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Welcome to our CSP Newsletter!

Click here for the August Calendar

Introducing New CSP Leadership


Avivo CSP Welcomes New Program Director and Manager

Rena Ledin, Program Director


Hi! I’m Rena Ledin, the new CSP Program Director. I’m very excited to be part of this team and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead. I have been in social services for over 20 years. My work has included working with adolescents in a crisis setting, HIV case management, hospital social work, and extensive work with individuals living with mental health and chemical dependency. I have been at Avivo for three years, starting as a case manager in the MCHN Allina program before moving into a management position for the SITT and Allina teams. 

I believe strongly in working to end the stigmas associated with mental health and chemical dependency. I think community support is one of the most powerful ways we can do this; it helps us know we are not alone, nor do we need to walk this path alone. We are unique individuals and have so much to offer this world. It is important to have a place to foster and grow these talents, perspectives, and opinions.


In my free time I love reading, cooking, spending time with animals, and hiking. I also enjoy the two special males in my life, my cats Sam and Ben. Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received. I look forward to getting to know everyone better and helping ensure the CSP is doing our best to help you live your best!


Zach Riley, Program Manager


Hello! I am Zach Riley, and I am incredibly excited to join and manage the CSP. I started working with street outreach over six years ago and have focused on Housing for most of my career. I started working in mental health as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner and have loved working with people on their recovery journeys! I have a background in theater and love music, history, and reading. I am excited to meet you!

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CSP Staff Directory


Rena, Director

612-655-9171


Zach, Manager

612-741-6729


Supervisors

Tovah (ArtWorks)

612-916-5121 


Laura (NatureWorks)

612-590-2647


Specialists

Ashley,

Employment Coordinator

612-210-1393


Kate,

Mental Health

Professional

612-446-9119


Community

Coordinators

T'Adre (ArtWorks)

612-978-7714


Pam (NatureWorks)

612-532-1713


Lusu (FoodWorks)

612-978-7922


Wellness Coaches

Hilary (ArtWorks)

612-916-7928


Rupa (NatureWorks)

612-532-4939


Mary (FoodWorks)

612-499-7955


Peer Specialists

Rick (ArtWorks)

763-321-0222


Audrey (NatureWorks)

612-916-6163


Ari (FoodWorks)

612-449-5712

Wednesday Open Studio: Jewelry with Julia

Learn to make your own jewelry! CSP ArtWorks member Julia Spencer will be teaching jewelry making at Wednesday Open Studios during August. Read more about Julia's workshops under "Create" in the August Programming section below. RSVP today to reserve your spot in these workshops!

Photovoice with Nourish & Flourish 

Join Photovoice, a fun and engaging project that will help raise awareness about health and well-being needs in your community while also supporting tool creation for mental health organizations. You will have the opportunity to take photos and share about what they mean to you in a two-session workshop series.


Participants will receive a $25 gift card for each session that they attend. All sessions will be at the Creekside Community Center (9801 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431). CSP NatureWorks staff will be present for both sessions.


Session 1 (required): August 18, 12:00-1:00pm

Information and directions for project will be provided.

 

Session 2 (pick one to attend): September 1, 12:00-1:20pm OR 1:30-2:50pm

Select up to 5 photos to share with a small group.


Online registration is required to participate. Sign up at: https://z.umn.edu/photovoice.


For more information contact University of Minnesota Extension staff Abby Gold (agold@umn.edu) or Emily Jones (eajones@umn.edu). 

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Announcements

Mondays in August: Sewing with Tami

CSP ArtWorks member Tami is leading a sewing workshop on Mondays in August at the Grain Belt Studio. Join Tami and learn to make your own stuffed animals on Mondays from 11:00am to 1:00pm, August 1, 8, 15, & 22.

CSP Community Gardening:

It's Harvest Time!

The CSP has two community garden plots this summer -- one at 1825 Chicago Ave and one outside of the Grain Belt Studio. Whether you already love working with plants or want to try something new, we'd love to have you join us in the gardens!


We are growing food, herbs, and flowers, and participating members have been bringing some of the harvest home. Recently, members harvested peppers, cherry tomatoes, green onions, herbs, beets, cucumbers, zucchini, and eggplant! We're looking forward to more of these plus potatoes, green beans, garlic, carrots, melons, and pumpkins in the coming weeks!


