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Alzheimer’s Association Hosts Memory Loss Workshop, Research Forum

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The Alzheimber’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire, will hold two events in March. 
Memory Loss Workshop
The Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free workshop, Coping with Early Memory Loss, on Thursday, March 24 from 1-3 p.m. at the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown

The workshop is for those recently diagnosed with memory loss, their families and friends. It’s designed to help participants better understand diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontal-temporal dementia and related disorders. The discussion will cover resources and medical and non-medical treatments for those with memory loss. To register or for more information call 800.272.3900. Research Forum
The Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter welcomes to the public to learn more about the world of Alzheimer’s research at their annual Spring Research Forum.

Around Town

Watertown Man Finalist in National Weight-Loss Contest

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A Watertown man is a finalist in a weight-loss contest where the prize is a vacation and you can vote for him. Medi-Weightloss sent out the following information:

Mike Lynch, of Watertown, is a finalist in the Medi-Weightloss 2016 Transformation Vacation Giveaway! The annual contest allows patients from over 80 locations across the country to submit their before and after pictures along with an inspirational story describing their weight loss journey. The top ten finalists were selected from nearly 50 entries nationwide based not only on their successful weight loss, but also on the motivational aspect of their personal transformation. Mike’s Entry: “Before Medi-Weightloss I was 251 lbs, on high blood pressure medicine, and was tired all the time.

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Get Free Mental Health First Aid Training from Wayside Multi Service Center

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Wayside Youth and Family Support Network will present a free youth mental health first aid training for Watertown residents. Wayside sent out the following announcement:

Sometimes, first aid isn’t a bandage or CPR. Sometimes, first aid is YOU! A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis… You can help them. You are more likely to encounter someone — friend, family member, student, neighbor, or member of the community — in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack.

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Civil Rights Leader Who Works with Martin Luther King Coming to Town

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Dr. Bernard LaFayette, internationally known civil rights activist and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be addressing a public forum to be held at the Watertown Middle School, 68 Waverly Avenue, on Thursday, March 31, at 7 p.m. Dr. LaFayette will be discussing the history and current status of race relations in the U.S. The forum is free and open to all. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. LaFayette played a leading role in organizing the Selma Voting Rights Movement. He was a member of the Nashville Student Movement, and worked closely throughout the 1960s with groups such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the American Friends Service Committee. As an ordained minister and college professor, Dr. LaFayette has traveled the world teaching the Kingian Principles of Nonviolent Conflict Reconciliation, a curriculum that he co-authored based on Dr. King’s beliefs. Dr. LaFayette is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on nonviolent social change and conflict reconciliation.

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Pain Management Workshop Being Run by Mount Auburn Hospital

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Mount Auburn Hospital will start a series of workshops on chronic pain management. 

The hospital sent out the following information:

Some medical conditions cause patients to experience long-lasting pain. These sensations can cause frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep. But they don’t have to. Mount Auburn Hospital recognizes these difficulties and has developed its Chronic Pain Self-Management program to help patients learn strategies to cope with this difficult condition. This spring, the hospital is pleased to present a six-week class developed by researchers at Stanford University Medical Center. Participants will work on improving their quality of life, communicating more effectively with their providers, and learning techniques to handle stress and improve their energy levels. They will also receive a copy of the book, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain,” as well as an exercise CD.

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Marshall Home Fund Seeks Grant Proposals for Programs for People 55+

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The Marshall Home Fund (MHF) is soliciting program grant proposals for the year 2016-2017 that focus on the needs of older residents in Watertown. Since its inception in 2005, MHF has awarded over $450,000 to both public and private nonprofit agencies that serve Watertown residents ages 55 and over. Last spring, MHF gave more than $55,000 to support nearly 20 projects providing a wide range of program and services to elders in the community. Once again, MHF is looking forward to helping local agencies advance their goals in the coming year. Grant applications should address health, housing, transportation, and other quality of life issues for seniors in the community.

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Watertown Library Seeks Artists to Submit Work to Show in Gallery Space

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The Watertown Free Public Library is accepting applications from artists and groups who would like to exhibit in the library’s gallery space. 

The space is located on the second floor of the building and includes hanging displays and a glass case. Shows last for one month. There are no fees. The library does not take commission on works sold. Receptions can be held in the adjacent room.

Around Town

Health Department Gets Grant for Healthy Community, Fighting Addiction

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Mount Auburn Hospital has awarded the Watertown Department of Health a $10,000 grant to expand the work of the Live Well Watertown Coalition around building a healthier community and support efforts of the W.A.T.E.R.town (Watertown Access to Treatment, Education, and Resources) task force for substance use disorders. This grant is a part of Mount Auburn Hospital’s Community Health mission of commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of community members by collaborating with community partners to reduce barriers to health, increase prevention and/or self-management of chronic diseases and increase the early detection of illnesses. “Realizing that local health departments have unique perspectives on the needs of the communities they serve, Mount Auburn Hospital designed these funds to support local department of health efforts. The funds may be used for capacity building and/or direct programming and must be used to address one or more of the top health concerns identified in our Community Health Needs Assessment. The main health concerns include: obesity and inactive living, self-management of chronic disease, mental health issues, substance abuse, and access to health care services, ” explains Mary Hunt Johnson, RN, OCN, Director of Community Health at Mount Auburn Hospital.