M3C News - Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center

Volume 7, Issue 12
December 2009
M3C News
A newsletter for the community of Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center
The Center For All Ages
VETERANS HONORED
The Veteran’s
Memorial
board located
in the
Manzano
Mesa social
hall was a
tribute to
military
veterans. It
was filled with
photos of heartbreakingly handsome, dashing and daring
young men. Eight decades of military service were
represented by photos of Manzano Mesa’s families,
relatives and friends.
Among the first to humbly offer photos of
themselves in the military were Hank Perez, Roger Abeyta
and TJ Jaramillo. Wives, daughters and sisters offered
photos and stories of their loved ones’ service. Tony
Bellach proudly posted his dad’s photo and one of his
own; we would have recognized Tony anywhere! JD’s
(John Doran’s) photo was a mystery to all, until we
recognized our resident Santa! Ernest Lucky looked like a
dutiful sailor, while Dan Luna looked liked a tough GI.
Inside this Issue
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Manager’s Message……..….....p. 2
Youth Programs……………..….p. 3
Fitness Opportunities….……....p. 4
Suggestion Box………………....p. 4
Volunteer Spotlight……………..p. 5
December Highlight Activities..p. 6
Lunch Menu ..……………..……..p. 7
Who We Are………….…………..p. 8
Rick Edwards added his photo, as did other scholarly
soldiers, Bill Campbell and Donald Vasquez. Many
others, too many to name, also posted photos we admired
as well.
All the photos were wonderful and we all
appreciate the veterans who shared them with us. More
importantly we value the time and courage it took to serve
in the armed forces and we honor that most of all.
On the day of our celebration, we all missed
reveille, but morning chow began anyway with good food,
eggs, biscuits and gravy, chili, and the works! Sam
McBain played guitar and sang patriotic folk songs for us
in the background. As a veteran himself, Sam offered his
services free and did so from his heart. Breakfast was
followed by an entertaining show performed by the
Sophisticated Ladies. Their opening number “Hey Big
Spender” was quite an eye opener and set the tone for the
rest of the show. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed them and
their high step dancing.
The celebrations were not quite over yet.
Members and guests were treated to a beautifully
decorated cake, emblazed with
the five major branches of the
armed forces emblems. The
cake was donated by Mike
Ross. It was a cake fit for
generals, so we ate it with
MANZANO MESA CENTER WILL BE
CLOSED
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH FOR
CHRISTMAS AND
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2010 FOR
NEW YEAR’S DAY
M3C News
Page 2
A Message
from the
Manager
December is upon us and yet we wind
another year to a close. It has been a truly
beautiful year at Manzano Mesa
Multigenerational Center. What a pleasure to
watch so many people of all ages participating
and enjoying the activities at the center
throughout the seasons. I recently had the
opportunity to give the Mayor-elect’s (at that
time) transition team a tour of this facility.
They were so impressed to see the wide array
of activity going on throughout the center and
commented on the “vibrancy” that was felt as
they toured the center.
Enjoy the festivities at Manzano Mesa during
the month of December. You will find many
friends waiting to share a story, children full of
energy and a twinkle in their eyes, and
activities all around the center welcoming and
awaiting new members. Join your Manzano
Mesa family and celebrate the season!
OPEN COMPUTER LAB
TUESDAYS 9:00 TO 12:00
WEDNESDAYS 9:00 TO 11:00
THURSDAYS 9:00 TO 12:00
COMPLETE COMPUTER CLASS
SCHEDULE AT
manzanomesacenter.com
Daytime Computer Classes starting in
January thru June 2010
Enjoy a Christmas Day luncheon (Caesar
salad, roasted turkey with mashed potatoes,
vegetables, red chili and apple cobbler a la
mode for dessert) at North Valley Senior
Center with fellow senior citizens on Friday,
December 25, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm. $4.00/
person. Advance reservations required.
Please call North Valley Senior Center at 7614025 for more information.
Class Schedule available at website
www.manzanomesacenter.com or http://
my.calendars.net/manzano/
or on board by Computer Lab
If you are interested in taking a daytime class:
1. Fill out a class application form
(Be sure to print your name, phone #, class
wanted and your email address if you have one)
2. Put form in box near computer room door or
give to lab monitor person during open lab times
3. You will be called by instructor approximately
1-2 weeks before class start date
4. Do not wait until start date is near to turn in
your application; start dates shown in publications
are subject to change
Classes that may be offered are:
May you have a beautiful and enjoyable
holiday season!
