Cook County News Herald

Spring has sprung at Birch Grove





 

 

Finally spring has sprung! Green is filling our world as well as a lot of yellow—can’t keep those dandelions from popping up to say hello. The trees are filled with birds, chipmunks and squirrels full of renewed energy. This weekend a curious squirrel ran up to my foot, stopped and stared me right in the eyes as if to say, “What are you doing in my yard?” I wish I had the energy they do.

Here at Birch Grove Community Center we continue on with plans for a busy summer.

We will be beginning W.E. Connect Hearth Oven Pizza nights beginning June 1 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Bring your toppings, we provide the crust, sauce and cheese and cooked to your delight on the wood-fired oven. Every Wednesday night through September, join us under the pavilion at Birch Grove Community Center for social gathering and pizza. $5 donation.

W.E. Connect, in cooperation with the American Heart Association will be offering certified cardio pulmonary resuscitation/ AED and First Aid training free of charge in June. These courses are open to the general public. Each course is approximately four hours. A pre-course study guide will be provided for both courses. You must pre-register for either or both courses. Please call Brenda at 218-663-7977 or email BGF@boreal.org.

CPR/AED class will be on Tuesday, June 14 from 5-9 p.m. This class is limited to eight persons. The First Aid Class will be on Thursday, June 16, 5-9 p.m. There is no limit on class size.

The AARP Driver Safety Refresher class had a good attendance on May 18. Minnesota drivers age 55+, who take an approved eight-hour driver safety/ accident reduction course receive a 10 percent auto insurance discount from all insurance companies doing business in Minnesota. Drivers maintain their discount by taking an approved four-hour refresher driver safety course every three years. Please contact Pam McDougall, AARP volunteer driver safety instructor at (218) 387-2035.

The Lutsen 99er is coming up Saturday, June 25. We have a group of volunteers that will be manning the aid station on Sawbill Trail and Pancore Lake Road. This is an all day event beginning at 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. We really still need volunteers to assist with set-up Friday, June 24 evening and for running the aid station. If anyone is interested, please give Brenda a call at 218- 663-7977.

The outdoor area is available for tennis, pickleball, basketball and volleyball. Stop by and check all the wonderful space to play.

Senior Lunch every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. is becoming busier each week. As always a fantastic meal with all the fixin’s, lots of chatter and news to share. Please call Birch Grove Community Center for a reservation if you are not already a regular. See you there!

The Craft ‘N’ Stamp group has changed their date in June and will be meeting on Thursday, June 9 at 4 p.m. They make beautiful cards and projects. This really is a stimulating group and gives you a chance to learn new techniques.

The W.E. Fit exercise equipment and DVDs are available in community room 2. There are monthly memberships available for $20 or per time use with a donation. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., our senior resident volunteer, Ginny Cooley is here to get everyone motivated.

Caregiver Coffee meets the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Nail/ Footcare is available the third Wednesday at 12:30 p.m, please call for a reservation 663-7977.

We are planning some new events such as a crockpot cooking class presented by Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and more art and craft classes. We will notify when these are in place. The Broadband Teleconference Center is in place and a demo was done May 25 from 5-6 p.m. Announcements will be made regarding use and scheduling.

It is going to be a busy spring and summer here at W.E. Connect/Birch Grove Community Center. If you have any questions call 663- 7977 or email BGF@boreal.org

Thank you to all who participate, assist and contribute to our W.E. Connect/ 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.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.