For the Star Journal

RHINELANDER – The Northwoods Memory Café is back in business. After being closed for three years due to COVID, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Oneida County will resume the service beginning May 4. The Café will be open 10:30 a.m.-noon the first Thursday of the month at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The Northwoods Memory Café is a social gathering for those who are experiencing early stage dementia, mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and for their families, friends or care partners. It allows attendees to have fun, share experiences and stay socially connected.

“Memory Cafés are an opportunity for people experiencing memory loss and their caregivers to get out into the community, socialize and participate in fun activities while also meeting other people who may be having similar experiences to them,” said Danielle Przybylski, dementia care specialist for the ADRC of Oneida County. “Often, stigma of the disease can lead to social isolation for both the person with memory loss and the caregiver.  Memory Cafés give people the opportunity to get out of the house together and participate in group activities in a safe, judgment-free way. This can be beneficial for both the person with memory concerns and their caregiver”.

The Northwoods Memory Café is offered in partnership between the ADRC of Oneida County, Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, Compassus, and Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The church is located at 21 W. Timber Drive, in Rhinelander. For more information about the Northwoods Memory Café, contact the ADRC of Oneida County at 715-369-6170. Registration is not required and there is no fee to participate.