THERAPEUTIC RECREATION NEWSLETTER

THERAPEUTIC RECREATI ON NEWSLETTER
OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION
540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE
OWATONNA MN 55060
Viewable on line:
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us
July/ August 2016
Therapeutic Recreation News
Summer Trips
July 17 Wizard of Oz/ Albert lea, MN J oin us for this timeless favor ite
performed at the ACT on Broadway in Albert Lea. We’ll attend the 2 PM Sunday matinee, the deadline to register is Tuesday, 7/11/16. The van departs from
the Senior Place lot at 12:30, and returns to the lot by 5 PM. The fee includes
ticket, transportation and TR Staff, $45. Limit 10.
Therapeutic Recreation
Coordinator:
Wendy Reller
507-774-7360
or 444-4321 leave messages
Night Club & Bowling
Supervisor:
Mary Louks
413-2534
Teen Club Staff:
Lori Osmundson
451-9039
LIFE Facilitator:
Wendy Reller
774– 7360
Friday Camp Lead:
Michele Mundt
676– 0903
Program Cancellations
507-444-4321
Owatonna Bus Company
451-5262
July 23/Aug 13 St Paul Saints Game/ CHS Field, St Paul, MN It’s our
first time visiting the Saints at CHS Field and we can’t wait! Game time is 7:05
on 7/23 or on 8/13, but we’ll only go to one of these 2 games. The van departs
from Senior Place by 5 PM and returns following the game. Tickets will be purchased after deciding which game we’ll attend, give us your vote when calling
to register. Tickets: $5-$16. Bring treat $. Deadline to register is 7/14, the fee
includes TR Staff and transportation, $25. Limit : 8.
July 28 Rochester Honkers Game/ Mayo Field Rochester, MN We have
24 free tickets donated by the Community Angels program to be used by our TR
members and their families. The Honkers will play Thunder Bay for this Thursday, 7:05 game. No transportation or TR Staff will be provided. Call Wendy @
774-7360 for tickets and pick them up at the TR office close to game date.
August 2 Mall of America/ Bloomington, MN Here’s a chance to check
out the new Shake Shack for a quick and delicious meal, Sea Life at the Minnesota Aquarium, see a movie, or just browse through the floors of stores at
America’s favorite mall. Our van departs from the Senior Place lot at 4 PM
and returns at 10 PM. Bring $ for supper and anything you wish to do. Register
by 7/18/16.The fee includes TR Staff, and transportation. $25. Limit 15.
August 10 Outdoor Concert/ Berne, MN This week’s featured attraction at
the Summer Concert Series in Berne is Hitchville, a country super group of regional talent! We are excited to return this summer for a fun night of free outdoor music which starts at 6:30 PM. Van departs at 4 PM, returns by 9, to the
Senior place lot. Plan to bring cash to purchase pizzas, and we’ll bring the cold
drinks. Also bring a blanket or lawn chair for relaxing. Deadline to register with
payment is 7/27/16. Fee includes TR Staff, and transportation, $25. Limit is 15.
August 29 Diamond Jo’s Casino/ Northwoods, IA We’re headed just
across the border to dine and try our luck with playing the machines. We’ll arrive in time for an early supper and spend some time gambling, then head for
home. The food is delicious, wherever you eat and you will have some choices.
Bring money for supper and for gambling. Van departs 4 PM, and returns to
Senior Place by 9PM. Register by 8/15/16. Fee includes TR Staff, and transportation. $25. Limit is 10.
TR Programs for Kids
Inclusion
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 considered 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. Requests for one on one assistance will be considered when available. Registration: When
enrolling your child in sports and other youth programs we request 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 the group be limited to 8 registrations, and that parents provide an assistant for their child if needed. Our swim staff for the fall is Tim Schiltz, certified in water
safety and experienced with the swimmer who has special needs. Tim provides group supervision and uses games and water activities to help the kids develop socialization skills.
For kids: age 6-16.
