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Vital Living News
December 2022
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Vital Living supports an intergenerational community that values and respects everyone, increases understanding and engagement, and focuses on health and well-being for all generations.
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We are Family: LGBTQ+ age 50+ & Friends Tea Dance
Sunday, January 8 | 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
East Side Neighborhood Services
Have you ever wished to hit the dance floor with your chosen family and be home before dark? Do you wish the club had free parking, a line dance caller, your favorite songs, cocoa and tea, and was completely accessible? This party is for you.
From 2:00-3:00 PM we will be joined by long-time line dance caller, Michael McGee. (Remember him from your Town Hall days?)
From 3:00-5:00 PM Our DJ will be playing your requests! Hit the dance floor or take a break in our quieter room with hot and cold NA beverages.
Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door. We want everyone to be welcome, if you this cost would be prohibitive, contact aging@rainbowhealth.org.
Brought to you by Rainbow Health, East Side Neighborhood Services, and Trellis.
To register, click here.
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Vital Living Book Club
2nd Saturday of the Month | 9:00-10:00 AM
Via Zoom
Enjoy reading and looking for a friendly group to be a part of? Bring your coffee and join our statewide book club online.
As we are all living more days, we explore reframing the idea of aging as opportunity — the opportunity to reach out to other generations, share wisdom, and learn new ways of living in the world — through the discussion of engaging books.
December 10: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
January 14: Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
February 11: Reading Through a Deeper Lens: A special event with guest facilitator. No prepared reading required but bring your curiosity.
March 11: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
April 8: Black Cake: A Novel by Charmaine Wilkerson
To register, click here.
Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org
Haven't read the book? Still come and meet us. New to Zoom? We can help you get connected.
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Cold Nights, Warm Reads: LGBTQ+ Author Talks
LGBTQ+ age 50+ Book Club Series
3rd Thursday of the Month | 7:00 PM-8:15 PM
Via Zoom
In sponsorship with Rainbow Health, join us for three months of reads that center the LGBTQ+ experience with warm, cozy stories about love, mystery, and friendship.
We’ll be joined by each author for a discussion about the book!
January 19: Devil's Chew Toy by Rob Osler
February 16: Here for It by R. Eric Thomas
March 16: Precious and Adored: The Love Letters of Rose Cleveland and Evangeline Simpson Whipple, 1890-1918
To register, click here.
Organizer of Cold Nights, Cozy Reads: LGBTQ+ Author Talks is Rainbow Health (formerly known as JustUs Health). They provide comprehensive health services for LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and folks from underserved communities. They advocate for health equity for those who experience injustice at the intersection of health status and identity. Learn more at Rainbow Health.
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Soul of Aging
Thursdays| 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
January 19-April 13
In-person
For 12 weeks, this 2-hour program, will creatively approach “the art” of aging intentionally, and the many soulful invitations our maturing years offer us. We will use poetry, story, music, and art to explore aging, all within the fellowship of a trustworthy community.
We will also use the Circle of Trust® approach that has been developed through the Center for Courage & Renewal and is designed to create a safe and confidential space where participants support one another in accessing their inner voice.
We will cover themes like: our visions of aging, completion & forgiveness, our relationship with time, how to nurture our mystical nature, and the notion of befriending our own deaths.
To register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
There is no cost for this program. This program will be hosted in-person at East Side Neighborhood Services.
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Vital Fitness
Thursdays| 10:30-11:30 AM
In-person
Ongoing
This is a friendly and welcoming space to get more movement into your day.
We are gathering for movement and fun this fall. All abilities are encouraged to come. Movements can be done seated or standing. A wide variety of balance, strength, and flexibility movements will be incorporated into this fun and social group class. Masks and physical distancing will be strongly encouraged. No cost. Pre-registration is helpful for planning purposes but not required.
Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Caregiver Support Groups
Wednesday | December 14 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Tuesday | December 13 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Via Zoom
LGBTQ+ Caregiver Group
Monday | December 19| 1:00-2:00 pm
Via Zoom
Looking for a safe and welcoming place where you can discuss the challenges, the frustrations, and the joys of caregiving? Our Caregiver Support Groups are here to help in any way we can! In these supportive environments you can:
- Get connected to the community resources you need
- Meet and support other people with similar experiences
- Learn self-care strategies and coping techniques
- Vent, share your personal experiences, and leave feeling better for it!
Attendance is open to any adult 18+ years of age who is a caregiver for an older adult 65+. First time participants will need to request a link and password to enter the calls.
Please contact Shay with any questions or if you need the link for the Zoom meetings.
Can't make it to a Support Group? Contact Shay for 1:1 support.
For more info, contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org.
Caregiving Services are funded, in part, under contract with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.
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NE Day Spot
In-Person Respite
Weekly on Fridays | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Experiencing dementia doesn't have to mean a loss of connection. This is a place for you.
NE Day Spot is a gathering place for those with mild to moderate memory loss or other chronic health conditions to be in community while caregivers have a reliable break each week.
Enjoy gathering together with art, music, conversation, and movement alongside volunteers, participants, and Vital Living staff.
Every Friday, this event aims to be a welcoming space for:
- Persons 65+ receiving care from others
- Those living with memory loss or other chronic conditions
Requirements: Pre-assessment necessary to determine eligibility.
Cost: Suggested donation based on sliding fee scale, $0-$45 per day. Space is limited.
Covid protocols include: Up-to-date vaccinations for staff and volunteers with social distancing for everyone, as appropriate. Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org.
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Care for Caregivers Series
Weekly on Tuesdays | 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Via Zoom
Make time for yourself on Tuesdays.
Caregiving is stressful and it is difficult at times. Recharge, learn, connect, and reflect each week with a community that understands the commitment of caregiving.
December 6| Being in Our Bodies
This week let's do some Qi Gong to help boost our immune system.
The 1st Tuesday of each month, practice self-care by learning gentle movements and techniques to help stay healthy and grounded.
December 13|How to Get a Good Night's Rest. Explore how aging affects sleep, the importance of good sleep, and ways to improve your sleeping habits. The 2nd Tuesday of each month is a chance to learn together.
December 20| Caregivers Support Group
Join our welcoming Caregivers Support Group on Zoom and be a part of a small community of caregivers, sharing stories and support relevant to caregivers daily lives. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Returns Next Month | Rest and Reflection
Bring your journal and settle in to do some writing around Autumn and preparing for winter hibernation.
The 4th Tuesday of each month, experience guided meditation, writing, and breathing. This is space and time to rest and reflect.
We hope you will get in the habit of joining us on Tuesday afternoons, for any or all of the programs!
For more info, contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org.
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Connect 2 Tech
We want to help you get connected!
We recognize that the use of technology is increasing more and more in our day to day lives. This service seeks to educate those who have not had access to technology education or who are just trying to get by in a world that’s pushing everyone to “go digital”.
We will be holding tech information sessions that include an educational component as well as time for tech help questions.
If you are interested in knowing more, please take our survey found here: Connect 2 Tech Survey
If you have any questions or want to chat about this program, please contact Michelle at 612-787-4086 or email mwolney@esns.org.
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Vital Living Volunteer Opportunities
We are a great place to find an outlet for your time and talents. Vital Living volunteers support older adults participating in Vital Living programs. Volunteers 65+ are especially welcome to share their experience and interests. Some open positions are: Tech Helpers, Dementia-Friendly Respite Volunteers & Activity Leaders, Music Makers and many more opportunities! Feel free to reach out.
Questions? Contact Michelle at VitalLiving@esns.org
or call 612-787-4086.
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Dementia and Deprescribing
Q & A Webinar
Wednesday, December 7| 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
Via Zoom
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health has convened two geriatric pharmacists to address your questions and concerns related to living with dementia, prescriptions, and the key issues that often come up.
If you are someone living with dementia, a family member, friend, or professional with questions about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and deprescribing, this webinar is for you.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Accessible Transportation
East Side Neighborhood Services provides transportation for people 60+ living in North, Northeast, and Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village.
