Contact us to book Elaine Scholly to speak to your group or organization, consult with your family, or lead a training session.
HISTORICAL STORYTELLING:
For a new, interesting and different approach to entertainment for your club, residential community or school, consider Historical Storytelling.
Learn the ‘rest of the story’ about a favorite author, artist or historical personality, the history of a travel destination or learn background facts of well- known or little-known historical events. Choose a theme from the selection of entertaining topics below.
If there’ a special event or family occasion, a ‘custom’ historical story can be produced and delivered. Contact Elaine several weeks before hand for an interview.
TOPICS include:
Authors:
Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Edgar Allen Poe, The Bronte Sisters, Margaret Mitchell, Dr. Seuss and Harper Lee
Artists:
Vincent Van Gough, Georgia O’Keefe
Historical Events:
Big Band Era, Fun Fashion Facts, History of Flight, Johnstown Flood, The Ghost Army of WWII, Connect Waterloo to the Moon, The Declaration of Independence, History and Trivia of the 1940s, History and Trivia of the 1950s, Little Known Christmas Stories by Special Authors, Who Started Valentines? Other Special Days in November, Christmas Cards, Facts About Christmas, The 1936 Olympics, Inventions and Their Inventors, Real and Favorite Cowboys, Mavericks, Story of the 4th of July, 50 Years from the Moon
Historical Figures:
Mothers of Famous People, Fathers of Famous Men, American Presidents, Will Rogers, The Connection between Davy Crocket & Andrew Jackson, Nikola Tesla, John Glenn, The Wright Brothers, The Kellogg Brothers, Bonnie & Clyde, Amelia Earhart, Annie Oakley, Bessie Coleman
New Additions:
2020+, Founders of American Food Industry, Kellogg, Post, Hershey, Mars Birdseye etc., The Story of Neiman Marcus, History of High Tea, Royal Poison the Power of Kings, The Moon +50, Famous Weddings, Vegas Showgirls, Native American Heritage,
Book Reviews:
Virgil Wander by Leif Enger, Before I Forget, Tattoo Artist of Auschwitz, Where the Crawdads Sing, Death on Paradise Island, Runaway, Paradise Valley by C.J. Box, Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance
ENGAGEMENTS 2020
January:
Jan 6 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm Remembering When – 2020+
Jan 7 – ALZ EDU/ First Responder Training/McKinney/1:00 pm
Jan 9 – ALZ EDU/Garland-Healthy Brain & Body/10:00 am
Arbor House AL/Garland @ 3:00 pm/Invention & Inventors
Jan 10 – Wilshire Baptist Support Group/Dallas @ 12:30
Jan 13 –ALZ EDU/ Changing Gears Program Wk 1/Center for Brain Health-Dallas/10:30 am
Jan 14 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/2020+
Jan 16 – Caruth Haven AL/Dallas @ 2:30/2020+
Jan 17 – Support Group/Richardson/Trinity Bible Church/@ 11:30 am
Jan 20 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/History of White House Kitchen
Jan 23 – ALZ EDU/Dallas @1:30/Intern Training
Jan 27 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 2/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
Jan 28 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 1/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
February:
Feb 1 – ALZ Advocacy Winter Retreat/Dallas ALZ Office @ 9:30 am
Feb 3 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 3/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
Baylor Support Group/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 1:00
The Bentley/Dallas@ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 4 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 2/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
Feb 10 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 4/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
Feb 11 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 3/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
Remembering When EDU Panel/St. Monica Dallas/@ 7:00 pm
Feb 14 – Christian Care/Mesquite/@ 10:00 am/Hershey History
