THERAPEUTIC RECREATI ON NEWSLETTER
OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION
540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE
OWATONNA MN 55060
Viewable on line:
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us
March/ April 2015
What’s New in Therapeutic Recreation?
Ride for the Brand
Therapeutic Recreation
Coordinator:
Wendy Reller
507-774-7360
or 444-4321 (anytime) leave
messages
Night Club & Bowling
Supervisor:
Mary Louks
413-2534
Teen Club Staff:
Lori Osmundson
451-9039
Life Facilitator:
Dawn Betti
414-2119
Program Cancellations
507-444-4321
Owatonna Bus Company
451-5262
Mowry’s Lazy Meadow Ranch, 2549 SE 34th Ave in Owatonna is the
location for a new horse riding program for kids this summer. It’s
called Ride for the Brand. Program Organizer, Monte Mowry and a
group of local horse enthusiasts will have riding opportunities available every Thursday evening in July for interested riders. This four part
riding series is geared to school age children who have special needs
and want to learn about horses through riding. Prior experience is not
required. Participants will typically ride upright in the saddle while a
volunteer leads the horse, unless their disability keeps them from sitting upright independently. In this case, riders will tour ranch trails in
the horse drawn wagon. In addition to the rides, western themed games and activities
are available for the kids. The final night of this series concludes with a summer roundup, with fun activities and awards for all. The program is free of charge, and participation is limited, so register early. You’ll want to check out these evenings at the ranch!
Call 444– 0913 for more details.
Smart Cycling
This spring, Therapeutic Recreation welcomes Pete Connor,
Licensed Cycling Instructor, to bring you a bike safety
course called Smart Cycling. The exact date is undetermined,
but we’re looking at dates in May or June when the biking
season is just beginning. Whether biking is purely recreational for you, or it’s your only mode of transportation, this
course is important. Included are: the basics, covering
maintenance, equipment and bike handling; bicycling in traffic, which covers the rules of the road, and avoiding crashes, and tips to enjoy the ride
or ride etiquette. The course is adapted for riders who have special needs from the original Smart Cycling course offered by the League of American Bicyclists. In addition,
we hope to start a Bike Club or offer some bike trips this summer for those who have
completed the course and would like to share their biking interest with others. Watch
for registration details in the next newsletter.
Bark and Rec
If you are a dog lover and thought the new dog park was a great addition to our community, you’ve got to visit the Four Seasons Center for Bark and Rec on Saturday
April 25, 9 AM– 1 PM. Vendors with treats, groomers, vets, demos and
other doggie stuff is all under one woof at this expo. Dogs and their
families are welcome, admission is free!
Munchkin Market
Kids rule at this market! Join us Saturday April 25, 1 –4 PM at the Four Seasons Center where kids age 6 –15 will be selling toys, games, books, sporting goods
and more. Kids rent a table for only $10. Adult vendors also welcome.
Check out the entertainment, the Tadpole Parade Band!!!
TR Kids Programs
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 used 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. Oneon-one assistance for your child may be provided upon request.
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 participants have a one-on-one
assistant in the water, if necessary, and that the group be limited to 8 registrations. We request that
parents provide an assistant when needed. Our swim staff for this group is experienced with teaching
aquatics to the special needs swimmer, and is prepared to oversee this program according to individual
skills and requests from parents. A lifeguard is also on duty. Kids with disabilities age 6-16.
Location: West Hills Pool Cost: $39.00. Limit 8, 5 minimum to offer the sessions. Winter session:
currently through March17. Spring session: April 7– June 2, Tuesdays , 6 - 7:00 PM. Register in office or online.
SIBSHOP
This awesome program for kids who have siblings with special needs is designed for those who want to meet other
kids who have a brother or sister with disabilities. Within this group, members have fun, learn more about their siblings
unique needs, and often share real concerns and thoughts about life with their sibling. Sessions typically include a
snack, a discussion, a craft and a game. It’s a jam packed 90 minutes of fun and learning combined! Our Youth Sibshop is designed for kids in grades 1-5 and Teen Sibshop will offer a different agenda for kids in grades 6-8. The program is sponsored by Advocates for Developmental Disabilities of Steele County. Check it out by calling ADD’s office at 451– 9769, or visiting their website, www.advocatesfordevelopmentaldisabilities.com.
Special Olympics Young Athletes Program
Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities,
designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. We believe
there is no better way to bring these young athletes into the Special Olympics family than through a program
