January 23rd from 9:00 am - 11:00 am
AlohaCare is sponsoring a Farm Fresh Pop-up event at Kalakaua Homes to provide free local produce and community resources. There will be SNAP and Med-QUEST Assistance, Meals on Wheels, Emergency Preparedness, Memory Screenings, Brain Health info, and Distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, while supplies last.
Host: AlohaCare
January 29th from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
The Cultivating Care: Memory Café is a monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Held at Ho‘ōla ʻĀina Pilipili Accessible Garden site, each gathering offers a welcoming outdoor space to connect, create, and build community through meaningful, accessible activities.
The garden includes wide pathways, shaded areas, seating, accessible restrooms, lighting, and nearby parking. We provide all tools, gloves, and garden materials, and serve light refreshments at each session. Registration is required, and a map with parking and site details will be shared upon sign-up.
Participants will be asked to sign in at the event and complete a brief evaluation form to support and improve the program. Our sessions will provide a supportive, relaxing environment.
2026 Memory Café Dates & Themes (Monthly on Thursdays at 4:30–6:00 PM):
Host:
Melody Halzel
Email: mhalzel@hawaii.edu
February 11th from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Free half-day training that will aid staff at Hawaii agencies and organizations as well as family caregivers to assess, record and observe cognitive function over time in persons aging with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
In-person event with remote Zoom uplink available. Parking instructions will be sent to registrants who plan to attend in person. Lunch and handouts will be provided.
After the training, attendees will be able to:
• Describe clinical manifestations, incidence/prevalence, and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in persons with Intellectual Disability (ID) with emphasis on Down syndrome
• Share an overview and rationale for use of the NTG-EDSD, an administrative screen designed to detect dementia-related changes in persons aging with ID
• Describe how Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of dementia (BPSD) manifest in persons with IDD
• Develop an approach to managing BPSD that includes behavioral & environmental interventions as primary, and psychotropic medications as secondary, in partnership with healthcare professionals
• Understand how to complete the NTG-EDSD tool with persons aging with ID and their caregivers or whoever knows them best
• Know when the tool can be administered and kept in the person’s records – how and why it can be shared with the person’s physician
• Describe the challenges encountered in accurately diagnosing dementia with individuals living with IDD, and the rationale for using the NTG-EDSD tool to track cognitive changes over time to share with and help physicians with person-centered assessment and treatment options
Trainer: Ritabelle Fernandes, MD, MPH is a Professor at the Dept. of Geriatric Medicine, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii. She is also Medical Director of Population Health at AlohaCare. She is a certified Regional Trainer for the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices. Dr. Fernandes championed memory clinics across the state to provide comprehensive, person-centered dementia care. She has served on the Doctors workgroup for the State Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia.
Learn more about the work and resources of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.
To find out more about the NTG-EDSD for physicians, staff, advocates, and families, and translation of the tool into other languages: https://www.the-ntg.org/ntg-edsd
Host: Catholic Charities Hawaii
Jody Mishan
(808) 295-2624
jmishan@hawaii.rr.com
Phone: (808) 527-4777
February 11th from 10:00 am - 11:30 am
A new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, another dementia, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can bring a lot of questions, and can feel overwhelming. Please know you do not have to navigate the journey alone. The Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii is hosting an in-person 3-part series for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, or MCI in February 2026. You’ll have a chance to talk story with others, learn what to expect, how to build a care team, and plan your next steps with more confidence and hope.
Participants will learn about the progression of the disease, effective communication strategies, and tools to navigate daily challenges while fostering a sense of connection and hope. This course provides guidance, resources, and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
*This program is intended for persons living with dementia. Their care partner is welcome however caregiver participation is limited to supporting the care recipient (person living with dementia).*
Registration is required. Seats are limited to 12 people.
Host:
Gina Plummer, Oahu Program Manager
Email: geplummer@alz.org
Phone: 808.518.6648
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