Feb 17 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 5/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
The Bentley/Dallas/@ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 18 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 4/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
Feb 20 – ALZ EDU/Understanding Alzheimer’s/Garland Sr. Center/Garland
Feb 24 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 6/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
Feb 25 – – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 5/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
Feb 28 – ALZ EDU/Schimelphing Library/Plano @ 9:30 am/Understand ALZ
March:
Mar 2 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 7/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
Baylor Support Group/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 1:00
The Bentley/Dallas@ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 3 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 6/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
The Forum IL/Dallas @5:30 pm/Inventions and Inventors
Mar 9 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 8/Center for Brain Health-Dallas @ 10:30
Mar 10 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 7/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 12 – ALZ EDU TBD/Garland Sr. Center @ 10:30 am
Mar 16 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 17 – ALZ EDU/Changing Gears Program Wk 8/Baylor Memory Center/Dallas @ 10:00 am
Mar 20– Trinity Support Group/Richardson @ 11:30 am
Mar 22 – LEAVE FOR ALZ FORUM WASHINGTON DC
Mar 23 – ALZ FORUM WASHINGTON DC
Mar 24 – RETURN FROM WASHINGTON DC
Mar 30 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 31 – Highland Springs/Dallas @ 11:00/2020+
Engagements 2019
NOVEMBER 2019
Nov 4 – Methodist Hospital/Weatherford/The Story of WWII Ghost Army/10:00-11:00
Nov 4 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center-Dallas/Support Group/1:00-2:00
Nov 4 – The Bentley-Dallas/Famous Weddings/3:00-4:00
Nov 5 – Methodist Hospital/Charlton/The Story of WWII Ghost Army/10:00-11:00
Nov 6 – ALZ – Memory Café/Garland Sr. Center/10:00-11:00
Nov 6 – Meadowstone Sr. Living/Book Review – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens/3:00-4:00 pm
Nov 8 – Highland Springs Sr. Living//The Story of WWII Ghost Army/11:00-12:00
Nov 11 – Atria Sr. Living – Richardson/ The Story of WWII Ghost Army/10:30-11:30
Nov 12 – Methodist Hospital/Richardson/The Story of WWII Ghost Army/10:00-11:00
Nov 12 – The Reserve-Dallas/Native American Heritage/1:00-2:30 pm
Nov 12 – SunRise – Dallas/Famous Weddings/3:00-4:00
Nov 14 – ALZ EDU – Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia/Garland Sr. Center/10:00-11:00
Nov 15 – CC Young Sr. Living Dallas/ The Story of WWII Ghost Army/10:00-11:00
Nov 18 – The Bentley Dallas/TBD/3:00-4:00
Nov 19 – ALZ EDU – Changing Gears/AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/10:00-12:00
Nov 20 – The Preston at the Park Cities-Dallas/The Story of Neiman Marcus/1:30-2:30
Nov 21 – Caruth AL & Memory Care Dallas/Book Review/Tuesdays with Morrie 2:30-3:30
OCTOBER 2019
Oct 1 – ALZ EDU -Changing Gears/AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/10:00-12:00
Oct 2 – ALZ – Memory Café/Garland Sr. Center/10:00-11:00
Oct 3 – ALZ – Abbot Laboratories – Employee Volunteer Ops/ 11:00-1:00
Oct 5 – ALZ Dallas Walk – Downtown Dallas/6:00 am to 9:00/Walk begins 9:00 am
Oct 7 – ALZ AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/Support Group/1:00-2:00
Oct 7 – The Bentley/Dallas/Weddings/3:00 -4:00
Oct 8 – ALZ EDU-Changing Gears/AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/10:00-12:00
Oct 9 – ALZ – IBM/Carrollton/Employee Volunteer Ops-Know the 10 Signs/11:00-1:00
Oct 10 – ALZ EDU – Effective Communication/Garland Sr. Center/10:00-11:00
Oct 11 – AIM Ambassador visit Colin Allred Office
Oct 14 – AIM Ambassador attend Allred Town Hall
Oct 15 – ALZ EDU – Changing Gears/AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/10:00-12:00
