adminMECHANICSBURG, PA — Sing for the Moment, a choral program for those living with memory loss and their care partners, kicked off its fall season on August 28th at 1:30 pm with practices held each Wednesday at their new host location, Messiah Lifeways® at Messiah Village located at 100 Mt. Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
“We are very excited to be hosting Sing for the Moment this season,” said Alicia Titus, Vice President of Mission Advancement at Messiah Lifeways. “This partnership provides the welcome opportunity to build on Messiah’s existing Music Therapy Program and offer this choral program as a convenient resource to our residents and clients right here on the Messiah Village Campus in addition to outside community members”.
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association® Greater PA Chapter, this nine-week choral program will provide an opportunity for people in the early to middle stages of memory loss, as well as their care partners, to enjoy music and socialize with other people living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. While the focus of the choir is social interaction, participants will also benefit from the wellness aspects of singing, such as reduced stress and improved mood.
“The Sing for the Moment Choir participants and volunteers have been enjoying singing, connecting, laughing and having fun over these past weeks at the rehearsals,” says Clay Jacobs, Executive Director with the Alzheimer’s Association, “The music in this program has made such an impact on the participants, and brings everyone together in a meaningful way. We are looking forward to sharing the heart filled songs at the concert”.
The season will conclude on Sunday, October 27th with a public concert in the Messiah Village Chapel at 3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend as this event is open to the public and we welcome every chance to engage with our community and help bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease as well as the programs and services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association and it’s partners.
“Our movement is building choral music communities statewide that celebrate the potential of people living with dementia,” said Gary Scicchitano, Sing for the Moment organizer, “Sing for the Moment choruses foster joy, well-being, purpose, and community understanding, and we are very pleased that Messiah Lifeways and the Alzheimer’s Association are supporting us in this effort”.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in our upcoming Sing for the Moment Choir registration is required to participate. Please register yourself, care partner, or loved one with our Harrisburg office at 717-651-5020 X1795 or email her at babingham@alz.org. No singing experience required.
About Messiah Lifeways
Founded in 1896, Messiah Lifeways is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving older adults throughout South Central Pennsylvania. Messiah Lifeways offers resident communities, nursing care, life coaching, enrichment opportunities, and community support services to support as many people as possible through the journey of aging. For more information, visit MessiahLifeways.org.
About Sing for the Moment
Sing for the Moment choir was created in 2016 to connect those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia and their care partners to music, joy, friendship, and learning. Based on emerging research that shows how music memories are preserved in the brain, Sing for the Moment proves that people are able to sing and learn new songs even as dementia progresses. For more, visit Alz.org/pa.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s ®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
