Falls Prevention Awareness Day Is September 23rd
Did you know that every 35 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall? In 2008, about 2.1 million seniors were treated in the emergency room for falls and more than 550,000 of these patients were subsequently hospitalized. The total cost of all fall injuries for older Americans was $19 billion in 2000. By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion.
These statistics are staggering, but there are ways we can help prevent older adults from falling in their homes. For example, the Center for Disease Control lists home modifications, like installing grab bars and handrails, as one of the top four recommendations for reducing the risk of falls.
September 23rd is Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and Rebuilding Together is taking this opportunity to share information with the community about falls prevention and what we can do to help older adults live safely and independently in their homes.
Through our Safe at Home Program, we make minor home safety and accessibility modifications, such as installing grab bars and handrails, for low-income homeowners who are older adults (+55) or individuals living with a disability.
These modifications are provided at no cost to the homeowner and can prevent falls, enabling older adults and individuals living with a disability to continue to live safely in their homes for years to come.
If you or someone you know might benefit from our Safe at Home program, please contact us at SafeAtHome@RebuildingTogether-TwinCities.org or 651-776-4273.
To volunteer for this program, please contact RSVP at 952-945-4162 or jkoschak@voamn.org
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Former RSVP Member Still Spreading Cheer
From the Star Tribune:
Who needs blogs when you have 'Morning Memo'?
Article by: GAIL ROSENBLUM, Star Tribune
.
Alice Thompson wants you to wake up to something "that's not depressing." So today's column is about ...
Alice Thompson.
Every Monday and Thursday since 2002, first on a PC called the I-Opener, and now on a seven-year-old Dell, Thompson has pounded out her lively missives to delighted readers from coast to coast.
"I didn't know I was talented, if you call it that," said Thompson, author of the "Morning Memo," which she calls MM. "I just knew there were things I wanted to say and I said them."
Thompson, who turned 92 on Sept. 6, will be saying them in her inimitable style on Sept. 15, when she pushes "send" on her 1,000th Morning Memo. This is what Thompson plans to write to mark the milestone:
"This is my 1,000th Morning Memo."
Thompson laughs. "I used to say that 1,000 would be the end of it. But I'm going to keep on."
Why not? Her fan base is growing. From 25 family members and friends, she now e-mails MM to more than 1,000 readers -- male, female, young, not-so-young. Take that, bloggers.
Add another 700 or so who read her in the Waubay, S.D., Clipper, under the heading, "Morning Memos by Alice Thompson." They're getting the edited version, though. "They sometimes take out my dirty jokes," said Thompson, sitting in the living room of her downtown Minneapolis condo, its walls featuring watercolors and framed embroidery.
MM began after Thompson had a hip replacement and the former world traveler (Denmark, Mexico, Paris) asked herself, "What the heck am I going to do now? I decided to do something that didn't require walking."
Something, too, "that would bring a little cheer to others," Thompson said.
MM started out "pretty corny," with tidbits about her daily doings: doctors' appointments, cleaning, shopping. Now it's filled with world news, politics, jokes, book and movie recommendations (see "Midnight in Paris"), weather reports, recipes and gentle mandates: "Go ye out to the farmer's market or grocery store, buy an ear of the wonderful Minnesota sweet corn."
She talks about her wheelchair, Jazzy, as though it were a treasured pet, and of her grandson's first steps. She quotes Gandhi and the Onion, shares contact information for a man who repairs RVs, and updates readers on the East Coast floods (via a daughter in Connecticut). She encourages readers to contribute, which they do.
"I play to my public quite a bit," Thompson said. That public loves her poetry, including this one:
Let that tree stand, proud/ Nurturing to struggling earth.
Let it not age and wither and die before its time.
Let it grow lovelier/With passing seasons,
Dropping tiny leaf messages to passersby:
"See this beautiful universe."
"Order is heaven's first law."
"There is a time for everything."
Let that tree stand, brave/ Ignoring lightning, wind and blight,
With each turbulence growing stronger,
Wisely using its power
Fitting sky to earth and earth to sky.
