Grand Portage Elders & Caregivers Gathering: “Sharing the Care”  – Wednesday, April 12

We are excited to participate in this wonderful event at the Kitchi Ki Gi Tong Room of the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino! Presented in partnership by Grand Portage Elderly Nutrition Program and Grand Portage Nutrition Program, this gathering will provide information and resources on dementia, caregiving, nutrition, health & wellness and more, and will feature information booths and speakers. Lunch is provided. 8:30am – 4:00pm. For more information or to preregister, contact Polly James at [email protected] or (218) 475-2002. On-site registration is also welcome.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP!!!!! Stronger Than You Know: Uncovering Your Core Connections – Saturday, April 15

This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the process of eco-mapping, a tool for visualizing and assessing the strength of your support networks. Uncover and celebrate the positive connections you already have in place to help you age well - and discover ways to enlarge your circle of support. We believe participants will especially benefit from attending in person, but we are pleased to offer a Zoom option as well! We'll be led by Stacy Remke from the University of Minnesota School of Social Work and Julie Wilson, Executive Director of Care Partners. The workshop will take place at Cook County Higher Education from 9am to noon. $20 registration fee includes a light breakfast and all course materials; scholarships are available. Click here to register!

Brown Bag Lunch: Caretaking the Caregiver – Wednesday, April 19

Caregivers are known to have a big heart, to help others in need at the drop of a hat, and to "give care” self-less-ly. That’s what a good person does. Or so we tell ourselves. Until we burn out! Join us from 11:30am-1pm at Cook County Higher Education or via Zoom as we explore ways to care, to give to OURSELVES, and simple ways that replenish, stabilize, and support us as we support others. Breathe in, breathe out. Presented by Cook County Death Doulas and Cook County Higher Education - Register here

Memory Café – Thursday, April 20

A Memory Café is a free, casual gathering where people with memory loss and the family or friends who care for them can come together in a safe, supportive, relaxed environment. Guests share conversations over a cup of coffee and games, crafts, music or other simple activities. Memory Cafés are not a form of respite care. Instead, they offer a place where both caregiver and care recipient can enjoy one another’s company and interact with others who share similar experiences. The Cook County Memory Café meets at The Hub the third Thursday of each month from 1:00pm-2:30pm

2nd Annual Cook County Earth Day Fair - Saturday April 22

We’ll have a booth here to support wellness for our community’s older adults and those who care for them.  Come visit us from 11am to 3pm at the Cook County Community Center, 317 W 5th St, Grand Marais – and be inspired by the wonderful games, activities, music, booths and more to encourage positive change, equity and resilient living in Cook County!

Wednesday, April 26 Lunch & Learn - "Dementia Conversations"

Care Partners of Cook County and Cook County Higher Education are pleased to welcome guest presenter Jenna Pogorels from the Alzheimer’s Association to our April Lunch & Learn! “Dementia Conversations” will be presented on Wednesday, April 26 from noon to 1pm at Cook County Higher Education or online via Zoom. When someone shows signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program offers tips on how to have honest and caring conversations to address some of the most common issues. Topics covered in the program will include going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans. The class is free – and thanks to our generous lunch sponsor, Hamilton Habitat Inc., the first the first 20 people who register for the in-person class can  enjoy a free chef’s salad lunch from The Hub!  Here’s the registration link.

Death Café – Thursday, April 28

A Death Café isn’t a place, but an event in which people are invited to express their thoughts, dreams, questions and concerns about death and dying. Paradoxically, sharing about death often inspires participants to embrace a more meaningful life. The Death Café meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 – 7:30pm in person at The Hub…or you can join via Zoom! (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83441187791) The Death Café is hosted by Cook County End of Life Doulas Pat Campanaro, Margy Nelson, Suzanne Sherman, and Jean Skeels.

For questions or to learn more, call Care Partners of Cook County at (218) 387-3788.