The Forget-Me-Nots Chorus starts this weekend!!

The 5^th DISHES winners, the Forget-Me-Nots chorus, will begin the first of three ten-week sessions this Sunday, May 4^th at Menorah Park at 3pm.  The session runs for 10 weeks, and a concert will take place on June 29^th at 2pm, so mark your calendars!! 

Anyone in Central New York is invited to join.  The chorus is free for care givers and their loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s.  The only requirement is that participants love to sing and can handle a one-hour rehearsal.  Each week a social hour begins from 3-3:30 in the lobby, and the rehearsal is from 3:30-4:30.  Rehearsals will include vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, and songs that are stimulating, rhythmically driven, and energetic, resulting in the joy of singing.  Francine Berg, who will lead the chorus, has experience as a choral director during her 35 years of public school music teaching, and has worked for 6 years at various dementia facilities.  There will also be a professional accompanist, a social worker, and an activities assistant helping out during the rehearsals. 

The chorus is a great way for family members to spend time and connect with their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.  The chorus also aims to make the community aware that people with dementia can live productive and fulfilling lives, as well as spread awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.  If you’re interested in participating, contact Francine at songberg@hotmail.com