About Me

RSVP provides quality, customized volunteer placement, connecting talented people to organizations that serve community needs. Assisting people 55+ in overcoming barriers to engaging in community service; Providing training and support to the community on how to effectively engage adults 55+; Serving as a liason between community needs and an available talent pool; Advocating for vital aging; Redefining society's view of aging.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

RSVP Special Events & Opportunities Bulletin--December 2011

One-Time Events (for info, call 952-945-4162)

Own a Sleigh? Like to Drive?
Monday, December 19th, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Twin Cities Metro Area

You can spread joy by delivering gifts to seniors involved with the programs of Catholic Charities. Pick up gifts in St. Paul and deliver to 4-5 homes throughout the Metro Area. Directions to individual homes will be provided and deliveries will be grouped within proximity to one another.

Be a Christmas Day Elf
Sunday, December 25th, 11:00 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
285 North Dale Street, St. Paul, Minnesota

Celebrate this Christmas by sharing it with those who might otherwise be alone. Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly will continue its tradition of hosting a festive dinner on Christmas Day. Volunteers are needed in a number of capacities: drive and escort elders to and from the meal, pick up meals and deliver them to elders at their homes, be a dinner companion at the church.


Seasonal Opportunities

Sponsor a Family for the Holidays
Help bring holiday cheer by shopping for gifts for low-income families involved with Catholic Charities year-round programs. Thanks to generous donors, last year Catholic Charities was able to provide gifts for more than 6,000 individuals. Sponsors are provided with a wish list of items and asked to provide 2-3 gifts per family member. Gifts need to be dropped off at either the Minneapolis or St Paul warehouse in early December. You can also elect to shop for generic gifts or gift cards for emergency situations. Visit Sponsor A Family - Holiday Giving Program of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis for more details or to sign up.


Gifts for Seniors
Gifts for Seniors, a program that remembers elderly isolated seniors who are alone during the holidays by providing a gift and reassurance that they have not been forgotten, is in need of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Help is needed in collecting and processing gifts as well as clerical services. You can sign up to volunteer through the internet at http://www.giftsforseniors.org/volunteer.html.


Help Low Income Families File Their Tax Returns
Did you know that one hour of time could put $2,000 in a family’s pocket? Interact with people from many cultures while helping them to prepare their tax returns! This is a great opportunity to practice skills and help your community. Learn more about how to help low income families file their taxes at any one of the AccountAbility Minnesota volunteer orientation sessions:

When: December 3rd, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. or
December 10th, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. or
December 12th, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: 2610 University Ave. W., Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55114

Drive and Exercise
Mondays in January, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Want to get your exercise while you volunteer? Little Bothers-Friends of the Elderly is looking for drivers to assist with transportation to and from a Gentle Yoga class in St. Paul. Volunteer drivers are encouraged to stay and participate in the class at no charge.

Ongoing Opportunities

Feed Your Interest in Other Cultures
Interact with people from many cultures while helping them shop for culturally appropriate foods by volunteering at Neighborhood House’s food shelf.
When: Volunteer three hours, 9-12 or 1-4, Monday through Thursday.
Where: Neighborhood House Food Shelf, 179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive Canteen Host
Play an important role in the blood donation process helping to ensure the safety and comfort of blood donors once they have made their donations. Your friendly assistance will be welcomed as you visit with donors, serve snacks and beverages, watch for adverse reactions, and thank donors for their life-saving contributions. Memorial Blood Center holds numerous blood drives at churches and corporations each month. Pick and choose the locations and dates that best fit your schedule.

Neighborhood Family Partner
Are you interested in welcoming a new family to your community? Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to partner with new Habitat homeowners during their first year of homeownership. Volunteers will share knowledge of local resources and homeownership during four home visits over the course of a year. A great way to build a relationship with a Habitat for Humanity homeowner!

Lend Your Support
Lend your support to caregivers. Volunteers are needed to provide relief to family caregivers in the homes of frail or ill elderly loved ones. Volunteers provide safe companionship and socializing for the care recipient while the caregiver is away. Training provided. Weekly time commitment is 2 – 3 hours.

