About Memory Cafés

Do you or a loved one have memory loss? Imagine a community of individuals experiencing memory loss actively engaging in singing, games, activities, conversation, and creative fun. Memory Cafés provide an innovative form of social engagement for people living with dementia, cognitive decline, or other forms of memory loss.

This engaging experience is designed to be enjoyed by those with memory loss as well as their care partners, family, and friends. Memory Cafés create a rich, diverse environment where friendships are built and enjoyed among all those experiencing the journey of memory loss.

What to Expect at a Memory Café

Memory Cafés consist of facilitated activities, informal conversation, and light refreshments. There is no cost to participate. Designed to be interactive, Memory Cafés allow for the person with memory loss and their care partner to interact in ways they had prior to the memory loss. Café themes have included guest speakers and presentations, musical performances, art projects, and games and activities that engage those with memory loss. An experienced facilitator and additional volunteers lead the cafés. The settings are relaxed and comfortable with accessibility for those with mobility limitations. The environment and activities are optimized to help people with memory loss engage in the social gathering. Please visit our Gallery for great photos of our Memory Cafés!

What are the results of participating?

memory loss memory cafe event

Based on survey data from café attendees, they report that cafés aid in combating a major challenge in living with memory loss or caring for someone living with memory loss – social isolation. They also state that the café activities often help with recall of personal memories and provide engaging opportunities that are not otherwise available due to memory loss. Memory Cafés also provide family and care partners with a shared experience and fosters meaningful connections among loved ones and friends.

How did Memory Cafès start?

Memory Cafés were developed in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and have been found to reduce social isolation, provide enjoyable interaction without stigma, act as an entry point for needed resources, and offer access to education and information throughout each person’s memory loss journey.

Memory Café Locations

Questions? Call 920-225-1711 or e-mail [email protected]

Appleton   

Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, March 7– 1:30p 

Bingo with Amy – Let’s shake off the chill of winter with some Bingo. Fun prizes, laughs along the way. 

 

Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E Lourdes Dr, Appleton – Wednesday, March 13 – 10:00a  

Don’t need the luck of the Irish when you have Gary Glazner to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! 

 

Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N Meade Street, Appleton – Thursday, March 21 – 1:30p 

Are you feeling Lucky?? Shake the Dice to find out! 

 

Brillion 

AriensCo Museum, 109 Calumet St, Brillion – Tuesday, March 19 – 1:30 p 

To be determined. 

 

Chilton  

Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Road, Chilton – Tuesday, March 12 – 1:30p 

Mindful Motion in March – Please join us to learn the benefits of mindfulness and movement together. We will participate in some Chair Yoga as a group and enjoy learning the benefit of incorporating mindful motion into our lives to improve our memories and physical well-being! 

  

Freedom  

Buzz’s Pub & Grill, W2116 County Rd S, Freedom – Thursday, March 21 – 1:30p 

Reminisce the good ol’ days down at Buzz’s, chat with Jeff the owner, and bring a picture of the old bowling alley if you have one and challenge yourself to some Freedom Trivia! 

 

Fremont  

Neuschafer Community Library of Fremont, 317 Wolf River Dr, Fremont – Monday, March 4 – 1:30p 

Let’s Do a Jig-Saw Puzzle – We will have a large-piece puzzle competition with prizes for the first one to complete it and green treats while everyone works. 

 

Greenville 

Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville – Wednesday, March 6 – 1:30p 

Stretch your muscles with bands. Learn the many muscles we can train while using an exercise band at this Memory Café. Seated and standing exercise options will be available for all fitness levels. 

 

Kaukauna 

Kaukauna Public Library, 207 Thilmany Road, Suite 200, Kaukauna – Monday, March 11– 1:30p 

Join us for a creative afternoon of storytelling and music, all wrapped up into one. Our favorite volunteers, John and Susan McFadden, will lead us in a Timeslips activity accompanied by song. It’s our lucky day! 

 

 

Kimberly 

Heart of the Valley YMCA, 225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly – Thursday, March 7– 1:30p 

Cancelled, returning in July. 

 

 

 

Kimberly Public Library, 515 W. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly – Wednesday, March 27 – 1:30 p 

With Easter right around the corner, we will be making no-sew bunnies for the holiday. Hop on in and join us! 

 

 

Menasha 

Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St, Menasha – Tuesday, March 26  – 1:30p 

Show and Tell: Bring your favorite book (novel, cookbook, photo of a book) or photos or souvenirs from a place you have traveled, or menu from your favorite restaurant, or tell us about a place that you want to go! We want to learn about you!!! 

 

Neenah 

Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah – Monday, March 18 1:30p  

Come take a virtual field trip to locations near and far with the help of Google Earth Travel! 

 

New London 

Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3380 Rogers Road, New London – Wednesday, March 13 – 1:30p 

Sap to Syrup! Yum! Sweeten your March at our Memory Café! Join us for a syrupy adventure as we tap into the magic of making maple syrup together! 

 

New London Senior Center, 600 W Washington Street, New London – Monday, March 251:30p  

Easter Eggs and Bunny Trails – Fun with eggs and coloring them with some wonderful children! 

 

Oshkosh 

Oshkosh YMCA, 3303 W 20th Avenue, Oshkosh – Wednesday, March 6 – 1:30p  

“March into fun with our Memory Cafe! Strum along as the Oshkosh Ukulele brings a melody of joy to our gathering. Let the good times roll! 

 

Oshkosh Traveling Memory Café at Carmel Crisp Cafe & Café, 200 City Center D, Oshkosh – Wednesday, March 20 – 1:30p  

Get ready to mingle, munch, and master the art of card-making at our Memory Café! Indulge in tasty bakery delights, sip on the magic of homemade hot chocolate, and let the creativity flow. Let’s make memories and cards that are as sweet as our treats! 

 

Waupaca  

Waupaca Fox Valley Technical College, 1979 Godfrey Dr, Waupaca – Monday, March 11 1:30p 

March Madness – We will have our own version of March Madness games with prizes. Games to include ping pong ball toss, balloon games, guess celebrity ages, and Letter “M” trivia. Prizes will be awarded! We will also draw for teams in men’s NCAA basketball tournament. If the person’s team wins, at the April memory cafe they will be given a prize. Game time snack will also be provided.