Alzheimer’s group plans Longest Day events

6/19/2014

Fitness, feasting, and fund-raising are in store at the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association’‍s second The Longest Day event Friday and Saturday.

The concept of The Longest Day is from the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which every year falls on June 21.

The chapter has planned a range of activities from CrossFit to yoga to sitting in rocking chairs. According to the Alzheimer’‍s Association’s national Web site, this extensive day of activity is planned annually across the nation as a way to “honor the strength, passion, and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’‍s.”

From 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Black Swamp CrossFit at 7335 W. Sylvania Ave. in Sylvania Township will hold AMRAP — As Many Reps As Possible — for Alzheimer’s.

Abbey Moretemore, owner of Black Swamp CrossFit, said, “In CrossFit, the WOD is the Workout of the Day.”

Friday will be one long continuous WOD that will rotate through each hour and could include exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, box jumps, and more, she said. The cost will be $20 for nonmembers and $10 for members.

For those looking to participate in a less rigorous manner, there will be an all-day bake sale, hot dog lunch, and rocking chair event at the Northwest Ohio chapter office at 2500 N. Reynolds Rd.

“People tend to do endurance events like walking, hiking. We even had a bridge club play bridge all day last year,” said Salli Bollin, executive director of the Northwest Ohio chapter. “But we wanted to do something as inclusive as possible.”

The more relaxed events at the chapter office will allow staff, caregivers, and people with the disease from the chapter office’‍s Adult Day Center to get involved as well.

Saturday will offer a variety of events too. Senior Star at West Park Place, 3501 Executive Pkwy., will hold a scrap metal drive from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Yogaja Yoga will hold classes at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 3142 Markway Dr., which will cost $15 for nonmembers. Sandy Courts Volleyball will hold a 10 a.m. volleyball tournament and Forest View Lanes will host a 5 p.m. bowling tournament, both at 2345 W. Dean Rd., Temperance. The fee is $20 per person.

“People with the disease or who are caring for people with the disease experience very long days because of problems with cognition and difficulties with daily activities,” Ms. Bollin said.

The Longest Day event allows everyone to stand in solidarity with these people, she said.

Last year four teams in Northwest Ohio participated in The Longest Day and helped raise nearly $4,000, said Nick Vargas, the development and communications director of the Northwest Ohio Chapter.

Nationwide, The Longest Day raised more than $1 million, nearly 80 percent of which went directly to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, according to the Web site.

This year eight teams are registered to participate in the Longest Day, double the number that participated last year.

Contact Kathleen Ashcraft at: kashcraft@theblade.com or 419-724-6050.