(for info on these or other opportunities, call 952-945-4162)

TIPS--Community Info:

Safe Driver Resources
The week of December 5, 2011 has been declared Older Driver Safety Awareness Week by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Many physical, mental, and sensory changes affect older drivers, but there are also many resources available to keep older adults driving longer and more safely. Throughout the week, AOTA will bring attention to a different aspect of older adult driver safety, including: family conversations, screening/evaluations, driving equipment/adaptations, taking changes in stride, and life after driving. Find information on all these topics at http://www.aota.org/olderdriverweek

MN SMARxT Disposal
Do you have old or expired medications sitting in your medicine cabinet but are unsure about how to properly dispose of them? SMARxT DISPOSAL is a new public awareness campaign designed to educate Minnesotans about the safest way to dispose of these medications. Contrary to previous advice, flushing medications or pouring them down the drain is not recommended due to potential harmful effects on waterways. Instead, follow this three step process to most safely dispose of the medications in your household trash:

1) Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid, add water to dissolve. Remove all personal information from the medicine container.

2) Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (anything to make medication less appealing to eat) to the sealable plastic bag.

3) Seal the plastic bag completely and throw it in the trash.

Alternatively, many counties are now hosting prescription drug take back events (Hennepin and Carver), or are establishing permanent drop-off spots (Scott) where medications are collected and disposed. Check with your county website if you'd like to find out more about this option.

More details can be found on the SMARxT DISPOSAL website at http://www.mnsmartdisposal.com/.

Fun Event:

Great Clips IMAX Senior Day: Second Tuesday of each month, 10:00 a.m.
Great Clips IMAX Theatre, MN Zoo: 12000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN
Movie at 10 a.m. but come any time after 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, and door prize drawings. Senior admission is $6 (some shows are more), with an opportunity to see a second film the same day for the same price.

Want the Royal Treatment?
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is seeking applications for the 2012 Winter Carnival Senior Royalty program. Seniors, ages 55 and older, who live within the seven-county metro area (Ramsey, Hennepin, Washington, Dakota, Anoka, Carver and Scott) are eligible to apply. Every January, six seniors (three men and three women) reign as the Senior Royalty of the Winter Carnival. The selected applicants represent Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, senior citizens, and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival throughout the year at parades, community festivals and special events. Application deadline is December 20, 2011.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

You Can Help Winona RSVP Raise $--Vote on Facebook

It takes about 2 minutes: 

Your vote can help Winona RSVP win $5000 to purchase hand and ankle weights to expand their Bone Builders program into southern MN--rural communities that do not have other options for classes, especially not FREE classes. 

Bone Builders is a free exercise program for older people; the program helps participants combat osteoporsis and improve their strength and balance.


Winona RSVP worked with students from Winona State University who created a video for an online contest sponsored by AgStar.
Learn more about the power of Bone Builders by clicking on the following link – where you can also place your vote by “liking” their submission:

http://apps.facebook.com/youmakethedifference/details/33

Here are the steps to get onto the Facebook site and vote:

4 Easy Steps::

1. Go to AgStar Home Mortgage Services on Facebook and “Like” it.

2. Click on “You Make the Difference” (Left sidebar)

3. Click on “Enter Contest Area”

4. Find Bone Builders (RSVP Osteoporosis Prevention Program) and “Like” it.

Please share this with as many people as possible--the deadline is November 30th!

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help us help others!

Monday, November 14, 2011

RSVP helps Minnesota SMARxT DISPOSAL spread the word

How to dispose of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications:

 Minnesota SMARxT DISPOSAL launched this month to give guidance to consumers on the proper disposal of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. This effort brings together a diverse group of Minnesota organizations and includes support from healthcare professionals, senior citizen organizations, and the outdoor conservation community.

 A member of Minnesota SMARxT DISPOSAL handed out brochures at the RSVP and Senior Corps statewide director's meeting in Detroit Lakes on Wednesday, October 26. RSVP and other program directors are engaging the seniors in their chapters and programs to spread the SMARxT DISPOSAL message.

The Process for Medication Disposal:
Medications play a vital role in our health care system, and sometimes there can be unused and expired over-the-counter and prescription medication. The recommended procedure for medication disposal is:


1.) Pour medication into sealable plastic bag.
- If medication is a solid, add water to dissolve.
- Remove all personal identification from container if needed.

2.) Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (anything to make medication less appealing to eat) to the plastic bag.

3.) Seal the plastic bag completely and dispose in the trash.

Find more info at:  http://www.mnsmartdisposal.com/

East Metro Disposal Options by County:

Dakota--contact your local Police Department for drop-off info.

 Ramsey-- Medicines from households are accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Law Enforcement Center, 425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, and at the Sheriff’s Patrol Station, 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Arden Hills.

