January-February 2016

THERAPEUTIC RECREATI ON NEWSLETTER
OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION
540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE
OWATONNA MN 55060
Viewable on line:
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us
January/February 2016
Therapeutic Recreation News
Parks and Recreation’s Winter Weekend Out!
Feb 5/ Sledding starts at 1pm, and a movie starts at 3pm, at West Hills & Senior
Place
Feb 6/ Boot Hockey Tournament starts at 9 am, Bonfire & Ice skating starts at
5:30pm , both at Morehouse Park
Feb 7/ Family Ice Fishing 1-3pm at Lake Kohlmier. Prizes to kids 15 and under!
Therapeutic Recreation
Coordinator:
Wendy Reller
507-774-7360
or 444-4321 leave messages
Member/ Non Member fees
Night Club & Bowling
Supervisor:
Mary Louks
413-2534
Teen Club Staff:
Lori Osmundson
451-9039
Did you know that anyone interested in attending our TR Programs, is welcome
to do so without a membership? We request that they pay a $10 non member fee
each time they attend, in addition to any entry fee or supply fee for members.
We are happy to extend this invitation to try out the program, but ask that they
pay the $10 non member fee in advance. If you choose to get a 6 month program membership, the fee is $48 twice a year. We have a membership night in
January, and in July, to pay fees, update member records, and make sure all
information is current. The $48 fee covers participation in any social groups,
Bowling League and Trips.
LIFE Facilitator:
Scholarships and Discounts
Wendy Reller
For our members who have South Country Health Alliance as their insurance
provider, we continue to offer a $15 discount on member dues, classes, and entry fees for activities. The $15 discount may be applied up to 3 times per year,
and your South Country ID number is required. Trip fees are not included.
774– 7360
Program Cancellations
507-444-4321
Owatonna Bus Company
451-5262
TR members who have limited incomes are invited to apply for funding
through the Youth Scholarship Fund at Parks and Recreation or the Individual
Needs Fund at Advocates for Developmental Disabilities. Both have a copay of
only 25% of the total amount requested. Applications for both scholarships are
available at the TR office.
Don’t forget the discounts at the West Hills Fitness Center on Individual and
Group/Family packages for monthly or yearly memberships, when you are a TR
member. Ask Eric at the Fitness Center for more details.
Please call Wendy at the TR office, 774-7360 if you have
questions, we want to make participation affordable and
accessible to all our members.
TR Kids Programs
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 provides all
children registered to participate with an equal advantage. Therefore, adaptive equipment, program
modification, and other accommodations are considered to assist the individual as needed. Consultation with parents and coordination with the coach/instructor helps make the transition possible. In addition, all coaches,
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 enr olling your child in spor ts and other youth pr ogr ams we r equest 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.
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 includes Tim
Schiltz, the Special Olympics Aquatics Coach, who is experienced with special needs swimmers, and
is prepared to oversee this program according to individual skills. Besides providing supervision, he
will lead the kids in water games and help them to develop socialization skills. For kids, age 6-16.
Location: West Hills Pool. Limit 8, 5 minimum to offer the sessions. Winter session: Tuesdays, 6-7 PM, Jan 12 –Mar
15th, cost $39.
Young Athletes Program
Young Athletes, a Special Olympics Minnesota program for kids age 2 –7, is a sports/ play program
designed for kids with and without intellectual disabilities, to introduce them to the world of sports
prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. Participants will have fun, while developing foundation skills through
appropriate play activities. The group meets Tuesdays, 5:30—6:15 PM, at McKinley Elementary
STEM School (423 14th St NE). Current session dates are January 7th—May 19th (excluding 2/4,
3/31, 4/7 and 4/28 because the gym is unavailable) The cost is free! Contact Amanda Gislason if
you are interested, [email protected]. This group plans to meet throughout the school
year.
Rec Adventures for Kids
Rec Adventures for Kids is a TR program designed for kids with special needs. If you are 6 –13 years
old, and looking to meet new friends and explore your community for fun things to do, then this group
is just what you’re looking for. We’re hoping Rec Adventures will be a place for kids to keep active
through recreation and develop some friendships along the way.
Watch for more information about Rec Adventures this spring as we prepare for another fun filled summer program of local activities. Registration will begin in May, 2016.
Parks and Recreation’s Weekend Out for Kids!
Friday, February 5, 2016
Sledding and a Movie
