Caregivers and loved ones attend festive Christmas party in Clarendon

Photos courtesy of Dana Jessmer: (Left) Nearly two dozen individuals and their caregivers attended a Christmas party in their honor on Dec. 2 at the Clarendon Historical Society. Here, they listen to Ryan Klatt on vocals and guitar. (Right) Beulah and Pam Jenks enjoy each other’s company during a Christmas party Dec. 2 to celebrate the Caregivers Revitalize program.

CLARENDON – More than 50 attendees attended a festive Christmas party on Dec. 2 at the Clarendon Historical Society to celebrate the Caregivers’ Revitalize program. The evening offered a much-needed evening of relaxation and connection for Orleans County caregivers and their loved ones.

The event from 4 to 7 p.m. featured a dinner provided by 58 Main BBQ & Brew, along with cookies and pies for dessert. Guests were also treated to live music by Ryan Klatt, whose performance was so well received, that he continued playing until 9 p.m., way beyond his scheduled end time.

The event, funded by United Way of Orleans County with a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Caregiver Support Initiative, provided an evening of food, music and camaraderie.

“We want to get the word out to Orleans County caregivers that we are here to help support them,” said Samantha Koons, site coordinator of Clarendon Caregivers Revitalize. “Sometimes you need time away from caring for your loved one – to run errands, attend a doctor’s appointment or simply take a much-needed break. Social gatherings like this help to reduce stress and foster connections among caregivers for ongoing support. I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this event a success.”

The Caregivers Revitalize program provides a welcoming environment, where caregivers and their loved ones can receive support and re-establish social ties within their community. A caregiver is anyone who assists a spouse, parent, family member, friend or neighbor with tasks, such as medication management, medical appointments, mobility, personal care, housework shopping or meal preparation.

“Tuesday’s party was truly a great event,” said caregiver Pam Jenks. “To have a small gathering like that with others who have been caregivers or are current caregivers is truly heartwarming. This organization is unselfish and willing to take time to help others so caregivers can take a break. My life is dedicated to my mom, helping her every day. Unfortunately, she has Alzheimer’s, but her spirit is still here with us. Especially when special events like this include songs from her time. As in her picture here with me, mom is singing ‘Take Me Home, Country Road.’ It truly warms my heart that the little things like this bring her back.”

Respite sites are located at the Clarendon Historical Society, 16426 Fourth Section Rd., (Route 31A), Clarendon, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; and at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 South Main St., Albion (Park Street entrance only) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Both sites are closed on holidays.

For more information about respite sites or volunteer opportunities, call (585) 209-9151 or (585) 208-4999; or e-mail Caregiversrevitalize@gmail.com. They can also be followed on Facebook at Caregivers Revitalize – Orleans County, NY.