Purple in the Park for Alzheimer's Set For 'Longest Day'| 08:56PM / Wednesday, June 15, 2016 | |
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Starting at sunrise on Monday, June 20, the longest day of the year, Pittsfield's Park Square will be transformed into a giant timepiece as a way to bring attention to the endurance, strength, and commitment to life of those with Alzheimer's and their caregiver. It's a day that highlights that every day can seem like the longest when one is a caregiver.
Hosted by the Berkshire Alzheimer's Partnership, "The Longest Day" takes place on the summer solstice. It was created to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association. These much-needed funds go to provide care, support and research for families coping with dementia.
Starting at 5:15 a.m., participants will begin to mark off the hours of the longest day of the year right up to sunset at 8:33 p.m. Throughout the day, as the time ticks forward, volunteers will maintain a presence in the park. There will be a short ceremony at 7:30 p.m. that will include music. Among the speakers, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier will share a few words about how, when she was a young girl, she and her family faced the "long goodbye" after the devastating diagnosis of her mother, Margaret.
Community members are invited to stop by at any time during the day to personalize a tribute to a someone with dementia or a caregiver. Donations can be made online here.
WBRK will be broadcasting live from Park Square throughout the day, spotlighting tunes appropriate to the occasion. Local businesses are encouraged to show support with purple in their windows. In addition to WBRK, sponsors include Berkshire Bank, Starbucks, and Otto's Deli.
The Berkshire Alzheimer's Partnership is a coalition of family caregivers, health-care professionals, human-services providers, and others working to support Berkshire families impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementias.
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