Chaska Police Junior Explorers *New Program*

chaskatoday
Advertise on Channel 15
Advertise your fund-raisers and
community events on Chaska
Comcast Cable Channel 15. For
more information visit: http://www.
chaskacommunitycenter.com/parksrecreation/chaska-community-tv
To submit an advertisement, send
flyer or information you wish to post
electronically to [email protected].
PREPARED AND PAID FOR
BY THE CITY OF CHASKA
OUR COMMUNITY VALUES
citizenship | responsibility | respect | generosity | environmentalism | human worth & dignity | integrity | learning
FEBRUARY 2015
Chaskamn.com
has a new look!
The City of Chaska’s (www.chaskamn.com) released its new website
on December 8th. The re-design process was a ten month project with
the help of CivicPlus, the leading
government website provider. The
website now has cleaner look and
easier layout to navigate.
This new design will offer more
information to the residents of
Chaska, as well as improved communication, through some of the
newly featured modules:
Agenda Center: View current
year agendas and minutes for all
boards and commissions and video
on meetings recorded by Chaska
Community Television. Review previous years’ agendas and minutes
in the Archive Center.
Employment: Use the Govern-
ment Jobs tab to search through
employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications
to be automatically alerted of the
latest career opportunities.
Contact Us: Easily gather
contact information and business
hours for each city department.
Calendar: View council and
commission meeting schedules as
well as other City of Chaska community events.
With the new website, the City
of Chaska will be able to increase
its community engagement and enhance the communication between
residents and the local government.
In the next few months, look for
additional features such as online
bill pay and increased social media
notifications.
Outdoor Ice Rinks Are Open!
The Park Department has been
busy getting the outdoor inks
ready. With the weather conditions
that we all enjoyed in December
opening of the outdoor rinks were
behind schedule. As temperatures
dropped in January it was time to
prepare the ice. The Park Department works 24 hours a day for
about one week to do the flooding
operation of the rinks. As the rinks
open daily maintenance crews
sweep and flood the rinks to ensure good, safe, and playable ice.
Chaska’s outdoor rinks opened on
Saturday, January 3rd.
The Chaska Parks and Recreation Department and the Chaska
Public Works Department operate
and maintain outdoor skating
rinks at two different sites in the
City of Chaska. Rink attendants
are on duty daily, weather permit-
ting, from late December through
mid-February. Outdoor hockey
rinks are available for public enjoyment at Community Park located
at 1151 Hundertmark Road and
Lions Park located at 1300 Crosstown Boulevard. The hours for the
outdoor rinks are Sunday noon –
9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
3:30 – 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Too cold outside? Come inside
and skate at the Chaska Community Center Ice Arena! Public
Skate is a wonderful opportunity
for families to participate in an
enjoyable activity together! The
arena concession stand is open late
October until the end of February
with a warm lobby and changing
area that is convenient for all
ages from preschoolers through
grandparents. Rink attendants
are on site to guarantee a fun
filled experience. Admission for
Public Skate is $4 per skater and
Chaska Community Center members are free. The hours for Public
Skate are: Sunday and Saturday
12:00 – 1:30 p.m., Monday 11:45
a.m. – 12:45 p.m., and Wednesday
and Friday 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
and 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
Whether you skate outside or
inside it is a good idea to get your
skates sharpened. Bring your
skates to the Chaska Community
Center front desk and drop off
your skates for sharpening. It
usually takes 1 day to get your
skates returned. The cost for skate
sharpening is $4 per pair.
For more information about ice
skating in Chaska visit www.chaskacommunitycenter.com.
Chaska Police Junior
Explorers *New Program*
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
– Chaska has collected
794 pounds of coffee and
delivered the donated
coffee among veterans
and those serving in the
Armed Forces. Thank
you to those who have
donated! Your support is
much appreciated!
Many of you may be familiar
with our “Explorer Program”
and have seen the youth in action at community events such
as River City Days, Taste of
Chaska, and others. So what is
Chaska Police Junior Explorers??