like Young Athletes– fostering inclusion in a fun and engaging setting for all.
Meets: Days: Tuesdays
Age: 2-7
Dates: currently -April 28, 2015
Cost: free
Time: 5:30 –6:30 PM,
Location: McKinley Elementary Stem School
Contact: Jennifer Hansen: [email protected]
TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer is here! Don’t miss your chance to join us for this first season. If you missed the
informational meeting for TOPSoccer on 2/19/15, and would like to get the details presented, visit their website at www.mnyouthsoccer.org, or call Dave Furness of the Owatonna
Soccer Association, 456– 6889. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is an
adapted soccer league which is designed for individuals with special needs starting at age 8.
It is a non competitive, traveling league focused on player development, learning the game, and having fun
doing it! The May –August season includes 4– 6 Sunday games, 4 –6 practices, and 1 tournament, located in
the metro area. Cost to families is minimal, through assistance from the Owatonna Soccer Association. If
you’re interested in TOPSoccer, we’re waiting to hear from you!
TR Spring Happenings
TR 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.
Dates: The current winter league continues through April 20. excluding 3/30
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: SPARE TIME Entertainment
Registration Fee: $21.50 (includes tax) payable to Owatonna Parks and Recreation on or before the first
day of the season .
Weekly Fee: $5.50 payable to SPARETIME Entertainment. *Minimum of 20 persons required to offer
this program.
TR Spring Bowling Tournament
All members of our 2015 Monday league are invited to participate in the TR Spring Bowling Tournament
which will be held Monday, April 27, 4:30—7:00 PM, at SPARETIME Entertainment. The event includes 2
games of bowling, a catered meal and a brief awards program to announce bowler achievements. As in
the past, participating bowlers are encouraged to invite a guest to attend and enjoy
the tournament meal and program also. Bowlers may sign up any Monday in April during
league bowling or anytime at the Parks and Recreation office. All registration payments
are due to the office by April 20th.
Twins Baseball Bus Trip
Our first game of the 2015 season is bound to be the best! Join us as we head to Target Field to see the Twins play the Chicago White Sox. Trips are open to all registered
TR members.
Date: Thursday, April 30
PM
Game Time: 7:05 PM
Seat section: Overlook
Fee: $ 27.00
Bus departs: Senior Place lot at 4:45, returns by 11:30
Deadline to register: April 6.
(Be sure to let us know if you need wheelchair seats,
bus pickup or drop off when registering.)
TR Membership Council
There’s still time to get
involved with your Therapeutic Recreation Membership Council. We always
have room for more representatives and would love
to have some fresh program ideas from our members. If you would like to
join us, please contact
the TR office or talk to one of our council members.
Those who are current
council members include Melissa Haggenmiller,
Lezlie Gustafson, Stacy Manning, Whitney Noble, Dawn Paulson, Mary Ann Wanous, Connie Heim, and
Alex Carlson. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month, 4 -5 PM in the Senior Place board room. Help
us write thank you notes, deliver newsletters, give presentations in the community, share ideas for new
programs, and plan fundraisers for Therapeutic Recreation.
South Country Health Alliance Discount
For TR members who have South Country Health Alliance as their medical assistance
provider, you now qualify for added savings on your recreation fees for various offerings here at Parks and Recreation. You will be required to bring your South Country
member card with you when registering for classes and activities, in order to get the
added discount to your entry fee/scholarship request. The savings will cover the first
$15 on as many as 3 entry fees per year. The Parks and Recreation staff in our office will be glad to assist you, and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to check it out!
LIFE Plans
March/April 2015
March 4
Movie Madness/ Meet at the Senior Place 4:30—6 PM for some movie fun.
Crazy as it sounds, you’re invited to watch movies in your pajamas, complete with a milk and
cookie snack. LIFE members bring cookies to share if you wish, Dawn will bring the milk
and a movie. Be sure your PJs are appropriate!
Dawn Betti
March 11
St Pat’s Celebration in Green! / Meet at the Senior Place 4: 30 –6 PM. We’ll party it up
green today. Wear something green, bring a green snack to share, and we’ll make a green surprise with the
group, so don’t be green with envy. Plan to celebrate this holiday a little early. Go Irish today.
with
March 18
Wendy’s Drop In Fun/ Meet at Senior Place 4:30—6 PM. This is time for members to make
their own fun. We’ll have some new hobby ideas and pastime activities for you to try or learn about today,
in
addition to our usual crafts, cards, games and puzzles. You’re always welcome to bring in some of your personal hobbies from
home. Bring in some photos if you want to make a scrapbook page. We’ll have the supplies. Check it out!
March 25
Gym Night/ Meet at the West Hills Fitness Center 4: 30 –6 PM for a fun workout session.