Oct 16 – Oct 16 – ALZ EDU – AT&T Baylor Memory Center/Understanding Dementia Behaviors/10:00-11:00
Oct 17 – The Preston of the Park Cities/Las Vegas!/10:30-11:30
Oct 17 – Caruth-Dallas/Book Review-Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance/2:30-3:30
Oct 18 – Trinity Support Group/Carrollton/11:00-12:30
Oct 19 – The Reserve/Dallas/Book Review-Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens/7:00-8:00 pm
Oct 21 – The Bentley/Dallas/TBD/3:00-4:00
Oct 22 – ALZ EDU – Changing Gears/AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/10:00-12:00
Oct 22 – ALZ EDU – First Responders/Collin County Police Academy/McKinney, TX/1:00-2:30 pm
Oct 29 – ALZ EDU – Changing Gears/AT&T Baylor Memory Center Dallas/10:00-12:00
2019 September
Sept 5 – ALZ Stress Busters class#9/Dallas ALZ office/@ 1:30-3:00 pm
Sept 9 – The Bentley, Dallas TX/The Royal Art of Poison/@ 3:00 pm
Sept 10 – SunRise Dallas TX/TBD/@ 3:00 pm
Sept 10 – Edward Jones, Garland TX/ALZ-Know the 10 Signs/@ 6:00 pm
Sept 12 – CC Young Sr. Community/ALZ-Effective Communication/@ 10:00 am
Sept 13 – St. Michael’s Catholic Church/ALZ-Dementia Conversations/@ 6:00 pm
Sept 17 – Belmont Village, Dallas TX/ ALZ-Healthy Brain & Body/3:30 pm
Sept 18 – Baylor Memory Center Education/Elder Attorney Mike Cohen/@10:00 am
Sept 19 – The Bentley/TBD @ 10:00 am
Sept 19 – Caruth Sr. Living/Book Review-The Wright Brothers by David McCullough/@ 2:30 pm
Sept 26 – 8th Annual Rockwall Caregiver Conference/ALZ-Healthy Brain & Body/@9:00 am
Sept 30 – SMU Meadows Museum/ALZ-Effective Communication/@ 1:00 pm
2019 AUGUST
Aug 1 – ALZ – Stress Busters Class/Dallas ALZ office/@ 1:30-3:00 pm
Aug 5 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center/Support Group @ 1:00 PM
Aug 5 – Signature Point, Dallas, TX/The Wright Brothers/@ 3:30 pm
Aug 8 – – Stress Busters Class/Dallas ALZ office/@ 1:30-3:00 pm
Aug 9 – Richardson Civic Center – Sr. Awareness/from 9:00-12:00
Aug 14 – Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, Plano TX/40s & 50s @ 1:30
Aug 15 – Caruth Haven, Dallas, TX/ Caruth Haven, Dallas, TX/Book Review – Runaway/@ 2:30pm
Aug 16 – Trinity Bible Support Group Richardson TX/@ 11:00
Aug 21 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center, Dallas/ALZ – Effective Communication/from 10:00-11:30
Aug 21 – The Bentley, Dallas, TX/TBD/@ 2:00 pm
Aug 22 – Garland Sr. Center, Garland TX/ALZ-Healthy Brain & Body/@10:00 am
Aug 22 – Atria-Richardson/Native Americans/@ 10:30 am
Aug 29 – Stress Busters Class/Dallas ALZ office/@ 1:30-3:00 pm
2019 JULY
July 1 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center/Support Group @ 1:00 PM
July 1 – The Bentley, Dallas TX/What’s New About the Declaration of Independence/@ 3:00 pm.
July 4 – Christian Care Center, Mesquite TX/What’s New About the Declaration of Independence/@ 10:00 am
July 6 – Brain Chang 101 Support Group with Nelly Garcia/Carrollton TX/Inventors and Their Inventions @10:00 am
July 9 – SunRise Dallas TX/Big Band Music/@ 3:00 pm
July 11 – Garland Senior Center/ALZ – Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia/@ 10:00 am.
July 11 – ALZ – Stress Busters Class/Dallas ALZ office/@ 1:30-3:00 pm.
July 12 – Wilshire Baptist Support Group, Dallas, TX/@12:45 pm
July 15 – APADGD Entertainer Showcase, Dallas, TX/@ 12:00 pm
July 15 – The Bentley Dallas, TX/The Moon + 50/@ 3:00 pm
July 17 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center, Dallas/ALZ – Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia/from 10:00-11:30
July 18 – Caruth Haven, Dallas, TX/Book Review – Death on Paradise Island/@ 2:30pm
July 18 – Oxford Glen, Sachse, TX/The Moon + 50/@ 5:45 pm
July 19 – Trinity Bible Church Support Group, Carrollton, TX/@ 11:00 am
July 25 – ALZ – Stress Busters Class/Dallas ALZ office/@ 1:30-3:00 pm.
July 29 – The Bentley, Dallas, TX/TBD/@ 3:00 pm
July 31 – ALZ Education Training, Dallas – Old Red Courthouse/from10:00 – 3:00 pm
JUNE 2019
June 1 – Oxford Glen, Sachse, TX /Caregiver Workshop and Town Hall with Rep. Colin Allred/from 9:00 am -2:00 pm/Town Hall 3:00apm to 4:00 pm.