What is Chaska Police
Junior Explorers (CPJE)?
The Chaska Police Junior
Explorers Program motivates
young people to be outstanding citizens through public
safety education. An outgrowth of community policing, CPJE transforms the
traditional role of the police
officer into one of mentor and
friend, while encouraging our
young citizens to be partners
in building safer schools and
community. The more young
people understand about the
function of police safety, the
more they become a powerful
part of identifying solutions to
problems.
Young people will be given
the opportunity to see what
it’s like to be a police officer
and to better understand law
enforcement’s role in the community. Many young people
do not understand what police
officers do and why they do it.
We take the mystery out of
law enforcement procedures
and policies. Young people’s
attitudes toward the police
and their role in society are
transformed.
Tomorrow’s Leaders
Targeting middle school
students (6th to 8th grade),
the program will lead into
our Police Explorer Program
for youth that are 14-21 years
of age. Youth are the community leaders of tomorrow –
instilled with an appreciation
and respect for police officers
and their role in society.
Junior Explorer Objectives
Create confidence in participants to make good decisions
and deal with school and life
pressure(s) in a positive way.
Help communications and relationships between middle school
aged kids and police.
Set an expectation for the
participants to be leaders and role
models in the community as they
continue grow as a person and in
age (continuing into adulthood).
Create a better understanding amongst the participants regarding “WHY” law enforcement
officers do what they do in certain
situations.
Officer Janke and other officers in the Chaska Police Department will be advisors for the
program. The Junior Explorer
program is meeting at the Chaska
Community Center, on Tuesdays
from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM.
Weekly discussion topics
will not only deal with police issues, but also important topics
affecting youth such as: bullying,
Internet use, cell phone safety,
peer pressure, and making good
choices a habit.
To learn more about CPJE
please fill out an application
in the attached brochure and
we will contact you.
This will be limited to 15 youth.
If you have any further questions,
please contact Officer Janke at
952-448-4200 or send an e-mail
to her at [email protected]
CHASKA
FEBRUARY 2015
Chaska Community Center… Your Family Gathering Place
chaskacommunitycenter.com | (952) 448-5633
3 Steps to Finding Inner Peace & Quiet UPCOMING
For many people, a traditional
part of the holiday season is getting
together with friends and family.
The aftermath of this can leave us
all frazzled. It is important to find
ways to de-stress and mentally
refocus for the new year. This will
lead to a more restful sleep, a more
productive workday, and a more
positive point of view. Silencing
external distractions is the
beginning step in this process.
1. Unplug. In a society where
social media and cell phones are
our best friends, it is necessary to
take time – even if it is just for 20
minutes – to silence the cell phone
and external distractions so you
can create a space in which you are
able to focus completely on yourself.
Try turning off computers and
work-related communication after 7
p.m. to allow the mind time to wind
down after a stressful day.
2. Observe the chatter in your
mind. Remember how Mom
always used to say that “Silence is
golden?” Understanding that she
was referring to words coming out
of your mouth, silence of the mind
is just as imperative. Silence of
the mind is something that comes
with a lot of practice. The way to
encourage the beginning of this
practice is to observe your thoughts.
Are you concerned about what
to wear to work tomorrow? How
about what you are making for
dinner tonight? Telling the mind to
stop thinking will only add stress
and increase the thought process.
Tell yourself “it’s okay to have
chatter in the mind.” Acknowledge
and accept your thoughts.
3. Be still. After accepting the
thoughts of the mind, the next step
that comes is the final and hardest
step in the process – stillness. If
being physically still is something
that does not come naturally, try
squeezing and releasing each
muscle of the body. (This is also a
good practice when trying to fall
asleep seems difficult.) Find a
comfortable place – whether that is
in your favorite chair, on the couch,
or lying on your bed and let the
body release. Start by squeezing
and releasing your toes. On the
inhale, allow your muscle to tense
up and then as you exhale, gently
release the muscle and move on.
Transfer your attention up the
body to your feet, calves, thighs,
all the way up to your forehead. At
this point you will either be in a
relaxed, tranquil state of mind or
snoring in your sleep.
