December 2020

Wow! This year has flown by with a

number of new experiences, worries, and

a bizarre normal for us all. We are so glad

that you are reaching out and sharing

your ideas and time with our community

here at the Senior Center. We’re heading

into a long winter, but it will be full of new

opportunities for you to stay connected

and engaged with your friends (and

hopefully some new friends) from the

Center. We will leave you with our wish

for you: the chance to take a moment to

reflect on the good and strength that you

found in yourself this year.

City of Menasha

Senior Center

116 Main Street

Menasha, WI 54952

Menasha Senior Center Newsletter

Tips for building resilience during winter

Take care of your body. The season can disrupt healthy

habits. Get plenty of sunlight and sleep. Eat healthy foods,

exercise, and practice moderation when you celebrate

virtually.

Use your sense of humor. Laughter really works. It can

relieve pain and stress, relax muscles, and improve your

mood—even if it feels forced at first.

Reach out. Everyone feels lonely at times. Reach out

virtually to those around you—loved ones, spiritual advisors,

coworkers, online support groups. Don’t be afraid to talk to

your doctor or a mental health professional if your feelings

of isolation, anxiety, or depression don’t ease. They can

help. From Resilient Wisconsin

Menasha Senior Center

116 Main Street, Menasha, WI 54952

(920) 967-3530

Hours: Temporarily Closed

Contact Us: SeniorCenter@ci.menasha.wi.us

Megan Sackett, Parks and Recreation Director

(920) 967-3531, msackett@ci.menasha.wi.us

Chloe Hansen-Dunn, Senior Activity Coordinator

(920) 967-3530, chansen-dunn@ci.menasha.wi.us

Meghan Pauly, Public Health Nurse

(920) 967-3520, mpauly@ci.menasha.wi.us

Chatter subscription expiration date

Your newsletter’s mailing label has the date that

your subscription will end. To renew, send $10 to

116 Main St. Menasha, WI 54952 or drop it off in

the black box to the left of the main entrance. Please

include your name and any updated address.

Find “Menasha Senior Center” on

Ge

ne

ral

Info

rma

tio

n

Our Mission and Values

Mission Statement: Maintain and enhance the

quality of life of older adults by providing

educational, recreational, social, and wellness

programs and to meet the needs as requested by the

community

Values: Opportunities, Friendships, Health, and

Learning.

5-3-1

The 5-3-1 Practice from the Center for Healthy Minds is a set of informal tips aimed at cultivating well-being.

Scientist and Center Founder Richard Davidson and Clinical Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain brought well-being

to the Today Show workplace on its segment on happiness. Mirgain shared the 5-3-1 Practice, originally

developed in partnership with well-being workplace facilitator Jill McDermott.

Try it yourself.

5...

Meditate 5 minutes per day. For many people, focusing on the breath or taking a break from your to-do list

helps de-stress and calm the mind. Follow the guided meditation in the video at: https://www.today.com/

d0504c6c-abf6-4174-b48f-76b451bd9a4e

3...

Write down 3 good things that happened today. Previous research in individuals suggests a positive

relationship between gratitude and higher levels of well-being.

1.

2.

3.

1...

Do 1 act of kindness. Whether it's sending a quick note to someone or paying someone a heartfelt compliment,

generous behavior is not only good for the person receiving it, but also for the giver.

The Menasha Senior Center’s building will be closed until further notice.

That does not mean that our classes, events, and programs are cancelled too.

Join us for our creative offerings.

Registration

We ask for your help in making these programs and events a success. We require registration ahead of time so

we know how many people to prepare for and who to expect. Do so, by either going online to

www.menasha.recdesk.com or by giving us a call at 920-967-3530. There may be limitations to the number of

available spots, so register soon to reserve your place!

Payments

For the programs that require a small payment we ask that we receive the money 48 hours in advance of the

start of the program. You can drop off the registration money in four different ways.

1) Drop it in the black drop box on the left of the main door of the Senior Center.

2) Pay online or over the phone (please note there is a small transaction fee.)

3) Mail your money to 116 Main St Menasha, WI 54952.

4) Pay the Menasha Senior Center staff at a prior program.

Technology 1:1

Location: City Hall, 100 Main St

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays

8:00-4:00 pm, as schedule allows

Call to make an appointment to get your technology-

related questions answered. Together we will find a

solution to your technology challenges.

