March April 2024 NSC Newsletter

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION!

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by Presidential Proclamation in order to formally celebrate the millions of dedicated Americans who choose to give of themselves for the good of others. Even earlier in the 70’s, a community planning team here in Kansas City designed an organization that provided opportunities to meet a range of needs of retired adults and the first Shepherd’s Center opened in Kansas City. Shepherd’s Centers around the U.S. were created to empower older adults to utilize their talents and skills, create opportunities for themselves and others, shining a light on positive aging and making volunteer opportunities an experience worth living for.

At Northland Shepherd’s Center, we are incredibly thankful for the dedication of our amazing volunteers! We are truly grateful for the countless hours you have given of your time, energy, and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Your contributions have played a vital role in our success. Thanks to you, we can continue “Improving the Quality of Life of Older Adults in our Community”. We know that your hard work and commitment will continue to have a lasting impact for years to come.

On April 16, 17 & 18, volunteers will have the opportunity to “drop-by” the offices of Northland Shepherd’s Center and receive delicious treats that will delight the taste buds and put a smile on your face and in your heart. Watch your email for your opportunity to reserve your spot for Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner drive-thru pick-up on one, two or all three days!

Thank you again for everything you do and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Welcome to Northland Shepherd’s Center

Northland Shepherd’s Center is pleased to announce that Jan Kauk will begin serving as Interim Executive Director effective February 19, 2024. She brings tremendous nonprofit experience to the organization with a passion for older adults and our mission “to improve the quality of life for adults (60+), by helping them thrive in the community and remain in their homes.”

Jan has lived in the Northland over forty years. Her career in nonprofit services includes executive positions at Synergy Services, Heartland Workforce Solutions, and Northland Community Foundation. She has also served in development roles at Saint Luke’s Health Systems Foundation, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and as a fellow at University of Missouri-Bloch School of Nonprofit Leadership. She currently serves on the Board of Education for North Kansas City Schools and the board of Beacon Mental Health.

You may reach her at jan@northlandsc.org or at the office 816-452-4536. She looks forward to connecting with you to enhance our advocacy and collaborative services for older adults.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jan or myself, Jim Stewart at js2rt@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Stewart

Chair, Board of Trustees

Northland Shepherd’s Center

Ride Scheduler got a major facelift. Most functions, like viewing available volunteer opportunities and self-assigning, remain unchanged. If you missed the January email notice, please contact Rayetta@Northlandsc.org and she can send you your credentials with the new URL and password reset.

Upcoming Seminars

We at NSC's PC Lab are thrilled by Jessie McNellis’s incredibly thoughtful gift of a Cricut machine! Your generosity has doubled our cutting capabilities, allowing our senior artists to spend less time waiting and more time creating. Your impact goes beyond the machine itself; it fuels our senior artists passion and empowers them to explore their artistic potential further.

Thank you for believing in our programs.

Aging with Excellence Classes

How to Improve and Maintain Positive Mental Wellbeing

North Kansas City Hospital and Beacon Health will be at Northland Shepherd’s Center on April 17 at 10:30 to speak about mental health, coping and self-care strategies. Please RSVP by calling 816-452-4536.

Free Health Screening

North Kansas City Hospital will be at Northland Shepherd’s Center Monday March 4 and April 1 to provide FREE health screenings. The nurse will be testing fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, HDL, LDN, triglycerides and blood pressure. The nurse will also provide education with the results of your test. Come anytime between 9:00 and 11:00. Registration is not required but you can register on NKCH website.

Fraud Prevention Presentation

AARP will be at Northland Shepherd’s Center to speak about preventing phone, email and technology scams. This will be held May 15 at 1:00. Please RSVP online or by calling 816-452-4536.

LIFT and PEPPI

Life Improving Fitness Training (LIFT) is designed to increase strength by using weights. In our Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence (PEPPI) class we use resistance bands to build strength and increase mobility. Both classes are offered standing or seated. LIFT is held every Monday and PEPPI is every

Chair Yoga can help to increase your mobility, balance and help to decrease your stress and anxiety. This class is for all fitness levels and modifications will be given. We are now offering Chair yoga the first, third and fifth Wednesday at 9:30, in addition to Monday and Friday classes.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese movement practice that significantly improves balance, cognitive function, strength and mobility. The controlled movements are very gentle and slow. Tai Chi is offered every Tuesday & Thursday at 9:30.

Coffee and Book Nook

Come grab a cup of coffee, socialize and pick up a book to take home. We have a variety of books and large print books for you to take home and return to NSC when you are finished. We also have puzzles on the shelf too.

Open Bridge every Friday 11:00 to 2:00. Bridge is held at Northland Shepherd’s

Life Enrichment Opportunities

Learning & Laughter A Jazzy Little Book Club

March 13:

Now You See Us

March 27:

After Anna

April 10: Hello Beautiful

April 24:

Are you there God?

It’s me Margaret.

Bookworms unite! Join our lively book club every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 1:00. Dive into great reads, discuss with fellow book lovers, and enjoy books provided by the Antioch MCPL. For more info, call Chanel at 816-452-4536.

We express our gratitude to Beth, NSC’s Book Club Volunteer, for lively discussions and leading each community of readers in a comfortable and engaging way!

Craving laughter, friends & senior-focused fun?

Join us for crafts, speakers, entertainment, Bingo & lunch. Laugh, learn & connect with fellow seniors. Meets every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 10:00. Fills up fast! Register at Northlandsc.org or by calling 816-452-4536. Program cost is $10.00.

