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Peace of Mind Post August 2025 I HAVE A DREAM, TOO Reimagining Dementia Care in America
On Aug. 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. That moment, full of hope and vision, has always inspired me. And while my dream doesn’t echo from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, it’s one I carry close to my heart every day. If you asked me what my dream is for the office, I’d tell you without hesitation: I want to be the go-to resource for anyone in Western Pennsylvania living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or caring for someone who is. I want families to know they’re not alone and they have somewhere to turn for answers, guidance, support, and, most importantly, compassion. But that’s only the beginning. My larger dream is to help change how we approach dementia care across the United States. That dream was solidified after I spent a week in Amsterdam, including three unforgettable days at the Hogeweyk, also known as the Dementia Village. I struggle to even call it “care” — it was so much more than
that. It was dementia support, a living, breathing model of what’s possible when we focus on the person, not just the disease. The residents live in homes that mirror their lifestyles before their diagnosis. There’s a grocery store, a theater, gardens, and even a pub. The entire environment is designed to feel as normal and fulfilling as possible. It’s person-centered care, where they emphasize what people can do, not what they’ve lost. That’s what stood out most to me: the sense of dignity and empowerment everywhere I looked. Seeing it firsthand reminded me that we can do better here, and I’m determined to be a part of that change. Back home, I’m doing everything possible to bring that mindset and approach to our office, community, and the families walking through our doors. But I know I can’t do it alone. That’s why we are proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association. Their mission is to end Alzheimer’s completely. They’ve even said their dream is to go out of business one day, because that would mean a cure has been found. Until then, they’re funding vital research, advocating for better treatments, and supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their caregivers. One of the ways we support the Alzheimer’s Association is through our annual fundraiser. This year, we hosted The Longest Hill on the Longest Day on the summer solstice. It was such a fun event — my donkey, Betty, was our guest of honor! To raise support and awareness, I walked and ran 29.86 miles. I’ll admit it took a full week before my legs felt normal again. But you know what? I’d do it again in a heartbeat. There was something almost joyful about the challenge as I put one foot in front of the other for a greater purpose. Here’s the thing: This work is personal, meaningful, and it matters. My dream is to see a future where Alzheimer’s doesn’t devastate families anymore. Where we empower, educate, and uplift those impacted and people living with dementia are not sidelined or institutionalized, but supported to live lives of meaning, connection, and dignity. That’s the dream I wake up for every morning, and I’ll keep walking toward it, every step of the way.
Julie and Amy after tackling the Longest Hill on the Longest Day to help end Alzheimers.
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A tiny desert town along Route 66 in Arizona is home to a new hero — a big, shaggy ranch dog who rescued a toddler lost in the desert this past April. Two-year-old Boden Allen was missing from his Seligman, Arizona, home for 16 hours when a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford appeared in his master’s driveway with the child at his side — 7 miles from Boden’s home. Buford’s owner, Scotty Dunton, had heard about the child’s disappearance. “I noticed my dog was sitting by the entrance (to his ranch),” he said, “and the little kid’s standing there with my dog!” He calmed the child, who was Rancher’s Dog Rescues Toddler Lost in the Desert DESERT HERO
WHEN MEMORY FA Talking to Children About Alzheimer’s in a
When a loved one begins showing signs of Alzheimer’s, it can be confusing and even a little scary for adults and children. But with a little compassion, honesty, and patience, you can help children make sense of what’s happening in a way that supports both their understanding and emotional well-being. Use simple, age-appropriate language. Children don’t need to understand the science of Alzheimer’s to grasp the changes they’re seeing. For young kids, you might say, “Grandma’s brain is getting sick, and that makes it harder for her to remember things or act the way she used to.” Keep the message clear and gentle. Older kids might be ready for a more detailed explanation, especially if they’ve already noticed something isn’t right. Create a safe space for emotions.
to honest conversati like, “Did anything to or “How are you feel Grandpa?” Encourag what’s in their hearts the changes in a hea Involve them in me When appropriate, in simple caregiving ac help brush Grandma picture, or read alou These small gesture their loved one but a connected and empo things feel uncertain Prepare them for w Alzheimer’s can caus personality, memory, Prepare your child ah might forget your nam doesn’t mean he doe it clear that these cha illness, not anything
unharmed except for a few scrapes and nicks, and gave him water and food while calling authorities. Dunton was overjoyed. “I was ecstatic that he was okay and that my dog found him,” he said.