Let that tree stand,
A symbol generations can build their thoughts on,
Mute proof of Nature's total power over all.
Thompson was born in Waubay, the youngest of six children and the only girl. She attended the University of Minnesota, then moved to New York where she "dated almost every guy on Long Island. A sad batch," Thompson said. "Not a one with any get up and go."
She later moved to California and worked as a secretary and sang on military bases. Twice divorced, she has three grown children and that busy 1-year-old grandson.
Norma Gaffron, 79, of New Brighton, eagerly awaits Thompson's twice-weekly e-mails. She's never met Thompson, but feels she knows her. "She lets us into her life, as far as the ups and downs," Gaffron said. "She'll talk about politics, but she'll never rile you up. She is honest about her physical problems, but she never whines.
"I don't need Facebook," Gaffron said. "I have Alice."
You can, too. To join her mailing list, e-mail her at alicet@earthlink.net
Who needs blogs when you have 'Morning Memo'?
Article by: GAIL ROSENBLUM, Star Tribune
.
Alice Thompson wants you to wake up to something "that's not depressing." So today's column is about ...
Alice Thompson.
Every Monday and Thursday since 2002, first on a PC called the I-Opener, and now on a seven-year-old Dell, Thompson has pounded out her lively missives to delighted readers from coast to coast.
"I didn't know I was talented, if you call it that," said Thompson, author of the "Morning Memo," which she calls MM. "I just knew there were things I wanted to say and I said them."
Thompson, who turned 92 on Sept. 6, will be saying them in her inimitable style on Sept. 15, when she pushes "send" on her 1,000th Morning Memo. This is what Thompson plans to write to mark the milestone:
"This is my 1,000th Morning Memo."
Thompson laughs. "I used to say that 1,000 would be the end of it. But I'm going to keep on."
Why not? Her fan base is growing. From 25 family members and friends, she now e-mails MM to more than 1,000 readers -- male, female, young, not-so-young. Take that, bloggers.
Add another 700 or so who read her in the Waubay, S.D., Clipper, under the heading, "Morning Memos by Alice Thompson." They're getting the edited version, though. "They sometimes take out my dirty jokes," said Thompson, sitting in the living room of her downtown Minneapolis condo, its walls featuring watercolors and framed embroidery.
MM began after Thompson had a hip replacement and the former world traveler (Denmark, Mexico, Paris) asked herself, "What the heck am I going to do now? I decided to do something that didn't require walking."
Something, too, "that would bring a little cheer to others," Thompson said.
MM started out "pretty corny," with tidbits about her daily doings: doctors' appointments, cleaning, shopping. Now it's filled with world news, politics, jokes, book and movie recommendations (see "Midnight in Paris"), weather reports, recipes and gentle mandates: "Go ye out to the farmer's market or grocery store, buy an ear of the wonderful Minnesota sweet corn."
She talks about her wheelchair, Jazzy, as though it were a treasured pet, and of her grandson's first steps. She quotes Gandhi and the Onion, shares contact information for a man who repairs RVs, and updates readers on the East Coast floods (via a daughter in Connecticut). She encourages readers to contribute, which they do.
"I play to my public quite a bit," Thompson said. That public loves her poetry, including this one:
Let that tree stand, proud/ Nurturing to struggling earth.
Let it not age and wither and die before its time.
Let it grow lovelier/With passing seasons,
Dropping tiny leaf messages to passersby:
"See this beautiful universe."
"Order is heaven's first law."
"There is a time for everything."
Let that tree stand, brave/ Ignoring lightning, wind and blight,
With each turbulence growing stronger,
Wisely using its power
Fitting sky to earth and earth to sky.
Let that tree stand,
A symbol generations can build their thoughts on,
Mute proof of Nature's total power over all.
Thompson was born in Waubay, the youngest of six children and the only girl. She attended the University of Minnesota, then moved to New York where she "dated almost every guy on Long Island. A sad batch," Thompson said. "Not a one with any get up and go."
