Senior Center Newsletter - 2014 February

MARY ANN YOUNG Senior Center Newsletter 9150 Central Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55434 763763-786786-9375— 9375—763763-780780-4318

February 2014 Senior Center Staff Shelley Johnson, Director Ann Genosky, Coordinator Jim Grant, Custodian

CURRENT EVENTS LIVE 2B HEALTHY SENIOR FITNESS: Register now to join and get fit!

Improve balance, flexibility and strength by exercising in a group setting with a certified instructor. Tuesdays-1pm, Thursdays-9am and Fridays-1pm.

Attend all three to achieve most benefit. Free to UCare, Humana or Silver Sneaker Members. Other insurances may offer benefits, otherwise-$30 per month. Use of weights, exercise bands and other light equipment used.

MISSION STATEMENT “To enrich the lives of older adults by providing educational, recreational, nutritional, social, informational, and volunteer opportunities in a relaxed, friendly environment”

INCOME TAX APPOINTMENTS: Especially for seniors and low to moderate income levels, no complicated forms please, as this is a half hour appointment with preparers. Assistance is available by appointment on specified Mondays beginning February 3rd. Bring your photo I.D., 2012 completed taxes, proof of social security number, and all 2013 forms needed to file. Income taxes will be E-Filed. This service is brought to you by AARP and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Anoka County.

Newsletter Assemblers Theresa Beck Shirley Engberg Kathy Gakin Benita Gregerson Rita Henke Maxine Nystrom Lucille Pobuda Patty Sandin Frank Schmidt Gloria Schmidt

CRAFTING WITH RECYCLABLES: Volunteer Rina Sant will have ongoing, fun craft classes on Fridays, February 7th & 21st at 10a.m. Types of items to save for this class: tissue & shoe boxes, salt containers, chocolate boxes, tea boxes, tin containers, frozen juice lids, popsicle sticks, stickers, yarn, embroidery thread, tissue paper, small wood containers, stencils, scissors, pinking shears, paints, needle and thread, hold punch, paintbrushes, glue, picture of loved ones, fabric remnants. Bring your creativity.

If you visit the Senior Center weekly, please let us know you will pick up an issue of this newsletter so we can save on postage.

The Mary Ann Young Senior Center is open Monday Through Friday from 8:30 am—4:30 pm and other specified times.

Stop in and check us out!

Website: www.blaineparks.com

This newsletter is made possible through the continued support of the City of Blaine.

FAMOUS PAIRS WHEEL OF FORTUNE: Wednesday, February 12th at 11:15a.m. with prizes to participants.

VALENTINE CELEBRATION: Friday, February 14th with entertainment by The Paul & Don Show, voting for King and Queen, and candy guess contest Royalty crowning will take place at lunchtime.

MOVIE OF THE MONTH: “The Last Vegas”- comedy starring Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman & Kevin Kline, Thursday, February 20th at 1p.m. with a break for refreshments at intermission.

BIRTHDAY PARTY: Wednesday, February 26th. Entertainment by accordionist-Steve Weninger starts at 11 am followed by a beef pot roast meal at noon, and prize bingo at 1 pm, sponsored by Arbor Oaks.

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH MADNESS WEEK OF FUN: -Prize/Penny Bingo– Monday, March 24th at 1p.m.

-Wii Tournament– Tuesday, March 25th from 9a.m.-noon. Fee: $1 -“500” Card Tournament-Tuesday, March 25th at 1p.m. Fee: $1.50 -Cribbage Tournament-Thursday, March 27th at 1p.m. Sign up in advance with your partner by March 20th. Fee: $2 per person.

IRISH OR NOT IT’S “No Blarney”-Tuesday, March 18th Cost: $58 Come to St. Paul to learn how the Irish immigrants influenced architecture, politics, and religion as you travel around the city with an Irish “saint” or “sinner as your guide. Enjoy lunch at the Liffey and choose your entrée: Rueben Sandwich, Cod, Pot Roast slider. Departs: Circle Pines at 9:00a.m.

ONGOING SERVICES/PROGRAMS LEGAL SERVICE Anoka County legal service is available to residents of Anoka County age 60 and older by appointment on the first Tuesday of the month beginning at 11:15 am. Call the center for your appointment. Next date: Tues., Feb. 4th.

FOOT CARE Friday, February 14th—appointments beginning at 9 am. Fee is $20. Bring your own towel. If you need to cancel, please do so 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.

ACCAP—SENIOR OUTREACH PROGRAM If you are age 60 or better and are looking for ways to stretch your dollar, check out these programs!

