What's Happening at Whitney

Whitney will not be offering online classes on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th.

At this time the Whitney Senior Center is still closed, but we are still here to help you. We do not have dates for when we are opening. Your safety is our upmost importance. We will continue to keep you updated through the weekly e-newsletter.

Please take advantage of the Senior Friendship Circles and the many opportunities to connect with us virtually. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call. We are staffed Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30.

AARP Tax Assistance- Continue to be suspended at this time. We do not anticipate them returning this summer. Please consider making other arrangements if you have been holding off on getting your taxes done.

For additional information utilize the following websites:
MN Department of Revenue
IRS.GOV.
https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

We are still collecting masks. We are also distributing the masks - one per person. If you are in need of a mask, please give us a call.

If you are looking for a way to put your time and talents to good use we are looking for community members willing to make and donate cloth masks for at risk community members. In partnership with other Human Service organizations we are asking you to consider helping with this important task. The link below from the CDC indicates how masks are used and beneficial. It also shows a number of patterns for making masks. Completed masks can be dropped off at Whitney Senior Center West Door (1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud) in the covered bin marked MASKS. The bin will be available Monday-Friday 8-4:30p.m. Please give us a call if you are willing to help with this project. We can be reached at 320-255-7245.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Senior Dining Frozen Meal Distribution Monday-Wednesday 11:00 am -12:30pm

Wonderful frozen meals are available for curbside pick-up from 11a.m.-12:30p.m. each Monday-Wednesday from the East Wing Parking lot of Whitney Senior Center. These nutritious meals are prepared by Catholic Charities and made available each week. To register and/or reserve meals call 320-229-4584.

Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate your joints. Water is needed for overall good health.

Look to water first

You should drink water every day. Most people have been told they should drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That’s a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day.

Other options

While plain water is best for staying hydrated, other drinks and foods can help, too. Fruit and vegetable juices, milk, and herbal teas add to the amount of water you get each day. Even caffeinated drinks (for example, coffee, tea, and soda) can contribute to your daily water intake. A moderate amount of caffeine (400 milligrams) isn’t harmful for most people. Here are the caffeine amounts found in popular drinks:

12 ounces of soda: 30 to 40 milligrams
8 ounces of green or black tea: 30 to 50 milligrams
8 ounces black coffee: 80 to 100 milligrams
8-ounce energy drink: 40 to 250 milligrams

However, it’s best to limit caffeinated drinks. Caffeine may cause some people to urinate more frequently or feel anxious or jittery. Plus, be mindful of what you drink. Some choices may add extra calories from sugar to your diet.

Water can also be found in fruits and vegetables (for example, watermelon, tomatoes, and lettuce), and in soup broths.

Sports drinks can be helpful if you’re planning on exercising at higher than normal levels for more than an hour. They contain carbohydrates and electrolytes that can increase your energy. They help your body absorb water. However, some sports drinks are high in calories from added sugar. They also may contain high levels of sodium (salt). Check the serving size on the label. One bottle usually contains more than one serving. Some sports drinks contain caffeine, too. Remember that a safe amount of caffeine to consume each day is no more than 400 milligrams.

Energy drinks are not the same as sports drinks. Energy drinks usually contain large amounts of caffeine. Also, they contain ingredients that overstimulate you (guarana, ginseng, or taurine). These are things your body doesn’t need. Most of these drinks are also high in added sugar. According to doctors, children and teens should not have energy drinks.

If staying hydrated is difficult for you, here are some tips that can help:

Keep a bottle of water with you during the day. To reduce your costs, carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink.
Drink water before, during, and after a workout.
When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water. Drinking water may also contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan. Some research suggests that drinking water can help you feel full.
If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed. Or, drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour.
Drink water when you go to a restaurant. It will keep you hydrated, and it’s free.

Things to consider

If you don’t drink enough water, you may become dehydrated. This means your body doesn’t have enough fluid to operate properly.

