October’s Memory Café at Bethel

Alber’s Orchard. Photo courtesy of Della Smith.

submitted by Della Smith, Bethel Church UCC

Every fourth Wednesday of the month through October 2025, from 1 to 3 pm, Bethel Church UCC has been holding a Memory Café. A Memory Café is a social opportunity for people with dementia or memory difficulties and their caregivers (this is not a drop-off event; caregivers must stay) to engage in activities, see programs, and enjoy refreshments (of course we’ll be having Alber’s amazing donuts and cider this month!) in a low-key, safe atmosphere with easy parking and access with minimal obstacles.

Our Wednesday, October 22, program will feature information about Alber’s Orchard and its history. It will be presented by Therese Bossory, who, with her husband, purchased the orchard from the Alber family in 1999. The Alber family had been the only owners since 1881! Mike and Therese seek to maintain and preserve the local history and traditions of the area, growing more than 100 varieties of apples, many of which are heirloom varieties no longer available in grocery stores. They have also modernized the original 1890 Mount Gilead Cider Press.

This is a community activity and everyone is welcome. We ALL wear name tags, make friends, and have a good time. This event is free, thanks to generous sponsors and donations. Bethel Church UCC is located at 10425 Bethel Church Rd, Manchester. If you need a ride, the WAVE bus will take you! Call 734-475-9494 to book your ride.

This will be the last Memory Café of the year, so we hope to see you there!

More information: Leave a message at the church office, 734-429-8530, or call the Hands for Local Missions lead, Betty Harper, at 734-218-2988.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.