ENERGY ASSISTANCE: This program helps lower your utility costs and is based on your income. If your monthly income is $1,891 (gross) or less for one person or $2,473 or less for two people you may qualify! This program runs from October-May. FOOD SUPPORT: The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is designed to help lower food/grocery costs. If your monthly income is $1,580 (gross) or less for one person or $2,133 or less for two people, you may qualify. Call Karen Pollesch, Senior Outreach Worker, at 763-783-4741 for information. She will come to your home or meet you at the Senior Center.

FAMILY CAREGIVER CONNECTION Support groups and group respite care are available in the Anoka County area. Call Jill Agyekum at 763-422-6960 for more information regarding the assessment process.

COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY Wednesday, February 5th at 10 am—Get answers to your computer and technology questions in an open forum question and answer session. Please call the Senior Center to reserve your spot.

IN SYMPATHY… We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of the following loved one: • Rudy Roos-former daily diner at Senior Center • Leah Zacher, granddaughter of Benita Gregerson • Ronald Helmke, father of Bruce Helmke-van driver • Dale Miller, former senior diner who moved away • Marge Anderson, long time cribbage player • Rod Nagel, son of Mary Fettig, Wii Bowler and card player

WASHINGTON D.C. CHERRY BLOSSOMS MARCH 31stAPRIL 8th. Call or stop by the Senior Center for a complete Itinerary Highlights: Gettysburg Visitor Center & guided Battlefield Tour, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Institutes, Mount Vernon, Amish Tour, Guided Illumination tour of D.C., Mount Vernon, Chocolate World and more. Pick up at Blaine City Hall. Call: 763-780-2985

VHS HOME MOVIE TRANSFER Drop off your VHS, 8mm or 16mm personal home movies at the Senior Center the 2nd Thursday of the month between 9-noon. Eric from North Metro TV will transfer them to a disc and return them to the Senior Center at a later date.

This service is also available for smaller tapes that fit into a VHS converter. You must provide your converter to transfer smaller tapes.

LOW VISION HELP Third Wednesday of the month from 9am-noon, Paul Mattson from the Minnesota State Services for the Blind will be available at the Senior Center.

Call Paul at 651-642-0846 to make an appointment. The next available date will be February 19th.

HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING Specified Monday afternoons at the Senior Center. Appointments are required. Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging staff will assist with the basics of Medicare and Medical Assistance, choosing a supplement and/or Part D plan, processing claims, assisting with forms and more. To schedule an appointment at the Senior Center, call 1-800-333-2433.

ACCAP CHORES & MORE Serving the 60 and over population, Chores and More is a program of the Anoka County Community Action program with funding from the cities of Anoka and Coon Rapids. This is your one stop shop for minor home repairs, housekeeping, seasonal chores.

To be on the snow removal list, call Judy Lash or Nancy Shaw at 763-767-6521.

We wish the following people on the mend, a speedy recovery: • Bert & Dorothy Albers • Donna Drabant • Alice Simmonds • Elmer Herr

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY OUTINGS & TOURS

PLASTIC CANVAS and CRAFTING WITH RECYCLABLES: Fridays, February 7th & 21st at 10 am— Learn or share the art of plastic canvas, or join the craft class and make fun items out of recyclables.

Spend time with friendly folks working on a craft project of your choice. Creativity welcome!

“ALMOST MAINE” at Old Log Theater On a cold, clear moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the Northern Lights hover in the sky, residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Follow these delightful midwinter night’s love stories. Registration due February 11 Select Menu Choice at time of registration: *Braised Short Rib, Mashed Potato, Roasted Squash, Jus *Chicken Brest, Risotto, Sweet Corn, Sundried Tomato *New England Walleye Chowder, Grilled Bread *Smoked Pork Chop, Scalloped Potato, Charred Onion *Pappardelle Pasta, Roasted Tomato, Potato, Herbs, Parmesan Date: Wednesday, February 26th Cost: $54-includes ticket, lunch & transportation.

Time: Depart Blaine City Hall-10:30a.m. Return approx.-4:45pm

WOOD CARVING Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm led by J.D. Hughes (763-434-4202) and/or on Wednesdays from 1-3:00 pm led by Wes Spadgenske. All levels are welcome.

Join us for some relaxed conversation!

The MN Woodcarver’s Association Metro Chapter meeting will be Sunday, February 9th at 2 pm and is open to everyone.

CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC 3rd Sunday of the month 1-4:30 pm, join Gary Clark and musicians for a real taste of country music. Free!! Next date is February 16th.

LINE DANCING Tuesdays: 9 am-Intermediate Wednesdays: 6-9 pm-Varied levels Thursdays: 6-8 pm-Intermediate Saturdays: 9 am-Beginner 10 am-Advanced Beginner 11 am-”Keeping it Country” A free will donation is accepted.

