Memory Café: A Supportive Space for Caregivers and Loved Ones

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Memory Café: A Supportive Space for Caregivers and Loved Ones

Originally Posted: January 24, 2024

Memory cafe bannerThe Memory Café Program, a project of Aging Strong, offers a unique and supportive environment for family caregivers and their loved ones with memory loss. Held at various locations in the Treasure Valley, the program is designed to encourage friendships, acceptance, and provide a break from routine. It’s a free, engaging space where participants can socialize, enjoy activities, learn from monthly topics, and build resources for changing needs. Starting with an event on January 25th at Orchard Park Meridian Library and continuing with monthly sessions at different locations, the Memory Café is a valuable resource for those dealing with memory loss and their caregivers. 

For more details, contact Karen Kouba-McIver at kkouba@jannus.org or visit www.AgingStrong.org.

 

Veterans Take to the Slopes: WAVES’ Magic Mountain Event

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Veterans Take to the Slopes: WAVES’ Magic Mountain Event

Originally Posted: January 23, 2024

The Western Adaptive Veteran Education Snowsports (WAVES) event at Magic Mountain in Twin Falls, Idaho, is awaves banner significant initiative to empower veterans through adaptive snowsports education. Scheduled for January 26th and 27th, this event at Magic Mountain marks an important milestone for WAVES, as it is their first on-snow event. The program is designed to offer 20 spots for veterans who are interested in or in need of assistance in learning and navigating snowsports.

Magic Mountain is described as a small yet charming local resort that caters to all skill levels, making it an excellent venue for learning skiing and snowboarding. The WAVES team of instructors is prepared to provide adaptive lessons and guide veterans through the snowsports environment, ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience.

The WAVES organization, founded in March 2023, is dedicated to fostering snowsports opportunities at Idaho resorts. Their mission extends beyond just teaching sports; it’s about empowering and enriching the lives of veterans by sharing the thrill of snowsports. This includes providing adaptive equipment, ski and snowboard instruction, and therapeutic experiences to those who have served. Their instructors are experienced in handling various challenges, including cognitive difficulties, physical limitations, visual impairments, and PTSD, ensuring a safe and fulfilling experience for all participants.

The event offers a detailed schedule, including morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch break. The pricing is quite accessible, with nominal charges for tickets, lunch, and rentals. This event represents an opportunity for veterans to engage in an enriching snowsports experience, facilitated by a team that values safety, quality instruction, and positive mountain relations.

For more detailed information and registration, you can reach out to WAVES directly via their contact email provided on their website.

For additional information, you might want to visit the WAVES website here and their events page here for more details about the event and the organization.

 

Join Our Mission to Mobilize Veterans: Help DAV Boise Chapter 2 Get a New Van!

Here at DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Boise Chapter 2, we’re committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of our veterans. One of our most vital services is providing transportation for veterans who need to travel to the Boise VA Medical Center and other local destinations. We’re turning to our community for support.”

Support DAV Chapter 2 AdOur goal is to raise $19,000 to purchase a new van. This vehicle is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a lifeline for veterans who require assistance to reach essential medical appointments, community events, and other vital destinations. Without this service, many veterans could be left without a reliable way to access the care and support they need.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and helps ensure our veterans can travel safely and comfortably. Your donation directly supports our efforts to purchase a new van, which means continuing our commitment to veterans’ mobility and independence.

How to Donate: Contributing is easy! Visit our donation page [insert link to the donation page] and choose your donation amount. Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, your generosity makes a difference. You can also help by sharing our cause with your friends, family, and social networks.

Closing: “The DAV Boise Chapter 2 is more than an organization; it’s a community of support, and every member, including you, plays a crucial role in our mission. Together, let’s ensure that every veteran in and around Boise has the transportation they need. Thank you for your support and for standing with our veterans.”

Ready to make a difference? [Donate Now] and help us reach our goal!

Veteran Coffee Hour Honoring Our Heroes!

A Time of Camaraderie and Community

Every Tuesday, a very special gathering brews at Kaffee Meister in Hayden, Idaho. From 2 to 4 PM, the Veteran Coffee Hour opens its doors to those who have served our nation with valor and dedication. Hosted by David Erickson and the Special Forces Association Chapter XLIII, this is more than just a coffee meet-up; it’s a hub of shared stories, support, and camaraderie.

Veteran Coffee Hour Drop In

The event is informal—drop in at your convenience between 2 and 4 PM—and enjoy a cup of coffee in good company. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and perhaps exchange stories that only fellow veterans can truly appreciate.

The gatherings are held at the cozy Kaffee Meister, located at 9212 N Government Way, a place that has become a staple for local community events.

The flyer advertising the event is reminiscent of a time when unity and collective effort were at the forefront of the national consciousness. It depicts a paratrooper, a symbol of bravery and commitment, which resonates with the essence of the Veteran Coffee Hour.

David Erickson, the organizer, is reachable at 949-566-3326 or via email at david@sfa43.org. The Special Forces Association is known for its work in supporting veterans and their families, and this event is one of many that show their commitment to community support.

The motto “De Oppresso Liber” — to free the oppressed — is more than a Special Forces motto; it’s a reminder of the higher ideals our veterans strive for, and the unity that these coffee hours foster is a testament to those values.

Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or simply a supporter of our armed forces, consider stopping by. It’s a small gesture, but one that goes a long way in showing appreciation for those who have served. Let’s raise our mugs to those who have given so much and join in on the Veteran Coffee Hour!