Ebay, Google, Picasa, Beginners
Windows, and Care and Protection of
Your Computer
Remembering special times in our lives
provides a sense of joy.
This process does not apply to any evening classes.
Paul A. Bonnell, Center Manager
Volume 7, Issue 12
Page 3
Youth Program News
The Youth Program celebrated Halloween
with a most amazing ‘Haunted Castle’. The
entrance to the castle was a grave yard
where seedy
characters like Myra
Mains, Barry R.
Bones, and U.R.
Next had their
tombstones. Then
the drawbridge
came down so that
the kids entered the
dungeon complete
with skeletons and
chains where many
a prisoner had been
tortured and died.
Our kids had to
crawl through a haunted tunnel filled with cob
webs and ‘ghosts’ and finally emerged into
the mad scientist’s laboratory. Jars filled with
OH CHRISTMAS TREE!!!
The children’s
Christmas tree will be
located in the East
Seating area. All the
decorations on the
tree will be made by
the children in the
Before & After school
program. Our
ceramic artist, Marilu
Tejero, will be teaching the children how
to make the clay ornaments. Lawanda
Strong and our Youth Program Staff will
be working on making arts & crafts
decorations. Take time to see this special
tree.
All this in preparation for our Christmas
party on Friday, December18th after
school. Santa will come to give out the
presents under the tree. Visitors are
welcome to join us for treats after the gift
exchange.
brains (cauliflower), intestines (hose stuffed with
paper) and other icky gooey concoctions were
the ingredients left over from making
Frankenstein. This monster rose from the table
to screams of ‘It’s
alive!’ and gave the
kids their treat. A
very big thank you to
Ariel Garcia who
designed it and to
Joel Moreno who
worked with her to
complete it.
Congratulations on a
spectacular job!
Also a big thank you to the parents who donated
cookies and juice for the party!
If you have any questions or need further information
regarding the Manzano Mesa Youth Program, please
contact Angelina Poulin at 275-8731 ext. 226.
BEFORE & AFTER
SCHOOL PROGRAM
WINTER BREAK SCHEDULE
The last day for the Before & After School
program services will be Friday,
December 18, 2009.
We will resume program services on
Monday, January 4, 2010, which is an inservice day for Manzano Elementary
School.
IN SERVICE FIELD TRIP
We are looking to have a field trip to
Roller Skate City on Monday, January 4,
2010. Roller Skate City is located where
the old Roller King was located. Sign up
for the field trip will be available during the
week of December 14th. Be sure to sign
up before the winter break begins.
Page 4
M3C News
Suggestion
Box &
Comments
“Want to congratulate Lucille Cordova for the
wonderful job she did on the Veteran’s
bulletin board. She does superb work in her
job. Congrats Lucille and keep up the good
work.” Laura Chapman
Thank you for acknowledging the creative work
that Lucille Cordova did to put together a bulletin
board to honor the veterans of Manzano Mesa.
The bulletin board really did capture the hearts
of our members and showcased some of our
respectable veterans.
“Please keep the Flea Market. Good friends
and made some money. We are looking
forward to the next one. Thank you!”
Robert Schroeder and Kay Lawson
FITNESS ROOM HOURS
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 8:50 p.m.
(closed for cleaning
1:30—2 p.m.)
Saturday
9 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
PLEASE HAVE MEMBERSHIP
CARD READILY AVAILABLE 50 CENT
DONATION APPRECIATED!
Fitness
Opportunities
Body Fat Testing
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
8:00—9:30 a.m.
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Exercise to Music
Monday through Friday
8:30—9:30 a.m. Gym
Gentle Exercise
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
10 - 10:45 a.m.
We are pleased to hear that the recent flea
market was such a success and enjoyable to so
many. The beautiful weather added “spice” to
the day as well.
Yoga
Friday
9:00 a.m.
Room 5
“Please have ranch dressing for salads.
Thank you!” Ruthie Roxin and J. S. Shirrell
Senior Basketball—50+
Tuesday & Thursday
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Your suggestion will be brought to the attention
of the Nutrition program for the Department of
Senior Affairs for consideration as an additional
dressing choice.
