FEBRUARY 2026

E-NEWSLETTER

PROGRAMS & NOTICES

February is Preventative Health Month & Heart Month
The Alzheimer Society will be spreading information and awareness about how you can protect and improve your brain health at any age! What's good for your heart is good for your brain!

Learn more about reducing your risk of dementia here:
https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-can-i-reduce-risk-dementia

A huge thanks to 99.3 County FM for having us on-air February 10th to discuss "All Things Alzheimer's". https://www.993countyfm.ca/show/grapevine-tuesday/ 
February 10th - Noon to 1 pm, ASHPE discussion beginning 42 minutes into the recording

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month — a time to reflect, to listen, and to deepen our understanding of the inequities that continue to shape health outcomes in Black communities. It is also an important opportunity to raise awareness of the unique and often overlooked challenges Black individuals and families face when navigating dementia care.


To learn more please visit:
 https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/research/social-determinants-health-dementia-black-communities

February Plate Mates is happening at Finn's Pub in Madoc. Join us for this social event that happens each month at a local restaurant. A great way to get out in a caring and supportive environment. All attendees order and pay for their own food/beverages.

You're invited to join us for a Dementia Friendly Communities presentation and learning event with Calvary Church in Belleville on February 25th! Please call us or contact melissa.whalen@alzheimerhpe.ca for more information.

Check out these great upcoming presentations happening with Lakeview Family Health Team!
ASHPE will be presenting on February 23rd about our programs and services! Please call Lakeview FHT to register!

ASHPE will be a vendor at the Seniors Health & Wellness Fair hosted at Brighton Evangel church on March 7th. See you there!

Save the date! ASHPE will be on-site at the Eastern Ontario Caregiver Expo hosted on Friday, April 24th, 2026 at the Maranatha Church in Belleville, 10 am - 2 pm. More details to come!

ASHPE will also be on-site for the Thrive After 55 Wellness Event at the Kiwanis Club of Madoc on April 11th, from 10 am - 3 pm. FREE event, everyone welcome!

Support for all

No matter where you are or where you're at - we're here for you. Support groups are hosted each in every month in communities and formats to fit your needs. Connect with your local First Link Care Navigator and/or Education and Support Coordinator to find the group options that are best for you! Registration required for all support groups.

The First Link Learning Series offers a comprehensive overview of dementia, coping strategies, resources and support systems. Throughout the series participants are offered the opportunity to share and connect with others embarking on the dementia journey. The various courses include First Steps, Care Essentials, Options for Care, and Care in the Later Stages.

First Steps For Care Partners and/or People Living with Dementia

This course of the First Link Learning Series provides an introduction to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This program is for care partners and/or persons living with dementia with various group formats available. Topics covered include: types of dementia, changes in the brain, coping strategies, planning for the future, managing risks and community resources.

Next sessions: March 3rd, 10th, 17^th and 24^th from 1:30-3:30 pm in Belleville. All attendees must register!

Contact: jessica.gagnon@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 6139620892

Care Essentials

This course for family caregivers and care partners offers problem solving strategies related to communication, responsive behaviours, caregiver burnout and expected changes in mid-stage progression..

 Next sessions:  April 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 am - noon in Belleville. All attendees must register!

Contact: sogna.digenova@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 6139620892

Options for Care

This course for family caregivers and care partners assists the participants to evaluate their current caregiving needs and explore other available care options, including in-home care, adult day programs and long-term care. All attendees must register!

Next session: May 5, 12 &19, 2026 from 1- 3 pm in Belleville.

contact: carolyn.bergamo@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 6139620892

Care in the Later Stages

This series is to help family members and friends of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias understand what to expect in the later stages of the disease. Topics include: understanding the experiences of grief and loss, learning about the later stages, recognizing pain and distress, and providing care that promotes dignity, comfort and quality of life. All attendees must register!
Next session: June 3, 10, 17, 2026 from 9:30 am -11:30 pm in Belleville. 
contact: niki.dodd@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 6130620892

Memory Cafe

By attending a Memory Café, people living with memory loss and those who care about them can come together and socialize in a safe and engaging environment.This is an opportunity to make new friends and connect with others who may be having similar experiences.

