Shirley MacDougall (left) and Jeannie Lake enjoy a Cape Cod Canal Cruise with the Waterfront Memory Café on July 12. The trip was made possible through a grant from the I’m Still Here foundation. (Photo courtesy Marion Council on Aging) 
Waterfront Memory Café participants enjoy pizza prior to the Cape Cod Canal Cruise on July 12. (Photo courtesy Marion Council on Aging) 
Ann Bruno (left) and Michael Voss enjoy ice cream at Nana’s Ice Cream and Candy in Onset after the Cape Cod Canal Cruise on July 12. (Photo courtesy Marion Council on Aging)
MARION — Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman and Marion Council on Aging Program Coordinator Linda Jackvony are pleased to announce that the Council on Aging has received a $2,000 grant, with funds going to support its Waterfront Memory Café.
Money was awarded by the I’m Still Here foundation, which offers grants to programs that engage those living with dementia in arts, culture and community alongside their care partners.
The grant funds were used toward a recent Cape Cod Canal Cruise for Memory Café participants on July 12. In addition to the sightseeing cruise, the group enjoyed pizza and ice cream.
The grant funding will also go toward a trip to and luncheon at Ned’s Lighthouse in Mattapoisett later in the summer, and musical performances during Memory Café gatherings.
Marion’s Waterfront Memory Café program, which launched in 2016, is held every Wednesday. Memory Cafés are held in communities across the country. They provide social outlets and activities for adults diagnosed with early to moderate Alzheimer’s or other memory loss, as well as their caregivers. The weekly gathering allows these individuals to come together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment where everyone can interact, find support, establish friendships and share concerns.
“For some of my folks, the Memory Café is truly the highlight of their week — for both the individual and for their caregiver,” Jackvony said. “Our seniors get to participate in fun activities that they might not do on an average day, and it’s a reminder for caregivers that they aren’t alone. These events will provide an opportunity for adventure and time for our seniors and caregivers to enjoy the present moment, and I am grateful to I’m Still Here for supporting our efforts.”
Nearly 30% of the town’s residents are age 65 or older, and the number of seniors in Marion has grown by almost 25% since 2000. The Marion Waterfront Memory Café averages 25 to 30 attendees weekly. In the summer, when the town’s population almost doubles, that can increase to almost 40 participants. All programs at the Memory Café are free.
“Our Council on Aging staff members and Program Coordinator Linda Jackvony work every day to support our senior community and their caregivers with engaging and meaningful programming,” Town Administrator Gorman said. “The events that are being held with these grant funds are another example of the outstanding efforts to provide enjoyable experiences through the Memory Café.”
Said I’m Still Here Founder Dr. John Zeisel, “This is a new opportunity for the ISH Innovative Grants Program. We are thrilled and excited to see this initiative come into being.”
The Waterfront Memory Café meets every Wednesday, except for the day before Thanksgiving, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is not required but is encouraged. Anyone interested in learning more can call 508-748-3570.
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