August Newsletter
Introduction and Feature Presentation
August Newsletter
Explore Our Brand New Website!
We are thrilled to share that our LEARN website has officially received a fresh update! We refreshed our online home to make exploring educational programs, community resources, and upcoming events easier and more welcoming than ever. Whether you are seeking valuable aging guides, looking for caregiver support, or catching up on our latest video presentations, our new site is designed to help you find trusted information and connection with just a few clicks. We invite you to visit our updated site today and discover new ways to stay informed, engaged, and empowered on your journey!
Monthly Feature
"Stay Healthy. Stay Connected. Keep Learning."
As summer begins to wind down and the back-to-school season reminds us of the value of learning, it's the perfect time to remember that education isn't just for students—it's a lifelong journey. Every new skill we develop, every connection we make, and every piece of knowledge we gain helps us live healthier, more confident, and more independent lives.
At LEARN, we're committed to helping you navigate the joys and challenges of aging and caregiving by providing trusted information, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with others. We hope this month's newsletter inspires you to continue learning, stay engaged with your community, and take another step toward living your best life.
New in Video Library
New in Our Video Library
 Memory Cafe by Aging Strong |
 Cracking the Communication Code: Improving Conversations |
Technology Education
Technology Program Update
Fire Season Tech Tip: Put Wildfire Alerts in Your Pocket
For older adults and the people who support them, wildfire season is a good reason to have a reliable way to know what's happening nearby—smoke and evacuation notices can arrive with little warning, and a few extra minutes can matter. A free app called Watch Duty makes this easy. Think of it like a weather app, but for fire: it shows live fire locations and evacuation zones and sends a notification straight to your phone the moment something changes.
To set it up: Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), search "Watch Duty," and tap Install. Allow notifications, then search for the town or county where you—or the person you support—live, and tap "follow" to add it as a zone. Caregivers can add both locations, so everyone gets the same alert at the same time.
End-of-Life Channel
End of Life Channel Update
In this month's addition to the End of Life Channel, Barbara Karnes, RN, offers a deeply personal reflection on "When the Caregiver Becomes the Patient." After spending decades caring for others, Barbara broke her ankle and found herself on the receiving end of healthcare—a role that brought a fresh perspective on vulnerability, dignity, and the importance of compassionate presence.
Barbara shares how quickly a person can feel reduced to a diagnosis, a procedure, or a task, rather than being seen as a whole human being. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that while excellent medical care is essential, genuine human connection is just as healing. Join us for this heartfelt conversation as Barbara reflects on what she learned from the hospital bed and why seeing the person—not just the patient—can transform the experience of care.
Special thanks to our End of Life Channel Sponsors, Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, Ancora Health Services, and Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, for making it possible to create and share this important content with you. And thanks to our End of Life Channel Facilitators, Karen Midlo and Christine Soza, for managing and maintaining the content on this channel.
Health and Resource Fair Program
2026 Health & Resource Fair Program
The LEARN Health and Resource Fair Program provides opportunities to meet local professionals, explore valuable services, and gather practical information to help you make confident decisions about aging, caregiving, and what comes next. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to immediate needs, you’ll find resources and relationships that can support you every step of the way.
Join us to discover more about the resources available to you in the community at our upcoming events around the Treasure Valley:
Overland Court
August 12 (Wednesday) | 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
10250 W Smoke Ranch Dr – Boise, ID 83709
Caldwell Senior Center
September 15 (Tuesday) | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
1009 Everett Street – Caldwell, ID 83605
The Pointe at Meridian
October 14 (Wednesday) | 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
3123 S Titanium Ave – Meridian, ID 83642
You can find more information about future 2026 LEARN Health and Resource Fair events as well as Community Events where LEARN will be participating on our website at https://learnidaho.org/events/.
Encore Book Club
Encore Book Club
LEARN Member Laureen Quick hosts a monthly discussion about a book related to aging, caregiving, personal reinvention, or community! The Encore Book Club is a welcoming space for senior adults to connect, engage, and explore books that inspire lifelong learning, personal growth, and new possibilities. The Book Club meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM over ZOOM.
August Selection:
"My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry" by Fredrik Backman
A heartfelt and imaginative story about a lonely young girl and her fiercely unconventional grandmother, whose fairy tales help Elsa navigate a world where she often feels misunderstood. After her grandmother’s death, Elsa embarks on a touching journey through letters, secrets, and unlikely friendships that reveal the power of love, forgiveness, and embracing what makes us different.
Meeting Details: Tuesday, August 11th | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (via ZOOM)
Thank you to our Channel & Organization Sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors
LEARN is supported entirely by the generosity of community businesses, aging and caregiving professionals, and community members. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our sponsors and partners who make our free community education possible.
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Help Us Spread The Word!
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LEARN: Lifelong Education and Aging Resource Network is an Idaho non-profit organization providing FREE education for mature adults, family caregivers, and the professionals serving them. Our mission is to help people navigate the joys and challenges of aging and caregiving. |
Our vision is to serve as a trusted source of information and resources – for the community by the community – in the topic areas of health, wealth, lifestyle, and caregiving. All of our volunteer educators are professionals who are members or partners of LEARN. We are supported entirely by the generosity of community businesses, aging and caregiving professionals, and community members.
We thank you for your support.
LEARN provides access to a broad range of resources and information on aging and caregiving topics. LEARN does not take a position on any of our educational topics. LEARN content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, financial, or health advice. Please consult with your legal, financial, healthcare, or other service providers before taking action based on this information.