 Washington--community collection days are held twice a year, as funding permits. Between collections, follow safe disposal procedures listed above.
 

Friday, October 28, 2011

Free Fun Event! Documentary and Discussion:

The Power of Creative Aging   November 14, 2011

View tpt's Emmy award-winning documentary about four older women artists in the Twin Cities who use their art to reflect on aging.

Hear Lucy Rose Fischer, one of the featured artists, talk about her work with paper collage. Pat Samples, (Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network) MnCAAN's coordinator, will talk about the creative spurt that comes with aging.

WHAT: The Power of Creative Aging, a film and presentation by Pat Samples and Lucy Rose Fischer

WHEN: Monday, November 14, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

WHERE:
The Kenwood
The Fine Arts Room
825 Summit Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-374-8100.

Free--Open to the public

Lucy Rose Fischer is an award-winning artist and author, who also has a background as a gerontologist. Her most recent book, I’m New at Being Old, which has a series of colorful collages, received a Midwest Book Award and an Independent Publishers Gold Award. Her art has been shown in over 50 exhibits and is on permanent display in public institutions and private collections.

To learn more about the Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network and creative opportunities for older people, visit http://www.mncaan.net/

Thursday, October 27, 2011

RSVP Special Events & Opportunities Bulletin

November 2011

--Volunteer Opportunities--

For more info: 952-945-4162 or jkoschak@voamn.org

Feed Your Interest in Other Cultures
Interact with people from many cultures while helping them shop for culturally appropriate foods by volunteering at Neighborhood House’s food shelf.
When: Volunteer three hours, 9-12 or 1-4, Monday through Thursday.
Where: Neighborhood House Food Shelf, 179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive Canteen Host
Play an important role in the blood donation process helping to ensure the safety and comfort of blood donors once they have made their donations. Your friendly assistance will be welcomed as you visit with donors, serve snacks and beverages, watch for adverse reactions, and thank donors for their life-saving contributions. Memorial Blood Center holds numerous blood drives at churches and corporations each month. Pick and choose the locations and dates that best fit your schedule.

Neighborhood Family PartnerAre you interested in welcoming a new family to your community? Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to partner with new Habitat homeowners during their first year of homeownership. Volunteers will share knowledge of local resources and homeownership during four home visits over the course of a year. A great way to build a relationship with a Habitat for Humanity homeowner!

Lend Your Support
Lend your support to caregivers. Volunteers are needed to provide relief to family caregivers in the homes of frail or ill elderly loved ones. Volunteers provide safe companionship and socializing for the care recipient while the caregiver is away. Training provided. Weekly time commitment is 2 – 3 hours.

Be a Thanksgiving Day Helper
Thursday, November 24th, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Prom Center in Oakdale

Help the Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly make Thanksgiving Day special—volunteer to drive elders to and from the Prom Center for Thanksgiving dinner, pick up meals and deliver them to elders in their homes or be a dinner companion to an elder at the Prom Center.

Help Low Income Families File Their Tax Returns
Did you know that one hour of time could put $2,000 in a family’s pocket? Interact with people from many cultures while helping them to prepare their tax returns! This is a great opportunity to practice skills and help your community. Learn more about how to help low income families file their taxes at any one of the AccountAbility Minnesota volunteer orientation sessions.

When: December 3rd, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. or
            December 10th, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. or
            December 12th, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: 2610 University Ave. W., Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55114

Special Pals in Fun Friendships
Firts meeting: Friday, November 18th, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
(and continuing throughout the school year)
Somerset Heights Elementary
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118

Become an intergenerational friend to a second grader through SPIFF, a program matching older adults in the community to second graders for friendship, fun and mentoring. At the first event, held in November, students will meet adults to participate in activities that will nurture their new friendships. After they greet each other, the pals will have a sing-a-long, interview each other, complete a simple art project, play games, read together, and enjoy a snack. Pals are invited to come to the school once a month for moonlight bowling in the gym, fun projects in art or technology classes, and student presentations in the classrooms. Throughout the school year, pals write letters and send holiday greetings.