Grab your sleds and join us for a fun filled afternoon at West Hills. Sledding on the hill begins at 1:00 pm. By 2:00, we’ll warmup inside at the Senior
Place with some group games. At 3:00, we’ll settle in with a family friendly movie and enjoy some free
hot chocolate. Other concessions will also be available for purchase during the movie. Don’t miss this
School’s Out special to enjoy with your friends. It’s a great way to start the Winter Weekend Out. Kids
7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
TR Winter 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
provided. Please notify us of any special accommodations needed for play.
Let us know your size for league T shirts, when you register. The shirts
will be sponsored by Court Sports of Owatonna!
Winter league starts January 4th, and continues through April 18th.
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: SPARE TIME Entertainment
Registration Fee: $21.50 (includes tax) payable to Owatonna Parks and Recreation before we begin.
Weekly Fee: $5.50 payable to SPARETIME Entertainment.
Register at the office prior to starting.
Raising Funds at the Polar Plunge!
The MN Special Olympics Polar Plunge is back in Owatonna for the second year! On January
30th, at Lake Kohlmier all interested athletes, supporters and teams of supporters will take
the plunge to raise money for Special Olympics athletes around the state. New this year will be
the concession booth with profits going to Therapeutic Recreation Programs! We’ll have chili,
hot dogs and hot drinks available at a bargain price. Be sure to stop by and see us for a warmup
as you wait to plunge or cheer for your favorite team. Registration to participate in this event can be
done online at www.somn.org or at Lake Kohlmier starting at 11 AM, The Plunge starts at 1 PM. Hope to
see you there!
TR All Group Events for January and February
Be sure to join the Night Club, LIFE group and Teen Club members on Wednesday, January 6th, and Thursday January 7th at the Senior Place for our winter Membership Nights!
If you are not a registered member, but wish to become one, you may do so by paying the
member fee of $48, and completing a new member packet of information. All members are
reminded to bring their member dues to cover their participation from January through
June, 2016. We’ll have a seasonal snack, and drop in activities to complete the evening.
Bring any changes to update your records, and a smile as we’ll want to refresh your photo!
Don’t miss the 2016 Valentine Dance at the Senior Place on Wednesday, February 10th,
6:30 –8 PM. All registered members of TR programs are invited! No charge for admission, but we request a non perishable food item for the Steele County Food Shelf be
dropped at the door when you arrive. We’ll have cut and wrapped flowers, and concessions both available for purchase for only $1 each. Please let us know if you plan to purchase flowers when you RSVP by February 3rd for the dance.
Chanhassen Dinner Theater Trip
Join us on Wednesday, February 24th for our annual trip to the
Chanhassen Dinner Theater. This year’s production of Sister Act is receiving
rave reviews, and has been performing to sold out audiences for months. ”Sister
Act, the Broadway musical, is the feel amazing smash hit, called ridiculously fun,
sensational, breathlessly cheerful entertainment and a feel good crowd pleaser
worth celebrating”. Our group will see the show during it’s final week. We will depart from the Senior
Place lot by bus at 4:45 PM, loading by 4:30 PM. The $78 fee includes transportation, the meal and play,
and TR program staff. We will return by about 11:30 PM to the Senior Place lot. Members should plan to
bring additional cash if they want dessert or drinks other than coffee or water with their meal. We
must know about any food allergies or dietary concerns, walkers or wheelchairs when you register. Deadline for the final headcount is 1/26/16, fees are due by 2/5/16.
LIFE Plans
January/ February 2016
January 6
Membership Night/ Meet at Senior Place 4– 5:30 PM. Bring your $48 member
dues, to cover participation from January through June, 2016. Also bring any changes to your records for us. We’ll enjoy a seasonal treat, and some Drop In activities. We may even refresh your
photo, so bring a smile!
January 13
Open Gym Night/ Meet at the West Hills Fitness Center, 4 –5:30 PM. Prepare for a
fitness workout with free use of the track, exercise equipment and the gym, if you care to shoot hoops.
Be sure to bring tennis shoes, no street shoes allowed, and a water bottle. Sign in with Wendy.
January 19
Movies/ Meet at Northwoods Cinema 10 at 3:45 PM to see a 4 PM movie. Check out
the features before you come, so you have an idea which movie you’ll select. All movies are $5 on Tuesdays, all day. Bring treat money if you wish. NOTE THE DATE and TIME CHANGE
DON”T FORGET TO REGISTER FOR THE CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATER TRIP BY JAN. 26th.
January 27
Bowling/ Meet at SPARETIME Entertainment, 4– 5:30 PM. Bring $5.50 for 2 games
