Memory Walk - move to end Alzheimer's - meeting set for Aug. 8

A kickoff meeting for the 2007 Memory Walk will be Wednesday in Sparks at the Outback Steakhouse.

As participants "move to end Alzheimer's," the meeting provides an opportunity for individuals and teams to register for the 2007 event. Brochures, posters and fundraising ideas will also be available.

"Memory Walk is our signature event to raise funds that directly contribute to better Alzheimer support programs and treatments for those affected by this disease," said Lynette Schweigert, special events coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada.

"It's easy to join the movement to end Alzheimer's. You can be a walker, sponsor a walker, start you own team or volunteer at Memory Walk. Now is the time to contribute to Alzheimer care and research," Schweigert said.

Participants may register at the meeting or by going online to, www.alznornev.org/memory walk. Simply choose your walk site and follow the steps to register.

The Carson City team of "Ayer's Friends" is holding a fundraiser Sept. 8 at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center. It is a barbecue chicken dinner, followed by a hoedown dance.

Cost is $6.50 per person for the dinner, which is served at 5 p.m. Free dance lessons are available from 6-7 p.m., with live music by "Mixed Nuts" from 7-10 p.m. Admission to the dance is $6 per person.

"Our goal to raise this year, overall for Carson City is $20,000," said Barbara Tonge, team captain of Ayer's Friends. "To date we've raised $5,519.

"Our personal goal, for the team, is $6,000 - and we've raised $3,253. We gotta get the rest of Carson City moving on this. Maybe there's too much going on."

Another fundraiser for the Memory Walk is "A Taste to Remember," Aug. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Governor's Mansion, a shared event with "Memory Marchers," a team from Share the Day Adult Day Center. The fundraiser includes a silent auction, light hors d' oeuvres and refreshments.

Tickets for "A Taste to Remember" are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and are available by calling Tonge, Toni Santos or Stan Dowdy at the senior center at 883-0703.

The next Carson City meeting is Aug. 16 at noon at the senior center.

The Memory Walk in Carson City is Sept. 29 at the Capitol, and Oct. 13 in Reno at the Bartley Ranch.

"More than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer's and 78 million baby boomers are approaching the age of greatest risk for the disease," Schweigert said. "We are closer than ever to being able to slow progression of Alzheimer's to improve the lives of those living with the disease."

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.