The next Line Dance Party is February 15th from 1-5 pm.

QUILTING GROUP Monday, February 24th, 3-6 pm at the Senior Center.

All experience levels welcome! You can also quilt at the United Methodist Church (763-757-2170) on Wednesdays from 1-4:30 pm. Call Lucy with questions at 612-220-6510.

ICE SKATING Wednesdays from 9:30-11 am at Fogerty Arena. FREE!! No skating when schools are out or over the holidays. Piped in music, coffee and refreshments are offered!

BOWLING Brunswick Zone, 11351 Ulysses St. N.E., Blaine offers Senior Bowling Mondays and Fridays beginning at 1 pm for $1.25 per game.

Enjoy free shoe rental, cookies, coffee and loads of fun!

“LONELY SOLDIERS” at History Theater This provocative and timely play by award-winning author Helen Benedict, is based on interviews with soldiers stationed on the front lines in Iraq; these are the real words of eight battletested women warriors recounting their traumatic experiences on battlefield and in the barracks, and their personal journeys toward recovery and justice, honest, heartfelt, and current. Registration due by February 12th.

Date: Thursday, March 13th Cost: $30 includes ticket, transportation (lunch on own after show at Key’s Café).

Time: Departs Blaine City Hall-8:45a.m. Returns: approx. 2:15pm “TIM O’BRIEN’S-The Things They Carried”-History Theater A personal journey from a small town in western Minnesota to the jungles of Vietnam, and back again. Registration due by March 5th Date: Thursday, April 3rd Cost: $30 includes ticket & transportation Time: Depart Blaine City Hall-8:45a.m. Return: approx. 3:15p.m.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS-at Old Log Theater A celebration of the love, intimacy and strength of six southern women who are friends and support each other through their personal triumphs and tragedies, while congregating at Truvy’s beauty shop. Registration due by April 9th.

Select Menu Choice at time of registration: *Braised Short Ribs, Mashed Potato, Roasted Squash, Jus *Chicken Breast, Risotto, Sweet Corn, Sundried Tomato, Sauce *Shrimp and Grits, Sausage, Cheddar, Onion *Smoked Pork Chop, Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Okra *Roasted Artichoke, Collard Greens, Mushrooms, Lemon, Caper Date: Wednesday, April 23 Time: Depart Blaine City Hall-10:30am, Return approx. 4:45p.m. Cost: $54: ticket, lunch, transportation TREASURE ISLAND CASINO TRIP-Red Wing, MN Date: Monday, February 10th Cost: $7 Register by: February 3rd Depart: Blaine Senior Center-8:30a.m.

Return: approx. 4:30p.m.

Includes donuts and coffee prior to departure, 10 free pull tabs, $3 food coupon.

*All Outings Subject to Change

Mary Ann Young Senior Center

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit #4190

9150 Central Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-786-9375 Address Service Requested

DEFENSIVE DRIVING REFRESHER COURSE An instructor from the American Association of Retired Persons will conduct this 4-hour refresher course. This is a lecture-video class. Upon completion of the class, a certificate is issued and will be accepted by insurance companies for a discount on premiums for those 55 years of age and older. This certificate expires in 3 years and therefore, the course must be repeated in order to continue receiving the premium discount. You must have taken the 8-hour class in order to be eligible to take the 4-hour refresher course.

DATES: Thursdays: February 6th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 16th TIME: 10:15 am—3:00 pm (includes 1/2 hour lunch break).

FEE: $15 for AARP members $20 for non-AARP members Make checks payable to “AARP”. Bring your driver’s license and your AARP card (if applicable) to class. You will need to show and record your AARP member number (if applicable) on your form at class.

Lunch is available for a suggested donation: $4 ages 60 and up; $7 under age 60. You must register for lunch at least 3 days in advance, but can pay the day of the class. For lunch, make checks payable to “V.O.A.” Coffee and treats are provided for a suggested donation of $1.

To register: Call or stop by the Senior Center to make your reservation.

Mail or drop off your AARP payment: Mary Ann Young Senior Center, 9150 Central Ave., NE, Blaine, MN 55434.

Payment must be made prior to attending this class. A 48-hour cancellation notice is needed to receive a refund.

NAME:_________________________________________________PHONE__________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________CITY/STATE/ZIP_______________________________________ DATE OF CLASS_____________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH_____________________________ WOULD YOU LIKE A LUNCH RESERVATION? YES__________

NO__________

THESE CLASSES FILL VERY QUICKLY, SO PLAN A COUPLE MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO SECURE YOUR SPOT.