Alzheimer’s, They Receive Weekly Engagement and Connectedness Through the Candle Lighters Program – UUPP 038

Peggy Gill of Horizon UU Church of Carrolton, TX created the Candle Lighters, a 4 hour weekly gathereing for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. It may be respite for spouses and caregivers but it enriches and gives diginity to those suffering from Alzheimer’s. As they sing in their own special way, “We are the Champions” as friends pass on, they champion each other as they continue to gather. Description of the Candle Lighters Program: Candle Lighters, an outreach ministry of Horizon UU Church, is a meeting place for adults with memory issues. Open to persons of all faiths, races and ethnicities, Candle Lighters provides a time for those who participate to enjoy and activity-based program each Friday, and gives a respite for caregivers. Activities include exercise (Tai Chi), creating a Memory Book, games and music and art. Bio: Peggy Gill is a retired professor of educational leadership. During her teaching career, she focused on the needs of students with learning difficulties. She continues to work with future teachers but spends most of her time in volunteer work. She currently volunteers as a teacher of adult ESL classes, in Candle Lighters (a fellowship for those with early stage Alzheimer’s) and in rural Belize helping teachers learn the skills to be successful in challenging conditions. She is married and the mother of 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Favorite Quote: “Better to light one candle, than curse the darkness.” Contact Peggy at: [email protected] Links: Alzheimer’s Association Horizon UU Church on Facebook   Final Credits: music thanks to: “Carefree”, “Open Those Bright Eyes”, “Sweeter Vermouth” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/