JANUARY 2026

E-NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS:

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month here in Canada
The Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward will be spreading information and awareness this January as part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In 2026, Societies across Canada are encouraging all of us to break the silence and reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking help! #HelpForToday #HopeForTomorrow

Self Care for Care Givers at Belleville Public Library Jan 23

In Touch with Quinte - Alzheimer's Awareness Month Interview 2026

Communications Coordinator Amelia Huffman chats with 91X's very own Lindsey Harren about Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Check out the recording:

https://91x.fm/2026/01/09/in-touch-with-quinte-alzheimers-awareness-month/


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.

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

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

More dates to come!

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. This also includes special "Dementia Friendly Communities" learning opportunities online! Click on the links below to view the full listing of upcoming events for each month, including a special Sleep Presentation on January 20th ("How to get a good nights sleep without sleeping pills"). You can register for your account at alzeducate.ca


January AlzEducate
Feburary 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 go on sale on Monday, January 19th, 2026 (8:30 AM).

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

Many thanks to Andrew Walmsley of Remax Quinte for hosting his 3rd Party Fundraiser "Super Bowl for a cause" event on Sunday, February 8th 2026!

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:

Happy New Year! 


You are invited to “Join the Conversation” by participating in an intentional, advisory conversation with others with lived or living experience and health care partners, sharing your input, stories, and suggestions for change with hopes of enhancing the system of care across South Eastern Ontario.

Choose the Meeting Date That Works for You:

Advisory Lived Experience Zoom Meeting Dates

Date: Monday, February 9, 2026    

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

OR

Date: 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

Sharon Osvald

Lived Experience Facilitator

the Alzheimer Societies of SE Ontario

in collaboration with

Providence Care Community Seniors Mental Health Behavioural Support Services

Phone: 343-645-6240

Email: sosvald@alzking.com

www.livedexperiencenetworkseo.ca

Exchanging Knowledge, Partnering for Change

THANK YOU ANGELA!
On December 19, ASHPE celebrated our Executive Director Angela Meraw on her final day with the Alzheimer Society of Hastings–Prince Edward. Angela helped grow our programs, expand services, and increase our impact in meaningful ways.

We are so thankful for her leadership and dedication over the years. Thank you, Angela, for everything - and best wishes on your next adventure!

Self referrals encouraged - no diagnosis required

Check out our online referral form here

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