The CENTER LINE BUFFALO COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS 2019

AARP St. Patty’s Day TAX AID Party! 2019

AARP TAXAIDE is a service that is available to all age group persons hav- Friday, March 15, 2019 ing low to middle income. The Buffalo 2:00 p.m. Community Center will be hosting TAX- AIDE on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. beginning Feb- ruary 1. You do not have to be a mem- ber of AARP to take advantage of this FREE tax program. To schedule an ap- pointment please call the Community Center at 763-682-6036.

Spring is coming…..!

The (also called the March equinox or vernal equinox) falls on Wednesday, March 20th. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the .

A on the equinox..For the first time in nearly 40 , the spring equinox will occur on the same day as March’s full Worm Moon. The last time that these two events landed on the same date was on , 1981, though they did come close again in March 2000. March’s full moon will also be a super- moon, meaning that it will be slightly larger and brighter than most of the other full moons this .

What does equinox mean? The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night” - aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world.

What happens on the March equinox? On the March equinox, the crosses the celestial from south to north. It’s called the “” because it’s an imaginary line in the sky above the ’s equator. If you were standing on the equator, the sun would pass directly overhead on its way north.

Equinoxes are the only two times a year that the sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth! While the sun passes overhead, the tilt of the Earth is zero relative to the sun, which means that the Earth’s axis neither points toward nor away from the sun. After the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun, which is why we start to get longer, sunnier days. March 2019 Page 2 Buffalo Community Center News

Fare for All is a great way to save money on quality, nutritious food every month. By purchasing fresh Darlene Bechtold fruits, vegetables, and frozen meats in bulk, Fare for All can save consumers up to 40% off grocery store Betty Komula prices. This month Fare for All will offer the follow- Urie Wallick ing for pre-sale only and pickup at the Buffalo Com- munity Center:

Hot Buy for March - $4.00 26 oz. Rosina Meatballs (beef, pork, chicken); limit 2 Foot Care Clinic per household.

Produce Pack - $10.00 2019 Foot Care Clinic 15 lbs of fresh fruit and vegetables. Schedule: (varies from month to month)

Mini Meat Pack - $11.00 Tuesday, March 5, 2019 4 frozen meat items such as chicken, beef, fish, tur- Tuesday, May 7, 2019 key (no pork). Tuesday, July 2, 2019 Tuesday, September 3, 2019 Combo Pack - $20.00 Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Combines the Produce Pack and Mini Meat Pack. Clinic runs from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Mega Meat Pack - $25.00 with a $15 fee for foot care. If 8-9 frozen meat items, including pork. you are unable to pay the $15 you will not be turned away. Ques- tions should be directed to Wright Please contact the Buffalo Community Center at 763- County Public Health at 763-682- 682-6036 for information on ordering. 7456. Next pickup date at the Community Center (for pre-ordered items only) is March 12 from 4:00- 5:00 pm. Deadline for ordering from the Commu- nity Center is Friday, March 8 by 3:00 p.m. Regu- lar Fare for All pickup at Zion Lutheran Church is from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on March 12; no pre-order necessary.

For information on what is available in the monthly packs please visit www.fareforall.org March 2019 Page 3 Buffalo Community Center News

NO EXCUSES...GET UP AND MOVE!

Exercise benefits for older adults...

Improved healing and function – Regular exer- cise by seniors may decrease the time it takes for a wound to heal by 25%. Also, a healthy, strong Monday & Wednesday body can better fight off infection and makes re- 1:00 p.m. covery from illness or injury easier.

The Senior Fitness class is a mix- ture of stretching, balance and Prevention of disease or chronic conditions – strength building exercises. We According to the National Institute of Aging, ex- work on functional mobility, em- ercising as a senior may delay or even prevent phasizing the muscles and joints that are used the most in day to diseases like diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart dis- day life. All exercises can be modi- ease and osteoporosis, just to name a few. fied to make them more or less dif- ficult, depending upon each per- Increased balance and stability – Falls are the son’s needs. Please join us! number one injury among seniors, and regular exercise can help prevent them. Falling leads to injuries like broken hips or other bones, and exer- 55+ Driver Discount Program cise is a key component to improve functional reach and balance. Save 10% for 3 years on your existing au- to insurance! It’s not just about the mon- ey; this course provides valuable infor- Improved quality of life and increased life ex- mation that could also be lifesaving: pectancy – New studies have found that seniors who exercise improve not only their physical fit-  Defensive driving tips ness but experienced psychological benefits as  Changes in laws  Vehicle technology well. Exercise can help alleviate symptoms of  The latest traffic safety information depression and improve the mood in gen- and resources eral. The increased mobility that comes from

regular, moderate exercise can help a senior 2019 Class Schedule maintain his or her independence if it is done on April 8, 2019 4 hour a long-term basis. Consistency is more important June 17, 2019 4 hour than intensity. July 15 and 16, 2019 8 hour October 7, 2019 4 hour December 9, 2019 4 hour

Four our refresher course - $22.00 Eight hour starter class - $26.00

Call 888-234-1294 to register.

