Musical Memories Cafe made its debut in Allegany County at The Fountain Arts Center in Belmont in September.
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Musical Memories Café expands in Allegany County
BELMONT — Since September, the Musical Memories Café has been thriving in Belmont, attracting nearly 50 attendees each month. The success of the program had led organizers to plan for a new early dinner option, which starts later this month.
The social gathering space is designed for isolated older adults, caregivers and their loved ones, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The café provides an opportunity for the participants to enjoy music, stimulating their minds while allowing caregivers a chance to relax, connect with others in similar situations, and share a meal with their loved ones.
“The community’s response to Musical Memories Café has been remarkable,” said Larissa Wesche, an age-friendly associate at Ardent Solutions. “We’ve received such positive feedback that we’ve applied for additional grant funding to expand the program to include a second date and time each month. With support from the Ralph C. Wilson Legacy Foundation, we’re thrilled to introduce an early dinner option for caregivers who work outside the home and cannot attend the monthly lunch event.”
The new Musical Memories Café will rotate among various locations in Allegany County, occurring on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The inaugural event is set for Thursday, June 26, at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, 9712 Route 19N.
This new dinner option complements the existing afternoon program held on the second Friday of each month at the Fountain Arts Center, 48 Schuyler St., Belmont, from noon to 1 p.m.
Sponsored by Ardent Solutions and the Allegany County Office for Aging, Musical Memories Café is part of the Age-Friendly Allegany County Initiative.
“Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be incredibly stressful,” Wesche said. “The emotional and financial burdens families face can be overwhelming. Caregivers often feel isolated, and their loved ones may experience increased agitation or anxiety when away from their familiar environments. Musical Memories Café offers a life-enriching activity where caregivers can feel rejuvenated, while their loved ones, aided by music, can find comfort and safety.”
Musical Memories Café is free. Caregivers are invited to RSVP no later than four days prior to the event by contacting either Wesche at (585) 497-1972 or the Allegany County Office for the Aging at (585) 268-9390.