Walk to End Hunger
Thursday, November 24th, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota

Be a Hunger Fighter—raise a minimum of $100 by asking your friends and family to support your fundraising efforts and receive a free event T-shirt from the Twin Cities Hunger Initiative, a collaboration of hunger relief partner agencies that have developed a definitive plan to eliminate hunger in the Twin Cities by 2015. The event will include a Phone-A-Thon during the event to raise awareness and funding for the initiative, a Food Drive to collect non-perishable food items to be sent to Minnesota food shelves and a family-friendly Walk on Thanksgiving morning that offers the community an opportunity to participate together and contribute to this important and worthy cause. Volunteers also needed for set-up/take-down, water stations, greeters and the children’s craft area.

Support the Troops: Make a Difference Day
Saturday, November 12th, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Watertown, Minnesota

Join the Watertown-Mayer community as it participates in service projects to support our troops and honor veterans. Volunteers needed to assist with assembling care packages to send to troops overseas. Donation items also needed for the care packages; contact RSVP for a list of suggestions.

Sponsor a Family for the Holidays
Help bring holiday cheer by shopping for gifts for low-income families involved with Catholic Charities year-round programs. Thanks to generous donors, last year Catholic Charities was able to provide gifts for more than 6,000 individuals. Sponsors are provided with a wish list of items and asked to provide 2-3 gifts per family member. Gifts need to be dropped off at either the Minneapolis or St Paul warehouse in early December. You can also elect to shop for generic gifts or gift cards for emergency situations. Visit Sponsor A Family - Holiday Giving Program of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis for more details or to sign up.

--Events of Interest--

Great Clips IMAX Senior Day
Second Tuesday of each month (10:00 a.m)
Great Clips IMAX Theatre, MN Zoo
12000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, Minnesota

Movie at 10 a.m. but come any time after 9am for coffee, treats, and door prize drawings. Senior admission is $6 (some shows are more), with an opportunity to see a second film the same day for the same price.

Shaping the Mississippi River Trail Corridor
Tuesday, November 1st, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Bonestroo/Stantec Inc.
2335 West Highway 36
St. Paul, Minnesota

Calling all bicycle enthusiasts! Come hear the news and share ideas regarding improvements to the Mississippi River Trail or MRT, an on- and off-road bicycle and related pedestrian trail system that will someday connect the Mississippi headwaters at Lake Itasca to the river's Gulf of Mexico outlet. In conjunction with local communities, MnDOT oversees planning and implementation for Minnesota's 500-mile stretch of the MRT. Currently, the trail is only partially marked, however MnDOT expects to implement a full trail signage system in the next year as well as many other improvements. A series of meetings is being held across the state to share revised plans for the corridor's route and related improvements, share ideas on how to capitalize on the trail as a source of tourism and economic development, and assess interest in a series of six targeted rides to highlight the corridor early in 2012.

The Dirt on Sediment Pollution: Water Quality in the Mississippi River
Thursday, November 17th, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, Minnesota

Over the last year there have been many controversy-stirring films and dozens of news stories about the Mississippi's water quality problems. But what exactly are these culprits we keep hearing about — what is "suspended sediment" or a "TMDL"? And why are "excess nutrients" so bad for the river? Join the eminent and engaging Dr. Daniel Engstrom at this special FMR/Science Museum presentation as he answers these questions in an approachable manner and discusses solutions to the problems. This special presentation is free, however pre-registration is required and capacity is limited.

For more info: 952-945-4162 or jkoschak@voamn.org

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Teach Your Art Form to Older Adults

Workshop for Teaching Artists, October 3
How To Teach Older Adults

The creative burst that older adults experience relates to their needs for legacy leaving, meaning, purpose, and belonging. This workshop is designed to help the teaching artist learn what works when teaching older adults - and why.

Presenters will share tips and techniques on how to work with older students who may have spent the majority of their lives believing they were not creative. They will also demonstrate activities and approaches that can transform individual stories and experiences into artistic expression.

Sponsored by: Springboard for the Arts
Location: Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. So., Mpls
Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Presenters:
Pat Samples, MnCAAN Coordinator, who teaches older adults using multiple art forms including writing and theatre and who has coordinated 27 residencies with a variety of visual, performing, and literary artists in senior housing in the past two years

Anne Krocak, visual artist, who has a conducted numerous tile-making and watercolor residencies in senior housing and served as a mentor for other teaching artists

Cost: $45; $30 with discount code

If you've been wanting to to teach your art form in senior housing, senior centers, or other places that serve older adults, this fun, interactive workshop will introduce you to key information and skills and boost your confidence. Bring your questions and ideas to share too.

