MAYCConnect BlaineMN.gov/MAYC
Creating Community
January 2021
Mary Ann Young Center 9150 Central Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434
Contact MAYC Staff 763-786-9375 MAYC@BlaineMN.gov Monday - Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM
Mission Statement 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.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 32324
BlaineMN.gov/MAYC
Tips from the Mary Ann Young Center to Beat the January Blues It is well known that daylight hours this time of year are shorter than most months of the year for Minnesotans, and people tend to spend much time indoors due to typically colder temperatures. Here is a list of things you might consider doing indoors to lift your spirits, provide some energy, and to have some fun. Engage your brain. Stimulate neurons by doing some things with your opposite hand such as brushing your teeth, writing a grocery list, combing your hair, pouring a beverage, painting your nails, or cutting or spreading with your table knife. The list is endless, be creative, but also be safe. • Read something new, whether a book or an article from a paper or magazine. Really read your mail, even if it is generally considered junk mail. You might see an interesting fact or coupon worth saving. • Say or spell things backwards like the alphabet, numbers, Mississippi. Let us know what words you can spell backwards. • Exercise: many exercises can be done while watching your favorite show. Think of a new exercise or one you have not done in a while. It is important to keep moving. Think about each limb and part of the body and what you can do to increase circulation and range of motion. Don’t forget to breathe deeply. You can search online for in-home, bodyweight exercises that you can follow along with. • Phone a friend or relative or both, that you perhaps haven’t talked to in a while. Make a plan to keep in contact. Take turns calling each other. • Complete a jigsaw puzzle. • Work on a crossword puzzle, word search, or Sudoku. • Write a letter to someone in your contact list and mail it out. • Make a card for someone and send it out. Be creative with glue, ribbon, and your own sayings. • Write a poem. It doesn’t have to rhyme. • Try a new recipe, dig out an old favorite, or a new food or beverage item and challenge your taste buds. • Less sunshine in winter months can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Be sure you have made a plan with your doctor to be as healthy as you can be.
Address Service Requested
Mary Ann Young Center 9150 Central Avenue NE Blaine MN 55434
• If you have internet service, there are unlimited resources available on a wide variety of topics; explore your interests. • Sing a favorite song in the shower or while cooking. • Clean out a drawer, closet, or room. Purging items can be very rewarding. • Learn a new card game. • Mix and match clothing, you may be surprised at what looks good together. • Report your new discoveries to friends and family. Give MAYC staff a call too, we would love to hear from you.
Outdoor Winter Activities Not all winter days are cold and snowy. In Minnesota it is not unusual to get some nice sunny, warmer (relatively) days during the long winters. On these days it is nice to get outside and get some sunshine and exercise to help the mind and body feels refreshed. Here in Blaine and Anoka County we have a number of things to do to enjoy the nice days we get. Here are some things to do. Please check with individual facilities to see if an entrance fee or trail pass is required • Blaine plows city sidewalks and trails within a few days after a snowfall, so go out for a walk. • There are also some nice trails at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary and Springbrook Nature Preserve in Fridley. Winter is a great time for nature viewing. • If x-country skiing or snowshoeing are your thing, you can go to the following place in Anoka County for that also. • • • • • •
Anoka Nature Preserve, Anoka Bunker Hills Park, Coon Rapids Coon Rapids Dam, Coon Rapids Chomonix gold course, Lino Lakes Green Haven golf course, Anoka Rum River Central Regional Park, Ramsey
For all activities remember to dress in layers and bring some water. It is very easy to get dehydrated in the winter.
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BlaineMN.gov/MAYC - MAYC Connect
MAYC Zoom Activities If you have a smart phone, tablet, or computer you can connect virtually and socialize or participate in MAYC Zoom activities. MAYC staff are still working daily and want to connect with you.
Ongoing Each Month North Country Jamboree January 12 and 26, 2:30PM The North Country Jamboree will be performing familiar country music. Connect on the MAYC zoom link and enjoy a live performance of classic country music by the jamboree group. MAYC Zoom News and Chat Wednesdays, January 13, 20, 10am and January 27, 2:30pm MAYC Zoom Sing-a-Long - Monday, January 11, 10am Wheel of Fortune MAYC Style Tuesday, January 19, 10am
Beth Weber at the MAYC Food Drive
Curbside Food Drive a Success Let’s Do It Again
The Mary Ann Young Center hosted a food drive on December 7 and donations came in steadily all afternoon. Donations ranged from one bag to a carload of bags full of non-perishable food items. Every donation is very much appreciated Thank you to those who were able to stop by and drop items. Some people commented that they got their whole family to contribute. The SBM Fire Department picked up the food and delivered it to a Blaine food shelf. Thank you one and all.
