SPARK!

The SPARK! program that launched earlier this year continues with the next program taking place September 27th at 10:30am at ArtStart, 68 S. Stevens St. Rhinelander. SPARK! is a cultural program for people with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. Programs are designed to keep participants actively engaged in their communities by providing experiences that stimulate conversations, provide peer support and inspire creativity through creative engagement, workshops and programs. “Most of us know a friend or a relative with memory loss. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services projects over 1,100 individuals in Oneida County have memory loss and that number will increase by 100-200 individuals every 5 years,” explains Ashley MchLaughlin, Operations and Program Director at ArtStart. “As a community it is important to have diverse programs and services to encourage social engagement of all populations. We understand social isolation has a negative effect on mental wellness. Programs in our community like SPARK! provide quality of life and life long learning experiences while ultimately helping older adults remain safe and age in place.” SPARK! programs are free for families to attend together in a comfortable environment led by specially trained staff and volunteers. SPARK! takes place the 4th Wednesday of every month at 10:30am. Register at artstartrhinelander.org/spark/ or by calling ArtStart at 715-362-4328.