We’ll use the gym for the first 45 minutes to play floor hockey, basketball or dodgeball. At 5:15, we’ll move on
to the track and cardio equipment to finish up with walking or exercise on the machines. Be sure to wear or bring
your tennis shoes, workout clothes and a water. Hope to see you there!
April 1
Spring Break/ No program (Be sure to register for the April 30th Twins Game by April 6th)
April 8
Planning Session /Spring Scavenger Hunt/ Meet at Senior Place 4:30—6 PM. We will come together to share ideas and plan activities for the months of May and June. In addition, we’ll celebrate Spring
with a special Scavenger Hunt. Be sure to come and check it out. Bring at least one new idea for our next
LIFE Plans calendar!
April 15
Volunteering at Owatonna Care Center/ Meet at Owatonna Care Center, 201 1 8th St SW, across from
HyVee. We will visit with the residents 4—5 PM. Come ready to help mingle and have fun as we assist them
with activities. Call Dawn or Wendy if you are unable to attend.
April 22
Volunteer at Bethel Church Supper/ Meet at Bethel Church, 1 61 1 Hemlock Ave, where
Melissa has arranged a volunteer opportunity for our LIFE group. We will be serving dinner, cleaning, and
helping as needed. Come ready to work and serve others. Please
note you work shift, and plan
to
enjoy the meal yourself before or after putting in your work time.
You and your staff are expected to work a
45 minute shift in order to get the meal.
4:30 -5:15: Melissa, Stacy, Brianna, Connie, Andrew and staff
5:15 –6 PM: Ben, Whitney, Ryan, Danny, Katie and staff
Please call Dawn or Wendy if you are unable to attend.
April 29
“The Time of Your LIFE “ Talent Show/ Meet at Senior Place, 4: 30 - 6 PM. Join us for the first talent show
the LIFE group has hosted. Members may submit their talent plans to Dawn by April 15 so that she is able to help organize
details for the program. Come ready with your talent and prepare to be amazed by yourself and others!
REGISTER FOR THE CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATER TRIP TO SEE HELLO DOLLY ON FEBRUARY 18,2015. RESERVATION DUE JANUARY 16/ $75 PAYMENT DUE JANU-
ARY 20.
Night Club Schedule
March/April 2015
March 4
Get on Your Feet! /Meet at the Senior Place 6:30—8 PM for a
filled night of fitness. Come ready to share your favorite exercises with your
Club friends. We’ll also try a few using the Wii, and take a short hike around
dress comfortably and wear your walking shoes. No charge.
fun
Mary Louks
Night
the West Hills Campus. Be sure to
March 11
Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day/ Meet at the Senior Place
6:30 –8PM, in the multipurpose
room. In honor of Johnny Appleseed Day, we’ll watch a brief video and learn if this story is a folk tale or if he is an American
hero. What do you think? We’ll enjoy a taste test with several varieties of apples and decide which is most popular in the
group. We’ll also learn to make an apple print project carving apples to use for stamping. Pay a supply fee of $2
before 3/11/15 to the TR office.
March 18
Make a Spring Craft/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30—8PM, where we’ll learn to make a no sew fabric wreath to decorate for spring. Join us as we create these simple decorations which are as easy as tying a knot.
Lots of knots. Whether you choose to hang it on a door to welcome others, or give it away as a gift, it’s a beautiful
way to brighten up your living space and celebrate spring! Pay a supply fee of $4 before 3/18/15 to the TR office.
March 25
Take a Stroll in the Park/ Meet at Morehouse Park 6;30—8 PM, where we’ll walk the trail
towards Lake Kohlmier and look for sights and sounds of spring. It’s a great way to get some exercise in and
visit with our Night Club friends at the same time. You’re invited to walk as far as you can to the lake or head
south and meet us at the Chalet by 8:00. Dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight if you wish.
April 1
Spring Break/ No Program. (Be sure to register for the April 30th Twins Game by April 6th)
April 8
Play Games!!! / Meet at the Senior Place, 6:30—8 PM for table games, cards, dice games, checkers, etc. Bring any favorites from home to share. Team guessing games like charades, Catch Phrase, and Pictionary are also possibilities. Sharpen up your wits and plan for fun! No charge.
April 15
Attend a Spring Rehearsal at LTO/ Meet at Little Theater of Owatonna to see Treasure Island. Attend
the performance as guests of Little Theater, as they rehearse for their upcoming production, Treasure
Island. The play tells the story of a boy longing for adventure, and his encounters with the infamous pirate,
Long John Silver. Please arrive between 7and 7:15 PM. The rehearsal begins at 7:30PM. Prepare to stay
seated until intermission or the conclusion of the performance. This is a rehearsal, not the dress rehearsal.
No
charge.
April 22
Earth Day /Speaker from Izaak Walton Environmental Education Center/ Meet at the Education
Center, 499 S County Road 45, 6:30—8 PM. We will celebrate Earth Day 2015 with members of the Izaak Walton
League and Walt Spindler at their center. They’ll give us an overview telling how their efforts in Owatonna contribute to the conservation of land and animals in our area. Come with questions! No charge.
