MAYC Connect - May 2024

Contact MAYC Staff

763-786-9375

MAYC@BlaineMN.gov

Monday - Friday, 8:30AM to 4PM

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. BlaineMN.gov/MAYC

Celebrations Happening in May

Honor Ladies Day Thursday, May 9 11AM-12:45PM $5

All are invited to register to join us to celebrate the ladies in honor of Mother’s Day. Light refreshments and special entertainment by the ever popular Resistors duo, will kick off the party at 11AM. Door prizes provided from Blaine Festival Committee funds will be drawn for ladies listed on the lunch roster. Lunch menu for this event is chicken Kiev, scalloped potatoes, carrots, a dinner roll, and a strawberry cheesecake cup.

Call 763-786-9375 to reserve your place at the table. Registration deadline is May 1.

Honor 80+ Luncheon Thursday, May 16 11AM-12:45PM $5

The North Country Jamboree will get this party started as we honor those turning 80 or better. Enjoy classic country music along with special refreshments followed by a lovely noon meal of beef meatloaf w/ ketchup glaze, mashed potatoes, gravy, blend vegetables, dinner roll, and orange fruited jello. Door prizes from registered honorees will be drawn just prior to lunch.

Call 763-786-9375 to reserve your place at the table. Registration deadline is May 8.

Innovative Rick Perry

Born in the bustling city of Detroit, Rick married his soulmate Deborah Ledwidge in 1971, and the very next day he and his bride moved to Bloomington, MN where he took a job with Control Data. They have been married for 52 years. He spent his career in information technology (I.T.) and started two companies from scratch. Rick boldly claims, “arguably I invented the web page” which recognizes his career of innovation and forward thinking. In 1991 Rick retired from his job in technology and later became an Uber driver for four years just prior to the pandemic.

In 2020 he and Deborah moved from Eden Prairie to Blaine. His diverse interests recently led him to Brownsville, Texas to experience the aweinspiring launch of the rocket “Starship”. A healthy lifestyle is very important to Rick, and he enjoys a daily workout at the Planet Fitness health club. Another lifetime activity which he began engaging in with friends in 1954 was playing pool at a local pool hall. Currently, Rick occasionally plays at the renowned Two Stooges pool hall off University Avenue, but more notably, he spends time on multiple days a week playing pool at the MAYC. Early this year the MAYC pool table was recovered. Rick quickly went out and purchased new balls and a rack enhancing the experience for all players. Thank you for your generosity, Rick, and for sharing your story!

For open pool times at MAYC, call staff to reserve at 763-786-9375

Upcoming Outings

Duluth Vista Fleet Cruise

June 18 or 20, 7:45am-6:45pm, $115

Enjoy Duluth this summer! Both on the way up and on the way back, we'll make a stop at Tobies in Hinckley for on your own: apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, and more! Time permitting, our first look at Duluth will be on the Skyline Drive overlooking the City and Lake Superior. Then board the Vista Star for just over an hour harbor cruise. Lunch will be at the Blackwoods Restaurant. Choose chicken pot pie or meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. Meal includes cornbread and a nonalcoholic beverage. Depart Duluth at 3:30PM. Trip includes transportation, cruise, and lunch. Register by May 10.

MN Twins Baseball Game

July 24, 10:45am-4:30pm, $68

Come out and cheer on our boys of summer, as the Minnesota Twins take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Our seats are in section 203, along the first base line. We plan to arrive around 11:15AM for the noon game, so that you have time to explore before the game begins. Plan to depart after 10 innings if the game runs long. Youth with adult supervision are welcome. You may bring unopened snacks and a water bottle up to 32 ounces to the game. Water stations are available for refilling. Dress for the weather. Expect stairs to get to your seat unless you designate accessible seating at time of registration. Fee includes transportation and game ticket. Register by June 24.

Millner Heritage Vineyard and Winery

August 20, 10am-4:30pm, $96

This European style winery was designed, built, and operated by the Millner family. Learn about the cold hearty grapes they grow. Take in the view of the nine-acre estate as you hear and see their wine making process from start to finish. Expect standing and walking during the tour, part of which takes place in refrigerated areas. After the tour, enjoy lunch at the vineyard of a chicken entrée, potato, vegetable, bread, coffee, and a cookie. A presentation with a wine tasting of three kinds of wine will take place during the meal. On the way home will be a stop at the retail building for Deer Lake Orchard where purchases such as apples, fresh pies, caramel treats, and more can be made. Registration includes guided tour. Register by July 22.

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

Program Spotlights

Beginning/Refresher Cribbage

Fridays in May and June, 10am

Are you interested in learning how to play cribbage, or has it been a while and you need a refresher? Ed and Sue Lashinski will teach and refresh on the rules of this fun card game played with a board, pegs, and a deck of cards on Friday mornings in the months of May and June. No class on June 28. Register in advance.