Let your child know their feelings are valid. They might feel sad, frustrated, or even embarrassed, and that’s okay. Open the door
Dunton asked Boden if he had been walking all night, and the child
told him no, he had been lying under a tree. “Did my dog find you?” Dunton asked Boden. He wasn’t surprised when the child said yes. Dunton traced the little boy’s tracks
more than a mile from his ranch, with Buford’s paw prints beside them. “That’s what he does,” Dunton said of Buford. “He loves kids. I can imagine he wouldn’t leave him when he found him.” Dunton’s discovery of the little boy ended an anxious 16-hour search by more than 40 search-and-rescue volunteers, sheriff’s deputies, and state public-safety officers. Wearing only a tank top and pajama pants, Boden had wandered away at about 5 p.m. into rugged desert terrain, where two mountain lions were spotted later that night. Boden’s frantic parents had reported his absence to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Dunton says he wasn’t surprised by Buford’s protective behavior. “He is a guardian dog. He patrols all night and keeps coyotes away,” he says. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a crossbreed, a combination of a Great Pyrenees and an Anatolian shepherd, known for its intelligence, gentleness, and protective nature. In appreciation for their neighborhood hero, Buford’s admirers piled chew toys, bones, and other gifts on Dunton’s doorstep for days after the rescue.
Puzzle Time!
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ions with questions oday feel confusing?” ling after our visit with ging them to express s helps them process althy way. eaningful ways. nclude children in ctivities. They could a’s hair, draw a ud from a favorite book. es not only comfort also help kids feel owered, even when n. what may happen. se changes in , and communication. head of time: “Grandpa me today, but that esn’t love you.” Make anges are part of the they’ve done wrong. FADES a Grandparent
The Power of a Good Book
Focus on love and connection. Even when memories fade, love remains. Help your child recognize that hugs, smiles, and shared moments still matter deeply. Remind them: “Just being there helps. You’re making a difference.” Walk the journey together. Helping kids understand Alzheimer’s in a grandparent or relative is a process, not a one-time talk. With gentle guidance, honest conversations, and lots of love, your child can learn how to navigate this emotional journey with empathy and courage.
Remembering the Story That Stole My Young Heart National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9 always makes me stop and think: I wish I read more. These days, most of what I read is for work: emails, documents, and reports. I don’t sit down with a good book nearly as often as I’d like. But when the topic of favorite books came up, one immediately came to mind from my childhood. Have you ever heard of “And Miles to Go” by Walter Farley? Farley is better known for “The Black Stallion” series, but “And Miles to Go” is different. It’s a true story, a biography of a horse born in Poland just before World War II. As someone who was a history geek and totally horse-obsessed as a kid, it was the perfect combination. The book traces the horse’s life through the chaos of wartime Europe. When Germany invaded Poland, the breeders at state-run farms tried to save their horses by walking them through the forest to keep them from falling into enemy hands. It’s a fantastic story about resilience, culture, and how deeply war and authoritarianism affect every part of life, even things most people wouldn’t think about, like a national horse breeding program. The pride they had in their horses and the lengths they went to protect them were incredible. I read that book so many times that I literally wore the cover off. It was such a compelling story, not just because it was about a horse, but because it brought history to life in a way I’d never seen before. The horse eventually made it to the U.S. and became a prominent figure in the Arabian breed here. I haven’t read “And Miles to Go” in years, but writing about it now gives me the urge to pull it out. It definitely still lingers in my heart after all these years, like all good books do.
Summer Chickpea Salad
Inspired by HowSweetEats.com
Ingredients
• 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 4 green onions, thinly sliced • 2 ears grilled corn, kernels cut from the cob • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp honey • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed • 1 lime, zested and juiced
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onions, corn, tomatoes, basil, and chives. 2. Toss well with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, lime juice, and zest. 4. Whisk until the mixture is warm and garlic begins sizzling. 5. Pour over the chickpea mixture and toss well to coat. 6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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A Dream Bigger Than Myself
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Against All Odds, a Ranch Dog Brings a Lost Toddler Home Guiding Kids Through a Loved One’s Alzheimer’s That One Book I Couldn’t Put Down Summer Chickpea Salad
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The Nuttiest Car in America
Food companies have tried every trick in the book to get your attention, but few can beat the simple charm of a giant snack rolling down the street. It all started early in the 20th century when people dressed up cars with quirky decorations to drum up business. The most famous example came in 1936, when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile hit the road and turned heads everywhere it went. The tradition is still alive today, and the newest edition is as nutty as they come. Blue Diamond’s Nutty Cruiser is a 20-foot-long almond on wheels, designed to spread the love for almonds across America. It even has an almond cannon that will shoot small bags of almonds on tiny parachutes, just in case the giant almond wasn’t enough to grab your attention. Inside, it has room for 10,000 snack packs, making it one of the tastiest vehicles on the highway. The Nutty Cruiser tours state fairs, sporting events, and festivals and draws a crowd wherever it goes. Drivers say it handles surprisingly well, thanks to its smooth, aerodynamic design — though they still get pulled over by curious police officers who just want a closer look. From hot dogs to nuts, food-shaped vehicles have a strange way of sticking around. Maybe it’s because they’re fun, a little bit ridiculous, and impossible to ignore. In a world full of billboards and pop-up ads, there’s still something special about spotting a giant almond cruising down the highway. THE NUTTY CRUISER ROLLS OUT Food on Wheels
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