Nana’s Books Foundation
This spring, Dr. Dennis Dulniak, co-founder of Nana’s Books Foundation, and I continued the mission of inspiring empathy and understanding through literacy. Over 3,500 grade-appropriate books were delivered to students and libraries in Vermont, New Jersey and Florida. These books were specially curated to educate young readers about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other disabilities in memory of Dennis’ late wife, Nancy Dulniak, a beloved librarian known affectionately as “Nana.”
St. Anthony Catholic School, Washington DC
Dennis Dulniak visited St. Anthony Catholic School in Washington, D.C., on April 7 to deliver more than 600 books to students and classrooms donated by Nana’s Books Foundation as part of an initiative to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other physical and mental disabilities.
During the assembly, Michael Thomasian, the principal of St. Anthony Catholic School, asked Dennis how the number of 613 books was determined. He replied there wasn’t any special significance. He had calculated based on the number of students, classrooms and the library’s needs. Principal Thomasian then noted with a smile that June 13, or 6/13, happens to be the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua, the school’s patron saint.
In the question-and-answer portion of the assembly, Dennis and Principal Thomasian responded to students’ questions. One student asked whether Alzheimer’s was contagious, prompting Dennis to explain that it is not something one can “catch” like a cold. Another student asked, “Once memory is lost, is it gone forever?” Dennis responded that memory loss can vary – sometimes memories return, and sometimes they do not. He also told students that there are more than 100 types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common and widely recognized form.
Throughout the discussion, Dennis emphasized the importance of compassion, understanding and education about people living with memory loss and disabilities. “Awareness is the key to understanding and compassion towards ‘special people,’” said school librarian Cecile Salonga, who initially contacted the foundation and led the months-long application process. “I am grateful to Nana’s Books Foundation for providing our students with 600-plus books and talking with them about Alzheimer’s, dementia and other disabilities.
Principal Thomasian thanked the foundation for both the educational and emotional value of the donation.
Madison County Central School, FL
1,700 books made their way to Madison County Central Wednesday in Madison, Florida, where Nana’s Books Foundation is helping kids fall in love with reading. Hundreds of students, along with teachers and staff, packed the gym at Madison County Central for a special assembly, celebrating a major donation of 1,708 books from the nonprofit Nana’s Books. The donation was made possible in part by Madison neighbors and major sponsors Gordie and Bertha Allen.
All 31 classrooms, the school library and the local public library also received sets of books to support learning beyond Wednesday’s event. Madison County Central is now the 24th Title I school across 11 states and Washington, D.C., to receive a donation from Nana’s Books.
In addition to 1708 books donated to Madison County Central School, three books were donated to the Madison Public Library! Pictured – Toni Gitles, Dennis Dulniak, and Nanette Entriken, Lee Library Branch Manager.
Windsor School, VT
Windsor School became the first in Vermont to receive the Foundation’s donation of 806 books gifted to every student from Pre-K through grade 6, as well as the school and public libraries. During a heartfelt assembly, Dennis shared Nancy’s story and the Foundation’s mission: to build compassion, kindness, and awareness through stories. The highlight of the event was the students’ enthusiastic reactions—smiles, cheers, and heartfelt thank-you notes filled the day with joy.
One of the books shared was I’ll Remember, Poppy by Anne O’Brien Carelli, a story about a young girl and her grandmother with dementia. Every book distributed includes Nancy’s story printed inside, encouraging children to bring the message home to their families. Windsor School was later recognized on April 11 for its commitment to fostering kindness through literacy, joining the 23 other Title I schools across 11 states and Washington, D.C. who have participated in this meaningful program.
Pine Grove Manor, NJ
Toni, Dennis, and Craig Dulniak (Foundation Secretary and son of Dennis and Nancy) visited Pine Grove Manor School and delivered 1,014 books to 346 students, 21 classrooms, and the school library.
This event honored former school librarian Sylvanie Phills and emphasized literacy as a pathway to empathy and inclusion. During the assembly and classroom visits, Dennis and Craig read from several of the donated books, reinforcing messages of love, understanding, and caregiving.
Dementia-Friendly Dining
Co-founders Dennis Dulniak and Toni Gitles are thrilled to have the signature steakhouse A Land Remembered as the first fine dining option in the community of restaurants offering Dementia-friendly Dining. A Land Remembered offers their Fine Dementia-friendly Dining every 1st and 3rd Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. by reservation only at 407-996-8588 or 407-996-9770. Download Menu.
Dan Giordano, General Manager of Rosen Shingle Creek said “From the moment that I was introduced to the dementia-friendly dining initiative, I had an innate sense that this effort was a perfect correlation with our company’s core principles and mission.
All of us at Rosen Hotels & Resorts look forward to making a difference in the lives of not only those afflicted with dementia, but the ever so important caregivers as well. I remain excited about the prospect of expanding our reach and anxiously await the opportunity to introduce our property to this organizations’ participants.”
Dennis Dulniak responded, “There is a definite need to provide accommodations among our unique populations with dementia for creating quality life experiences and fond memories, and A Land Remembered private dining room provides an exceptional opportunity for families to celebrate in style!
