On a Roll, Cabbage That Is

Dear Friends, 

Don't tell anyone, but I am afraid of the dark. As in petrified, paralyzed by fear - I would actually put my fear of the dark in the classification of a phobia. It's been on my mind lately, as I have been traveling a lot - in hotel rooms....alone - barely able to sleep for the soft glow of the TV, but unable to let go of that comforting light. At home I am not able to put anything on my night stand, except my trusty lamp. I wake up in the middle of the night, panic stricken - flailing for relief from the suffocating darkness. After so many broken candles, tumbled over books and magazines, you learn your lesson. I blame my intense fear on an early childhood viewing of the horror movie, "Pet Cemetery." (Might also be connected to my fear of toddlers) (BTW my mom is either laughing or crying or both right now - after 18 years of her hall light on all night)

A thought occurred to me last week when W caught me ridiculously sprinting from the dark kitchen to the safe light of the hallway. 

What if I lost my ability to communicate the fear that drives my bizarre flailing about at night, darting across rooms, or anxiety at turning out the final bit of light before I am safely asleep. How odd I would look with no context to my behavior. 

I share this embarrassing insight into my psyche as a reminder. We all have our fears, loves, hates, odd quirks and strange (to outsiders) rituals. These bits and pieces that make us who we are, don't disappear after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia, and can sometimes be amplified. The one thing about our loved one with Alzheimer's that is guaranteed to change is his or her ability to verbalize all of this to us as caregivers.  

Next time you are faced with a challenging caregiving situation, imagine me diving through a dark hallway, like a running back straining for the touchdown, reaching for the saving grace of the light switch. First, I hope you laugh a little at this mental image, but most importantly, remember, what is my loved one trying to communicate - what fears, loves, quirks, rituals would illicit this kind of reaction? Or diffuse a challenging situation. 

ALZNEWS

• Early Stage Programs: In November we will begin a new educational series - Living with Alzheimer's - designed for individuals in the early stage of Alzheimer's and their care partners. It is a 3-part series, that people can jump in and out of as needed. We will be hosting these workshops in our Charleston, Morgantown and Parkersburg offices. For more information call, 800.272.3900 or email wvinfo@alz.org. 
• Support Groups This Week: Click here to see a list of support groups happening near you. 
• WalkTOBER: I can't wait to see everyone in Lewisburg and Morgantown for Walk to End Alzheimer's!! There are already 49 teams registered for the Morgantown Walk!! Fingers crossed for beautiful weather! If you haven't registered your team, it isn't to late! Visit, alz.org/walk! 
• CMS Decision on Amyloid Imaging: This week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) handed down their long awaited decision on the use of amyloid imaging in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. They disappointingly upheld its earlier preliminary decision to only cover brain amyloid imaging under the "coverage with evidence development" (CED) policy. This means CMS will not cover the cost of brain amyloid imaging, except in the context of approved trials. The Alzheimer's Association and a coalition of scientist and physicians have been at the table with CMS, working tirelessly to gain ground on their earlier decision. While this setback is disappointing, this technology is not going away, and we will continue both our scientific and advocacy efforts to connect families with the best in diagnostics. Read our full statement here.
•  Angel's Perch screenings in West Virginia! Friends in Marlington, Bridgeport, Lewisburg & Martinsburg get your tickets now - Angel's Perch is coming your way!! I also happen to be privy to some very exciting info that will be announced about the film in the next few weeks!! Stay tuned! 

On A Cabbage Roll

If you are new to the Dish, each week I include a recipe as a reminder to take care of yourself, whether it is cooking, going for a walk or a few minutes of meditation - take care of yourself.

I know you've been there before - 1lb of ground beef, staring at you, nagging...use me today or I am going bad. Generally the ground beef nag turns into easy tacos. But, tonight I got a wild hair. Wonder how hard it is to make cabbage rolls? 

So I researched recipes, and I didn't really have all of the ingredients for any of the recipes - but I had most of the ingredients for most of the recipes. They turned out pretty darn tasty, not to mention plenty of left overs! I can't wait to try this recipe again, but hide more vegetables in the filling (similar to my meatloaf).

The Sauce: Start with a glub or so of olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic. Add in tomato puree, I had frozen puree on hand, but 1 can would work great as well! 

