An event recognizing the Longest Day 2023 will take place on Wednesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz. The first-time event will feature poetry and harp music.

The Longest Day is observed on the summer solstice - the day with the most light - to represent shedding light in the fight against the darkness of Alzheimer's disease.

The event at Landis Homes will feature poetry by Audrey Kuhn, whose late husband, Bob "Mike" Kuhn, struggled with Alzheimer's disease for 12 years until his death in early 2022. Audrey began writing poetry as a way to express her emotions while she was separated from her husband during the pandemic. This separation began on March 11, 2020, when Bob's skilled nursing facility was closed to visitors, and continued for 264 days until he was again able to be cared for at home. At the encouragement of others, Audrey is considering publishing her work.

The upcoming event will also feature harp music from Cass Jendzurski, a Professional Certified Healthcare Musician who has frequently played music for residents of the skilled nursing facility and people nearing the end of life. Jendzurski is also an instructor and will be joined in the June 21 performance by student Joanna Sadler.

The program is open to the public without cost. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. For more information, contact Audrey Kuhn at 717-201-1572.