She later moved to California and worked as a secretary and sang on military bases. Twice divorced, she has three grown children and that busy 1-year-old grandson.
Norma Gaffron, 79, of New Brighton, eagerly awaits Thompson's twice-weekly e-mails. She's never met Thompson, but feels she knows her. "She lets us into her life, as far as the ups and downs," Gaffron said. "She'll talk about politics, but she'll never rile you up. She is honest about her physical problems, but she never whines.
"I don't need Facebook," Gaffron said. "I have Alice."
You can, too. To join her mailing list, e-mail her at alicet@earthlink.net
Friday, September 2, 2011
Expanded Senior LinkAge Line
Star Tribune Article: Help line expands aid for seniors
Warren Wolfe, Star Tribune
The state's premier information and referral service for older people and their families, the Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line, is broadening its reach, officials announced Thursday at the State Fair.
The phone service, which already answers more than 119,000 calls a year for help with medical and social services, began using Internet instant messaging Thursday, with 45 experts from 10 state agencies to answer a wider range of questions, Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon said at the State Fair.
"This makes us much more of a one-stop shop for older Minnesotans," said Jean Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging, a state agency that administers the LinkAge Line.
On Thursday, Prettner Solon and Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson launched the new service, projected to generate about 20,000 additional calls annually.
In a demonstration, a LinkAge Line counselor exchanged messages with Human Services specialist Sarah Mashwaran to find out immediately how a caller with hearing loss can get free access to a specialized telephone.
Other departments on tap are Health, Education, Corrections, Labor and Industry, Natural Resources, Commerce, Veterans Affairs, Public Safety and Employment and Economic Development. Prettner Solon said the service will be expanded later to include volunteer and job opportunities for seniors.
In addition, consumers can initiate Internet "chats" with LinkAge Line counselors during business hours by going to www.minnesotahelp.info and clicking on "MinnesotaHelp Now" at the top of the page. About five people a day use that little-publicized chat service, in place for two years.
The statewide service is operated by the six regional area agencies on aging, with 45 paid counselors and about 300 trained volunteers, and is funded with $2.9 million in state and federal money.
To contact the LinkAge Line, dial 1-800-333-2433 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
wolfe@startribune.com. • 612-673-7253
Warren Wolfe, Star Tribune
The state's premier information and referral service for older people and their families, the Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line, is broadening its reach, officials announced Thursday at the State Fair.
The phone service, which already answers more than 119,000 calls a year for help with medical and social services, began using Internet instant messaging Thursday, with 45 experts from 10 state agencies to answer a wider range of questions, Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon said at the State Fair.
"This makes us much more of a one-stop shop for older Minnesotans," said Jean Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging, a state agency that administers the LinkAge Line.
On Thursday, Prettner Solon and Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson launched the new service, projected to generate about 20,000 additional calls annually.
In a demonstration, a LinkAge Line counselor exchanged messages with Human Services specialist Sarah Mashwaran to find out immediately how a caller with hearing loss can get free access to a specialized telephone.
Other departments on tap are Health, Education, Corrections, Labor and Industry, Natural Resources, Commerce, Veterans Affairs, Public Safety and Employment and Economic Development. Prettner Solon said the service will be expanded later to include volunteer and job opportunities for seniors.
In addition, consumers can initiate Internet "chats" with LinkAge Line counselors during business hours by going to www.minnesotahelp.info and clicking on "MinnesotaHelp Now" at the top of the page. About five people a day use that little-publicized chat service, in place for two years.
The statewide service is operated by the six regional area agencies on aging, with 45 paid counselors and about 300 trained volunteers, and is funded with $2.9 million in state and federal money.
To contact the LinkAge Line, dial 1-800-333-2433 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
wolfe@startribune.com. • 612-673-7253
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Where Does Your Stormwater Go?
Do you live in the Lake Phalen Subwatershed?
Follow the directions below to find out if your stormwater runoff goes into Lake Phalen or some other Lake.
