Dear Friends,   As you all know, Chris has been struggling with the onset of Alzheimer’s. This has been very challenging for our family, and we had begun trying to find some outside help this past year. Unfortunately, Chris is just too active for the type of care that most agencies provide. We are at a middle ground where she needs help, but in the form of visits and check-ins, not in the form of people doing stuff for her. She is frustrated and scared by this disease, but she is still taking herself on solo walks, listening to music and books on tape, and interacting with people. At the same time, our beloved Bob has just turned 75, no spring chicken (I can see him rolling his eyes!). He is still strong, optimistic, and still involved with his outdoor community. We know how important it is for our elders to maintain their activity levels and community involvement if we want to keep them around, and we all want to keep Bob around. For this reason, we have been very protective of his time working with the National Ski Patrol and as a patroller with the Whitetail Ski Patrol. We am looking for a way that he can continue to participate as we view these activities as one of the best ways for him to continue to provide for himself and Chrissy over the next 10-20 years. During winter, he goes to Whitetail to patrol on Tuesday and Thursday from 6 am – 6 pm. The 'help calendar' posted below aims to allow folks to sign up for a time (around midday) to check in with Chrissy on the two days per week Bob is up at Whitetail. Bob has already prepared breakfast and lunch for her, and she can eat them herself. If you also have time for a visit, so much the better. As seen in the calendar below, the days Chrissy is by herself are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays through to the beginning of March. If you have more time and would like to take a walk, share a snack/coffee over the kitchen table, or go on an outing with her, that is welcome. But the basic check-in is the primary goal of this ‘help calendar.’ Bob calls her two to three times a day when he’s gone, but a person-to-person check-in is the best. These check-ins will also facilitate her having some 1-on-1 time with her special friends, as her ability to create those opportunities for connection has dwindled due to the phone and email being hard for her to navigate. You are all friends that have had longstanding relationships with Chrissy. Friends whom she loves, trusts, and would immensely enjoy seeing :) We all thank you for your love and support. Love, Jonathan