MnCAAN: Minnesota Creative Arts and Aging Network
763-560-5199
www.MnCAAN.net
artsandaging@mncaan.net

Monday, September 26, 2011

RSVP Special Events & Opportunities Bulletin

October 2011

Volunteer Opportunities:

To learn about these or other opportunities, call 952-945-4162 or email jkoschak@voamn.org




Feed Your Interest in Other Cultures
Interact with people from many cultures while helping them shop for culturally appropriate foods by volunteering at Neighborhood House’s food shelf.
When: Volunteer three hours, 9-12 or 1-4, Monday through Thursday.
Where: Neighborhood House Food Shelf, 179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive Canteen Host
Play an important role in the blood donation process helping to ensure the safety and comfort of blood donors once they have made their donations. Your friendly assistance will be welcomed as you visit with donors, serve snacks and beverages, watch for adverse reactions, and thank donors for their life-saving contributions. Memorial Blood Center holds numerous blood drives at churches and corporations each month. Pick and choose the locations and dates that best fit your schedule.

Neighborhood Family Partner
Are you interested in welcoming a new family to your community? Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to partner with new Habitat homeowners during their first year of homeownership. Volunteers will share knowledge of local resources and homeownership during four home visits over the course of a year. A great way to build a relationship with a Habitat for Humanity homeowner!

Franconia Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area Planting Event
Saturday, October 1st, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
29836 St. Croix Trail
Schafer, Minnesota
Have a love of oak forests and songbirds? Then join the Great River Greening for this wonderful fall event planting oak seedlings to expand the bluff land forests and woodlands at Franconia Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area. These forests are prime examples of those that were along the St. Croix Valley 200 years ago and provide crucial nesting and migratory habitat for a suite of neotropical songbirds. After the planting, lunch will be provided at the unique Franconia Sculpture Park.

Seed Collection at the Sand Coulee/Rare Prairie
Saturday, October 8th, 9 a.m. – noon
Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area
Hastings, Minnesota
Enjoy a hands-on-seed identification and collection training while enjoying a rare example of sand-gravel prairie. Volunteers will be working in the newest addition to Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. Previous seed collection experience not required—all abilities and groups are welcome. This activity is very detail oriented. Capacity is limited.

Divorcing Divas
Saturday, October 15th, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Marriott West
9960 Wayzata Boulevard
St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426

Volunteers are needed for a variety of activities including registration, booth set-up, distributing prizes, selling raffle tickets, directing attendees, helping with evaluations and surveys. Volunteers will be registered for the event, receive a free lunch and will be able to attend a dance presentation and lessons by Arthur Murray Dance Studio at the end of the day.

This is a day of encouragement, inspiration and empowerment for individuals who are considering divorce, getting divorced or are divorced. A percentage of the proceeds from this event will go to the Tubman Group, a non-profit with shelters, education, therapy and many other resources for families involved in domestic violence situations.

Help Restore Riverside Park
Saturday, October 15th, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Riverside Park, Mississippi River Gorge
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Join the Mississippi River Gorge Stewards at Riverside Park to help improve local wildlife habitat and watershed health by removing invasive species (such as buckthorn) and possibly assisting with watering and other restoration tasks. Work alongside ecologist Carolyn Carr, who developed the park’s restoration plan, and FMR River Stewardship Coordinator, Karen Solas.

Roseville Meals on Wheels Steak Fry Benefit
Sunday, October 16th, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Roseville Anderson Nelson VFW Post 7555
1145 Woodhill Drive
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
Are you looking to add some goodwill to your weekend? Roseville Meals on Wheels is hosting a steak fry benefit to raise money to support the delivery of meals to seniors in Roseville and surrounding areas --and is in need of volunteers to be meal servers, bus dishes, wash dishes, and staff the coffee and dessert stations.

River Gorge Buckthorn Bust
Saturday, October 22nd, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Near 44th and West River Parkway
Mississippi River Gorge
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Join the Mississippi River Gorge Stewards volunteers to help remove buckthorn—the invasive species that degrades our local native plant communities and wildlife habitat—in the maple basswood forest in the Longfellow neighborhood of south Minneapolis. Volunteers will work closely with FMR staff to either pull or remove buckthorn and/or help to haul buckthorn to its pick-up spot. Tools and gloves will be provided. Be prepared to work on steep slopes and uneven terrain.

Three River District “Baker Boo”
Saturday, October 22th, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Baker Park Campground
2309 Baker Park Road
Maple Plain, Minnesota
Be a kid again. Help kids carve pumpkins, create scarecrows, play games and engage in other Halloween fun.