Finding your Subwatershed:
1. Go to www.rwmwd.org.
2. Hover over Education Program and click on "Find your Watershed." (Look for an update to this online map soon!)
3. If you cannot pinpoint where you live from this map, call 651-792-7971 or email http://www.blogger.com/carrie.mack@rwmwd.orgwith your address and I'd be happy to help.
Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District's pilot project in neighborhoods around Lake Phalen may lead the way for similar projects in YOUR neighborhood!
Neighborhood Subwatershed Project
Lake Phalen watershed has been the focus of a pilot project this year. The project is to contact people who have taken action to protect the Lake, and to find others with ideas about actions to protect the Lake, ideas to improve the neighborhood
environments, and desires to enjoy the Lake and learn more about it. As District staff contacted these people, gatherings were created such as the Lakes Groups Networking Picnic on August 9 at the Lake Phalen Picnic Pavilion.
Three District staff and 26 people from neighborhoods around the Lake brought a food dish to share, got acquainted, and shared their current stewardship activities and ideas for future activities. At a follow-up series of Visioning and Action
Planning Retreats September 13 and 22 these and new ideas will be further discussed, action plans made and action teams formed. A shared communication system will also be devised to promote continued conversation and collaboration around
Lake Phalen as stewardship actions take place.
To participate in the Lake Phalen Subwatershed Neighborhood Action Program pilot project contact Louise Watson at http://www.blogger.com/louise@rwmwd.orgor call 651-792-7956.
Follow the directions below to find out if your stormwater runoff goes into Lake Phalen or some other Lake.
Finding your Subwatershed:
1. Go to www.rwmwd.org.
2. Hover over Education Program and click on "Find your Watershed." (Look for an update to this online map soon!)
3. If you cannot pinpoint where you live from this map, call 651-792-7971 or email http://www.blogger.com/carrie.mack@rwmwd.orgwith your address and I'd be happy to help.
Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District's pilot project in neighborhoods around Lake Phalen may lead the way for similar projects in YOUR neighborhood!
Neighborhood Subwatershed Project
Lake Phalen watershed has been the focus of a pilot project this year. The project is to contact people who have taken action to protect the Lake, and to find others with ideas about actions to protect the Lake, ideas to improve the neighborhood
environments, and desires to enjoy the Lake and learn more about it. As District staff contacted these people, gatherings were created such as the Lakes Groups Networking Picnic on August 9 at the Lake Phalen Picnic Pavilion.
Three District staff and 26 people from neighborhoods around the Lake brought a food dish to share, got acquainted, and shared their current stewardship activities and ideas for future activities. At a follow-up series of Visioning and Action
Planning Retreats September 13 and 22 these and new ideas will be further discussed, action plans made and action teams formed. A shared communication system will also be devised to promote continued conversation and collaboration around
Lake Phalen as stewardship actions take place.
To participate in the Lake Phalen Subwatershed Neighborhood Action Program pilot project contact Louise Watson at http://www.blogger.com/louise@rwmwd.orgor call 651-792-7956.
Special Event: Volunteer for Roseville Meals on Wheels Steak Fry Benefit
What: Roseville Meals on Wheels is hosting a Steak Fry Benefit Sunday October 16th to raise money to support the delivery of meals to seniors in Roseville and surrounding areas.
How you can help: We need volunteers to be meal servers, bus dishes, wash dishes, and staff the coffee and dessert stations.
When: Sunday October 16th. Event lasts from 1-6pm but volunteer shifts will be shorter (2-4 hours) depending on the specific volunteer job.
Who: Individuals and groups are welcome! Must be at least 18 years old.
Where: Roseville Anderson Nelson VFW Post 7555 located at 1145 Woodhill Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
Learn more or sign up:
janell.wampler@ isd623.org Janell Wampler 651-604-3524
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Great Reviews at Fringe Festival!
RSVP Volunteers' show is getting very good reviews--and there's still time to see it!
