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The mid-day event at Zion Church was billed as how to bring joy into your life...maybe not to the degree  cited in Beethoven’s Ode to Joy  “melting the clouds of sin and sadness,” but info shared over soup and sandwiches last week would put you headed in the right direction.  The topics and presenters were all local,  and yes, it’s possible to  feel joy in connections, without even leaving home.

The Chisago Age Well Coalition, began in 2018 with grant funding and  holds dine and discover events three times a year.  Recently the organizations featured were Family Pathways, Community Education, Friends & Co and the Forever Young Club.

There were about 60 people attending the luncheon program at Zion Church, which Pastor Sarah Kerkes the church was glad to host as part of a number of initiatives   to foster community connectedness.  

Whether you are a caregiver or you are getting care, or you have a skill you can teach or there’s a skill you want to master. Maybe you want a niche where you can volunteer, or you need the services a volunteer could provide— these dine and discover programs are worth the trip.

Highlighted last week was the Forever Young Club, which is 10 years old.  Norma Rank told the audience she attended the gatherings and field trips  right from the start,  and has learned so much and made friends.  She welcomes any suggestions on future programming.  The Forever Young Club is part of Community Education, and supervisor Betsy Sandgren, reminded the attendees there’s alway an opportunity for volunteers to contribute. Events need helpers or instructors are encouraged to offer classes.

The public classes coming to the Wildcat Community Center soon include a no charge technical devices primer and arts, music and acting sessions.  The newest Community Education catalogue is out in spring (April). Or, go on-line at isd2144.org and search community ed.  The Wildcat Community Center has an elevated, indoor track for walking and jogging that is free to school district residents.  The number is 651-213-2600 if you need details about the programs that charge fees.

Georgia Afton from Friends & Co said this group “compliments and does not compete’ with other groups.  (It once was known as Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly) Volunteers makes and distribute greeting cards and do telephone conversation service;  where you can volunteer as a  phone companion for people who can’t get out and about.

Family Pathways was represented by Collette Colucci who reminded everybody that not only does volunteering bring joy to the recipient— “I always find I get more than I give,” when it comes to positive feedback.

Colucci has a series of trainings that are free and designed to give caregivers tips and develop a personal plan for their situation.

There is a Family Pathways food shelf door-to-door food delivery schedule that always needs volunteers to fill orders and run routes.  In March Family Pathways will host sessions on dementia diagnosis and how to respond and How to be a healthy caregiver. Watch for details in this paper.

Many of these organizations will be represented at the free March 1 showcase at the Wildcat Community Center.  Stop by and talk with representatives for the ones that catch your interest.

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