By Maria Shaplin
A few weeks ago Applied Mechanics visited Christ Church Neighborhood House with our historical feminist costumes in hand, to entertain captivated participants at The Memory Café. A worldwide, loosely affiliated network of programs which facilitates gatherings of Alzheimers and dementia patients, The Memory Cafe provides a space for individuals and their caretakers to socialize, relax, flex their memory skills and have fun. A little bit about the history of the Memory Café:
“With roots in the Netherlands, Dr. Bere Miesen, a Dutch psychiatrist introduced the Memory Cafe concept in 1997 as a way to break through the stigma associated with various forms of Dementia.
The concept spread throughout Europe, to Ireland and England, Australia and eventually to the United States. As the Memory Cafe concept evolved here, it grew into a very open culture, including more than just those living with various forms of Dementia.
Many programs have been created in recent years for individuals suffering from all kinds of cognitive impairment. While Alzheimer’s is the most common, individuals with all forms of Dementia, along with those surviving a stroke or traumatic brain injury, can benefit from the safe, welcoming and mentally stimulating environments of Memory Cafes. There really is something for everyone.” –Memory Cafe Directory Website
Mary, Izzy and Emily donned their historical-feminist-scientist-victorian garb for the first time since the Women’s Way Gala in 2015. Marie Curie, Ida B. Wells and Suzan B. Anthony floated into the Great Hall on their hoop skirts to many “oooohs and aaaahs”. They busted out their parlor games and spent an hour hopping from table to table, playing and chatting. Then they dusted off their synchronized swimming routine for the “Feminist All Swim”. The performance was well-received and there were lots of questions for the women in the Q+A. All in all, the Memory Café was a lovely event with a great mission. Special thanks to Abigail Guay at CCNH for bringing us on board for this awesome event.
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