volunteers from the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program recently attended Dementia Friends Information Sessions this past month. These volunteers are 55+ and support adults who are isolated and/or disabled by providing weekly companionship, transportation and/or other support (accompany shopping, organizing, social calls, respite support, walking partner. This program is based out of Homage in South Snohomish County and serves clients in King County and Snohomish County.
One Senior Companion agreed that she felt more confident/equipped as a community member to recognize the signs and offer support to a person living with dementia who is trying to navigate in the community after attending a session. She shared that this knowledge will help “keep my client in her situation”. Another Senior Companion shared that “at least I have a better understanding about dementia”.
Interested in becoming a Senior Companion Volunteer? Fill out and return an application to Mary Ann Higgins at Homage or contact (425)355-1138 or email mhiggins@homage.org.
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Memory Hub Collaborator Announcements & Events | |
The Memory Hub is operated by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center. Our partners include the Frye Art Museum, the Alzheimer's Association, Elderwise, and Full Life Care. See below for current offerings and announcements! | |
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Full Life Care celebrated their brand new headquarters! | |
Photo courtesy Katie Zeitler | |
Full Life Care held an open house on June 27th to celebrate their brand new headquarters at 1625 S. Columbia Way. The newly transformed space offers over 20,000 square feet for all their programs. "Full Life Care’s Adult Day Health programs provide health and wellness services that work to challenge minds, keep bodies moving and lift the spirits of each participant. We are eager to expand our Adult Day Health Program, which provides services for participants and respite for families and caregivers. Our Home Care program is continuing to grow and provide in-home services for clients to remain living independently in their own homes. Our Housing Stabilization and Supports programs work to help individuals find independent housing and address issues that put current housing in jeopardy. Our Care Teams program provides respite for caregivers by providing a team of volunteers to provide customized support," write Memory Hub collaborators Rena Ferretti and Tegenu Negi of Full Life Care. For more information, please call 206.528.5315. | |
Photo courtesy Jonathan Vanderweit | |
The Frye Art Museum is proud to offer the Alzheimer's Cafe every 2nd Tuesday at the Memory Hub!
Alzheimer's Cafe
Tuesday, July 9
2:30 - 4 pm
Register
Join the Frye Art Museum and the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center for an uplifting time of social connection for people with memory loss and their families. A unique opportunity for people living with dementia, their care partners, family, and friends to enjoy companionship, good food, live music, and fun in a relaxed environment. Registration is required for this free, fun program. Presented in partnership with the Frye Art Museum and UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center.
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Registration for the SUMMER Garden Discovery Program - Waitlist open | |
NEW Elderwise Adult Day Program is now open in Bellevue, WA. Program will run 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, to include conversation, creative arts, movement and stretching, and lunch. Learn more. | |
Dementia & Inclusive Rec Hour at Renton Senior Center continues 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Thursday. Activities range from music, light chair exercise, crafts, and nature walks. A free program for people with memory loss; care partners encouraged to join. More info. | |
NEW "Meet me at the Wildlife Refuge" program with HOPE Dementia Support in Clark County takes place every 4th Tuesday of the month from 1-3 pm. Enjoy a beautiful natural environment while connecting with others who live with memory loss. Learn more at 360-513-5754, alwayshopeinfo@gmail.com. More info. | |
Memory Café at Reveille Café in Port Townsend continues from 1-2 pm on the first Monday of every month. A free, relaxed social gathering for people with memory loss and their care partners. Learn more. | |
NEW Low Tide Walk with Seattle Parks and Recreation from 12-2 pm on Tuesday, July 23. Enjoy a beach stroll with a naturalist, while connecting with others who live with memory loss. More info. | |
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art continues its monthly "look Again" guided art discussions for people with memory loss and their families. Every first Friday of the month, 11am - 12pm. Learn more. | | | | |