Second Annual Scott-Carver Project Community Connect
Help end homelessness in Scott and Carver Counties through Project Community Connect (PCC). PCC is a one-day, “one-stop-shop” event aimed at providing information and resources to individuals and families who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless. Employment services, housing information, legal assistance, basic medical and dental care, haircuts, and more will be available at the event. Over 100 volunteers will be needed to assist with the event, doing everything from greeting attendees, escorting attendees around the event, serving lunch, assisting with set up and tear down, and more. Volunteers are asked to attend an orientation prior to the event at any of the following:

Friday, October 28th Minnesota School of Business Campus
Shakopee, Minnesota

Tuesday, October 4th from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Safe Haven
13780 McKenna Rd NW
Shakopee, MN 55379

Wednesday, October 5th from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Scott County Government Center-- Board Room
200 West 4th Avenue
Shakopee, MN 55379

Saturday, October 8th from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. The Rec Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Chanhassen, MN 55317

Special Pals in Fun Friendships
Friday, November 18th, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
(and continuing throughout the school year)
Somerset Heights Elementary
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
Become an intergenerational friend to a second grader through SPIFF, a program matching older adults in the community to second graders for friendship, fun and mentoring. At the first event, held in November, students will meet adults to participate in activities that will nurture their new friendships. After they greet each other, the pals will have a sing-a-long, interview each other, complete a simple art project, play games, read together, and enjoy a snack. Pals are invited to come to the school once a month for moonlight bowling in the gym, fun projects in art or technology classes, and student presentations in the classrooms. Throughout the school year, pals write letters and send holiday greetings.

To learn about these or other opportunities, call 952-945-4162 or email jkoschak@voamn.org


Community connections (Non-volunteer Events)

Great Clips IMAX Senior Day
Second Tuesday of each month (10:00 a.m.)
Great Clips IMAX Theatre, MN Zoo
12000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Movie at 10 a.m. but come any time after 9am for coffee, treats, and door prize drawings. Senior admission is $6 (some shows are more), with an opportunity to see a second film the same day for the same price.


Vital Aging Network “Your Medicare: Making the Best Decisions”

Tuesday, October 11th, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Roseville Lutheran Church
1215 Roselawn Avenue
Roseville, Minnesota 551

Wednesday, October 12th, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bloomington Civic Plaza
1800 W. Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, Minnesota 55431

Open enrollment for Medicare benefits is earlier than usual this year: October 15 through December 7, 2011. VAN and Mature Voices Minnesota are partnering to provide an opportunity for you to learn about changes in Medicare and hear about options and costs from insurance providers. This forum will help you make informed choices. Pre-registration encouraged but not required.

Nordeast Big River Brew Fest
Saturday, October 15th, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Historic Grain Belt Bottling House
79 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis, Minnesota
East Side Neighborhood Services and supporters: Surdyks, River Liquor and Sentryz are hosting the First Annual Nordeast Big River Brew Fest highlighting the beer history of the community with over 60 beers to be tasted, great food and great neighbors. All proceeds raised at the event will go toward programs benefiting low-income children, youth, families and seniors in the community.

Multi-Cultural Health Fair
October 19th, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
VOA Park Elder Center
1505 Park Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Seniors of all ethnicities are invited to attend the Park Elder Center multi-cultural senior health and wellness fair. The event includes blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings and other health education materials and resources.

Lake Phalen Subwatershed Neighborhood Action Program
Do you live in the Lake Phalen Subwatershed? Check to find out if your storm water runoff goes into Lake Phalen or some other lake and participate in the Lake Phalen Subwatershed Neighborhood Action Program. To find your subwatershed go to
http://www.rwmwd.org/, hover over Education Program and click on “Find Your Watershed”. If you cannot pinpoint where you live from the map, call 651-792-7971 or email http://www.blogger.com/carrie.mack@rwmwd.org with your address.

Habitat for Humanity Housing Matters Book Club
When: First Thursday evening (7:00 p.m.) of every month for eight months, starting October 6, 2011
Where: Libraries, coffee shops, and independent bookstores around the Twin Cities
Join the Habitat for Humanity Housing Matters Book Club series for great company and great reading on topics related to housing, poverty, social change and the meaning of home. Pre-registration is required by September 30th. Space is limited.

To learn about these or other opportunities, call 952-945-4162 or email jkoschak@voamn.org