Pack the Bus Now it is time to do it again. And this time we want to fill the MAYC bus with food donations. Help us pack the bus. Thursday, January 28, 2021 12:30 – 2:30PM Wear a mask, drop off your donations curbside at the MAYC, and help those in need during this cold winter season.
Need Help Setting Up or Navigating Zoom on Your Device Thursday, January 14 and 21, 2-4pm Each zoom activity will use the same link, BlaineMN.gov/SeniorZoom. Join simply by going to that link and Zoom will automatically open. If you prefer to join through the Zoom app use meeting id: 917 554 445 89 with the passcode: 9150.
Chores & More for Help Around Your Home The Chores & More Program assists seniors with housekeeping, minor home repairs and seasonal chores. For some people, Chores & More is a solution to a temporary situation such as an illness, injury, or a recent hospital stay. For others, this program becomes an essential service to help people remain living safely and independently in their own homes. They are available to assist with snow shoveling for those that need it this time of year. Clients are referred to the Chores & More Program via public health agencies, social service agencies, family members and friends. Clients are also welcome to refer themselves for services. Below is the criteria for receiving services: • •
Must be 60 years of age or older Must be a resident of Anoka County For more information about Chores & More, visit BlaineMN.gov/ ACCAPChoresandMore or call 763-783-4767.
Openings on the Senior Advisory Council The Senior Advisory Council meets approximately three times per year (more if needed) and members serve two year terms. If you are interested in serving on the Senior Advisory Council, please call the MAYC at 763-786-9375 or fill out an application at BlaineMN.gov/BoardsandCommissions by January 10, 2021.
Superman
The Man of Steel on the Silver Screen, January 26, 7PM Superman a strange visitor from another planet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, and, for 80 years, the star of screen, stage, television, and the radio. In this great, one hour class from Movie Man Eric Houston, we will delve into Clark Kent’s history in the movies and other media. Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s a Superman class! To view, visit BlaineMN.gov/MovieManEric.
Winter Safety Tips With the arrival of winter, it is important for older adults to take special safety precautions to protect themselves from the elements. The important thing to do is to be prepared for sever weather at home or in your car, and to err on the side of safety when outside. Here are some simple tips to stay safe and healthy this winter. • Bundle up. Seniors are more susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia than younger people. Try to stay indoors when it is really cold outside. Be sure to dress in layers with moisture wicking fabrics next to your body if you must go out. • Be careful shoveling snow. Shoving heavy, wet snow can lead to heart attacks. Ask for help from a more able-bodied friend, family-member, or neighbor. There is also help available from Chores and More. See more information in Chores and More article. • Watch out for ice. If you are going to be outside, wear a set of ice cleats on your shoes. There are many types available that easily pull over the bottom of your shoes or boots. Be especially careful of hard to see ice that may be under a thin layer of snow. • Choose when to drive and when not to. If you can, wait until the snow has been cleared from streets before going to the store, etc. When you do go out, make sure that you have warm clothes and a blanket in your car, and that your cell phone is charged up. • Follow the City of Blaine on social media to get plow updates during a snowstorm.
January 2021
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Resources
January Word Search
See Calendar for Dates/Times
Word Search: Find and circle the words in the grid. BELOW ZERO CHIMNEY SMOKE DOWNHILL SKIING FISH HOUSE FROSTED PINE TREES FROZEN TUNDRA HIBERNATE
HOCKEY PUCK ICE SKATING ICICLES JANUARY THAW LET IT SNOW POLAR BEAR SLEIGH RIDE
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2021 Income Tax Assistance AARP leaders in partnership with the IRS, are working hard to determine what assistance will be available for seniors with low to moderate income. For updates, be sure you have provided MAYC staff with your contact information. When tax assistance details are known, a call and an email will be sent with the most up to date information. If appointments become available, a registration date will be announced in the phone script and in an email to those who have provided their information to MAYC staff. Thank you for your patience as details evolve.
Thinking of You Our sympathy goes out to the following families who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. • • • • • •
Betty Allen survived by loving husband, David Allen. Dolores “Dodie” Bohlman, age 82, former card player. Mary Fettig, age 85, former card player and newsletter assembler. Linda Heir, really enjoyed playing scrabble and socializing. Betty Loberg survived by loving husband, Leo. Joannie Mattson, attended woodcarving group, survived by loving husband, Tom.
On the Mend We wish you the best in your recovery. • •
AARP Driver Safety Refresher Classes Online course available for discounts on vehicle insurance for those 55+, call 1-800-350-7025 or visit AARPDriverSafety.org.