Dementia-Friendly Dining
Co-founders Dennis Dulniak and Toni Gitles are thrilled to have popular Hollerbach’s become the first German option and expand the number of community restaurants offering Dementia-friendly Dining!
Available every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3 – 5 pm!
Chief Operating Officer Chris Cremen said “At Hollerbach’s, we are delighted to support Dementia-friendly Dining because we believe in creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all members of our community. It’s important to us that everyone, regardless of their challenges or differences, feels comfortable and valued when they visit our restaurant.
By participating in Dementia-friendly Dining initiatives, we can help raise awareness, foster understanding, and ensure that individuals living with dementia and their caregivers can enjoy a positive dining experience with dignity and respect. Joining this great effort toward the dementia-friendly community aligns with our commitment to compassion and hospitality, making our restaurant a place where everyone can feel at home and experience gemütlichkeit.
Southern Caribbean Seafarer Dementia Friendly Cruise January 26 to February 4, 2024
Round trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL! Join us on a dementia-friendly cruise and caregiver retreat to the Southern Caribbean! This Elite-supported voyage invites caregivers and their loved ones to escape the winter weather and have fun in the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
We offer the following on each Elite Supported Cruise so you can bring your loved ones and enjoy life to the fullest:
Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7, as well as trained support staff. Staff to client ratio is 1:4.
Meet and greet at airport
Accompanied excursions
Group dinner seating
Exclusive group events such as music therapy, interactive educational and support seminars for caregivers, and Memory Café sessions that ensure all caregivers have time to themselves each day.
Clients with neurological diagnoses, post CVA, slow walkers, diabetes, heart disease, and families that feel more comfortable with RN clinical support are appropriate to travel with us.
Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as scooters, power wheelchairs, etc.
Connect with other caregivers on our cruises and find the support you need with caregiver circles and educational seminars on caregiving managing, self care, diagnosis/prognosis, and neuroplasticity concepts and activities. These sessions are exclusively for our group and feature new guest speakers on each voyage as well as our team of professionals including Kathy, a geriatric neurology nurse with adaptive technology certification. Additionally get the time to regroup, relax, and recharge with daily two hour respite sessions where our team will take over your caregiving duties and you have the break you deserve.
NEW FOR CAREGIVERS: We now feature caregiver breakfasts! Join other caregivers for a breakfast with your new friends while the Elite staff takes over and makes sure your loved ones enjoy their favorite morning foods. You deserve a relaxing start to your day and a chance to enjoy breakfast at your own pace!
Myasthenia Gravis Health Fair
In November, I enjoyed the Myasthenia Gravis Health Fair in St Petersburg Florida where I sold books and connected with patients living with MG and their caregivers. I was honored to meet in person and talk with Neurologist Alan Weiss, M.D.! Dr Weiss regularly visits the virtual MG Support Groups to answer questions and provide updates on new drugs being released.
Dementia-Friendly Cruising 2023
Caregiver Conference & Support: Connect with other caregivers on our cruises and find the support you need with caregiver circles and educational seminars on caregiving managing, self care, diagnosis/prognosis, and neuroplasticity concepts and activities.
“Toni Gitles is a favorite guest speaker of ours, and she always has some wonderful insights to share during caregiver workshops. We love seeing caregivers return home relaxed, reenergized, and ready to conquer their caregiving tasks with new tools and resources.”
Growing Bolder &
Senior Resource Alliance
What an amazing day in Winter Park Florida at the Center for Health & Well Being and a community day sponsored by Growing Bolder and the Senior Resource Alliance. Loved speaking with people about their caregiving experience.
Marc Middleton, local TV personality, and founder of Growing Bolder, has done some programs on caregiving, but focuses on healthy aging. Looking forward to collaborating on future projects!
Orange County
Retired Educators Association
Enjoyed my time with the Orange County (Florida) Retired Educators Association talking about Mistakes Caregivers Make 10.5.2023. Contact me if you are looking for an in-person speaker in Central Florida. I am also available for virtual sessions.
Dementia-Friendly Dining
Starting October 2nd: the latest Central Florida Dementia-friendly Dining restaurant – Pepe’s Cantina-Oviedo (3100 Alafaya Trail), joins an updated list of safe, wonderful places for foodies to take their Loved One with dementia.
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2 – 4 pm, enjoy taking your Loved One with dementia to dine in safety with trained personnel to create fond memories. Reservations Requested at 407-542-060
Alzheimers Foundation of America
Dennis and I visited the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in NYC, where we received an exceptional reception! For more information about this incredible organization and how to support the mission, go to alzfdn.org.
Lion’s Braille Press Book Assembly
Dennis and I attended a Lions International Conference where we participated in the Lion’s Braille Press Book Assembly service project. Watch us work here, Lions and Leos assembled braille books at #LCICon2023.
Dennis and I at the 105 Lions International Convention at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Dennis and I carefully prove QC (quality control) to assure the 38 pages had the printed and accompanying Braille sheets.