The monthly sessions are loosely structured, with a positive focus and offering options of refreshments, information gathering, creativity and more! Contact us today to find out more about your local Memory Cafe events. Registration required to ensure you are contacted regarding any changes to time/date/location!

Minds in Motion

Minds in Motion® is a community-based social program that incorporates physical and mental stimulation for people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their care partners. Through the Minds in Motion® program, both the person living with dementia and the care partner can benefit from the following:

• increasing physical activity through moderate intensity group exercise
• establishing new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences
• engaging in fun, social activities

CURRENT SESSIONS IN:
Picton (Mondays) Brighton (Tuesdays) Trenton (Tuesdays)
 Tudor /Cashel (Wednesdays) Bancroft (Wednesdays)
Belleville (Thursdays) Tyendinaga (Fridays)*

*subject to change - register for full details

Interested? Reach out to alex.fobert@alzheimerhpe.ca or call 613-962-0892 to be contacted when Minds in Motion is happening to your region next! All attendees must register to receive schedule updates and full details. 

$30 per couple for all 8 weeks of programming (includes materials and refreshments).

To learn more about Minds in Motion:
Visit this Information Page from the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, including a great video!
https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/help-support/programs-services/minds-in-motion 
Contact our office for the next upcoming session date near you by calling 613-962-0892

Upcoming AlzEducate Events

ALZeducate is an online resource for best practice dementia education. Build your knowledge and skills to live well or support people living with dementia. There are dozens of free webinars, education courses and live events. This also includes special "Dementia Friendly Communities" learning opportunities online! You can register for your account at alzeducate.ca


Feburary AlzEducate 
March AlzEducate

FUNDRAISING:

2026 Alzheimer Society Gala: You're Invited!


You are warmly invited to join ASHPE for our 2026 fundraising gala, "Parisian Nights". This elegant evening will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, once again at The Grand Hall in Belleville.

Guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine, music and dancing, special guest appearances, powerful advocacy speeches, and more. Our Parisian Nights Gala is a meaningful opportunity to come together in support of ASHPE and to honor all those whose lives have been impacted by dementia.

Tickets must be purchased in advance:
In person at our Belleville Office (cash, cheque, debit and credit)
Over the phone (credit)

For corporate table invoicing, sponsorship information, donation inquiries and more - please contact Fund Development Coordinator Trisha Clancy at 613-962-0892 or e-mail trisha.clancy@alzheimerhpe.ca

Contact Fund Development Coordinator Trisha Clancy to host your own 3rd Party Fundraising event! Funds raised stay LOCAL!

trisha.clancy@alzheimerhpe.ca 
613-962-0892

LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY:

The Lived Experience Network South East Ontario is an open community of people living

with dementia and/or similar diagnoses and their family/ care partners, sharing their lived experiences, advice and input with health care and community supports partners and with each other in hopes of enhancing the system of care. You are invited to take part!

February’s Lived Experience conversation topic came from several of our community supports services partners, including the Alzheimer Society of Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington. They have shared that despite their members expressing interest in different programs, activities, education, and events, they often find themselves unable to participate. Come prepared to share some of your observations, suggestions for change, and the barriers you face/have faced that have kept you from participating – both from the perspective of the person living with dementia (or similar diagnosis) and family/friend care partner.

Next session:
 Monday, February 23, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Zoom Link and Info:

*Attention: This is a brand-new Zoom link for 2026. 
Be sure to use this link and delete all former links.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9467547418?omn=87094436359

Meeting ID: 946 754 7418

 If you experience any technical issues, email Kim at schrybuk@providencecare.ca or call 613-285-4802.

If you would like to participate but cannot attend, please send your responses to Lived Experience Facilitator, Sharon Osvald at sosvald@alzking.com

Get Involved

Online: Visit livedexperiencenetworkseo.ca

Sign Up: to receive the Lived Experience Perspectives quarterly e-newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/brainxchange/lense

Phone or email: Contact Sharon by phone on Mondays or Wednesdays. Email your feedback,

personal lived experience story and suggestions for change!

Contact

Phone: 343-645-6240.

Email: sosvald@alzking.com

 VIEW THE LIVED EXPERIENCE NETWORK HANDOUT TO LEARN MORE!

Self referrals encouraged - no diagnosis required

Check out our online referral form here

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