March 13

BINGO & music by Bob Cohen

Lunch–Lasagna, Salad & Mixed Fruit

March 27

Crafts with Pam & Orange Julius and Trivia with Roula Ligonis from Senior Star

Lunch–Ham, sweet potatoes & green beans

April 10

BINGO & Presentation by Retired Physician of KC Medical Society

Lunch–Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy & corn

April 24

Crafts with Pam & Music by Bob Knutter

Lunch–Herb chicken breast, parmesan potatoes & green beans

Limited Bus Transportation Available

Technology Center

March April

March 12 1:30

iPad Basics

Learn some basics about the iPad. Let’s discover a few helpful apps. Bring your iPad. RSVP

March 18 1:30

Chromebook 101 Class

Learn the basics of a Chromebook. This class is for beginners with a Chromebook who want to learn more. Please bring your Chromebook.

March 19 1:30

Cricut Users Group

Meet-up group for Cricut users to share projects, get tips & watch demos. We now have two machines available for your use.

April 15 1:30

Appy Hour - Self Publishing Apps

Join us as we look at self-publishing apps. Learn some tips to become your own publisher!

April 16 1:30

Cricut Users Group

Meet-up group for Cricut users to share their projects, get some tips and watch demos using the Cricut. We have a Cricut for users to use, you do not need to own a Cricut.

April 17 1:00

Smartphone Workshop

Do you have questions about your smartphone? Is it hard to get into the phone store for help or to ask questions? You are in luck because the accessibility team from T-Mobile will be at the center to answer your questions! Bring your iPhone or Android smartphone. All questions welcome! RSVP

What would you like to learn today?

Schedule a Tech Time appointment with a friendly tech coach!

816-621-2084

April 22 1:30

iPad Basics

Come meet other iPad users and learn some tips and features. Focus is on iPad apps.

Cricut

Unleash Your Creativity! Ever wish you could explore your creative side or learn a new medium? The fun starts here! Our friendly Cricut group meets monthly to help you do just that! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone:

• Get acquainted with Cricut: Master the basics and unlock its potential.

• Learn from each other: Share tips, tricks & project ideas.

• Socialize and have fun: Connect with like-minded people while you create! It's the perfect mix of learning, creating & connecting.

Wi-Fi Hotspots still available for Checkout!

If you are over the age of 60 and would like to connect to Wi-Fi in your home, Northland Shepherd’s Center offers loaner Wi-Fi Hotspot devices! You must be a Clay or Platte County resident to participate. Wi-Fi Hotspots are available for a two month loan! Contact Christina at 816-621-2084.

Plate of Hope Food Pantry Caring Corner

Caring Connections

Caregiver Support Group

1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month

March 7 & 21 and April 4 &18

Northland Shepherd’s Center Meetings begin promptly at 10:00

…BecauseyouareNOTalone.

Caring Café: “Dementia Live!”

March 20

1:00 - 2:30

Brian Willbond of Right at Home shines a light on the daily struggles of dementia through this interactive experience. Join us and be a champion for those living with this challenge.

Caregiver Directed Respite Program

If you need respite care, please inquire about our reimbursement assistance program.

Aging Mastery Program (AMP)

A fun, innovative evidence-based program that empowers one to take key steps for improving well-being, finding stability in life, and strengthening ties to the community!

Register SOON for this 10-week program. Classes held on Fridays, March 8 through May 17, 2024

10:00 -11:30

Location: Gladstone Community Center 6901 N Holmes St

Class materials & refreshments are provided. For more info and to register call: Paula@claycoseniors.org

816-455-4800

Ready to join? Call Charli for details or to register for Caring Corner classes. Charli@northlandsc.org or 816-452-4536

Breaktime Club

As a caregiver, this program provides you with much-needed respite time while ensuring your loved one has a supportive social environment with qualified, caring staff and volunteers. Breaktime Club provides fun activities, gentle exercise, and arts & crafts for your loved one. For more information, or to see if you and your loved one are eligible, call us at 816-452-4536.

Northland Shepherd’s Center 5601 NE Antioch Rd, Ste 12 Gladstone, MO 64119

9:00 - 2:00

March 5, 12, 19 and 26

April 2, 9, 16 and 23

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 5409 NW 72nd St Kansas City, MO 64151 9:00 - 2:00

March 14 and 28

April 11 and 25

Plate of Hope Food Pantry

General guidelines for eligibility:

• Proof of Clay or Platte County residency

• Age 60+ (Picture ID for verification)

• Self-declared need for services

• Maximum two (2) visits per month

• Tuesdays & Thursdays by appointment

• Schedule an appointment: 816-844-3869 or email pantry@northlandsc.org

7

5601 NE Antioch Road, Suite 12

Gladstone, MO 64119

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 - 3:00

816-452-4536

Visit us at:

www.Northlandsc.org

Facebook & YouTube

Volume 34 No. 2

Or Current Resident

Serving Northland Citizens Aged 60 & Better

Life Services

• Aging Resource Solutions

• Call Check

• Caregiver Respite

• Computer Lab

• Friendly Care Caller

• Information & Resources

• Market Bus

• Meals on Wheels

• Medicare & Medicaid Help

• Minor Home Repair

• Personal Shopper

• Plate of Hope Food Pantry

• Technology Help & Training

• Transportation

Life Enrichment

• Aging with Excellence

• Aging Mastery Workshop

• Big Thinkers Tech Group

• Breaktime Club

• Caring Café

• Caring Connections

• Chair Yoga

• Health Screenings

• Healthy Living Seminars

• Learning & Laughter

• Matter of Balance Workshop

• Smartphone Classes

• Strength & Stretching

• Tai Chi