of bowling and shoes. Bring $ for supper or a treat if you wish, the group will conclude after we’ve
played two games. Please call Wendy if you won’t be attending. Otherwise, we’ll plan to see you there.
February 3
Planning Session Happy Hour/ Meet at Senior Place, 4– 5:30 PM. Bring ideas for our
March and April calendar, and enjoy some healthy happy hour snacks. Bring your own beverage, and your
2016 planner. We want to come up with some fun new ideas, so everybody plan to do some checking on
local events here in Owatonna for March and April. Be sure to call if you can’t come!
February 10
2016 Valentine Dance/ Meet at Senior Place,6:30 –8 PM. Join your friends
in the Night Club, Teen Club, and LIFE group for a rockin’ red hot dance party. No charge for
admission, but we ask that you bring a non perishable food item for the Steele County Food
Shelf to drop at the door. We’ll have cut and wrapped flowers for sale this year for $1
each, if you want to purchase one for someone special. Plan on a fun night of dancing, $1
concessions, and valentine surprises! Be there to share the fun in this all group event. Reserve your flowers by 2/3/16. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE
February 17
Service Project/ More details to come on this day to do a group volunteer project. We’ll keep
members posted on the plan as soon as it’s confirmed!
February 24
Drop In Fun/ Meet at Senior place 4– 5:30 PM. Learn how to make beaded jewelry
with Traci, or select some other activity from our drop in options. The choice is yours. We’ll have games,
crafts, or catching up with friends. You’re also welcome to bring a hobby or game from home.
OR
Chanhassen Dinner Theater Trip/ Meet at Senior place lot at 4:45 PM to load
a bus and depart for Chanhassen, MN. Our annual trip will take us to see the live performance of
the musical comedy, “SISTER ACT”. The fee for this trip is $78, and includes the play, your meal,
transportation, and our TR Staff. The bus is expected to return by 11:30 PM. The deadline to
register is 1/26/16. If you are interested, but cannot afford this trip without financial assistance,
check into a partial scholarship through ADD’s individual Needs Fund. Call Laurie at 451– 9769.
Night Club Schedule
January/ February 2016
Mary Louks
January 6
Membership Night/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Bring your $48 membership dues to cover participation from January through June, 2016. Also bring any changes to your records for us to know about. We’ll
enjoy a seasonal treat and some drop in activities, and we may even refresh your photo. So bring a smile, and we’ll
see you then.
January 13
Exercise for Fun! /Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Start the year off right and have fun
exercising with your Night Club friends! We’ll have ping pong, shuffleboard, volleyball and dance to work off
those extra pounds that appeared over the holidays out of nowhere! Wear clothes that move that move as you
do.
January 20
Popcorn!/ Meet at the Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Popcorn is a great snack anytime. But did you
know that National Popcorn month is in October and Popcorn Day is January 19th? We’ll celebrate with some popcorn races and games, stringing popcorn garland to hang for the birds, and make a popcorn snowman to eat. Check
it out!
DON”T FORGET TO REGISTER FOR THE CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATER TRIP BY 1/26/16
January 27
Group Games and Trivia/ Meet at the Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Did you get a new game
for Christmas? Come ready to teach it to the rest of us. We’ll also drag out some old favorites and play
a round of Trivia with two teams challenging each other, just for fun. We look forward to seeing which
games you bring along!
February 3
Decorations for the Valentines Dance/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30– 8 PM. Help us make decorations
and decorate the room to celebrate the sweetest day of the year! If you have a special decoration idea, tell Mary
by January 26th, so we can purchase supplies in advance. If not, just show up, and come ready to cut glue and glitter your way into Valentines Day! Feel free to donate supplies for the trimming.
February 10
2016 Valentine Dance/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Join your friends in the
Night Club, Teen Club and LIFE group for a rockin’ red hot dance party. No charge for admission, but
we ask that you bring a non perishable food item for the Steele County Food Shelf to drop off at the
door. We’ll have cut and wrapped flowers for sale this year for $1 each if you want to purchase one
for someone special. Plan for a fun night of dancing, $1 concessions and valentine surprises! Be there
to share the fun in this all group event. Reserve your flowers by 2/3/16.
February 17
An Antarctica Adventure/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Our guest presenters for
this evening are Joan and Walt Spindler. You will surely recognize them as active KC members who you’ve
