I received the following press release that I am happy to post —

Join hundreds of community members for the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Library Park, 900 West Main Street in Lake Geneva. Over 600 people from Walworth and surrounding counties are expected to participate in this year’s event, which will feature both a three-mile scenic walk along the lakeshore path and a one-mile historic walk in the Maple Park neighborhood. In 2009, over $70,000 was raised to help individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline, support groups, research, education and training.

Pre-walk registration and entertainment begins at 9:30 a.m., with the walk starting promptly at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Britt Kolar, MD, a specialist in Geriatric Medicine at Aurora Senior Health and Wellness Clinic is the Honorary Chairperson. Post walk festivities will include music by the Petty Thieves, along with a hot-dog lunch, compliments of Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly and the Lake Geneva Jaycees.

ABOUT MEMORY WALK

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Champions include those living with the disease, families, caregivers, corporate and local leaders, who actively support Memory Walk in the community.

HOW TO REGISTER

Participants can register and get information online at www.alz.org/sewi. For a brochure, please call 414.479.8800. Registration is also available the day of the walk, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins promptly at 11:00 a.m.

SPONSORS

Key sponsors of this event include Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, the Cordon Family Foundation, The Mueller Family, Brookdale Senior Living and PyraMax Bank. The event is being presented by FOX6 News, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Newsradio AM620 WTMJ, 89.7 WUWM, and local radio station 96.1 WLKG “The Lake”.

LEADERSHIP

The event is being co-chaired by Andy Kerwin, principal and owner of Geneva Lakes Crossing, and Wendy Betley, Family Care Manager, Alzheimer’s Association. This event is supported by a committee of community leaders along with staff from the Alzheimer’s Association.

ABOUT THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in www.alz.org/sewiAlzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post —

The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting “Coffee, Cookies and Conversation” in Elkhorn for community members who wish to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. This program will be offered on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at People’s Bank of Elkhorn, 837 N. Wisconsin Street. There is no charge to attend; the program is open to the public.

Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia? If so, this open forum session will provide an opportunity to get questions answered and for participants to discover how the Alzheimer’s Association can help. Rather than a formal presentation, this program focuses on answering questions from the attendees. The presenter for this program is Bonnie Beam-Stratz, MA, MS, Regional Services Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association.

To register, please contact Bonnie Beam-Stratz at 920-728-4088 or send an email to bonnie.beam@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

True charity requires true service to others —

A Middleton food pantry now delivers, bringing its bounty directly to some of the people it serves….

The service started after some MOM employees and volunteers came to Fonder [Executive Director of Middleton Outreach Ministry] and told him that there were pantry clients, including many seniors, concentrated in the two [Middleton & Madison] housing complexes that either were disabled or lacked the transportation to get them to the distribution center.

The mobile food pantry is the newest way MOM is serving people in need. “To say that it’s been successful is certainly an understatement,” Fonder said.

See, Middleton food pantry now delivers.

I received the following press release that I am pleased to post:

The Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting a three-part workshop called the “Basics of Dementia” on consecutive Thursdays beginning August 12, 2010 and continuing through August 26, 2010 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at Fort Memorial Hospital, Auditorium, 611 Sherman Avenue East in Fort Atkinson.

This three-session program is ideal for those who have experienced the recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in their family, friend, or neighbor, and want to educate themselves on this topic. There is no cost to attend.

The program will cover the warning signs of dementia; the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, communication strategies, assessing behavior changes, safety issues, community resources and personal care for the caregiver. There will also be an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with others who are coping with similar situations.

Registration for all three sessions is required. For information or to register, please contact Bonnie Beam-Stratz, MSW, 920-728-4088 or send an email to bonnie.beam@alz.org.

This program is being presented in collaboration with Fort Healthcare Memory Center and Jefferson County Aging & Disability Resource Center.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post:
 
LEARN ABOUT THE EARLY SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

With 10 Million Baby Boomers at Risk, Early Detection is Critical to Future Planning

Current data suggests that less than 35 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias have a diagnosis of the condition in their medical record (Boise et al., 2004; Boustani et al., 2005; Ganguli et al., 2004; Valcour et al. 2000).

