Gilda Meier, teacher and some of the students walking to raise money to fight Alzheimer’s. From left to right Delaney Walsh, McKinley Walsh, Alexandra Hart, Bianca Laubuschagne and Karley Smith. —Ben Shaw photo
Early in the spring of 2013, Gilda Meier’s sixth grade students ran a bake sale for Alzheimer’s and raised $70. Later in the spring, these same students ran the first Alzheimer’s Walk run by students in the nation and raised $4,330.
After being motivated by Scott Russell, an early onset Alzheimer’s patient, and being involved in legislative action for respite money for caregivers, Ms. Meier’s English class took on an even greater challenge. They organized the Father’s Day walk at the Ridgefield Recreation Center and focused on students and what they could do to help with the cure.
The entertainment for the event was provided by a middle school band, Apollo’s Creed, and George Brennan.
The related activities included a bake sale with special gourmet cakes, hair streaking, face painting, creating alzi animals, a book booth, a wellness table etc.
Big Daddy, Sean McKee, students from Western Connecticut State University and women from St. Stephen’s also helped out.
With no starter money to develop this first kid’s walk, the East Ridge Middle School students had to seek sponsors. They were very thankful for the help from Concentrics, Met Life, Pepsi, Piccolo Pizza, Stop and Shop, The Party Depot, 50 Coins, Ridgefield Hardware, The Olde Crab Hockey Team, the RVNA, the Ridgefield Recreation Department and the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association
For the efforts of her students, Ms. Meier will be awarded a special citation on Aug. 2 by the National Alzheimer’s Association. However, her program will not stop here. Ms. Meier and students are already at work on the June 15 Father’s Day Kid’s Carnival and Walk for 2014. Anyone who is interested in helping with this walk and being on next year’s planning committee may contact shawd@wcsu.edu or call 203-438-5441.
Early in the fall, Silly Mr. Scott, a children’s book about Alzheimer’s written by students and illustrated by Hannah Park, a middle school student from Ridgefield, will be published. There will be a local book signing and the book will be available online, at walks and when Mr. Scott goes into classrooms.
If a classroom, service or youth organization, church or other group, would like a visitation from Mr. Scott’s Alzi Team, use contact above. Mr. Scott and a student will personalize their talk on various aspects of Alzheimer’s as well as brain function, and possible participation in the 2014 Kid’s Carnival and Walk.