MARION — The Marion Council on Aging recently received a $2,000 grant to support the Waterfront Memory Café program, announced Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman and Council on Aging Program Coordinator Linda Jackvony. 

The grant was awarded by the I’m Still Here foundation, which offers funds to programs that engage those living with dementia in arts, culture and community alongside their care partners.

On Wednesday, July 12 Memory Café participants went on a Cape Cod Canal cruise and pizza and ice cream using funds from the grant.

The grant funding will also go toward a trip to and luncheon at Ned's Lighthouse in Mattapoisett later in the summer, and musical performances during Memory Café gatherings.

“For some of my folks, the Memory Café is truly the highlight of their week — for both the individual and for their caregiver,” said Jackvony. “Our seniors get to participate in fun activities that they might not do on an average day, and it's a reminder for caregivers that they aren’t alone.”

Marion’s Waterfront Memory Café program, which launched in 2016, is held every Wednesday. Memory Cafés are held in communities across the country to provide social outlets and activities for adults diagnosed with early to moderate Alzheimer’s or other memory loss, as well as their caregivers.

The weekly gathering allows these individuals to come together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment where everyone can interact, find support, establish friendships and share concerns, read a press release from the Town of Marion. 

Nearly 30% of Marion’s residents are age 65 or older, and the number of seniors in Marion has grown by almost 25% since 2000, according to a press release from the town. The Marion Waterfront Memory Café averages 25 to 30 attendees weekly. In the summer, when the town’s population almost doubles, that can increase to almost 40 participants. 

"Our Council on Aging staff members and [Jackvony] work every day to support our senior community and their caregivers with engaging and meaningful programming," said Gorman. "The events that are being held with these grant funds are another example of the outstanding efforts to provide enjoyable experiences through the Memory Café."

The Waterfront Memory Café meets every Wednesday, except for the day before Thanksgiving, from 1 to 2 p.m. Registration is not required but is encouraged. All programs at the Memory Café are free. Lunch at the Marion Council on Aging starts at 12 p.m. and precedes Memory Café on Wendesday.

For more information about the Marion Council on Aging’s programs, visit https://www.marionma.gov/council-aging, or call 508-748-3570.