Old Age and Other Facts of Life
Performed by RSVP’s Pretty Good Players
5 Senior Kitties! by samantha breslin
Rating 5 kitties
What a hoot! I've been attending Fringe for years and was never before moved to write a review, but these seniors are a riot! Took my mom because based on the reviews it seemed like a show she would enjoy. She did (a lot!) but what surprised me was how much I loved it! They do a series of original skits, most of which are very funny. I particularly liked Text Message and Situation, and Mom and I both loved Name that Tune. Definitely worth your time!
Old Age and Other Facts of Life by Yelva Lynfield
Rating 5 kitties
The Pretty Good Players had me laughing for an hour with their skits on the joys of aging. Seniors like me would appreciate this best, but so would anyone who knows any seniors. I especially liked the mother-daughter relationship, the Grandma Barrista, and the texting.
NAME THAT TUNE by Robert Jacobson
Rating 5 kitties
Here you have a set of about ten shows (skits) for the price of one, of which NAME THAT TUNE is worth the price of admission alone. Who wrote the skit NAME THAT TUNE? Sign her up! Who acted in the skit NAME THAT TUNE? Sign them up! All ten skits pretty darned good, but ya gotta go for NAME THAT TUNE! BEAUTIFUL!
Cute! by kate macdougal
Rating 4 kitties
I don't mean "cute" in a condescending way. This show uses clever situations and humor to explore situations faced by people as they age. Most of the audience seemed to be baby boomers with a few older people and everyone seemed to be enjoying it tremendously -- probably because we all know we're going to get there soon!Probably not a great show for kids -- not because of anything too raunchy but they just might not get the comedy.
Good Old Fun by Margarite Dante
Rating 3 kitties
The Fringe offers shows by youths and shows by old fogies. People are always in need of a joyful laugh, and this is one "hoot" of a show. Yes, they may carry their scripts (is it hard to memorize as you age, perhaps -- yes!). But the comic timing is top-notch, they hold the stage and your attention, and it is quite enjoyable that not only can they laugh at themselves, but make you chuckle that you may be here, someday, in the future! Kudos bigtime to this group!
older gets better by betty mische
Rating 4 kitties
a bunch of seniors having fun...and hoping you might see some of yourself in a few years...or , maybe see your grama or grampa right now! come and laugh with/at them!!
Old Age and Other Facts of Life by William Wallace
Rating 4 kitties
Lots of laughs from a group of seniors having fun at their first Fringe. Humorous skits on a variety of subjects from retirees working around teenagers to children who are embarrassed by their senior parents. Makes you think that old age may be the best time of life.
Competent by Kay Snyder
Rating 3 kitties
Seniors, with comedic timing and having fun. You are in on the joke - they carry their scripts with them so you don't have to worry about them forgetting their lines.
Entertaining especially for people that can identify with some of their own senior moments.
Schedule
Thursday, 8/4 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8/6 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 8/9 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8/13 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8/14 5:30 p.m.
Venue
Playwrights' Center
2301 E Franklin Av
Tickets
Buy tickets online
or call (866) 811-4111
Single adult tickets are $12
+ $4 festival admission button.
Old Age and Other Facts of Life
Performed by RSVP’s Pretty Good Players
5 Senior Kitties! by samantha breslin
Rating 5 kitties
What a hoot! I've been attending Fringe for years and was never before moved to write a review, but these seniors are a riot! Took my mom because based on the reviews it seemed like a show she would enjoy. She did (a lot!) but what surprised me was how much I loved it! They do a series of original skits, most of which are very funny. I particularly liked Text Message and Situation, and Mom and I both loved Name that Tune. Definitely worth your time!
Old Age and Other Facts of Life by Yelva Lynfield
Rating 5 kitties
The Pretty Good Players had me laughing for an hour with their skits on the joys of aging. Seniors like me would appreciate this best, but so would anyone who knows any seniors. I especially liked the mother-daughter relationship, the Grandma Barrista, and the texting.