Work days are announced about a week in advance due to varying weather conditions and the unpredictability of plant growth! Please contact Laura to sign up for the email list: laura.schwarz@avivomn.org.

Call for Artwork

ArtWorks is looking for visual entries for our 2023 CSP Calendar. Staff will select an image for each month of the year. The selected artists will win $75 and have their art featured in the 2023 member holiday calendar. 


The third round of submissions (July, August, & September) is themed "Summer Months." This deadline is September 30. We will select three winners and notify them in October. 


Please email a high-resolution image of your artwork to  Tovah at tovah.rudawski@avivomn.org 

with the title of your piece and "Calendar Submission" as the subject line. If you need help documenting your work, contact any ArtWorks staff member. 

Free Meals on Weekdays

The CSP has free meals available every weekday between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm at 1825 Chicago Ave in Minneapolis. You'll find us handing out food from the gazebo on the corner of Chicago Ave and E 19th Street. Regarding dietary restrictions: We don't serve pork, but the meals do usually contain meat and gluten.

Last Call for Camp Knutson!

All CSP members are invited to attend Camp Knutson from September 5 to 9, 2022. Camp Knutson is a fully accessible camp in Crosslake, Minnesota, located about 150 miles north of the Twin Cities and hosted by Lutheran Social Service. Participants will enjoy water sports, field games, crafting, nature-based activities, and more at a classic overnight camp. Email camp.knutson@lssmn.org for information about how to sign up.

Coming Soon: Follow the CSP on Instagram! Wellness Coaches Hilary and Rupa are excited to introduce wellness content via social media! Follow @avivoartworks on Instagram to learn more. Feel free to offer suggestions on any wellness related topics you'd like to explore. We're almost done updating the account to include FoodWorks, ArtWorks, and NatureWorks all in one place -- stay tuned!

Is it your first time visiting our Grain Belt Studio? The studio is located in the Grain Belt Bottling Building. The address is 79 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis MN 55413. Our studio is #105, up a short flight of stairs (or a short elevator ride). When you arrive, call 612-978-8638 and a CSP staff member will let you into the building. We can't wait to see you!

Attention Providers: To refer a client for an intake, call or email Ashley: 612-210-1393 or ashley.williams@avivomn.org. We're always seeking new CSP members.

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To RSVP for groups, call 612-752-8332 or email community.support@avivomn.org


Group leaders will send Zoom links to RSVPed members prior to each event. If you are RSVPed for programming, we will call or email you to confirm any cancellations due to COVID or bad weather. If you have not RSVPed, we will be unable to notify you. Thank you.

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August Programming


Connect


New! Diverse Foods 

Mondays, August 1, 15, 29, 1:00-2:30pm over Zoom  

Let’s explore delicious foods, including recipes from several cultures around the world. This group is an essential guide to eating and learning all about the best foods from diverse backgrounds. Follow along with our live cooking demos -- ingredients will be provided to members who want to cook at home. RSVP to receive the Zoom link and ingredients: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.



BIPOC Support 

Mondays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2:00-3:00pm over Zoom

Safe space for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color to share how their weeks are going. Facilitated by Avivo CSP staff who identify as BIPOC. Open ongoing group. RSVP for Zoom link: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org



CSP Gathering at Crystal Community Center

August 16 & 30, 1:00-3:00 pm – We will not meet August 2, 9, or 23 

Crystal Community Center (4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429 

Join the Avivo CSP at the Crystal Community Center Forest Room for company and connection. We'll provide coffee/tea, lots of friendly staff, and activities. Call the RSVP line (612-752-8332) to make an appointment for 1:1 assistance with technology, filling out forms, applying for benefits, etc. RSVP to reserve your spot: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.   


Crystal Weekly Schedule: 

August 2: Cancelled due to staff event

August 9: Swim with us at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center (see more under “Move” below) 

August 16: Movie screening (and popcorn!): The NeverEnding Story

August 23: Cancelled due to staff event

August 30: BINGO! Win some great prizes! 



Book Club: The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel  

Wednesdays, August 10 & 24, 12:00-1:30pm 

Cartoonist and cultural superstar Alison Bechdel brings us this profound graphic memoir chronicling her lifelong love affair with exercise, set against a hilarious chronicle of the fitness fads of our times. Bechdel delivers a deeply layered story of her constant fascination with every fitness craze to come down the pike: from Jack LaLanne in the 60s ("Outlandish jumpsuit! Cantaloupe-sized guns!") to the existential oddness of present-day spin class. This gifted artist and not-getting-any-younger exerciser comes to a soulful conclusion. The secret to superhuman strength lies not in six-pack abs, but in something much less clearly defined: facing her own non-transcendent but all-important interdependence with others. 



Coping with Anxiety

Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2:00-3:00pm over Zoom

An open, ongoing group to learn new ideas, share coping skills, and give and receive support from each other. Come to this group if you seek the comfort that comes through gentle connection to other humans who strive to care for each other as we seek to soothe our ragged spirits.  How do we learn to thrive in this environment the best we can? Join us to find out. RSVP to receive Zoom link: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.    



Tea Tasting Club  

Wednesday, August 31, 12:00-1:30pm over Zoom

Join us for a fun and lively discussion on different teas from around the world. You will have the opportunity to taste three different teas and decide for yourself which one you like. Since this is on Zoom, please RSVP at least five days in advance so the tea can be dropped off at your home. Dive deep, and become a connoisseur of tea! To RSVP, call 612-752-8332.  



CSP at Creekside Community Center

Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18, 1:00-3:00pm -- We will not meet on August 25

Creekside Community Center (9801 Penn Ave South, Bloomington MN 55431)

Join the Avivo CSP at the Creekside Community Center (Room 100) for company, conversation, and connection. We'll provide coffee/tea and lots of friendly staff to talk with, as well as assorted planned activities. Call the RSVP line (612-752-8332) to make an appointment for 1:1 assistance with technology, filling out forms, applying for benefits, etc. Capacity is limited, so RSVP to reserve your spot: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org


August is our last month of the CSP Walking Club! We meet at the main entrance of the Creekside Community Center right before this event. Find more details under Move.


Creekside Weekly Schedule

August 4: Kite making with Ari

August 11: Nature mandalas with Rupa

August 18: Movie screening (and popcorn!): Big Fish

August 25: Cancelled due to staff event



Fishing Club  

Fridays, August 12 & 26, 11:00am-2:00pm

Eagle Lake Regional Park (10704 63rd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369)

The Fishing Club is back! Fishing rods, bait, and bottled water will be provided. Bring your own lunch and a foldable chair if you so choose. We will be going to Eagle Lake Regional Park for wonderful fishing experiences. We will be learning about the kinds of fish and exploring the wonders of nature. There will also be time for discussion after our relaxing outdoor experience. Van rides are available upon request. RSVPs required -- please contact Ari to RSVP: (612) 449 –5712 or ari.rodriguez@avivomn.org.



Create


Open Studio

Mondays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 11:00am-4:00pm

Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:00-4:00pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)  

Please join us in our studio space in the Grain Belt Bottling House for Open Studio! Art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Masks and RSVPs are required due to COVID-19. RSVP at 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. Independent creative work is always encouraged! 


Mondays in August: Join ArtWorks member Tami as she teaches members how to make their own stuffed animals! Mondays from 11:00am to 1:00pm, August 1, 8, 15 & 22.


August 8 at 1:30pm: Special guest artist! Candlemaker Sienna Pesta will teach members how to pour their own candles. Bring the candle holder you made during clay class -- or your own small jar or candle holder to pour into. Check out Sienna's website here. RSVP required!


Wednesdays in August:  ArtWorks member Julia will host different jewelry making workshops at 1:00pm & 2:30pm. Each session is 45 minutes. 5 people maximum per session. RSVP required: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org


August 3: Explore tools of jewelry making! Learn to make simple “drops” with eye pins. Turn these into earrings or add a bracelet. Learn to open jump rings and add charms or clasps.  

August 10: Learn to string a bracelet or necklace. Use clamp beads to finish the ends and add clasps.  

August 17: Wrap bracelets: Use leather cord and beads to create a bracelet. Learn to make a closure without metal clasps.  

August 24: Open Jewelry Studio with Julia’s assistance  

August 31: Open Jewelry Studio with Julia’s assistance 



Artistic Development & Opportunities 

Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11:00am-1:00pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)  

Please join us in our studio space in the Grain Belt Bottling House for time to work with staff on professional goals within the arts: dream up what you want to focus on within your arts career! One-on-one support is available too. Masks and RSVPs are required: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.  



Mindful Art 

Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11:00am-12:00pm on Zoom

We will be exploring various art mediums and mindful art making. This is a fun space for self-expression and self-exploration through the art making process. Bring your child-like curiosity. No experience necessary! To RSVP, call 612-752-8332. 



Music Production 

Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18, 12:15-1:45pm, 2:00-3:30pm, 4:00-5:30pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413) 

In this workshop, we will learn how to write, record, and produce our own songs using the music-making software Ableton Live. Participants will be given step-by-step guidance on how to compose songs from start to finish. Members will have access to professional-grade recording software and equipment at our brand-new recording studio! This is a great opportunity for those who have a musical background, but also for those who wish to explore a new creative territory. All are welcome! 


There will be three sessions each Thursday, with a limit of one participant per session. RSVP is required. Call T'Adre at 612-978-7714 or email tadre.mchenry@avivomn.org to sign up.



Move


Swimming at Crystal Cove 

Tuesday, August 9, 1:00-3:00pm 

Crystal Cove Aquatic Center (4848 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429) 

The CSP is going swimming! Join us at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center for waterslides, a diving board, lap swimming, or just cooling down in the pool. The pool is fully accessible. Bring your own swim gear, towels, and sunscreen. Leave your valuables at home -- Avivo will purchase admission tickets. Please RSVP in advance: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. 


CSP Walking Club 

Mondays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 12:00-1:00pm

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413) 

Walking and Wellness Mondays during Walking Club 

Join Wellness Coaches Hilary and Rupa for Wellness and Walking! We will intentionally focus on walking and discussing a wellness topic of choice. For example, the benefits of walking, practicing mindfulness, the importance of sleep hygiene, and connecting with nature. 


Thursdays, August 4 & 11, 12:00-1:00pm -- No Walking Club on August 18 or 25

Meet at Creekside Community Center (9801 Penn Ave South, Bloomington MN 55431)

A van will meet members at the front entrance of Creekside Community Center at 12:00pm to take everyone to a nearby walking location in a park. We will be back to the Community Center by 1:00pm, where you can join in our regularly scheduled CSP gathering! 

 

Join us for the final month of the CSP Walking Club Challenge! We will be meeting at Grain Belt Studio (Mondays) or Creekside (Thursdays) at noon. Those who join the walks will receive a punch card, and upon completion of ten walks, you will receive a new pair of white canvas sneakers to decorate at the Art Studio in September! If you are planning to come on the walk and questioning the day's weather conditions (whether it looks rainy or may be too hot), please contact Rupa at 612-532-4939 to check in and see if the walk is happening. 



Mindful Movement  

Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 3:00-4:00 pm over Zoom

In the Mindful Movement class, we will move slowly and intentionally through stretching, breathing, and a little exercise. This can be done in a chair or standing. You do not need to be flexible to do this class. It is open to all fitness levels and can be adapted to anybody. We start the class with a short meditation to calm the mind and then move into movement. Please join us on Zoom! To RSVP, call 612-752-8332 or email community.support@avivomn.org.

 

 

Zoom Fitness

Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18, 11:30am-12:30pm over Zoom -- No class on August 25

Join us for an invigorating exercise class on Zoom, followed by a brief discussion on nutrition that supports your exercise plan. Have a mat or blanket to lie on and water nearby. If you have weights, have those handy as well. Please join us as we build community through fitness. RSVPs required: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.



Gentle Yoga 

Fridays, August 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00-11:00am over Zoom

In this yoga class, we will use slow and gentle movement to maintain flexibility, incorporate breath work, and explore concepts of yoga philosophy. No prior experience needed. Please bring two blankets, a couple of pillows, and a belt to class. Movements will be done from a mix of seated, standing and laying down with ample time for transitioning between positions. Each class will begin with a short grounding and centering and end with a brief relaxation pose. There will also be time for discussion after our relaxation pose. RSVP to receive the Zoom link: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.



