November 5, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 15 Village hosts Alzheimer’s Awareness Week Ridgewood’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Week will provide crucial information for caregivers of people with dementia. An estimated 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia. The devastating condition doesn’t just take a toll on its sufferers. Some 15.5 mil- lion family and friends take on the chal- lenging role of caregiver to those with Alzheimer’s in the United States. This November, Ridgewood’s Alzheim- er’s Awareness Week will provide criti- cal information and advice to caregivers through four programs sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce along with Van Dyk Health Care, Unicity Elder- care, the Valley Hospital, and Dementia Care Specialist Vivian Green Korner. Most events will take place from Nov. 9 to 13. “Is it Dementia or Normal Aging?” will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ridgewood Public Library, Sports groups (continued from page 13) 2008 through 2014, sports teams were given approximately $59,000. Again, I think the intent was right-minded as we do run recreational programs for our youth, but to avoid any semblance of 501c3 dona- tions we will stop these contributions top the sports teams. “Ridgewood Water began a practice in 2011 to donate money to Ridgewood Baseball, Midland Park Baseball and Glen Rock Baseball (total about $2,000 per year). My understanding is that the prior village management thought that this would be a positive community ges- ture. The practice has now stopped.” Sonenfeld clarified the written state- ment verbally by identifying former Village Manager Ken Gabbert as the manager who had approved the $2,000 per year comprehensive donation to the Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Midland Park baseball groups. A former Ridgewood Council member had stated separately that when Gab- bert arrived as village manager, Gabbert found that some of the money collected from Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff water fees was being used to support the Ridgewood Police Depart- ment, the Ridgewood Fire Department, and the administration. Gabbert curtailed the practice. Glen Rock Mayor John van Keuren, a retired financial professional, confirmed that water fees had apparently been used to fund Ridgewood functions not involved with the delivery of water to customers in the other three towns. The court case in which Wyckoff, Glen Rock, and Mid- land Park filed suit against Ridgewood is pending. 125 North Maple Avenue. While age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, it is not a “normal” part of aging. Learn about the warning signs of dementia and the myths and realities of aging. The work- shop will be led by Sheila Brogan, LSW, ACSW, geriatric social worker, elder care services, Children’s Aid and Family Services and Marianne Terry, LSW, C- ASWCM, director of social work, Unicity Eldercare. On Nov. 3, 10, and 17, caregivers may learn about living through the middle stages of Alzheimer’s. Through this three- part program, caregivers will learn more about symptoms and care needs, tech- niques for managing behaviors and man- aging safety, and relationship changes and supportive services available to help with care-giving responsibilities. These pro- grams will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the library, and will be led by Michelle Foster-Carter of the Alzheimer’s Associa- tion. A program about the legal and finan- cial considerations for the caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. James T. Parks, CFP, president and wealth adviser, Parks Wealth Management and Brian Keane, Esq., Hartman & Winnicki, P.C. will discuss advanced planning that may relieve some of the burden as caregivers of dementia patients confront difficult legal and financial decisions. This program will present common legal and financial con- siderations while caring for someone with dementia and information about benefits for veterans. This program will be held at the Ridgewood YM/YWCA located at 112 Oak Street. The series will conclude Thursday, Nov. 13, when Vivian Green Korner, MA, CDP, certified dementia practitioner and Toni Modak, R.N., BSN, PCC, director at Valley Home Care outline care options and the caregiver’s journey. Korner and Modak will outline the excellent resources are available for people caring for loved ones with dementia at home and a range of care options for people with dementia. This program will present information and resources to assist with the health, safety, and emotional needs of the care- giver and the loved one with dementia. Care Options and the Caregiver’s Jour- ney will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Patrick Mancuso Room at Ridgewood Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required and maybe made by calling 1-877-283-2276 or visit- ing www.ValleyHealth.com/Events.