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FROM THE CHAIR
Preparing for the Age Wave and Beyond
By Pam Hayle, Chair,
Vital Aging Network
Aging 2030 is a joint venture between the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Board on Aging and the Minnesota Department of Health to help prepare Minnesota for the coming age wave of baby boomers and a permanent shift in the age of our state's population.
Between 2010 and 2030 the number of people over age 65 will grow by 107% while the rest of the population grows by 6%.
Aging 2030 is based on 5 themes to help set policy and programs in the state of Minnesota:
- Redefining Work and Retirement - Minnesota should encourage individuals to continue working in both paid and non-paid roles to prepare for their retirement and old age.
- Supporting Caregivers of all Ages - Minnesota needs to slow the decline of family caregiving by offering eldercare in all workplaces.
- Fostering Communities of a Lifetime - Minnesota's communities should be good places to grow up and grow old, by offering physical, social and other services for residents of all ages.
- Improving Health and Long-Term Care - 70% of all Minnesotans over age 65 will need long-term care services at some point in their lifetime. Minnesota must transform its health care, promote good health for all, improve chronic care and intensify its long-term care reform.
- Maximizing Use of Technology - Minnesota should use technology to maximize the benefits and minimize the hazards that accompany this permanent age shift.
When I think of the work of VAN, I see many similarities to our mission statement and programs as the Aging 2030 initiative. We encourage our network to be proactive, use their skills in their communities, practice healthy lifestyles, and prepare for their own aging. For more information on Aging 2030 go to: http://bit.ly/1MiuPGE.
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GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Join us for
South Pacific at the Guthrie
We are pleased to partner with the Guthrie Theater to once again offer the Vital Aging Network Night at the Guthrie.
One of the most celebrated and lauded musicals in American theater, this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic contains a treasure trove of memorable songs from "Bali Hai" to "There is Nothin' Like a Dame" to "Some Enchanted Evening." Set in an island paradise during World War II, this sweeping romance tells the story of two couples---a U.S. Navy nurse and a French planter, and a Marine Corps lieutenant and a young local girl--- and how their happiness is threatened by the dangers of war and prejudices of their times.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
7:30 PM
Guthrie Theater
Wurtele Thrust Stage
818 South 2nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Limited number of tickets available at a great price of $38.
Order now!
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Studies show that self-perceptions as we age have a dramatic impact on our quality of life, health and even longevity.
How we perceive ourselves has everything to go with how the world around us thinks about aging. For our own good and for the good of all, we have an obligation to change how we and society address aging.
Join us for these consciousness-raising discussions.
Lumen Christi Catholic Community
Community Room
2055 Bohland Ave
St Paul, MN 55116
Fridays 8:30 to 10:00 AM
- April 8: What It Means to Age
- April 15: Influences on Views of Aging
- April 22: Getting to Aging with Gusto
- April 29: Integration and Next Steps
Note: This series has an interesting twist: men and women will meet separately in sessions one through three and together in session four. It's a unique opportunity, and we invite you to join us!
Free and open to the public.
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In the News
Born in 1909 to a sharecropping family, she was married at the age of 14 and widowed with two children at 17. She's lived through the Great Depression, segregation and the civil rights movement. Part of what keeps Grandma Virginia young is working with her community's youth. For 21 years, she helped children with severe disabilities learn skills, and she currently volunteers at a public charter school. Forget About It: Your Middle-Aged Brain Is Not on the DeclineNPR, March 15, 2016, by Barbara Bradley Hagerty Faced with her own forgetfulness, former NPR correspondent and author Barbara Bradley Hagerty tried to do something about it. She's written about her efforts in her book on midlife, called Life Reimagined. To her surprise, she discovered that an older dog can learn new tricks. Over 50? St. Thomas has a course for youStarTribune, March 16, 2016, by Maura Lerner St. Thomas has been offering dozens of interesting courses, for no credit, for decades through its Selim Center for Learning in Later Years. This spring, some of the offerings, which range in cost from $15 to $80, seem destined to be especially popular. Saving to 100: 9 Questions for Remar SuttonBlue Zones.com, March 8, 2016, by Aislinn LeonardGallup-Healthways' most recent poll of over 2 million Americans has found that poor financial management can actually cause obesity (not just a correlation). Remar Sutton, personal finance advocate, weigh-in on some strategies people of all ages can do to relieve financial stress and thereby lose weight and live longer.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Vital Aging Network
Volunteer Coordinator
The Vital Aging Network engages volunteers in a unique and innovative way, and we are looking for someone to help make our system work better. We'll want you to make connections, build relationships and ensure that people have what they need to contribute in their volunteer roles and that they are rewarded (intrinsically mostly) for their work. It can feel like herding cats but it can also be fulfilling---you will be instrumental in getting a lot of good work done! HR experience would be helpful. Approximately 10 to 15 hours per month.