Add in 1/2 of a yellow onion, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, 3 tbs of brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until thickened.

Prep the cabbage! Cut out the core (carefully, knives are dangerous people!)

Place the entire head in a big, tall pot of boiling water. 

Filling Time: Start with the pound of nagging ground beef (or 1/2 pork, or chicken, or vegetables would be good too!) Add 1/4 cup of rice, the other half of your onion, 1 tbs of thyme, salt, pepper and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. And two eggs.

Followed by breadcrumbs (I use 2 pieces of wheat toast, ground), add a few big spoonfuls of your sauce. (Hint: add the sauce after you have mixed everything! Holy how it is hot when you put your hand in there!) Mix by hand (more like mix by squishing it all together)

It is amazing, the leaves of the cabbage just peal right off! 

The assembly turns out to be a piece of cake. Add a 1/3 to 1/2 cup of your mixture into a cabbage leaf, then fold one side over. 

Fold it again!

And again!

Neatly tuck all of your cabbage rolls together, like they love each other! The cover it all with your saucy goodness!

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees - then dive in!

Until next week!

Laurel K.

Lkirksey@alz.org

Don't Wait

Dear Friends,
Yesterday was one of those back-to-back meeting kind of days, starting out with an early morning drive to Morgantown. (Side-bar, we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place, the mist coming off the mountains yesterday morning was just breathtaking. You don't find those kinds of views from just any interstate.) I didn't have a chance to check the news, twitter or facebook all day, so I was in shock when I switched on the radio for my drive home to hear 12 people were murdered in Washington, D.C. in a mass shooting. My heart breaks for the family and friends of the victims and the shooter.

I suddenly had the urge to race home, gather up my family and hide under a blanket fort.

Our experience with Alzheimer's disease forces us to become acutely aware of how precious and fragile life is, not to take one moment for granted. That we all have just one shot at this great thing we call life. These tragedies are acute reminders that it can all be over in an instant.

So don't wait. Run, don't walk, home and hug the ones you love. Release yourself from the burden of anger or hard feelings. Breathe in this beautiful fall mountain air and truly feel the warmth of this beautiful sunny day on your face. Let your passion guide you to be a force of change. Let the people around you know they are valued and cherished. The moment is fleeting.

Don't wait.

**ALZNEWS**

• Last week we were notified that Congressman McKinley joined the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease! To say that we were thrilled was an understatement! Pam from the Congressman's office called on Friday afternoon to let us know. What a way to start the weekend! All of West Virginia's Congressional Representatives are now members of the Task Force. A resounding message from our state to the nation of the importance of addressing Alzheimer's disease! Advocates, our work isn't done - time to get started on recruiting our Senators to the Task Force.
• It is WALK WEEK! We can't wait to see everyone in Huntington and Elkins this weekend!! If you haven't registered, there is still time! Visit alz.org/walk or call us at, 800.272.3900! 
• Friday we launched a new website nationally for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. You can visit this new site at, alz.org/IHaveAlzheimers. The design was directed by our Early Stage Advisory Council, and the information posted as well as the layout and navigation is designed just for individuals living with Alzheimer's. 
• This new website goes hand-in-hand with our upcoming Living with Alzheimer's education series. We will be presenting this series in each of our regional offices in November. The educational series is designed for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Ultimately providing a place for people to come together around life with Alzheimer's. Stay tuned for more details! 
• Next week I am presenting at the Wellness Council's annual conference. They provide wellness activities for businesses around the state. My topic is caring for the caregivers at your work place. If you could tell your employer something about your caregiving journey, what would it be? Email me your feedback at lkirksey@alz.org. 

Tailgate Caramel Sauce

Last year we got really tough news from the doctor in the middle of football season. And by football season I mean tailgate season. As in, lose 50 lbs or your going to die kind of bad news. I've never dieted, ever. I was raised on a pretty strict healthy diet and enjoy fresh everything. I also have a love of running and exercise. There is a certain account executive in Charleston that tells people I run so I can eat Taco Bell (which is not entirely outside of the truth). 

So when faced with this challenge, I was at a bit of a loss. But scared. I've done the calculations and determined without W, I could survive approximately 1 week and 3 days. 

