Philanthropy Today
Philanthropy Today
The Meadowlark Foundation on the GMCF Community Hour Episode - 186
On the GMCF Community Hour, Michelle Haub, the Special Programs Leader at Meadowlark Talks about the Memory Program Art Mingle, which celebrates the connection between art, memory, and community support while highlighting the importance of creativity for cognitive health. Michelle also discusses upcoming events, and the invaluable resources available for caregivers and individuals facing cognitive challenges.
- Introduction to the Art Mingle event and its impact
- Importance of creativity on memory and cognition
- Overview of Meadowlark Memory Program's offerings
- Educational opportunities for cognitive health
- Event ticket details and auction items
- Acknowledgment of community sponsors and support
Philanthropy Today is brought to you by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. In this episode we feature a recently broadcast segment of the GMCF Community Hour, as heard on NewsRadio KMAN. Michelle Halb returns, as she is with the Metal Ark and the Metal Ark Foundation. She's the special programs leader. It's always a delight to have you in the studio.
Speaker 2:Wonderful to be here, thank you.
Speaker 1:Welcome to the GMCF Community Hour, where we talk about all kinds of fun things and the foundation does a lot of great work, and Becky Fitzgerald was going to be joining us, but she's a little bit under the weather and hi, becky, hope you're doing well. Get better quick. Yes, but you've got a big event coming up. This Art Mingle returns and that's a fun deal.
Speaker 2:Yes, it really is. It's a really wonderful evening. It's very invigorating. It's at the Strecker Nelson West Gallery and Union Hall, which are both just lovely places to be. So the space is really fun. It leaves lots of opportunities for conversation, for mingling, which is really important. You know, the title of Art Mingle really emphasizes the importance of the benefits that people can have when it comes to memory and cognition. So there's a lot of research out there about art and how impacting creativity is for our brains. And then, of course, mingling is important for the engagement and keeping people social. So this event is the prime opportunity to hone those skills. It takes place on Friday, march the 7th, at six o'clock. You can start joining us for appetizers and drinks in the Strecker Nelson West Gallery.
Speaker 1:Okay, I'm in.
Speaker 2:And then at 7 o'clock we'll move upstairs at Union Hall, where we will have dinner and a silent and live auction.
Speaker 1:Okay, I was just there yesterday for an event.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And you know I've been in the building a number of times. That's delightful isn't it. It is, yes, the place has so much character and history.
Speaker 2:Yes, and Brushpoint, of course. Cale and Becky Katzenmeyer just did an amazing job with that as well.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's a beautiful facility and a great asset to downtown. Yes, you know. So that's a it's nice to have another event option, and it is it's. It's very nice. You know art is big when it comes to metal art.
Speaker 2:I've been up on campus a number of times and you have so many and I'd venture to say mostly local artisans that are on display, have their works on display throughout the halls. Yes, and we have an amazing art committee that meets at Meadowlark and takes care of all of the art there. And, yeah, they are swapping things out frequently to keep people engaged and talking.
Speaker 1:So, yeah, Okay, well, put that on your calendar March 7th. Yes, all right. So let's talk a bit about the Meadowlark Memory Program. This is a little bit more down your alley because you know we've had you in mostly to talk about, you know, the Parkinson's Program, yeah, and the Meadowlark Memory Program ties in directly with that. So give us an update.
Speaker 2:Yes, absolutely so. Art Mingle. Our theme this year is hidden gems. Absolutely so, art Mingle. Our theme this year is hidden gems. So at the event we will have the opportunity to purchase a champagne glass for $25. And there will be a hidden gem not literally but figuratively where one lucky person will win a three-piece amethyst set to tie right on in with our lovely theme there, and then we will also be having a second prize from that. So that is part of it. And then the reason that we picked Hidden Gems is because, truly, when we think about the opportunities that the Metal Ark Memory Program provides for the entire community, not just people that live at Meadowlark but the entire Flint Hills region it really is a hidden gem.
