May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness.

During May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949.

Mental Health Awareness Month provides a perfect opportunity for the

NAMI Alliance to shine a spotlight on spreading helpful mental health resources and information on local programs or initiatives and content to specific populations (for example, caregivers, youth and young adults, underrepresented communities). It is also a chance to encourage people to take action.

NAMI is launching the “More Than Enough” social media awareness campaign, uplifting and empowering the mental health community to feel that they are “more than enough.” It affirms the idea that people are inherently worthy of life, love and healing — no matter what they look like, no matter where they are in their journeys, no matter what they are or aren’t able to do.

SEE MENTAL HEALTH, PAGE 15

Ongoing Events

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY '500'

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday May 4; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

Current Events

'LA CAGE AUX FOLLES'

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, April 28-May 21; 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 15

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Comic play performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre. Tickets $10-$30.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

MAY NATURE PLAY: INCREDIBLE INSECTS

When: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Thursday, May 4

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino

Lakes Details: Kids ages 2-5 explore through outdoor play and a story. Registration required.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

GAMMELGARDEN MUSEUM OPENING WEEKEND

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, May 4-Sunday, May 7

Where: Gammelgarden Museum, 20080 Olinda Trail N., Scandia

Details: Free tours at 10:30 a.m., 1 & 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 & 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Artist and crafter's fair, artisan demos, 19th century games, and hands on activities for all ages.

Contact: gammelgardenmuseum.org

BIG RIG DAY FEATURING THE ROE FAMILY SINGERS

When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Kids can climb on vehicles at the Metro Transit parking lot behind the library while listening to the Roe Family singers. Free; no registration required.

Contact: washcolib.org

WARGO RESTORATION PROJECT DAYS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 6

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino

Lakes

Details: Volunteer to tackle challenges each month such as removing invasive species, cleaning up gardens, and gathering native plant seeds. Free; registration required.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

GUIDED FILLEBROWN HOUSE TOUR

When: 10 & 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Tour the 1879 lakeside cottage that exemplifies life during White Bear's resort era. Registration required.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

WACIPI (POWWOW)

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6

Where: Sunrise Park Middle School, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: The public is invited to a community powwow to honor American Indian students who are graduating from local school districts. Event features Native American drums and dancing, vendors, artists, learning stations, and food trucks. Free.

Contact: manyfaceswblarea.org/wacipi

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

'

When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 6

Where: Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N.

Details: Recycle and dispose of electronics and household hazardous waste. Confidential document shredding.

Contact: 651-430-6702 or co.washington.mn.us

CENTURY COLLEGE BAND CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6

Where: Century College West Campus Theatre, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake

Details: Free instrumental concert directed by Charlie Preis.

Contact: century.edu/campus-life/fine-performing-arts

CHAIN OF GIVING EVENT: COMEDY DE MAYO

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6

Where: Peder Pedersen Pavilion, 5524 Upper 146th St., Hugo

Details: Annual fundraiser for Chain of Lakes Rotary includes comedy show and Mexican buffet indoors, along with yard games and pinata outside. Adults 21+ only. See details and registration information online.

Contact: chainoflakesrotary.com

April 2023 Carrier of the Month

Malachi

“Because we’re in this together.”

3860 Flowerfield Rd, Circle Pines togetherplacechurch.org facebook.com/togetherplacechurch 761679

Congratulations

Malachi and Eliah have been carriers with us since 2018. Thank you for all your hard work.