Events around the Tri-States

Free Class Offers Tools for Caregivers

The Caregiver Resource Center is preparing to offer a free, 6-week class for caregivers of adults March 2 through April 6. The class, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is an evidence-based education program developed by Iowa State University. It will provide information and self-care tools to keep family caregivers healthy, help them find balance in their caregiver role, and prepare them for caregiving decisions.

Jolene Koopmann, Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator listens to caregivers’ stories nearly every day and has her own experience with caregiving. “Caregiving can be extremely challenging – physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of the best things caregivers can do is to learn to take care of themselves so they can provide the best possible care to their loved one,” said Koopmann.

“At the Caregiver Resource Center, we are met with folks who are asking for tools to help them cope, reduce stress, deal with emotions and overall, be the best they can be for the person they care for. This class will provide all of these tools, while also providing a safe place to process and build connections with other local caregivers,” said Koopmann.

The class is presented in partnership with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A). Carol Hughey, Aging Specialist at NEI3A, has previous experience offering the class.

“An important aspect of this class is that it focuses on the caregivers and what the caregivers need to do to take care of themselves. It’s very goal-oriented, personal goals are set at the end of each session to encourage caregivers to do something for themselves each day,” said Hughey.

Caregivers will have an opportunity to make connections and form relationships by participating in the class together and learning each other’s stories.

The 6-week class is open to the public. It will meet from 1:00-3:30 pm weekly on Thursdays on the Stonehill Communities campus at 3485 Windsor Ave, Dubuque. Registration is required by February 20. For more information, please contact Jolene Koopmann at 563.690.9679 or jkoopmann@stonehilldbq.com.

The Caregiver Resource Center, established in 2021, provides information, resources, and support to non-professional caregivers at no cost. It is located on the Stonehill Communities campus. Services are made possible by a generous matching donation from Jim Theisen to establish an endowment at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. More information is available at https://www.stonehilldbq.com/caregiverresourcecenter/

​Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) coordinates services for individuals to help them maintain the independence they desire. Services include option counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, evidence based health programs, advocacy, and recreation and education programs. More information is available at www.nei3a.org.

Historic Tales of Old Dubuque 
​ Book Discussion and Signing

The Carnegie-Stout Public Library welcomes local researcher and historian John T. Pregler on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. Pregler will give a presentation about his latest book, “Historic Tales of Old Dubuque,” in the third floor auditorium, followed by a book signing. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Comprised of six vignettes, “Historic Tales of Old Dubuque” covers forgotten Dubuque history of national importance. Pregler will focus his presentation on the vignette about American abolitionist Frederick Douglass visiting Dubuque on three separate occasions and a photograph of Douglass taken by famed Dubuque photographer Samuel Root in his studio at 8th & Main Street.

John T. Pregler is an independent researcher, historian, and author. He was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, where his family has resided since the 1840s.

The mission of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library is to improve the quality of life by providing resources for individual enjoyment, enlightenment, and knowledge, and that enhance the literacy of youth. Learn more at www.carnegiestout.org.

Previous Page     -     Next Page