By Sarah Opdahl

The town of New Fairfield is ready to be “painted purple” to raise awareness and funds for The Alzheimer’s Association. There is a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Town Hall on Friday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m. and all are welcome.  There will also be information sessions at the New Fairfield Free Public Library (NF Library) and the New Fairfield Senior Center, and local businesses are taking part in creative ways.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Development Manager for Central & Western Connecticut, Caroline Kachmar, is thrilled to be on the cusp of the exciting week ahead. She and others in the organization are feeling buoyed with all of the support because “there is real hope on the horizon. For the first time, we’re seeing treatments that can do more than manage symptoms. New FDA-approved therapies can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in some individuals, while other medications may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.” She encouraged anyone interested to “learn more about the latest treatments and clinical research at alz.org/treatment.”

Local activist and volunteer Kristine Dahl,  who “started this campaign five years ago as a way to educate our community about Alzheimer’s disease and raise funds for the Walk, while also honoring the memory of my grandmother, Isabel Cronin, who suffered from Alzheimer’s for 16 long and painful years,” works closely with Kachmer to plan for events in town. Of the larger events, which include:

Building Brain-Healthy Habits at the NF  Library on Saturday, September 12th at 11 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Bingo at the New Fairfield Senior Center on Thursday, September 17th at 1 p.m.

Story time sessions on Monday, September 14 at Bright Beginnings and First Step

Dahl said, “I’m especially excited about our new educational program, Building Brain-Healthy Habits, at the NF Library,  which will be offered on a Saturday to accommodate those who find it difficult to attend weekday events, as well as those who prefer not to drive at night.” In addition, “We’re also introducing END ALZ BINGO at the Senior Center! This interactive and fun bingo game is designed to educate participants about Alzheimer’s disease while highlighting valuable resources available to individuals and families in our community.”

Everyone is welcome at the sessions above, plus can take part in many local business initiatives to support the mission, such as at New Fairfield Food Center, Portofino’s, The Goodie Shoppe, and dozens more. “Of course, I’m excited about our two Dine & Donate fundraising events at The Cue and Rein Osteria,” Dahl added, “These events give our community a fun way to come together, enjoy great food, and support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.” The Cue’s event will be held on Friday, September 11, 4:00-7:00 p.m.; and Rein’s will be on Wednesday, September 16, 3:30-6:00 p.m.

This year’s Western Connecticut Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, October 24, at Fairfield Hills in Newtown. “We’re thrilled to welcome back teams from the New Fairfield community, while also seeing new families, businesses, and supporters join us from Newtown and surrounding towns,” Kachmar remarked. She highlighted Dahl’s team “The 3 Dolls, who will be participating in the Walk for the sixth consecutive year. The Walk continues to bring together people from across the region who are united by a shared commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. It’s our largest support group of the year!” She said, “Our hope is to make this the biggest Western Connecticut Walk to End Alzheimer’s yet. We encourage everyone to get involved by rallying their families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and community groups to join the cause. Whether it’s registering a Walk team, hosting a fundraiser, attending an educational program, or simply wearing purple to raise awareness, every action helps move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.” The Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter hosts 6 Walks across CT throughout the fall. You can find out more at act.alz.org/walk.

Kachmar wanted people to know, “The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter is ready to support individuals and families at every stage of the journey. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Whether you’re living with dementia, caring for a loved one, or seeking information about memory concerns, trained specialists are available around the clock to provide confidential support, guidance, and resources.” Families can visit alz.org/ct to access local support groups, educational programs, care planning tools, and information about community services. These resources are easy to access, available statewide, and offered at no cost.

Dahl is glad to organize New Fairfield’s efforts and appreciates the town’s unwavering support, saying, “What began as a personal mission has truly become a community effort, and I’m so grateful to everyone who continues to support, participate, and help us raise awareness.”