Living At Home of the Park Rapids Area will host “Steering into the Skid,” a one-act play about memory loss.
The virtual event aims to engage family members, caregivers, local businesses and the broader community in a conversation about dementia as well as the most well-known form of memory loss, Alzheimer’s Disease.
The public is invited to attend the free program starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 or 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. To learn more or register for the event, visit https://skid-parkrapids.eventbrite.com. Registration is required. Attendance is limited.
“Steering into the Skid” was written by the husband-wife team of Arnold Johnston and Deborah Ann Percy.
“Growing older has led us to think about the effects of aging on ourselves and our relationship,” said the playwrights. “We’ve known friends, couples who have faced Alzheimer’s or other devastating conditions with such dignity, courage and love that we felt compelled to write about a couple forced to adjust to new demands on their imperfect but loving marriage.”
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Through 12 short scenes, the play takes audiences on a one-year journey with Tim and Amanda, played by Twin Cities’ professional actors, Jim Pounds and Danette McCarthy.
“Our ultimate goal,” said McCarthy, “is to assist community members and leaders consider new ways to think about memory loss and to become aware of local resources that support families who are dealing with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
This program takes a unique approach to building awareness, sharing information and inviting authentic community conversations. Audience members come together via Zoom and then watch the play together, followed by a facilitated conversation.
“Steering into the Skid” is part of the Remember Project, which toured the lower St. Croix Valley in the fall of 2015. To date, over 60 events have taken place to address the stigma, isolation and fear associated with dementia.
There are two other plays that are part of The Remember Project: “Riding the Waves” and “Into the Garden.”
The Park Rapids program is also sponsored by Minnesota Board on Aging Dementia grant, Heartland Arts, and the Park Rapids Dementia Friendly Community Action Team.
The Remember Project in Pine Island is funded, in part, by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to support a 2020-21 tour in Greater Minnesota.
The Remember Project is a program of the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.
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