To make this challenge even harder, it is tailgate season. The few months of the year where every Saturday it is O.K. to cram yourself with the greasiest, unhealthy, sugar laden, salty food.

We tackled healthy living in everyday life and the tailgate pretty handily. But I was stumped at adding something sweet. We were surrounded by people offering up slices of cookie cake and cupcakes, temptation was all around us and it was only a matter of time before our sweet tooth caved in. 

One weekend W's boss brought apple slices and caramel dip. GENIUS! It was just enough sweet to empower us to turn away the blue and gold cookie cake slice. This weekend was our first Saturday in the Blue Lot, so I thought, wonder how hard it is to make caramel sauce? 

Turns out the Pioneer Woman makes it a piece of cake! You can catch her recipe by clicking here. 

In a saucepan combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of half-and-half, 4 tbs of un-salted butter and pinch of salt. (What you see in the pictures is double that amount) (Chef's note: No, I am not a dietitian or nutritionist, nor am I saying eat caramel sauce and lose weight. For us, a dip of caramel on a juicy apple beat the heck out of devouring a slice of cookie cake!) 

Oooo look you can make fancy butter designs...ok time to stop playing in my food. 

Stir continually for 7ish minutes. You don't want to overcook! Really until all of the ingredients are blended and it starts to thicken. Once you get to this point, remove it from the heat and add 1 tbs. of vanilla extract. 

Let it cool, then place it in the fridge until you are ready for some football! 

It's my tailgate, I can Mississippi State if I want to! 

Until Next Week! 

Laurel K.

lkirksey@alz.org

Goodbye Summer, Hello Walk!

Dear Friends,
Wow! Wow! Wow, what a week!

I am feeling deeply humbled, overwhelmed with gratitude, extraordinarily energized and empowered! Our 3 walks this weekend kicked off our fall Walk season with a true bang! Including front page coverage in the Parkersburg News & Sentinel! I attended the Eastern Panhandle Walk this weekend, and as always, was overwhelmed by their passion and energy. Even the usually composed W was brimming with excitement. Our volunteer Walk committees did an amazing job, and I can not wait until September 21 for Elkins and Huntingon Walks!! Haven't registered for Walk yet? You can register right NOW by visiting, alz.org/walk!

Last week we hosted a round table with Congressman McKinley about Alzheimer's disease and caregiving. The Congressman was attentive, articulate and passionate, and so were our advocates in attendance. The round table was a true testament to the fact that Alzheimer's knows no bounds, even if you are a United States Congressman.

Our round table discussion was also a testament to the true power of advocates. If you are not an advocate, join our advocacy force now! Advocacy is critical to the fight against Alzheimer's. Last week, when Congressman McKinley asked, what can we do to get a handle on this disease? We had passionate advocates in the room able to answer with a resounding message, adequately fund research!

But that meeting was only made possible the the hundreds of advocacy actions completed prior by advocates in McKinley's distrcit. From taking action alerts on legislation, to phone calls, to meeting with staff in their D.C. and West Virginia offices. Want more information about becoming an advocate? Give us a call or send an email to wvinfo@alz.org.

ALZNEWS

• Turn Facebook purple! In honor of World Alzheimer's Month, change your profile picture to the ENDALZ logo. You can find the graphic by clicking here!
• Calling all volunteers! Have a few hours to help answer phones or want to serve as a Helpline volunteer? Or help us promote Walk by putting up posters and wickets around town? Good with computers and data entry? We need your help! Interested in volunteering, contact us at wvinfo@alz.org or call 800.272.3900! 
• We are starting to plan our spring educational events. If you are interested in hosting a workshop or think we should bring Caregiver University to your community, let us know! Call or email at 800.272.3900 or wvinfo@alz.org.
• The Dancing Through Time planning committee will be meeting next week in Morgantown! Join this fun and fantastic group of volunteers to help plan this entertaining fundraising event!! No dance experience necessary! :) Call or email Christina Beck if you are interested! cbeck@alz.org or 304.599.1159!
• Walk pictures! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for pictures from Walk to End Alzheimer's! We want your pictures too! Upload your pictures to our Facebook page, or email them to wvinfo@alz.org! 

