Alzheimer's Educational Conference

Alzheimer's Conference
Copyright 2009 Matt Mortensen

On Sunday I was able to put my skills behind the camera to use for a good cause. I, along with a few others, volunteered our time and equipment to shoot the Dementia Conference sponsored by the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The conference was held at the RiverCenter in beautiful downtown St. Paul. It was a great time and I met some very wonderful and dedicated people who are helping to find ways to improve the lives of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It was a great experience for me and I hope my photographs provide value to their noble cause. Below is some information from their website about the conference.

A Meeting of the Minds: Dementia Conference 2009 is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota and Mayo Clinic who work together to create a day designed to inform, equip and support persons with dementia, family caregivers and professionals. As in past years, national, regional and local presenters come together to ensure an innovative and insightful conference for the 1000 participants and over 50 sponsors and exhibits.

All set...

After an exciting weekend of basketball action, everything is cropped, matted and arranged for the Rotary/Los Amigos photo display. If you have not seen earlier posts, this display can be seen at the Chanhassen Rec Center in the month of April. The purpose of the display is to highlight a project that the Chanhassen Rotary is working on in partnership with many other organizations. Through the leadership of Father Jack Davis, we have made a big difference in the lives of the people of Chimbote, Peru. The Chan Rotary will be holding its annual fundraiser Gala on May 2nd and information about tickets will be available at the display. Also, donation forms for those who want to donate directly to the project in Peru through the fully-certified 501(c)3 organization Los Amigos del Padre Juan. Background on Chimbote , Father Jack and Sister Peggy Byrne is presented on the panels throughout the display and at the main table. General information about the Rotary and it's 33,000 worldwide clubs will also be available for those looking to donate their time to a variety of excellent causes.

Way to go, Mo'town!

We made the nightly news...

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Time to Get to Work!...

With the Big Dance coming up and the non-profit photography the following weekend, I need to start getting the exhibition laid out! I am going to have 30 page spreads centered around matted photos that are 5 x 7 up to 20 x 30. It will be very sophisticated based on what I have done so far. The theme will match a magazine layout in the format of pictures, captions and body text. (It would be great to turn this into a magazine article...any editors out there?) The display will partially occupy the main lobby of the building and lead down a corridor. With the unique layout of the venue it should have a gallery exhibit feel!

I wish the weather man hadn't decided I need to be tempted with 65 degree weather. I can't refuse getting outside for the first time in 5 months!

#6 WVU #10 U of M...

It's official, Minnesota is in the Dance for the first time since 2005! We will play #7 Texas in the East Regional Thursday night at 6 CT. The sixth-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers are making their way to Minneapolis for their first games. Guess who will be there....oh, yeah, we got the tickets and we're going to the dance!

Selection Sunday...

Selection Sunday is 24 hours out and it is my favorite sports time of the year... the BIG DANCE, Baby! Okay, admittedly I have never won a single bracket pool ever, but there is nothing like concentrated college sports madness to make losing $5 fun! We took down Pitt, but I know all my Mo'town friends are still licking their wounds over that loss last night to Syracuse. We were inches from winning that one! Thursday can't come quick enough...

New Eats and Notes...

If you have not been to The School II wine and jazz bar in Chanhassen, you have to check it out. The have some of the best musical talent in the Twin Cities four nights a week to play you sweet melodies while you and your date enjoy fine dining and a world-class wine selection. Unlike other local venues, if music is not what you want you can tuck yourselves into one of the many romantic corners offered by the unique layout; the muted notes become just the background to your stimulating conversation. The service at The School II is what really sets this restaurant apart. Owner Ann Clifford will undoubtedly greet you on your first visit and make sure you are enjoying yourself. The menu prepared by Chef Paul is extravagant and not a single dish misses the mark. I highly recommend the butternut squash ravioli. The ambiance is completed by Ann's team of dedicated service professionals. If you are looking for a place to take a date out in the Western Suburbs, The School II is the finest new experience out there!

The School II is located at 600 Market in downtown Chanhassen.

Quick Updates

Holy Cow! I had no idea how tough it was to get into schools these days. Baby Roma at a whopping 16 month of age has already applied to be on a waiting list for school! I believe I applied to COLLEGE three weeks before the first day of class, Roma is 3 years out.

In other news, the photo essay is on delay until the prints come in but the matting has been arranged with a wonderful local shop, Westermann's Art and Frame. Angela received her grant money and will get to extend her trip in Ghana! She will be reporting the events from her new blog, which I will put up a link for soon. Melissa is doing well in Chimbote and teaching English. The new Facebook Group for our friends in Peru is doing well and attracting many members. Some time in the next week there will be more meetings for Los Amigos projects.

Night photography is far too easy...

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Copyright 2009 Matt Mortensen

OK, this image is just awesome! I was not out looking for these kinds of photos but it shows why actually having your camera is the number one "skill" for a great photographer to have!