Weight Training 101
Next class in January
Call Kathy Weaver for more
Information 275-8731 ext. 232
We welcome your comments and
suggestions. Please drop them off at
the Suggestion Box located at the front
desk.
Weight Room Orientation
by Appointment
Schedule with Kathy Weaver
at the number given above.
Volume 7, Issue 12
Page 5
Volunteer Spotlight
Frieda Rael
EXOTIC BLOOM!
Did you see it? Did you smell it? On
Monday, November 9th, when watering
the Center’s indoor plants, I made a
pleasant discovery. The 8—10 foot
corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) in the
lobby had a huge bloom!!! My first
thought was that someone had glued a
fake flower on the plant, but I was
wrong. Googling confirmed my floral
observation. I happened to be in the
lobby around 7:30 p.m. later that week
and heard someone down the hall
questioning Tony about the strange
smell...Quickly, I jumped up and sure
enough, confirmed that the fragrance
emitter was the corn plant. As I had
read, the honeysuckle/hyacinth-like
type nocturnal aroma extended far—to
the gymnasium! Actually, turns out,
Paul Bonnell, our Center Manager, donated the corn plant when he was at
East Gateway. He confirms that the
plant is over twenty years old.
Did you get to enjoy this unique blossom? Manzano Mesa members donated the plants that adorn the center.
Take a minute or two and smell the
flowers.
Eloise
Born in Vale, Colorado, Frieda has lived most of her life in
New Mexico. Her father, who owned a lumber mill in
Colorado, was half Spanish and half Greek. Her mother
was full blooded German. Of her heritage she says, “I’m a
mixture of everything. That’s why I call myself stew.” As a
child she grew up on dishes very different from New
Mexico fare. Her mother made homemade German
sausage, stuffed grape leaves and sauerkraut. She loved
her mother’s sauerkraut so much that she would sneak
into the pantry and put some in her pockets to snack on!
Frieda remembers her childhood days as full of fun and
freedom. She used to get fresh eggs from the hen house
to add to her mud cakes that also contained fresh milk!
She loved her horse, ‘Kicks’, whom she tamed. She said
that one day she came up to an arroyo and saw Kicks
down below. She decided to jump down on him and
luckily she landed on his back. Holding on to his mane
she hung on as he ran every which way and finally
stopped. Her mother was really upset with her daredevil
act but that was the day that Kicks finally let anyone ride
him and he became her special horse.
Frieda married at 17 and soon became a single mom with
three children. She got a job at Smiths and learned the
meat handling trade. She worked as a butcher for 27
years.
Frieda credits her mother with having taught her the value
of volunteering and helping others. She has made over
1,200 quilts and given them away to All Faiths home,
veterans, rest homes, churches and fellow seniors at the
center. Frieda has volunteered with us since East
Gateway. She has also given of herself to Presbyterian
and Lovelace hospital. She has worked with the veterans
and in various rest homes. She especially enjoyed
working with the Noon Day Ministry for five years. She
started out at one day a week but soon found herself
working four days a week. She said, “It felt so good to
know we were giving them at least one good meal a day.”
She runs errands for three of her neighbors who are
housebound. Frieda volunteers with the Bingo on
Thursdays and of Manzano Mesa she says, “I love
Manzano Mesa. It’s like my second home & my family.”
Page 6
M3C News
Apple Slices
December Spirits
Manzano Mesa Social Hall
Friday , December 18
5:00 -7:00 pm
$7.50 person
Music by Oasis
Santa Future
Santa Past
Classic Movie Matinee
December 18
1:00-3:00 pm
FREE Movie
Sign up at
Front Desk
Join our Secret
Santa Group!
Contact
[email protected]
275-8731
Handmade or
heartfelt gifts only!
