LIBRARY AND SENIOR CENTER HOST STORYTELLER FOR THOSE CARING FOR AGED PARENTS

FITCHBURG: Sharon Kennedy, Grammy-nominated storyteller & performance artist, will present her program “Which one of us is the mother now? Tales from the nursing home: A daughter’s story of love, laughter, and lessons learned; trials, tears and advocacy.” on June 16, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., in O’Neil Hall at the Fitchburg Senior Center hosted by the Fitchburg Public Library and the Fitchburg Senior Center. Ms. Kennedy’s show is for everyone, but especially for those who are facing the task of caring for an elderly parent or those who are doing so and trying to do the best they can. It is for adult children who have parents who are getting a little confused as they grow older, or who have parents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or who are mildly delusional, angry, paranoid, or living in a nursing home or living on their own. It is for the son or daughter who is the chief caretaker or advocate in charge of quality of life and dignity for his/her parent. It is for everyone.

This story includes lots of humor (there are many times when the audience will laugh out loud), plenty of very sweet moments, lovely interactions between a mother and a daughter, moments which may bring tears, and a comforting ending. Come prepared to laugh and cry. Bring a friend, a sibling and/or your parent(s). This may be the just opportunity you need to discuss the difficult topics surrounding end-of-life issues. We will all be there someday. Admission to benefit both the Library and the Senior Center is $7.00 per person or $12 for two. Mail reservations and your payment to Friends of the Library, 610 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Your ticket will be waiting for you at the door. Additional tickets will be available at the door.

"Sharon [Kennedy] weaves a tale of truth...we were spell-bound and left with sustaining images of the endurance of our conections to one another"--Susan Hotchkiss, Middleborough. “Storyteller Sharon Kennedy delights and mesmerizes her audience.”— The Milwaukee Sentinel. “Kennedy has abundant stage charms and spell-binding narrative skills.”— The Boston Globe

For more information about this program, please call the library at 345-9639.