Viewable on line: www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

O W A T O N N A P A R K A N D R E C R E A T I O N 5 4 0 W E S T H I L L S C I R C L E O W A T O N N A M N 5 5 0 6 0

January/ February 2017

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION NEWSLETTER

Therapeutic Recreation

Coordinator:

Wendy Reller

507-774-7360

or 444-4321 leave message

Night Club & Bowling

Supervisor:

Mary Louks

413-2534

Teen Club Staff:

Lori Osmundson

451-9039

LIFE Facilitator:

Wendy Reller

774– 7360

Program Cancellations

507-444-4321

Owatonna Bus Company

451-5262

Parks and Recreation’s Winter Weekend Out

January 27– 29, 2017

Grab your warm clothes and plan to spend the weekend outside for

this fun lineup of outdoor activities. Here’s the schedule for three

days of winter at it’s best.

Friday/ Sledding and Movie Party at West Hills. (sledding begins at 1pm,

games at 2pm, and movie at 3pm)

Saturday/ Fat Tire Bike Demo at Kaplan’s Woods (biking in the snow, 10

am-2pm)

Adult Bocce Ball at Lake Kohlmier ( bocce ball, Hammerschla-

gen, beverages and burgers, 21 years and older to attend, 2 –5 pm)

Rock on Ice at Morehouse (rock on ice with a DJ , warm up by

the bonfire, and enjoy a free s’more, 5– 7 pm)

Sunday/ Family Ice Fishing at Lake Kohlmier (enjoy an afternoon of ice

fishing, giveaways, prizes and demos, 2:30 –4:30 pm)

MN Special Olympics Polar Plunge

This year the Owatonna site for the Polar Plunge will be held on Saturday, Jan-

uary 28th, at Lake Kohlmier, starting at 1 pm. The Polar Plunge Committee is

coordinating the event with the Winter Weekend Out Team to offer spectators

and participants this big outdoor celebration of winter recreation and fundraising

at the same time. Check in time for teams and individuals wanting to plunge,

begins at 11am, plunging starts at 1pm. Anyone interested is invited to take on

the challenge, registration is done online @ plungemn.org. All participants col-

lect at least $75 in donations prior to the event, and turn in the donations at

check in on the 28th. A new addition to the event for those who are too chicken

to plunge, is easy. With your $75 donation, you receive a rubber chicken to toss

in the water, along with other plungers, so everyone knows you want to help

out, but you’re just TOO CHICKEN TO PLUNGE! Join us for this super fun

event, and stop by the concession booth for chili, hot dogs, cocoa and other

warm up treats. All proceeds go to Therapeutic Recreation programs!

NIGHT TO SHINE!!

First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea is proud to be an official host

church for Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Founda-

tion on February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom

night experience, centered on God’s love , for teens with special needs. To learn

more and see more than 350 churches who are already part of this worldwide

movement, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org #Night to Shine. For details or

questions, visit www.flcal.org or call Becky (507) 383– 4062.

Therapeutic Recreation News

TR Programs for Kids

Leisure Swim

This aquatic group is designed for kids with disabilities who would like an opportunity to swim or enjoy some weekly exercise in a supervised pool setting. We ask that the group be limited to 8 registrations, and that parents provide an assistant for their child if needed. Our swim staff for the fall is Tim Schiltz, certified in water safety and experienced with the swimmer who has special needs. Tim provides group supervision and uses games and water activities to help the kids develop socialization skills.

For kids: age 6-16 Winter Session: Jan 10 –March 7

Location: West Hills Pool Tuesdays, 6 -7 PM

Limit 8 (5 minimum to offer the sessions) Fee: $40

Call the Parks and Recreation office @ 444-4321, or register online.

Inclusion

Youth with disabilities or special health concerns are welcome and encouraged to participate in existing youth sports, aquatics, and seasonal programs. The inclusion policy of this program pro-vides all children registered to participate with an equal advantage. Therefore, adaptive equip-

ment, program modification, and other accommodations are considered to assist the individual as needed. Consulta-tion with parents and coordination with the coach/instructor helps make the transition possible. In addition, all coach-es, instructors, and summer staff receive a brief orientation to working with the child with disabilities in their initial training sessions. Requests for one on one assistance will be considered when available. Registration: When enrolling your child in sports and other youth programs we request that you indicate any special needs or health concerns your child may have. We must be aware of any medical condition that warrants medication or special attention from Parks and Recreation staff while your child is in our care. Information shared with staff is confidential.

