Drop in the first Thursday of each month from 4:30-6pm to discuss our book of the month, or simply for lively, thoughtful conversation about aging! Discussion will be led by CarePartners staff members Julie Wilson and Christie John. Our November book selection is "Aging as a Spiritual Practice" by Lewis Richmond…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!  

Grief is not a disease or a sign of weakness. It is a normal reaction to the loss of someone you had a relationship with, whether complicated or easy. Join others who are on the journey of grief for conversation and mutual support on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Johnson Heritage Post from 6:30-8:00pm. The gatherings will be facilitated by Care Partners’ Maggie Anderson. No pre-registration is required, drop in whenever you’d like. Learn more here. 

Many of us want to financially support faith-based, political, or social causes that are important to us, but it’s not always easy to know the best way to go about it.  Guest presenter Claire Smith from Edward Jones will help us sort out donation options (some more familiar than others) so we can find the appropriate charitable-giving path for our unique financial strategies and life stages. You can attend this free class online OR in person at Cook County Higher Education. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and granting organizations, a light lunch is provided free of charge for those who are able to attend in person.  Register online here.  

The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibit, the 14th Annual Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church Community Art Show, themed "Transitions: Navigating Change." The show opens on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5pm and runs through November 30, 2025. This exhibition highlights how art serves as a necessary tool during times of instability, inviting both makers and viewers to engage with questions such as: How might creating and viewing art help us safely face life transitions? What role does public art play in providing insight, encouragement, and challenge during societal unrest? And what truly holds firm when everything is changing? The Opening Reception is scheduled for 5-7pm on Friday, November 7 at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, and will feature a special artist roundtable discussion at 6pm. JHP gallery hours and more info about the exhibit

This session examines how the body and mind change as life approaches its end. Death Doulas will cover the signs and symptoms of near-death, the use of medical interventions, and the natural shifts that happen. Participants will understand what to expect and learn practical ways to promote comfort and dignity. You’re welcome to bring your own brown bag lunch – water and tea will be provided. Free will donations are accepted at the event.  Presenters are Pat Campanaro and Suzanne Sherman, Cook County Death Doulas from A Better Death.  

“Understanding the Dying Process” is the first session in a 5-part educational series offered monthly from November 2025 through March 2026. The series is organized into interconnected modules, each addressing a vital aspect of the end-of-life journey. Classes are designed for both individual exploration and group discussion, blending expert insights with personal narratives. Feel free to attend one or all sessions. More information or register for the November 20 session

Care Partner’s annual Light Up a Life ceremony offers community members the opportunity to remember the life of a loved one during the holiday season. Each donation helps light up our memory tree, which will be located downtown in front of the Johnson Heritage Post. Donation forms will be available at area businesses and in the November and December issues of Northern Wilds. Or, or use the links below to download a mail-in form, or make an online donation. The Tree Lighting ceremony will begin indoors with a brief time of remembrance and connection, followed by the lighting of the Memory Tree. A short reflection will be shared by Pastor Tom Murray, and special music will be provided by Fred Anderson. Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Donations to Light Up a Life help Care Partners support older adults in Cook County on the journey of aging and end-of-life. For more information, contact Care Partners at 387-3788 or email [email protected].   Make a donation on-line      Download a mail-in donation form