ALS
O
Nove
mber
10
at
10:00
a m,
Volume 7, Issue 12
Page 7
December Lunch Menu
Please call before 12:30 p.m. the day before to
make your lunch reservations at 275-8731
Monday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
30
Chili
Cheese Dog
Baked Beans
Corn
Jell-O w/ Fruit
1
Green
Chili Turkey
Stew
Cornbread
Caesar Salad
Apple Slices
7
8
Swiss Steak
w/gravy
Red Potatoes
Baby Carrots
Cantaloupe
14
Green Chili
Cheese Omelet
Diced Potatoes
Stewed
Tomatoes
Banana
21
Fish Sticks
Steak Fries
Carrots
Warm Sliced
Peaches
Salisbury
Steak
Mashed
Potatoes
Beets
Apple
28
Pork Fajitas
Spanish Rice
Corn & Red
Peppers
Tapioca Pudding
15
2
Beef
Lasagna
Garlic Bread
Italian Veggies
Grapes
Chicken Salad
Wheat Bread
3 Bean Salad
Orange
9
16
3
Chicken
Stir Fry
Rice
Carrots
Ice Cream Cup
10
Spaghetti
& Meatballs
Spinach
Garlic Bread
Watermelon
Roast Beef
Mashed Potatoes
Glazed Carrots
Strawberry
Shortcake
Greek Chicken
Rice Pilaf
Broccoli
Warm Apricots
22
23
Lemon
Pepper Chicken
Wild Rice
California Blend
Tangerine
Glazed
24
Ham
Sweet
Potatoes
Green Bean
Casserole
Cherry Cobbler
30
Chicken
Alfredo
Italian Veggies
Dinner Roll
Orange Slices
31
Pork
Posole
Calabacitas
Tortilla
Apples w/
cinnamon
29
Turkey
w/gravy
Stuffing
Mixed Veggies
Cranberry Sauce
Ice Cream Cup
4
BBQ Pork
Sandwich
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Apricots w/
Cinnamon
11
Salmon
Scalloped
Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts
Chocolate Cake
17 Carne
Sloppy Joe
On a Bun
Baked Beans
Green Beans w/
mushrooms
Jello w/fruit
Beef
Stroganoff
Peas & Onions
Salad
Fruit Cocktail
Friday
18
Adovada
Pinto Beans
Squash
Mandarin
Oranges
25
CENTER
CLOSED
CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAY
1
CENTER
CLOSED
NEW YEAR’S
HOLIDAY
Page 8
M3C News
NOTES FROM THE OPERATIONS
MANAGER:
As explained in the last issue, we are still in
the process of "fine tuning" the water
temperature with our new water heater.
Recently, we have received concerns from
our members about the water temperature
and how it has not been warm enough. We
called Facility Management out and they
did adjust it and I am happy to report that (
for now) it seems to be much better. We
thank you for keeping us informed on this
very important issue.
According to S.T.O.P. program, the fine for
parking in a handicapped space is $375.00.
APD has been cracking down on this
offense. Please be conscientious about
parking in these spaces.
Ed Nunez, Operations Manager
High Fidelity Mastering
& Restoration
Looking for that perfect gift?
This Holiday season provide your loved
ones with a restored audio recording from
record, reel-to-reel, cassette, or 8-track onto
a CD. Call Andy: 459-6242
COMPUTER VOLUNTEER’S
MANZANO MESA WEBSITE
As part of the services provided by the
Manzano Mesa Computer Volunteer group,
there is a website: manzanomesacenter.com.
There is some valuable information on the
website and an e-mail where you can suggest
any updates that you see might be needed. It
is a good introduction into the history and
general organization of the center.
Who we are...
Richard J. Berry, Mayor
Department of Senior Affairs
Jorja Armijo Brasher, Director
April Jojola, Recreation Division Manager
Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center
Paul Bonnell, Center Manager
Ed Nuñez, Operations Manger
Angelina Poulin, Youth Program Coordinator
Lucille Cordova, Senior Program Coordinator
Andrea Nez, Office Assistant
Raquel Silva, Program Assistant
Denise Ortiz, Program Assistant
Ruben Arguello, General Service Worker
Michael Berry, General Service Worker
Tony “T” Wilkins, Custodian
Teri Chavez, Cook
Tim Leyva, Kitchen Aide
Liz Trujillo, Kitchen Aide
Kathy Weaver, Fitness Program Manager
Tim Leyva, Kitchen Aide
WISHING YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS
AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
CONTACT MMMC
501 Elizabeth SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
505-275-8731 (Phone)
505-275-8734 (Fax)
Hours of Operation
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Articles are due by the 15th day of the month. Any material submitted is subject to editing. Inclusion of articles will
be determined based on appropriateness of material and relation to the Center’s goals and objectives.