Mary Moore Returns 'Home' to Hillcrest

Mary Moore retired after 26 years of volunteering daily at our Hillcrest Center. She returned this week to receive a plaque and a $100 Whole Foods gift card to show our thanks. Last year the Voice of Peace Network made a video of Mary and we just learned she was named the international organization's Volunteer of the Month. Congratulations, Mary!

Legacy Corps Provides Respite Care for Veterans, Military Families

Legacy Corps currently is recruiting members for a new respite team that officially kicks off its volunteer service in October. The program, part of the AmeriCorps system, provides respite for veterans and military families and decreases the caregiving burden and stress within these families.

Qualified volunteers receive $200 monthly to help pay for their transportation in fulfilling the required 450 hours of service (approximately 10 hours per week for a year). Training is provided.

In addition to the monthly allowance, Legacy Corps members receive an educational award of $1,468 for every year of service.

Our Glenner Centers have Legacy Corps members who provide companionship and non-medical assistance where appropriate. Members may also visit veterans in their homes or in independent and assisted living facilities.

The next training cycle starts up August 15 and will be conducted by San Diego County Aging & Independence Services. If you are interested in joining this worthwhile program, contact Brian Rollins at (858)6305 or brian.rollins@sdcounty.ca.gov for more information.

Alice Avigal: Why Music Moves Us

Music therapist Alice Avigal is retiring after more than 30 years of service in both the San Diego Community College District and our Glenner Hillcrest Center.

We spent a few minutes following a final session with our participants to talk about the role music plays in the lives of those with a memory impairment and the role she’s played for three decades in our lives.

Part of what “made things so wonderful,” she said, was approaching her role as less of a teacher and more as a therapist learning from others who had so much to offer.

“And I think because of that I came to them with an open heart and said, ‘You have a lot of years on me and I have a lot to learn from you.’ And I was able to give them a lot of respect and honor their life experiences and their beautiful spirits,” she said.

Music therapy for this particular population is important to their overall well-being and one of the programs we both stress and specialize in at the Glenner Centers.

“Part of the brain that learns and retains music is one of the last parts to go when Alzheimer’s attacks,” Alice explained. “So when someone loses their ability to speak, they still can retain their ability to sing.

“It’s like the guy who stutters but can sing. It increases their self-esteem, it promotes social interaction and shortcuts any academic, intellectual learning.”

Alice said she understood the importance of playing songs from participants’ youth – sometimes over and over – but would occasionally try to introduce new material.

“Alice has been here almost as long as we’ve been here, and the music she brings appeals to everybody, and so everyone looks forward to her visits,” said Maria Stefanic, the activity coordinator for the Hillcrest Center.

“She’s able to bring out something in everybody that comes to the center,” she added.

“It’s been a good journey,” Alice said. “But it’s time to say good-bye.”

Thank you, Alice, for sharing your time and talent with us for all these years. We will continue to sing your praises.

A Springtime Gift from Alpha Chi Chapter of Sorority

Posing for a photo with their handmade and baked goodies



A closer view of the springtime goodies




Marge Galante, Kelly Focht and Tina Rakowski from the Glenner Centers



The women from the Alpha Chi chapter of the Alpha Zeta Beta sorority visited our Hillcrest Center today to present gifts to The George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers.

A cheerful cake made out of individual cupcakes was surrounded by springtime floral displays made for each of our participants. In addition, the women handed our CEO, Kelly Focht, a check for the proceeds from an annual fundraiser the sorority holds for us.

"We so appreciate everything your organization does to support us," Kelly told the trio on hand to present the check and watch the participants light up as cupcakes were consumed during afternoon snack time.

Thank you, Alpha Chi Ladies!

Showing Appreciation for Our Volunteers

Our Encinitas facility in North County yesterday held a Volunteer Appreciation Day. Our participants made chocolate chip cookies and then presented each volunteer with a hand-decorated vase of tissue paper that appeared as stained glass and filled with fresh flowers. The participants were the artisans on the vases too.

Our Alzheimer's Family Centers has a wonderful group of people who volunteer their time and talent to help with various types of therapies -- particularly music, dance, art and pets -- that are always a highlight of the centers' week for both our participants and for our volunteers.

The George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers also is the administrator for San Diego County's Guardian Angel Volunteer Program, which matches people with isolated seniors.

Find Out More About Our Volunteer Programs

Honoring the Angels Among Us

This past weekend we paid tribute to the volunteers within our Guardian Angel Program with a Volunteer Recognition Brunch at the George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers corporate headquarters.

The program was initiated by San Diego County Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Pam Slater-Price to reduce the isolation of the county's elderly living in long-term care facilities. Since 2001, the Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers has been privileged to operate the Guardian Angels Program.

Program Coordinator Nya Moses and Program Director Rachel Farias, as well as Glenner CEO Kelly Focht, all noted the impact these volunteers have made.

Forty-three active adult volunteers and 33 active youth volunteers collectively visited more than 55 residents in long-term care facilities and contributed more than 410 hours of servce through 360 visits to some 30 facilities.

Included in Saturday's program was a quote that speaks to the power of volunteerism, for both the recipient and the volunteer. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -- Ghandi.

To learn more about the Guardian Angel program, you can visit its Facebook page. A downloadable volunteer form also is available on our Web site.