Newsletter of the Vital Aging Network--
celebrating 20 years of service and education!
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In this edition
- Have you been accused of wearing rose-colored glasses?
- What is VAN?
- Aging with Gusto update
- Wellness 50+ update
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The benefits of rose-colored glasses
by Mark Skeie, VAN Executive Director
I have often been accused of only looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. I must say it has served me well. I have always looked to see the good in everyone or find the positives in a difficult situation. I do realize that at times we are often handed what appears to be a no-win set of circumstances. What I have found is to bring myself into a positive place.
It is easy to blame others and to become caught in a negative spiral. I have found that I’m the only one who is hurt if I go into that dark place in my mind. I try to change my thinking, remembering how blessed I am, how fortunate I am, and that life has been good to me.
I work to stay healthy, exercise every day, and attempt to eat the right foods. I like to keep company with positive people and try to be optimistic when things are not always going my way.
Studies have consistently shown that those who do live their lives being optimistic will live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
“Your response has to be to reject cynicism and reject pessimism and push forward, with a certain infectious and relentless optimism. Not blind optimism, not one that ignores the scale and scope of challenges, but the hard-earned optimism that’s rooted in stories of very real progress that have occurred throughout human history.”
---Barack Obama, from From The Power of Optimism
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What is the Vital Aging Network?
Maybe you're new to VAN or have participated in VAN activities in the past but sat out during COVID and could use a refresher on just what VAN does and has to offer. Our website is a great place to learn more about VAN. Take a moment to visit at https://vital-aging-network.org/ for an overview of VAN's mission and goals and the programs it offers.
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Here's an opportunity to serve VAN: join the Board!
If you're a long-time VAN supporter or are new to this growing organization and have some ideas to introduce, consider becoming a VAN Board member. VAN is looking for new members to help it become an even more significant force in our community.
To receive a Board application, contact Executive Director Mark Skeie by email (info@vital-aging-network.org) or by mail (P.O. Box 51 Lake Elmo, MN 55042). Applications are due by March 25.
The current VAN Board officers are:
Vickie Snyder--Chair
Mary Nosek--Communications
Mary Quirk--Secretary
Mark Skeie--Treasurer/Executive Director
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News from Aging with Gusto (AWG) |
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What is Aging with Gusto (AWG), anyway?
Aging with Gusto (AWG) is one of the primary programs of the Vital Aging Network. AWG offers workshops, seminars, and discussions designed to help older adults explore ways to live fully as they age and to understand and combat ageism.
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AWG co-sponsors the Combatting Ageism Virtual Forum
It’s time to say no to ageism.
Attend the virtual Combatting Ageism forum on Thursday, March 24, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. In just two dynamic hours, this online workshop is designed to elevate your awareness of the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed toward people on the basis of age.
Through interactive experiences, facilitators Sally Brown and Donna Comer of the Vital Aging Network will help prepare you to effectively identify institutional, interpersonal, and self-directed ageism as well as prepare you to take action in the movement to combat ageism.
(VAN and its Aging with Gusto program are co-sponsoring this event with the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging.)
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What's all this noise about "ageism"?
The Vital Ageing Network has a commitment to educate people about ageism and to raise awareness in the community.
With all the "-isms" in front of us today, why should we be concerned about yet, another one?
Here are some resources to help you learn more.
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What else has AWG been up to?
For five Mondays in January and early February, AWG led a Train the Facilitator series to prepare staff members in Northern Minnesota organizations partnering with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging to facilitate the Aging with Gusto series of guided conversations for participants in the area.
This is the first time that AWG has hosted a Train the Facilitator series, and it provides AWG an opportunity for growth and gives new audiences a chance to experience the program.
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Do you have questions about hosting an Aging with GUSTO series or an Ageism Workshop?
Please contact: Donna Comer, Aging with Gusto Coordinator, at donnajmcomer@gmail.com or by phone at 763-226-4729.
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What is Wellness 50+?
Cottage Grove - Forest Lake - Oakdale - Stillwater - Woodbury
Phillips Neighborhood
Wellness 50+ has active teams in Washington County (Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Oakdale, Stillwater and Woodbury). It also has a team in the Minneapolis Phillips neighborhood. Its purpose is to promote health and wellness in those communities. Wellness 50+ teams plan and facilitate activities that include walking groups, healthy cooking classes, book clubs, recipe sharing and more.