Gimme S'more Summer

I am a summer girl! The sun, the water, the garden, I love it all. So, this time of year I get a little down thinking about the impending winter. This weekend we had one last ode to summer in celebration of W's Dad's birthday and Grandparents' Day. Eric's nieces have been watching Mickey Mouse have weenie roasts at their clubhouse, so W's mom organized our own weenie roast, just like Mickey & Minnie. And, where there is a weenie roast, you HAVE to have S'mores! My personal favorite dessert of ALL time! The best part, it is easy and fun to make, making s'mores truly a de-stressed dessert! 

You have to start out with a good camp fire! The weenie roasting part is optional, but since you have the fire going - might as well go all out, right? 

Organization is key to good s'more making, so make sure you prep your ingredients. 

With one exception, the minute the chocolate bar was open and visible, I lost my 3 year-old roasting buddy. The great thing about being with Mawmaw and Uncle Laurel, you get all the chocolate bars you want! (Don't tell mommy!) 

There is a science to the perfect marshmallow roast. You have to keep it near the heat to get the inside hot, as soon as you see it getting gooey on the inside, stick it in the fire to burn the outside. 

The next step requires quick reflexes. Using the edges of the gram cracker, scrape the marshmallow onto the gram cracker and quickly add the chocolate on top. You want the heat from the marshmallow to melt the chocolate just enough. 

Now for the most important part. Dig in and enjoy the fire! 

Until next week, 

Laurel K.

lkirksey@alz.org

2:34:12.7

"Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required." Winston Churchill

Dear Friends,
At mile 11 my best ended. I was moving at a pretty good clip for most of the race, able to keep my pace somewhere between 9 and 10 min/mile as I expected. But, as I ran through the Capitol it started lighting, then rain, suddenly my shoes turned to cement boots and my legs to silly string. I checked my watch, my pace had slowed to 11:30, racers were passing me left and right. Self-doubt took over. My legs had nothing left. I checked my fancy race watch, I had only gone .3 miles more. I wasn't going to finish the race.

I looked up, and I could see W on the corner of Elizabeth St. (at 6'5" he is pretty easy to spot from far away). As I slowly neared I could see my mom and W's mom & dad all cheering and waving. Time came to a stop.

I looked at my family cheering me on and it all came back to me why I was there. Earlier that day W finished his 2nd ever 5K, I couldn't be prouder. Exactly one year earlier he was on that exact same corner cheering me on in my first distance run, but 50 lbs. heavier and would have thought you were crazy if you told him he would be racing one year later. Together this summer we kept each other going in our training. He is a true testament to hard work and commitment. I could see in my mom's face, she knew I was struggling. I really do have the greatest mom in the world, she so supportive, even when my activities worry her about my health and safety. Mr. & Mrs. W have made me feel like a part of their family from the moment I met them, always so loving and supportive. Life is good, and beautiful, and I am so lucky to not only have two legs that can take me 11 miles, but I am surrounded by loving people who will get me through the final 4.

I made this 15 mi. commitment to support critical Alzheimer's & dementia research to protect them, us, our future, your family, your future. I made this commitment so that if someone we know is facing this disease, there is a safe, supportive place to not only learn about Alzheimer's and how to live with the disease, but that there is a community to lift them up through the journey of the disease so no one ever has to feel like they are facing this terrible disease alone. It was written as plain as day across the front of my shirt.

Damnit, this mile is worth $40, and so is the next one and the three after that.

I closed my eyes. Smiled. Then picked up the pace.

I would be lying if I said the last 4 miles were smooth sailing to the finish line. I kept reminding myself to keep smiling, in my brain I think everything is easier if you are smiling. As I headed in for for the last .7 mi. I started to doubt that I would be able to finish. I was able to gut out the last 3.5 miles, but I was done. I have never felt that kind of intense fatigue. I am pretty sure my self-talk for that last .5 mi was out loud. And then out of nowhere the entrance to Laidley field appeared. And my great friend and track buddy Marshall was there, I am not sure I have ever been happier to see anyone's face! He gave me a double high-5 as I nearly tumbled into the stadium.

