A WHITE CHRISTMAS

To all you folks out there Dreaming of A White Christmas your Dreams came true Sunday. The weather-man filled your Dreams beyond expectation.

    At the 2^nd Tues. Coffee Chat in Nov. three members of the Osseo/Maple Grove VFW Post presented RidgePointe with a plaque for being one of the largest contributors in collecting coupons for families of service members overseas.     Our hats off to Harlan Riedesel for his efforts in making this happen.   To all the residents continue to keep up the good work.

Happy Holidays

Holiday Gift Suggestions:

         To your enemy, forgiveness.

         To an opponent, tolerance.

         To a friend, your heart.

         To a customer, service.

         To every child, a good example.

         To yourself, respect.

         To all, charity.

                           ~Oren Arnold

MEDICARE 2013

It is the first Tuesday in October all of the RidgePointe residents should have their copy of the 2013 Medicare books.   Leslee and Bobby are on deck to bring everyone up to date on all the changes for 2013 and to answer any questions.   Also covered were the various supplementary plans currently available.    The question and answer time allowed residents to ask about the points of their plans and to see if changes may be needed.   As the meeting drew to a close everyone was assured that they were available to help.

As RidgePointe residents woke Wed. Aug. 1st their thought was on the annual Hot Dog and Ice Cream social.   Shortly the chairs magically appeared in the courtyard and all systems were go.

What did the weatherman have in store for this special day?    It looked like more of the usual temps in the 90's and humidity in the 70's along with a brisk wind tossed in.   We were however provided with a brief late morning shower to settle the dust followed by clear skies.

As the clock struck 4:30 the command went out "Gentlemen Start your Grills".

The chairs were soon filled by residents and their families, the Dogs were ready, followed by the makings for the Ice Cream Sundays.    The band "FIRESPICE"  was setup and provided music through the evening.

  As the event came to a close the chairs were stacked and other items taken down.   Finance reported a very successful event.

   

WED. AUG 1st ITS HOT DOG DAY

Aug. 1st arrived with more of the summer's warm temps but it was Hot Dog Day and the setup was under way.  The chairs were set up and all systems were go.    Time to start the grills and let the party begin.

AVOID THIS SCAM

Crime alert: Grandparent Scam  Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2012

 

            In  the  past two weeks there have been four reports to police of Minnetonka residents  losing money to a telephone scam. This scam is referred to as “The Grandparent Scam” that typically targets elderly people. The scam involves a phone call where the caller is claiming to be the grandchild and in urgent need of money due to an accident, an arrest or other problem. The caller will ask the grandparent to wire money to a foreign country and many grandparents that are eager to help put aside their reservations and fall victim to this scam. In most of the cases, the victims have used  wire  transfers  to send thousands of dollars to the caller believing they were helping their grandchild when in fact they are sending their money to a con artist.

 

Tips to avoid this scam:

Verify the caller’s identity; contact a family member who could confirm the caller’s story. Try contacting the real grandchild at a number you know is accurate.

 

Resist pressure to act quickly: 

This scam depends upon a relative’s compassion for someone outweighing any concern about potential scams. The  various  excuses created by fraudsters almost always involve an emergency and a desire for secrecy.  Fraudsters ask for secrecy because they know if you contact another family member, you will become aware of the scam.

You should only wire transfer money if you are certain of the caller’s identity:

Particularly  if  the  caller  wants  you  to wire the money to a foreign country. Remember, if you wire money, it may be impossible to retrieve the money once it is received at the other end.  Therefore,  the  money  is virtually untraceable, and law enforcement agencies have little success in recovering wired funds.

If  you  receive a fraudulent phone call like this, you should promptly call the police.

If you have information:

These cases are currently under investigation by the Minnetonka Police Department. If you have information about these crimes, please contact Detective Terri Swanson at 952.939.8561 or tswanson@eminnetonka.com.

Mark D. Raquet, Chief of Police, February 9, 2012

FAVORS FOR NEIGHBORS

Favors for Neighbors: No Fees

     Broken chair?  Beloved coffee table messed up in the move?  Need a little step to help you reach the microwave?  These and other chores that most of us are not equipped to handle are routine to our woodworkers in residence.  Same applies for fixing TV’s and electronic devices.

     None of our artisans will accept payment their work, but many of us still would like to show our appreciation.  Well, now you can.  Eldore Nash, Resident Council Treasurer, has established a fund where small contributions may be made.  These funds will be used to replenish supplies and equipment.  Thanks go out to Glenn Nelson, Don Eckenrode and Roger Meyer and all the others who contribute their talent toward helping neighbors.

