Encore July 2024 by Lynden Tribune

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

What’s

C2 — Minds Alive! attendees are making it up as they go along with improv classes

C6 — Keep summer fun with a few tips to avoid common household accidents

Minds Alive! is ‘just plain fun’

Improv for early stage memory loss, third Monday of each month at 2 p.m.

By Libby Williams For the Tribune

WHATCOM — Elders in Whatcom County experiencing memory loss are saying “yes, and!” to improv comedy as a way to make connections, improve confidence and take some time to laugh.

Minds Alive! is a once-monthly program for adults experiencing early memory loss and their care partners, put on by the Upfront Theatre in Bellingham.

The theater is known for its weekly improvised comedy shows, improv classes, and since August of 2023, the Minds Alive! program.

“Attendees can expect to participate in playing imaginative games and creating stories all developed through their ideas,” class teacher Samantha Jolly said.

“We approach every class with an attitude of ‘yes! You’re right, yes you can yes that’s a good idea.’ Folks with memory loss often hear the word ‘no. No don’t say that. No that’s not who you think it is, no you’re not remembering it correctly. As long as everyone is safe, we have the privilege in our class to say yes to however folks show up and to whatever ideas they contribute.”

Jolly started performing improv 15 years ago in high school and has been teaching for 10, saying that she is interested in the

From left, Minds Alive! student Elena Martin has started her own project of bringing improv to local retirement homes. She puts on a skit with fellow Upfront students, Lucky Blue and Rebecca Brown. Minds Alive! is a once-monthly program for adults experiencing early memory loss and their care partners, put on by the Upfront Theatre in Bellingham. (Libby Williams for the Tribune)

application of improv beyond performing on stage. She also worked as an EMS, mostly with the elderly, so her skills came in handy when leading Minds Alive!

Susan Gee Ramsey and her husband John Gee have attended since the beginning.

“My husband had a mild stroke in March 2022,” Gee Ramsey said. “He couldn’t remember the names of even life-long friends and he had pretty much no short-term memory. So of course any program that would advertise itself as being a possible benefit to folks with memory impairment was bound to catch my attention.”

Gee Ramsey describes the program as a sort of play date, designed and facilitated on behalf of those with memory or cognitive impairment, pointing out that not everyone with these struggles is necessarily older.

For those who are elderly, though, Gee Ramsey said age brings an increase in social isolation due to things like retirement,

physical limitations, deaths of loved ones and moving to new residences. She said for those experiencing new life-circumstances, participating in programs like Minds Alive! can be a huge confidence booster.

Gee Ramsay said her husband recently had a second stroke. Going into a class a week later, she said he felt nervous about more extensive aphasia, the inability to produce needed words on the spot.

“After the session, which was, as usual, completely safe and nonjudgmental, his confidence was flying high again,” Gee Ramsey said.”

Suzanne and Gus Ponder are also regular attendees. Gus has Alzheimer’s disease, and had never done improv before.

“It sounded like something fun that we could do together,” Suzanne said. “I thought it would be a great way for him to use his brain in a creative way and give him confidence.”

Like Gee Ramsey, Ponder said it seems

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Students gather at a Minds Alive! class at the Upfront Theatre. Minds Alive! is a oncemonthly program for adults experiencing early memory loss and their care partners, put on by the Upfront Theatre in Bellingham. (Libby Williams for the Tribune)

“I am on the behalf of the LHM-EF writing this brief communication to enlist your support as we continue our efforts to give financial stability to the Lynden Heritage Museum.

We, I and nine other volunteers, serve as directors and officers of the LHM-EF. Our purpose and goals are to carefully and safely manage the invested funds that provide for quarterly distributions to the Lynden Heritage Foundation that provides day-to-day management of the Lynden Heritage Museum.

In addition to monitoring the invested funds we seek to grow our endowment. The founders of the endowment early on set a goal of $3 million. If we can achieve that goal, the amount we distribute

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older adults, especially those with memory loss, seem to lose former activities. She said the program gives them a safe place to laugh and put themselves forward again.

“I see a lot of skill and kindness every class,” Ponder said. “They keep everyone involved and don’t get stuck with words or ideas. It’s always a good feeling to be around people going through the same types of difficulties as you.”

Everson resident Ellena Martin moved to Washington in January, and has since started taking classes at The Upfront, attending Minds Alive and striking out on her own improv endeavors.

Martin teamed up with some Upfront cast members and students to start bringing improv to local retirement homes, a project that is separate from the Upfront Theatre.

“It would be something to go to besides going to volleyball or doing a puzzle,” Martin said. “Any time that you can do anything to bring them into the present tense.”

Cordata Court Senior Living hosted the first trial run of Martin’s project on Apr. 21. Approximately 25 residents were in attendance to enjoy short scenes and provide suggestions for the performers.

quarterly can rise to $60,000 annually without drawing down the total invested funds.

Currently our endowment is just over $2 million, a sum we have reached because of community support and some significant gifts and bequests. Many of our citizens have made regular yearly gifts to our endowment and others have made the endowment part of their estate planning. My wife and I use the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) option to give from our IRA. The endowment is a 501c3 charitable organization.

We would like an opportunity to add you to the supporters of the endowment in whichever way seems right for your participation.”