Technology 101

We want to provide opportunities to learn about

technology by taking the fear out of using technology so

you can connect with friends, family, and navigate

through a pandemic! We want every older adult in our

community to have access to affordable technology

options and access to learning how to use it!

Let’s Video Chat

Learn about the options available to video chat with your

friends and families. We will assess your device

capabilities and help you navigate through the wonderful

world of video chatting. Know that we will practice video

chatting until you are comfortable enough to go solo! The

Center will be offering virtual programming through

GoToMeeting! But we can work on other popular options

too.

3

Monthly Make and Take-

Cork Christmas Tree

Location: Take Home Kit

Pick up at City Hall December 9th and 10th

Cost: $3

Registration Deadline: December 7th

Inspired by participants who missed the cork

pumpkin class, here is the chance to join the

fun with a beautiful cork Christmas tree! Easy

to make and can

be enjoyed by

yourself or your

wine-loving

friend.

All materials are

provided, except

for crafting glue

(i.e., hot glue,

any type of craft-

ing adhesive,

tacky glue.)

4

Pro

gra

ms

an

d A

cti

vit

ies

Undecorated Cookies

Location: Pick up at City Hall

When: December 17th and 18th

8:00am—4:00pm

Registration Deadline: December 15th

Want the fun of decorating holiday cookies, but don’t

want a full plate of cookies tempting you? Then we

have the solution for you– we’ll provide free half

dozen cookies with uncolored frosting for you to take

home and decorate.

Holiday Celebrations are often a highlight of the year. We wish everyone a great season

of cheer, warmth, and love albeit likely different than usual.

Grinch the Musical

Location: NBC Channel

When: December 9th

7:00 pm

NBC is bringing to life a new version of the beloved

Christmas tale this holiday season. Watch it from the

comfort of home and then call (920) 215-1304 to an-

swer a couple trivia questions for your chance to win

a Grinch-themed gift basket.

Cookie Decorating Competition

Location: At Home

When: December 30th

Do your cookies bring a smile to the faces of many?

Or do you just want a fun challenge? Great! Send us a

picture of your decorated cookie at

seniorcenter@ci.menasha.wi.us, drop it off, or send it

to 116 Main St Menasha, WI 54952 on or before

December 30th for a chance to winner Menasha

Senior Center’s Cookier!

Festivities for a Friend

Location: At Home

When: Nomination needed by December 18th

Want to help spread some Holiday cheer? Nominate a

friend who could use a smile by calling 920-967-

3530 or email seniorcenter@ci.menasha.wi.us.

We’ll stop by with some Holiday treats and maybe

even a carol or two.

History of Christmas Cookies

Cakes of all shapes and sizes (including smaller

items such as cookies) have been part of festive

holiday rituals long before Christmas. Ancient

cooks prepared sweet baked goods to mark

significant occasions. Many of these recipes and

ingredients (cinnamon, ginger, black pepper,

almonds, dried fruits etc.) were introduced to

Europe in the Middle Ages. They were highly

prized and quickly incorporated into European

baked goods. Christmas cookies, as we know

them today, trace their roots to these Medieval

European recipes. Dutch and German settlers

introduced cookie cutters, decorative molds, and

festive holiday decorations to America.

Dutch New Year's cookies were also sometimes

molded into fancy shapes. German lebkuchen

(gingerbread) was probably the first cake/cookie

traditionally associated with Christmas. Sugar

cookie type recipes descended from English

traditions. Did you know Animal

crackers began as edible ornaments?

"By the 1500s, Christmas cookies had caught on

all over Europe. German families baked up pans

of Lebkuchen and buttery Spritz cookies.

Papparkakor (spicy ginger and black-pepper

delights) were favorites in Sweden; the

Norwegians made krumkake (thin lemon and

cardamom-scented wafers). The earliest

Christmas cookies in America came

ashore with the Dutch in the early 1600s."

Menasha Senior Center’s Favorites:

Lori– Cut Out Cookies

Chloe– Grandma El’s Peppernotter

Megan– Ginger Snap cookies

Natalie– Spritz Cookies

— "America's Best Holiday Cookies,"

McCall's [magazine], December 1994 (p. 85)

http://www.foodtimeline.org/christmasfood.html

Wanted: Volunteers to help with our no-contact activity bag delivery. Contact us if you want a

reason to be out and about. Deliveries take about 1 to 2 hours every 4-6 weeks.

