Dateline January - March 2018 | Page 2

Program and District Updates New Caterer for Meal on Wheels Go Further with Food We at Gladstone are excited for this new opportunity to increase the quality of meals with a focus on fresh ingredients and from-scratch recipes whenever possible. This change also allows us to be more responsive to client preferences in a cost-effective way. Meal planning is very important when it comes to eating a balanced diet. If you don’t plan your meals and snacks it is just too easy to grab a bowl of cereal or some peanut butter toast and call it a meal. There is nothing wrong with cereal or toast and peanut butter but these foods alone do not make a balanced meal. Meal planning also cuts down on food waste and saves money because you are not over buying and then wasting food. Starting in January, Meals on Wheels programs throughout Ramsey County will be receiving food that is prepared by the Metro Meals on Wheels Kitchen of Opportunities, the first kitchen dedicated to serving Meals on Wheels recipients throughout the Twin Cities. Open Arms of Minnesota will oversee meal production at the new Metro Meals on Wheels kitchen. Gladstone is one of eight Meals on Wheels Providers for Ramsey County. With the help of over 2,000 east metro volunteers, Meals on Wheels programs in Ramsey County serve both hot meals, cold meals and frozen meals to recipients, depending on their needs, along with a friendly visit. “I can’t say enough about the volunteers who bring me my meals. I call them my angels,” says Judith, a Meals on Wheels recepient. To enroll in Meals on Wheels, call 651-318-9091 or go to meals-on-wheels.com. Building Updates Planning is underway for new tables and chairs for rooms 105 and 109. These rooms are used daily for community groups, classes and activities and district meetings. The new furniture will allow for a greater ability to reconfigure the rooms according to each activity or meeting. Rooms 107 A and B will be be getting new chairs. Planning is also underway for new windows throughout the building. Yay! Stay tuned for updates on this project. Gladstone Closings During January–March No Meals on Wheels or Senior Center Activities on: January 1, New Year’s Day February 19, President’s Day March 30, Spring Holiday 2 Go Further with Food is the theme for National Nutrition month in March. The foods you choose make a real difference in your energy level and your overall health. Protein, complex carbohydrates (veggies, whole grains) and healthy fats are the building blocks of a balanced diet and should be the main components in every meal and snack. Speaking of healthy eating and meal planning, perhaps you don’t like to cook anymore, or don’t like cooking for one. Maybe your housing facility no longer offers a meal option, or perhaps you are recovering from an injury or surgery and meal preparation is a challenge. Let us do the cooking and the delivery for you! Gladstone is your local Meals on Wheels provider. Meals on Wheels is available to anyone. There is a fee for meals but the amount you pay per meal is determined by your income. There are many options: • a hot meal from 1 to 5 days/week. • cold meals delivered for you to heat on the weekend or for evening meals. • frozen meals delivered once a week for those who do not want to be home daily to receive hot meals. • meals can be ordered on a short or long term basis. Call 651-318-9091 for more information and to enroll. Thursday is Bakery Day Bread, bagels and assorted bakery goods from Panera are available each Thursday at 12:00 pm. Donations are appreciated to cover the cost of supplies needed to provide this service. Angie Retires – New Volunteer Wanted A special thanks to Angie who is “retiring” after ten plus years as the bakery volunteer on Thursday mornings. Thanks for your dedication Angie, you will be missed. With Angie’s retirement, there is a volunteer opening just waiting for you! It is a short time commitment, only 1–1.5 hours, once a week. Start time is flexible. If interested stop by the office or call 651-748-7250. Gladstone 55+ Center • 1945 Manton St, Maplewood, 55109 • www.isd622.org/seniors • 651-748-7250