Jazz For Alzheimer's

Welcome to Wednesday everyone. I’ve got a lot packed into this little column today so stay with me to the end.

First, I want to reflect briefly on Monday. Could you believe how gorgeous it was? I spent the afternoon running errands around town. Within minutes of being out doors, I stuffed my fleece into my bag. I didn’t need it. The temperatures were unbelievable for a mid-November day. I happened to be walking past the Colonial Inn where I saw diners waiting for tables on the porch. Who would have thought you could still comfortably eat a sit-down lunch outdoors on Nov. 14. The tables were full and the wait staff were bustling about, probably just as happy as the diners to be outside on such a beautiful day.

Now, we’ll fast-forward to Sunday, Nov. 20. Emerson Hospital physician and accomplished musician/composer Elliot Steger and his jazz quartet are the featured entertainment once again for the Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership benefit for the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Ninety percent of the $20 ticket price is donated straight to the Alzheimer’s Associations Caregiver Consultation program, which provides badly needed services for the the more than 15 million caregivers nationwide. The benefit concert has already raised more than $100,000. You can order your tickets now by clicking here:  Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership.  

Not only will you have a wonderful afternoon filled with live jazz music, an unnamed source told me delicious desserts will be served. She also said many families take advantage of the event to introduce their children to jazz. The reception to the concert is 2 p.m., Sunday and Elliot Steger and his jazz quartet take the stage at 3 p.m. It is held at Indian Hill Music School in Littleton.

The Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership, based here in Concord, is a partnership of community members and professionals who assist Alzheimer’s patients and their families and caregivers in the following communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Harvard, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.

The event’s primary sponsor is Home Instead Senior Care, however Concord is well represented in the program. Nancy Crowley, executive director of Concord Park and the treasurer of Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership, outdid herself again, as did elder law attorney Margaret Hoag, the folks at the Concord Council on Aging — especially social worker Sally Lopez, Amy Gagne, community relations liaison for Right At Home, Meredith Patterson and Emerson Hospital Home Care.

Elliot Steger is an accomplished pianist and composer who has released five CDs throughout his career. He will be accompanied by Jon Hazilla, John Funkhouser and Tina Horn.

To purchase tickets, again, please click here or contact Nancy Crowley at (978) 402-0088 or ncrowley@slr-usa.com. Tickets will be available at the door; subject to availability.

For more information, please call (866) 447-0009.

This sounds like a wonderful program that supports a worthy cause.

Thursday Author Series

Before closing, I just want to remind you that tomorrow, Thursday, acclaimed first-time novelist Daphne Kalotay will talk about her debut novel “Russian Winter.” I have not read this yet, but I hear it is a real page turner. Come hear Daphne speak and ask her some questions. Books will be for sale and available for signing. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m., in the Periodical Room of the main library.

Thanks so much for your time. Look forward to meeting up with you all again on Friday.

Do you have something you would like to share? Contact me at mcb23@comcast.net or Stefanie at stefanieac@comcast.net and we will be happy to help you spread the good news.