Special Events
Dementia Friendly Saline presents
the 2nd Annual
BEST LIFE
SPRING FAIR
Celebrating people with
dementia living their best lives
​
Saturday, May 17th
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
at Liberty School
7265 N Ann Arbor St., Saline MI​
​​
​
Our second Best Life Fair will feature live music and dancing, food, an art and craft sale, representatives from local organizations and health and aging-related businesses, and most importantly, educational presentations for care partners and families of a loved one with dementia. Free, on-site respite care will be available.
We are looking for volunteers to support this event. Please email chelsea.dfsaline@gmail.com if you'd like to help!
PRESENTATIONS
Held in the auditorium at Liberty School
The Art of Redirection
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Presented by Joanna LaFleur, CEO of Memory Lane Foundation
The Art of Redirection is a powerful and practical session designed for caregivers and professionals supporting individuals living with dementia. In this engaging presentation, we’ll explore creative, compassionate techniques to gently shift behavior, reduce stress, and build trust through connection—not confrontation. Attendees will walk away with real-life strategies they can use immediately, grounded in dignity, empathy, and a little bit of humor.
​
10 Essential Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Presented by Isabelle Churchill, Director of Visiting Angels
Choosing the right home care agency is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. This presentation outlines ten essential questions to ask when evaluating potential providers. From understanding caregiver qualifications to assessing emergency protocols and pricing structures, these key inquiries will help you make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term care, this guide will empower you to find a trustworthy and compassionate agency that meets your family's unique needs.
​
Navigating Changes with Care Environment Choices
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Presented by Kathleen Garvey, OTRL
As care partners support their loved one, needs and abilities change. Figuring out next steps can be complicated, but it is always better to be proactive in planning to understand and access options best suited for the person living with dementia. From an occupational therapy lens, the presenter will share ideas about creating the just right fit to sustain well-being and optimal risk taking for meaningful engagement. Is the person living with dementia comfortable and safe where they reside? When might you consider formal residential care options? How do you go about choosing and transitioning? Establishing priorities and parameters, understanding what supports are needed or will be needed, and having contingencies are important. What will your care team strategies be?
Scroll to the bottom of the page for directions and the event map!!
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC
10:00-11: 00 a.m. - Mary and the Huz-Band
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Lee Piper
12:30-2:00 p.m. - Cat Canyon
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Mary and the Huz-band
VISIT THE INFORMATION TABLES
Atria Park of Ann Arbor
Senior Placement Services of Michigan
Brookdale Senior Living West Eisenhower Parkway
Memory Lane Foundation
Alzheimer's Association - Michigan Chapter
Visiting Angels of Washtenaw County
Ageways Nonprofit Senior Services
Comfort Keepers
EHM Senior Solutions
Saline Area Senior Center
Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston
U of M Silver Club Memory Programs
Oasis Senior Advisors
Clarendale Ann Arbor Senior Residences
Jewish Family Services
​
SHOP THE CRAFT SALE
Severtson Pottery
Nicole McKay Art
Katelin's Creations LLP
2 Burly Bees
Docere, LLC
Pam Householder Arts
Sweet E's
Create Ink
Hot Cocoa Co.
Bdesigns
Comfy Chameleon
Dan’s Creative Arts
Mr. Shake n Bake - Woodburning
Yuanfang Guan
Happy Little Whales
Michigan Pottery
Rainy Day Cakes LLC
Bill Grove Fine Woodworking
Cookie Tin Jewelry
The Herbal Basket
Arbor Trading Post
Rosebud Studio, Saline
Handcraftpal
Stitch Crafted Yarn by Sumayya
Imani handmade crafts
Artistry Elements LLC
Nature’s Herbal Remedies, LLC
Marie Hamlin Fabric Flowers
Liberty School is located at 7265 N. Ann Arbor St (Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.) in Saline, MI. We suggest that you enter from N. Ann Arbor St., as opposed to N. Maple Rd.
If you are dropping of passengers, please pull up to Door 2. There will be volunteers available to wait with your loved one while you park. Please DO NOT park in the limited spots by Door 2 - once you have dropped off your passengers, please pull around the building and park in the lot marked on the map.
There will be volunteers at both doors to greet and help you.