We are open for vaccine, medical, social need, and shopping trips. We are also available for small group outings. Accessible transportation available.
Not sure if you qualify or if your destination is part of our service area? Please call and check. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Cost: We use a sliding fee based on income
Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm
Call: Reservation line 612-787-4012
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Nutritious Meals Delivered
Eastside Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound persons living in NE and SE Minneapolis, and St. Anthony Village.
Contact Eastside Meals on Wheels at 612-277-2529 or via email at info@eastsidemeals.org to register or volunteer.
Volunteer Delivery Drivers Needed!
What do delivery drivers do?
Drivers deliver lunch to clients on one of our routes, approximately 40 minutes long. They deliver the hot lunches ready at our office at 11:15 a.m. to 8 to 10 clients in our service area—zip codes 55413, 55414, and 55418. Delivery drivers hand the meal to the client in person and assist them if necessary. As a driver you will get to know the clients on your route and tell us if you notice anything wrong or different with them. We keep an eye out for our clients.
How often would I need to deliver meals?
You can select the amount of time you’d like to commit: one day per week, once a month, or twice a month. We provide delivery training and help learning the route.
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Let's Do Lunch Café
Did you know there is a group of local older LGBTQ+ adults that get together twice a month? The folks at Let’s Do Lunch Café have brought back the program! Their in-person lunch get-togethers are an excellent opportunity for social interactions and educational programs, all in a warm and welcoming environment. Participants have the option to order a lunchbox “on the house.”
Special December programming
Tis the Season to Celebrate your Brightness!
Join us for a festive afternoon of great food, company, and entertainment!
Be Entertained by the Twin Cities' Cabaret Queen Mistress Ginger is a dynamic Twin Cities performer who bridges drag queen and vintage cabaret diva. With a passion for storytelling through song, she relishes taking her audiences on whimsical journeys full of heart and imagination – plus the occasional fan kick!
Let's Do Lunch Holiday Celebration at Father Harry's Place
Friday, December 9th
Noon to 3 PM
1350 Thompson Avenue (Thompson Heights),
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Invite a friend, and let's enjoy the season!
Questions, contact Dennis @ 612-746-0753
To join Let's Do Lunchbox Café and reserve a spot, please visit their website and sign up for e-mail updates and look for the next zoom/lunchbox invite! Site location my change based on Covid-19 protocols.
Join their Private Facebook Group, or sign up for e-mail updates.
Let’s Do Lunch Café is a Friends & Co (formerly Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly), Prime Timers MSP and Rainbow Health Partnership, and endorsed by East Side Neighborhood Services.
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Senior Food Shelf Offering Home Deliveries
East Side's Senior Food Shelf is offering no-contact home deliveries for Hennepin County adults over 55 who are unable to visit the Senior Food Shelf. We'll provide a package that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, frozen meat and other non-perishable food items.
The Senior Food Shelf is open Mon - Fri from 9:30 AM-1 PM at our 1801 Central Avenue NE location, with practices in place to provide food assistance that are safe and meet seniors' unique nutritional needs. Hennepin County residents over the age of 55 with incomes at or below the 300% federal poverty guidelines are eligible to receive food assistance (for a family of one the upper limit is $3190 per month; family of two is $4310 a month). Eligible seniors and members of their household are each eligible to receive one package of 25-35 pounds of food each month.
Contact the Senior Food Shelf to see if you are eligible. Please call (612)788-9521 to learn more and to schedule an appointment at the food shelf or to receive a delivery. Leave a message if we're unavailable, and we'll call you back. For more info: https://www.esns.org/metrofoodprograms
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Vital Living Guided Meditation
Take a moment to relax with a guided audio meditation! During high stress times, it's too easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. If caregiving for a relative, partner, neighbor, friend, or child is causing you stress, contact our Vital Living team at VitalLiving@esns.org for support and resources.
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Vital Fitness Home Edition
Recordings Via YouTube
Improve balance, strength, and coordination with this online all-abilities exercise class. To see previous class recordings, please visit our YouTube page.
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East Side Resources
East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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