Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

10 guidelines for a strong, long and happy life

Some time ago, after suffering the shocking and unexpected loss of my still young husband, Martijn, while we were living in Europe, I experienced what is called traumatic grief. In addition to a year … more

By Susan Schaefer | 3/9/23

Free programs for seniors

• Chair Yoga (Thursday 10:30 a.m.) and Arthritis-Friendly Exercise (Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 p.m.) meet until March 9. Join any time, in-person and on Zoom.• Solo Seniors Resource Group - … more

By Laurel Collins, laurel@hmelders.org, 651-209-6542 | 2/8/23

Under the Hood columnist, Susan Schaefer, shares her spectacular view of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

Gifts of season give reason to reflect

HyggeCertainly, the long, cold, dark Minnesota winters can spark a melancholia for some. Yet frigid temperatures and spare daytime hours can also create the mood to hibernate, as other creatures of … more

By Susan Schaefer | 1/16/23

Luke Kabat is the assistant manager at Frattallone’s Como Avenue store, one of their many Twin Cities locations. Local stores carry items that can keep folks warmer this winter. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

Warming up for winter

Ever been accused of having a thin skin? When it comes to maintaining proper body temperature, this old adage is no joke. As we age, our metabolic rate decreases and our skin literally thins. Often, … more

By Susan Schaefer | 12/12/22

Programs for elders

Here are a few upcoming classes: • Arthritis-Friendly Exercise Program, Jan.17-March 9, Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-2:30 p.m. •Chair Yoga, Jan. 19-March 9, Thursday 10:30-11:30 a.m. • … more

By LAUREL COLLINS laurel@hmelders.org 651-209-6542 | 12/12/22

There are easy woodland walks that don’t require heavy hiking. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

From the ‘Hood to the Woods

Beach to beechWhen I arrived in Minnesota as an east coast transplant in the late 1980s, my summer visions were of expanses of New Jersey beaches rather than expansive views of blue beeches, the … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 9/18/22

"When elders come together and build power, they can put pressure on decision-makers in the state to improve the lives of elders and their families," said Vic Rosenthal. (Photo submitted)

Building power through unity

“Elders from diverse backgrounds are becoming more aware of the importance of working together to build power,” said St. Paul resident Vic Rosenthal. “For many elders, because of … more

By CHLOE PETER | 6/26/22

Dave Crawford and Diane Peterson stand in front of their entryway.

The clown colored house on the hill

Perched on a hill overlooking the Como Park Golf Course is a two-story vivid spruce green and fuchsia pink cube made of steel and glass. Situated on a bend in Lexington Ave, it’s impossible to … more

5/11/22

Elevator in lower level of home also showing mechanical working in adjacent closet

Home renovations to age in place

At age 69, I was a “silver sneaker” poster child – fit and healthy, living on my own, fiercely independent and proud of it. Ironically, my main fitness exercise, avid fast walking … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 5/11/22

Upcoming events

Jody’s Documentary, last Wednesday of each month at 1:00 (May 25, June 29). Jody Huber, film aficionado and all-around great person, hosts this monthly group with a curated short documentary, … more

By LAUREL COLLINS laurel@hmelders.org 651-209-6542 | 5/11/22

During the pandemic outside OLLI classes continued to be popular, which included a drumming circle. (Photo courtesy of OLLI)

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a health club for the aging brain

It is widely known that aging is accompanied by varying rates and degrees of cognitive decline. However, neuroscience research has revealed that by keeping physically, socially, and mentally active … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 3/10/22

Lyngblomsten launches Memory Collective

Lyngblomsten, a senior care organization serving older adults in the Twin Cities since 1906, is launching a new educational enrichment class called the Memory Collective for adults living at home and … more

1/11/22

Mekonnen Dori (left) and Hari Pal (right) are longtime employees of Our Lady of Peace Hospice. Both have continued to work fulltime past the usual retirement age. Pondering his own eventual retirement, Mekonnen said, “I don’t know, maybe if Hari retires, then it will be time.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

NO DESIRE TO RETIRE

Mekonnen Dori was an elementary school teacher for 25 years in his home country of Ethiopia. An opponent of the military-led communist government there, he spent two years in an Ethiopian jail for … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 12/11/21

Wondering what we do?

Hamline Midway Elders is here to support our neighbors 60+ in the Hamline Midway and western Frogtown area. Our service area is within Dale Street on the east; University Avenue to the south; … more

By LAUREL COLLINS laurel@hmelders.org 651-209-6542 | 12/11/21

Regular classes, yard help, rides

Hamline Midway Elders is here to support our neighbors 60+ in the Hamline Midway and western Frogtown area, offering rides to medical appointments, yard help, referral and advocacy, as well as … more

By LAUREL COLLINS laurel@hmelders.org 651-209-6542 | 10/17/21

Like many others suffering from chemical dependency, Hamline Hi-Rise resident Andy Dodds had some success controlling the demons. He sobered up to attend school at Century College, graduated with honors, and worked for 22 years in the real estate industry. And then, the slip, the slide and total collapse. He hit rock bottom, and lost much of what he had built up over two decades. He went to rehab and has attended at least five 12-step meetings a week for the last two decades. He’s founded his own mental health project, Andrew Dodds Motivations, and has delivered more than 60 presentations for various groups over the last seven years.

The rise and fall and rise of Andy Dodds: He keeps coming back to help others

In the early 1970s, life for Andy Dodds stretched ahead, rich with promise and potential. Reared in a happy and stable family in the St. Paul suburbs near White Bear Lake, Andy was a tough … more

By Dane Smith | 9/16/21

Butterfly release honors loved ones

The staff of Our Lady of Peace Hospice (OLP) released 200 Monarch butterflies in the courtyard of Our Lady of Peace on Thursday, Aug. 26 in memory of the lives of those who have passed in our care. … more

9/16/21

Hybrid classes offered this fall

Hamline Midway Elders is offering Fall Hybrid Classes (in-person and on Zoom, concurrently). Please contact laurel@hmelders.org or 651-209-6542 for details. • Chair Yoga: Thursdays, 10:30 … more

By LAUREL COLLINS laurel@hmelders.org 651-209-6542 | 9/16/21

Judy Gibson has lived in the Midway neighborhood for more than 40 years. She has found lasting friendships through the Hamline Midway Elders Knitting and Crochet Group. The group currently meets on Zoom, but hopes to return to in-person meetings in the not-too-distant future. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Hamline Midway Elders knit through pandemic

The Hamline Midway Elders Knitting and Crochet Group is live on Zoom for two hours every Monday afternoon. The 6-8 members who have stuck with it have gotten used to this new kind of knitting circle. … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/9/21

So, you want to retire...

Business owners who want to retire have two options. They can sell or just shut down.Christina Nicholson of Nexus Community Partners (2314 University Ave. Suite 18) wants to let people know there is … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 3/10/21