Aging Well | Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

Lyngblomsten residents (left and middle) Lynn and Gary McDonald admire Rob McHattie’s flower arrangement. The St. Paul gardener makes sure there are always fresh roses at the Lyngblomsten front desk.

Stop and smell the roses Rob McHattie grows

Rob McHattie tries to have as many people as possible stop and smell the roses that he grows. The St. Paul gardener has raised tea roses for many years, and he shares the blooms with … more

By Jan Willms | 9/11/24

Back row left to right: Mirella Heimpel (volunteer), Richard Marple, Don Palmgren, Pat West, Laurel Winsor, and Milan Mockovak. Front row left to right: Betty Salber.

Seniors write rich stories

“What do you do when your car is stolen?” Milan Mockovak, 93, wrote in his story, “Life As We Know It.” “A published story was on my bucket list,” he … more

By Jane St. Anthony | 9/11/24

Minnesota Master Naturalist Stephanie Mirocha (at left) introduces Shevek McKee and his daughter, Rhoda, to a tree during the fall 2023 Tree Trek. (Photo submitted)

She helps others meet the trees

Last year, D10 Como Community Council received a grant from the Saint Paul Audubon Society to support a new initiative for the Como Park Tree Trek. For several years, the Tree Trek … more

By Shevek McKee, Executive director, district10@district10comopark.org | 6/12/24

Collaborating together on the "Inside Senior Living" docu-series are (left to right): Steve Ash, Upper-Midwest Emmy Award winning videographer and editor; Melissa Fritz, creator and host; Nina Fredrickson, PBS North production manager; and Bill Cooper, executive producer and director. (Photo submitted)

‘Inside Senior Living’ docu-series explores aging

In an exciting development for the local television landscape, “Inside Senior Living,” a groundbreaking docu-series, has announced its partnership with PBS North. The series, set to … more

12/7/23

Join other seniors

JOIN OTHER SENIORS Our programs for seniors are welcoming and informal, you may join any Ame. There is no fee for classes; donations are always welcome. To register, please call or email: Hamline … more

By Laurel Collins, laurel@hmelders.org, 651-209-6542 | 9/15/23

Niger’s Coup – China, Russia, Climate, and Nukes on Sept. 27

World Without Genocide will host a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023: Niger’s Coup – China, Russia, Climate, and Nukes. On July 26, a military junta in Niger deposed Niger’s … more

9/15/23

“I can only image that the excitement, pride and blessings that we are experiencing today are much the same that the founding women felt a century ago when they welcomed the first residents to the St. Paul campus,” said Jeff Heinecke, President & CEO of Lyngblomsten.

Lyngblomsten opens new senior living community, first time in over a century

Lyngblomsten, a Minnesota nonprofit senior services organization, announces the opening of its new continuum-of-care campus in Lino Lakes, Minn. The community welcomed its first residents to the … more

9/15/23

St. Paul author’s book helps children process grief

St. Paul author Jean Havlina-Madsen has devoted her life to helping and educating others. After years of working in pediatrics, she entered the hospice field and became involved in grief education … more

9/15/23

Friends for a NonViolent World, PEACE WALK Sept. 30

Activist, professor, community organizer, and author George Lakey is visiting the Twin Cities in September for his international book tour. From his first arrest in the Civil Rights era to his most … more

9/15/23

Fond farewell

Thirty-five years ago, at Thanksgiving, I moved to Minnesota from my Philadelphia home. I relocated back to my hometown in time for Passover and Easter. In November 1988, the Twin Cities were cold … more

By Susan Schaefer | 6/7/23

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