MAY BIRTHDAYS AT RIDGEPOINTE

 May 15th and its birthday night at RidgePointe; festivities kick off at 3:00 with Happy Hour followed Musical Entertainment by David Allen.   Residents then moved in to the Rose Room for their evening meal.

VEGAS COMES TO RIDGEPOINTE

                                Approximately 55 RidgePointe residents

                               were on hand for an enjoyable afternoon

                              trying their luck at a variety of games while

                              partaking in popcorn and beverages.

                             

Welcome Back Don Erwin

RidgePointe residents had the opportunity to welcome back the master of the keyboard, Don Irwin.  Don currently lives in Texas and travels the world giving concerts.    His travels bring him to MN several times a year giving him the chance for perform here and giving the both residents and guest a very pleasant afternoon of music. 

April 17th 2012

Living at RidgePointe one is never at a lack of something to do; Apr. 17th was no exception.   Residents woke that morning with not one but two items on the agenda; Tax Day and the Apr. Birthday Entertainment.  The Birthday Entertainment without a doubt being the most enjoyable.  The event kicked off at 3:00 with a choice of beverage and snacks; this was followed by a trip down memory lane presented by Richie Z.  The Rose room opened 10 minutes early so everyone could move directly in for the evening meal.

It's a Small, Small World

It’s a Small, Small World                                                     April 2012

So there I was, seated in the back row in Marion Hall at RidgePointe, listening as the trainer presented the four hour AARP Senior Drivers Refresher Course. The course was open to us active & independent 62+ seniors living in the RidgePointe apartments as well as seniors from the general Minnetonka area. 

The anticipated benefit of completing the course was a very nice discount on our automobile insurance. Of course, I could have been participating in the many interesting activities that day with a number of my RidgePointe friends, but for some reason which all seniors understand, we do love our discounts. Something else we seniors understand is that for every anticipated benefit, there is an unanticipated benefit which not necessarily presents itself immediately. However, sometimes it does.

Back to table where I was seated, please.  Next to me sat a woman and her husband who I did not recognize as RidgePointe residents. Nevertheless, when a man in the front row, obviously a former A+ student (they always sat in the front row, didn’t they) made a comment to the trainer regarding Fort Clayton, Panama, formerly an Army base in the Panama Canal Zone, I couldn’t believe my ears. You see, it’s because I lived in Panama with my children for a number of years in the 1970’s, and had/have many friends there.

I was so startled to hear “Clayton” and “Panama” in that setting that I turned to the woman who was sitting next to me and to whom I hadn’t spoken to before to confirm what the fellow (A+ student) had said.  She confirmed his words and then said, “Yes, Fort Clayton, Panama, and I used to work there!”  Once again, I couldn’t believe my ears.

Well, that began “The Conversation” that all of us have had many times in our lives.  In this case, we discovered we knew where each other had lived in Panama City, had eaten many times at the same restaurants, and, all right, this is true, my children’s orthodontist in Panama and his family were their close family friends.  Of course, we then exchanged names & numbers. To tell you the truth, I was filled with joy and a wee bit of homesickness.  By the way, I did finish the course and have received the discount.

I called my son in Michigan and my daughter in California that very evening to tell them of this remarkable happening.  And, I told everyone at RidgePointe who would listen until I noticed that even my close dinner friends ran (all right, “walked” away) when they saw me coming with that silly “I’ve got something to tell you” grin on my face. 

What is my point, you might ask?  It’s a fair question.  Well, having grown up in Southern California, I have lived in AZ, Panama, OK, Northern CA, and MI.  I have traveled in Great Britain, Central/South America, Canada, and most U.S. states. Along this exciting path, I have met people who knew people I had met in most of those places.  

And now in Minnesota, I have lived at RidgePointe for five years and in this senior community, I find wonderful people living here from almost every state in the US, many of whom have lived in many places and traveled extensively. In many cases, our paths have overlapped and are discovered in rich and exciting conversations.

Truly, I have come to understand that we are connected to each other in surprising ways, and that this wonderful world that connects us is truly very, very small. Agreed, moving to RidgePointe was a bit of an adjustment at this time in life, but what an unanticipated benefit it continues to be. It was and is well worth the initial effort. 

On Thursday April  5th RidgePointe residents had the opportunity to tour Target Stadium, home of the Minnesota Twins.   Following the tour and learning everything Twins the group moved on to the Sunshine Factory to enjoy a rest and lunch.

Photos by Roger & Paula

          RidgePointe kicked off the 2012 Great Decisions Lecture Series with Guest Speaker Tom Hanson.

          Tom Hanson is a Foreign Policy Consultant and a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer whose postings included  East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet republic of Georgia. He also participated in the opening of new U.S. Embassies in Mongolia and Estonia. He worked on the foreign relations committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and served as Director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council of the United States in Washington, D.C. Currently Mr. Hanson is Program Secretary of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations, a member of MIC’s Great Decisions advisory committee, a frequent Great Decisions speaker, and a regularly featured commentator on Minnesota Public Radio.

          The subject of the talk was "Exit from Afghanistan & Iraq".   First how we came to be involved in the region; following the attacks of 9 - 11 there was a discussion as to what should be the response.   There were two schools of thought on the issue; one of counter terrorism and one of counter insurgence.   Afghanistan being the first point of response  it was to be one of counter insurgence.    When he decision was made to go into Iraq the same response was used.   The thought in both cases was that a government based on democracy could be established and that an army could be built to handle their defenses.   We are out of Iraq and things are not going well; much do to tribal conflicts.   After 10 years we still remain in Afghanistan; our exit is somewhat in question.  Two incidents have fueled the local call for our departure; first the burning of Korans and then the murder of civilians be a US soldier.   Again the same questions; will their armed forces handle afaris or tribal conflict take over.

          This leaves us with a question.   Will Iran become the become the new Middle East Problem?  

Here is another great reason to live at RidgePointe!

RidgePointe Exercise Classes

RidgePointe offers a variety of classes to improve activities for daily living. Safe, fun & effective exercises increase cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance and range of motion.  Whether you are new to exercise or familiar with it, all of these classes may be modified to meet your needs.

All the classes are taught by a certified Aerobics Professional who specializes in working with adults 62+.

Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and are FREE and Open to outside guests to join us!

8:45 – 9:30    Yoga/ stretch  - Available to men, women & outside guests

The Yoga/Stretch class begins with restorative breathing exercises.

After warming up muscles and joints, we move to a series of yoga postures which may be performed in a seated or standing position.  This class also offers poses to increase strength in our core muscles which improve balance.  The combination of movements enhance the flow of energy to mind and body.  We complete this class with a relaxation segment.  This segment may include positive affirmations, listening to music, or self massage. This class is a good way to have greater body awareness, acceptance and appreciation.  

9:30- 10:30   Men’s Exercise class

The Men’s class includes a variety of exercises designed to improve

muscular strength, range of motion, balance and increase cardiovascular

endurance.  Hand held weights, and resistance bands are offered for muscle conditioning.  A chair is used for seated and/or standing support.   Basic movements for upper and lower body are designed to give you a safe and fun workout.

The second half of this class is a fun & challenging bean bag game.

Balance, core strength, mental focus and sometimes “luck” are the components one  needs to be successful in this game.  Two teams compete in a fun atmosphere.

10:45- 11:30  Ladies Exercise class

Move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase

strength, coordination, agility and balance.  These skills are important

as they are required during activities for daily living.  Hand held weights &

elastic bands are available for strength conditioning . A chair is used for

seated and/or standing support. We safely move through a combination of upper

and lower body exercises. We finish with stretches to increase or maintain our

range of motion. We complete the workout with a relaxation segment

This is a fun, go at your own pace workout.

Living as A Community

Living as a Community

By Jeff Evenson, Managing Director

Living in a setting such as RidgePointe has many advantages.  To me, the social aspect of being in a community is one of the biggest benefits we provide.  Anytime humans interact, there is a chance for disagreement and discord.  I am proud of the way our community gets along and supports one another.

RidgePointe does not have many signs telling people what they can and cannot do.  That is by design.  We trust that the people who live here have integrity and a sense of responsibility for their actions which makes a list of do’s and don’ts unwarranted.  We are a civil community.  By considering how our actions affect others creates an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation.  That is why we appreciate our neighbors and why RidgePointe is the best place to live! 

RidgePointe with Feb. birthdays gathered in the East Lobby to kick off the birthday celebration with Happy Hour at 3:00.   Entertainment begin at 3:45 featuring the Makomis Quintet; this is a woodwind group playing classical music.    The birthday dinner was served in the Rose Room at 4:50.
 

Downsizing With Gentle Transitions

"For Better or Worse, a Later Life Move from the Family Home”

Written by Diane Bjorkman of Gentle Transitions Senior Move Management

After twenty-eight years of life’s work in senior housing, I continue to find that an older adult’s decision to move can carry with it the entire gamut of emotions but at some point involves a feeling of being overwhelmed.  My husband and I own a senior move management company, coordinating all aspects of moves for hundreds of seniors annually. Daily, we hear firsthand how our clients have come to the decision to make a move and the reasons are vast, including wanting less home maintenance responsibilities, a desire to be closer to their children, the need for a stronger support system, and wanting to secure a safety net for potential future health concerns, to mention a few. No matter how one comes to this decision, the factors that go into each individual’s scenario are always unique.

