A Luau Party

On June 20th, eleven Goldman Sachs & Co. employees participated in a Hawaiian luau at our Chapter Offi ce with members of our early-stage support group, “MemoryWorks,” and “Here and Now” groups. The luau was sponsored and funded by Goldman Sachs as part of their Community TeamWorks (CTW) program. CTW is Goldman Sachs’ signature volunteer program that allows each person one day away from work to volunteer on a team-based project with a nonprofi t organization.

After being greeted at the door with colorful leis, our members were served a delicious “Hawaiian lunch” of poached salmon, chicken tenders, corn salad, fresh fruit and strawberry halo halo cake. After lunch, everyone enjoyed a slideshow tour of Hawaii set to beautiful island music given by Lauren Tammany, our Coordinator of Early-Stage Services. The big treat of the afternoon was a touching performance by Eleia, a professional hula dancer. After teaching the art of the hula to the audience, she persuaded many in the group to dance along with her. It was wonderful to see members of our early-stage groups forgetting their cares and really getting into the spirit of the dance. “Mahalo!” to the employees from Goldman Sachs for taking the time to bring a little taste of Hawaii to all of us.

A big part of the answer lies in the area most often referred to as Programs and Services. In earlier years, support groups provided opportunities for people (mostly those in their 70s and 80s) who wanted to meet with others like themselves to talk about the realities of living with early-stage dementia. Today, although many of our younger-onset clients are still benefiting from joining support groups, they are also asking for more… much more. As a result, professionals are being challenged like never before to create innovative affordable programming that will provide early-stage Baby Boomers with more satisfaction (remember that popular word from the 1960s!) than their older counterparts ever received.

4th Annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at Shea

On July 9th, volunteers, summer interns and staff gathered for the final time at Shea Stadium to offer information and resources about Alzheimer’s disease and the Alzheimer’s Association to New York Mets and San Francisco Giants fans. We brought community awareness on a grand scale on a fun-filled, stormy New York evening at an exciting rain-delayed, extra inning game.

Next year — Citi Field!

Our Talented Staff

Nancy Lee Hendley, Dementia Care Trainer, delighted staff and visitors alike to an exhibition of her beautiful original artwork at the Chapter office. Nancy has a Master of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute.

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