MAYC Connect - June 2024

Connect

June 2024

Mary Ann Young Center

9150 Central Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434

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

Special Summer Celebrations

Honor the Men Celebration - Thursday, June 13, 11am-1pm, $5

All are invited to come out and honor the men! Toe tapping music will light up the crowd as Dick Szyplinski entertains at 11AM with polka, schottische, waltz music, and more. Light refreshments will be available followed by a tasty noon meal of salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, a dinner roll, and chocolate cream pie. Door prizes to be drawn from men on the lunch roster.

Call 763-786-9375 to reserve your place at the table. Registration deadline is June 6. Pork Chop Dinner - Thursday, July 25, 5:30pm, $9

This popular dinner will likely sell out early with a menu of seasoned pork chop, potato salad, pasta salad, Captain Ken’s baked beans, fresh fruit, vegetables/dip, a dinner roll, and dessert. Seating will be available both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Dinner ticket sales begin Wednesday, June 5 in person at the MAYC. Following this homemade meal, all are invited to enjoy the boisterous sounds of the Fridley City Band on the patio from 6:15-7:45PM. Bring a lawn chair.

Fond Farewell from Shelley Johnson

Celebrate Shelley: Monday, June 24, 1-3pm light refreshments provided It is with mixed emotions that I have announced my retirement. I have met so many great people over my years of service at the Mary Ann Young Center. Some I have just met recently, so I would like to take a moment to share my career and family history with you. Born on March 27, 1963, to LaVonne and Alfred Benike, I was their ninth and final child. Raised on a 200-acre farm in Chatfield, MN I spent my young days being involved in every activity I could, from 10 years of 4-H to a being a cheerleader for five years, to plays, choir, and every sport I could fit in: volleyball, basketball, and softball. I knew I wanted to work with people, so I talked to my high school counselor, and we found a profession that would fit. In 1985 I graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services-Therapeutic Emphasis and a minor in Business Administration. I immediately obtained a position at Woodbury Health Care Center, as a therapeutic recreation specialist planning activities for 70 residents. After pay cuts across the board, I landed a job at Southview Acres Health Care Center in West St. Paul and soon took over the director position there. After 11 years of working in a care center setting, I got a call from Cindy Olson, who I had worked with at Woodbury Health Care Center, that she had to move out of town and her position was available in Blaine. I interviewed with a panel of staff at City Hall, which was across our MAYC parking lot, and then interviewed with Ann Genosky and a panel of

Upcoming Outings

MN Twins Baseball Game

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

Cheer on our boys of summer as the Minnesota Twins take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Our seats are along the first base line in section 203. We plan to arrive around 11:15AM for the noon game, so that there is 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 and wine tasting will take place during the meal. Last stop will be 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, lunch, and wine tasting. Register by July 22.

St. Paul Ghosts and Gables Haunted Bus Tour

September 24, 10am-3:15pm, $97

Join your entertaining Victorian ghost guide through historic Saint Paul to hear thrilling tales of hauntings. Designed to give you a bit of a tingle, a shiver, or a laugh while learning some interesting history of our capital city. Locations include Saint Paul's historic Summit Avenue (considered one of the most beautiful streets in the country), charming Rice Park which is older than Central Park in New York City and surrounded by several haunted buildings, plus more! There are over a dozen sites on this tour and a brief stop for a sip of spirits. A light lunch at the St. Paul Grill will include the a grilled chicken breast sandwich with thickcut bacon, swiss and cheddar cheese, and Sriracha mayo, hand-cut french fries, coffee, and tea are also included. Registration deadline is August 19.

For questions and to register, call 763-786-9375 or visit

BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Celebrate Independence Day

Patriotic Week of Fun

Prize/Nickel Bingo - Monday, June 17, 1pm

Good neighbor rules apply. Win the first time, pick a prize, win thereafter and neighbor to the right who has not yet won gets to choose a prize. All are eligible to win the nickels in the cup each round, and coverall prize.

500 Card Tournament - Tuesday, June 18, 1pm

Register by June 11 to play in the 500 Tournament. Cost is $2 per person. Expect payback prizes to winners and an ice cream treat at end of play.