300 meters to go. Hot tears fogged up my sunglasses, I could hear Mrs. W cheering my name from the other side of the stadium. As I rounded the familiar turns of Laidley field, flashes of our great volunteers and staff appeared in my mind, our mission and our upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's. I saw my mom in the stands and knew I could finish strong. Locked eyes on the finish line and pounded out the last 100 meters.

I know that my 15 miles to END Alzheimer's is a grain of sand in mountain that is the end of Alzheimer's. But, stones, boulders and mountains are made of sand. By putting our passion to work, conquering our own challenges and rallying together we will reach our ultimate vision of a world without Alzheimer's.

Join us.










ALZNEWS

• Monday our offices are closed in honor of Labor Day. However, our 24/7 Helpline is always available at 800.272.3900.
• IT IS WALK WEEK!!! Our first one of the year! We can not wait to see everyone in Beckley, Parkersburg, & Martinsburg! While I wish I could be at all of them, I am headed to Beckley! If you will be at Beckley too, be sure to say hi to W at registration!  
• Walk week means BANK DAY is Wednesday!! Bank day is your opportunity to turn in your team funds and pick up your Walk to End t-shirts! To find out details about bank day for your Walk, email, wvinfo@alz.org.
• CONGRATULATIONS to our newest Walk to End Alzheimer's CHAMPIONS! Each individual raising $500+
  - Jeral Milton, Eastern Panhandle Walk (2nd year!)
  -  Lois Sizemore, Mid-Ohio Valley Walk (2nd year!)
  - Dann Hardman, North Central Walk
  - Carol Miller, Charleston Walk (2nd year!)
  - Renee Morris, Mid-Ohio Valley Walk & Alzheimer's Association staff member!! 
• Just a reminder upload your photos and Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraising events to our Facebook page! We love sharing! You never know when your idea will spark someone else. 
• Tuesday we have a meeting with Congressman McKinley in Wheeling. Advocates and caregivers are gathering to talk about their experience with Alzheimer's and what he can do to support families facing Alzheimer's disease. What would you share with Congressman McKinley? Email us at wvinfo@alz.org. 

Whew! It is going to be a busy week! 

Where's the Beef Tacos

When I am training for a distance race, I am hungry all the time! But, I really lose my taste for meat, so I am always trying different vegetarian dishes. As a Texan, I learned early, tacos are always tasty! W came home from work as dinner was nearly ready. His first question, where's the beef? I couldn't help but laugh out loud, his expression exactly like the grandma in the 80's Wendy's commercial! Don't worry, he ended up really enjoying our meatless filling!

Start with 2 cups of water and 1 cup of lentils in a saucepan over medium heat.

Time for the spices. If you have taco seasoning in a packet add about half of the packet. Our little family is sodium conscious, so I make my own blend, starting with 1/2 tbs. of cumin.

1 tsp. of chili powder (more or less depending on how spicy).

2 tsp. onion powder and 1 tsp. of garlic powder.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Rinse a can of black beans. I suggest rinsing because often the juice black beans are stored in is chock-full of sodium - and again we are a sodium conscious family!

Stir in the beans with the lentils, and let them simmer together for 5 more minutes or until the beans are warm.

Add as many sides and condiments as you like! I love these little peppers, they are so crisp and flavorful!

At the last minute, juice half a lime into the beans and lentils.

Build your taco to your liking! Salsa, taco sauce, cheese, lettuce, avocado, sour cream..the sky is the limit!

And that's a wrap!

Until next week! 

Laurel K.

lkirksey@alz.org

The Not So Calm Before the Storm

Dear Friends, 

Fall is bananas! For us it is our largest awareness and fundraising months with Walk to End Alzheimer's, but it also seems these are the months that everyone checks back in from summer vacation. There are a number of conferences, health fairs and organizations all looking for vendors, exhibitors and speakers. AND we can't forget football & tailgating!! Needless to say during these last few days of August as I look at our Chapter calendar, it takes all of my energy not to have a stage 3 meltdown. 

Next week is also the only time this summer W & I could fit in some time away for ourselves.