March 2109 Page 4 Buffalo Community Center News

A Long Time Ago By Elinor Franke Writer’s Cramp by Joann Kocak A long time ago I was born On an early October morn.

A long time ago I lived on a farm. As I am writing this, we are in the It really was a life of charm. midst of one of the biggest snow storms of the , with two more A long time ago I went to school And I always lived by the golden rule. rounds due within the next few days. Where we are going to stack all of this A long time ago I learned to drive white stuff blows the mind. I am glad I Had a career and seemed to thrive. am not in charge of doing that. I am going to share a short poem with you A long time ago I traveled east and west at this time about the circumstances I really don’t know which was best.

which are on our doorstep, and every- A long time ago my family was alive where else: Now only three sisters survive.

“Snow - Go!” A long time ago I became a bride Raised my family with love and pride. Because of the snow/cold/ice, our A long time ago my husband passed on writers group has been cancelled three I had to adjust to his being gone. times in one month. In twenty years of belonging to this group, I can never A long time ago I thought life would never end remember that our group didn’t meet My body tells me now I can no longer pretend. because of weather related circum- stances. Needless to say, this has cur- The Doldrums tailed our writing somewhat. The two By Edna Knoblauch assignments we did get in were: “If I could change my life,” and write a This summer has given me a lot of pain. creature alliteration poem. We also are It’s been so very hot with not much rain. writing poems to be submitted to the The weatherman says showers will be in this direction. Journal Press, so maybe they will be But in Minnesota they just fell in a different section. appearing in upcoming issues. I try to keep my lawn and garden looking green. Keep warm and keep safe. DO NOT But then my water bill is better sight unseen. GO OUT IF YOU DON’T NEED TO! This is the first year caring for my garden was so hard.

I had a hard fall tripping on my hose in the yard. My aching shoulder muscles became such a factor. Now I am having these visits to my chiropractor. But in a couple weeks it will be September. If we are lucky it will be a fall to remember. The months are my favorite time. So I simply thought up these words to rhyme. March 2019 Page 5 Buffalo Community Center News

Tricky Parking…

O’Malley was driving down the street thoroughly worked up because he had an important meeting and he couldn’t find a parking space.

Looking up to Heaven he said, “Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking space I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up my Irish Whiskey!”

Miraculously, a parking space appeared!

O’Malley looked up to Heaven again and said, “Never mind, Lord, I found one!”

St. Patrick’s Day

Fact, Fun, and Folklore !

 Blue was the color originally asso- ciated with St. Patrick, but green is now favored.

 The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the American colonies was held in A little more humor…. New York City on this day in 1762. Paddy says to Murphy, “My friend fell off his motorcycle today!”  St. Patrick’ s Day is the traditional day for planting peas, even in the “Oh really!” Murphy replied. snow! “Yes, he has 2 broken arms, a broken leg, and is blind in one eye.” said Paddy.  Cabbage seeds are often planted today, too, and old-time farmers “Well, with all of that going on” replied believed that to make them grow Murphy, “no wonder he fell off!” well, you needed to plant them while wearing your night– clothes!

March 2019 Page 6 Buffalo Community Center News

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Menu Subject Menu to Change

meal delivery on those delivery days.meal

ALL MEALS SERVED AT NOON AT MEALS SERVED ALL Please Note: The Community Center is closed is no Center Community The Note: for holidays; all federal Please March 2019 Page 7 Buffalo Community Center News

Buffalo Farmer’s Market

The Buffalo Farmer’s Market is held at the Buffalo Community Center every month from November through April. Stop by and support your local farmers!

Remaining Market Dates

March 2, 2019 8:00-12:00 April 6, 2019 8:00-12:00

Mystery Club!!

2019 Senior Dance Schedule Buffalo American Legion Do you love a good mystery? If so, Third Thursday, 1-4 p.m. we are thinking about starting a mystery club at the Buffalo Com- April 18, 2019 Mike Elsenpeter munity Center. Each month a new May 16, 2019 Jerry Bierschbach mystery box will be sent to the June 20, 2019 Mike Elsenpeter July 18, 2019 Jerry Bierschbach community center containing clues August 15, 2019 Mike Elsenpeter for you to solve! If interested, September 19, 2019 Jerry Bierschbach please contact Dayna or Sue at October 17, 2019 Dick Szyplinski 763-682-6036; we can only

New Year’s Dance start this club if we have a commit- December 26, 2019 Jerry Bierschbach ted group of people willing to par- ticipate.

