Johnston County to Host Annual Candlelight Reflections for Alzheimer’s Awareness

SMITHFIELD — Candlelight Reflections, an annual tribute to Alzheimer’s sufferers and their caregivers, is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Johnston County Courthouse, 207 E. Johnston St. The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Courthouse atrium.

Melanie Dixon Nunn of Summerfield will talk about caring for her late mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Dixon built an addition to her home so she could care for her mom. She’ll talk about that and then her search for a suitable nursing home after in-home care became impossible.

Vocalist Allison Radcliffe will perform, and a County Commissioner will read a proclamation in support of November as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 12 million family and friends are serving as their unpaid caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s is a horrible, devastating disease, and the toll it takes on caregivers is hard to express in words,” said Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive, an organizer of this year’s Candlelight Reflections.

Olive himself has been an Alzheimer’s caregiver. “It’s important that we remember those we have lost to Alzheimer’s and those living with this disease,” he said. “It’s important, too, that we let caregivers know we support them and appreciate their sacrifices.” Olive thanked Johnston County and Barbara Barbour of Community & Senior Services for their help in organizing this year’s Candlelight Reflections.

During the program, a video screen will show photos of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and those lost to the disease. To submit your loved one’s photo, email it to craig.olive@johnstonnc.gov. For more information about Candlelight Reflections, call Olive’s office at 919-989-5160.