Photography West Club members share skills with these in dementia, assisted residing

Local images fanatics have been sharing their printed work across the Sun City West Community in a brand new manner.

Photography West Club Print Competition Chairman Kelly Assmusin mentioned this challenge to share the work of members with these in reminiscence care and assisted residing happened organically. Members of the membership have been reluctant to print matte images for the competitions held inside the membership anymore as a result of after a number of competitions, there was no room to retailer these prints.

“I thought to myself, we have a lot of fantastic photographers in our club,  and this seems crazy to stop for this reason. I knew there had to be a better use for the prints once we were done with them,” mentioned Assmusin.

During this time, he handed by Brookdale Camino del Sol, 14001 W. Meeker Blvd., and determined to cease in. Penelope Weber, who beforehand labored there and is at the moment the Mission and Engagement Director with Oasis Senior Advisors North Valley-Scottsdale, heard his concept and acquired the ball rolling with Assmusin.

He requested the membership members if they’d donate the images, and he would take them to the Alzheimer’s unit and present them to residents.

“Then, Penny developed a comfort room and she took about 20 photos and hung them. People having a bad day can visit the area and possibly draw on memories or open up ideas and just enjoy the photos,” mentioned Assmusin.

He at the moment visits 4 services in Sun City West, together with  Brookdale Camino del Sol,  Brookdale Trail Ridge, Sun City West Assisted Living and Avista Sun City West Memory Care, 12820 W. Beardsley Road. He has collected greater than 600 photos.

Recently, he visited the Nadaburg School District, 32919 Center Street, the place he dropped off a number of images that can be utilized for inventive writing, artwork, along side music and geography. Assmusin mentioned he additionally is aware of Phoenix Children’s Hospital has an  artwork program and he’s wanting in as to whether membership members’ artwork can be useful there.

“This has exploded to the point where I am no longer retired and fully employed to keep going to where I can take pictures and make use of them to feature the club members’ work and give back to the community,” mentioned Assmusin.

On high of the nonetheless images, he mentioned every week membership members current quick and lengthy video applications the place photos are set to music. He can be sharing these, which he mentioned helps with stimulation and might be therapeutic. Assmusin mentioned he loves sharing with membership members that even when their picture didn’t win the competitors, it’s value $1 million to people who get to see it.

“These members are making a donation and their photography is doing more than just collecting dust,” he mentioned.

Without these beneficiant donations, Assmusin mentioned this program wouldn’t exist, including this can be a group service arm that has been opened for members.

Weber mentioned the Our Compassionate Companions Club presents Joy Clubs the place these images are introduced.

“The outstanding, talented, gifted photographer shares his time and talent with audiences everywhere. His presentations impact his audience with images and words – taking them to places they can no longer visit – only in their heart,” she mentioned.

She mentioned she is going to proceed to companion with the Photography West Club and Assmusin to the touch the lives of many people.

Reporter Jennifer Jimenez might be reached at [email protected]. Please submit feedback at yourvalley.internet/letters or electronic mail them to [email protected]. We are dedicated to publishing all kinds of reader opinions, so long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Jennifer Jimenez
Reporter | Sun City West

[email protected]

Meet Jennifer

In 2020, Jennifer Jimenez started working for Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA. She started her profession as a sports activities reporter in Peoria and Glendale, protecting the exact same faculties she used to compete at.  During this time, she additionally labored for tv information, magazines and sports activities radio stations.

Community: Jennifer is a member of the Hall of Fame at Peoria High School the place she graduated in 2001, alongside her father Joe Hernandez. She serves youth soccer gamers as a pro-trainer and coach.  

Education: Grand Canyon University 2005 B.A. Liberal Arts

Ranom Fact: She has a avenue named after her in south Peoria “Jennifer Rose Court.”

Hobbies: Country dancing, teaching soccer, instructing personal swim classes and operating are issues she does for enjoyable.