Monticello’s Riverfest celebration was a great success as usual, thanks to the countless hours hundreds of volunteers put in. We were blessed with beautiful weather when we held the Block Party outside the community center last week. We served tasty hotdogs, crispy chips, delicious desserts and refreshing soda to hundreds of people of all ages and it was so much fun to see the smiles and the conversations that were going on.
A very big “thank you” goes out to the wonderful senior center participants who donated the desserts for this event. I have to confess, I did sample a few and they were yummy.
Speaking of yummy, that is how to describe the food provided by the restaurants that partner with the senior center for our dinner program. People age 55-plus are invited to sign up for our dinner program meals and can enjoy noon dinners at the senior center Tuesday through Friday for only $5. You do need to call at least one day in advance by noon, 763-295-2000, as we need to get the dinner count to the next day’s meal provider then.
Chin Yuen was not able to provide meals on Tuesdays in June and July, so we have been making meals ourselves to serve on those days. Chin Yuen meals will be back in August. The American Legion Post 260 provides meals on Wednesdays, VFW Post 8731 provides meals on Thursdays and the Cornerstone Café provides meals on Fridays. A huge “thank you” goes out to those absolutely wonderful dinner program partners.
We have a wonderful intergenerational “story theater” program at our center, called the River City Readers. The Readers present short, scripted stories to children in area schools. Both men and women are invited to learn more about this fun opportunity by attending a meeting at the center on Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. If you have questions, call Jacque Gordon at 763-295-4826.
If you drive a vehicle and like to save money, read on. People age 55-plus completing a defensive driving class can receive a 10% auto insurance discount. Eight-hour classes are no longer required and first-time participants can take a four-hour class. Those classes are scheduled on July 24, Aug. 29 and Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you can call for more dates.
The class needs to be repeated every three years in order to continue to receive the discount. The cost is $25 and you should drop off or mail payment, cash or check, to the center in advance. Checks are payable to the Monticello Senior Center. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows. You can call the center at 763-295-2000 to sign up for a class.
You can also call us if you wish to take in a leisurely 1.5-hour ride around Lake Minnetonka aboard an Al & Alma’s charter boat on Monday, Aug. 12. The coach bus will depart the community center at 9:45 a.m. and return at about 2:45 p.m. The cost of $60 per person includes coach transportation, boat cruise and lunch on the boat (sandwich, salad, chips, dessert, coffee, or water). The lower level is air conditioned. Attendees can be in the sun or in an enclosed area on the top level. We have several spots available, so please call us soon if you wish to go on this trip.
We also have several spots available for another enjoyable trip. You can explore Freedom Park in Prescott, Wis., on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Take time to visit the Welcome and Heritage Center and view the art gallery and exhibits that highlight the history of the area. There is a nice walking path with some sculptures and spectacular views of the river. The next stop will be to the Stockholm Pie Shop located in the beautiful historic Stockholm Opera Hall. Enjoy a special pot pie luncheon topped off with a slice of pie and a cup of coffee.
Please note that the group will be split up for lunch and some will have to walk up a flight of stairs and eat in the party rooms as the dining area is not large enough to accommodate all. After lunch, go next door to the General Store filled with the best Wisconsin has to offer from cheese, gadgets and books. The last stop will be in Red Wing at the Confectionary to purchase some ice cream and other delicious locally made chocolates and treats. The cost is $87. The bus will depart the community center at 8:30 a.m. and return at about 5:30 p.m.
Gary Bimson was the winner of the last cribbage tournament and there was a tie for second place between Wayne LaBree and Cheryl Thelen. The monthly 500 tournament was held last week and Jo Chamberlin was the winner. Jay Velde came in second place and Earl Austad third. The last euchre tournament winner was Ed Malone, with Denny Barthel coming in second place, and Alice Kantor third.
The printed August newsletters are at the senior center. Please stop by and pick up a copy. If you can post a copy for us somewhere, please take an extra. The monthly newsletter can also be accessed on the senior center website, monticelloseniorcenter.org and on our Facebook page. I also email the newsletter out each month, and you can let me know if you wish to be added to that group list.
It may be hot outside, but it’s quite comfortable in the senior center. Please stop in when you get a chance.
Activities for the week
Friday, July 19: 10 a.m. Women’s Pool; noon dinner; 12:30 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener; 1 p.m. euchre tournament
Saturday, July 20: 8 a.m. – noon senior center open
Monday, July 22: 7-11 a.m. Pickleball; 9 a.m. cribbage tournament; 12:30 p.m. Legal Aid (by appt. only); 1 p.m. bridge, Movie Monday
Tuesday, July 23: 7-11 a.m. Pickleball; 8:30 a.m. Tech Support (by appt. only); 10:30 a.m. line dancing, choir; noon dinner; 1 p.m. hand and foot
Wednesday, July 24: 8 a.m. ceramics; 9 a.m. defensive driving class; 10 a.m. Bible Study, River City Readers meeting; noon dinner; 1 p.m. 500
Thursday, July 25: 7-11 a.m. Pickleball; 8:30 a.m. Property Tax Assistance (by appt. only); 9 a.m. bike group; 10:30 a.m. Caregiver One on One, bingo; noon dinner; 1 p.m. bridge
Friday, July 26: 10 a.m. Women’s Pool; noon dinner; 1 p.m. euchre tournament
Dinner program menu
Monday, July 22: No meal today
Tuesday, July 23: Hotdog, potato salad, chips, pickle
Wednesday, July 24: Tater tot hotdish, salad, dinner roll
Thursday, July 25: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, dinner roll
Friday, July 26: Chicken wild rice soup, dinner roll, special K bar
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