National Grief Awareness Day, August 30th

National Grief Awareness Day is on August 30th and was founded by Angie Cartwright in 2013. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the variety of ways in which individuals can cope with loss, encouraging open communication on loss and bereavement, and better informing the public on the facts of grief.

For many, the word grief comes with the assumption that it is about death. Grieving the death of a loved one is one of the most painful and emotional journeys. What some don’t realize is that grief is not always about death, it is about loss that comes in many forms, death being just one of them. Other forms of grief include but are not limited to the loss of a marriage, relationship, health, career, stability, fnances, moving, a pet, retirement, independence, safety after trauma, a dream….and so much more. Regardless of the type of loss, grief is real.

What can you do to observe National Grief Awareness Day? Support a friend or family member in whatever way they need; offer to take them to breakfast or out for lunch and let them share their feelings, be present and listen compassionately. Create a self-care basket, purchase some flowers, offer to take the kids/grandkids, buy a card and handwrite a note, go for a drive, shop for groceries, offer to clean the house, or run some other errands.

If you are grieving a loss, engage in self-care and let yourself feel whatever you are feeling. There are many myths about how people should grieve. There is no wrong or right way to grieve – some people cry, some people scream, others want to be alone, while others seek out social connection. How we grieve depends on our resiliency, our experiences, our culture, and what we learned in childhood. Grief has no timeline.

You can help raise awareness and educate the public about National Grief Awareness Day by posting on social media, and having conversations in your organizations, business, and faith communities, or with your family and friends. Check out the resources from Angie Cartwright include that include Grief the Unspoken, www.facebook.com/AngieGriefTheUnspoken, Grief Diaries – Series of books, https://allybluemedia.com. For additional grief and loss resources, contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center.

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Taking Care of Your Mind: Tips on Creating a Healthy Brain as You Age

Have you ever spent 10 minutes looking for your reading glasses, and they were on the top of your head? Or, have you walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? Most people, even younger ones, have had these experiences but when should such instances be something of concern? What are the normal signs of aging? Is there anything you can do to maintain your brain health as you age ?

This seminar presents age-related changes in the brain, risks to brain health, rewiring your brain, and some brain wellness strategies and the evidence behind them.

Presentation includes PowerPoint presentation, handouts, websites, great resources, and brain healthy refreshments!

WHEN: Thursday, August 24, 2023

TIME: 10:00 - 11:30 am

PLACE: Village of Fall Creek 122 E. Lincoln Ave., Fall Creek

Meals on Wheels is Always

The Meals on Wheels program is crucial to our homebound individuals in Eau Claire County and we rely on many volunteers to ensure timely delivery.

We are recruiting for volunteers who are willing to deliver on a regular basis, or to substitute as needed.

There are convenient pick up locations all around town with varied pick meals. No assembly required, only delivering a hot nutritious lunchtime meal to homebound individuals who need them! A fun and easy activity to do alone, or with co-workers, friends or family!

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Betsy Henck, ADRC Manager at Betsy.Henck@eauclairecounty.gov at 715-839-6259.

Visit the Beaver Creek Reserve Butterfly House

Take a stroll through our season butterfly house and enjoy the beauty of some of Wisconsin Butterflies in their natural environment. Species change frequently and each year is unique. Admission to the Butterfly House is included in the cost of daily admission. Group tours are available. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

BCR’s Seasonal Butterfly House is open July 5 – Sunday before Labor Day

Monday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast! Since the Butterfly House is an outdoor building only covered by a screen, if it rains, the butterflies will not be flying around inside. So the house will be closed on rainy days. Plan your next visit to Beaver Creek accordingly!

Entrance Fees: $5 admission for adults, $3 for youth (15 and under), Members of BCR: FREE