Special Olympics Young Athletes Program

Young Athletes is a Special Olympics Minnesota Program for kids age 2 –7, held at McKinley Elementary STEM School, 423 14th St NE, for the 2016—2017 school year. The program meets Thursdays, 2/2—4/6, 5:30 –6:15 PM. Cost is free. This sports/play program is designed for kids with and without intellectual disabilities to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility which begins at age 8.Participants will have fun while develop-ing foundation skills through appropriate play activities. Contact Catie Stephani, if you are in-

terested, cstephani@owatonna.k12.mn.us, or 444-8251.

Advocates for Developmental Disabilities

SIBSHOP

Youth Sibshop is a support program designed for children first through fifth grade who have siblings with special needs. Sibshop intersperses information and discussion about sibling issues with unique and fun recreational games and activities. Snacks are provided. Sibshop meets 4– 5:30 PM on the following dates, Nov 10, Jan12, Mar 9, May 11. The location is St John Lutheran Church, 1225 Lincoln Ave, in the same hallway as the ADD Office. Group Facilitators are Laurie Running and Wendy Reller. The fee for all four sessions is $25. Email or call the ADD office if you are interested, add_steele@hotmail.com or 451-9769. Scholar-ships are available upon request.

KC Breakfast

The Knights of Columbus will sponsor a benefit breakfast on Sunday, January 15, 8 AM –12:30 PM at St Mary’s School. Featured in this delicious menu are pancakes, French Toast, omelets or eggs, ham or sausage, milk and coffee. Tickets are $6/advance or $6.50 /door. Proceeds will support many ADD programs. Join us!

TR Happenings

TR Monday Bowling League The TR Monday league is available for teens and adults age 14 years and older who have developmental disabilities or mental health issues. We bowl 2 games per week maximum, shoes are free. Transportation is not provid-ed. Please notify us of any special accommodations needed for play. Winter League Dates: January 9 –April 17 (excluding 1/16, 2/20, 3/27.) Time: 4:30-6:00 PM Location: SPARE TIME Entertainment Weekly Fee: $5.50 payable to SPARETIME Entertainment. Registration Fee: $21.50 payable to Owatonna Parks and Recreation Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Trip

It’s time to plan for our annual theatre and dining night out at the Chanhassen Dinner The-atre. After a decade, Grease is returning to the main stage, and we’ll be there to see this amazing production again. The trip is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Save the date, We’ve visited the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre almost every year since starting in 1993, so we know the menu selections are delicious, and the performances are always mem-orable. We’ve seen a lot of singing and dancing over the years, but this trip continues to be a favorite among TR members. If you like musicals about the fabulous rock and roll era, you’ll love this play. If you’re interested, reserve a seat with the TR office, 774-7360, by February 15th. The fee for this trip is $79, and includes transportation,

your meal, your play ticket, and our experienced staff to travel with the group. Start saving now so you can join us for this fun trip! January/ February All Group Events Chinese New Year Celebration/ January 25

You don’t have to know the language to enjoy a tasty catered meal and learn something about this interesting culture. Meet at Senior Place 6—8 PM. Our Chinese meal will in-clude Brocolli Beef or Sesame Chicken along with rice or lo mien and an eggroll from your local HyVee deli. Tea and ice cream will follow. We’ll have some ac-tivities after the meal to get us moving and take on some physical and mental challenges. Have you played Chinese checkers or ping pong be-fore? How about learning to write your name in the Chinese alphabet, or learning about your animal sign? Join us for a fun night of new activi-ties. The fee for the evening is $10, which is due and payable in ad-

vance or at the door. Must RSVP with choice of entrée by January 17th. No late registrations. All regis-tered TR Members invited! Valentine Dance/ February 8 Dust of your dancing shoes and wear something red to our annual Valentine Dance. The fun starts at 6:30 PM at Senior Place. As in recent years, we’ll have cut and wrapped flowers available, along with concessions, all for $1 each. Please bring a non perishable food item to donate to the Steele County Food Shelf for admission. All TR members in-vited. Let us know if you plan to purchase flowers by February 10th.

IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN TO PAY YOUR MEMBER DUES FOR THE CURRENT PERIOD, PLEASE DO SO NOW. IF YOU’RE UNSURE AND WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT, GIVE WENDY A CALL AT THE TR OFFICE 774– 7360.

LIFE Plans January /February 2017

Jan 4 Membership Night / Meet at Senior Place, 4– 5:30 PM. Bring your $48 membership fee to cover your participation from January through June, 2017. Enjoy some Drop In fun and treats with your LIFE group friends. Be sure to update your rec-ords with us and maybe even your photo.

Jan 11 (While Wendy is out, join the Night Club Activity) Movie Night/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Bring a favorite movie disc and we’ll vote for which one to watch. Concessions will be available for $1 each. Pop and popcorn will be sold @ $1 for the combo. Showtime is 6:30, so be on time if you’re bringing a movie or want to get the best seats. NOTE TIME CHANGE.

Jan 18 (While Wendy is out, join the Night Club Activity) Gym and Swim/ Meet at the West Hills Fitness Center, 6:30 –8 PM. Get a jump start on your fitness resolution for 2017. Join us for a free workout session using the gym and pool. Use the indoor track, one of the ex-ercise machines or shoot baskets in the gym . The pool is available 7-8 PM if you choose to bring your suit and towel. Be sure to check in with Mary upon arriving. NOTE TIME CHANGE.

Jan 25 Chinese New Year Celebration/ Meet at Senior Place, 6-8 PM. This all group activity is open to all registered members of LIFE, Night Club, and Teen Club. Teen Club members can choose to attend 1/25 OR 1/26. Expect to be amazed by this delicious meal and fun night of activities which celebrate the Chinese culture and it’s people. The meal is catered by HyVee, so we’ll need your choice of entrée included in the head count by January 17th. The choices include Broccoli Beef or Sesame Chicken, fried rice or lo mien, and a pork or chicken egg roll. We’ll also serve a beverage and dessert. Be sure to give your menu choice when registering. Be ready to play after the meal, we’ll have a variety of activities to share! Cost for the evening is $10. RSVP by noon, 1/17/17.

Feb 1 UNO and other Card Games/ Meet at the Senior Place, 4 –5:30 PM. We’ll try our hand at some UNO challenges and other card games too. If you are a shark with any particular card games, you may want to teach the group! We’ll also share ideas for March and April activity plans, so come ready with some thoughts!

Feb 8 Valentine Dance/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30—8 PM. If you like to dance, or just enjoy listening to music, we have another fun night planned for the annual Valentine Dance. We ask you to bring a canned food item to donate to the Steele County Food Shelf, and wear something red to get in. We’ll have cut flowers and concessions available for $1 each, so be sure to bring some cash. If you plan to purchase flowers, let Wendy know by 2/10/17.Hope to see you at this all group event!

Feb 15 Pottery Project/ Meet at Owatonna Arts Center, 4 –5:30 PM. We hope to try using a potter’s wheel for this clay project. It may be more challenging, but it would be a new way to develop our creative skills, and explore a new hobby. Cost is $7. RSVP w/ payment by 2/8/17.

Feb 22 Winter Trail Walk/ Meet at Kaplans Woods, 4-5:30 PM to explore the snowy trails of Owatonna’s favorite woods. We may change the location if weather warrants. Dress warm for hiking.

Night Club Schedule January /February 2017

Jan 4 Membership Night/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30– 8 PM. Bring your $48 membership fee to cover your participation from January through June 2017. Enjoy some Drop In fun and treats with your Night Club friends. Be sure to update your records with us and maybe even your photo!

Jan 11 Movie Night/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Bring a favorite movie disc and we’ll vote for which one to watch. Concessions will be available for $1 each. Pop and popcorn will be sold @ $1 for the combo. Showtime is 6:30, so be on time if you’re bringing a movie or want to get the best seats!

Jan 18 Gym and Swim/ Meet at the West Hills Fitness Center, 6:30 –8 PM. Get a jump start on your fitness resolution for 2017. Join us for a free workout session using the gym and pool. Use the indoor track, one of the exercise machines or shoot baskets in the gym. The pool is available 7-8 PM if you choose to bring your suit and towel. Be sure to check in with Mary when you arrive.

