We are excited to invite you to a unique in-person Memory Cafe on Friday, November 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us for a lively and engaging session led by Art Sullivan, a Dance Specialist known for his work in Healthy Steps, Parkinson’s, and Motion and Balance.

Art has been teaching seniors since the mid-90s and has been dedicated to working with individuals with Parkinson’s and seniors experiencing balance issues since 2010. His classes are known for being both fun and uplifting, filled with laughter and joy. With 30 years of experience as a professional Country Western ballroom dancer and training from the esteemed Mark Morris Dance Company in Parkinson’s Dance, Art brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his sessions.

Come and immerse yourself in this delightful experience! RSVPs are requested to [email protected]

Check out the full invitation here

JF&CS Virtual Memory Cafe

Join us for the JF&CS Virtual Memory Cafe Hour on Thursday, November 14th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in a supportive environment. We encourage you to share in meaningful conversations and activities. RSVPs are requested to [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance, to receive the Zoom link.

Celebrating a Milestone: 10 Years of the Memory Cafe Percolator

We are thrilled to share a special milestone at JF&CS: the Memory Cafe Percolator has just celebrated its 10-year anniversary! This invaluable resource-sharing network supports individuals starting and sustaining Memory Cafes across the U.S. and beyond. To commemorate this occasion, we invite you to enjoy this 3-minute video showcasing joyful scenes from Memory Cafes all over.

In 2014, JF&CS launched the JF&CS Memory Café in partnership with a student group at Brandeis University. This Café became the second in Massachusetts and the first to adopt an intergenerational approach. Responding to the growing interest in the Memory Café model, we established the Percolator just six months later. Since then, the Percolator has provided free tools and fostered a supportive learning community, helping hundreds of Cafes flourish and serving tens of thousands of participants.

As a national thought leader in the areas of Memory Cafes, dementia, and social isolation, our Percolator director, Beth Soltzberg, has been invited to serve as one of two lead advisors for the EMC2 national strategic planning initiative. Now known as the Memory Café Alliance, this initiative aims to expand Memory Cafes in the U.S. from 900 to 9,000 over the next decade in an equitable and sustainable manner. To learn more, visit www.jfcsboston.org/Percolator.

For those who may not be familiar, a Memory Café is a welcoming social gathering designed for individuals experiencing changes in memory or thinking, along with their caregivers. Check out this one-minute video available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish to see Memory Cafes in action, including both virtual and in-person gatherings.

Recording Available and More Cafés to Explore

Can’t make it to either Café? Don’t worry! We’ll have recordings of our Memory Café sessions available, so you can catch up on the conversations at your convenience. Visit our Memory Café video playlist here to stay connected.

For those eager to explore more Memory Cafés beyond our community, we invite you to check out the Massachusetts Memory Café Directory at www.jfcsboston.org/MemoryCafeDirectory and the national virtual café directory at www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/.

Spread the Word

To get a glimpse of what our Memory Cafés are all about, we’ve put together a one-minute video in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Whether you’re new to the concept or a seasoned participant, share this video with anyone who might be interested in joining us.