Tech Lab Assistance

Specified Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, free

Looking for assistance with your electronic device? Help is just a phone call away. Appointments are available with Amy, a knowledgeable volunteer who will help you navigate your tablet, laptop, or mobile phone. Indicate your device at time of registration, which is required in advance. Call for appointment date/time.

To sign up, call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Beverly's Walking Explorers

Specified Mondays May-October, 9am

Strengthen your physical endurance and develop friendships as you walk with others on beautiful, local trails. This group is open to all who are interested in walking trails of approximately 1.53 miles in length. The Blaine area trails will be on Mondays at consistent weekly locations as follows:

1st Monday of the month: Kane Meadows

2nd Monday of the month: Lochness Park

3rd Monday of the month: Pioneer Park

4th Monday of the month: Pleasure Creek area

5th Monday of the month: Silver View Park

The season will begin on Monday, May 13 at 9AM at Lochness Park, and the walking group will continue through October, pending weather. Meet the leader, Beverly Kronstedt, at the designated trailhead. Maps are available at the Mary Ann Young Center. This is her 13th year of leading walking groups. Thank you, Beverly, for your dedication. Happy trails!

Contact Beverly at 763-571-7502 to get started with this walking group and to get maps of other dates and locations available to walk as a group throughout each month. No walking group on holidays May 27 and September 2. Watch the MAYCConnect newsletter calendar for other Monday date changes.

Blaine Bicycle Club for 50+

Specified Wednesdays, May-October, 10am

Jump on your bike and make friends while enjoying trails. Rides will vary between 10-16 miles and will generally take place around the Blaine area. For safety, riders are expected to wear a brightly colored clothing and bring water. Wearing a helmet is required. Other safety equipment is suggested. Some outings may include a stop at a local restaurant.

Get connected by emailing leader Deb McPeck at debramcpeck@gmail.com

For information on evening and extended rides, visit MNSpokesNFolks.com

Jewelry Donations Needed

It's 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.

The Boys in the Boat

Movie of the Month: Thursday, May 23, 1pm, free

Directed by movie star, George Clooney, this incredible true story tells the tale of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team who competed in the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin. This group of underdogs rose to the challenge of providing aweinspiring hope during times of despair at the height of the Great Depression. See this amazing film on the MAYC large screen TV with popcorn and beverages during a short intermission break. Register in advance to attend.

To sign up call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Pictured Beverly Kronstedt Walking Group Leader

Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 9am-6pm

The Soil and Sunshine Garden Club will again host their annual plant sale at 8712 Lincoln Street in Blaine. Expect a wide variety of plants and flowers available at reasonable prices. Members of the garden club work very hard each year to raise and sell plants as their main fundraiser, which sponsors a $1,000 scholarship to a lucky U of M student through a selection process. They also beautify the MAYC by filling the planters with flowers for all to enjoy throughout the summer months. If you are looking for plants or want to support the garden club, stop by this amazing sale!

Hollywood Goes to the Dogs

A Film Clip Presentation, Wednesday, May 22, 10am, donations accepted

Learn all about the history of dogs in the movies with this great, one hour class from North Metro TV's Eric Houston! You will meet Rover, the very first dog to star in a movie, and spend time with Hollywood's other good dogs, like Rin Tin Tin, Strongheart, Benji, and even Lassie. You will learn which dog starred in more classic films than any other, hear the story of the movie dog rescued from a World War I battlefield, and see how Lassie went from being the dog nobody wanted to being the most beloved dog in America. If you love movies and you love dogs, you won't want to miss this great class.

Advanced registration required. To register, call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Featured Resources

CaptionCall Closed Captioned Phones, free

Do you have difficulty hearing conversations on the phone? Help has arrived. CaptionCall, a program offered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, can help you get this special phone and have it installed in your home for free. Phones are easy to use and show what the caller is saying, in as large a font as you need, so that you don’t miss any important details when conversing on the phone. There is absolutely no cost for any services offered by CaptionCall. Installation is offered both remotely and in person. Contact Paul Kerr at 612-516-7810 or by email at pkurr@captioncall.com to set up a time and date for instructions and installation at your convenience.

Defensive Driving Refresher Classes

Specified Thursdays, 8:45am-1pm, $25 Four-hour refresher classes will be held on specified Thursdays. Classes fill quickly, so plan ahead and register early. These classes are led by an instructor from the MN Highway Safety and Research Center. Participants receive a discount of 10 percent on car insurance for three years from the date of taking this class, in addition to learning new tips for driving safely. Upcoming classes are May 9, June 6, and September 5. Payment due at time of registration.

Property Tax and Rent Credit Assistance

Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, July 17, 9am-noon, 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 served event. Upon entering the Mary Ann Young Center through door #2, you will proceed to the tax assistance room to check in. Participants will be served in order of arrival. 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:

• 2023 federal form 1040 and 2023 MN return (if filed) or records showing 2023 total household income

• Copy of 2022 M1PR (Homestead Credit Refund or Renter’s Property Tax Refund)

• Homeowners/mobile homeowners need a copy of their 2024 real estate tax statement

• Renters: 2023 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.