Cribbage Tournament - Thursday, June 20, 1pm

Register with your partner by June 13 to play in the cribbage tournament. Cost is $2 per person. Expect payback prizes to winners and an ice cream treat at end of play.

Celebrate Independence Day

Wednesday, July 3, 11am-1pm, $5

The MAYC Silver Ukes will perform at 11AM for the lunch crowd. Be sure to make your lunch reservation by June 25. Don your red/white/blue attire and come enjoy patriotic music performed by the MAYC ukulele group. Light refreshments will be available followed by an American-style luncheon of cheeseburger on bun, baked beans, potato salad, and apple pie at noon.

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

DIY Antiques Appraisal Workshop

Wednesday, July 12, 10am, donations accepted

Learn how to appraise and research your antiques and heirlooms all by yourself in this great new class from North Metro TV's Eric Houston. Eric will show you how to use online resources like Google and eBay to find out just what you have and what it is worth. Students are encouraged to bring in one item from home to research with the rest of the class. Eric is not only a computer expert, but a seasoned antiques buyer and seller and he is ready to share his tips with you.

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

Cooking with Glo

Friday, June 14, 1:30pm, $21

Glo will purchase and bring all the ingredients to prepare a delicious dish for participants to eat onsite or to take home. Participants from the April class chose this recipe. This class will take place in the commercial kitchen. Class size is 6-8 participants. Advanced payment and registration required.

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

Landmark Tours Travel Show

Thursday, June 20, 10am, free

Fly the friendly skies with a great, local, family-owned company and leave your worries behind as you explore beautiful, entertaining destinations. A Landmark Tours representative will meet you at the airport and take it from there. Enjoy 4–5-star accommodations, many included quality meals, and breathtaking sights and sounds. Learn what trips are coming up as you peruse the colorful brochures and get your questions answered at this informational session.

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

Ordinary Angels

Movie of the Month: Thursday, June 6, 1pm, free

An inspiring, emotional, true story of faith. A struggling hairdresser, Hilary Swank, finds a renewed sense of purpose when she meets a widowed father working hard to care for his two daughters. With his youngest critically ill and waiting for a liver transplant, the fierce woman single-handedly rallies an entire community to help. View this film on the MAYC large screen TV with popcorn and refreshments at intermission. Advanced registration is required, call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineMN.gov/MAYCRegister

Fond Farewell from Shelley Johnson

Continued from Page 1

seniors. The second interview was by far my favorite, and I began my 27-year career at MAYC. My family has always been a part of my work career. I met the love of my life, Scott Lee Johnson, in October 1985. We will celebrate 38 years of marriage this fall. Scott would bring our children to my place of work for special occasions. Our first two children, Jake and Kirsten, portrayed baby Jesus in the reenactment of the nativity at my Woodbury job. Mikensie came along 5.5 years later and portrayed baby Jesus in the play at Southview Acres. At MAYC we began a Flag Day celebration each year, and my kids put on the show. Jake would show his Tae Kwon Do skills or play his acoustic guitar, Kirsten would portray historical characters or do a duet dance performance, and Mikensie would perform solos and group dances with her competition dance studio. After Jake graduated from college, he went into food service and ended up lending a hand cooking at MAYC and training in a new MAYC food handler. In 2022 we sold our five acre hobby farm in Forest Lake where we enjoyed horseback riding and camping for 30 years. Scott, Kirsten, and I now live in Lindstrom. I have met so many wonderful friends working at MAYC and the staff I have been fortunate to work with are the best! Thank you, Ann, Jim, Jill, and John, for making my job easier and more enjoyable every single day. I hope many MAYC friends will stop by to chat, share memories, have cake, and to bid me adieu on June 24.

Bus Driver Extraordinaire

Meet Bruce Helmke

Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives

Friday, June 14, 10am, free Gordon Solo, supervising attorney for Legal Aide’s Senior Law Project, will provide a free presentation on useful tools for planning ahead. An explanation will be given of 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.

