The event will begin with an address by Genova and theatrical vignettes depicting key scenes in the book performed by local actors will follow.  The morning will conclude with a panel of experts discussing issues and themes depicted in the scenes.

Allentown native, Brian McDermott, whose original plays have been performed at The Pennsylvania Playhouse, York Little Theatre, and Lebanon Community Theatre, adapted the novel into a one-act play for the workshop. Local director, Ralph Montessano will lead a group of seven actors in dramatizing the very moving and relevant novel in order to convey the fact that those who live with dementia are more than the sum of their memories.

Lisa Genova holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Harvard University and is an online columnist for the National Alzheimer’s Association. She was inspired to write the book after her grandmother’s struggle with the disease left her wondering what it was like from the point of view of the person with Alzheimer’s disease.

The workshop is free and open to the public but registration is required.  Visit www.phoebe.org/newsandevents to register online or contact Helen Haas at 610-794-5135 or hhaas@phoebe.org.

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Phoebe Ministries is the Allentown-based, multi-service organization specializing in health care, retirement communities and support services for older adults throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania.  Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Phoebe Ministries has been serving the needs of older adults since 1903.  Today, more than 2,300 senior adults are served throughout Phoebe’s 16 communities.