Last Friday evening I arrived back in town after a stressful 2-day meeting in Columbus. W suggested we head down to the river for a run, and we could start planning our upcoming vacation needs. As we walked toward the river I started thinking out loud...I hope there is internet, I have to stay connected...I have this conference call, and that conference call, and it is the week before our first Walk week so I know there will be things I need to do to help with Walk.... In my mind I am reviewing all of the millions of things we have coming up and what I need to do to prepare....I can feel myself entering Stage 2 meltdown headed toward Stage 5...

W stops, and looks at me. LK, you need to learn how to delegate, you are not the Walk coordinator anymore, you have to take time for yourself, let your brain rest, everyone will be fine without you. I want us to have a peaceful vacation...

WAIT ONE MINUTE. Is he lecturing me!? Oh.No.He.Didn't. My mind went black with anger, what does he know about what I do and don't do. What I do delegate and what I don't delegate.... 

We made it to the river for our run, and I left him in the dust, my seasoned running legs going as fast as my angry brain. The voice in my head egging on my rage... well he doesn't know how important I am, or what we do, how many people rely on us. Doesn't he know these next few weeks are so critical to our budget and what we can do to help people throughout the year.... Doesn't he remember those times he had to work during our vacation....

After our run I silently stewed all the way back to our cars. I didn't speak to W all weekend I was so mad. 

Sunday, I was listening to my favorite podcast, On Being with Krista Tippett, her guest said something that struck a chord in my angry mind, 

It's something that if everyone could just realize how special it is to be alive on this little blue speck in the universe. It's a miracle that life exists at all and that we have a piece of time that is ours, whoever we are, shorter or longer, whatever it is, but to really be a part of the action and to respect where we have come from, where we might be going.

Hello gravity, I am coming back down to Earth now. 

My mind was so consumed with the storm of stress, anxiety and insecurities of upcoming tasks, that instead of a seeing a hand reaching out to help, all I could see was a giant finger, poking at my red-hot nerves. I wasted 48 hours of my precious time over such a trivial thing. 

I share this story because I think you might be able to relate. 

Sometimes as caregivers we get so good at masking our internal stress, anxiety and most of all insecurities, that these feelings end up turning into red-hot electric fences that jolt anyone away that tries to offer a lending hand or a little advice. In our minds we think, no one can do this as good as me, no one knows what I do everyday, your help isn't helpful... W was just trying to offer a little help, to make me feel supported. And instead of trying to teach him how to best help me, I pushed myself off the deep end, and only made myself more miserable and stressed out. 

We have to clear the storm in our head in order to expertly manage the storm headed our way.

How can we be better at accepting that people want to help us AND teach them how to best help us? 

If I had my head clear I could have seen W was just trying to offer the only support he knew how. And maybe if my mind was right, I could have diverted him, "you know, as the former Walk and Development person I am keenly aware of what I wanted and needed from the executive director and I think I am meeting their needs, but if you can run some of our vacation errands this weekend, I could really use the time to prepare for our upcoming board meeting that is really stressing me out."

In those moments where you feel you are headed straight to stage 5 meltdown, call us. We are here to help you work through challenges.We talk things out, help you look at all options, and build a plan to take on the impending storm. Most importantly try to help you not reach stage 5 melt down like me. We are here 24/7 at 800.272.3900. 

My great friend Emily Bennington helps me to keep this concept in the forefront of my brain  check out her books and blog at emilybennington.com. Also, one of my favorite books on this topic is Thich Nhat Hanh's The Art of Power.  

ALZNEWS

• ZUMBAthon THIS Saturday! Head over to Mountaineer Middle School in Morgantown for a Zumba thon to raise funds for Walk to End Alzheimer's! Check in is at 9:30, the event starts at 10 am, and the entry fee is $10/person! 
• Islandfest, hosted by the Mountaineer Parrot Head Club in Parkersburg, will be held on August 30 poolside at Parkersburg Country Club. For tickets or questions call 304.482.3218. 
• For more Walk to End Alzheimer's events, click here! 
• Weirton Caregiver University is coming up on September 25. Click here for registration and more information.
• We are piloting a new piece of Walk to End Alzheimer's at our Parkersburg, Morgantown and Charleston Walks. We will be setting up a Living with Alzheimer's tent. This tent will be for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, it will offer a quiet place to sit in the event the crowd gets overwhelming, some educational materials, and an opportunity to meet other people who are also living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. If you would like more information about our Living with Alzheimer's tent, give us a call at 800.272.3900 or email at wvinfo@alz.org. 