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease that gets worse over time and causes changes in memory, thinking and reasoning, early detection and diagnosis is critical to ensuring the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s have the power to plan their own healthcare and future.
 
To increase public awareness on this issue, the Alzheimer’s Association will present a community workshop called “Know the 10 Signs – Early Detection Matters,” on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Eagle Municipal Building, 820 E. Main Street, in Eagle. This interactive workshop will identify the key signs of Alzheimer’s disease and offer first hand experiences from people who have the disease, and the steps they took after diagnosis.

The program is ideal for individuals and families who may be witnessing memory loss or behavioral changes, and want the facts. The presenter for this program is Judy Gunkel, Regional Services Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association. This program is being offered at no charge to the community, in collaboration with the Alice Baker Memorial Library.
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi target or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release from the Eagle Historical Society that I am happy to post:

The Eagle Historical Society and Palmyra-Eagle Community Band invite everyone to come out for a free Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 11th from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Eagle Village Park located on Main Street and Markham Road in Eagle.

Come one, come all to this annual Eagle old-fashioned treat with a patriotic theme, providing wholesome and great family fun! Remember Sunday July 11th 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.

For more information, please contact the Eagle Historical Society, 217 W. Main Street, Box 454, Eagle, Wisconsin, 53119, 262-594-8961, www.eaglehistoricalsociety.org, curator@centurytel.net.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post –

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post —

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

On Saturday, June 12th, Whitewater will see its 13th Annual Bethel House Golf Event. I received the following letter and flyer about the event, that I am happy to post. The full letter and brochure may be viewed, downloaded, and printed through the links below.

The proceeds from this fundraiser are used entirely to support Bethel House, an ecumenical project with six housing units for families in need of shelter and providing other support services in the Whitewater area. During the last fifteen years, Bethel House has provided 75 families with housing and helped many more families with financial assistance for rent or utilities, household items, food, or referral services.

Come join in the fun! We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your continued support.

With even a small amount, one can donate to an organization dedicated to reducing sickness and death for millions around the world. Nothing But Nets is committed to the principle that one can “Send a Net, and Save a Life,” and help spare people from the illness and death that malaria inflicts in Africa.

Malaria kills more than one million people a year, and causes hundreds of millions of others to become sick. In Africa, a child dies from malaria every fifteen seconds. Here’s a description of what Nothing But Nets does:

In the poorest parts of the world, window screens are lacking, anti-malarial drugs are expensive, and so far an effective malaria vaccine does not exist. Insecticide-treated bed nets in these areas are arguably the most cost-effective way to prevent malaria transmission.

Bed nets use a simple but effective prevention approach: eliminate contact with mosquitoes, eliminate malaria.

The entire process of purchasing and distributing insecticide-treated bed nets to the most vulnerable people, as well as providing education and follow-up surveying on their use, is accomplished for just $10 per bed net.

Although $10 for a bed net may not sound like much, the cost makes them out of reach for most people at risk of malaria in Africa, where many people survive on less than $1 per day.

Why not visit the organization’s website, and see what they’re doing? They have information about their efforts, sponsors, and future plans. If what they’re doing seems compelling to you, you’ll find a link through which you can request even more information, or make a donation.

Here’s a banner from a recent campaign:

From Madison’s Isthmus, one reads a story about hardship in nearby Janesville, hardship that should be of concern to those in Whitewater, too.

No matter how dire the conditions for Janesville now, I believe that an abandonment of virtually every aspect of commercial and business regulation, along with drastic reductions in government spending except principally for police and fire, could yet make the city attractive as one large enterprise zone.

(I think the Isthmus‘s description is accurate, but it’s implied prescription of a public works solution is mistaken. Local press and business ideas relying on private solutions are more realistic.)

One thing’s certain – incremental efforts and conventional solutions will not be enough to mitigate current suffering from poverty and unemployment.

