Page Title

As I See It . . .

From Chuck's Desk

Dear Friends,

Excitement is in the air at the Alzheimer's Support Network! It's time for Elephant Fest '98: For Memories. The planning is going well. Sponsors are generous and plentiful. Terry has lined up loads of food and entertainment. The animal and plant exhibits await. The weather will be perfect this year (we hope!) This should be the best Elephant Fest ever!

Those of you who have never been to Elephant Fest can not imagine what you have missed. It is an unusual event and is a bit difficult to describe. Try asking someone who has been there, and you will see a face light up and hear some enthusiastic words!

Why Elephant Fest? Elephants never forget! We use the elephant as our symbol for memories, for lost memories and for remembering those who forget. The "fest" part is because Elephant Fest is a huge party. The whole wonderful Caribbean Gardens is filled with music and food and things to see and do. It is a celebration that honors people with Alzheimer's disease, their families and the Alzheimer's Support Network. The event also celebrates our annual fund raising effort.

During the morning, we gather at the lovely lake in the park and remember those who forget. We float flowers on the lake while we hear inspiring words and song. Everyone cries a bit. Everyone is moved.

The rest of the morning is pure fun! If you don't get around very well, you can sit on a bench and listen to a variety of music and munch on good food. Others will enjoy the animals and stroll through the park. There is something for everyone!

We hold Elephant Fest on the first Saturday of November each year because it signals the beginning of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. One of our goals is to let the community know that Alzheimer's disease is a problem right here in Southwest Florida and that the Alzheimer's Support Network wants to assist families through the process.

What can you do to help? Your donation is appreciated of course. But we really want you to be with us on Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This is a time for us to all be together, including family members, friends and neighbors! See you on November 7!

Chuck Pollard