Marketing/Communications Volunteer
The Marketing/Communications volunteer position will play a key role in helping VAN reach a broader audience, especially among the growing population of people over 50 years old. Working with VAN leadership, the position will establish and implement a communications plan to raise public awareness of VAN and its activities and increase its base of active network participants. The position will not have a direct role in fundraising. Time commitment will vary somewhat throughout the year but should average 10 to 15 hours per month.
Forums Task Force Member/Event Planner
The Forums Task Force plans and implements forums and workshops for people in VAN's network and the population at large. As a task force member, you would contribute your ideas and help to bring them to life by finding a venue, speaker, and possibly helping with the setup and registration at the events. The task force meets for one, two-hour meeting a month and this role might work an additional 5 to 8 hours per month. The position will not have a direct role in fundraising. If you are interested in any of these positions, contact John Pain at johnpainmn@gmail.com or 651-323-8415.
RSVP
Various Positions
RSVP is a national Senior Corps program sponsored locally by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. We are currently seeking volunteers for dozens of positions including:
- Child and Youth Tutors for daytime, after-school and summer programs. Help students improve reading skills and catch up to grade level, or help with homework and projects.
- English Language Learner (ELL) and Adult Basic Education Assistants and Teachers. Help adults improve their reading, writing, social studies, science, English and/or math skills
- Program Coordinators to help organize and deliver services
- Visitors and Drivers for older adults
More opportunities listed here. For East Metro opportunities, contact Jyni Koschak at jkoschak@voamn.org or 612-704-6116. For West Metro opportunities, contact Mary Quirk at mary.quirk@voamn.org or 612-704-6114. Free RSVP benefits for volunteers age 55 and over.
FamilyMeans Caregiver Support Program
Family Means is looking for a few good men. Do you enjoy talking, playing cards, doing a puzzle, going for a walk, spending time in the garage, talking about sports, career's and just having a nice conversation with another male? FamilyMeans Caregiver Support program is in need of male volunteers between the ages of 20-85 to spend time with a senior male who is frail or has a chronic health condition or memory loss. Volunteers are also needed for male children who have a disability, so that their caregiver could get a break. Volunteers are there for companionship and supervision and do not provide any medical care and or daily living care. Volunteers are needed throughout Washington County during the day, evening or weekend hours for 2-4 times per month for a 2-4 hour visit. Contact Dianne Vierling FamilyMeans Volunteer Coordinator at 651-789-4055, dvierling@familymeans.org.
TubmanWardrobe Assistants
Are you known for your sense of style? Harriet's Closet is an amazing Tubman resource: a "boutique"-styled space complete with donated clothing for women and teens, it offers a personal shopping experience for community members and Tubman clients at no cost to them. Wardrobe Assistants work one-on-one with individuals who come into the Closet as they shop for and select casual and business-professional attire. Make a difference in someone's life by offering clients a fun, boutique shopping experience while providing them with needed clothes and accessories! Volunteers are needed during daytime hours in our Minneapolis and Maplewood locations. Complete our volunteer application or contact Joanie Braun at jbraun@tubman.org or call 612-767-6680. Ramsey CountyFrequent Filer (Office Assistant)
Volunteer office assistants are needed in several areas. Accounts Payable---open received mail and log the details on a spreadsheet, and doing some filing. Accounts Receivable---filing. Administration---work with the Volunteer program, Training & Development and Human Resources. Multiple shifts available, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Downtown St. Paul location with limited reimbursement for parking expense or bus fare. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Ramsey County - Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or email to Volunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us.
