April was a wonderfully busy month at Care Partners, filled with opportunities to connect with people throughout Cook County. Many thanks to the folks who attended our events, and to those who stopped by to visit while we were “out and about.”
April 12 – Elders & Caregivers Gathering, Grand Portage
A wonderful event presented by Grand Portage Elderly Nutrition to support those who care for loved ones! The event included information booths representing many area service organizations. We also heard a number of great speakers who shared about topics related to aging and caregiving. Speakers included representatives from the Cook County End of Life Doulas, Memory Keepers, Legal Aid Service, Arrowhead Area on Aging, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Betsy and Christie from Care Partners spoke about the importance of caring for caregivers, Rick Defoe shared insights on traditional funerals and grieving, and Linda Black Elk talked about the healing properties of traditional plants and foods.
April 15 – “Stronger Than You Know” Eco-Mapping Workshop
This hands-on workshop was facilitated by Stacy Remke from the University of Minnesota and our own Julie Wilson, Executive Director of Care Partners. We discussed some of the issues we face as we age in place in Cook County, explored models for community support, and visualized our own formal and informal networks of support. Thanks to Cook County Higher Education for hosting this workshop, and Kelsey Rogers Kennedy for providing technical assistance.
April 22 – Earth Day Fair
Held at the Community Center, this event featured speakers and booths to help us explore ideas for healthy, creative, and earth-friendly living! Betsy Blume, Christie John, Margy Nelson, and Suzanne Sherman were on hand to share info about Care Partners, Aging Well Resources and the End of Life Doulas. Ever the optimists, we gave away flower and vegetable seed packets – cautiously hopeful that the ground would eventually thaw and spring would finally arrive (at some point.)
April 26 – Lunch & Learn
Our April Lunch & Learn featured Jenna Pogorels from the Alzheimer’s Association, who helped us think through the sometimes-difficult, but necessary conversations we need to have when a loved one shows signs of dementia. Thanks to our generous lunch sponsor, Hamilton Habitat Inc., the folks who attended in person had the opportunity to enjoy a free chef’s salad lunch from The Hub!