WINCHESTER — Few events scream “summer fun” like ice cream on a warm Sunday afternoon.
That’s the point of a June 27 ice cream social at the Winchester Depot, the proceeds of which will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to raise awareness and provide education and support for caregivers.
“I am very involved in the Alzheimer’s Association as a volunteer, a caregiver support group facilitator as well as an advocate,” said Pam Hembrough, who is organizing the ice cream social. “Both of my parents had Alzheimer’s. I’m always trying to find new ways to bring awareness in a way that is a fun event.”
When the idea of an ice cream social came up, it fit the bill, Hembrough said.
The event, which will run from 2 to 4 p.m. June 27, will be outdoors on the Depot grounds on West Cherry Street. It will feature Prairie Farms ice cream with a variety of toppings, pie, cookies, and a musical performance by violinist Meredith Spradlin.
“It’s something different that we’ve never done before,” Hembrough said. “I know Meredith Spradlin personally, and her family also has been touched by Alzheimer’s. It’s designed to be a relaxing afternoon where people can come and enjoy some relaxing fellowship outside.”
Spradlin, the daughter of Henry and Stacie Spradlin of Quincy, is a student at Northern Illinois University, where she is studying violin performance and music education. She has performed with the Quincy Symphony and the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra and has participated in summer music camps including Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, Chicago Suzuki Institute, Ottawa Suzuki Strings Institute and PhoenixPhest.
Spradlin’s music will be more background music than concert performance, with occasional breaks to promote the Alzheimer’s Associations’ efforts, Hembrough said.
While it will be a week late by the time the ice cream social arrives, the event was timed to coincide with the Longest Day — the summer solstice on Sunday — and the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to “fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s” on the day of the year with the most light.
“When you’re an Alzheimer’s caregiver and Alzheimer’s patient, every day is the longest day,” Hembrough said.
The event is free, though donations will be accepted. Money raised will help promote education and awareness, Hembrough said.
“Having gone through this as a caregiver, there’s no training,” she said. “You’re just there and it just progresses and there’s kind of a stigma attached, still.”
Hembrough would like to change that.
“We want people to know they’re not alone in this and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” she said, noting that Alzheimer’s comes with many challenges for all involved. “It’s the lack of education and not knowing what to expect, what other aspects you haven’t considered — health care, safety, financial. It gets to be a struggle; when you phase down into the final couple of levels, it gets to be a real struggle.”
The ice cream social will be a struggle-free afternoon, Hembrough said.
“I want this to be an enjoyable afternoon,” she said. “If I can promote Alzheimer’s awareness, that’s my goal.”
In case of rain, the event will move inside the Depot.
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