Sparking Connectionswith Memory Matters

On Sunday, April 23, music will bring memories to life at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center at the lighthouse on St. Simons Island. The annual Music & Memories fundraiser for Memory Matters

Glynn celebrates the way that music sparks connection in a way nothing else can, even for those struggling with memory issues. The evening begins at 4:00 p.m. and includes an ensemble playing classical music while guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres. There will be food stations set up with heavier fare for dinner to be enjoyed while Michael Hulett performs jazz and oldies. For those who want to hit the dance floor, DJ Yolanda Neely will be taking requests and playing everyone’s favorite tunes after dinner. But before things wrap up at 8:00 p.m., don’t forget to grab some raffle tickets and put your bids in on the fantastic silent auction items donated by local businesses. Tickets for the event are $150 and available via Eventbrite. The proceeds raised during this magical, musical evening provide funding that is crucial for Memory Matters

Glynn to be able to continue operating and offering their much-needed support and services in our community.

Memory Matters was started in 1994 as Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick by five women who saw a huge need in the community to assist people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. In 2016, the non-profit organization expanded to include support for individuals with all types of illness related memory loss and rebranded to Memory Matters. Their mission is “to support, educate and enrich the lives of those dealing with illness related memory loss and the lives of their caregivers.” They aid those dealing with dementia, including Lewy body, frontotemporal, and vascular; Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; and traumatic brain injury. They provide support for people who take care of loved ones with memory issues at home either because they want to or because they cannot afford an assisted living or memory care community.

The Memory Matters House at 2803 Sherwood Drive in Brunswick is not a residential facility or adult daycare but is open to visitors during normal business hours. They have printed information from many helpful resources such as the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation, and similar organizations, as well as a lending library of books related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy body, and other types of dementia. Executive Director Julie Tharpe says, “This way people who have just received a diagnosis or who have questions don’t have to search all over for answers or information. We also have information about resources that might be needed and are available locally.”

Each month Memory Matters offers support group meetings for caregivers called Caregiver Connections. Julie says, “Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s is one of the hardest things a person will ever do.” She speaks not only from her daily interactions with clients, but from her own personal experience, and knows how important a support system and interaction with others going through the same experience can be for caregivers. These support group meetings can offer helpful networking as well as serving as a circle of comfort and empathy. The St. Simons Island meeting takes place at Holy Nativity Church on the third Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. A full list of dates for meetings at all locations can be found on the Memory Matters website.

At the Memory Matters House, they host a variety of activities designed to stimulate brain function and social interaction for those dealing with illness related memory loss. These activities include art and crafts, movie time, bingo, and yoga. Everyone always looks forward to seeing what Activities Director Jordan Adair has up her sleeve for each month’s theme and party! Not only are all Memory Matters events free, but these activity times also give the caregivers a muchneeded chance for social interaction. You can see a full list of each month’s activities on the Memory Matters website.

Julie shares, “One event that our clients eagerly anticipate is the monthly music session, where a local musician generously donates their time to perform for our audience. Some of the talented people who have performed for us include pianist Terry Readdick, Annie Akins, Crawford Perkins, and Timothy Scott Williams.” She adds, “We welcome anyone who would be interested in performing. Our clients especially love hearing classic songs they can sing along with and show tunes! These events are a real favorite for them because music memories last longer.”

That brings us full circle: you can help Memory Matters continue to provide these free services in our community and support their mission by coming out to enjoy the music you love at the Music & Memories fundraiser in April. Get your tickets today at memorymattersglynn.com.