Program Spotlight

Water Color Classes

April 18, 25, and May 2, 1-3pm, $48

Do you enjoy art and painting? If so, then this series may be perfect to inspire your inner artistic talents. Sponsored by the Rum River Art Center and led by instructor Mary Leah, this three-week series of classes must be taken together to complete your painting project. A sample of the finished painting is available to view at the MAYC. Registration minimum is 8 and the maximum is 15. Advanced registration and payment are required.

Fountain of Tranquility Art Project

Tuesday, May 9, 10-11:30am, $30

Do you love the tranquil sound of outdoor water fountains? Bring that tranquility inside! Paint and decorate a 10”H x 5”L x 4”W battery operated tabletop fountain using acrylic paints and vintage jewelry! Deb McPeck will lead you through this beautiful project. Price includes fountain, paints, jewelry, instruction, and a donation to Deb’s favorite charity. Payment and registration are due by May 1. Class size limited so early registration is recommended. A sample is pictured to the right.

Registration required for all events. For questions and to sign up call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Senior Safety and Wellness Fair

Thursday, May 4, 8:30am-3pm, $12

Spots are filling quickly for this popular event to be held at: Fire Station #3 11920 Ulysses Street NE

Expect great local vendors providing valuable resources, speakers, lunch, snacks throughout the day, entertainment, and door prize drawings. Registration limited to the first 80 people. Don’t delay, register today. To register online, visit SBMFire.org or visit the MAYC to pick up a registration flyer to complete and send in.

Cabins of the North

A Doug Ohmann Presentation

Friday, April 28, 10:30am, $3 Doug with Pioneer Photography is back to share beautiful footage on our large screen TV. Enjoy a relaxing and scenic journey to the heart of Minnesota lake country. See some of Minnesota’s most interesting and unique cabins. These highquality photos are sure to bring back wonderful memories of spending time at your favorite getaway with special people. Advance registration required.

Register in advance to attend. For questions and to sign up call 763-786-9375

Movie of the Month

A Man Called Otto, Thursday, April 13, 1pm

A moving #1 New York Times best seller, this comical film stars Tom Hanks as Otto Anderson, a grumpy widower very set in his ways. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol. They strike an unlikely friendship that will turn his world upside-down. Enjoy this heartwarming story on our large screen TV with popcorn at intermission.

Register in advance to attend.

For questions and to sign up call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Musical Variety Show

Thursday, April 20, 1-3pm, $1 donation

This popular event will showcase a variety of performers and genres of music during this twohour production. Packed full of entertainers, expect classic country music by the Jamboree Band along with guitar, piano, ukulele, and vocal solos, duets, and groups. Dancers are welcome as there will be an area cleared for you. To perform in the show, simply call MAYC staff and describe your act by April 13 to be added to the program. All talent is welcome! A donation is being requested for random cash prizes to the lucky performers drawn.

For questions and to register call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Anoka County Senior Expo

Saturday, April 15, 9am-noon, free

Held at Lord of Life Church at 14501 Nowthen Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN. This free event is open to seniors and their families. Expect information booths, a pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, mini massages, eyewear repair and cleaning, and entertainment by Todd “Elvis” Anderson.

Sponsored by Anoka County Human Services. For questions and more information, call Nicki at 763-324-1227

Featured Resources

Bowling at Blainebrook

Mondays and Fridays, 1pm

A special rate is offered for seniors. Just $4.50 for 3 games of bowling. Stop by the desk and ask which lanes are designated for senior bowling. Free shoe rental is available. Meet new people while getting some great exercise. Address is 12000 Central Avenue NE, Blaine.

Nutrition Class:

Nothing Beats a Healthy Heart

Friday, May 12, 10am, $6

Keeping your heart healthy and strong is a great investment for your overall health. In this class, steps you can take to keep your heart beating strong through diet and lifestyle will be shared and discussed. Register in advance to join Health and Wellness Consultant, Heather Carpentier as she shares ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Minimum class size 5.

Property Tax and Rent Credit Assistance

June 6 and July 19, 9am-12pm, Free

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Anoka County in collaboration with local County Commissioners, are bringing this free service to you. No registrations are taken, this is a walk-in, first come, first serve event. Upon entering the Mary Ann Young Center through door #2, you will get a number from the attendant. Participants will be served in order. This program is for senior citizens and people with disabilities applying for their homeowners/renters MN property tax refund (M1PR) form. Clients will need to provide the following:

• 2022 federal form 1040 and 2022 MN return (if filed) or records showing 2022 total household income

• Copy of 2021 M1PR (Homestead Credit Refund or Renter’s Property Tax Refund)

• Homeowners/mobile homeowners need a copy of their 2023 real estate tax statement

• Renters: 2022 Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP)

Clients will be given a copy of their prepared return which they will then mail to the MN Department of Revenue. Health Care Directives and Advanced Care Planning

Thursday, April 6, 10:30-11:30am, free

Leaving instructions about your health care choices helps ensure decisions are made that are based on your values and preferences, even if you are unable to make your wishes known. This presentation will discuss what advanced care planning is and what health care directives can do. This presentation explains who can be a health care agent, and what the responsibilities for that role are. The session will also discuss why advance care planning is important, and topics to consider when completing a health care directive. Led by a representative with Senior Linkage Line of Minnesota. Advanced registration is required. For questions and to sign up call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Power of Attorney and Advanced Health Care Directives

Friday, April 14, 10:30am, free

Gordon Solo, supervising attorney for Legal Aid’s Senior Law Project, will provide a free presentation on useful tools for planning ahead. The presentation will cover power of attorney and healthcare directives. He will explain what these legal documents are for, how they can be created, who can use them, and how these legal documents can be used to plan for managing your financial matters and healthcare. Advanced registration required. If you have other legal issues or questions, in-person appointments are offered the first Tuesday of each month between 11AM-1PM. Call to make an appointment.

Save the Date Register Early

Honor Ladies Luncheon

May 11, 11am-1pm, $5

Let's honor the ladies for Mother's Day. The energetic Ken Appeldoorn will take the stage and engage the audience in a rousing performance! Beginning at 11AM, special refreshments will be available along with a meal at noon. Registration deadline is May 5.

Honor 80+ Luncheon

May 17, 11am-1pm, $5

The North Country Jamboree will get this party started as we honor those 80 or better! Our friends from the Jamboree will entertain the crowd with classic country music and random gift card drawings to those age-qualified. Enjoy light refreshments before a nice VOA sponsored lunch at noon. Register by May 11.

Everyone is invited to register and attend both events at BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister or call 763-786-9375

Watch for details in the May newsletter.

Thank You

• Lois and Merrill Olson for donating musical instruments.

• Epiphany Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Carole Wyman for donating prizes.

• Harry Walters for donation on behalf of the Eugene Erickson estate.

Thinking of You

On the Mend

We wish you the best in your recovery:

• Dave Marty Sympathy

Our sympathy goes out to the following family who recently experienced the loss of a loved one:

• Dave Barseth, survived by loving wife, Shirley

• Scott Elkington age 70, brother of Nancy Elkington

• Al Steffen, former MAYC bus driver, survived by loving wife of 65 years, Judy