met many times before at the KC Christmas Bingo parties. Joan and Walt will tell you all about their travels to Antarctica tonight, sharing pictures and stories of this cold and windy continent. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and learn about a place that few people have visited but everyone wants to know
more about. Maybe they will even do the Penguin Polka for us!
February 24
Movie Night/ Meet at the Senior Place, 6:30-8 PM. Bring a movie from home to share, as
we vote on which one to watch, or let Mary know in advance if there’s a special one you’re sure the group
would enjoy. $1 concessions will be available for purchase but the movie is free!
OR
Chanhassen Dinner Theater/ Sister Act
Read more about it on our Winter Happenings page.
The play is Sister Act, the fee is $78, and the deadline to register is January 26th. If you need financial help to
attend, please check out a partial scholarship through ADD’s Individual Needs Fund. Call Laurie at 451– 9769.
Teen Club Activities
January/February 2016
Lori Osmundson
January 7
Membership Night / Meet at Senior Place, 6:30—8 PM. Bring
your $48 membership dues to cover participation from January through June, 2016. Also bring any
changes to your records we should know about. We’ll enjoy a seasonal treat and some drop in activities,
and we may even refresh your photo, So be sure to wear a smile!. See you there!
January 14
Movie Night / Meet at the Senior Place 6:30 –8 PM. Where you’ll hang out with
the Teen Club gang and watch a new release video We’ll supply the popcorn and drinks, If you really
want to be comfy, come in your pjs and bring a pillow. No fee.
January 21
Create a Pillow / Meet at the Senior Place 6:30– 8 PM. Who doesn’t love a cozy,
colorful pillow? Join the group as we make fleece travel pillows. You’ll get to choose a printed fabric,
stuff it with fiberfill and of course take it home to use in a variety of places. After the work is
complete, we’ll enjoy a snack before heading for home. The supply fee is $2.00. Call Lori by January
14th to reserve your pillow! 451– 9039.
January 28
Adaptive Floor Hockey Game /Meet at Owatonna Junior High 4:30 –6 PM to see
high school floor hockey at it’s best! Go Huskies! Let’s make some noise and cheer on the OHS
Adapted Floor Hockey team, especially our Teen Club players, Taylor Hagen, Sam Mullenbach, and
Elizabeth Crawford. Wear your blue and silver. Free admission. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE.
February 4
A Valentine Service Project / Meet at Senior Place, 6:30—8 PM, to make Valentines Day a bit more special for someone else. Join your Teen Club friends in making valentines for
the residents at Koda Living. We’ll supply the hearts, markers, and stickers, and you provide the creativity. We’ll have a sweet treat and a fun Valentine game to end the night, along with a lesson in
Sign Language! No fee.
February 10
2016 Valentine Dance/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM. Join your friends in
the Night Club, Teen Club, and LIFE group for a rockin’ red hot dance party! No charge for admission, but we ask that you bring a non perishable food item for the Steele County Food Shelf to drop
off at the door. We’ll have cut and wrapped flowers for sale this year for $1 each if you want to
purchase one for someone special. Plan for a fun night of dancing, $1 concessions and valentine surprises! Be there to share the fun in this all group event. Reserve flowers by 2/3/16. NOTE THE
DAY CHANGE.
February 18
Get Movin’ and Groovin’ / Meet at Senior Place 6:30 –8 PM. Feel the beat...with a
special guest in the area of Fitness. This instructor will have us working out with hand weights, stretchy
bands and yoga mats, for a fun night of movement and relaxation. Wear comfy clothes and tennis shoes
that will move as much as you do. We’ll end the night with a “Dance Off” competition. Don’t miss the
fun with your Teen Club friends! No fee.
February 25
Do you believe in Magic? /meet at the Senior Place 6:30 –8 PM, for the
return of Magic Makius! He’s back by popular demand and he’s got some new tricks up his sleeve.
Expect to be amazed and mystified by this young magician and his special kind of
magic! Join your Teen Club friends for this classic entertainment!
Teen Club meets every week at 6:30 PM. If you usually arrive at 6pm or before, you’re too early. Please
don’t arrive until at least 6:20 to give us time to get things set up for the night’s activity!!
Owatonna Park and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Program
Registration for January/ February 2016
Send form to:
Wendy Reller
Therapeutic Recreation
540 West Hills Circle
Name__________________________________ Phone____________________ Total Paid ________
Circle one:
Member
Non Member
Staff
Scholarship request _____________
Night Club
 __________ Jan 6
Membership Night/ Senior Place
Bring $48 dues, changes for records, and a smile.
 __________ Jan 13
Exercise for Fun / Senior Place
Wear loose fitting clothes
 __________ Jan 19
Popcorn Activities/ Senior Place
No charge
 __________
Group games and trivia/ Senior Place
Bring favorite games from home to share
Jan 27