Speaker 2:And we offer care partner support groups, which are so critical for those that are providing, whether they're providing full care in their homes or they're providing emotional and engagement support for their loved one that's living in a long-term care facility or an assisted living. Those individuals, those care partners, need connections with other people that know what they're going through. And we facilitate three different programs for care partners. We have one that meets every Wednesday at 10 o'clock at Meadowlark. We have one that meets at St Thomas More at 930 every Monday morning. And then we also have one that meets at the Wamego Public Library the third Thursday of every month at 10 o'clock.
Speaker 2:Partner support is education, and it's that I'm not alone. I have others, I can relate. I'm not feeling all the feels by myself. And then we also have education. So I facilitate a memory activities class that meets every Tuesday at 10 o'clock at Meadowlark and we have people that come from all over Manhattan to attend that class so that they can learn more about how the brain works. We also learn about different strategies and techniques that we can use to help us use our strengths with our memory to compensate for those challenges that we might start exhibiting. And then also with our care partner group on Tuesday at the same time we have a memory cafe so that the loved one that's experiencing cognitive challenges has a place where they can socialize and engage and reminisce and storytell and listen to music, and then the care partner is getting that support with their peers. So those are a lot of our main events that we have to really provide that education and support.
Speaker 1:Okay, sounds like education is a component that never ends at Metal Ark.
Speaker 2:We try not to let it end, that's true.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So with A big thing, that one of my big philosophies is that education equals empowerment. If you know what you can or can't do or what your limitations are, you know where to go to learn how to better interact and have those relationships with your loved ones. You feel a whole lot more empowered to give it a try. And ultimately, that's what it's all about is finding the ability to be able to maintain those relationships with those loved ones.
Speaker 1:Let's talk briefly about the environment there. I mean, you have, you know, I don't know how many residents, you have a couple of hundred. Yes, depends on which area of living right From assisted living, yeah, with all the different levels. So you've got a couple hundred and you've got such a vibrancy up there and I bet that that's also a key factor and you know and people having that social aspect tied in to Meadowlark to help assist with some of their challenges.
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely yes, we definitely keep a lot of different activities going. Keep a lot of different activities going and then you know again. I think the big important thing with the memory program and the Parkinson's program is that those services aren't just for people that live on the campus, so anybody can participate in those programs free of charge. And that's what this Art Mingle is about is to provide the funds so that we can continue to provide those services free of charge to anybody.
Speaker 1:So what all are you going to have on display during the Art Mingle? We haven't really talked about that.
Speaker 2:Yes, so we will have all of the artwork that is currently in the Strucker Nelson West Gallery and you can purchase if you go in. Alan West with SNW is being so generous, generous, and she's also on our committee.
Speaker 1:we're really grateful to her, and she's terrific, isn't she?
Speaker 2:yes, her and her time. And also um kim richards from the beach museum of art. You know we really have amazing experts that help us to enhance the art component of this event, so we'll have that artwork there. And then also, if you have been looking at your walls thinking, hmm, these are really boring, it's a drab, I need a new look.
Speaker 1:If you have a business, Don't look at my wall when you say that Yours are great.
Speaker 2:You've got lots of wonderful things in here. But even if you have a business and you're thinking you just need a new look, you can come in before or after Art Mingle as well as purchasing that night, and a portion of those proceeds Alan is donating back to the memory program as well, so you can deck your walls while you're also supporting a great cause.
Speaker 1:Okay, that sounds like a lot of fun. Yes, yes, you know, and one of the things that I like about you know, there's such a local impact, local aspect to to the, to the art that they have on display there at Stryker Coast and West, and you know, and you see that at Metal Arc. You know, and you see a Ralph Fontenot piece or you know, yes, yes, there's so many great Kim Case beer, just you know, and those have all been featured artists during our previous Art Mingles.
Speaker 2:So, yeah, we really do feature those local artists and really trying to support them as well. Speaking of another form of art, we have the Bell family trio is going to be performing music that evening. So not only will we have aesthetics to the eyes, we will also have it to the ears and the taste buds.
Speaker 1:Andy and the boys. Yes, is that what it is?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so, yeah, it'll be a really great opportunity to listen to some great music.
Speaker 1:Well, his dad parents are residents.
Speaker 2:Okay, okay.