Bingo

Location: Virtual, GoToMeeting

When: January 4th

1:00-2:30 pm

Registration Deadline: December 28th

Calling all Bingo lovers!

Trivia Pursuit

Location: Virtual, GoToMeeting

When: December 14th

2:00pm—3:00pm

Registration Deadline: December 11th

In the pursuit of trivial knowledge, the group will

embark on a virtual game of Trivial Pursuit and

compete to know the most about geography,

entertainment, history, art, literature, science, nature,

and sports or leisure.

5

Pro

gra

ms

an

d A

cti

vit

ies

Breakfast for Your Brains

Location: Virtual, GoToMeeting

When: Thursdays

8:45am—9:30am

Registration Deadline: Tuesday before

We would love for you to join us for our Breakfast

for Your Brain. We’ll partake in an activity that is

chosen as a way to engage your mind while you

enjoy your breakfast or a cup of coffee.

Virtual Programs are a great way for you to continue feeling engaged and a part of the

Menasha Senior Center family! Join either by calling a phone number or via the internet. We’d

love to help you through any necessary trouble shooting. We hope to see you online!

Other Fun Things for you to partake in that we are hosting. We miss all those who walk in

our doors and hope that you all are well.

What did the doctor say to the gingerbread man

who was complaining of a hurt knee?

Have you tried icing it?

Activity Bags

We are so glad that people are enjoying our

activity bags. We have decided to try to streamline

the process a bit. Moving forwards, if you have

previously received an activity bag you can expect

a no-contact delivery every 4-6 weeks of our new

bag. If you wish to stop receiving them, update

your address, recommend a friend, or suspend

delivery until a later month, please give us a call at

920-967-3530.

Next delivery: Week of December 14th

Fancy Gift Wrapping Tutorial

Location: Virtual, GoToMeeting

When: December 16th

10:00-11:00 am

Registration Deadline: December 14th

Want to upgrade your gift wrapping game? Now is

your chance to learn a few tips and tricks to make

your gift stand out.

Christmas Card

Trees

Location: Pick Up at

City Hall

When: Anytime to

January 7th

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Cost: $7

Get yours today! Each

tree will benefit the

Menasha Senior Center.

Dial A Ride

To apply you must be a Menasha or Neenah

resident. If you are new to the Dial-A-Ride program,

the application can be found on the City of Neenah

website or at the Parks and Recreation desk at

Menasha City Hall. Completed applications can be

turned in at Neenah City Hall or the Menasha City

Hall.

For further program information, call (920)886-6130

For fare information, please call Fox Valley Cab at

(920)734-4546

Need a Mask?

If you are in need of a mask, don’t hesitate to give

us a call at (920) 967-3530. We

would be happy to connect you with

a mask at no cost.

Valley VNA Foot Care Clinic

Valley VNA will not have Foot Care Clinic during

December or January. Call Valley VNA at (920)

727-5555 for more information.

Blood Pressure Check

Location: Menasha Health Department,

100 Main Street, Suite 100

When: Dec. 8th and 22nd

10:30am—12:00pm

Blood pressure checks are done at the Health

department. However, we ask that you call the

Senior Center at (920) 967-3530 to schedule your

15 minute appointment. Masks are required during

your appointment. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Silver Sneakers

Silver Sneakers classes are available online at

https://www.silversneakers.com/learn/ondemand/.

You will need your Silver Sneaker’s card to be able

to log in and watch classes online.

6

Se

rvic

es

ADVOCAP Lunch

Meals are being delivered Monday-Friday with

weekend freezer meals available to anyone over the

age of 60. Suggested donation for meals is $3.75.

Reservations can be made by calling

(920) 725-2791 at least 24 hours in advance.

2020-2021 Resource Directory

The Aging and Disability

resource Center of

Winnebago County has

created a helpful Resource

Directory. If you would like

a free paper copy of the

Resource Directory, call the

ADRC at (877) 886-2372.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Call 920-967-3530 to reserve your free Emergency

Preparedness Toolkit. An easy to use step-by-step

guide to ensure that you and your loved ones are

ready to respond to any emergencies.

Co

mm

un

ity R

es

ou

rce

s

Where to give

The Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin has a holiday guide to volunteering available. If you would

like a copy mailed to you, call 920-832-9360 or email your address to info@volunteercenter.net. It’s also

available online at www.volunteercenter.net.