__________ Feb 3
Decorations for V Dance/ Senior Place
Bring supplies to decorate , if you wish

__________ Feb 10
2016 Valentine Dance/ Senior Place
RSVP by 2/3/16 for flowers ($1), & a food shelf item.

__________ Feb 17
An Antarctica Adventure / Senior Place
Bring questions for our speakers

__________ Feb 24
Movie Night/ Senior Place
Bring a favorite movie, $ for $1 concessions.
LIFE Group

—————
Jan 6
Membership Night/ Senior Place
Bring $48 dues, changes for records, and a smile.

—————
Jan 13
Open Gym Night/ W Hills Fitness Center
Bring water bottle and tennis shoes, no street shoes

—————
Jan 19
Movies/ Northwoods Cinema 10
Bring $5 for admission and treat $ if you wish

—————
Jan 27
Bowling/ SPARETIME Entertainment
Bring $5.50 for 2 games, treat $ if you wish

—————
Feb 3
Planning Session Happy Hour/ Senior Place
Bring planners, ideas for March and April activities

—————
Feb 10
2016 Valentine Dance/ Senior Place
Bring a food shelf item, & $1 for flowers or concessions

—————
Feb 17
Service Project/ TBA

—————
Feb 24
Drop In fun/ Senior Place
Bring favorite hobbies and games from home, if you wish
Teen Club

—————
Jan 7
Membership Night/ Senior Place
Bring $48 dues, changes for records, and a smile

—————
Jan 14
Movie Night/ Senior Place
No fee, come comfy, bring a pillow if you wish.

—————
Jan 21
Create a pillow /Senior Place
Bring or send in $2 supply fee

—————
Jan 28
Adaptive Floor Hockey Game/ OJHS
Meet there, no admission fee

__________ Feb 4
Valentine Service Project/ Senior Place
No fee

.
.
—————
2016 Valentine Dance/ Senior Place
Bring a food shelf item, & $1 for flowers or concessions
Get Movin’ & Groovin’/ Senior Place
Do you believe in Magic?/ Senior Place
No fee, Wear comfy clothes
No fee
Feb 10
__________ Feb 18
__________ Feb 25
Seasonal Options

__________ Jan 4
Winter Bowling League/ SPARETIME
Pay $21.50 to office, pay $5.50 weekly to SPARETIME

__________ Feb 24
Chanhassen Dinner Theater/ Sister Act
Pay $78 fee to office by Feb 5, RSVP by Jan 26.
Owatonna Parks and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation 2016 January/ February Newsletter
Special Olympics Practice Schedule
Basketball/ Scott Clark, Coach (507) 363– 0156
Wilson Elementary
Saturdays, 8– 10 AM
Jan 2 –Mar 12 (excluding Jan 9, 23, 30)
Area Tournament: Sunday, Feb14, Gustavus College, St Peter, MN
State Tournament: March 18– 20, at University of St Thomas, St Paul, MN
Swimming/ Tim Schiltz, Coach (507) 455– 1652
Owatonna Junior High
Saturdays, 11-1 PM
Jan 9– Mar 12
Area Meet: Sunday, Feb 21, Rochester Rec Center, Rochester, MN
State Meet: March 18-20, at University of St Thomas , St Paul, MN
Poly Hockey/ Tom Jirele, Coach (507) 213– 9765
Wilson Elementary
Wednesdays, 6– 8 PM
Saturdays, 8– 10 AM
Nov 18 –Jan 27
Area Tournament: Saturday, Jan 9/ Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, MN
State Tournament: Jan 30– 31/ The Breck School in Golden Valley, MN
OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION
540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE
OWATONNA MN 55060