Fall Memory Cafe soft opening at T.B. Scott Library

The T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill will hold a soft opening for their new Memory Cafe event on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. in the Community Room at the library [106 W. First St. in Merrill].
Staff at the T.B. Scott Free Library are working together with Compassus, a service that provides individuals with in-home health care for a variety of circumstances, to provide this opportunity.
Memory Cafés are for those experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss, or cognitive impairment and their care partners, family, or friends, a press release from the library said.
“The idea of a Memory Café was created in 1997 in the Netherlands as a way of breaking through the shame of a subject that was rarely talked about - Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Maria Pregler, Head of Adult Services at the T.B. Scott Free Library. “Our idea for the Memory Café program was prompted by a growing community need. The library often sees caregivers and their loved ones coming in looking for ways to stimulate memories and conversation, which is where the Memory Café may help.”
“We envision bringing people together who are facing the same challenges with dementia, either as the person with the disease or the individual who cares for the person, in the hopes that the program fosters relationships that continue to grow outside of the Memory Café,” she said. “We will offer crafts, games, entertainment, and snacks, as well as other library and community resources that can assist in making their lives a little easier.”
The T.B. Scott Free Library intends the Memory Café to be a monthly event facilitated by volunteers who are trained in dementia care and related issues.
“Have some fun, socialize, and be yourself,” organizers invite. This first November Memory Café will have a Thanksgiving theme, enable attendees to get to know one another, and allow attendees to make a sweet treat turkey to take home.
Registration is required. Call 715.536.7191 for more information or to register.