Play takes a unique approach to understanding Alzheimer's

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Barron, Rusk, and Washburn counties (ADRC) will present on Tuesday, June 19, "Steering into the Skid," a special program to help family members, caregivers, local businesses, and the broader community be in conversation around dementia and the most well-known form of memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease.

All community members are welcome to attend the program starting at 11:30 a.m. at Mosaic Telecom, 401S 1st St., in Cameron. Limited seating is available, and reservations can be made by calling 715.537.6225.

The play "Steering into the Skid" was written by the husband-wife team of Arnold Johnston and Deborah Ann Percy and published in "The MemoryCare Plays," a book of three one-act plays compiled and edited by Dr. Margaret Noel.

"Growing older has led us to think about the effects of aging on ourselves and our relationship," said the playwrights. "We've known friends ? couples ? who have faced Alzheimer's or other devastating conditions with such dignity, courage, and love that we felt compelled to write about a couple forced to adjust to new demands on their imperfect but loving marriage."

The program takes a unique approach to building awareness, sharing information, and inviting authentic community conversations. Audience members come together for a luncheon and then watch a play together, followed by a facilitated conversation.

The structure of "Steering into the Skid" is very clever. Audience members meet Tim and Amanda, played by Twin Cities' professional actors Jim Pounds and Danette McCarthy. In 12 short scenes, one per month ? starting on New Year's Eve ? and all taking place in Tim and Amanda's SUV, the audience comes to know this loving couple and bear witness to the early progression of dementia.

As the months pass, the audience sees the subtle changes and adjustments the couple is forced to deal with due to memory loss.

"Our ultimate goal," said facilitator and actor Danette McCarthy, "is to assist community members and leaders in considering new ways to think about memory loss and to become aware of local resources that support families who are dealing with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease."

"Steering into the Skid" was part of The Remember Project, which toured the lower St. Croix Valley in the fall of 2015. To date, over 40 performances and conversations have taken place to address the isolation and fear associated with dementia. This very unique experience uses theater and conversation to learn and make decisions about the future.

Hosted by the ADRC, the program is also sponsored by Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield. Free-will donations will gladly be accepted to support the DAYBREAK and Happy Day respite programs.

To learn more or to register for the luncheon, play and conversation: 715.537.6225, trisha.witham@co.barron.wi.us, or adrcconnections.org.

Registration deadline is June 12. Limited seating is available.

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