Nobody lay a finger on my Butterfinger cookies

I can't help but think of Bart Simpson when I think of Butterfinger candy bars. I love them, there is something about the sweet, kind of peanut buttery chocolaty goodness. So, I went to the grocery store hungry, and came back with a bag of mini-Butterfingers. Do you ever do that? I hope I'm not the only one! So in order to avoid eating the entire bag, I thought hey, I'll make cookies! Can you tell how much I love cookies?

Preheat the oven to 375. Combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of sugar.

Add 1 large egg.

Mix in 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp. baking soda, & 1/4 tsp. of salt.

Chop your Butterfingers, feel free to munch on the mini-Butterfingers as you chop!

Wow, look at that dough! Don't mind if I test it out...

These cookies flatten out pretty well, so you can just dollop the dough right onto the cookie sheet.

This recipe only makes about 2 dozen cookies, so if you need more be sure to double. And you will need more, they are DELISH!

Until next week! 

Laurel K. 

lkirksey@alz.org

Back to School

Dear Friends,
It is that time of year, again! Wait, what!? Back to school time!! When did the fall arrive?

I do not have children, so the Back to School season only serves to perpetuate my obsession with school supplies that become readily available and inexpensive this time of year! However, I have a lot of friends who are busily preparing their children to head to class. Including our own Evan, who sent his oldest child to her first day of kindergarten on Thursday. It may have been allergies, but I think I saw a tear in his eye...

Back to school season got me thinking about a fun day Mr. Blueberry (Evan), Kaarmin and JT had last spring at Elk Center Elementary. Lilly, who is one of our great Charleston Walk participants, approached me one evening at a research event we hosted. She explained to me that there might be other kids in her class whose great-grandparents or grandparents had Alzheimer's or dementia like her great-grandmother, and she wanted to teach them about the disease and how her and her mom cared for her great-grandmother. So, we loaded up Mr. Blueberry, a copy of Grandma's Cobweb's and headed to the elementary school. The class was attentive and asked excellent questions. And just as Lilly predicted, others in her class had loved ones who had Alzheimer's or dementia. They shared similar experiences of being scared or confused, being sad or not understanding why grandma thinks I am my mom. They all shared good memories of their grandparents, and how they shaped their lives.

I find it remarkable how perceptive children are, how they are able to articulate difficult and challenging emotions so simply. As well as how forthcoming they can be about their on insecurities, and pointing out our own insecurities. How they are able to perceive when we as adults are tired or sad, angry or anxious, even when we are doing our best to cover those emotions up. And, how those emotions from us as adults effect them and their perception of the world. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia around children is no different. Children have a never ending yearning for knowledge, to know more to understand why. (My parent friends out there know this perpetual question, HA! Why? Why? Why?) What we have found, like our experience at Elk Center, children want to know more than just grandma is sick. It is so important that we help children differentiate the disease and grandpa, to help make their experiences together better. We want to keep those lines of communication open, and help prepare our children for changes that are going to happen. Most importantly, answer questions about the disease honestly and openly. Children know when you are sugar-coating.

What I have found most of all, is that children are always ready to help, with ideas and activities. We have some great activity kit ideas, for building activities that your loved one with Alzheimer's and your children can enjoy together. To create those moments of joy that your children can take with them as they grow up. And when they can't help they are ready to take on the challenge for themselves. Like Wilson, who joined us last year at the Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. He so clearly and effectively articulated that his great-grandmother is why he is so passionate about ending Alzheimer's disease, that there really was no way any of the Congressional offices could turn down our requests. Wilson and Lilly both pound the pavement each fall and summer raising funds and awareness for Walk to End Alzheimer's. Because they know that while they have already lost their loved one to this disease, they can help millions of others.

We have excellent resources for talking to children about Alzheimer's disease. A number of beautiful books, including Maria Shriver's new book that you can check out of our lending library. And we are always happy to take Mr. Blueberry on the road! We love coming to talk to schools and youth organizations to continue to build awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's and dementia. Send me an email at lkirksey@alz.org or give us at call at 800.272.3900!



