Cook County News Herald

Spring brings boot hockey to Birch Grove





 

 

We are getting closer to spring every day, even though winter keeps teasing us. Just knowing that soon we can get our feet out of snow boots and hands out of mittens is a blessing.

Trying to keep ice on the ice rink for the 6th Annual Boot Hockey Tournament, held on March 4 was quite a challenge. It involved spraying a lot of water and prayers to the earth mother, but lo and behold ice was made!

The event turned out fantastic with five teams participating. The Timber Beasts, Iron Maiden, Mixed Nuts, Blue Footed Booties and Cookie Shot all had a great time.

Family members were here to cheer the teams on. Everyone enjoyed pizza and hot dogs cooked on the fire pit. We were blessed with a fresh falling of sparkling snow, which made the night quite magical. The Timber Beasts were the champions of the tournament. All of the teams were winners. Thank you for everyone’s help and participation.

The Stamp ‘n Craft group met on Sunday, March 13. They worked on making paper journals and explored some experimental techniques for background shading on cards. Stop in the second Sunday of each month from 12 – 6 p.m. and learn a new craft or share an old one.

Caregiver Coffee, provided by Care Partners of Cook County, continues to meet the second Friday of each month, 10 -11:30 a.m. This is an informal support group for those in the situation of being a caregiver. Share information, stories and ideas.

The AARP Free Tax Aide program is available every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. through April 14, 2016. Volunteers are here to prepare your 2015 federal and state individual income tax returns. Minnesota property tax and rent refunds can also be prepared. E-file is available in most cases. Most refunds are being received in 1 to 2 weeks from state and 2-4 weeks for federal. Even if you owe or think you owe, your return can still be e-filed now and you can pay later (by April 18). Get help with setting up a payment plan or find out your options from the AARP volunteers.

Nail/Foot Care Clinic is available the third Wednesday of each month. Appointments begin at 12:30 p.m. Call in advance to reserve a space, 663-7977. Each session is approximately 30 minutes. Bring a foot basin and towel. Cost is $10 cash.

There will be a presentation by Kirsten Ryden of AEOA, the SNAP outreach coordinator on Wednesday, April 6, after Senior Lunch at 12:30 p.m. SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, find out how this works and if you may be eligible.

As always…come in for the always incredible Senior Lunch, cooked with love by Barb Merritt. Every Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call ahead if you are not yet a regular to 663-7977. Check the menu on Boreal Community Calendar, posted Wednesday morning.

See you there!

Thank you as always to those who participate and contribute to our Birch Grove Community Center.

Cook County has a vibrant and active community of elders. Each week we will offer Senior News to highlight our senior citizens. This week’s submission is about the Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte courtesy of Brenda Melin, program manager.


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