Dateline April - June 2020 | Page 3

Now You Know Welcome Tim Dooley Stop by the reception desk on your next visit to Gladstone and introduce yourself to our new receptionist, Tim Dooley. Tim joined the Gladstone family on March 9. He comes to us from the Minnesota Orchestra where he was the Service Representative, Stage Door Attendant and Administrative Desk Receptionist. Tim is replacing Carrie Garcia-Alt who took another position in the district. Welcome Tim! Best Wishes Carrie! Census 2020 The federal census is conducted every 10 years to count every citizen and non-citizen living in the United states. Why is it important to be counted and to answer all questions asked? Census data provides a snapshot of our nation and informs local and federal agencies on where to build schools and hospitals, how to distribute funds and how the state will be represented in Washington DC. Each person counted brings thousands of dollars of federal aid to their local community. The count determines the amount of federal dollars that will be allocated to support Head Start, Medical Assistance, college scholarships, SNAP, school lunch, Medicare supplements and much, more. Representation in state and federal government is determined by the number of people who live in a state or census track. Minnesota is very close to losing a seat in the House of Representatives in Washington DC, so counting every person is critical. Mid-March: Census materials will be mailed. These materials will contain information on how to complete the census survey online, by phone or by paper. April 1, is Census Day: You should have received your materials by this date. When completing the census you will count anyone living in your home on April 1, 2020. May–July: Census workers will come only to the homes of people that have not completed the survey. They will be wearing a picture badge identifying themselves. If you have questions about the census or would like help completing the survey, stop by the office at Gladstone between 8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Thursday, we will be happy to help. Spread the word! Participating in the census helps your community build its future. Coronavirus Update District 622 is closely monitoring the Coronavirus (CO- VID-19), in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and MDH will be developing guidance for schools and the Gladstone Senior Center in the event of an outbreak. You may visit www.isd622.org/coronavirus for updates. Polling Locations You may not be aware that Gladstone is no longer a polling location for local, state or presidential elections. Polling locations are dependent on your mailing address. To find your location you may go to www.pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us and enter your address. If Gladstone was your polling location in the past, then your new location is: • Wakefield Park Community Building, 1860 Hazelwood St. Two other locations close to Gladstone are: • Gladstone Fire Station, 1955 Clarence St. • Maplewood Community Center/YMCA. 2100 White Bear Ave N. April 15, 2020 – Tax Day Just a reminder, tax day is right around the corner. AARP is once again offering tax help at the locations listed below. Days of the week, hours this service is available, and participation restrictions vary by location, call for details. • Oakdale Discovery Center – 651-747-3860 • Hayden Heights Library – 651-793-3934 • Maplewood Library – 651-724-6003 • Sun Ray Library – 651-501-6300 Celebrating Gladstone’s Volunteers National Volunteer week is April 19–25, but here at Gladstone it takes us the entire month to individually celebrate our 150 volunteers. Most of the volunteers are Meals on Wheels drivers, but we also have frozen meal packers, bakery day packers, and Bingo callers. There is a volunteer who delivers cat food/litter and one who leads the Tai Chi class. Volunteers also assist in classes and activities for adults with disabilities, and serve on the advisory council. A very heart-felt THANK YOU to all of our volunteers. Gladstone would not be quite as “glad“ without you. Gladstone Will be Closed On: April 10, Spring Holiday May 25, Memorial Day July 3, Celebration of Independence Day No Meals on Wheels service or activities on these dates. District 622 Community Education • Gladstone Senior Center • www.isd622.org/seniors • 651-748-7250 3