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Vital Living News
March 2025
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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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Senior Planet Tech Classes
Mondays
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
In-person
The Vital Living Program at East Side Neighborhood Services is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. We hope you can join us!
March 3: Digital Scrapbooking Tools
March 10: Social Media for Job Searches
March 17: Getting Started with Canva
March 24: Intro to Chatting with AI
March 31: Instagram Basics
For all tech classes, we will be gathering in our Tech Lounge on the second level of East Side Neighborhood Services. All materials needed will be provided. No cost for these classes. Please register in advance.
For questions and to register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Drop-In Tech Time
Wednesdays
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
In-person
Starting in March, we will have open tech support time on Wednesdays. If you have a specific tech question and want 1:1 support, please consider stopping by!
We can help with day-to-day questions regarding things like how to search the internet, app functions, making text bigger, etc. We appreciate if you let us know in advance when you plan on stopping by. If you need support and Wednesdays do not work for you, please feel free to call and we can try to find a different day that works better.
For all drop-in tech support sessions, we will be gathering in our Tech Lounge at East Side Neighborhood Services. No cost for this service but donations are welcome.
For questions and to register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Practice Tai Ji
Mondays|10:30-11:30 AM
April 14 - May 19
Online
This 6-week practice course is a way for folks who have engaged with Tai Ji Quan in the past to keep up the practice. These sessions are open to anyone who has taken the 12- week beginner Tai Ji Quan program and want to continue to learn these movements. Tai Ji Quan incorporates slow, intentional movements focused on breathing, balance, and strength in order to help with fall prevention.
No cost. Please call or email to register if you are interested in this class. We will send out a Zoom link closer to the start date. If you need help with Zoom, staff can offer technology support.
Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Vital Fitness
Thursdays Weekly|10:30-11:30 AM
In-person
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 encouraged but not required. 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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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.
March 8th: Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life by Philip Simmons
April 12th: Toby’s Last Resort by Pam Joern
May 10th: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto
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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Caregiver Support Groups
Every Tuesday | 2:00-3:00 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.
Caregiver 1:1 Support
Can't make it to a Support Group? Contact Shay for 1:1 support over the phone, on Zoom, or in-person at times that are convenient for you. When caregiving, it is hard to know what is coming next. We understand that and are here for you.
Please contact Shay with any questions or if you need the link for the Zoom meetings. Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org.
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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
Fridays Weekly|10:00 AM-1:00 PM
4th Saturday of the Month|10:00AM-1:00PM
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: Vaccinations for staff and volunteers with social distancing for everyone, as appropriate. Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.
Contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org for more information.
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LGBTQ+ Caregiver Group
2nd Thursday of the Month | 3:30-4:30 PM
Via Zoom
Build a support system with people who understand.
This group is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ caregivers who are supporting someone diagnosed with any type of dementia. Co-hosted by Vital Living's Caregiving Services Coordinator, Shay MacKay.
Alzheimer’s Association® caregiver support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to:
• Develop a support system.
• Exchange practical information on caregiving challenges and
possible solutions.
• Talk through issues and ways of coping.
• Share feelings, needs and concerns.
• Learn about community resources.
Contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org for more information.
Click here to learn more about Alzheimer's Association caregiver programs and resources.
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Caregiver Newsletter
Do you help a neighbor with chronic fatigue around their house? Do you take a friend living in assisted living to doctor's appointments? Do you bring meals to a sibling who finds it hard to cook? Do you call a parent or grandparent every evening to check-in?
You could be considered a caregiver! And we can be a good resource for you. Sign up for our monthly Caregiver Newsletter.
To receive our monthly newsletter, contact Shay at 612-787-4076 or SMacKay@esns.org for more information.
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NE Day Spot Friend Volunteer
Fridays|9:30AM-1:30 PM
4th Saturday of the Month|9:30AM-1:30PM
NE Day Spot Friends play an important role during our dementia-friendly NE Day Spot Respite Program. On Fridays from 9:30AM-1:30PM, you will socialize with participants, provide support during activities, and help with set up and clean up. Join us and make a difference in the lives of local adults and caregivers-and have fun doing it! No hands-on care required.
Some of the perks of being a NE Day Spot Friend are:
- Laughing and smiling until your cheeks hurt while swapping jokes and stories in our coffee hour.
- Getting your body moving and grooving for the day with some group stretches.
- Enjoying and participating in musical activities led by talented musicians.
Help give individuals facing dementia a welcoming space they associate with friends and fun. You would also allow caregivers the priceless gift of time—moments to themselves in order to recharge, relax, or accomplish a task. A small window in their week where they can breathe and take a moment for themselves with the reassurance that the person they care for is safely enjoying themselves too.
Questions about volunteering as a NE Day Spot Friend or additional Vital Living volunteer opportunities, contact Caitlin at 612-787-4023. or cenright@esns.org.
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Resources for Vital Living | |
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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: Suggested donations based on income
Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm
To make a reservation, call: 612-787-4012
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Friends & Co. Coffee Talk
Did you know that just one phone call can make your day? Give it a try!
Coffee Talk is a free drop-in phone line, from Friends & Co. It offers you an easy and instant way to engage with a caring Coffee Talkers in conversation.
With words of encouragement and an understanding ear, we are ready to meet you wherever you are on your unique journey.
Using Coffee Talk is as easy as dialing your telephone. It’s completely free, and there is no need to worry about giving any personal information or feeling embarrassed about calling. Your privacy is our priority.
If this sounds like you, we invite you to join us at “the table” with your favorite morning beverage to start your day. We guarantee good company and an engaging conversation!
Interested in being a Coffee Talker, we’re always looking for volunteers to join our team!
Hours of Service: Monday – Friday, 8 am-Noon
Contact Emma with Friends & Co. at 612-746-0746.
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Let’s Do Lunch Café
2nd Tuesday and 4th Friday of the Month
11:30am to 1:30pm
In person at the Danish American Center
3030 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
*More information in the section below*
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Let’s Do Coffee! *NEW*
Let's Do Coffee Twin Cities
1st Monday and 3rd Thursday of the Month|9:30am-11am
Location: Queermunity, 3036 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408
Let's Do Coffee Stillwater
2nd Wednesday of the Month|9:30am-11am
Upcoming Dates: March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9
Location: FamilyMeans, Desch Room, 1875 Northwestern Avenue S, Stillwater, MN 55082
Let’s Do Coffee & Let’s Do Lunch Café bring together older LGBTQ+ community members for coffee/lunch and connection “on the house.”
These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity for social interactions and educational programs, all in a warm and welcoming environment.
NO RSVP is required. Let's Do Lunch Café is made possible by Prime Timers MSP and Friends & Co.
Let’s Do Coffee is made possible by Queermunity, FamilyMeans and Friends & Co.
Click here for more information or call 612-721-1400
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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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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 difficult emotions, contact our Vital Living team at VitalLiving@esns.org for support and resources.
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East Side Resources
East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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