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Stepping up to the plate for Alzheimer’s: Inn at Fairview event raises awareness

By Adam Urquhart - Staff Writer | Jul 26, 2019

HUDSON – Residents at The Inn at Fairview, Memory Care Assisted Living had quite a treat Thursday when Red Sox Hall of Famer Bob Stanley and voice of Fenway Park Dick Flavin stopped by.

For those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, short-term memory can be a struggle, but these two stars were able to job their memory, and bring them right back to the ballgame. During this event, Major League Memories, folks bonded over their shared baseball nostalgia, engaging in a program jampacked with baseball themed activities. Attendees reviewed baseball memorabilia and videos, listened to stories and even sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Additionally, they had the opportunity to grab some autographs at the end. The event itself acts as a way to raise awareness while sharing meaningful engagement with the residents and folks they care for that have Alzheimer’s.

Executive Director at Fairview Greg Batchelder said he thought the residents really enjoyed the event, and had a terrific time.

“I really think it brought back a lot of memories of their days going to the Red Sox, or watching the Red Sox or listening to the Red Sox on the radio,” Batchelder said. “Dick and Bob were fantastic. I think they really connected with our group. I don’t think it could have gone any better.”

Flavin is the poet laureate and senior ambassador for the Boston Red Sox, as well as the voice of Fenway Park, serving as public address announcer for Red Sox day games. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Stanley on the other hand was a first-round pick of the Red Sox in 1974, and spent his entire 13-year career with Boston. He is the all-time leader with appearances with 637. He was introduced to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000.

The Major League Memories event was put on through a collaboration of the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter and the Boston Red Sox. Public Relations Manager with the association Ella Schwotzer said there are currently 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 25,000 of them are right here in New Hampshire, which is one of the oldest states in the country. As the Granite State’s population continues to age, she said the various services, programs and awareness events the association holds are crucial.

“With the numbers that are growing, it’s important that the Alzheimer’s Association is raising awareness about the disease, so we remove some of the stigma, but also so that we’re reaching families who crucially need our support, and just providing the best experience possible in a disease that can be very devastating for families,” Schwotzer said.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206 or aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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