March 2019 Page 8 Buffalo Community Center News St. Patrick’s Day Word Search

D X M A H P C N C A R F U Q C C B A X S X R A K G M L F W F S S I K X P R P W L V K Q A I X E T Q K I E B L A R N E Y D K C O R M A H S M F A A O T M S W U K U O S E E K S M Q E I Q N Q M Z Z L H E M Z O I G E B D L R D R V V P R W K I M D X H R E L A R G I K V Q A R G S Q X I I N Y P T A U I J C E K K D Z S L M M I F A L M P S P V S C G C A E C O I M H G A L E L L I H S D G H I O N X K N R M X C P N J O T X U J P D L Z L A I M R W Z U B U P D S O V V W L Y P C V D T T H B L G Z A C F Z B G V I T C M J E B O O T L O Y N W O N O H S Z V L P E P A O A F P W T J C E L N Z Q R B Q E M Y Y S I U B T J I O R L O C I Y W Z T E U I F O X X Y F W N X O B G U E O G N G W U S U U K M J S J M L C I J N K P T Y C K O M A G G M E G C E L T I C Z L I L Q A C F Y H N L Q M I R K U O Z R W M N O A J U Y W P R S A A F D F H K E J D R L R S H R C U C V Z C A W H Z U E B H J D E H G B J N H P D A K E L S P J G Y I N U V F F B N W U M Y Z H K K B C J O Y A E H D T S X E K Q B B F W W I H M V Q B W O M O C T R N C C Q M Q F H E V P V W Q T Z A A J A S Y G Z I Q U T R X Z Y G E H D Z T R P J U G I W L J S Y N I M C P R T Q J R W N N A O G H M E R Q L M R I

GREEN BEER SHAMROCK BROGUE MISCHIEF POT O GOLD KISS LEPRECHAUN POTATO MAGIC CELTIC LIMERICK LUCK BLARNEY RAINBOW FIDDLE BAGPIPE SHILLELAGH IRISH March 2019 Page 9 Buffalo Community Center News

KITCHEN KORNER Daily Activities By Joann Kocak Monday 9:00 a.m. Mahjong What do you do when you are confined to your 11:00 a.m. Tai Chi Yang 10 house because of the weather? You bake, of 12:00 p.m. Dining course! I have been doing a lot of this lately. My 1:00 p.m. Exercise cookbooks and recipe files are getting a good 6:00 p.m. Euchre workout. Do you remember this recipe that was Tuesday quite popular many years ago? It is easy to make 9:00 a.m. Toy Workshop and so good to eat. Give it a try. 11:10 a.m. Mystic Lake Casino bus (2nd Tuesday) EASY 7-LAYER BARS 12:00 p.m. Dining 1:00 p.m. Craftmania 1/4 C. butter (1st & 3rd Tuesday) 1:00 p.m. 500 Cards 1 C. graham cracker crumbs Wednesday 1 C. Shredded coconut 9:00 a.m. Fidget Quilt Group 1 C. chopped nuts (2nd & 4th Wednesday) 1 6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 9:30 a.m. Writers’ Group 1 6 oz pkg. butterscotch chips 11:00 a.m. Tai Chi Yang 24 1 can sweetened condensed milk 12:00 p.m. Dining 12:30 p.m. Mahjong Melt the butter in a 9 x 13 pan. 1:00 p.m. Exercise Add other ingredients layer by layer in order given. Thursday Drizzle condensed milk over top. 9:00 a.m. Toy Workshop Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cut while warm. 9:15 a.m. Goldenaires Singers 12:00 p.m. Dining P.S. Thanks to all readers of this column saying 12:30 p.m. Bingo they enjoy trying the recipes and giving the 1:00 p.m. Weaves of Love (1st & “thumbs up” on them. 3rd Thursday) 2:00 p.m. Adult Coloring Group Happy baking! And yummy eating! 6:30 p.m. Line Dancing (3rd Thursday) ** FREE popcorn all day long! Friday 9:30 a.m. Hand & Foot 12:00 p.m. Dining

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Senior LinkAge Line Contact Us… Senior LinkAge Line is where you can get an- www.ci.buffalo.mn.us/communitycenter swers to your questions related to services for Facebook: Buffalo Community Center older adults, Medicare (including Part D), re- Phone:(763) 682-6036 Fax: (763) 682-6376 sources, assistance with forms and applications, etc. They offer FREE information and help to Hours… older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, concerned Community Center Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. family or friends, those working with older adults The building is available for rentals some eve- and family caregivers. nings. In the event that the Buffalo School District closes due to weather, after hours usage of the Center is cancelled. Call for more information. Buffalo Senior LinkAge Line Site Cottagewood Senior Communities Community Center Director 201 1st Street NE Suzanne Kolbinger (763) 682-6036 Email: [email protected] 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month. The Community Center Advisory Board meets the Call for an appointment 1-800-333-2433 first Thursday of every odd month at 3:30 p.m. at the Community Center. Meetings are open to the public.