December Programming
Connect
Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre
Wednesday, December 7, 7:30-9:00pm
Penumbra Theatre (270 North Kent Street, St Paul, MN 55102)
Join the CSP for a special evening outing at the Twin Cities’ long-standing holiday tradition, Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre. “Penumbra’s homegrown Christmas show makes a triumphant return with familiar faces and a new generation of talent. Let the timeless story, stirring vocals and breath-taking choreography wrap you in the spirit of the season.” Tickets purchased by Avivo. Rides available upon request. Questions and RSVPs to Audrey at audrey.donohue@avivomn.org or (612) 916-6163.
Peers Check-In
Mondays, December 5, 12, 19, 11:30am-12:30pm @ Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413) -- No Peers Check-In on Dec. 26
The Peers Check-In is a weekly support group led by CSP Peer Specialists – staff who work in field with lived experience of either mental illness, substance-use disorders, or both. Discussion will be based on challenges, successes, coping strategies, and relating based on similar experiences. We will focus on fostering a community of mutual support between both CSP staff and members. Please RSVP with either Rick (rick.carey@avivomn.org) or Audrey (audrey.donohue@avivomn.org).
Tasty Tuesday -- Now Every Week!
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 12:00-1:00pm
CSP Kitchen (1825 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
Join CSP staff in cooking (and eating!) delicious food made from easy (yet healthy) recipes. This month we'll focus on simple meals that you can make at home -- with little or no cooking experience of your own! RSVP required so we know how much food to purchase: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.
CSP Gathering at 1825 Chicago
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 12:00-3:00pm
CSP Kitchen (1825 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
Join the Avivo CSP in the CSP Kitchen for company, conversation, and connection. We'll provide coffee/tea, board games, puzzles, art supplies, and lots of friendly staff to talk with, as well as our member-led knitting group (Yarn Heads) and other 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.
New this month -- use our Nintendo Wii Fit!
1825 Weekly Schedule
December 6: Clothing Swap (See description below) + Yarn Heads
December 13: Puppy Party!!!! + Yarn Heads
December 20: BINGO + Yarn Heads
December 27: Movie + popcorn + Yarn Heads
Clothing Swap on December 6, 1:00-3:00pm
Shop a wide selection of member-donated, clean attire for FREE at this one-day event in the 1825 Chicago basement. Bring your own (clean, good condition) clothing donations to swap -- or just snag some items to bring home. Any items remaining at the end of the day will be brought to a local donation center.
Book Club: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Wednesdays, December 7 & 21, 12:00-1:30pm on Zoom
A Christmas Carol is a Victorian morality tale focusing on the life of the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge. First published by Charles Dickens in 1843 as a means to relieve personal debts, A Christmas Carol has become one if the most enduring Christmas stories of all time. RSVP to Mary directly to get the book at mary.newstrom@avivomn.org.
Coping with Anxiety -- Paused during December
This group will not meet in December due to staff conflicts.
Tea Tasting Club
Wednesday, December 28, 12:00-1:30pm over Zoom
Join this fun and lively group as we taste tea from around the world. Three different types of premium teas will be mailed to you before the Zoom gathering. As a group, we will taste the different teas and go deeper into the taste of the teas. Which one will you like best? Join us to find out. RSVP at least two weeks in advance (to Mary directly) to have the teas mailed to you: mary.newstrom@avivomn.org.
CSP at Creekside Community Center
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 12:00-3:00pm
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, games and puzzles, craft supplies, 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. RSVP to reserve your spot: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.
Creekside Weekly Schedule
December 1: Movie + popcorn
December 8: Holiday cards
December 15: Upcycled fabric bowls led by member Tami!
December 22: Sugar cookie decorating
December 29: BINGO
Continuing in December: Creekside Lapidary! CSP staff will be taking individuals to the Lapidary at Creekside to learn the art of rock polishing. Power-tool-free options, such as making a keychain with pre-polished rock, are available as well. Please note that even if you sign up for a specific slot, the Lapidary may be too full with Community Center Members and we may not be allowed in that week. Please RSVP to Audrey directly and denote which project you are planning on trying: polishing or keychain: audrey.donohue@avivomn.org or 612-916-6163.
Create
MIA Field Trip: Botticelli and Renaissance Florence
Wednesday, December 21, 1:00-3:00pm
Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
Join ArtWorks staff as we visit the Botticelli and Renaissance Florence exhibit. This exciting show contains works that rarely travel outside of Italy! Meet in the MIA main lobby entrance, and we'll go up to the exhibit as a group. Tickets provided by Avivo. RSVP by December 14 to attend: call 612-752-8332 or email community.support@avivomn.org.
Open Studio
Mondays, December 5, 12, 19, 11:00am-4:00pm -- Closed on Dec. 26
Wednesdays, December 7 & 28, 1:00-4:00pm -- No Open Studio on Dec. 14 or 21
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. RSVPs are required: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org. Independent creative work is always also encouraged!
Mondays at 1:00pm: ArtWorks member Morgan will lead fimo clay demonstrations. Learn to build 3D designs and pictures!
Wednesdays: Rick leads Collage Club.
Open Studio -- Painting with T'Adre
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:00-4:00pm
Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)
Join T'Adre in the studio for open time to paint. He'll lead different projects each week! To RSVP, call 612-752-8332.
December 6: Watercolors (with special guest Tovah!)
December 13: Acrylic Pouring
December 20: Impressionism
December 27: Acrylic Pouring
Artistic Development & Opportunities
Wednesdays, December 7 & 28, 11:00am-1:00pm -- We won't meet Dec. 14 or 21
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. RSVPs are required: 612-752-8332 or community.support@avivomn.org.
Mindful Art
Wednesdays, December 7, 21, 28, 11:00am-12:00pm on Zoom -- We won't meet Dec. 14
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.
Painting Club: Making Big Work!
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1:00-4:00pm
Grain Belt Studio (79 13th Avenue NE, #105, Minneapolis, MN 55413)
Tovah will demonstrate how drawings translate to a large piece of paper using a projector! RSVP required: cap of 8 members for this class. To RSVP, call 612-752-8332. Please note that this group overlaps with our Music Production classes, so the studio will be louder than usual.
Music Production
Thursdays, December 1, 15, 22, 29, 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 required. Call/text T'Adre at 612-978-7714 or email tadre.mchenry@avivomn.org to sign up.
Move
Chair Yoga
Wednesdays, December 7, 21, 28, 3:00-4:00 pm over Zoom -- No class on Dec. 14
In this 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, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1:00-2:00pm over Zoom
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.
Heal
Sound Healing
Monday, December 19, 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, December 1, 8, 15, 11:00am-12:30pm -- No group on Dec. 22 or 29
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. Nobody is turned away!
| 
