The Susquehanna Valley Chorale, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will host a series of events in focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. The schedule of events is as follows:

Premiere performance of an original work

The SVC has commissioned a new choral/orchestral work focused on Alzheimer’s disease. This piece is the first ever commissioned work by the SVC. The piece is called “Alzheimer’s Stories” and was written and composed by Robert S. Cohen and Herschel Garfein. The SVC website collected more than 70 personal anecdotes/stories submitted to the Chorale by people in the Susquehanna River Valley and focused on their experience with Alzheimer’s disease.

The premiere of this unique work at the “Monument to Memory” concert, at 8 p.m., Oct. 9 will kick off the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Chorale.

The concert under the direction of William A. Payn will be held at Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University in Lewisburg. In addition the choral music of American composer Ron Nelson will be featured. Soloists: Ted Keegan, Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber, Alyssa Ronco. There will be a post-concert reception for those in attendance. Concert tickets are $15 and are available by calling 523-1041 or through SVCs website, www.svcmusic.org. Tickets will also be available at the door.

The SVC Wweb site also offers the opportunity for individuals to honor a loved one connected in some way with Alzheimer’s disease. Gifts “in memory of” or “in honor of” can be given online or sent to the Chorale by today. Names of these honored persons will be printed in the Oct. 9 concert program. Anyone wishing to contribute in general to this project is invited to contact the Chorale.

Purple bow project

Show your support of Alzheimer’s research and education by displaying a locally-made purple bow at your home or business. Bows may be purchased from Sept. 8 through Oct. 9. The net profits will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. Proceeds will be used for the delivery of programs and services to individuals and families in the local community, as well as for research. Bows are $20 each. Call Dede at 524-0122 to order a bow.

Art quilt exhibit

“Alzheimer’s: Forgetting Piece by Piece,” is being brought to Lewisburg and displayed at Riverwoods Nursing Facility Oct. 2-4. This nationally-touring exhibit is a 52-art quilt collection, each quilt designed around the Alzheimer’s experience. There will also be book signings by Carole Fulmer and Jeanne Wilhelm and a quilt raffle of a large lap quilt. Donations are welcome. Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Educational lecture at Bucknell:

Dr. James Connor will present “Iron and the Aging Brain: How Do We Keep a Balance?” on Oct. 2 at noon at the Bucknell Biology Building. Co-Sponsored by the Bucknell Biology and Neuroscience Departments.

Continuing education:

Two professional development events will also be held for health care providers and caregivers: Health Care Professional’s Development Event: “Activity Based Alzheimer’s Care,” Oct. 8, all day at the Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. Continuing education credits will be offered.

Caregivers’ Panel Discussion, at 5 p.m. Oct. 15, location TBA, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter.