Vital Living News
October 2019 


Congratulations to Shelia, who won a "2019 Learning Gets Better With Age Award" from Senior Service America!

When two of her 13 grandchildren were set to graduate from high school, Shelia set a goal for herself: to finally get her GED. If she could do it at her age, she knew it would inspire her grandchildren to never give up on their dreams. 

Two and a half years later, at age 56, Shelia achieved her goal and then some: Selected valedictorian of her class, she was one of the graduation speakers. Her three sons and all 13 grandchildren were there to celebrate with her.

As a participant in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at East Side Neighborhood Services, Shelia is currently receiving on-the-job training as a Field Rep for SCSEP. She loves her work, and best of all, she's learning skills she can apply to a future, permanent position.
Check out Shelia's achievements on the Senior Service America website. For additional information about SCSEP, look under Resources for Vital Living. 

The Vital Living Team
612-787-4086                 

Vital Living is supported in part by a Live Well at Home grant from the MN Department of Human Services. 
In This  Vital Living Newsletter...
Caregiving Support : Gain Emotional and Practical Support
Classes: Maintain your Well-being
Engagement: Connect through Volunteering
Events: Lifelong Learning
Resources : To ols for Staying Independent
VLEvents
Vital Living Events
Nordeast Big River Beer Fest
Sa turday, October 5, 1-4 PM
Join us for one of East Side's annual fundraisers! Sample beer, snack on great food, listen to live music, drink from a free tasting mug, and 
be part of the craft brew community. All proceeds benefit the programs of East Side Neighborhood Services. Must be 21 years of age to attend.
Look forward to these breweries: Burning Brothers Brewing, 56 Brewing, Tin Whiskers Brewing Co., Able Seedhouse & Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Clear River Beverage, Modist Brewing Company, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Brau Brothers Brewing Co. and many more to come!! For ticket information , click here.  

Reimagining Aging Book Club
Pierre Bottineau Library, 55 Broadway St NE
2nd Saturday of the month | 9:00-10:30 AM
Join our discussion of engaging and enlightening books about aging and what it means to live a vital life today. We will reframe the idea of aging as opportunity -- the responsibility to reach out to other generations, share wisdom, and learn new ways of living in the world -- how we can grow up and grow old together. 
In collaboration with Pierre Bottineau Library.  The books:
October 12: " Dementia Reimagined
by Tia Powell
November 9: " Women Rowing North
by Mary Pipher
To participate and/or learn more, call 612-787-4085 or email [email protected]

Healthy Connections: Flu Shots , Health Screenings, Medicare Info and More!
Wednesday, November 6, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Join us and our partners* and prepare for the season ahead. 
Presentations 
9:00-9:45 -- What's New with Medicare! Presenter: Lukus Zuker
10:00-10:45 --  How to Plan Ahead! Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives
Presenter: Attorney  Betsy Parrell
11:00-11:45 -- Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance! 
Presenter: Carmel San Juan
Resources
9:00-12:00 -- Flu Shots, Blood pressure checks, nutrition information, and more!
* Thank you to our partners: Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, U of M Pharmacy Students

Vital Fitness
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM
Drop by for East Side's Vital Fitness group! The group meets weekly in East Side's gymnasium for a variety of exercises that improve balance, strength, and coordination. First time participants are always welcome! There is no cost to participate. Contact Carmel with questions at 612-787-4086. 

Chair Yoga
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM
Drop by for East Side's Chair Yoga class! Improve balance, strength, flexibility and coordination. First time participants are always welcome! There is no cost to participate. Contact Parichay with questions at 612-787-4085. 

Nutritious Lunch 
Monday - Friday, 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Join friends for a warm, nutritious meal in our bright, welcoming community room, hosted by Volunteers of America. For older adults 60+, the suggested donation per meal is $4.00. Please make your reservation three days in advance by calling Dawn at 612-787-4093.
Engagement
Vital Living Engagement
colorful hands raised with text Volunteers Make a Difference
Be someone who makes someone else look forward to tomorrow.

Enjoy the company of others while engaging in a volunteer opportunity that highlights your talents and utilizes your experience. 
Contact Jennifer at 612-787-4014 to learn more about all of our volunteer opportunities.
Vital Living Volunteer
Position: NE Day Spot Friend 
Be the reason why someone looks forward to Fridays!
Time will fly while you are having fun as a friendly respite volunteer.
Spend your day engaged in a wide variety of activities with participants. Training for this position is provided with a fo cus on working with people experiencing memory loss. Shifts are from 9 AM-Noon and N oon-3 PM on Fridays. We ask that volunteers commit to 2-4 shifts a month so they become a familiar face to participants. Don't hesitate to be this special person that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of people with a chronic condition and their care partners.

East Side Blood Drive Volunteer
Position: R egistration Check-In
There is no substitute for blood when the need arise s. You or someone you love has probably benefited from the gift of blood. No w is your chance to pay it forward. Even if you are not able to donate blood, you can still help save lives.
Join us on Wednesday, October 16 from 8:30 AM-2:30 PM to welcome people and help them check-in for the blood drive. Shifts last one hour. Come when it is convenient for you. Contact Jennifer at  612-787-4104 or j [email protected] to sign-up for a shift. 

Caregiving
Vital Living Caregiving
NE Day Spot
Every Friday, 10 AM-2 PM
Looking for a safe, engaging and fun place for the person you're caring for so you can take a break and get some respite?
At NE Day Spot, people with early to moderate memory loss and other health conditions  make new friends,   exercise their bodies and   engage their minds.  Pre-assessment required to determine eligibility.  Sliding fee scale, $0-$45 per day
To learn more and schedule a pre-assessment, call 612-787-4085 .
Memo ry CafĂ© 
Thursday, October 3rd  (1st Thursday of the month)
10:00-11:30 AM
Want to meet other families who are living with memory loss? Join us for a social group at East Side for people with dementia and their care partners. 
No RSVP needed. 
The October topic will be a discussion on Autumn Colors: Trips to See the Leaves Change!
Click here to learn more about Memory Cafes.
Caregiver Support Group
Friday, October 18th ( 3rd Friday of the month)
10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Join us to get ideas for what to do in difficult situations, learn from other caregivers, and be in a room with people who "get it." 
No RSVP needed.
Classes
Vital Living Classes
Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance 
Mondays & Thursdays 
September 23 - December 16
10:00-11:00 am
This Tai Ji class reduces risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. The class meets twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays for 12-weeks. 
To register for Vital Living classes, call 612-787-4086 or email [email protected]. Classes are held at East Side Neighborhood Services (1700 Second St NE, Mpls. 55413) unless otherwise noted. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay.

Evidence-based health and wellness workshops/classes are 
sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Agency of Aging (MAAA) in the seven county metro area.  East Side is a community partner   in MAAA's Juniper initiative. yourjuniper.org  
Resources
Resources for Vital Living
Work  Readiness 
Training for People 55+
East Side's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides work readiness training for people 55+ years old.  Participants are placed into training sites to develop new job skills. SCSEP's goal is for older adults to feel confident enough with their new job skills to find un subsidized  work. Contact Katey for more information 612-787-4015, [email protected]
Reimagine Aging Conference
Thursday, October 3, 1-4:30 PM
Metropolitan Ballroom, 
5418 Wayzata Boulevard
Golden Valley, MN 55416
Members of the community are coming together for the latest information about how older adults can live a high-quality life, independently  through the use of accessible technology.
This year will feature a keynote panel discussion on transportati on and technology with panelists from Minnesota's Department of Transportation, Department of Human Services, and Mobility4All, as well as three breakout sessions to choose from.
All are welcome -- healthcare professionals, senior living specialists, government staff & officials, caregivers and older adults themselves.
Social workers receive 2 CEUs.
Registration Rates
General Admission: $25
60+ Senior discount: $15

For more information and to sign up online, visit this website.
Accessible Transportation
East Side Neighborhood Services provides assisted transportation to older people living in North, Northeast, Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony. 
Type of trips: Doctor, hairdresser, bank, pharmacy, nursing home visits, 
errands, senior dining and shopping.  We are also available for grou p outings.
Cost: We use a sliding fee
Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm
Call: Reservation line 612-787-4012
Living At Home Network
Living At Home Network
The Living At Home Network is a  resource center that supports the non-profit, community-owned Living at Home/Block Nurse Programs that help Minnesota's elders stay healthy, safe and independent while living in their own homes. Services include: 
1) helping seniors maintain good health through exercise programs, in-home health assessments, nursing care, etc.
2) caregiver support
3) transportation for health related appointments
4) chore assistance
To find a program near you: visit  http://lahnetwork.org/program-locator/
Hennepin County Library's "At Home Service"
Are you a Hennepin Country resident who is unable to visit the library due to illness, disability or visual impairment? At Home Service is a resource you should know about! How it works:

Library materials and services are delivered in person by a volunteer or sent through the U.S. Mail at no charge to you with return postage included. At Home Service provides you with access to a wide range of materials and services from Hennepin County Library, such as: Large and regular print books, Books on CD, DVDs, Music CDs, Magazines, Newspaper articles, Information from the internet. To begin At Home Service, request materials or ask questions, call: 612-543-8850 available Mon-Fri 10-5 (except holidays).
Nutritious Meals Delivered
Eastside Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound persons living in NE and SE Minneapolis, and St. Anthony Village.  Contact Eastside M eals on Wheels at 612-277-2529 or via email at [email protected] to register.
East Side Neighborhood Services
612-781-6011 
1700 Second Street NE,  Minneapolis, MN 55413