Join us at the official book launch of the newest novel by Stacy M Monson Author, titled Open Circle. While the story is fictional, the novel is based on the very real experiences of caregivers and families dealing with older loved ones struggling with illness and dementia.

Thursday, June 21
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Augustana Care Open Circle
Adult Day Services
34 10th Ave S
Hopkins, Minnesota 55343

Mindy Lee “Minnie” Carlson’s dream job has always been to work with older adults, mirroring the special experience she had with her adoptive grandmother Em. When the dream finally comes true, there’s a catch—and Minnie has four months to revive her town’s only adult day center Open Circle or the doors will close. Meanwhile, Minnie discovers her adoptive grandmother has an actual grandson—globe-trotting photographer Jackson Young. After discovering his long-lost Grandma Em is alive, Jackson returns to the town where he spent his childhood—and clashes with Minnie over his grandmother’s care.

This is the start of Open Circle, a new novel by Stacy Monson, award-winning author of the Chain of Lakes series. While the story is fictional, the novel is based on the very real experiences of caregivers and families dealing with older loved ones struggling with illness and dementia. The public is invited to a launch party for the book on Thursday, June 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Augustana Open Circle at 34 Tenth Avenue South in Hopkins. The event will include refreshments, artistic and photographic displays, prizes, giveaways, and resources to connect families and loved ones.

Monson wrote the book after watching her own mother’s decline from Alzheimer’s and seeing her husband’s parents deal with the disease. Monson’s in-laws attended an adult day center called Augustana Open Circle, where her long-time friend Gail Skoglund was the co-director with current Director Peggy Gaard. Monson spent time at Open Circle visiting family and also helped facilitate a support group for caregiving family members. The people she encountered daily—clients, family members and staff—helped her conceive her newest novel.

The experiences Monson witnessed are echoed in Open Circle, when Grandma Em has a stroke that debilitates her. Jackson’s ideas about his grandmother’s care involve taking her away from home and the people she loves. His ideas take him into direct conflict with Minnie’s views and expertise. For Em’s sake and the future of Open Circle, Jackson and Minnie will need to do the impossible—find a way to work together.

 “There’s always been a saying it takes a village to raise a child,” says Monson. “It also takes a village to care for our elders. In our society we live very separate lives, in different towns and even states, but it takes everybody to offer the care and respect older adults deserve.”

When she first heard about adult day centers, Monson wasn’t sure what to think of them. She soon came to realize that centers like Augustana Open Circle offer multifaceted services that focus on people’s abilities and honor their stories.

“In writing this book, I wanted to highlight what people who work in this field do for older adults,” Monson says. “I also want caregivers to know they don’t have to make this journey alone.”

“I’m so pleased someone wrote a book that highlights the importance of adult day services in helping to foster independence, community and a sense of purpose,” adds Skoglund.

To reserve a place or learn more, please call 763-221-9660.

To set up an interview with author Stacy Monson or staff at Augustana Open Circle, please call Jenna at 612-238-8552.

About Stacy Monson

“An inspiring, grace-filled tome with complex, authentic characters.”

Booklife/Publisher's Weekly review for Chain of Lakes

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, including Shattered Image, Dance of Grace, and The Color of Truth. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, and a proud mom and doting grandma.

About Augustana Open Circle

Augustana Open Circle’s adult day services help people with changing physical, cognitive and/or social abilities live more fully and enjoy authentic connections with others in structured, nurturing settings. Members develop new friendships and strengthen their abilities to remain vital in the larger community.

Individuals can attend one of the centers two to five days a week where they are in an environment that enables them to thrive. With locations in Hopkins, Apple Valley and at the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center in Minneapolis, each center offers programs, recreation, personal care, respite and social connections to individuals with memory loss or other emotional or physical needs. Visit www.opencircle.org to learn more.