Council Member Wanika Fisher to Host ‘Chillum Park Day’ for Grand Playground Re-Opening

By PRESS OFFICER
Office of Council Member Wanika Fisher

On Saturday, April 5, District 2 Council Member Wanika B. Fisher, Esq. is partnering with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) to host “Chillum Park Day” to celebrate the reopening of the park’s newly remodeled playground. This family-friendly event will feature guest speakers, a ribbon cutting and rededication, activities, music, community spirit, and an ice cream truck!

“I’m thrilled to co-host this event with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission as we celebrate the reopening of the park and rededication to the community, particularly at a time when many people are feeling disconnected,” said Council Member Fisher. “District 2 is home to many of our county’s children, and as someone who believes that children are our future, I’m delighted to see a space where they can thrive, connect in person, and foster the trust essential for a vibrant community to flourish.”

Registration is recommended but not required. Register here: http://bit.ly/3FJDF7s

The event will take place on Saturday, April 5 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Chillum Park, 5701 16th Avenue Chillum, MD 20782.

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Alzheimer’s Association to Hold Awareness Education Program in Prince George’s County
Community encouraged to attend to learn about Alzheimer’s and dementia, warning signs, and available resources

By CINDY SCHELHORN
Alzheimer’s Association

ARLINGTON, Va. (March 28, 2025)—The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter and the Cedar Heights Community Center in Seat Pleasant are partnering on an Alzheimer’s awareness education program, to be held at the community center on Wednesday, April 23 at 11 a.m. The address is 1200 Glen Willow Dr, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743.

“We are interested in educating our constituents about Alzheimer’s and dementia because it is affecting all of us, either directly or indirectly,” said volunteer Michelle Stroman, who helped to schedule the presentation. “Some of us have family members and friends who have displayed some symptoms of what we think is Alzheimer’s and dementia. We would like to know what we should look for, what we can do to help, and when we should back off.”

Nearly 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, including 127,000 in Maryland. Data released at the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) showed that Prince George’s County ranks fourth among the nation’s 3,142 counties for prevalence of Alzheimer’s in adults age 65+.

The program will provide an overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia and discuss warning signs of the disease, the difference between normal aging and when symptoms of memory loss may reveal a larger problem, and the importance of an early diagnosis. Participants also will hear about both community resources and those provided by the Alzheimer’s Association to support people living with the disease, their families and caregivers.

“It’s critical to educate our community about the importance of having baseline cognitive testing and to learn about all of the free resources the Alzheimer’s Association has,” said Laura Byer, MBA, MSOD, Program Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Presenting the program is Alzheimer’s Association volunteer Michael Smith, who cared for his wife when she was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Since her passing Smith has devoted innumerable hours fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association and acting as both a community educator and support group facilitator with families in the Veterans Administration affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“I am passionate about volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association to honor my late wife Bernita and to ensure that families and caregivers are supported and guided during the challenging journey of caregiving,” said Smith.

The program is free and open to the community. Registration is not required. For more information, call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/nca.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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