See, Janesville on the Brink.

I received the following press release, from the Alzheimer’s Association, that I am happy to post. Congratulations to all award winners. [Quick note: I am not a member of this organization, or connected to any of its award recipients, as is true with other releases that I've published today.]

Milwaukee April 17, 2010 Ms. Arlene Torrenga of Delavan, Wisconsin will receive the 2010 Outstanding Family Caregiver Award at an awards ceremony to be held at the 24th Annual State Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, May 2-4, 2010 at the Kalahari Resort Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.

The award recognizes individuals or families who embody the courage to face the challenges of providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, the compassion to ensure dignity for their loved one and the wisdom to reach out and access support.

Shortly after Arlene and her husband, Bob, retired, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progressed, Arlene sought out resources through the Alzheimer’s Association. She joined a local support group and became an advocate for the group. She let other families know how the group helped her, and would routinely explain the challenges she faced, helping the entire group to understand and deal with their own personal challenges. After Bob’s death, Arlene took over the leadership as a facilitator for the local Alzheimer’s Association support group. She continues to provide support, connecting families with resources and help. Arlene is a leader, a facilitator, a supporter, a friend and a compassionate listener.

Award winners are selected based on their outstanding contributions as caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s disease in Wisconsin. Other award category winners include:

Professional Award: Terry Fleming (La Crosse)
Physician Award: Janelle Cooper, M.D. (La Crosse)
Advocacy Award: Senator Russ Feingold
Organization Award: Helen Bader Foundation (Milwaukee)
Special Service Award: Judy Koffarnus (Colby)
Courage Award: Jestene McCord (Milwaukee)

The Outstanding Caregiver Awards are coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin chapter network as part of their annual statewide conference held each May. The state conference highlights innovative approaches to Alzheimer’s care, examines critical research initiatives and facilitates the sharing of ideas among dedicated professionals and family members.

Registration materials, scholarship information and conference details are available through the Alzheimer’s Association State Conference website at www.alzwi.org. For more information contact Kathy Davies, conference planner, at kathy.davies@alz.org. Information is also available at www.alzwi.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post.

The Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting a three-part “Dementia Basics” workshop on consecutive Tuesdays beginning April 6, 2010 and continuing through April 20, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, 725 American Avenue, in Waukesha.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz. org/sewi or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I saw recently that a senate candidate, in the Democratic party’s primary in California, quoted Reagan on equality.  The candidate mentioned that Reagan had once said that equality required not merely formal equality before the law, but that people believed that they were “equal in the eyes of each other.”  I could not remember hearing Reagan having said it.  I thought I’d search around, and see if I could find if Reagan did say as much, and when.

He did use the expression, in 1992, at the Republican national convention, at which Presdient Bush was nominated to run for re-election against Bill Clinton.  Here’s the portion of his address to the delegates in which he uses the expression:

Whether we come from poverty or wealth; whether we are Afro- American or Irish-American; Christian or Jewish, from big cities or small towns, we are all equal in the eyes of God. But as Americans that is not enough — we must be equal in the eyes of each other.

It’s true, as Johnson (speaking in a video I posted on Monday) or King would have known well — that formal equality before the law cannot easily endure without the conviction among people that all are worthy of that equality.  Neither status nor position nor expectation changes the truth and necessity of the conviction.

The Democrat who quoted Reagan found Reagan’s expression memorable. It is; having encountered the expression, one is likely to recall it, easily. It’s more than memorable; the religious and philosophical foundation of equality is both a safeguard of a community and an enduring devotion between friends.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post:

Milwaukee, WI – February 25, 2010 – The Alzheimer’s Association is offering training for individuals interested in becoming a facilitator of an Alzheimer’s Association sponsored support group. The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors over sixty support groups in southeastern Wisconsin for family caregivers who are providing care or support to persons with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Training to become a facilitator for one of these support groups will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at the Alzheimer’s Association, 620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160, in Milwaukee.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or local programs and services visit www.alz.org/sewi, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or the Spanish line at 414-750-6640.

