Community News
Teaming Up On Treats
August 8, 2012
By Steve Lathrop courtesy of Albany Democrat-Herald
Austin Mendoza obviously knew what he was doing. The 11-year-old pounded ,kneaded and rolled his mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats to the perfect consistency so the others at this table could get the most out of their cookie cutters.
Mendoza was among about a dozen members of Boys and Girls Glub of Albany who are partnering with residents at Timberwood Court Memory Care to make pet treats for SafeHaven Humane Society. "This is my second time so I know what to do," said Mendoza as he passed the lump of dough to Matt Hausotter and Tanner Fromcke who in turn carefully cut out small treats in the shape of a dog bone. The treats are baked and then taken to SafeHaven by both the kids and the Timberwood residents to feed to the animals at the shelter.
That collaboration has benefitted the kids, residents and the animals. "It was a chance to expand what we do for SafeHaven," said Laura Ellis, marketing director at Timberwood. "Our residents enjoy visiting there. This adds to that experience."
The community at Timberwood Court is comprised of residents suffering with different forms of dementia. Visits from the Boys & Girls Club's Torch Club are looked forward to eagerly. "We approached the club becausee it seemed like a good match," Ellis said. "The kids have been fantastic." Matthew Heady, teen director for the club agreed.
"The kids didn't know what to expect but they are willing to step in no matter what the situation. Their maturity shows up once they get involved," Heady said. The teens, from 11 to 15 years old, have proven patient teachers for the residents. They split up in groups and show the steps necessary to make the treats.
About 20 residents participate in making the treats. Sessions take place every two weeks and are followed up with delivery of the finished product to SafeHaven. "Our residents are excited to learn. They want to be active and productive," Ellis said. "I think they enjoy interacting with the kids and then the animals, too."
The program, just a month or two old, has had an added benefit. Leftover treats are packaged as Timberwood Treats and sold by local business to raise money for Alzheimer's Network of Oregon.
The kids get plenty our of the project as well. "It's fun volunteering to do different things," said Dru Eshelman, 13, who with friends Alisha Riley, and Brionna Fromcke, quickly put out a tray of treats.
Heady saw the value to his club members. "They love it," he said. "There were a few deep breaths at first but the adjusted. Getting to see the animals is a motivating factor."
Ellis said that once the kids and residents start to intermingle the treats can take a back seat to conversation.
At Mendoza's table Lorraine Miller caught on quickly as she watched the boys work. She enjoyed engaging the kids but didn't lose site of the main goal.
"If these turn out really good," she said, "then it was my idea."
Alzheimer's Support Group: Where Friends Take Care of Friends
June 8, 2012
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia, which means loss of mental capacities, including memory and reasoning. It is a difficult disease, and often family members face the challenge alone. It is important to know there is support, information, and understanding for those who help individuals with Alzheimer's Disease.
Support groups are able to give something that friends and others may not be able to give. That is the sharing of experiences and understanding of the frustration, guilt, anger, humor, and day to day living with someone who has Alzheimer's. Coping with this disease is incredibly difficult and support groups can help lighten that load. We invite you to join the Timberwood Court Alzheimer's Support Group for one visit or ongoing. Click here for more information about this beneficial group.
What's new at Timberwood Court?
At Timberwood Court, involvement in the Albany community is important to us. Each year our residents, their families, community members and our staff combine their efforts on a variety of projects, intergenerational programs, volunteering, and fundraising efforts creating partnerships that enhance the lives of all involved. Here you'll have the chance to be active and give back, whether mentoring in an after school art program or fundraising for a local food bank, or maybe joining the garden club's efforts to bring beauty to local parks...our life enrichment program will keep you connected to these opportunities. We believe this strengthens the fabric of our community and provides an enhanced definition of the term "quality of life". Check back with us to see the most recent community news for Timberwood Court.