July News & Events from Care Partners of Cook County
Jul 05, 2025 06:01AM ● By Editor
From Care Partners of Cook County - July 5, 2025
Benefit Concert a Huge Success!
What a FUN evening! A HUGE thank you to Carl Solander, The Splints, Up Yonder, everyone who purchased tickets and/or put a gift in the donation bucket, and the 100+ people who boogied down on June 26th. We received over $1,600 in donations!!!!! We are so very grateful to our talented, generous community for supporting our friends and neighbors on the journey of aging and end-of-life!
JULY EVENTS
NEW!! | Connecting Caregivers | first Wednesday of the month
July 2 | 1:00pm | The Hub
This monthly meeting is open to anyone who is caring for an older friend or family member near or far, and provides an opportunity to enjoy casual conversation with others who share the caregiving journey. Led by Care Partners volunteers Kathy Reeves and Kay Costello, we'll gather at 1pm on the first Wednesday of each month at The Hub. No pre-registration to remember, no books to read, no homework to do - just come when you can for a cup of coffee, a moment of rest, and the gift of connection. No pre-registration is needed - just stop by!
Reframe Aging Monthly Roundtable | first Thursday of the month
July 3 | 4:30-6pm | Cook County Higher Education (CCHE)
Drop in any time to discuss our book of the month, or simply for lively, thoughtful conversation about aging! Discussion is led by Care Partners staff members Julie Wilson and Christie John. Our July book selection is “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson…but you are welcome to participate whether you’ve had a chance to read the book or not. Order or purchase our monthly book selection from our friends at Drury LaneBooks and receive a 15% discount – contact Care Partners for details! See upcoming meeting dates and book selections!
Monthly Memory Café | third Thursday of the month
July 17 | 1:00-2:30pm | The Hub
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. Each month we also welcome a guest from the community who stops by and visits about their hobby, art, or area of interest or expertise. Our guest in July, back by popular demand, is Gunflint Trail resident Jayne Johnson! Jayne will bring her Ham radio, let us say howdy on the airwaves, and give us the scoop on how this wonderful older-school technology continues to be vitally important in our remote neck of the woods. No pre-registration is required for the Memory Café - feel free to just drop in! Learn more about the Memory Café and upcoming guests.
Care Partners Brain Health Fair
Saturday, July 19 | 10am-noon | East end of Wisconsin Street (next to Drury Lane Books)
Join us outdoors at the end of Wisconsin Street where you'll find booths from community businesses and organizations featuring tips and tricks for loving your brain. Explore habits and activities for all ages that encourage brain health across the lifespan, as well as information and support for those living with memory loss. In case of inclement weather, we’ll move the party indoors to The Hub, 10 Broadway, Grand Marais.This event is made possible in part by a generous grant from Arrowhead Cooperative’s Operation Round Up. View the latest list of participating organizations and activities here.
Lunch & Learn | fourth Wednesday of the month
Wednesday, July 23 | noon-1pm | CCHE or Zoom
"What to Expect When You’re Expecting (to get older)"
It seems there is a deluge of detailed information that comes our way about the physiological changes we can expect as we develop in the womb, in infancy, childhood, the teen years, young adulthood and midlife. But when we hit old age…that stream becomes a trickle. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the bodily changes that are common as we reach our retirement years and beyond. Our guest speaker is the decidedly non-medically-expert (but hopefully informative and engaging) Christie John, Programs Administrator from Care Partners. As always, a light lunch will be provided for those who attend in person. Register online here.
AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
North Shore Music Association presents...
Free Outdoor Concert by the Red Bull Band
Saturday, July 5 | 7pm | North House Folk School
Based in Rosemount, Minnesota, the 34th Infantry Division Band is part of the Minnesota National Guard and has served with distinction for over a century. Whether supporting official military ceremonies or performing in public concerts, the Red Bull Band brings professionalism, spirit, and a rich tradition of musical excellence. Their performances feature a variety of music styles, offering something for audiences of all ages to enjoy. The event is free and open to all - attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show in this scenic lakeside setting.
Your Voice Matters – Minnesota Age-Friendly Trails Survey
Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) and Age Friendly Minnesota (AFMN) invite you to take part in an important survey designed to improve trail user experiences across Northeast Minnesota. Your input will help these organizations better understand how people of all abilities perceive the navigability of trails in Aitkin, Carlton,Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties.The survey focuses on individual trails or trail segments—so you are welcome (and encouraged!) to submit multiple responses for the different trail facilities you visit. Whether you walk, roll, bike, or hike, your insights will help future trail users make informed decisions based on their needs, comfort levels, and preferences. Use this link to participate in the survey. Thanks!
Grand Marais Farmers Market Open for the Season!
Thursdays | 4:30-6:00pm | Community Center, 317 W 5th Street, Grand Marais
Fresh & local food is available at the Farmers Market each Thursday afternoon from 4:30-6pm NOW through mid-October!DID YOU KNOW that through the Power of Produce Club, income-eligible adults aged 65+ may qualify for $5 in FREE fruits and vegetables each week, starting July 11th?? Visit the Welcome Booth each week to receive your tokens or learn more.AND those who use up to $10 of their SupplementalNutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the market can get those dollars matched with up to $10 in Market Bucks to spend on any food at the market, PLUS up to $10 in Produce Bucks to spend on any fresh fruits and veggies at the market. That's up to $30 in yummy, locally produced food for just $10! Head over to the Welcome Booth to get started!To learn more about the Farmers Market, you can visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GrandMaraisFarmersMarket.To learn more about the Farmers Market Food Access programs, download the flyer or call the Community Center at 218-387-3015.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS
Care Partners Annual Ice Cream Social Fundraiser
Sunday, August 24 | 2-4pm | Sydney’s Frozen Custard, 14 Broadway Ave, Grand Marais
- Make a donation to support Care Partners and enjoy Sydney’s Frozen Custard- Participate in our annual quilt raffle- Chat with a volunteer about joining our wonderful Care Partners Team- Meet Care Partners staff- Enjoy live music from the NORTH SHORE SWING BAND!
Lunch & Learn | fourth Wednesday of the month
Wednesday, August 27 | noon-1pm | CCHE or Zoom
"Understanding Alzheimer's & Dementia"
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us as we welcome Jenna Pogorels from the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Jenna will help us learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available, and Alzheimer's Association resources. As always, a light lunch will be provided for those who attend in person. Register online here.
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Volunteers are the heart of Care Partners! Get involved and make a difference! Our volunteers assist Cook County older adults with light housekeeping and outdoor chores, transportation, companionship and more! Choose the activities, time, level of commitment and circumstances that meet your needs. For more information, call us 218-387-3788 or use this link.


