This November, KPC is excited to partner with Jefferson House Memory Care in Kirkland and Taproot Theatre to offer a Momentia improv class to students with early stage memory loss. Taproot Theatre started its work with the Momentia Movement in 2011, and has been working with other organizations around Washington offering theater and improv classes through the Momentia Movement.

Momentia is a grassroots movement empowering persons with memory loss and their loved ones to remain connected and active in the community. The movement declares a new dementia story; a story not of fear, isolation, despair, futility and loss, but a story of hope, connection, growth, purpose and courage. Organizations across Seattle have been offering Momentia classes and programs for years, and now it is time for Momentia to come to the eastside.

KPC is offering a Pilot Momentia Improv class on November 25, 2019 from 10:30-11:30am that is free of charge and open to up to 20 students, with the hope that this program will be able to become a regularly scheduled class several times a year at KPC. Improv and imagination are used in this class to offer an in the moment experience where memory is not required. Pam Nolte, one of the founders of Taproot and a professional teaching artist will be leading this pilot improv class at KPC. This pilot class is sponsored by KPC and Koelsch Senior Communities/Jefferson House Memory Care in Kirkland.

The main goal of expanding the Momentia Movement to KPC and the Eastside is to bring these types of activities and experiences to more people with early stage memory loss. Activities that engage the senses have movement components are very beneficial to people with memory loss, and help them feel more connected to their communities. This program aligns with KPC’s mission to create a community connected by culture, this program aligns with that and helps connect with another part of the Kirkland community.

Here is a little bit more about the improv class this month, “improv is all about saying, ‘YES’, to whatever happens IN THE MOMENT in creative play. Taproot’s trained improv teachers lead memory loss classes, and students excel in this creative setting, utilizing multiple areas of memory that still function well. The end result is a feeling of success and accomplishment in a class filled with laughter and social connection,” explains Pam Nolte, Taproot Theatre Co-founder and Teaching Artist. There is no memory requirement, just the delight of participating in a creative experience that releases the imagination while giving a sense of accomplishment, self-confidence and social enrichment.

If you or someone you know has early stage memory loss and wants to participate in this class, please RSVP by emailing JeffersonhouseED@koelschsenior.com to save your spot.

For more information on the Momentia Movement, click here.