June 3- AT&T Baylor Memory Center/Support Group @ 1:00 PM
Signature Point IL, Dallas/@ 3:00 pm/Inventions and their Inventors
June 6 – Dallas Resource Center, Health Fair/@ 11:00-1:00
June 7 – The Bentley Happy Hour/@ 3:00 pm/Friends and Friendships
June 11 – SunRise AL/@ 3:00 pm/Fathers of Famous Men
June 12 – Richardson Sr. Center, Health Fair/@ 10:00 am-1:00 pm
June 12 – Traditions, Lovers Lane, IL/@ 3:00 pm/Fathers of Famous Men
June 14 – Wilshire Baptist Church Dallas/@ 1:00
June 14 – Prestonwood Court Plano/@ 3:30 pm/Fathers of Famous Men
June 17 – The Bentley IL, Dallas/@ 3:00 pm/Famous Fathers & Sons
June 18 – Lakeview at Josey Ranch IL, Carrollton/@ 7:00 pm/The American Flag
June 19 – Baylor Class Dallas/@ 10:00 am/Alz Healthy Brain & Body
June 20 – Caruth Haven AL, Dallas/@ 2:30 pm/Book review, Where the Crawdads Sing
June 21 – Trinity Bible Support Group, Richardson/@ 11:00-12:30
June 21 – Atria AL Richardson/3:30 pm/ALZ Healthy Living
June 26 – Health Fair Garland Sr. Center/@9:00-11:00 am.
April 2019
April 1 – AIM Forum Washington DC
April 2 – Capital Hill Meetings:
Meet District 32 Representative Colin Allred
Meet District 05 Representative Lance Gooden
Meet District 26 Representative Michael Burgess
April 3 – Diversicare AL/Dallas @ 6:00 PM/Understanding Alzheimer’s
April 6 – Prestonwood Baptist Church/Plano @12:30-2:30 PM/Effective
Communication
April 12 – Rockridge Sr. Living/Rockwall, TX @ 2:00 PM/Personal History
for CNA team.
April 15 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/Personal History Story
April 17 – Trip to Austin for Legislature
April 18 – Presbyterian Village IL/Dallas @ 1:00 PM/Inventions and
Inventors
April 19 – Trinity Bible Church Support Group
April 25 – J.J. Pearce HS/Richardson, Tx/ 12:45 & 1:30/ALZ-Healthy Brain & Body
April 26 – Berkner HS/Richardson, Tx/10:00 am & 11:00 am Rm E109/ALZ Healthy Brain & Body
April 29 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Your Favorite Dr. Seuss Story
May 2019
May 2 – Resource Center/Dallas @ 6:00 pm/ALZ Healthy Brain & Body
May 6 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center/Support Group @ 1:00 PM
May 6– The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/Dr. Seuss
May 14 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/Dr. Seuss
May 14 – Wyndham Sr. Living/Plano @ 5:30 pm/ALZ Know the 10 Signs
May 17 – RISD-Methodist Hospital @ 8:00 am & 9:45 am/ALZ-Understanding Alzheimer’s
May 17 – Trinity Bible Church /Dallas @ 11:00 AM/Support Group
May 20 – Bentley 1940s Trivia
May 21 – Wyndham Sr. Living/ Plano @ 5:30 pm/ALZ-Understanding Alzheimer’s & Related Behaviors
May 23 – Presbyterian Village/Dallas @ 11:00 am/ALZ Healthy Brain & Body
May 30 – Avenues of Park Forest/Dallas @ 12:00 pm/ALZ Effective Communication
May 30 – Caruth/Dallas @ 2:30 pm/Dr. Seuss
March 2019
Mar 1 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 4 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 6 – Spring Valley Methodist Church/Dallas @ 6:00 pm/ALZ- Healthy Brain and Body
Mar 8 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 12 – SunRiseAL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 14 – Atria/CC/Plano @12:30 pm/Women Inventors, Famous Mothers
Mar 15 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 18 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Who was St. Patrick?