Jan 25 Chinese New Year Celebration/ Meet at Senior Place, 6-8 PM. This all group activity is open to all registered members of LIFE, Night Club and Teen Club. Teen Club members can choose to attend 1/25 OR 1/26. Expect to be amazed by this delicious Chinese meal and fun night of activities which celebrate the Chinese culture and it’s people. The meal is catered by HyVee, so we’ll need your choice of entrée included in the headcount by January 17th. The choices include Brocolli Beef or Sesame Chicken, fried rice or lo mien, and a pork or chicken egg roll. We’ll also serve a bever-age and dessert. Be sure to give your menu choice when registering. Be ready to play after the meal, we’ll have a va-riety of activities to share! Cost for the evening is $10. RSVP by noon, 1/17/17.

Feb 1 Dirty Dice Game/ Meet at Senior Place 6:30 –8 PM. Join us for this fun game which is similar to Grab Bag Bingo, but with a twist. Come with several small items to donate, which will each fit in a brown lunch bag. We will play several rounds, and the bags will be provided. The first player throws the dice, and if he gets doubles, gets to choose a bag. Once the bags are all taken, play con-tinues for several minutes, trading with each other. Who knows what prize you might wind up with!

Feb 8 Valentine Dance/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. If you like to dance, or just enjoy listening to music, we have another fun night planned for the annual Valentine Dance. We ask you to bring a canned food item to donate to the Steele County Food Shelf, and wear something red to get in. We’ll have cut flowers and concessions available at $1 each, so be sure to bring some cash. If you plan to purchase flowers, let Wendy know by 2/10/17. Hope to see you at this all group event!

Feb 15 Floor Hockey/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Tonight’s activity is back by popular demand! Two teams will square off and challenge each other in this first annual Floor Hockey show-down! We’ll use the entire room with goalies at the net on each end. We’ll plan for lots of player changes throughout the game, so come ready to play! Don’t miss the fun.

Feb 22 George Washington’s Birthday Pictionary/Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. On your mark, get set, go! We’ll have fun tonight learning and drawing pics for clues about our country’s first president. Volunteers will draw the clues, while opposing teams shout out the answers! All we can say is BE THERE!

Mary Louks

Teen Club Activities

January /February 2017

Jan 5 Membership Night/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Bring your $48 member dues to cover your participation from January through June, 2017. ENJOY some Drop In fun and treats with your Teen Club friends. Be sure to update your records with us, and maybe even your photo!

Jan 12 Fun in a Mug/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Grab a few ingredients… snowmen marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and your favorite mug for a delicious hot chocolate treat. Join your Teen Club friends for a cozy night in, out of the cold. No fee for this activity!

Jan 19 Digging Denim/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Old denim fabric comes to life with a little magic… Metal studs, and pockets be-dazzling bling. Join us for a night of denim creativity and fun! No fee for this activity. Join us to find out what we’ll be doing.

Jan 26 Gym Night/ Meet at the West Hills gym, 6:30 –8 PM. Come get your “sweat” on. It’s ball games all night long. Team games of basketball, balloon ball, and volleyball. If that’s not enough, you can also burn some calories on the indoor walking track. Plan to be active and moving. No street shoes on the gym floor. Bring sneakers.

Feb 2 Baking Apple Pies/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Each baker will get his own apple and crust in their supplies to make their own pie, IN THE APPLE! Senior Place will smell sooo good from this tasty treat. And wouldn’t a spoonful of vanilla ice cream make it extra yummy? Join us for this free and fun activity.

Feb 8 Valentine Dance/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. If you like to dance or just enjoy listening to music, we have another fun night planned for the annual Valentine Dance. We ask you to bring a canned food item to donate to the Steele County Food Shelf, and wear something red to get in. We have cut flowers and concessions available at $1 each, so be sure to bring some cash. If you plan to purchase flowers, let Wendy know by 2/ 10/17. Hope to see you at this All Group event! NOTE THE DAY AND TIME CHANGE.

Feb 16 Jam Session/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Surprise musicians will be rocking out at Senior Place. Sounds like a dance party in the making! Please come ready to play instruments, sing, and dance! You won’t want to miss this free and fun activity.

Feb 23 Feature Movie/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Cold winter nights are perfect for watching movies. Especially with your Teen Club buddies. PJ’s and pillows are welcome… popcorn and pop will be provided. No fee for this activity.

