Dear Editor,

The Allenspark Community Church invites the public to the first annual Dementia Summit entitled: Navigating The Dementia Journey: Nurturing The Spirit. This seminar will provide information, education, and inspiration to those people living with dementia, caregivers, and anyone who has been affected by or is interested in this grave and timely topic. It will be held at the Allenspark Community Church, 16 Washington Street on Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. There is no cost to attend.

Ralph Patrick, pastor of Allenspark Community Church and former Regional Director of the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will be joined by renowned author Rebecca Chopp for a presentation entitled, Living with Wonder and Awe. They will cover a broad range of topics, from the diagnosis process, to stages of the disease, to helpful hints for living with joy on the journey. They will also allow ample time to address questions you have.

Rebecca Chopp is the author of Still Me: Accepting Alzheimer’s without Losing Yourself, which chronicles her diagnosis and journey with dementia. She is an Alzheimer’s advocate and educator. Formerly the Chancellor of DU, she is a theologian and UMC minister. Now retired, she hikes, paints, knits and reads. Most of all, she abides in awe.

Rounding out the program will be Teresa McGuinness who has a wide variety of expertise in the world of dementia. She has served as a caregiver professionally and also personally for her mother.

Through her presentation entitled Soul Collaging, Teresa guides participants to use images, intuition, creativity and reflection to produce a unique reflection of the soul that reveals your true inner beauty.

In addition to working with those living with dementia and their care partners, Teresa is a florist and a Spiritual Director. Her hobbies include hiking, thrift store shopping, movies, and reading.

Pastor Ralph has recently launched Cardinal Crossroads, in honor of his mother, that provides dementia coaching, consulting and companioning for those living with dementia and their care partners.

Everyone is warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend this invaluable summit. There is no cost to attend and no reservations are required. Please call the church at 303-747-2821 with any questions you may have. Allenspark Community Church is located at 16 Washington Street, Allenspark, CO 80510.

Cindy Rockett

Lyons