Mar 21- Chase Harbor /Plano @ 2:00 pm/Mark Twain
Mar 22 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 29 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 31 – April 2 – ALZ Forum/Washington DC
February 2019
Feb 1 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 4 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 7 – Chase Harbor/Plano @ 2:00 pm/Connections
Feb 8 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 11 – Meadowstone/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Everyday Inventions
Feb 12 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/ TBD
Feb 14 – Christian Care Senior Living/Mesquite @ 10:00 am/Valentine’s
Day History
Feb 15 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 18 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 19 – Oxford Grand Sr. Living/McKinney 2:00 pm/ALZ education –
Healthy Brain and Body
Feb 21 – Caruth Court Living/Dallas @ 2:30 pm /Romance Book Review
Feb 22 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 – 12:00
Feb 26 – Collin County College/Plano @1:00pm/ALZ First Responder Training
January 2019
Jan 7 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Remembering 2018
Jan 8 – SunRise AL/Dallas @3:00 pm/Fond Memories
Jan 9 – All day training 8:30-5:00 pm
ALZ Community Resources/Denton Presbyterian Hospital @ 6:30
Jan 10 – All day training 8:30-5:00 pm
Stonebridge Ranch/Plano @ 7:00 pm/ALZ Education: Healthy
Brain and Body
Jan 16 – Tradition AL – Arapaho/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Everyday Inventions
Jan 17 – Caruth Court/Dallas @ 2:30 pm/The Kellogg Brothers
Jan 18 – Trinity Church Support Group/11:00 am
Jan 21 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Secret Resident Bio
Jan 28 – Evans Rec Center/Mesquite @10:00 am/ALZ Education:
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
December 2018
3 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/A Secret Bentley resident
6 – Traditions AL/Dallas Lovers Lane @ 11:00 am/ Christmas Short Stories
7 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
11 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Christmas cards and Other Christmas Triva
14 – Trinity Bible Support Group/Richardson @ 11:00-1:00 pm
17 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Christmas Short Stories
November 2018
1 – Tradition-AL/Dallas Lovers Lane@ 11:00 am/Ghost Army WWII
2 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5 – AT&T Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
5 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Ghost Army WWII
7 – Christian Care Center-IL/Mesquite TX @1:30 pm/Ghost Army WWII
8 – Caruth Haven – AL/Dallas @2:30 pm/Margaret Mitchell
9 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
13 – Retired Teachers/Plano @11:00 am – 12:30 pm/ALZ education ‘The Basics’
13 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Ghost Army WWII
16 – Allen High School/Allen TX@ 9:30 am/ALZ education ‘Understanding Dementia
16 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00am-1:00pm
19 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Margaret Mitchell
22 – Thanksgiving
28 – Elmcroft – TBD
30 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 AuWk
June 2019 Post – CHANGES
‘Don’t do that!’, ‘Don’t change that!’ ‘Leave that alone!’, ‘Stop trying to change my life!’, ‘You want me gone so you can take everything!’.
What is this?
The transition time between late-early stage to middle stage Alzheimer’s. It’s demanding. It’s the time when most families begin to realize there’s a problem. Clues in the early stage were missed.
There’s confusion with time, an inability to focus, problems with medications, can’t or won’t fix a meal or snack. They become argumentative and opinionated. Mom (patient) is not herself.
That’s what we experience. What must it be like for mom (patient)? Consider entering her mind for a while.
Throughout the early stage, if no one else noticed, she did. She’s felt herself slipping. She feels fear and anger. The life she’s always known is changing, she’s trying to hold on as it fades away. No one tries to understand or help her. They know what’s best without asking her.
A recent conversation between Mary and a friend:
In a soft British accent Mary begins, “I have something to show you, let me get it.” She gets up to go to her bedroom.
“It’s a picture of John when he got his award.” With a steady shuffle Mary leaves the room using the door casing for support. After a short time, her petite frame shyly peeks around the doorway. Wisps of silver hair lose from a bun fall around her face. “I’m not sure where it is. It was on the dressing table. Maybe it’s out here.”
Her friend stands up, “Let’s look for it together.” In her bedroom on the dressing table is a picture of John. “Is this it?”
Mary, “Oh yes, where did you find it?”
Friend, “Here on the dressing table.”
“Oh dear.”, Mary gently clutches her chest as she slowly sinks to the dressing table bench. “Was it here all the time? My mind is getting worse. It’s so frustrating, I’m not sure what to do. I knew the picture was there, why couldn’t I see it? Oh dear.”
Friend, “It’s ok, we found it.”
Mary, “Yes, but it’s not good. My daughter gets so upset with me. She thinks I don’t know anything anymore.”
Friend, “Don’t feel bad about it.”
Mary, “Well I do. I try to remember but I can’t. I remember only parts of things. I don’t know why. I know the picture is there, but I can’t find it!”
Friend, “We have it now, tell me about John.”
Mary tells John’s story, it’s not the first time her friend has heard it. Mary hesitates at places; her friend helps her complete Johns story.
Friend, ‘Mary, I love that story.”
Mary, “Thank you, I’m forgetting parts of it though. My last memories of John. You know my daughter gets so mad at me. I know I upset her. I don’t mean to.”
Friend, “She’s not mad at you, she’s frustrated too.”
Mary, “I know it’s the Alzheimer’s, but it won’t go away. My daughter and I were such good friends. We traveled together, but now all I seem to do is upset her. I don’t mean to.”
Friend, “Where did you travel?”