Allina HealthHospice Volunteer
As an Allina Health hospice volunteer, you will support patients and families in your own community. Provide companionship, support and a listening presence for patients at end of life and their family members. Allina provides free online training with wrap-up training groups provided monthly in St. Paul. Allina Health's hospice program serves patients and families in 32 counties throughout Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. Volunteer in homes or facilities or at JA Wedum, a residential hospice in Brooklyn Park. Find your perfect fit! Please apply online at www.allinahealth.org/hospicevolunteer or call 612-262-7108 for more information.
Mothers First Child Care Assistants and Drivers
The Mothers First program provides prevention and intervention services for pregnant women who are abusing chemicals. A Child Care Assistant is needed to help agency staff in providing supervision and care for the children while mom is attending counseling sessions. Drivers are also needed to provide transportation to mothers in recovery to/from groups with our Mothers First program. Mileage reimbursement is provided. Contact Ramsey County Health & Wellness Service Team - Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 or HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us for more information.
Ebenezer Minneapolis CampusEbenezer is recruiting 2-4 volunteers for a long term project conducting a survey of residents. A 3-month commitment is requested for this position, schedule is flexible, possibly 6 hours/week. Ideal candidates will practice good confidentiality and boundary issues, have good social skills and be able to navigate a Notepad touch screen.
Assist with an In-House Food Shelf program. Come and help every 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2:15-4:30pm. You will be helping carry in food, set up tables, handing out numbers, passing out food and taking down. They need up to 12 volunteers. You will receive mandated Civil Rights training (20 minutes, before your first shift). Volunteers are asked to arrive at 1:45 pm to help unload the food truck. Ebenezer has many additional opportunities. Download a flyer or contact Laura Arne, Director of Volunteers, at 612-872-8515. Lyngblomsten
Fitness Leader
Is 2016 your year to get fit or stay fit? Are a leader? Is volunteering at a great St. Paul community organization on your list of things to do this year? Look no further, Lyngblomsten has multiple opportunities for you to get/stay fit, lead and volunteer all at the same time! Tai Ji Quan, Walking Groups and A Matter of Balance classes are just a few of the volunteer opportunities that await you at Lyngblomsten. Check out www.lyngblomsten.org, go to the "Get Involved" tab for more volunteer information and for an application, or call Shelli at 651-414-5297.
Cafe and Gift Shop Assistance
Did you enjoy your retail career but are ready for a change of pace? Are you a social person that wants to volunteer in the Como area of St. Paul? Why not come to Anna's Café and Gift Shop at Lyngblomsten Care Center? Anna's Café and Gift Shop volunteers help residents/tenants (average age 87), staff and families find gift items, greeting cards, snacks and personal items in our small gift shop and scoop ice cream or make quick cook items in the Café. Volunteers also run the cash register and visit with customers and each other! Training is provided. Weekday shifts are from 8:30-1:00 and 1:00-4:15, weekend shifts are from 11:45-4:15. Fill out an application at www.lyngblomsten.org/getinvolved or call Shelli at 651-414-5297 for more information.
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The following calendar items are presented as information only. They are not Vital Aging Network events.
For Your Calendar
Various Dates in April Artful Living with LyngblomstenLyngblomsten CampusArtful Living is designed to provide quality arts experiences to enhance lives, ignite creativity and drive passion toward living full, whole, and healthy lives. A variety of community classes and programs are held throughout the month. Download the flyer.Wednesday, April 6, 2016 The Children's Theatre Company at 50... The Magic Continues6:00 PM to 8:00 PMElmer L. Andersen Library, Room 120University of Minnesota 222 21st Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55455 Please join the Performing Arts Archives in celebrating the opening of The Children's Theatre Company at 50... The Magic Continues, an exhibit featuring the Children's Theatre Company's expansive archives. Guest speakers for the evening include Children's Theatre Company Artistic Director Peter Brosius and other special guests. The event is free and open to the public. More information. Reserve here by March 30.
