2012 Berkshire Alzheimer's Walk Slated for Sept. 29
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The walk follows the accessible rail trail along scenic Cheshire Reservoir. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the kick-off ceremony begins at 9. Participants may walk as much or as little as they choose.
Refreshments, entertainment, and information will be available throughout the morning. Overflow parking with shuttle service is accessible at the Allied Waste Services lot, on Route 8 about a mile north of the walk site, and south of the site at the Sears end of the Berkshire Mall.
Morning highlights include a lakeside concert by David Grover, balloon magic with Bowey the Clown, and a yoga dance. A barbecue lunch will be provided by Hillcrest Commons and pizza by Papa Joe's Ristorante.
Donna and Steve Smith, Berkshire franchise owners of Home Instead Senior Care, are the event's honorary chairs.
"It is very evident when you work with seniors that Alzheimer's disease is an issue that touches us all, either now, in the past or in our future. It is so important that we all get involved now," said Donna Smith. Home Instead will be among the exhibitors showcasing available resources and be on hand to answer questions.
Dr. Paul R. Solomon, clinical director, and Dr. Cynthia A. Murphy, executive director of the Memory Clinic in Bennington, Vt., return as the clinical chairmen for the Berkshire walk.
"There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against Alzheimer's," said Murphy. "Funds raised by the walk will provide care and support services to the people of Massachusetts affected by Alzheimer's, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research."
Alzheimer's disease is now the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to surge, increasing well beyond today's estimated 5.4 million Americans. The disease has a enormous impact on family members, with over 15 million providing care to a loved one, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
To learn more or to participate, call 413-499-0691 or visit www.alzwalkMANH.org.