Active, vital seniors who have made a decision to move to independent senior housing, have made a choice to be proactive and move to a setting that will meet their changing needs.  Although the individuals that fall into this category are in control of their decision, there may still a number of aspects that make their transition difficult; sifting through a home of 50+ years, leaving “the old neighborhood” the comfort of familiar turf and family memories.

The families dealing with the decision to move related to diminishing memory capabilities carry a different set of circumstances in which sons and daughters often have the moving process of their parent land in their lap by default.  When family members find themselves in this situation, there may be a lot of emotion attached to the process.  Even when it’s in their best interest, there may be guilt involved in making decisions for one’s parent when mom or dad are resisting the decision being imposed upon them.

Moving can be exciting, joyful, and a relief from the burdens of home maintenance as well as stressful and emotional, and with the joy there may be feelings of loss that accompany the change.  During the course of my career, I’ve seen senior housing options expand multifold.  Years ago, the nursing home was the only choice.  Now there are townhomes, single level accessible homes, condominiums, senior co-ops, continuum of care communities, independent and assisted living and free standing memory care homes that create a semblance of family living.  In addition, there are ever expanding choices for staying in one’s home for much longer than in years past, with reverse mortgages, home health care, in-home companion and medical and non-medical home care.

Even though a career in the field of senior housing has become my life’s path, I can not say what my own choice will be if and when my time comes to make this decision but it’s wonderful to know there are state of the art services and housing options to meet the needs and demands of next year’s “older adult”.

Location! Location! Location!

Location!  Location!  Location!

     One of the things we most appreciate about RidgePointe is its location in the midst of superb shopping.  While we don’t all necessarily care about buying furniture, linens or tank tops, we all need to eat.  And here we are -- van-driving distance from five terrific grocery suppliers:  Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s, Byerly’s, Target and Whole Foods.

     To share with residents their impressions of the outstanding characteristics of each, three intrepid RidgePointers braved the chill November winds and visited each store.   They are: Marcellla Hansen, Vannnette Kmetz and Reva Lear.  Marcella and Reva have worked in the grocery business and Vannette in retail hardware/gift sales. 

     All three agreed that pricing was one of the important points to consider and that next in line was service.  Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s and Byerly’s rated highly in both.  Byerly’s, with a pharmacy, dry cleaning and shoe repair on site and Target, with a pharmacy, hard and soft goods available, offer a variety of services beyond food stuffs.   Trader Joe’s features demonstrations of how to combine some of their products and tasty samples of same.  When it comes to specialty items, prepared foods, or organic foods with no preservatives, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods get high marks.

One sentence summaries:

J Aldi’s -- clean, easy to shop in.  Prices may be lowest of the five stores but selection may be limited on some items.

         

J Trader Joe’s -- great help, pricing is reasonable, unique ready-     made products of high quality.  Great cookies and crackers.

J Target -- convenience of doing all your shopping in one store, lowest prices on frozen entrees.

J Byerly’s -- prices may be a bit higher, but the product quality and service are worth it.  A nicely remodeled restaurant and semi-food court are pleasant for eating and reading.

J Whole Foods -- wonderful ready-made foods, including a taco bar and many fresh salads of various prices, plus a nice area to eat what you pick up.  Attractive store, of the five stores, seems to be, in general, the highest priced.

J Beer and wine -- available at Trader Joe’s.

J Full line of spirits -- available at Byerly’s.

     Whether you cook from scratch or go the microwave route, your mouthwatering, healthful, deliciously decadent, preservative-free, fat-saturated heart’s delight is only five minutes away.

Back For A Return Engagement

Entertainment for the month of Jan. wraps up with a return engagement of League Aires Women’s Choir.    The group presented lively arrangements of old show tunes along with other old favorites, which had many of the  audience singing along.

That means it is time to celebrate the Jan. birthdays with.
Happy Hour at 3:00PM
Entertainment at 3:45PM
Birthday Dinner in the Rose Room at 4:50PM

Looking Forward

With the arrival of mid January our fall weather has taken a move to winter. Now as the residents view the elements of winter, minus temps, freezing rain, icy streets, accumulations of snow, from their apartment window their thoughts move to a new season. With the arrival of spring the view will be green grass, blooming flowers, people on the benches along the atrium and the weekly croquet games. Planes for the annual Hot Dog event will be in full swing.

Welcome To RidgePoine Of Minnetonka

We are creating a new Blog for RidgePointe; this will enable staff members to reach out to existing residents and others that may be interested. It will be used publishing of upcoming events and use pictures of past events. It is our hope that through the use of the Blog RidgePointe will become a more vibrant society.