02 Oct U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky to Introduce There is a Bridge at Chicago Premiere
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky will introduce the new Alzheimer’s documentary, There Is a Bridge, at its Chicago premiere October 16, 2007 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Pinsky will be joined by the documentary’s producer and director, families of people with Alzheimer’s and Chicago students participating in an innovative program pairing teens with people who have Alzheimer’s disease, all of whom are featured in the film. Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. and other prominent leaders will attend.
WHAT:
Chicago premiere of There Is a Bridge, a Chicago-produced, nationally distributed documentary, explores ways to stay connected with those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and severe dementia. The documentary highlights the Chicago Memory Bridge Initiative, which pairs inner-city Chicago school students with area nursing home residents in Alzheimer’s and dementia units; the work of a nationally acclaimed artist who depicts the memories of those with Alzheimer’s disease; and interviews with leading national experts on the personal and societal effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Distributed by American Public Television, There is a Bridge airs in Chicago on WTTW-TV, Channel 11, Sunday, October 21, at 4 pm. The documentary began airing on public television stations nationwide this fall and will continue to air throughout the fall and winter.
WHO:
- Robert Pinsky, host and narrator; professor of English, Boston University, and former U.S. poet laureate, will introduce the documentary.
- Michael Verde, producer; founder and president of Memory Bridge: Foundation for Alzheimer’s and Cultural Memory
- Ted Kay, director; president, TMK Productions
- Emil Jones Jr., Illinois Senate President
- Several documentary participants, among other distinguished guests.
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 — 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- 6:40 pm — Remarks from Michael Verde, producer; introduction of Emil Jones Jr. and Robert Pinsky
- 7:00 pm — Remarks from Robert Pinsky, host and narrator
- 7:10 to 8:10 pm – Screening
- 8:10 pm — Introduction of families and other participants
WHERE:
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
South Gallery
2430 N. Cannon Dr.
Chicago, Ill. 60614
WHY:
With more than 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease today, and that number rapidly growing as Baby Boomers age, There Is a Bridge studies the benefits and explores different ways of communicating with those who have Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.