Speaker 1:I think, aren't they? Yeah, maybe, not sure. Okay, but I know that I've been to an event where they I think at least he'll sponsor it. Yes, but there's a lot of neat things there, and we all know the impact of music.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:With people that are having. You know, and music is just one of those things that that you know it, it just transcends life yeah and so many people relate to music, and even more so when they have challenges like parkinson's uh dementia dementia, different things like that and that is another program that we offer through our metal arc memory program, and we do.
Speaker 2:We are music and memory affiliate, so we have different technology, including headphones and tablets or I tablets or air. What am I trying to come up with? It used to be mp3 players, but I know that's really aging me, so sure, sure, bluetooth whatever they're able to listen to. And so, then, we work with our speech therapists there at Metalark and then a couple of other people to help design playlists for each individual that is wanting that, to help use that, to stimulate their ability to communicate or engage in their environment as well.
Speaker 1:You could have a silent disco party. Have you ever seen those? I have seen that you want to come and do that for us. I would love to.
Speaker 2:That would be super cool.
Speaker 1:Those are so much fun. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we can talk.
Speaker 2:All right, we have more to talk about, don't we? There we go. I like it.
Speaker 1:Oh goodness, right, we have more to talk about. There we go. I like it. Oh goodness, um, but you know, that's obviously a big thing for me, so so let's talk about some of the specifics with art mingle. Yes, remember the date is march 7th. Yes and uh. There, there is a ticket to it. There's a price to the ticket yes, yes.
Speaker 2:so the ticket is 75 dollars. Um, and again, that includes your appetizers and drinks from six to seven and then seven o'clock moving upstairs at Union Hall and enjoying dinner in the silent and live auction. You can go to metalarkorg and there isa link right there, a little button to click to learn more about it and you can purchase your tickets there as well. And you know, we've really listened to the people that have attended in the past and we've got some great additions. So, even just having you know, the dinner and the tables, and for An additional fee if you want to reserve your spot for a table, we've got that for you as well. So, yeah, it'll just be a really great evening. Lots of silent auction We've got. I mean, this cold weather makes all of us want to escape.
Speaker 1:I have no idea what you mean by that. No, I know. Right, especially this coming week. Right, exactly Next few days. Yes, we're not escaping to anywhere except from the fireplace.
Speaker 2:Right, exactly, yes, we're not escaping to anywhere except from the fireplace Right, but one of our auction items is a trip to Mexico.
Speaker 1:Oh, la la.
Speaker 2:I know you can select from different coastal Mexican cities and resorts, so you have the opportunity to design your own getaway to warmth and sunshine and waves and of course margaritas Cannot let that slide to design your own getaway to warmth and sunshine and waves.
Speaker 1:And of course margaritas Cannot let that slide.
Speaker 2:No no.
Speaker 1:Well, that all sounds delightful. Now, a lot of these events, you know you have people that help out financially, supporting it sponsor-wise. Do you have some?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Community First National Bank has been with us since the very beginning. We're so grateful for them to step up and be our presenting sponsor. So they're amazing.
Speaker 1:Well, they're all about community. It's in their name.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, absolutely. That works well, yes.
Speaker 1:Anything else you want to bring up about Metal Art that we want to touch base on just real quick.
Speaker 2:I think just you know, come on out on Friday, march the 7th, six o'clock, strecker Nelson West Gallery in Union Hall. You won't be disappointed. It really is an awesome invigorating fun and engaging opportunity. Fun and engaging opportunity. So good eats, good art, good music, good people.
Speaker 1:That's a winning combination. That's a good combination. Michelle Haub is our guest and once again, the website metalarkorg. That's where you can get your tickets for Art Mingle and learn more about the Metal Ark Memory Program and all the other programs, and even how possibly to become a resident at some point. There's a lot of wonderful services, a lot of wonderful people up there, Not just the residents, but the staff too.
Speaker 2:We got a few good ones.
Speaker 1:You got some.
Speaker 2:Like all of them.
Speaker 1:That's a good point, Michelle. Thanks for joining us here today.
Speaker 2:Thank you, dave, appreciate this.
Speaker 1:The GMCF Community Hour continues in just a couple of moments with Vern. We'll give you an idea of some things that are happening down the road here on NewsRadio KMAN.