Your urine can be an indicator if you’re dehydrated. If it’s colorless or light yellow, you’re well hydrated. If your urine is a dark yellow or amber color, you may be dehydrated.
There are other signs that can signal you may be dehydrated. They include:

Little or no urine.
Urine that is darker than usual.
Dry mouth.
Sleepiness or fatigue.
Extreme thirst.
Headache.
Confusion.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
No tears when crying.

Some people are at higher risk of dehydration, including people who exercise at a high intensity (or in hot weather) for too long, have certain medical conditions (kidney stones, bladder infection), are sick (fever, vomiting, diarrhea), are pregnant or breastfeeding, are trying to lose weight, or aren’t able to get enough fluids during the day. Older adults are also at higher risk. As you get older, your brain may not be able to sense dehydration. It doesn’t send signals for thirst.

Note that water makes up more than half of your body weight. You lose water each day when you go to the bathroom, sweat, and even when you breathe. You lose water even faster when the weather is really hot, when you’re physically active, or if you have a fever. Vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to rapid water loss. Be sure to actively drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Questions for your doctor

I don’t like water. What’s the next best thing to keep me hydrated?
Are there foods I can add to water to make it taste better?
What if I can’t consume as many fluids as doctors recommend?
What does it mean if I drink a lot of fluids but don’t urinate often?
How does drinking alcohol affect hydration?

Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Water & Nutrition
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Dehydration

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Watch the video at this Link

TED Circle Discussion -

" Passion, grit, and resilience get you from ordinary to extraordinary "

Shelley is a biologist, educator, photographer and storyteller. Her love of nature began at the tender age of 2 and turned into a life-long passion and career. But it was a career that seemed unattainable as a child who struggled with undiagnosed and untreated learning disabilities. A passion for learning about nature and a Grade 5 teacher who tapped into that passion were the key elements that turned Shelley’s life around. That passion for nature, along with a large dose of grit and resilience, led Shelley to not only pursue her dream of a career in biology, but also to go on to accomplish extraordinary things. As a research scientists and university professor, Shelley was one of the pioneers of DNA barcoding – a global research initiative that uses DNA sequences to identify species.

Join Lalita Subrahmanyan, RSVP Volunteer, who will lead the discussions.

Tuesday, June 30th
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Join at this LINK

Nordic Walking with Linda Lemke

Wednesday, July 1st
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Limited to 9 participants. Meet at the Whitney Senior Center Courtyard. Must pre-register by calling the Whitney Senior Center Front Desk at 320-255-7245.

What is RSVP? Who we are and what we do!

RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is a free program through the Corporation of National Community Service. RSVP strives to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults 55 and better while meeting local needs and responding to priorities of national significance.

You have gained a lifetime of experience. Now is the time to put your skills and talents to good use by volunteering through RSVP. Join Jennifer to learn more about opportunities.

Wednesday, July 1st
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Join at this LINK

The Harlem Renaissance and the art, poetry, and music of the 1920's

Join Aric Putnam for this discussion

The 1920's were a period of great creativity and the art created in this moment continues to shape our culture today. The artists of the 20's often defied genre; poetry was shaped by music, painting by literature, all in the service of finding a new identity at the onset of the new "American" century. In this session we will explore the culture of the 1920's, poetry, visual art, the early years of blues and jazz, in order to better understand the relationship between art and identity during the 1920's and for today.

RESCHEDULED to Thursday, July 2nd
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Join at this LINK

"Self Care with Young Living Essential OIls"

Taking care of yourself is not selfish, and it’s not hard to do. Self-care goes beyond a day at the spa. Any activity that you engage in that takes care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being is considered self-care. Essential oils have been shown to elevate moods, promote relaxation, increase focus, and bring on feelings of peace. In other words, they are perfect for practicing self-care!

Thursday, July 2nd
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Join at this LINK

Join the Whitney Readers for a Virtual Book Club

Here are the upcoming books and discussions.
First Tuesday of the Month 9:30-10:30

July 7th - This Tenderland by William Kent Krueger

August 4th - The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

September 1st - The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous is a community of people who support each other in order to recover from compulsive eating and food behaviors.

