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 As an avid motorcycle rider he thought sharing his
passion for bikes might be an interesting way for residents to
reminisce about their younger days.
With help from the Director of the Memory Care Center, Vicki
Poertner, Sydney launched the Alzheimer’s Benefit Motorcycle Show.
The first year there were 41 different motorcycles for the residents
to look at and ask questions of the owners. It was such a success
that the Second Annual Alzheimer’s Benefit Motorcycle Show took
place on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the
parking lot leading to GracePoint Short-Term Rehab Facility.
Several motorcycle owners pulled out of the show because of the
threat of rain. Clouds didn’t keep everyone away, however, and the
smiles on the faces of residents in attendance was a ray of sunshine
for the employees who accompanied them to see the motorcycles on
display.
Chaplain Jeri Dennis was on hand assisting residents to get around
and see all the great bikes. She spoke happily about one of the
residents who was sporting a huge smile at the sight of all the
motorcycles and cars. Jeri exclaimed, “If she were the only one who
came out of the building today, (this) would be worth it.”
Another resident was excited to see the
motorcycles because when she was younger she used to ride. When
asked if she rode by herself she laughed and said, “Oh no, no, no. I
was always a passenger.”
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Added to the show this year were
a few vintage cars. Several residents hopped in the passenger
seat or behind the wheel remembering what it was like when they
had cars almost like the ones on display. It was special to see
the joy on their faces as they told their stories.
All proceeds from the benefit are donated to the Memory Care
Center. The goal of the Memory Care Center is “to enable those
living with memory loss to enjoy a meaningful quality of life.”
To find out more about Christian Horizons visit https://christianhorizonsliving.org
or call 217-651-6553.
When asked if there would be a 3rd Annual Alzheimer’s Benefit
Motorcycle Show, Sydney responded, “We’ll be back.”
[Lisa Ramlow] |