Nature Walk at Wood Lake 

Friday, August 5, 1:00-3:00pm 

Wood Lake Nature Center (6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423) 

Join the NatureWorks team at the Wood Lake Nature Center! We’ll walk around the lake, search for birds and other wildlife, identify trees and wildflowers, and enjoy a beautiful summer day. Bring your own water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please RSVP so we know to wait for you before we start walking on the trails: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. 



Nature Walk at Minnehaha Falls 

Friday, August 26, 1:00-3:00pm 

Meet in front of Sea Salt (4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417)

Join the NatureWorks team as we explore Minnehaha Regional Park. We’ll walk the trails along Minnehaha Falls, visit the Longfellow Gardens, and enjoy a beautiful summer day. Bring a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please RSVP so we know to wait for you before we start walking: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. 



Coming in September! Mini Golf  

Friday, September 2, 1:00-3:00pm 

Veterans Memorial Park (6335 Portland Ave South, Richfield, MN 55423

Get ready for our annual CSP Mini Golf Match at scenic Veterans Memorial Park! Fun for beginners and experienced mini golfers too. Meet at the concession stand and be ready to tee off by 1 pm! Veterans Memorial Park has ample free parking. It’s also on the #5 bus route as well as being an easy drop off point for Metro Mobility. Be sure to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable footwear. Concessions for sale. Accessible bathrooms available. Avivo will purchase tickets for mini golf. RSVP required: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org



Heal


Sound Healing

Wednesday, August 17, 12:00-1:00pm over Zoom   

Listen to beautiful relaxing music to help wash away your anxiety and worries. No meditation experience required, but you must RSVP to get the Zoom link. To RSVP, call 612-752-8332. 



Expressive Arts Creative Therapy Group  

Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18, 11:00am-12:30pm -- No group on August 25

Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413 

On-going hands-on creative expressive therapy through art making in a group setting. Call Kate at 612-446-9119 for more information and directions -- and to reserve your space. This is a therapeutic offering. Insurance is required.  Please call Kate with questions on Medicare.

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COVID PROTOCOL REMINDER!


The Avivo CSP is working hard to provide safe in-person programming! You will be required to wear a mask while indoors; staff will provide a mask if you need one.


The health and safety of our members and our staff is of the utmost importance to us – it takes all of us doing our part in keeping each other safe. Please stay home if you are feeling sick and join us on our continued virtual program offerings. Reach out to CSP staff if you need help accessing virtual programs. We can provide you with a Chromebook or help you set up internet services.

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Dear Mary

A monthly column by CSP

Wellness Coach Mary Newstrom



Dear Mary, I am curious about the human immune system. What exactly does it do?

Thank you for this question. The immune system protects the human body against germs, which are microorganisms that cause sickness and disease. There are four major types of germs — harmful bacteria (called pathogens), viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The body's defense system begins with the skin, which stops germs from getting into your blood or tissues. If germs do get into your body (for example, entering through your nose or mouth) white blood cells called phagocytes and lymphocytes attack them. Phagocytes scout out and destroy invaders, and long-living lymphocytes remember them and release chemicals called antibodies to make the body resistant or immune to them. These white blood cells live in the bloodstream, lymphatic system, and spleen.


Some healthy ways to strengthen your immune system include avoiding smoking, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding infection by washing your hands frequently.


Dear Mary, I eat well and sleep for 7 to 8 hours. Why do I still feel tired? 


Eating well is good, but it would be best if you hydrated well, too. Getting enough water every day is essential for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, overheating, constipation, and kidney stones. Other signs and symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, nausea, headaches, and dry skin. Make sure you drink enough water and other healthy fluids, like coconut water, unsweetened juices, soups, lemon juice, and herbal teas. 


It’s recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce (237-mL) glasses of water per day (the 8×8 rule). Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as losing 1–3% of your body's water weight, can impair many aspects of brain function, making you tired. As we go through the “dog days of summer,” stay hydrated while you have fun in the sun! 


Do you have a Dear Mary Question? Mary would love to hear from you. Send your questions to Mary’s email address (mary.newstrom@avivomn.org) or call it in to our RSVP line at 612-752-8332.

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