Bruce Helmke retired from the Post Office in 2009. He was looking for something in the community to do when he saw an ad in the MAYC newsletter seeking volunteer bus drivers to bring active older adults to and from the MAYC for noon meals and/ or activity programs. When Bruce met with staff to complete an application, he said he would drive for one year. That one year has turned into a total of 14 years of dedicated service! Bruce chose Tuesdays as his main driving days, as he enjoys playing the card game 500 and that takes place at 1PM every Tuesday at the MAYC. He also plays cribbage and often registers to play in the quarterly tournaments held on Thursdays. Other hobbies Bruce enjoys are fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and trips to the cabin with his wife of 33 years, Kathy. Bruce has made many friendships at the MAYC over the years and enjoys meeting up with them for various community events. Staff greatly appreciate Bruce’s dedicated years of service driving the 14 passenger MAYC bus and hope you are interested in continuing for a few more. Thank you for sharing your time and for providing such a valuable service to the Blaine community.

Featured Resources

Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) - Senior Outreach Worker

The Senior Outreach Program aids seniors 60 years of age and older, helping people remain in their homes in the healthiest and safest manner possible. Meetings can be scheduled with an outreach worker to identify needs and discuss the appropriate services needed such as home-delivered meals, food programs, economic assistance, energy assistance, chore services, and more. There is no charge to visit with an outreach worker. Residents of Blaine, Ham Lake, Circle Pines, and Lexington can contact Lisa DesRosier at 763-783-4741 extension 3, or ldesrosier@accap.org

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 June 6 and September 5. Payment due at time of registration.

Food Distribution Program

2nd Sunday of each month, 10506 Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, - noon-1pm Free drive-thru food distribution takes place each month from 12-2PM at the corner of Hanson and Coon Rapids Boulevard. No requirements or data collected. Everyone is welcome, including walk-ins. Food supplied by Every Meal, Bergin Fruit & Nut Company, HyVee, and local restaurants. For more information, search @SpiritofMathew25

Property Tax and Rent Credit Assistance

Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, July 17, 9am-noon

Sponsored by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and provided by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), this is a first come, first served program. No appointments will be taken. Enter door #2 at the MAYC and proceed to the Tom Ryan B room. Multiple volunteer preparers will be on site to serve people in order. Be sure to have all your paperwork in order along with your photo I.D.

Transportation to VA Medical Appointment, free

Need a ride to a VA medical appointment? DAV of Minnesota is here to help. For the Twin Cities Metro area, call 612-467-2768 to schedule a ride. Please call as far in advance as possible. Same day scheduling is not available. For more information, visit the website at davmn.org

Advanced registration is required. If you have other legal issues or questions, in-person one time advice clinic appointments are offered the first Tuesday of each month between 11:15AM-1:15PM. Call to make an appointment.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Monday, June 24 10-11am, free

The Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department staff will lead this training. Ever use a fire extinguisher? With SBM’s new state of the art fire extinguisher prop, now is your chance to learn firsthand how they work! The first portion of the class will be educational and held indoors. After that will be hands on training outdoors.

To RSVP, contact Chief Lundquist at jlundquist@sbmfire.org. Class will be limited to 20 adults so don’t delay, register today.

Advanced registration is required. Call the MAYC for additional assistance 763-786-9375

Thank You

To Devlin Still, Gloria Plaster, Shirley Bormes, Bonnie Lee Graham, and Dorothy Arness for monetary donations toward program expenses.

Thinking of You

On the Mend

We wish you the best in your recovery:

• Dan Fish • Frank Schmidt

Sympathy

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

• Lois Johnson age 87, long-time food handler for VOA Senior Dining in Fridley.

• Magdalene Johnson age 98, mother of John Johnson.

• Gladys Rettman age 93, loved luncheons, volunteering, and socializing at MAYC.

