Connecting seniors

Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/ CEO

Can it really be September? We have been extremely busy at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN); perhaps that is why the time flew by.

We added several new initiatives to our Brookdale Cognitive Health programs. Our monthly Memory Café is open to community members who have mid to moderate dementia and their families. It is a 90-minute socialization event held monthly at BSCN that includes interesting activities with the goal of getting to know each other. Three times a year, the Memory Café sponsors trips to places of interest, such as the Naples Botanical Garden and The Baker Museum. For information, please contact Brookdale Cognitive Health Services at 239-3254444 and ask for Riley McLean.

In addition, the Melodious Echoes Choir was formed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers to join together and sing. The group is led by one of our music therapists, Paula Matta. You can also contact Matta at BSCN (239325-4444) to find out more about how you can participate.

Our Geriatric Case Management program is expanding with additional staff coming on board to provide more services to seniors who require assistance with day-to-day needs or have special needs, such as homelessness.

September is National Senior Center Month, and this year’s theme is “Powering Connections.” Our senior center is planning many activities to facilitate connection to our many art, music, wellness and socialization programs. If you have not yet visited us at our Autumn Oaks Lane location, this would be a wonderful time to do so.

Plans are well underway for our signature fundraising event, An Evening for Better Tomorrows. This year’s theme is “Walking on Sunshine.” Please mark your calendars for Jan. 11 at the Royal Poinciana Golf Club. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and dancing to follow. Additional information, as well as event tickets, are available at Bakerseniorcenternaples.org.

I will close by wishing everyone L’Shana Tova . Let this year be one of health, happiness, and most of all, peace.