It Has Been One Week Since 61 of Us Gathered at Community Memorial Hospital for the Kick-Off

It has been one week since 61 of us gathered at Community Memorial Hospital for the “Kick-Off” event of ACT on Alzheimer’s. We had the opportunity to learn more about the grant and to hear some pertinent information regarding Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases. Thanks to Brenda Conley from the Alzheimer’s Association, Heather Stillwell from Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and Julie Keller from St. Croix Hospice for sharing your information. A special thank you to Jan Baumgartner and the Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital food service staff for such a delicious lunch. We are one step closer to having Cloquet declared a dementia friendly community. Cloquet is one of only 33 sites in the state of MN to be awarded an ACT on Alzheimer’s Grant. This says much about the willingness of our community to work together identifying actions we can take to being more responsive to those with memory loss. Our next step is called Assess. Members from the community survey and/or agree to be surveyed in an effort to identify strengths and gaps. We are in the process of forming an Action Team who will assist in this process. Many of you indicated an interest at our luncheon to be part of the Action Team. Thank you for your willingness to survey and/or be surveyed. All of us have a stake and can take action to create a supportive, safe and respectful environment for people with dementia and their families. If you are interested in more information, or in being a part of our Action Team, please e-mail me at [email protected] or call 218-879-9238, ext. 101. I sincerely hope to hear from you soon. Upcoming Meetings* (All meetings are held at Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital)

Date Time Place October 23, 2014 12:00-1:00 (Action Team) Birch Room October 28, 2014 12:15-1:15 (Aging Well at Home & Action Team) Oak Room November 25, 2014 12:15-1:15 (Aging Well at Home & Action Team) Oak Room

Deb Deborah Lindamood Volunteer Services of Carlton County, Inc. Program Director 199 Chestnut Avenue, Suite 3 P.O. Box 450 Carlton, MN 55718 (218)879-9238, (ext.) 101; (218)879-1196 (Fax)