By Janet Wight
Lifelong learning, improved health and companionship are among key benefits of participating in programs offered by St. Anthony Park Area Seniors (SAPAS).
These activities afford residents the opportunity to connect with others and to build social relationships close to home.
Program Director Katharine Tondra explained, “Our activities not only provide the activity itself, but also a chance for seniors to meet and visit with other seniors in the community. Both are important!”
One of these activities is the Handiwork Group, formed in January 2024. It is the brainchild of SAPAS board member and longtime crafting aficionado Karen Gill-Gerbig. Crafters meet to work on their individual projects (including knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, embroidery and more) while enjoying wide-ranging conversation and mutual encouragement.
Gill-Gerbig relishes being a member of this group. “They are just a delightful group of people and they have all kinds of wonderful and interesting backgrounds,” she said.
The Handiwork Group meets on the second Thursday of the month in the basement of the St. Anthony Park Branch Library,at 2245 Como Ave., from 10:00 am until noon. Crafters of all ages and skill levels are welcome to attend these gatherings.
Additionally, several wellness activities are offered by SAPAS. For example, Pound Fit is an exercise class taught by AFAA certified group fitness instructor Mike LimBybliw.
Pound Fit, also known as Pound, is a fast-paced, full-body cardio workout using Ripstix®, which are lightly weighted drumsticks, LimBybliw said.
This free class meets each Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Centennial United Methodist Church, 2200 W. Hillside Ave. This site is fully accessible and is equipped with an elevator and a wheelchair ramp.
This highly modifiable workout is suitable for all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds. No prior experience is necessary and there are no prerequisites.
“Everything is about inclusion and teaching to everybody and every body,” he explained.
LimBybliw invites anyone interested to “come as you are” and have fun while connecting with other seniors and older adults.
Equal Portions: Food, Friendship and Fun is a popular monthly social gathering for those interested in engaging with others. Participants enjoy a catered lunch followed by an enriching program with plenty of time for conversation and connection.
Recent programs have included musical performances, a crop art demonstration, a cybersecurity presentation and a discussion about Gibbs Farm, the Ramsey County Historical Society site located in Falcon Heights.
Equal Portions, which draws 15 to 30 participants, is held at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave., on the third Thursday of each month from noon until 1:30 p.m.
The meals are provided by Creative Catering at a cost of $15 per person. Pre-registration is required and most dietary preferences can be accommodated.
SAPAS also offers a variety of essential services to area seniors. These include transportation to medical appointments, assistance with chores, blood pressure checks and computer support.
For further information regarding SAPAS programs and services visit sapaseniors.org.
Janet Wight is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
