Our Friends at Cigna Keep Elders Toasty Warm
There are lots of smiling faces and warm toes at Ridgeview Terrace in Bloomington! Thirty Cigna employees and family members from all across the country made beautiful fleece blankets for our friends who live there. Most volunteer blanket makers were based right here, but when employees from other states heard about this wonderful opportunity they ordered the materials, made the blankets, and had the finished products shipped to MN! One person was actually flying home to MN to spend Thanksgiving with her family, so she packed up what she made, brought them with her, and dropped them off in person! So many kind and generous people made this special act of kindness a reality. Thanks especially to LBFE volunteer and Cigna/Express Scripts employee Norm Morriss for spearheading this wonderful event. Cigna Employee Volunteering and Giving
Sweet treats and a special visit really brightened the day for our volunteer Pat and his friends! Pat rode the MetroMobility bus with Ruth Ann to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Maria's Cafe, and put a smile on AnnMarie's face when he delivered strawberry pie!
LBFE volunteer Bev made these beautiful Hanukkah cookies for someone special, which is sure to brighten their day and fill their tummy as well! Happy 30 Days of Brightness everyone!
One more day brightener. "I sent John a card with the movie poster of Captain Horatio Hornblower with Gregory Peck on the front…John models the protagonist in his book series after Hornblower." ~Jonathan 
When Faye H. received our Fall newsletter, she called to tell us how much her Phone Companion has changed her life and how much fun they have together! When we shared Faye's message with her companion Susan, she replied, "Faye has been a wonderful addition to my weekly time. We talk often throughout the week and I think we both feel grateful to have met and developed a friendship.” 


Set Social Goals

Setting goals for social activity has been linked with greater satisfaction and well-being late in life. Set a goal to make a certain number of new friends this year.
"I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked."~Anonymous
I am really glad they asked! If you are thinking of donating items to a food shelf or food drive, maybe this can help you tailor it a little more. It does for me!
1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which are hard to get from regular food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.
5. Oil is a luxury but is needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.
6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real gift.
7. Teabags and coffee make them feel like you care.
8. Sugar and flour are treats.
9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.
10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.
11. They rarely get fresh meat.
12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.
15. Butter or margarine is nice too.
16. Eggs are a real commodity.
17. Cake mix and frosting make it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.
20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.
Hearts & Hammers’ mission is to make exterior home improvements for senior citizens, disabled adults, and veterans throughout the seven-county metro area from June 1 – October 1. To be eligible, participants must be a homeowner living in a single-family home who meets income guidelines, be 60 years or older, have a permanent disability, or be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or their surviving spouse. Homeowners can apply at www.heartsandhammers.org or call 651-636-0797 to have an application mailed. Hearts & Hammers accepts applications all season long and homeowners are welcome to have someone help with their application. Applying does not guarantee your home will be selected. Homes are inspected and selected based on the availability of volunteers, materials, and scope of work 
We All Get By with a Little Help from Our Friends!
Question of the week for your chat with your friend
"If music played every time you entered a room, what would your theme song be?" 
Tickle Your Funny Bone!
What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common?

Same middle name!
To connect with resources for older adults be sure to contact
Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433
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