Residents and staff members of The Stayton at Museum Way, an SQLC retirement community, are encouraging the public to celebrate the Longest Day by supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. Held annually on the summer solstice, the Longest Day takes on a different meaning for the Alzheimer’s Association. The sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. The Stayton has teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association, and is inviting community members to participate in the Longest Day fundraiser event on Monday, June 20th. Nearly 5.3 million people in the United States live with Alzheimer’s disease, including approximately 340,000 Texans.

“Many residents living in our community have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, and we strive to provide fulfilling experiences each and every day for the residents living in our memory support neighborhood,” said Scott Polzin, executive director of The Stayton. “We know the challenges that those living with Alzheimer’s face. This fundraising event is a way for The Stayton community to raise awareness and encourage the public to support continued Alzheimer’s research.”

Event organizers at The Stayton have put together a variety of all-day activities that represent and honor the strength, heart and endurance of those living with Alzheimer’s. Teams are encouraged to create their own experience as they fundraise and participate in activities that honor people living with the disease. A silent auction comprised of 20 items donated in honor of each memory support resident at The Stayton will be auctioned off to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. The public is encouraged to participate in the following events:

·         10 a.m. – 11 a.m. - “Painting with Mimosas” by Klarus Home Health. Seating for this activity is limited to the first 20 guests.

·         11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - “Purple Party” on the 2nd Floor Terrace

·         11 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Vendor Show in the Sundance Room, with ten percent of sales donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

·         3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - LIVE entertainment from Sylvester Jones and Professor D. Tapas and cocktails will also be provided. Winners of the silent auction will be announced.

·         4 p.m. – 5 p.m. - Dr. Janice A. Knebl, founding executive committee member of the Texas Institute for Research and Education on Aging, and Medical Director of The Stayton will speak on the topic of “Empowering Seniors”. Dr. Knebl regularly gives lectures for the Alzheimer’s Association and American Geriatrics Society. Dr. Knebl also brings advanced and innovative approaches to memory support at The Stayton of Museum Way.

·         7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Prize bingo in the Sundance Room.

The Longest Day fundraiser event is an extension of the Masterpiece Living® philosophy, which serves as the retirement community’s foundation. The philosophy embraces a wellness-minded attitude that encourages learning in an individual’s key development areas – physical, mental, social and spiritual. A $10 donation is encouraged, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Members of the public who wish to participate are asked to RSVP by calling The Stayton at 817-439-6936.