Mary,’s pale blue eyes brighten, “Well, one beautiful trip was for our 50th anniversary. She took John and I on an Alaskan cruise.”
Friend, “Alaskan cruise, really? How fun, did you take pictures?”
Mary, “Yes they’re in that album right over there under the night stand. Can you reach it?”
Friend, “Yes.” She opens the thick album to the first page. “What a beautiful picture.”
Mary, “I took that.”
Friend, “No way! You took this picture? It looks like a professional shot. You took this?”
With a young, girly giggle Mary said, “Yes, it was my hobby. Anywhere we went, John had to wait while ‘I took time to line up the best shot.”
Friend, “You took all these? They are beautiful.”
Mary, “Yes, and that large country cottage picture on the wall, my daughter had it enlarged and framed.” She said with pride, more for her daughter than herself.
Mary’s friend happily listens to the anniversary stories again and watches Mary’s eyes become moist as she captures John’s story one more time. The thoughts may not last long but with encouragement, Mary’s still able to find them.
BE AWARE DON’T BE SHY
October 2018
In the last 20 years the general public has become more aware of Alzheimer’s, but there’s still more to KNOW about Alzheimer’s.
A few weeks ago, gift store traffic had slowed enough so the receptionist could help a lady on the phone with directions. In her car she was obviously confused and very apologetic for being a problem.
“No, no, not a problem,” the receptionist said, “You’re close. Take a right at the light. Then, on your right will be a big parking lot. At the second opening make another right and you are here. See you soon!”
The receptionist easily picked her out as she entered the store. An elderly lady with short, thick white hair, red sweater and gray slacks. A small black handbag hung from her left forearm.
At the desk she thanked the receptionist and said, “I don’t usually do that. I know my way around. I just don’t like big busy streets. Thank you for your help.”
She disappeared among the displays to browse through the store. After a while, back at the front, she hadn’t found what she wanted and asked the receptionist for directions to another store.
It was obvious she was confused. The receptionist asked light heartedly,
“Can we call someone to help you?”
“No, I live in a senior community on Park Street. I drove here myself.” Her voice became low and nervous.
“That’s nice, is there someone at the community we can call for you? What’s the name of the community?” the receptionist asked.
“No” she said backing away. “I drove myself, I’ll get home just fine.”
There was a rush of activity in the store, the elderly lady in the red sweater slipped away unnoticed…and drove away.
Later in the breakroom it became clear the elderly lady in the red sweater had met others during her store visit.
One sales person commented,
“What was wrong with her? She asked directions to the lady’s room then walked into John’s office!”
Another said,
“Yeah, I tried to talk to her, but she couldn’t tell me what she wanted.”
The first sales associate added,
“She asked how to get to the store across the highway but when I told her she said that wasn’t the way she’d go. Something’s wrong with her.”
John had walked into the room and added,
“Yeah, she’s slippin’, or somethin’, for sure not all there.”
AFTERMATH
What can be learned from this situation? How did store associates help the lady?
If the elderly lady in the red sweater was your mother what would you want to happen?
If the elderly lady in the red sweater was your mother is it time to talk about driving?
With knowledge people become more accepting…aware of a situation they become willing to help.
Do you have an experience to share, a moment of learning? Send it to contact us.
Do you know a group from the office, neighborhood or church who’d be interested in an educational presentation or support group? Go to ‘Contact Us’.
Contact us to book Elaine Scholly to speak to your group or organization, consult with your family, or lead a training session.
HISTORICAL STORYTELLING:
For a new, interesting and different approach to entertainment for your club, residential community or school, consider Historical Storytelling.
Learn the ‘rest of the story’ about a favorite author, artist or historical personality, the history of a travel destination or learn background facts of well- known or little-known historical events. Choose a theme from the selection of entertaining topics below.
If there’ a special event or family occasion, a ‘custom’ historical story can be produced and delivered. Contact Elaine several weeks before hand for an interview.
