ESP November 2006 Newsletter

October 2006 Quarterly Meeting

The quarterly meeting was held at Broadway Hall thanks to Westford Funeral Home donating the space. The guest speaker Sue Anderson from The Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities had educational information about some programs in Whatcom County such as Whatcom Community Counts and Leadership Whatcom.  For more information about The Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities go to whatcomcoalition.org.

Thank you to the members that attended.

Committee Updates

Programs Committee is still looking for volunteers to help plan the 2007 Professional Dinner. Committee meeting Nov. 16th at 3:30pm, if you are interested please email mstarkey@homeattendantcare.com.

Caregiver Conference Update

“Discovering the Hidden Treasures in the Depths of Caregiving” is the theme of the 2007 ESP Caregiver Conference that will be held at Christ the King Conference Center, on Friday, March 16, 2007.  The Conference Committee is very excited to have keynote speaker Shelly Zylstra of Northwest Regional Council, as well as a huge variety of breakout sessions lined up.  We are expecting 450 caregivers to attend, and there are several sponsorship opportunities available.  Remember ESP Members: Vendor tables are being booked NOW!  For more information about the conference contact Sue Ramey 360-733-2322.

Membership:

ESP has been growing and expanding the opportunities and benefits of membership.  We are excited about partnerships we have established in the community in order to bring even more networking and educational meetings to our membership.  This year for the first time in many years we have been forced to look at increasing our membership dues.  Our membership rates for 2007 will certainly still be an excellent value and we are certain that you and your organization will see the benefit of continued participation.  Current members will be receiving a letter with the 2007 membership rates with an application form. Potential new members can call Andrea Polchen, Membership Secretary 360-715-1338 with questions.

Upcoming Events

Whatcom Hospice

Grief and the Holidays
The holiday season can be an especially difficult time when some one close has died. Whatcom Hospice will host a free panel forum for family and friends grieving during the holidays. Special attention will be given on holiday planning, managing stress and helping children cope with grief and festivities.

Tuesday, December 5, 7-8:30 pm at
Health Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham
Refreshments and will be provided. Call Hospice at 733-5877 for more information.

Alzheimer Society of Washington

Memory Awareness Screenings
3rd Tuesday of the month in 2006
Held at St. Luke's Community Health Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA
Call for appointment at 360-671-3316 or drop in.

Alderwood Park Food Drive

Alderwood Park is having a non-perishable food drive from Nov. 1-17.
There is and internal competition between the Social Services Staff and the Front Office/Administrative Staff and they need the communities support. All donations will be given to a charitable organization in Whatcom County. To support Sue Ramey and the front office, to support the social services department ask for a social services staff person. Take you food donations to Alderwood Park, 2726 Alderwood Ave, Bellingham.

Whatcom Care Team Association

The Whatcom Care Team Association is partnering with Elder Service Providers for future meetings. The ESP quarterly meeting will be replaced with the monthly lunches historically put on by WCTA. This will create opportunity for members to attend educational forums and have opportunities to network with other professionals on a regular basis. The meetings are hosted by both members and non-members of ESP and everyone is encouraged to attend.

When: November 15, 2005     11:30 am-1pm
Program Speakers: Mary Lynn Palmer and Josselyn Winslow
Taking Care of Our Community—Taking Care of Ourselves
Innovative programs helping people affected by dementia. 
Tips on caring for yourself.

Where: Mambo Italiano
1303 12th Street (Fairhaven)
Bellingham
Please R.S.V.P. by November 13th
Josselyn or Lynn   671-3316 or email: alz@alzsociety.org

Free Holiday Dance for Seniors

All seniors are invited to our 3rd Annual “Christmas on Broadway,” a free dance to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank. 

At Broadway Hall,
1300 Broadway, on
Thursday, December 7th, 2006 from 1:30 – 4:00 in the afternoon. 

You’ll enjoy pictures with Santa and dancing to the “oldies” tunes of Pete Hoeruegel’s band, “Sentimental Journey.”  Admission is free with donations of non-perishable food items for the Bellingham Food Bank being accepted at the door.  For more information, call Westford Funeral Home, sponsor of the event, at 734-1717.

The Courtyard

December 15th, 3-6pm please join the Courtyard Dementia Care Community for their open House, to celebrate their new look, newly installed carpet throughout the facility.

848 W Orchard Dr, Bellingham
December 15, 3-6 pm
Contact Andrea Polchen with questions 360-715-1338
Tours available on site as well as online at courtyardalzheimers.com

Employment Opportunities

NWRC

Case Manager - for the NWRC Case Management Program, assisting persons who are older and/or disabled in Whatcom & Skagit Counties.  Assesses client needs and authorizes in-home services, including the development and implementation of service plans, and the authorization of payment to providers, as required by State standards.

Please contact NWRC directly for the required application packet. 600 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, 360-676-6749 or elwelpf@dshs.wa.gov.

Note from the Editor:

Thanks once again for the interest in the newsletter. Members please continue to submit your articles and announcements to mstarkey@homeattendantcare.com. Deadline- Dec. 8th

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