June Activities Calendar

9am

12:30pm

1pm

1pm

1pm

1pm

1pm

1:15

Turkey Tetrazzini over Spaghetti Noodles, Tomatoes & Zucchini, Pineapple Tidbits, Wheat Bread, Banana Pudding/Whipped Topping Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Applesauce, Dinner Roll, Chef’s Choice Cookie

9am Walking GroupLochness Park

10am Basket Making

10am Virtual Fitness

10:30am Sing-along

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 Salad with Croissant, Tropical Fruit Salad, Italian Vegetable Salad, Apple, Lemon Bar

9am Walking GroupPioneer Park

10am Beg Pinochle

10am Virtual Fitness

12:30pm Beg Ukulele

1pm Bowling Blainbrook

1pm Int Pinochle

1pm Int Ukulele

1pm Prize/Nickel Bingo

1pm Pegs and Jokers

1:15pm Fitness On-Site

Chicken Fajitas w/Flour Tortillas, Cilantro Lime Rice, Corn, Pineapple Tidbits, Brownie, Taco Sauce & Sour Cream Packs

9am Walking ClubPleasure Creek

10am Basket Making

10am Beg Pinochle

10am Fire Extinguisher Training

10am Virtual Fitness

12:30pm Beg Ukulele

1pm Bowling Blainbrook

1-3pm Farewell Party for Shelley Johnson

1pm Int Ukulele

1:15pm Fitness On-Site

Beef Hot Dog on Bun, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Chocolate Cupcake/White Frosting

9am-noon Property Tax & Rent Credit 10am Virtual Fitness 1pm Int 500 Cards 1:15pm Fitness On-Site 7pm Woodcarving Group 9am Senior Companion

9:30am-1:30pm Tech Lab 10am Blaine Bicycle Club 10am Caregiver Support 10am DIY Antique Appraisal Workshop 1pm Hand & Foot 1pm Mahjong 1pm

BBQ Shredded Pork on Bun, Scalloped Potatoes, Diced Carrots, Chef’s Choice Cookie ALT: BBQ Shredded Chicken

7:45am-6:45pm Duluth Vista Fleet Trip 10am Beg 500 Cards

Virtual Fitness 1pm Int 500 Card Tournament 1:15pm Fitness On-Site 7pm Woodcarving Group

Spaghetti & Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, Italian Vegetable Blend, Garlic Breadstick/Butter, Diced Peaches, Strawberry Jello Cake, Parmesan Cheese

MAYC Closed in Observance of Juneteenth Holiday

Beef Lasagna Casserole, Winter Blend Vegetables, Garlic Breadstick, Banana, Peach

Parmesan Cheese

On-Site

Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Chocolate Cream Pie

7:45am-6:45pm Duluth Vista Fleet Trip

8am-4pm Foot Care

9:30am Bridge Cards 10am Blaine Bicycle Club 10am Landmark Tours Travel Show 10am Virtual Fitness 1pm Cribbage Tournament 1:15pm Fitness On-Site

1:30-3:30pm Creative Corner

Brat w/Sauerkraut on Bun, Wedge Potatoes, Coleslaw, Apple Pie, Ketchup/Mustard ALT: All Beef Hotdog

10am Beg 500 Cards 10am Senior

Cheeseburger on Bun, Baked Beans, Fresh Melon, Chef’s Choice Cookie, Ketchup/ Mustard

Taco Meat with Shredded Cheese on Flour Tortillas, Spanish Rice, Mexican Corn, Diced Pears,

Taco Sauce& Sour Cream Packs

9am Beg Ukulele 9-11am Billiards 10am Beg Cribbage 10am Int Ukulele 10am Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives 1pm Bowling Blainbrook 1pm Int Cribbage 1pm Scrabble 1:30pm Cooking with Glo

Cheese Omelet, Turkey Sausage, Tri Taters, Fruited Muffin, Banana, Ketchup

9am Beg Ukulele 9-11am Billiards 10am Beg Cribbage

10am Int Ukulele

11am Novel Nook

1pm Bowling Blainbrook 1pm Int Cribbage 1pm Scrabble

Cheese Lasagna Roll Up in Meat Sauce, Green Beans, Garlic Toast, Orange, Butterscotch Pudding/ Whipped Topping, Parmesan Cheese

Crisp,

Churros,