NAME THAT TUNE by Robert Jacobson
Rating 5 kitties
Here you have a set of about ten shows (skits) for the price of one, of which NAME THAT TUNE is worth the price of admission alone. Who wrote the skit NAME THAT TUNE? Sign her up! Who acted in the skit NAME THAT TUNE? Sign them up! All ten skits pretty darned good, but ya gotta go for NAME THAT TUNE! BEAUTIFUL!
Cute! by kate macdougal
Rating 4 kitties
I don't mean "cute" in a condescending way. This show uses clever situations and humor to explore situations faced by people as they age. Most of the audience seemed to be baby boomers with a few older people and everyone seemed to be enjoying it tremendously -- probably because we all know we're going to get there soon!Probably not a great show for kids -- not because of anything too raunchy but they just might not get the comedy.
Good Old Fun by Margarite Dante
Rating 3 kitties
The Fringe offers shows by youths and shows by old fogies. People are always in need of a joyful laugh, and this is one "hoot" of a show. Yes, they may carry their scripts (is it hard to memorize as you age, perhaps -- yes!). But the comic timing is top-notch, they hold the stage and your attention, and it is quite enjoyable that not only can they laugh at themselves, but make you chuckle that you may be here, someday, in the future! Kudos bigtime to this group!
older gets better by betty mische
Rating 4 kitties
a bunch of seniors having fun...and hoping you might see some of yourself in a few years...or , maybe see your grama or grampa right now! come and laugh with/at them!!
Old Age and Other Facts of Life by William Wallace
Rating 4 kitties
Lots of laughs from a group of seniors having fun at their first Fringe. Humorous skits on a variety of subjects from retirees working around teenagers to children who are embarrassed by their senior parents. Makes you think that old age may be the best time of life.
Competent by Kay Snyder
Rating 3 kitties
Seniors, with comedic timing and having fun. You are in on the joke - they carry their scripts with them so you don't have to worry about them forgetting their lines.
Entertaining especially for people that can identify with some of their own senior moments.
Schedule
Thursday, 8/4 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8/6 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 8/9 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8/13 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8/14 5:30 p.m.
Venue
Playwrights' Center
2301 E Franklin Av
Tickets
Buy tickets online
or call (866) 811-4111
Single adult tickets are $12
+ $4 festival admission button.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Old Age and Other Facts of Life
Performed by RSVP’s Pretty Good Players as part of the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival.
Growing older can, in fact, be a laughing matter—and a poignant one. Witness the search for cute, comfy shoes; keeping up with technology; working with younger people; dating and more.
Playwrights’ Center, 2301 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis
PERFORMANCES
Thursday, August 4th 5:30 pm*
Saturday, August 6th 4:00 pm
Tuesday, August 9th 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 13th 2:30 pm
Sunday, August 14th 5:30 pm
ADULTS: $12. Requires an admission button – $4.
SENIORS: $10. 65 and older. Need admission button – $4 + ID.
Content appropriate for ages 12+
*Audio description services available for this performance.
The Pretty Good Players are volunteers ranging in age from their late 50’s to 85+ who come from a variety of backgrounds. The group uses original skits to present role models of vital aging to audiences of all ages.
Tickets and more info can be found at
WWW.FRINGEFESTIVAL.ORG
Or call (866) 811-4111 for tickets
Growing older can, in fact, be a laughing matter—and a poignant one. Witness the search for cute, comfy shoes; keeping up with technology; working with younger people; dating and more.
Playwrights’ Center, 2301 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis
PERFORMANCES
Thursday, August 4th 5:30 pm*
Saturday, August 6th 4:00 pm
Tuesday, August 9th 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 13th 2:30 pm
Sunday, August 14th 5:30 pm
ADULTS: $12. Requires an admission button – $4.
SENIORS: $10. 65 and older. Need admission button – $4 + ID.
Content appropriate for ages 12+
*Audio description services available for this performance.
The Pretty Good Players are volunteers ranging in age from their late 50’s to 85+ who come from a variety of backgrounds. The group uses original skits to present role models of vital aging to audiences of all ages.
Tickets and more info can be found at
WWW.FRINGEFESTIVAL.ORG
Or call (866) 811-4111 for tickets
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