A Free Community Program for Adults with Memory Loss
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Sponsored by AARP
In Partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Great Explorations Children’s Museum will host a free monthly program, Memory Mondays, for adults with memory loss on March 5, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Museum, located at 1925 4th Street North in St. Petersburg.
Highlights of the March 2018 program:
- Vince Longo – live St. Patrick’s Day-themed music
- VSA Florida Teaching Artist Cynthia Alicea – St Paddy’s Day dance activity
- Great Explorations staff – Celtic knot-tying, creating a take-home plant
Space is limited to people with memory loss and their family caregivers.
Advance registration via email is required.
To register, please email Lael Arango larango@greatex.org with your name and number of people in your party. Registration closes Sunday March 4 at 10am. Your spot is reserved only when you receive a confirmation email from Lael.
Memory Mondays will take place the 1st Monday of every month as a private event focusing on art, music, and movement activities for adults with memory loss and their family caregivers. This unique program is sponsored by AARP and is established in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association Gulf Coast Chapter.
Memory Mondays is a social engagement opportunity providing activities that encourage brain stimulation for people with early stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. While the program is modeled in part after the popular “Memory Cafes” around the county, this program will also have music, art and movement components, a variety of brain-stimulating activities, plus creative ways to address nutritional choices and stress relief. Memory Mondays will also tap into the fun generation-to-generation opportunities at the Museum.
Memory Mondays is led by the Museum’s Director of Community Initiatives, Lael Arango. “Almost all families are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias,” Arango said. “Memory Mondays is a program that will provide a relaxing way for people living with memory loss and their caregivers to interact with others in a casual, judgment-free, non-clinical setting – and what better place than a children’s museum.”
Studies show that arts, music and movement activities release endorphins and reduce the stress caused by the challenges of living with memory loss. Music has been shown to provide personal connections and tap into emotional recall.
Many adults living with memory loss also see a negative impact in verbal skills. Therefore, artistic expression can provide opportunities for communication through art.
To learn more about Memory Mondays, visit https://greatex.org/programs/memory-mondays/ or email Lael Arango at larango@greatex.org
About Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Great Explorations Children’s Museum has served the children and families of the Tampa Bay area since 1987. Designed for children 10 and under, the 23,000 square foot museum is filled with exhibits and activities to stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. This AAM–Accredited children’s museum also offers a national award winning preschool, camps, field trips and community outreach programs.
Location: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg Florida 33704
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday 12 – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Museum admission is free for children under 1 year, $10 for ages 1 to 54 years and $9 for ages 55 and up. Admission is always free for museum members.
Call 727–821–8992 or visit www.greatex.org.