Community Phone Lines

Are you looking for more conversations with

someone who cares? Here are two options:

Leaven Warm Line has trained volunteers who want

to hear from you call 920-931-2572.

Volunteer Fox Cities will connect you with a friend-

ly voice to have a nice conversation with when you

call 920-832-9360 to sign up.

Thank you!

Our most heartfelt thank you goes out to Pat Irwin,

Susan and Colten Kraft for their help in making the

activity bags so special.

Thank you to Marlene Lauer to giving up her

basement and time to make the beautiful Christmas

trees!

Thank you to all those who have donated recycled

materials and other crafting items!

Unscramble these Christmas words

1. Groceos _____________________________

2. Naclorig _____________________________

3. Rats ________________________________

4. Scunttshe ____________________________

5. Porduhl ______________________________

6. Naast _______________________________

7. Skagceap ____________________________

8. Dressephh ____________________________

9. Gramen ______________________________

10. Galen ______________________________

7

Safe Holiday Activities

Watch your favorite holiday movie.

Make a homemade ornament.

Try out a new recipe or stick with a holiday classic.

Write down some of your favorite holiday

memories and share them with a family member.

Put up decorations in your home.

Sing your favorite carol.

Have a cup of hot chocolate.

Listen to your favorite holiday tunes.

1. Scrooge; 2. Caroling; 3. Star; 4. Chestnuts;

5. Rudolph; 6. Santa; 7. Packages; 8. Sepherd; 9.

Manger; 10. Angel Unscramble Word Answers

Breathing & Meditation Techniques

for Caregivers

Presented by: Kirti Carter MD, MPH

Caregiving is stressful, demanding and

leaves little time for the caregiver to calm

the mind. Guided meditation along with

breathing and relaxation techniques can

help. In addition to reducing stress and

anxiety, it can also lower blood pressure,

relieve tension, relax the nervous system,

reduce symptoms of depression and much

more. The benefits are great but knowing

how to get started is not always easy. Dr.

Carter's 14 years of experience in teaching

meditation and relaxation techniques will

help you:

Learn to use your breath to influence

your emotions;

Learn simple and effective tools to help

you manage stress;

Learn how to relax in a short amount of

time;

Learn breathing techniques that help

increase your energy levels.

Caregivers must first take care of

themselves in order to properly care for

others. So give yourself a break, relax and

unwind with the help of Dr. Carter in these

two new webcasts. Thanks to the generous

support of the Humana Foundation these

videos are also available in Spanish.

Breathe-Based Relaxation:

https://rebrand.ly/k6289

Guided Relaxation: https://rebrand.ly/dyg27

Mosaic Family Health Caregiver Support Group

Location: Mosaic Family Health in Appleton

229 South Morrison Street

When: Third Wednesday of every month

10:00-11:30 am

Could you use some extra encouragement and understanding

on your journey caring for a loved one? You may also

participate over the phone by calling 920-560-7263 and

entering 489522 when prompted. All caregivers are welcome.

We look forward to seeing or hearing you! For questions,

please contact Heather Flick or Jackie Gonzalez at Mosaic

Family Health at 920-832-2783.

Men’s Caregiver Support Group

Location: Ridgeway Country Club in Neenah

2913 County Road II

When: Third Thursday of every month

10:00-11:30 am

Walt Zerrenner facilitates an independent support group for

men who are caring for a loved one living with memory loss.

Appropriate social distancing measures are in place to ensure a

safe, in-person setting. If you are interested in more

information or would like to join the caregiver's support group,

contact Walt via email wzerrenner@gmail.com.

Fox Valley Memory Project has moved online with their Memory Cafes until they can gather

together again. More people are getting involved and we would love to have you with us next time!

Tuesdays at 11:00a & Fridays at 1:30p

If you have questions about using Zoom, please contact Harper at harper@foxvalleymemoryproject.org or

by calling 920-225-1711.

Care

giv

ing

Su

pp

ort

8

Northeast WI Telephone Support Group

Location: At Home

When: Mondays

10:00 am

Open to all caregivers of persons with memory impairment

living in Northeast, WI. Join us every Monday as a panel of

local Dementia Care Specialists provide emotional,

educational, and social support for caregivers. To register,

please call 800-272-3900.

Caregiver Support Group for those with loved ones in care facilities

Monthly group on 2nd Thursday at 12:00pm on Zoom. Join at: www.bit.ly/facilitysupportgroup