April 29
Starry Starry Night!/ Speaker Gene Kispert/ Meet at Senior place 6:30—8 PM. Gene Kispert, a NASA outreach contact and member of the Steele County Astronomical Society will share with us a night filled with stars. He will show
a brief video of the probe to Mars and slides of the stars.
Weather permitting, we will also go outside to
view the night sky and learn about what we’re seeing! No
charge.
January 28
Movie Night/ Meet at Senior Place 6: 30 –8PM, for a cozy relaxing video with your Night Club friends.
Bring treat money if you wish. Concessions are $1.00 each.
February 4
Gym and Swim/ Meet at the West Hills Fitness Center 6:30– 8PM. Come to
work off those holiday pounds with friends, or get a jumpstart to fit into your summer wardrobe.
You’ll have free access to the pool from 7– 8PM, with the walking track and equipment room available
all evening as well. Staff plan to assist if your member needs help swimming in the pool or using the
equipment. Be sure to check in with Mary upon arriving. Remember to register for next week’s holiday dance!
Teen Club Activities
March/April 2015
Be sure to register for all Teen Club Activities you plan to attend on the registration page
March 5
Magic Makius/ Meet at Senior Place 6:30—8 PM for an encore performance by our favorite magician! Disappearing balls, puzzling card tricks, and mystifying cubes of colors… Magic Makius can
do it all. After watching this free and fun magic act, we will also try our hands at a
Lori Osmundson
little magic of our own! Hope to see you there.
March 12
Baa, Baa, Baa/ Meet at Senior Place 6:30—8 PM for a special Rec
activity that’s sure to
entertain and inform you. Have you ever held a baby lamb? Our friend Pat Zeman will
bring some of his fluffy
herd to Teen Club, for members to see and enjoy. Please come with questions. The evening plan also includes a
wool project, and special treat. Be sure to let us know by tonight if you will be swimming with us next week.. Tonight’s activity is free of charge.
March 19
Swimming / Meet at the indoor water park at Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites 6:30—8 PM for a
splish splash blast in the pool! Bring your swimsuit, towel and admission fee of $7 for swimmers,/ no charge for
non swimmers. Check in at the lobby’s front desk to pay and receive your required wrist band. All staff come prepared to swim if your teen needs assistance in the water. Register at least one week in advance if you plan to attend. Remember to bring your admission with you. Do not pay the fee to Parks and Recreation.
March 26
Chill Out/ Meet at Senior Place 6: 30 –8 PM for a night of chillaxing with your Teen Club friends.
(that’s code for rest and relaxation) It’s been a tough winter but we’re almost through March. In fact, we’re almost
at the end of the week., and next week we’ll enjoy spring break!. We want to treat your back, feet and hands to a
special chair massage while we enjoy the live music of some talented friends. Be sure to check this out! Free of charge.
April 2
Spring Break/ No program. ( Be sure to register for April 30th Twins game by April 6th)
April 9
Amazing Dog Tricks/ Meet at Senior Place 6: 30 –8 PM. Julie Ollila’s famous dog “Tucker”
wants to perform his list of amazing tricks for the Teen Club members, so be sure to join us. If you like dogs,
you’ll love Tucker. His energy is contagious! We’ll end the evening by making homemade dog treats for Tucker
and something delicious for ourselves too. Free of charge.
April 16
Movie Night/ Meet at Senior Place 6:30—8 PM, where you’ll hang out with the Teen Club gang and
watch a new release video. Popcorn and a drink will be provided. Bring your pillow if you want to get comfy… or have
a pillow fight? If you have ideas for a favorite movie, one you think others will enjoy, talk to Lori in advance. Free
of charge.
April 23
Going Green/ Meet at Senior Place 6: 30 –8 PM for a special Earth Day Project. Come learn what we can do to
celebrate and respect the environment. Spring is the perfect time to start some activities that
will remind us
to take care of our natural resources.
April 30
Let’s Get Moving/ Meet at the Senior Place backyard 6: 30 –8 PM for an action
packed night
of fitness fun! Be sure to wear your tennis shoes and loose fitting clothes in order to move faster and easier through our
homemade obstacle course. You can also expect some
team building activities and cooperative games to keep
you moving and tickle your funny bone! Don’t miss the
fun! Free of charge.
Send form to:
Owatonna Park and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Program
Registration for March/ April 2015
Wendy Reller
Therapeutic Recreation
540 West Hills Circle
Name__________________________________ Phone____________________ Total
Paid ________
Circle one:
Member
Non Member
Staff
Scholarship request _____________
Night Club
 __________ March 4
Get on your Feet / Senior Place
Wear walking shoes and dress comfortably
 __________ March 11
Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day /Senior Place
Pay supply fee of $2 before 3/11/15
 __________ March 18
Make a Spring Craft /Senior Place
Pay supply fee of $4 before 3/18/15
 __________
Take a Stroll in the Park / Morehouse Park
Dress for the weather
March 25

