Trick or Trot event to Support Dementia Training scholarships

Come one, come all, on Saturday, Oct. 7, as CSU Extension has collaborated with Holyoke FCCLA to bring the Trick-or-Trot, 1 mile/5k costume walk or run back to Phillips County . This fun costume walk/run aims to help raise awareness surrounding Dementia. This community-wide event will be held at Holyoke's new Firehall at 118 S. Belford Ave. The registration table will open at 4 p.m. for shirt pick-ups and costume judging, with the walk/run starting at 5 p.m. Whether you sign up for the 1 mi or 5k, the route will pass the backside of Regent Park for residents to enjoy the costumes. No costume? No Problem! Wear some purple to support Alzheimer's Awareness. 

All proceeds from the Trick-or-Trot Event will allow families and caregivers to receive a scholarship for dementia care training and coaching through the DAWN Method® Training series. The Dementia and Alzheimer's Wellbeing Network, better known as The DAWN Method®, is the kind, strength-based, person-centered approach to dementia care that trains families and caregivers (in-home and professional) to capitalize on the skills dementia does not take away. When families and caregivers understand what their loved ones can still do, they can create a more comfortable home caregiving environment.

The event will conclude with a free-will donation meal starting around 6 p.m. to break in the new Holyoke Firehall. Prizes will be announced, and Jill Couch, MS, licensed Occupational Therapist, Certified DAWN Dementia Specialist and founder of Better People Care, will speak and answer community questions.  Make sure to visit the Dementia booth to pick up additional resources.

Family Career and Community Leaders of America Northeastern Colorado's District President and Vice President of Holyoke's Chapter, Elly Brown, will use the event to support her FCCLA project this year. "A year ago, I never would have thought to be a part of a project like this, but now that I am in the inner workings, it is definitely one of the most rewarding projects I have ever participated in. I wanted to make a huge impact this term, and one of the biggest impacts I know this project will make is supporting and acknowledging that a part of my town's community has few resources compared to more urban areas. While Dementia and Alzheimer's will always be a factor in people's lives, finding ways to support each other while bringing resources and education to the area will make that impact." When asked what she is most excited about, she stated, "I can't wait to see all of the community involvement as we run/walk the streets as a community working hand-in-hand with each other as we strive to promote a greater understanding in people of all ages and backgrounds." 

This event has fun prizes for different costume categories and an excellent discount for group registration (5-8 individuals). If a group of eight were to register, they would receive a 50 percent discount. For those of you with teams, organizations, families, or other groups, this is a fun team-building experience for a great cause. 

Make sure to have registration forms returned to Holyoke High School's Office no later than Sept. 27 to guarantee a t-shirt. For more information, scan the QR code below, visit Holyoke FCCLA's Facebook page or contact Karen Ortner, Holyoke FCCLA Advisor – [email protected] or Stephanie Starkebaum, Family & Consumer Science CSU Extension Specialist, (970) 854-3616 or [email protected].