Know that the hectic situations
in daily life will not go away, but
these three steps will help you to
be off to a more peaceful new year.
Now sit back, relax, take a deep
breath, and calmly embrace 2015.
By Katie
Robertson
Katie
recently moved
to Chaska
and is a Yoga
Instructor at
Hatha
A slower paced class that includes learning the yoga poses and simple breathing/meditation exercises. Best for people
who are new to yoga and or people who
want a more relaxing experience.
Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha
Instructor: Christy rice
Tuesdays, February 24–April 7, 5:40–6:40
p.m. (no class March 14)
Cost: $48 member; $62 non-member
Sunday Yoga
Refresh your body and mind with yoga
movements and breath work. Beginners and experienced participants will
feel comfortable with modifications
available for each pose and a slight
challenge for those who are seeking to
build heat. Become centered for the
week ahead.
Instructor: Kate Robertson
Date: Sundays, February 22–March 29
Time: 6:45–7:45 p.m.
Cost: $48 member; $62 non-member
SilverSneaker Yoga
SilverSneakers Yoga moves the whole
body through a complete series of
seated and standing poses modified for
the older adult ages 65 plus. Drop in
classes — ongoing.
Days: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Times: 8:30–9:15 a.m.
Cost: Free for Silversneaker members
$4.25 member; $5.25 non-member per
class
the CCC. Katie leads our AOA’s
in SilverSneaker Yoga on
Thursday mornings, she also
leads a Sunday class at 6:45pm -
Fit Yoga
Non-purist yoga class focusing on the
mindful practice of the physical pose.
Beginner instruction and higher level guidance may occur in every class as student
attendance is variable. Drop in classes
— ongoing.
Instructor: Susan Marek
Days & Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays,
10:45–11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Michelle Darsow
Days & Times: Mondays and Wednesdays,
6:45–7:45 p.m.
Cost: $4.25 member; $5.25 non-member
per class
Spring Yoga Mala – Welcome Spring,
Welcome Sun!
The yoga mala is a “garland” of yoga practice — 108 repetitions of surya namaskar,
the sun salutation. This moving meditation
helps still the mind and relaxes the body,
in preparation for savasana, while the collective motion a group helps strengthen
the spirit. We’ll begin by spending a few
minutes warming up the body and split the
108 sun salutations into four groups of 27,
with an extended break at 54. With our
bodies loose and mind quiet, we will reflect
in a lengthy savasana. For beginners and or
when fatigued during the yoga mala, variations are encouraged. Bring a water bottle,
towel, yoga mat and cozy layered clothing
to wear. Susan Marek will guide the Mala.
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Cost: $20
a great practice to calm the mind
and prepare for the week ahead.
Shanti!
Good Things Happened at The Lodge in 2014!
With the start of the
New Year, it is time
to be reflective of
the good things
that happened in
2014! From January
through December,
the Lodge Active
Older Adults (AOAs)
h
were very generous with
contributions of money and time.
Their willingness to give back to
community is greatly appreciated.
Lo
Looking
forward to more
g
good
things in 2015!
Honey Bear
Donations
Throughout the
year, the Lodge
Honey Bear accepted
donations to be
g
given
to local charities
and organizations. The
donations for 2014 totaled
$3,720.14.
Countless Volunteer Hours
EVENTS
CCC Yoga Practice Opportunities
Year round volunteers are giving
of their time and talents to lead
groups, organize clubs, work with
Treks & Trails Preschool, and
assist with The Lodge operations.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Through monetary and food
donations, over 120 meal bags of
food were made for area families
for Thanksgiving.
Hope for the Holidays
AOA’s for Christ volunteers
helped at the CAP Agency as
adults selected gifts for their
children.
Caring Cards for Kids
Monies for 47 ($20) gift cards
were collected for Jonathan
Elementary families in need for
the holidays.
Bountiful Basket Food
Shelf
The Lodge is a collection site for
food donations year round. Over
592 pounds of food collected and
$440.
