To enrich the lives of older adults by providing educational, recreation, nutritional, social, informational, and volunteer opportunities in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Stay Connected
Are you on our email and phone list? Call 763-786-9375 to make sure MAYC staff have your most recent contact information. Follow or like BlaineParksMN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BlaineMN.gov/MAYC
MAYC's Very Own Nugget
Thursday, June 12, 11am-12pm, free
Pet therapy is associated with many different mental health benefits. A well-trained and well-mannered dog can have a calming presence that helps people feel more relaxed and at ease. For example, petting a dog can lower blood pressure immediately, perhaps because it helps alleviate excessive stress and anxiety. Interacting with animals can also stimulate the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that boost your mood.
MAYC has a pet therapy pal named Nugget who is 6 years old. Nugget spent time in school, was tested and certified by Therapy Dogs United. Nugget works with You Are Not Alone, providing quality time with those dealing with mental illnesses in schools and other community service centers. Nugget knows her stuff. Plan to spend some quality time enjoying a friendly and loving therapy dog at MAYC on Thursday, June 12 at 11AM.
Making MAYC Connections
After a long-standing career in art and special education, Deb McPeak retired in 2019 and committed herself to staying busy. Deb and Larry are proud dog parents of Nugget our therapy dog pal.
Deb leads the MAYC bicycle club and keeps her group moving and enjoying nature throughout the community in the northeast part of the Twin Cities. Rides start at a predetermined trail and end with the option to enjoy lunch with friends at local restaurants. The trips are planned by members for about 8-10 miles at a pace of 8-10 miles per hour. The MAYC bicycle club meets 10AM-12PM on Wednesdays, May through October.
In addition, Deb has been offering suncatcher classes where participants can create their own original and beautiful beaded suncatcher. The class fees are donated to Mary’s Meals, a nonprofit for children who get a meal a day at schools in developing countries. The meals come from local farmers and help to incentivize attending school and avoid being trafficked. The organization is a ladder out of poverty for many with a motto of Food + Education = Hope. The next class will take place Thursday, June at 10AM. Register and pay the $15 program fee at the MAYC front desk.
Upcoming Trips & Travel
Minnesota Twins Baseball Game
Thursday, June 12, 10:30am, $68
Come out and cheer on our boys of summer, as the MN Twins take on the Texas Rangers. Our seats are in sections 204 and 205, along the first base line. We do have some accessible seats available, please let us know if you need to reserve an accessible seat. We plan to arrive around 11:15 for the noon game, so you’ll have some time to explore before the game begins. (departing after 10 innings if the game runs long). Youth with adults are welcome to attend.
Minneapolis Farmers Market and Mississippi River Lunch Cruise
Thursday, July 24, 9am-2:30pm, $92
Don't miss this fun day in Minneapolis. Start with time at the Minneapolis Farmers Market to browse and buy at your leisure for about an hour. Then it is off to a narrated Mississippi River cruise along the southern route of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail system, the University of Minnesota Campus riverfront, the stunning 35W Bridge, the lower St. Anthony Falls lock system with views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and amazing river bluffs with views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. This cruise will show you the best the Mississippi River has to offer! Lunch will include an assortment of almond chicken salad, turkey breast, and baked ham sandwiches with condiments. Served with a garden salad with ranch dressing, fresh seasonal fruit, potato chips, and a cookie tray. Full cash/ credit bar service available. For questions and to register, call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister
Program SpotlightsDonations Needed
Jewelry
It is that time of year to request jewelry donations. Spread the word to family and friends that we accept a wide variety of items such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and more. One person’s discards are another person’s treasures. Our jewelry leader and helpers are awaiting donations so they can sort, clean, and price items for the October sale. This is the main fundraiser of the year for the MAYC. Proceeds go toward entertainment and activity program expenses.
Bingo Prizes
Do you have items that may be good gifts for others that are taking up space in your home? MAYC is taking small prizes for bingo giveaways.
Educational Programs
Legal Aid
Tuesday, June 3, July 1, August 5, 11:15am-12:45pm by appointment, free
Need answers to legal questions? MN Legal Aid has in-person half-hour appointments. Specify your general topic of interest at the time of registration. Appointments are confidential.
Plan Your Move: Housing Market, Decluttering/Downsizing, Moving
Thursday, June 5, 10am, free
Thinking of selling your home? It's never too early to start thinking about one of your biggest investments and what changes it will mean for your future when you decide to sell. Learn from local REALTOR® | SRES, Renee Miller of Keller Williams Realty Elite, on the selling process and how to help with a seamless transition. Start to understand home values, timing your move, market statistics in the area, and how realtors market your home to get you top dollar. There are resources to help you downsize and declutter in preparation for your move. Get inspired for the next step.
Rum River Art Class – Watercolor
Tuesday, June 10, 1-3pm, $25
Summer is a great time for painting flowers. Learn techniques, build painting skills, and get inspired to create. All levels of experience welcome and all materials provided. Join us for all the fun!
Estate Planning
Thursday, June 12, 10am, free
Learn the six primary concerns people tend to have with estate planning: avoiding probate, unexpected incapacity (Alzheimer's, etc.), nursing home stay or Medicaid spend down, outliving your income, protection from stock market risk or lose, and paying unnecessary taxes (social security, income, estate, etc.). In addition, learn the alternatives to probate; joint tenancy, beneficiary designations, giving it all away, and a revocable living trust.
Landmark Tours Travel Show
Tuesday, June 17, 1pm, free
Fly the friendly skies with Landmark Tours, a great, local, family-owned company. Leave your worries behind as you explore beautiful, entertaining destinations. A Landmark Tours representative will meet you at the airport and take it from there. Enoy 4 or 5-star accommodations, many include quality meals, and breathtaking sights and sounds. Learn what trips are coming up as you peruse the full color brochures and get your questions answered at this informational session.
Cooking with Glo
Friday, June 20, 1:30-3:30pm, $26
Enjoy cooking? Interested in learning how to prepare new and tasty recipes? Look no further. Glo has traveled much of the world and would like to share her culinary experiences. Travel with her to Spain and learn to make the famous rice dish, paella. All supplies are provided for preparation and taste tasting.
Tech Confidence for Seniors
Wednesday, June 25, 10am-12pm, $5
Tech can be friendly, not frightening. Replace all of your tech fears with curiosity and confidence. Learn some simple tricks of the trade that will help you with your phones, computers, and other gadgets.
For questions and to register, call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister
Movie of the Month: Juror #2
Thursday, June 12, 1-3:30pm, free
An American legal thriller film produced and directed by Clint Eastwood. The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J. K. Simmons, and Kiefer Sutherland. In the film, a man serving on the jury of a high-profile murder trial realizes that he may be responsible for the victim's death. The man struggles with a serious moral dilemma, that he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict or free the wrong killer. See this flick on our large screen TV with overhead speakers. Popcorn served at a brief intermission.