New Members are welcome!

Saturdays
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Join at this LINK

Connect with others through the Friendship Circle

Friendship Circles- still time to sign up!

If you or a loved one does not have the technology to stay connected, RSVP is providing a new option to stay socially connected. See the article below:

https://wjon.com/rsvp-to-launch-new-weekly-phone-conference-program/

With most volunteer organizations not able to provide the same level of services, many groups are finding creative ways to keep their volunteers engaged.

RSVP is starting up a new program to help promote new friendships among older adults.

An RSVP volunteer leader will start a phone call conversation with two other older adults and provide that social interaction. So we are hoping those friendships and relationships will develop over time for a weekly phone call.

The Senior Friendship Circle is an at home social option for individuals over age 60 that reside in Stearns, Benton and Sherburne Counties.

Friendship Circles will connect two or more times per week, depending on the interest of the group.

RSVP will is taking registration with hopes of beginning the program by late June.

To register or if you would like to become an RSVP volunteer, you're asked to call the Whitney Senior Center Aging Services office (320) 255-7245.

Last chance to Register!
Diabetes Prevention Program

July 11, 2020

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Online

Cost: Donation

Class Leader: Kylie Weller

Register at this LINK

National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) is a collaborative, community-based, lifestyle change program designed for people with pre-diabetes. It is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s curriculum and National Diabetes Prevention Recognition standards. Hundreds of in-person and online lifestyle change programs nationwide teach participants to make lasting lifestyle changes, like eating healthier, adding physical activity into their daily routine, and improving coping skills.

Notes:

This is a yearlong Program that meets weekly for 16 weeks and then twice a month for the remainder of the year. You will have support of your Lifestyle Coach and Group. The goal is to lose 5-7% of your weight. This class will be held via virtu al Zoom and may be offered In-Person at the Whitney Senior Center depending on current situation with COVID-19. If participating through Zoom Please note the following: All participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities. This could be a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, or a smart phone. Details will be emailed to participants once they have registered for this workshop series and prior to the class start date. The Whitney Senior Center will contact participants to practice using Zoom and have support for technology challenges prior to the start of the start date.

If you have SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit - please click on LINK to fill out May's Attendance - thank you. This helps support the costs to provide the classes and continue them. If you would like to register with us for the SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit - please call our Front Desk at 320-255-7245.

If you are new to our WSC Fitness Classes and/or have not filled out your 2020 Fitness Waiver, please fill out at this LINK and submit.

Senior Yoga with Melissa
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 10 am to 10:45 am
JOIN AT THIS LINK

Gentle Pilates with Paula
Mondays and Fridays 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
JOIN AT THIS LINK

SAIL - Stay Active and Independent for Life
Tuesday, Fridays, Saturdays 11 am to 12:00 pm
JOIN AT THIS LINK

Spring Forest QI- GONG with Jerry Wellik
Mondays and Wednesdays 12:00 pm to 12:55 pm
Register in Advance at this LINK

Yoga with Sally
Tuesdays at 9:30 am - 10:30 am at this LINK
Thursdays at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at this LINK

Register at this link

Need help with technology?
Ask our Computer Lab Volunteers

With our Computer Lab not having access and with the current events of COVID-19 and relying on technology, the volunteers have graciously offered to take questions and try to answer them for you. Send them an EMAIL

Donations Accepted

A few of you have asked, so we thought we would include. If you find value in the programs being offered and would like to make a donation during this time to help support the Whitney Senior Center, you can mail a check to: Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303. We miss seeing you! Thank you to the kindness of those sending cards and donations -- it is greatly appreciated by the WSC Staff!

Find our events and links on our Website.

You can also find these events on our Website Calendar.If you want to receive Calendar Reminders of Upcoming Events outside of this emailed newsletter you can subscribe to the icalendar.