SNOWMAN SNOWSHOES STOKE THE FIRE WARM WOOLEN MITTENS WEATHER ADVISORY WIND CHILL WINTER WONDERLAND
Louie Kropelnicki Judy Seigler
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Judy Tschida Beverly Williams
ACCAP Chores and More This is your one stop shop for minor home repairs, housekeeping, and seasonal chores such as snow removal. For more details, contact Kayla at 763-783-4767, or email kfanum@accap.org, or visit ACCAP.org. ACCAP Senior Outreach Worker Available/Energy Assistance Program For assistance, contact Lisa 763-783-4741 ext. 3, or email ldesrosier@accap.org, or visit ACCAP.org. Anoka County Library Computer Help Help for beginning computer users including internet searching, safety, and security. For more information and to register, visit AnokaCountyLibrary/ AnokaCountyLibraryComputerSkillsCenter.org or email aclref@co.anoka.mn.us. Family Caregiver Connection Virtual and phone programs include Caregiver Support Group, Memory Cafe, and Respite. For more information, contact Jill at 763-324-1831. Foot Care Appointments available at the MAYC. Cost is $25. Bring a towel. Face masks are required at all times while in the MAYC. Call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/ByAppointment. Juniper Virtual Classes To register, learn more, or discover more classes for balance, exercise, and living well, call 1-855-215-2174 or visit MyJuniper.org. Mid-MN Legal Aid Call MAYC at 763-786-9375 to set up a phone appointment. Appointments must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Minnesota Energy Assistance Program Available from October 2020May 2021. Applications are available at BlaineMN.gov/ MNEnergyProgramsApp. Call Anoka County Community Action Program at 763-783-7471, ext 3. Minnesota State Services for the Blind Call Paul at 651-539-2328 or Ed at 651-539-2324. Plan Your Move Created by local realtor SRES Renee Miller of Keller Williams Classic Realty. Schedule a one-on-one meeting by calling 612-524-9833. Property Tax Assistance For updates, call 763-324-1480 or visit AnokaCounty.us/725/ Retired-Senior-Volunteer-Program. Senior Companion Phone reassurance (companion visits) or virtual visits offered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Contact Terry Hollingsworth at 651-310-9459 or email Terry. Hollingsworth@LSSMin.org. Senior Linkage Line A link to a local aging expert by calling 1-800-333-2433 or 763-324-1480.
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BlaineMN.gov/MAYC - MAYC Connect
January Activities Calendar Sunday
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Saturday
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New Year’s Holiday (MAYC Closed)
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10am Fitness (Zoom) 11am-12pm Respite (Zoom) 2-4pm Caregiver Support (Phone) Home Movie Transfer Drop Off (MAYC Appt)
10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom) 11am-1pm Legal Aid (Phone Appt) Home Movie Transfer Drop Off (MAYC Appt)
10am-12pm Memory Café (Zoom) Home Movie Transfer Drop Off (MAYC Appt)
9:30am-4pm Library/ Puzzle Pickup (MAYC Appt) 10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom)
8:30am-3:30pm Foot Care (MAYC Appt) 10-11am Respite (Zoom)
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10am Fitness (Zoom) 10-11am Sing-a-long (MAYC Zoom) 11am-12pm Respite (Zoom) 2-4pm Caregiver Support (Phone)
10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom) 2:30pm Jamboree (MAYC Zoom)
9:30am-4pm Library/ Puzzle Pickup (MAYC Appt) 10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom) 2-4pm Zoom Tutorials (MAYC Phone Appt)
8:30am-3:30pm Foot Care (MAYC Appt) 10-11am Respite (Zoom)
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday (MAYC Closed) 10am Fitness (Zoom) 11am-12pm Respite (Zoom) 2-4pm Caregiver Support (Phone)
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20 10am News & Views Chat Session (MAYC Zoom) 10am-12pm Memory Café (Zoom)
9:30am-4pm Library/ Puzzle Pickup (MAYC Appt) 10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom) 2-4pm Zoom Tutorials (MAYC Phone Appt)
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10am Fitness (Zoom) 11am-12pm Respite (Zoom) 2-4pm Caregiver Support (Phone)
10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom) 2:30pm Jamboree (MAYC Zoom) 7pm Film Clip: Superman
10am-12pm Memory Café (Zoom) 2:30pm News & Views Chat Session (MAYC Zoom) Home Movie Transfer Drop Off (MAYC Appt)
9:30-11am Library/ Puzzle Pickup (MAYC Appt) 10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom) 12:30-2:30pm Pack the Bus Food Donation Event (MAYC Drop Off) Home Movie Transfer Drop Off (MAYC Appt)
10-11am Respite (Zoom) Home Movie Transfer Drop Off (MAYC Appt)
Holidays
MAYC Zoom - BlaineMN.gov/SeniorZoom
MAYC Phone Appt - Call 763-786-9375
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10-11am Respite (Zoom)
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Activities Schedule
10am Fitness (Zoom) 10am Wheel of Fortune (MAYC Zoom) 10am-12pm Caregiver Group (Zoom)
10am News & Views Chat Session (MAYC Zoom) 10am-12pm Memory Café (Zoom)
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Full Activities Calendar - BlaineMN.gov/MAYCCalendar