State Services for the Blind - Assistive Devices, free

Cindy Kauffman, representative for State Services for the Blind, is available to meet with you at an agreed upon date and time at the MAYC, or in your home. A large variety of products are available at no charge, to help with your vision needs such as: large print and talking clocks, magnifiers, glare reduction glasses, audio talking books, and more. Find out what visual aid devices are offered. Call Cindy at 651-341-4932 to get your questions answered and/or to schedule an appointment.

Eating for Health Nutrition Session

Monday, May 10, 10am, $6

Do you want to take control of your health but don’t know where to start? Eating for Health is a great starting point. In this class we will introduce basic dietary knowledge to begin your journey to health. Join Health and Wellness Consultant, Heather Carpentier, as she shares components of nutrition, foods to boost your health and much more.

Anoka County Senior Expo

Saturday, May 18

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. Sponsored by Anoka County Human Services.

For questions and more information, call Lori Benson at 763-324-1692

Thank You

• To Don Bowman, Sharon Wong, Dorienne Smith, Shirley Bormes, and JoAnn Jackson for donating bingo prizes.

• To Landmark of Fridley for sponsoring birthday party bingo.

• To Culvers for providing frozen treats to 155 birthday party attendees.

Thinking of You

On the Mend

We wish you the best in your recovery:

• Shirley Engberg

• Mary Juneau

• Gary Wildung

Sympathy

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

• Edward Champagne, age 79, brother of Marlys Erickson.

• Lorraine Cushing, recently resided at Clover Leaf Courts and loved luncheon parties and socializing at MAYC.

• Earl Miller Jr., age 86, former MAYC woodcarver, survived by loving wife, Bonnie.

• Dennis Strandberg, age 89, former senior diner, survived by loving wife of 42 years, Diane.

May Activities Calendar

MAYC Programming

Advanced registration is required, Call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Virtual/Provider Programming

Contact provider to register for programming. Programs not held at MAYC.

MAYC Meals

Meals are served at noon for a suggested donation of $5 for those age 60+ and $8 for those under age.

9-11am Wii Bowling

10am Beg 500 Cards

10am Virtual Fitness

1pm Int 500 Cards

1pm Watercolor Class #2

1:15pm Fitness On-Site

7pm Woodcarving Group

1pm Pegs and Jokers

1:15pm Fitness On-Site

6:30pm Garden Club

Cheeseburger on Bun, Delmonico Potatoes, Baked Beans, Blonde Brownie

9am Walking ClubPioneer Park

10am Basket Making

10am Beg Pinochle

10am Virtual Fitness

12:30pm Beg Ukulele

1pm Bowling Blainbrook

1pm Int Pinochle

1pm Int Ukulele

1pm Nickel Bingo

1pm Pegs and Jokers

1:15pm Fitness On-Site

Chicken Fritter, Mashed Potatoes & Country Gravy, Green Beans, Multi Grain Bread, Cookie

Chicken Alfredo/ Fettuccine Noodles, Broccoli, Tropical Fruit, Breadstick, Blue Raspberry Jello/ Whipped Topping

9-11am Wii Bowling

10am Beg 500 Cards

10am Virtual Fitness

1pm Int 500 Cards

1pm Watercolor Class #3

1:15pm Fitness On-Site

7pm Woodcarving Group

9:15am-4:15pm Carole King Show "Beautiful"

9:30am Skating Fogerty

9:30am-1:30pm Tech Lab

10am Blaine Bicycle Club

1pm Hand & Foot

1pm Mahjong

1pm Woodcarving Group

8am-4

1

9-11am Wii Bowling: Makeup Day 10am Beg 500 Cards 10am Virtual Fitness

1

Brat/Sauerkraut on Bun, Yellow Rice, Peas & Carrots, Mandarin Oranges, Chocolate Cream Pie, ALT: All Beef Hot Dog

9:30am Skating Fogerty

10am Blaine Bicycle Club 10am Caregiver Support

Hollywood Goes to the Dogs: Film Clips Presentation

Medicare Counseling Appt 1pm Hand & Foot 1pm Mahjong 1

Beef Meatloaf/Ketchup Glaze, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Blend Veggies, Dinner Roll, Orange Fruited Jello

Cheese Lasagna Roll-Up/ Meat Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, Green Beans, Orange, Garlic Toast, Chef’s Choice Cookie

Virtual Fitness 11am Bean Bags 1pm

Woodcarving Group 9:30am Bridge Cards

Tartar Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Parslied Carrots, Apple, Wheat Bread, Chocolate Pudding/ Topping ALT: Lemon Pepper Chicken MAYC Closed in Observance of Memorial Day