– Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly is bringing Lou Grant (er, actor Ed Asner) to Mary Tyler Moore’s hometown of Minneapolis on the evening of September 29th.  A screening of the Disney-Pixar movie "UP" will be held at The Riverview Theater (it’s a fun, poignant movie on aging, intergenerational friendships and living fully).  Asner is the voice for the leading character Carl Fredericksen.  TIME Magazine called the movie "A Triumph."  After the screening, Warren Wolfe of the Star Tribune will interview Asner, which will be a lot of fun.  Visit Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly for more information.

– Vital Aging Network’s well-regarded ALVA "Leadership for the Rest of Your Life" classes are beginning in Mankato, Inver Grove Heights and White Bear Lake in October.  ALVA is leadership development for people 50+ who want to provide leadership for the common good.  Go here for more details.

– Helping people deal with grief is an incredible skill.  Rev. Kris Linner is one of the talented people that improve lives.  She has launched a web site – www.grief-training.com – that outlines a number of the topics on which she speaks on teaches.  She’s a popular pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minn., author and teacher.  We’re also fortunate to have her service on Ecumen’s board of trustees.  She author of the book My Brother Dave, a story of love, loss, grief and hope that will move the hearts of every age.  It is written for grieving children and the people who care for them.