Click here to learn more about Wellness 50+ goals and strategies
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Cottage Grove Wellness 50+ activities scheduled soon
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How to use Facebook by posting on Marketplace, February 23, --in person at Basic needs. Call 651-458-9786 for time, location, and more information.
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Estate Planning Workshop, March 23, from 1-2 p.m. with Amy York of the York Law firm. Register and learn more detail by viewing the QR code on the poster to the right, or calling Basic Needs at 651-458-9786 for more information.
Oakdale Wellness 50+ activities scheduled soon
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Movie Club, Wednesday, February 16, at 2 p.m. in person at the Oakdale Library* or via Zoom. We'll be discussing A Beautiful Mind. The Club will meet the third Wednesday of every other month. Email oakdalewellness50new@gmail.com to be added to the club list.
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Book Club, Tuesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Library* or on Zoom to discuss The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. The Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every other month. Email oakdalewellness50new@gmail.com to be added to the club list.
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Red Cross Blood Drive, Tuesday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oakdale Discovery Center.* Sign up at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-733-2767.
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Crafting Cards, Thursday, March 31, at 5:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Discovery Center.* Bring your scissors and glue. All other materials will be supplied. Register at 651-747-3860.
*The Oakdale Library is located at 1010 Heron Avenue North, Oakdale. The Discovery Center is located at 4444 Hadley Avenue N. Oakdale.
How to get involved in these Wellness 50+ events: You're invited to participate even if you don't live in Cottage Grove or Oakdale. Just use the registration information provided.
Wellness 50+ Twin Cities Events
In addition to the Community Group events, such as those sponsored by Cottage Grove and Oakdale, we have monthly events at the Wellness 50+ level. 1st Tuesday events are held year around at Washington County Park locations when entrance to the parks is free. During the warmer months we offer kayaking and bicycling events.
Click on the link below to join our Meetup group (Wellness 50+ Twin Cities) and be informed about future events. When events are announced you will receive an email with an option to sign up. You will need to create a Meetup account with your name and email address in order to join. https://www.meetup.com/Wellness50-TwinCities
Here are some examples:
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On February 1, we had a snowshoe and kick sledding event at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. It was a great opportunity for people new to snowshoeing to try out the sport using snowshoes provided by the park, and everyone was able to try kick sledding for the first time.
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On March 1 from 10 a.m. to noon, we will be indoors for a crafting event at the Stillwater Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street West, Stillwater. Watch Meetup for the event sign up or call Basic Needs at 651-458-9786 for more information.
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Molly tried out a kick sled. |
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Glen and Molly tried pairs kick sledding. |
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Snowshoers enjoyed a warm fire. |
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Wellness 50+ plans events for indoors and outdoors offering participants time to pursue favorite activities or try something new--like these folks checking out snowshoeing and kick sledding on a chilly day this winter at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park |
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Events from our partner organizations
We'd like you to know about these events sponsored by organizations with which we are partners:
Grandparent Love- Strengthening the ties that bind us with our grandchildren This is a special, in-person discussion on the role of being a grandparent scheduled for Thursday, March 24, from 2-3:30 p.m. at Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W in Stillwater. It will feature fun and unique ideas for engaging your grandchildren in bond-building activities. You can share ideas for crafts, games, or activities, but you’re also welcome to simply come learn from others. There is no cost for this event. However space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call 651-439-7434.
Hy Vee Wellness Wednesdays At noon each Wednesday, a Hy Vee dietitian hosts a free, 30-minute Zoom presentation. There's a new topic each week. Register at https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx Scroll down to 'Wellness Wednesday with your Hy-Vee dietitians' and click the 'Sign-up Now' box.
Upcoming topics are:
- February 16: Smoothie Boosters
- February 23: Dietitian's Dessert
- March 2: Serving Up Seafood
- March 9: Toddler Friendly Meals
- March 16: Sweet & Savory Breakfast
- March 23: Recovery Smoothies
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March 30: Quick Meal Prep
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The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
— Carl Rogers, psychologist
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For more information about VAN's Wellness 50+ program
or e-mail: wellness50mn@gmail.com
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