ALZNEWS

• Join me in a standing ovation for our first two members of the Walk to End Alzheimer's Champions Club!! Both of our Champions so far have raised nearly $1,000!! The Walk Champions Club is comprised of individuals who raised more than $500. You can find out more by clicking here!
  Champion Club Members: 
  - Joe Mastracci, Team Triad, Wheeling Walk
  - Terri Schneider, Mid Ohio Valley Walk
• This week we head to Ohio Council, a combined policy effort from all of the Chapters that serve Ohio. Our Chapter serves 6 counties in Ohio. If you are interested in our policy efforts in Ohio, email Wendy! 
• We have a number of support groups meeting this week, including two in our Charleston office. One on Tuesday evening at 6 pm, and the other on Wednesday at noon. The support group on Wednesday is specifically for spouses who are caring for a spouse. Click here for other locations & more information.
• Your car is looking a little dirty, you should swing by the the Lazer Wash by the Food City in Bluefield, VA this week, they will donate $1 per car to Walk to End Alzheimer's! 
• Genesis Healthcare is hosting a fundraiser at the Power Park baseball game THIS Friday night! It should be a fun night, and the weather looks great! Contact us if you would like to purchase tickets, they are $5 each! 
• The Elm Grove Eagle Riders #1891 are hosting, Peggy's Run to Benefit Alzheimer's Research, this Saturday. Registration is at 11 am at the Elm Grove Eagles. This ride is inspired by our great friend and long-time volunteer Peggy Everly, who was with Alzheimer's disease. For more information contact, Mis, 304.599.5322 or Mike 304.547.1798. 

Conquering Capitol Punishment Update

I am following my fundraising steps to success!! First, I personalized my fundraising page, and then I made a donation to myself. Self-donation is an important step to let everyone know you are personally invested in your own fundraising! I asked W to sponsor me at $3 per mile, and think I am going to do ask my parents to sponsor me at $3 per mile as well. Which, with my self donation will bring me up to $13/mile! Nearly half of my goal! This week I am going to hit up my social media friends! As far as training goes, this humidity is a killer! My friend Diana and I tried a 7 mile run on Saturday and nearly keeled over! Fingers crossed for a nice breeze on race day! 

Squash Lasagna

Several months ago W came home from a business trip, and had discovered spaghetti squash. He is a big fan now, so I try to find different uses for this delicious vegetable. Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta in any dish! The great part about this dish is there are really endless possibilities for vegetables to be included. Tonight I just added the squash and mushrooms. But, if you have zucchini or spinach on hand throw it in!

Take a spaghetti squash and chop it in half. Be VERY careful, these guys are hard to crack open! Once you get it open, scoop out the seeds and bake upside down at 350 for 45 minutes. 

Hey! Look at that, I have left over sauce from my pizza, and some mushrooms! 

To make this have a lasagna type feel, I like to add the creamy layer. If you want to make this an ultra healthy dish, leave out the ricotta mixture. But, who doesn't love a little extra yumminess! You only need about half of the tub. A little bit goes a long way. 

To the ricotta, add a palm full of Parmesan cheese. 

Followed by about a tablespoon of onion powder, 1/2 tbs of garlic powder, 1 tbs. of Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp. of black pepper. 

Should look a little like this: Now for the fun part, roll up your sleeves and squish! 

Hey look the squash is done! Take your fork and pull the meat from the sides of the squash, see it looks like spaghetti!

Because I did not have very much sauce left, I am adding a little tomato puree to supplement. They are currently only selling it in GIANT cans at Kroger, which is not terrible...but I now have a freezer full of tomato puree. 

Now, it is time to assemble the parts! Put a little sauce down so the squash doesn't stick. 

Then layer in the squash meat. Thinking next time I might try mixing in an egg with the squash to see if it will hold the flat shape. 

Now it is layer time, add a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of sauce...

Followed by my personal favorite layer, mozzarella CHEESE! 

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes covered, followed by 15 minutes uncovered. It won't really cut like a lasagna, you more or less scoop it out. But it is a hearty dish! I would say this recipe will feed 4-5 people. Since it is just the two of us, we packed it in the freezer for one of our many busy nights! 

Until Next Week! 

Laurel K.

lkirksey@alz.org