__________ April 1
Spring Break / No program

__________ April 8
Play Games!!!/ Senior Place
No charge/ use ours or bring from home

__________ April 15
Attend Treasure Island rehearsal / LTO
No charge

__________ April 22
__________ April 29
Earth Day Speaker / Izaak Walton Ed Center
Starry Starry Night /Gene Kispert/ Senior Place
No charge
No charge
LIFE Group

—————
March 4
Movie Madness / Senior Place
Wear your PJs and bring cookies to share

—————
March 11
St Pat’s Celebration in Green / Senior Place
Wear green, and bring a green snack

—————
March 18
Wendy’s Drop In Fun / Senior Place
Bring pics for a scrapbook page

—————
March 25
Gym Night / West Hills Fitness Center
Bring tennis shoes, workout clothes, water

—————
April 1
Spring Break / No program

—————
April 8
Planning session, scavenger hunt/ Senior Place
Bring 1 new idea, and some great old ones

—————
April 15
Volunteer Activity/ Owatonna Care Center
Bring a smile, and be there by 4 PM

————— April 22
__________ April 29
Volunteer Activity / Bethel Church
LIFE Talent Show / Senior Place
Be there by 4:30 PM
Submit your talent to Dawn by 4/15/15
Teen Club

—————
March 5
Magic Makius/ Senior Place
No charge

—————
March 12
Baa, Baa, Baa / Senior Place
No charge

—————
March 19
Swimming / Holiday Inn water park
Bring swimsuit, towel, and $7 admission today

—————
March 26
Chill Out Activities / Senior Place
No charge

__________ April 2
Spring Break / No program

—————
Amazing Dog Tricks / Senior Place
No charge
Movie Night / Senior Place
Going Green for Earth Day / Senior Place
Let’s get Moving / Senior Place Backyard
No charge
No charge
Wear tennis shoes and loose fitting clothes

April 9
————— April 16
__________ April 23
___________ April 30
Leagues Trips, and Seasonal Options
—————– April 27
Spring Bowling Tournament /SPARETIME Entertainment
Register with $8 / $12 fee by 4/20/15
————— April 30
Twins VS Chicago White Sox / Target Field
Register with $27 payment by 4/6/15
Owatonna Parks and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation 2015 March/ April Newsletter
Special Olympics Practice Schedules
Basketball
Wilson Elementary, 325 Meadow Lane, Owatonna
Jan 31—March 21, Saturdays, 8:30—10:30 AM
State Tournament: March 27—29, at the University of St Thomas in St Paul
Scott Clark, Head Coach, 507– 363– 0156
Aquatics
Owatonna Junior High School, 500 15th St NE
Jan 10—March 21, Saturdays, 11:30 AM—1:30 PM
State Meet: March 27—29 at the University of St Thomas in St Paul
Tim Schiltz, Head Coach, 507– 455-1652
Track and Field
Owatonna High School, 333 E School Street
Exact date is yet to be determined, sometime in April.
Watch for your athlete letter to arrive with details
Call Roy Koenig @ 451 –2250 with questions
OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION
540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE
OWATONNA MN 55060