One’s life does not end and one’s value to society does not drop to zero when one is diagnosed with dementia.
This obvious truth was illustrated beautifully recently by the “Grandmas in St. James Neighborhood,” as they style themselves, who donated doggy treats to the Raccoon River Pet Rescue and now have started providing handmade bookmarks to the Perry Public Library.
“We can connect to our communities and lead lives of meaning and purpose even after a dementia diagnosis,” said Mollie A. Clark, director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes, who joined four of the St. James Neighborhood grandmas and several other PLH staffers and Perry Public Library librarians Tuesday morning to restock the bookmark supply.
“Our patrons just love them,” said Perry Public Library Director Mary Murphy, who welcomed the group and their fresh supply of bookmarks to the library. “The bookmarks just seem to fly out of here.”
Murphy was joined in welcoming the PLH delegation by Perry Public Library Deputy Director Misty Von Behren and Perry Public Library Adult Services Librarian Mindy Farmer, and Clark was joined by Perry Lutheran Homes St. James neighborhood “Grandmas” Maria R., Michele F., Genny D. and Kathy S. as well as Perry Lutheran Homes Activity Director Tina Nelson and Perry Lutheran Homes Transportation Services Director Mary Means.
