Memory Cafes help people living with dementia socialize more.

And now two cafes are launching in Jamestown – The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and The National Comedy Center.

Reg Lenna Director of Marketing and Communication Len Barry said the Memory Cafe at the Reg is a free respite and arts program for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking (including cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer’s) as well as their care partner, family, or friends. Participants are welcome to enjoy music performances, crafts and easy, appropriate activities to spark friendly social interaction. Light refreshments will be provided. All attendees can choose to participate or simply observe.

Memory Cafes will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. in the Third floor Media Arts Studio at the Reg, Bary said. Enter the building through the Reg Lenna awning entrance located at 108 E. Third St. The Media Arts Studio is elevator-accessible.

NCC also has its version which is designed to provide laughter, comfort and connection for adults with memory loss, and their caregivers.

The cafe at NCC is entitled One Laugh at a Time: A National Comedy Center Memory Cafe, and it also will offer respite and a welcoming environment for those with memory loss, including dementia-related illnesses and Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers, partners and family members. The cafes will take place at NCC on the first Monday of each month, enabling participants to explore the museum’s interactive exhibits and theater presentations at their own pace, while enjoying comedy’s greatest legends and favorite stand-up, TV and movie moments for an experience filled with nostalgia and laughter.

The cafe program is free, but attendees are requested to pre-register at ComedyCenter.org/memorycafe. The first session is scheduled for Feb. 3, at 10 am.

The Reg Lenna’s first session is Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. The cafes will last between 60 minutes, and 90 minutes, Barry said.

Patrons are asked to register for the cafe ahead of time by emailing rsvp@reglenna.com or calling The Reg Box Office at (716) 484-7070 with the names, and number of attendees, Barry added. A suggested (but not required) donation of your choosing would support the Reg Lenna Memory Cafe, payable by cash, check and credit card.

“Comedy has always been a bridge to shared experiences and cherished memories,” NCC Executive Director Journey Gunderson said. “With the launch of our memory cafe, the National Comedy Center is creating a space where laughter becomes a powerful tool for connection and joy – offering meaningful engagement for those navigating memory challenges as well as providing respite and stress relief for caregivers and family members.”

NCC’s and The Reg’s cafes are made possible by Exhale and its funders: Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.

“Exhale coordinated a cohort of organization leaders in WNY all last year to develop each of their own memory cafes in the region,” Barry noted. “Reg Lenna Center for The Arts opted in and trained through digital seminars and meetings to develop and implement our own Memory Cafe. These events will allow us to impact some parts of our community that might have been unable to participate in our regular slate of movies and events.”