Sunday, April 10, 2016 That's Amore with David Kozisek2:00 PM to 3:00 PMLyngblomsten Campus, Newman-Benson Chapel1415 Almond Avenue, St Paul, MN This is part of Lyngblomsen's Second Sunday concert series. Tenor David Kozisek explores the ups and downs of love, singing American standards and Italian Songs by Gershwin, Porter, Arlen, Carissimi, Beethoven, Shubert, Donizetti, Tosti, and more! Download the flyer. Thursday, April 14, 2016 "Building Community through Creative Engagement -Radical Thoughts from the Frontlines of Aging"7:00 PMMacPhail Center for Music - Antonello Hall501 South 2nd Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 Anne Basting Ph.D. ( www.anne-basting.com) is an educator, scholar, and artist whose work focuses on the potential for the arts and humanities to improve our quality of life as communities and individuals. As Director of the UWM Center on Age & Community, Basting fosters partnerships between scholars, students, and service providers, and translates applied research into innovative educational tools including manuals, films, and social media. She continues to direct the award winning TimeSlips Creative Storytelling Project, which she founded in 1998, and which features a new (free!) interactive website ( timeslips.org), with a prompt library of over 100 images and questions. For over 15 years, Basting has developed and researched methods for embedding the arts into long term care, with a particular focus on people with cognitive disabilities like dementia. Free admission. Download the flyer. Thursdays, April 14 - May 19, 2016
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON
Edina Senior Center
5280 Grandview Square Edina, MN
This 6-week, small-group education program is designed to provide you with a wealth of self-care tools that will help you take care of yourself while taking care of others. You will learn to reduce stress, improve your self-confidence, balance your life, better communicate your feelings, increase your ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. $60 suggested contribution includes a Caregiver Handbook (sliding fee available). Download the flyer. To register, contact Mary Cordell, LSW, Resource Consultant at the Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness, 952-977-9363 or call the Edina Senior Center, 952-833-9570. Tuesdays, April 19 - May 24, 2016 Better Choices, Better Health1:00 PM to 3:00 PMCreekside Community Center9801 Penn Ave. So. Bloomington, MN
This course increases confidence and skills in managing care for yourself. It is designed to build skills in identifying issues, setting goals, solving problems, communicating, working with health care providers, and finding out where to go for more information. To register, call Martha Anderson at Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness, 952-977-9374 .
Download the flyer.
Thursdays, April 21 - June 9, 2016
Matter of Balance - Managing Concerns about Falls
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Edina Senior Center
5280 Grandview Square
Edina, MN
Have you turned down a chance to go out with family or friends because you were concerned about falling? Did you know that the fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself? This 8-week program can help you improve your quality of life and increase your independence. Cost: $60 - sliding feel available. To register, call Martha Anderson at Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness, 952-977-9374. Download the flyer.
Monday, April 25, 2016
International Elders Day
12:00 NOON to 3:00 PM
First Lutheran Church
463 Maria Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106
Please join us as we celebrate the cultural diversity that is St. Paul's East Side. Enjoy snacks and entertainment from around the world - right here in Dayton's Bluff. Learn about resources and services available in the community. There is no charge for this event - but please call to let us know you are coming by calling 651-683-2326. Download the flyer.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Life Reimagined Checkup: Discover Your "What's Next"
6:00 to 8:00 PM
Roosevelt High School
4029 28th Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
We all know that having purpose leads to effectiveness at work, better health, happiness and even prolonged life. However, in reality, your talents, passions and values may not always be in alignment---whether in work, relationships or with your health. In this workshop, you will reflect on past experiences, explore future possibilities and connect with peers to find shared aspirations for "what's next." You will understand the Life Reimagined Approach which is a series of practices that help you identify priorities, take the first step, get past barriers and achieve goals, all with greater purpose. Minneapolis Community Education is offering this class in partnership with AARP Minnesota. Register online or call 612-668-4828. Cost: $15.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Discovering the Cello with Joe Kaiser and Rebecca Haas
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Lyngblomsten Campus, Newman-Benson Chapel
1415 Almond Avenue,
St Paul, MN
It is often said that the cello is the instrument that comes closest to resembling the human voice. From its rich, bass tones up through its soaring soprano register, this program will explore the expressive power of the cello to communicate the full range of human emotion.
Download the flyer.
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