WESTFIELD — Westfield’s Monday Night Club recently met for an evening of fellowship, fun and learning. Guest speaker was Gail Boardway, the coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Respite program which meets the second Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westfield United Methodist Church. The Westfield group is currently the only group located in Chautauqua County.

This is an incredibly helpful and free service which offers social companionship, meaningful activities and active engagement for people living with dementia. The service allows caregivers to leave their loved ones in trusted hands and tend to their own needs during the 4-hour program. Each person living with dementia is matched with a volunteer ‘buddy’ who has been trained by the Alzheimer’s Association to understand the unique challenges and rewards of working with individuals living with dementia.

This is a totally volunteer-run organization which operates through the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York. If anyone might be interested in helping, training is provided in Westfield and volunteers are definitely needed.

This Respite has room for more individuals to take advantage and for caregivers to gain a little free time. 4 free hours could give you a golf game, shopping outing or lunch with a friend, just to name a few.

If anyone would like more information, please contact Boardway at 716-867-2319.

The meeting was hosted by Roxanne Baideme, Marilyn Easton and Linda Koenig.