TOPICS include:
Authors:
Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Edgar Allen Poe, The Bronte Sisters, Margaret Mitchell, and Harper Lee
Artists:
Vincent Van Gough, Georgia O’Keefe
Historical Events:
Big Band Era, Fun Fashion Facts, History of Flight, Johnstown Flood, The Ghost Army of WWII, Connect Waterloo to the Moon, The Declaration of Independence, Little Known Christmas Stories by Special Authors, Who Started Valentines? Other Special Days in November, Christmas Cards, Facts About Christmas, The 1936 Olympics, Inventions and Their Inventors, Real and Favorite Cowboys, Mavericks, Story of the 4th of July
Historical Figures:
Mothers of Famous People, American Presidents, Will Rogers, The Connection between Davy Crocket & Andrew Jackson, Nikola Tesla, John Glenn, The Wright Brothers, The Kellogg Brothers, Bonnie & Clyde
Engagements 2019
April 2019
April 1 – AIM Forum Washington DC
April 2 – Capital Hill Meetings:
Meet District 32 Representative Colin Allred
Meet District 05 Representative Lance Gooden
Meet District 26 Representative Michael Burgess
April 3 – Diversicare AL/Dallas @ 6:00 PM/Understanding Alzheimer’s
April 6 – Prestonwood Baptist Church/Plano @12:30-2:30 PM/Effective
Communication
April 12 – Rockridge Sr. Living/Rockwall, TX @ 2:00 PM/Personal History
for CNA team.
April 15 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/Personal History Story
April 17 – Trip to Austin for Legislature
April 18 – Presbyterian Village IL/Dallas @ 1:00 PM/Inventions and
Inventors
April 19 – Trinity Bible Church Support Group
April 29 – The Bentley/Dallas/TBD
May 2019
May 6 – AT&T Baylor Memory Center/Support Group @ 1:00 PM
May 13 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/TBD
May 14 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/TBD
May 16 – Caruth AL/Dallas @ 2:30 PM/ Book Review TBD
May 17 – Trinity Bible Church /Dallas @ 11:00 AM/Support Group
May 27 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 PM/ TBD
March 2019
Mar 1 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 4 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 6 – Spring Valley Methodist Church/Dallas @ 6:00 pm/ALZ- Healthy Brain and Body
Mar 8 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 12 – SunRiseAL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Mar 14 – Atria/CC/Plano @12:30 pm/Women Inventors, Famous Mothers
Mar 15 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 18 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Who was St. Patrick?
Mar 21- Chase Harbor /Plano @ 2:00 pm/Mark Twain
Mar 22 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 29 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Mar 31 – April 2 – ALZ Forum/Washington DC
February 2019
Feb 1 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 4 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 7 – Chase Harbor/Plano @ 2:00 pm/Connections
Feb 8 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 11 – Meadowstone/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Everyday Inventions
Feb 12 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/ TBD
Feb 14 – Christian Care Senior Living/Mesquite @ 10:00 am/Valentine’s
Day History
Feb 15 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 18 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 19 – Oxford Grand Sr. Living/McKinney 2:00 pm/ALZ education –
Healthy Brain and Body
Feb 21 – Caruth Court Living/Dallas @ 2:30 pm /Romance Book Review
Feb 22 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 – 12:00
Feb 26 – Collin County College/Plano @1:00pm/ALZ First Responder Training
January 2019
Jan 7 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Remembering 2018
Jan 8 – SunRise AL/Dallas @3:00 pm/Fond Memories
Jan 9 – All day training 8:30-5:00 pm
ALZ Community Resources/Denton Presbyterian Hospital @ 6:30
Jan 10 – All day training 8:30-5:00 pm
Stonebridge Ranch/Plano @ 7:00 pm/ALZ Education: Healthy
Brain and Body
Jan 16 – Tradition AL – Arapaho/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Everyday Inventions
Jan 17 – Caruth Court/Dallas @ 2:30 pm/The Kellogg Brothers
Jan 18 – Trinity Church Support Group/11:00 am
Jan 21 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Secret Resident Bio
Jan 28 – Evans Rec Center/Mesquite @10:00 am/ALZ Education:
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
December 2018
3 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/A Secret Bentley resident
6 – Traditions AL/Dallas Lovers Lane @ 11:00 am/ Christmas Short Stories
7 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
11 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Christmas cards and Other Christmas Triva
14 – Trinity Bible Support Group/Richardson @ 11:00-1:00 pm
17 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Christmas Short Stories
November 2018
1 – Tradition-AL/Dallas Lovers Lane@ 11:00 am/Ghost Army WWII
2 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5 – AT&T Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
5 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Ghost Army WWII
7 – Christian Care Center-IL/Mesquite TX @1:30 pm/Ghost Army WWII
8 – Caruth Haven – AL/Dallas @2:30 pm/Margaret Mitchell
9 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
13 – Retired Teachers/Plano @11:00 am – 12:30 pm/ALZ education ‘The Basics’
13 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Ghost Army WWII
16 – Allen High School/Allen TX@ 9:30 am/ALZ education ‘Understanding Dementia
16 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00am-1:00pm
19 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Margaret Mitchell
22 – Thanksgiving
28 – Elmcroft – TBD
30 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
Contact us to book Elaine Scholly to speak to your group or organization, consult with your family, or lead a training session.
