A memory café is held in a safe and comfortable space where caregivers and their loved ones can socialize and enjoy activities together.

They allow those living with any form of dementia or cognitive decline an opportunity to enjoy the company of other.

Memory Cafes’ provide mutual support, exchange of information and a place for caregivers to enjoys activities with their loved one as a break from the normal routine.

Enjoy connections made through music, dancing, crafts, guided reminiscing, painting, exercise…you name it!

Each memory cafe’ is different but they all offer a variety of engaging activities for participants.

Refreshments will be enjoyed from 10:30-11:00 and then the activity will be from 11-12.

Meets the Third Tuesday of Every Month

10:30am-12:00pm

Groton Center • 163 West Main Street • Groton, Massachusetts 01450

To register, or for questions contact: Ashley Shaheen at The Groton Center

978-448-1170 • Email: Ashaheen@grotonma.gov

Employee of the Month: Rose Woitowicz RN, Wellness Nurse

Rose is our employee of the month here at RiverCourt Residences in the month of April. Rose has worked at RiverCourt for 3 years after her Aunt had lived in memory care when Kim was the director. She was impressed with how they managed and cared for the residents, so it made her want to work here. Rose has been an RA for 38 years and has always loved caring for people. Before becoming a nurse, she had worked in other areas in nursing homes for 6 years and she loved working with the older population.

Rose’s favorite part of her job is working with the residents and meeting all the wonderful people at RiverCourt. She has far too many memories to choose which one is her specific favorite, but she really loves working here and everyone here has become like family to her. She is a great addition to RiverCourt and truly cares about everyone here.

Rose was born in Boston and grew up on the South Shore. Some hobbies that she likes outside of work include spending time with her grandkids, walking, hiking, hanging out with friends, and energy work. Congratulations Rose on being April’s Employee of the month!

1. Exercise: Even 7 minutes a day can boost serotonin and your mood. Going outside for a walk in the fresh air, doing a quick stretch or exercise when you wake up, or simply walking a few more steps a day will do. Not only can exercise boost your mood, but it can also boost your brain energy and help you to relax if you are feeling anxious or stressed.

2. Sleeping Longer: Sleep helps our bodies recover from whatever activities you did the day prior. It helps us repair and to also focus on the day ahead, as well as be more productive in what comes during the day. Your wholeday could be interrupted if you don’t get enough sleep to energize you and to fuel you for the day, maybe even the week.

3. Spending More Time with Family/Friends: Social time and hanging out with family and friends is a sure–fire way to boost your mood and keep you happy. Doing activities with family makes them more fun and enjoyable when with people that you enjoy spending time with. Boosting your mood might mean that some days you might need space, but anytime you feel lonely, spending time with loved ones can boost your serotonin as well.

4. Having Time to Yourself: While spending time with friends and loved ones is a good way to be happy, sometimes taking a day for yourself or even just a few hours can also be just as cathartic. Binge watching a tv show, taking a nap, splurging on yourself while shopping, or any other activity that brings you happiness will do. Sometimes being alone is what someone needs to recuperate oneself.

5. Focus on what makes you the Happiest: Focusing on only what makes you the happiest in life can help you to get rid of any negativity in your life. Focus on not only what, but who makes you the happiest in life and center yourself around those people and those things/ideas. Putting yourself first and putting positive energy forward instead of focusing on the negative aspects of life can change anyone’s mood.
   
   RiverCourt has a few activities going on to celebrate Earth Day this year.
   There will be a presentation created by Megan Kangas (activities assistant) and presented by Amanda Cowan (activities director) on Earth Day about what you can do to help the planet. Other activities that are happening around Earth Day will revolve around recycled items and planting seeds that will grow into flowers.
   
   Earth Day is important because, to put it simply, the Earth is important. The day recognizes the harm humans can cause while showing the massive amounts of support across the globe for protecting the Earth and the environment. This is especially important in relation to the climate crisis, to enact real change, our governments must be aware of the desire of them to push further regulations to combat climate change.
   
   Earth day is important for so many more reasons, including that it allows a day of education about certain environmental issues affecting our planet every year. It also helps to signal the government to start acting and making a plan to follow those before them and make actual change. It’s a reflection on everything that is going on in the world and how things can be changed for the better not just for the Earth but for the health of all that live in it. Hopefully Earth Day will continue to influence national policy and the people who live around the world to make more changes and build up a better world.