Martin said she doesn’t have current plans for a second location, but hopes to continue the project to make improv more accessible for older people.

Minds Alive! is funded by the Northwest Regional Council, and offers free admission. Jolly said the council also helps with outreach, and people can also find out more on The Upfront’s website.

“Of course, Minds Alive! is just plain fun, regardless of one’s cognitive state,” Gee Ramsey said. “It’s odd, even rather sad, to realize that as adults, we must re-learn how to play together in a direct yet noncompetitive way, but it seems we must… for a handful of a dozen or more grownups to get together for no reason other than participate in an hour’s worth of make-believe … how purely wonderful is that?”

Minds Alive! Is improv for early stage memory loss. Third Monday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Upfront Theater, 203 Prospect St., Bellingham.

ENCORE ACTIVITIES

July 12

Clearbrook Dixieland Band

Clearbrook Dixieland Band will perform Dixieland music at the Lynden Community/Senior Center at 12:45 p.m. on July 12. The center is at 401 Grover St. For more information call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org.

July 13

Lynden High School alumni all-class reunion

Lynden High School alumni all-class reunion. From 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at Lynden Middle School, 8750 Line Road. Appetizers, berries and ice cream. Pay $15 per person at the door. All LHS grads 45-plus years are welcome. Put on by LHS class of 1975, honoring the class of 1974. Class of 1979 grads are also welcomed. Please note new location this year.

July 20

Raspberry Community Breakfast

Before Raspberry Festival events, come to the Lynden Community/Senior Center for breakfast, featuring pancakes with raspberry sauce, scrambled eggs and sausage, orange juice and coffee, from 7-11 a.m. Cost is $10 for adults and children, except for kids 5 and under and players which is

$5. The center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter. org.

July 22-26

Senior Summer Games

Lynden Community/Senior Center will celebrate the Summer Olympics with its own senior events. Bring out your camaraderie and have fun testing you and your team’s skills at ping pong, relay races and more. The games begin after lunch at 12:45 p.m. and are free. The center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360-354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org.

Wednesdays

Everson-Nooksack Senior Center

Gather Wednesdays at the Everson-Nooksack Senior Center, 201 Jackson St., Nooksack, from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. At 9:30 a.m. join us for coffee and conversation, cards, cribbage and puzzles. At 11 a.m. is exercise time, then at noon is lunch, either inside dining or take home your hot meal. By donation ages 60-plus. Meals for anyone younger than 60 are $10. Call 360-966-3144 to leave message for more information.

Summer safety is no accident

By Susie Landsem For the Tribune

WHATCOM — Warm weather is here, and we're ready to go outside. Take time now to prepare your home for a safe and enjoyable summer. Here are some of my favorite tips for outdoor safety.

• Clear the clutter is the first step to adding safety to your home. The same is true for the yard, deck and patio. Over winter, the wind may have spread debris around the yard, deck and storage areas. Walk around the house with a keen eye to see if there is anything that should be moved.

• Slippery decks, stairs, and pathways are dangerous. Falling is the number one reason for ER visits for people over 65. Prepare your deck for the season by thoroughly washing surfaces to remove mold and slippery material that might have grown over the winter. Check railings and stair treads for boards that might have warped or gotten loose in the wet weather. Improve stair safety by adding slip-proof tape on the treads. Consider adding stability bars to railings for additional security.

• Remove old tools that are no longer useful. Check the keepers for rust, dirt

and dull blades. There are several places in town that offer sharpening services. After cleaning and sharpening, provide each tool with a designated space to keep it sharp and easy to find. Sharp blades make cutting more accessible for you and will reduce the impact of pruning the plants. I like to hang my shovels, rakes and other handled tools vertically, on hooks, to keep the ground clear of tripping hazards.

• Barbecues can be hazardous. Leftover food and grease may cause fires. Thoroughly scouring can reduce the chances of smoke and flash flames. A clean grill improves food flavor and reduces the risk of contamination.

• Leg and core strength and balance are essential for outdoor chores like pruning, weeding, and lifting heavy objects. Think about how you can improve your balance with exercise. There are lots of videos on YouTube to get ideas and directions for improving strength and agility.

Listen to your body. When you get tired, take a break. Pro tip: Find a teenager, neighbor, or family member who will help with yard work.

There are lots of kids who will help with

Warm weather is here, and we’re ready to get outside. Take time now to prepare your home for a safe and enjoyable summer. (Courtesy photo)

Although enjoyable, barbecues can be hazardous. Leftover food and grease may cause fires. Reduce the chances of smoke and flash flames with a thorough scouring. (Courtesy photo)

the heavy lifting and cleaning for a nominal fee.

• Stay hydrated. It's easy to lose track of time when working in the yard. Drinking water regularly keeps your body's temperature regulated and joints flexible. Make sure you're drinking enough. A suggested amount is 6-8 ounces every hour. Water is the best option; an occasional sugary drink like lemonade and iced tea is OK, too. Adult beverages do not count toward hydration. Remember, safety is no accident. Clear clutter, organize space, and maintain tools for efficiency. Scrub the decks, stairs, and patios to minimize falls. Scour the barbecue at the beginning of the season and after each use. Work smart by being strong, lifting carefully, and staying hydrated.

Do you have tips that I’ve missed? Send me an email and I'll add them to the list.