HISTORICAL STORYTELLING:
For a new, interesting and different approach to entertainment for your club, residential community or school, consider Historical Storytelling.
Learn the ‘rest of the story’ about a favorite author, artist or historical personality, the history of a travel destination or learn background facts of well- known or little-known historical events. Choose a theme from the selection of entertaining topics below.
If there’ a special event or family occasion, a ‘custom’ historical story can be produced and delivered. Contact Elaine several weeks before hand for an interview.
TOPICS include:
Authors:
Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Edgar Allen Poe, The Bronte Sisters, Margaret Mitchell, and Harper Lee
Artists:
Vincent Van Gough, Georgia O’Keefe
Historical Events:
Big Band Era, Fun Fashion Facts, History of Flight, Johnstown Flood, The Ghost Army of WWII, Connect Waterloo to the Moon, The Declaration of Independence, Little Known Christmas Stories by Special Authors, Who Started Valentines? Other Special Days in November, Christmas Cards, Facts About Christmas, The 1936 Olympics, Inventions and Their Inventors, Real and Favorite Cowboys, Mavericks, Story of the 4th of July
Historical Figures:
Mothers of Famous People, American Presidents, Will Rogers, The Connection between Davy Crocket & Andrew Jackson, Nikola Tesla, John Glenn, The Wright Brothers, The Kellogg Brothers, Bonnie & Clyde
Engagements 2019
March 2019
February 2019
Feb 1 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 4 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 7 – Chase Harbor/Plano @ 2:00 pm/Connections
Feb 8 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 11 – Meadowstone/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Everyday Inventions
Feb 12 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/ TBD
Feb 14 – Christian Care Senior Living/Mesquite @ 10:00 am/Valentine’s
Day History
Feb 15 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 am – 12:00
Feb 18 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/TBD
Feb 19 – Oxford Grand Sr. Living/McKinney 2:00 pm/ALZ education –
Healthy Brain and Body
Feb 21 – Caruth Court Living/Dallas @ 2:30 pm /Romance Book Review
Feb 22 – Stress Busters – Caregiver Support class/Dallas Center for Brain
Health from 10:00 – 12:00
Feb 26 – Collin County College/Plano @1:00pm/ALZ First Responder Training
January 2019
Jan 7 – Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Remembering 2018
Jan 8 – SunRise AL/Dallas @3:00 pm/Fond Memories
Jan 9 – All day training 8:30-5:00 pm
ALZ Community Resources/Denton Presbyterian Hospital @ 6:30
Jan 10 – All day training 8:30-5:00 pm
Stonebridge Ranch/Plano @ 7:00 pm/ALZ Education: Healthy
Brain and Body
Jan 16 – Tradition AL – Arapaho/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Everyday Inventions
Jan 17 – Caruth Court/Dallas @ 2:30 pm/The Kellogg Brothers
Jan 18 – Trinity Church Support Group/11:00 am
Jan 21 – The Bentley/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Secret Resident Bio
Jan 28 – Evans Rec Center/Mesquite @10:00 am/ALZ Education:
Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
December 2018
3 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/A Secret Bentley resident
6 – Traditions AL/Dallas Lovers Lane @ 11:00 am/ Christmas Short Stories
7 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
11 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Christmas cards and Other Christmas Triva
14 – Trinity Bible Support Group/Richardson @ 11:00-1:00 pm
17 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Christmas Short Stories
November 2018
1 – Tradition-AL/Dallas Lovers Lane@ 11:00 am/Ghost Army WWII
2 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5 – AT&T Baylor Support Group/Dallas @ 1:00 pm
5 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Ghost Army WWII
7 – Christian Care Center-IL/Mesquite TX @1:30 pm/Ghost Army WWII
8 – Caruth Haven – AL/Dallas @2:30 pm/Margaret Mitchell
9 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm
13 – Retired Teachers/Plano @11:00 am – 12:30 pm/ALZ education ‘The Basics’
13 – SunRise AL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Ghost Army WWII
16 – Allen High School/Allen TX@ 9:30 am/ALZ education ‘Understanding Dementia
16 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00am-1:00pm
19 – The Bentley IL/Dallas @ 3:00 pm/Margaret Mitchell
22 – Thanksgiving
28 – Elmcroft – TBD
30 – Changing Gears/Richardson Friends Place @ 11:00-1:00 pm