March 2021 News from OPICA
OPICA provides comprehensive, personalized services for adults challenged with memory loss, and for their families. We thank you for sharing this news with others.
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“The great thing about getting older
is that you don’t lose
all the other ages you’ve been.”
~ Madeleine L'Engle
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After Decades of Disappointment,
a Turning Point Is Visible in ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Alzheimer’s Treatment
September 3, 2020
The FDA’s announcement that it will decide by March 2021 whether to allow clinical use of the drug aducanumab to treat Alzheimer’s disease signals a potential breakthrough in the long battle against the debilitating disease, said Paul Aisen, founding director of the USC Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI).
Aisen was lead speaker at a September 1 webinar hosted by the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy. The session examined hopeful signs in clinical development and policy to make Alzheimer’s disease treatments and diagnostics readily available.
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Virtual Chocolate Tasting
OPICA Tries the Flavor of a Funraiser
Celebrating Valentine's Day a little late, over 50 chocolate lovers stepped into a new take on Zoom. High quality chocolate from all over the world. Yes the event was virtual but the chocolate was real! Delivered to homes prior to the event. Led by the amazing Ruth Kennison from The Chocolate Project, we learned the history of chocolate along with how chocolate is made and tasting tips.
Like a fine wine, these were fine chocolates. Zoom fatigue flew right out the window. Questions were asked, questions were answered. Everyone had different favorites. Fun was had by all.
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In Memoriam: Rita Williams
(1922-2021)
Rita Williams had a vision of establishing a safe place in Los Angeles for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, to provide them socialization, engagement and support. She shared her passion for her vision with her husband, Ted, who joined her, supported her and, together with her, led the fundraising efforts to make Rita's dream come true and keep it going. In 1979, OPICA (Older Persons In a Caring Atmosphere) became the first adult day center in Los Angeles. OPICA then became the model the City of Los Angeles used to establish a network of such centers. The building at Stoner Park, which is home to OPICA, is now named in tribute to Rita and Ted.
Born and raised in New York City, Rita always remembered her parents helping those less fortunate, and she followed in their footsteps. After attending the University of Chicago, UCLA, and Berkeley, Rita became a psychiatric social worker with Jewish Family Services. One of Rita’s classes at UCLA was taught by Dr. Yung-huo Liu, who had recently toured innovative programs in Europe for older adults. Dr. Liu shared her excitement with her students, inspiring Rita with transformative concepts of care for older adults and her vision that became OPICA. Together, Dr. Liu, Rita and Ted founded OPICA, and they remained active in and supportive of OPICA for the rest of their lives.
Rita was a caring and empathetic soul who always wanted to help anyone in need. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 21st at her home in Los Angeles after a long and wonderfully fulfilling life. She was 99 years old.
Rita would often quote Shakespeare: "Life is but a dream..." and "All the world's a stage, [and we are] merely players..." OPICA's Board of Directors and staff will always be grateful to Rita for her dream, for her vision, and for playing such an important role in improving the lives of those in need of support through the challenging journey of dementia. We will miss her dearly.
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OPICA's 2021 Forget-Me-Not Luncheon will be virtual and wonderful! We hope you will be able to join us this year.
For sponsorship opportunities and tributes please contact Craig Fleishman at craig@opica.org.
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Online Day Program at OPICA OZ - OPICA on Zoom
Are you looking for daily activities for your loved one?
Do you miss having coffee with a friend or relative?
Would you like to add something new to your daily routine?
Join the NEW Online Day Program at OPICA. OZ - OPICA on Zoom.
OZ is a daily interactive program for older adults and those experiencing memory loss, easily accessible from a single zoom link. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday through Friday, OZ engages seniors with activities including exercise, cultural adventures, cognitive activities, home art experiences, and musical engagement and performances.
With our new OZ programming you have low-cost options to have meaningful days shared with others. Yes, OZ – OPICA on Zoom. One low price will keep you engaged and busy Monday through Friday.
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Questions about OZ? Reach-out to Sara at sara@opica.org or (310) 478-0226
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OPICA PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Online Day Programs Continue
Join us every week for one, two or as many groups as you want to be part of.
Mindfulness Based Art Group, Nisei Group,
Spirit Builders Group, Art Class,
Friendship Group, Storytelling, and Ladies Lounge.
At OPICA we strive to bring you an assortment of excellent online programs. Please check out the links below for all of our online programs, and hopefully we can spark your interest in joining!
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All of our groups are facilitated by Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and trainees
Contact
Sara Kaye
for more information about these groups
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Chocolate fundraiser - some photos |
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Traveling to Germany for a Little Music
Time for some Different Entertainment
Salut Salon is a chamber music quartet from Hamburg, Germany. They are composed of two violinists, a cellist, and a pianist, all women.
They have been called the Harlem Globetrotters of music quartets. They may have (or not) heard Cyndi Lauper singing "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."
Have a listen and have some fun:
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OPICA Partners are dedicated to helping adults with memory loss and their families by making automatic deductions every month to their credit or debit card. You choose how much you will give.
Tailored to you
With small payments spread out month to month, becoming an OPICA Partner can fit any budget.
Even small amounts can make a big impact.
Hassle-free
Your donation occurs automatically each month. You can change the amount (up or down) or cancel any time.
Impact all year long
OPICA Partners make a difference every day
with reliable, ongoing donations.
Become an OPICA Partner with your monthly gift today.
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A TIME TO REMEMBER
Our members at OPICA become our extended family during the day. We care for them and love the time we spend together. In the past four months these wonderful friends have passed away. We experience a great sorrow each time we learn of one's passing.
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved ones. The memory of each one is a blessing.
We remember and honor:
Diane S.
Piri (Piroska) G
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Thank You
to our Wonderful Foundation Donors
for Your Support
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Free OPICA Zoom Workshops |
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This free, online 6-week program is for people caring for a family member with a chronic condition. They will learn to take care of themselves while caring for their loved one.
Class Starts
Wednesday, April 21st
6 consecutive weeks
11am - 12:30pm
or call 310-612-9064
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We encourage you to
share - forward - this email to your email list.
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OPICA
11759 Missouri Ave, Los Angeles, CA
90025
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Follow OPICA On SOCIAL MEDIA!
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Easy Ways to Support OPICA
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