I received the following press release from the Alzheimer’s Association, that I am happy to post.

Milwaukee, WI – February 22, 2010 – The Alzheimer’s Association will host a community program called “Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia” on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the New Berlin Public Library, Community Room, 15105 Library Lane in New Berlin.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion
of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or local programs and services visit www.alz.org/sewi, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or the Spanish line at 414-750-6640.

Here’s information that I received in a press release about Saturday’s Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.

EVENT NAME: Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

EVENT DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2009

ADDRESS: Library Park, Lake Geneva. 1200 West Main Street, Lake Geneva

CONTACTS: Andy Kerwin, Co-Chair of Walk Geneva Crossing Retirement Community, 608-575-2075 (cell)

Wendy Betley, Co-Chair of Walworth Alzheimer’s Association 262-210-5288 (cell)

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Registration 9:30 a.m.
Aerobic Warm Up 10:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies 10:45 a.m.
Walk Begins 11:00 a.m.
Post Walk event 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

EVENT DESCRIPTION: The 3rd Annual Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk in Walworth County is a community event to raise awareness and funds for the
5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Dollars raised by walk participants also go toward advancing research into better treatments and a possible cure. The event will host over 400 people and is set to raise more than $60,000.

HONORARY CHAIR: Dr. Britton Kolar, MD, Geriatrician (A family physician who specializes in treating the elderly.)

I received the following press release that I am happy to post –  

The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Library Park, 918 West Main Street in Lake Geneva.

Over 600 people from Walworth and surrounding counties are expected to participate in this year’s event to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease, now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The three mile walk promises fun for all ages while raising money to help individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including a 24/7/365 Helpline, support groups, research, education and training programs. 

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk, nationally presented by Genworth Financial, is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research programs. Held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become Champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Champions include those living with the disease, families, caregivers, corporate and community leaders, who actively support Memory Walk in our community.

Leading the 2009 walk will be local physician, Dr. Britton Kolar, MD, a specialist in Geriatric Medicine. Entertainment will be provided by Petty Thieves, along with a hot-dog cookout, compliments of Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly. Key sponsors of this event include The Cordon Family Foundation, Brookdale Senior Living and GE Healthcare. Media partners include CBS 58 News and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and local radio station 96.1 WLKG. 

To register for the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk or to make a donation, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/sewi or 414.479.8800. 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research and to enhance care and support for individuals, their families, and caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin provides information, education, and support to people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families, and healthcare professionals throughout an 11-county region. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit alz.org/sewi or call the 24/7/365 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post –

The Alzheimer’s Association is introducing a new Brain Fitness Club, open to anyone that would like to keep their brain “sharp”, has concerns about losing memory or has experienced some minor memory loss. Topics presented during the club meetings will include nutrition, stress relieving techniques, physical exercise and brain exercises. This is an excellent opportunity to socialize with others and have fun. The Brain Fitness Club meets the last Thursday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wesley House, 2931 Main Street in East Troy.

For information, please contact Wendy Betley, Regional Services Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association at 262-210-5288 or via email at wendy.betley@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter provides information, education, and support to people with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, their families, and healthcare professionals throughout an 11-county region. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the toll-free, 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.

I received the following press release that I am happy to post –

The Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting a three-part “Dementia Basics” workshop on August 14th, August 21st and August 28th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Racine. The workshop will be held at the Racine County Human Services Department, Community Meeting Room, 1717 Taylor Avenue.

This three-session workshop is ideal for those with a loved one who has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Topics will include an overview of dementia, communication strategies, assessing behavior changes, safety issues, community resources and care for the family caregiver.

The workshop will be presented by Paulette Kissee, Regional Services Manager, Alzheimer’s Association. This program is free and open to the public; however registration is required. For information or to register please contact Paulette Kissee at 262-595-2387 or via email at paulette.kissee@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter provides information, education, and support to people with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, their families, and healthcare professionals throughout an 11-county region. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the toll-free, 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.