A Season to Remember

Elephants may never forget, but people with Alzheimer’s Disease and memory impairment struggle with this. Some upcoming events in the Golden Isles this fall make it the perfect season for us to show our loved ones and community members dealing with these issues that we remember them and support them.

In September, the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation will again be hosting the Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk on St. Simons Island, but that’s not the only local event that supports Alzheimer’s and memory care organizations. In October, Thrive at Frederica will host their Fore The Memories Golf Classic at Sea Palms Resort to benefit Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation, and Marsh’s Edge is bringing back Cars for a Cause benefiting the national organization Alzheimer’s Association. We’re taking a closer look at these organizations and events to spread the word about support for Alzheimer’s and memory care in the Golden Isles community.

Memory Matters Glynn began in 1994 as Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick. In 2016, they expanded their mission to include all forms of adult

onset memory impairment and renamed the organization Memory Matters. Their purpose is to educate, support and enrich the lives of those dealing with illness related memory loss, their families and their caregivers. They are located in a home at 2803 Sherwood Drive in Brunswick and their caring and compassionate staff hosts events at the house that are designed to stimulate brain function, hand eye coordination, focus, decision making and memory. Their events and planned activities also encourage social interaction, which is extremely important. People with memory loss can feel comfortable in a setting where they know they are not alone in their struggles with memory issues. They do not have to feel embarrassed or self conscious. Monthly activities include yoga, arts and crafts, game time, and special themed events, complete with a photo booth with instant photos for keepsakes that the members love!

Memory Matters also has support groups for caregivers called Caregiver Connections. These group meetings provide caregivers with a chance to talk about what is happening with their loved one with people who understand how they feel. Here, they can ask questions of those who may have gone through the same things. Caregiver Connections meetings are held at Memory Matters in Brunswick on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m., on St. Simons Island at North Island Church on the third Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m, and on Jekyll Island at Jekyll Island Methodist Church on the third Thursday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Participants are welcome at all locations.

All Memory Matters programs are free for participants. Memory Matters is funded solely by donations from our generous community, often facilitated through the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation. As such, your participation in fundraisers such as the Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk and the golf tournament being held by Thrive at Frederica is vital to their mission. To learn more about Memory Matters and see their calendar of events, visit memorymattersglynn.com or call 912.264.0777.

Founded in May 2020, the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to support innovative research and local community services for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation identifies leaders in the field who support their mission and vision and provide funding opportunities to qualified beneficiaries through annual fundraising efforts. The Foundation is honored to be supporting Memory Matters Glynn locally with funds from the Walk so that they can continue to provide services that include educating and raising public awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, social activities for persons with memory impairment, individual consultations, and support groups in Glynn County. In addition, a portion of the Walk proceeds will also support the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta.

The Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk will be held on St. Simons Island, Saturday, September 25. During this family-friendly event, attendees

will honor and remember their loved ones in Neptune Park before participating in either a 1-mile or 2-mile walk under the oaks and by the ocean in the village. The day’s festivities will include food, music, a kids zone, and giveaways from participating sponsors.

Walk sponsors to date include PRESENTING SPONSOR Edward Jones of the Golden Isles; PLATINUM SPONSORS Southeast GA Health System, Thrive at Frederica, the Law Office of Deborah L. Britt, and GHC Hospice; GOLD SPONSORS Signature Properties, Turnkey Lumber & Millwork, DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty – Tate & Terri Simpson, Hearth Hospice, Lilmar Properties, Steve Moreno – Capital City Home Loans, and Ameris Bank; PURPLE SPONSOR Rich Products; MEDIA SPONSOR The Brunswick News; and COMMUNITY SPONSORS Henshaw Companies, Coastal Selfies and The Enchanted Frog. The 2021 WALK COMMITTEE is comprised by Chairman Billy Copelan, Jeff Jones, Dale Provenzano, Betsy Barnes, Debbie Britt, Mandy Solana, Sandy Fitzgerald, Lynne Lysaght, Sandi McMahon, Libby Moreno and Tate Simpson.

To become a sponsor, donate to, register for, or learn more about the Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk on September 25, please visit gaalz.org. Thrive at Frederica (now Vitality Living Frederica) on St. Simons Island is not only a Platinum Sponsor of the Walk and has a team participating, they also support the Georgia Alzheimer’s Foundation, which in turn provides funds to Memory Matters, through the Fore the Memories Golf Classic. Last year was the inaugural event at Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island, and Community Relations Director Charlotte Graham was thrilled to share that the tournament will return on Monday, October 11 (Columbus Day) with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. $150 registration fee includes awards and buffet lunch, drink tickets, and more. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more details or to register, contact Charlotte at 912.295.4699 or by email to Charlotte.Graham@ ThriveatFrederica.com.

On Saturday October 23, St. Simons Island luxury retirement community Marsh’s Edge brings back its fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, Cars for a Cause. Twenty-seven vehicles were shown at last year’s inaugural event and they’re hoping to add even more! Register your car to participate or buy a ticket to come out and see the unique and vintage beauties on display from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will also be live music, fresh food, and plenty of fun. Admission is $10, Car Admission free with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. To register your car, e-mail Annsley Felton at AFelton@ Marshs-Edge.com. To reserve a ticket, call 912.291.2001. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, a national not-for-profit and the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

This is our season to let our loved ones with memory impairment know they are not forgotten.

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