For a complete listing of events visit
www.chaskacommunitycenter.com
February
1 • LAZY MAN IRONMAN
6
8 • FAMILY SNOWSHOEING
10
13
• SWEETHEART DANCE
16
• OPEN HOCKEY
Date: Friday, February 13
Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Place: Chaska Community Center
Cost: $3 per person (parents and children), children under one are free.
17 • MOM’S/DAD’S
MORNING BREAK
• POTTERY WORKSHOP
• SPRING SWIM
REGISTRATIONS BEGINS
FOR NON-MEMBERS
• ZUMBA
Red Hot Heart
Shuffle — Wear Red!
First, join us in the gym for this special SilverSneakers class.
“Shuffle” to each fitness station to earn the best poker hand.
Prizes awarded. The Valentine’s Party theme will continue in The
Lodge with heart healthy snacks. SilverSneakers class is free to
all. Come to either activity or both!
Date: Wednesday, February 11
Cost: Free
Time: 8:30 a.m. – SilverSneakers Class (Gym)
Start the spring running season with a Pi Day Pi K! March
14, or 3.14, is celebrated internationally in honor of the math
constant Pi, π. In case you’ve forgotten your high school geometry
lesson, this unique, indefinite number is the ratio of a circle’s
circumference to its diameter. Combine the nerdy pi with the joy
of running and the tastiness of dessert pie for 2π the fun.
Course Highlight:
Cost:
03.14.15
9:42 a.m. (Also known as 3π)
3.14 miles (π)
30 minutes, 14 seconds (you must run
“naked,” no timing devices. Closest
without going over.)
Water stop and pie shots with Whip
$9.42 (again, 3π)
• PAINTING PICASSOS
• ZUMBA
• TAI CHI
20
• PARENT’S NIGHT OUT
YOGA
21 •• KIDS
TWEEN YOGA
22
• SUNDAY YOGA
23
• MINI MITES
24
• SUNRISE CYCLE
• GYMNASTICS
• BABYSITTING 101
• VINYASA YOGA
• AOA CHANGE OF MIND
• D.E.E.P
• RACQUETBALL LESSONS
Come join the fun and learning right here at the CCC at the TREKS
and TRAILS preschool!
A world of learning awaits!
TREKS AND TRAILS MISSION: To establish a place within our
community to embrace the whole child and introduce them to
social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth.
MUSIC • SPANISH • FITNESS CLASSES!
Finishers will enjoy pie and beverages served in a take home Pi Day Pi K mug.
March 14 is Albert Einstein’s birthday! No kidding. In his honor, if
your name is Albert, Alberta, Albertina or Einstein, you may enter the discount code CallMeAl to receive $5 off your registration.
(Allen, Allan, Alex or Allesandra do not count — no cheating.)
19
9:30 a.m. – BCB Valentine’s Party (The Lodge)
Treks and Trails preschool
Registration Is Open to the Public
Date:
Start Time:
Distance:
Winning Time:
• KELLY’S INDOOR
BOOT CAMP BEGINS
• AOA DRIVER SAFETY
4 HR CLASS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Co-sponsored by the Chaska and Chanhassen Parks
and Recreation Departments.
• SPRING SWIM
REGISTRATION FOR
MEMBERS
HOT HEART
11 • RED
SHUFFLE
Sweetheart Dance
Bring your family and friends to the Tot Time Sweetheart
Dance. Designed for preschoolers and their parents.
Do the Hokey Pokey and dance along with other fun
children’s music. Refreshments will be served. Space is
limited — register online!
• THEATER ARTS TRAINING
7 • HOOP IT UP BASKETBALL
TOT TIME
For children ages 6 and under and their families.
Children under 1 are free.
• LITTLE TIGERS
25
• AOA CHILI FEED
26
• GYMNASTICS BEGINS
27
• AOA CANVAS & COFFEE
28
• CLAY PLAY
Treks and Trails Preschool is licensed by the State of Minnesota.
For more information visit chaskacommunitycenter.com or call
(952) 448-2009.
• SAFE KIDS 101