.

Lori Osmundson

Owatonna Park and Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Program Registration for January / February 2017

Name__________________________________ Phone____________________ Total Paid ________

Circle one: Member Non Member Staff Scholarship request _____________

Night Club

__________ Jan 4 Membership Night/ Senior Place Bring $48 member dues, and any record changes

__________ Jan 11 Movie Night/ Senior Place Bring a favorite movie and concession $ if you wish

__________ Jan 18 Gym and Swim/ West Hills Pool No fee

__________ Jan 25 Chinese New Year Party/ Senior Place $10 in advance or at the door/ RSVP by 1/17.

__________ Feb 1 Play Dirty Dice/ Senior Place Bring lunch bag sized prizes

__________ Feb 8 Valentine Dance/ Senior Place Bring a canned food item, $1 for flowers or concessions

————— Feb 15 Floor Hockey/ Senior Place No fee, come dressed to play

. __________ Feb 22 Washington’s Bday Pictionary/ Senior Place No fee

LIFE Group

————— Jan 4 Membership Night/ Senior Place Bring $48 member dues, and any record changes

————— Jan 11 Wendy’s out/ Movie Night w/Night Club Bring a favorite movie, and concession $, if you wish

————— Jan 18 Wendy’s out/ Gym and Swim w/Night Club No fee

————— Jan 25 Chinese New Year Party/ Senior Place $10 in advance or at the door/ RSVP by 1/17.

————— Feb 1 UNO and other card games/Senior Place No Fee (Bring ideas for Mar/Apr plans)

————— Feb 8 Valentine Dance/ Senior Place Bring a canned food item, $1 for flowers or concessions

————— Feb 15 Pottery Project/ Owatonna Arts Center Bring $7 supply fee, RSVP by 2/8

————— Feb 22 Winter Trail Walk/ Kaplans Woods Dress warm for hiking

Teen Club

————— Jan 5 Membership Night/ Senior Place Bring $48 member dues, and any record changes

————— Jan 12 Fun in a mug/ Senior Place No Fee

————— Jan 19 Digging Denim/ Senior Place No Fee

————— Jan 26 Gym Night/ West Hills Gym No Fee/ do not wear street shoes/ wear tennis shoes

__________ Feb 2 Baking Apple Pies/ Senior Place No Fee

————— Feb 8 Valentine Dance/ Senior Place Bring a canned food item, $1 for flowers or concessions

__________ Feb 16 Jam Session/ Senior Place No Fee

__________ Feb 23 Feature movie/ Senior Place No Fee

Seasonal Options

__________ Jan 4/5 Membership dues (July –Dec 2016) or (Jan-June 2017) $48 (6 month fee)

————— Jan 4/5 Bus fare for Night Club members (Jan– June 2017) $46 (6 month fee)

__________ Jan 9 TR Bowling Winter League $21.50 Registration Fee

__________ Feb 15 Deadline (noon) to register and pay for 3/15 Chanhassen trip $79 trip fee

Send form to:

Wendy Reller

Therapeutic Recreation

540 West Hills Circle

OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION 540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE OWATONNA MN 55060

Owatonna Parks and Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation 2017 January /February Newsletter Special Olympics Practice Schedule Basketball Scott Clark, Coach (507) 363– 0156

Wilson School Gym Wednesdays (start 1/25, 6-8PM) Non TR Members Saturdays (1/14, 10-11 AM; 1/28 thru 3/22, 8-10 AM) Area: February 12, Gustavus College, St Peter, MN

State: March 24, University of St Thomas, St Paul, MN Poly Hockey Tom Jirele, Coach (507) 213-9765

Wilson School Gym Wednesdays (6– 8PM) and Saturdays (8– 10 AM) November 16 – January 18 Area Games: January 7, Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, MN State Games: January 21– 22, Breck School, Golden Valley, MN

Swimming Tim Schiltz, Coach (507) 455– 1652

OJHS Pool Saturdays 11:30 AM –1:30 PM January 14 –March 18 Area: February 26, Rochester Rec Center, Rochester, MN State: March 24 –26, University of St Thomas, St Paul, MN

If you are interested in participating as an athlete, visit the Minnesota Special Olympics website @ www.somn.org for registration information.