Summer session: Thurs, 7– 8 PM, continues thru August 4
Location: West Hills Pool
Fall session: Tues, 6– 7 PM, Sept 27 –Nov 22.
Limit 8 (5 minimum to offer the sessions) Fee: $40
Rec Adventures for Kids
Rec Adventures is a summer recreation group designed for kids with disabilities, who are 6 –13 years old.
The group meets 2 times monthly in June, July and August. We hope you’ll find Rec Adventures to be a
great place to meet and make new friends, learn about many fun things to do in our community, and find
out what your own interests are! The time scheduled for each of our activities is 5:30 –7 PM, on Tuesdays. The fee is $50. Our lineup of great activities for July and August includes swimming at River
Springs Water Park (7/12), bowling at SPARETIME (7/26), rock hunting near the boat landing(8/9), and
horseback riding at Rideability (8/23). Plans are in the making for an additional make up activity .
Friday Camp
This day camp is designed for kids with developmental disabilities, ages 6– 18. The camp schedule features traditional
day camp activities including games, crafts, nature exploration, and water fun. Most of the day’s schedule is spent in
small groups according to age, with the exception of lunch and group games. Campers who are 14 and older have a separate group with activities which are more age appropriate for teens and suited to their abilities and interests. Afternoon
swimming and fishing are available during our water fun session and are very popular with the kids. Snacks are provided in the afternoons, and campers should bring their own sack lunch, except for the final Friday. On the last day we will
prepare lunch over an open campfire. A list of weekly rain plans, camp staff bios, and other information will be sent in a
camp letter prior to the first day. We’ll continue to plan for a full day when following the Rain Plan schedule. Rain
Plans always include special indoor fun at various community locations. With this, campers can expect to attend Friday
Camp rain or shine for a full day each week throughout the summer. Transportation to camp is not provided. Experienced staff will lead the group. Our goal is to make friends and have fun. A minimum of 20 registrations is required to
offer the program. Financial assistance is available through our Youth Scholarship program as needed.
June 17 –August 11 (excluding July 1)
9:30 AM –2:30 PM
Lake Kohlmier
$135 on or before June 1, after June 1, $145.
2016 TOPSoccer News
The Owatonna Soccer Association is again sponsoring a TOPSoccer program for individuals who are 8 years old and
older who have physical or mental disabilities. The individuals are placed on teams appropriate for their ability, comfort
level and size; and there are junior teams for players 8– 12 years old. Games/events are held at 6 PM on certain Sunday
evenings from May through August 14, 2016. Practices will be held approximately once a week at Willow Creek, and
will start in late April. The cost to register a player is only $25 and each player will be provided a uniform, shin guards,
and a soccer ball free of charge. 18 players participated in the first Owatonna TOPSoccer program in
2015 and we are hoping to increase the number of players this year.
Anyone interested in registering for TOPSoccer contact Dave Furness at 507/456– 6889 or at davekfurness@gmail.com for information about the program.
TR Summer Happenings
TR Monday 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.
Summer League dates: June 13– August 15 (excluding July 4)
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: SPARE TIME Entertainment
Weekly Fee: $5.50 payable to SPARETIME Entertainment.
Registration Fee: $21.50 payable to Owatonna Parks and Recreation
All Group Events for July and August
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic
July 20, 2016
Lake Kohlmier
6 –8 PM
All Members from the LIFE Teen Club and Night Club Groups are
invited to join us for a fun night of fishing with the staff from the DNR’s
Minn Aqua Program. They will provide all equipment necessary, but the bait.
They request that we use earthworms, so we suggest participants do a
little digging and bring some along. We don’t need more than 2 per person.
If you do not have a current fishing license, we suggest that members app
ly for a free Permanent Angling License, provided by the DNR with proper
identification and proof of disability. A fishing license is required of any
resident over 1 6 years of age, which includes staff and TR members.
Remember to bring your signed waiver that night in order to participate.
Any questions, call the TR office @774– 7360. Limit 25.
SCFF Fair Cleanup Crew
August 17/18/19, 2016
Fair Square area
2-4 PM
Here’s your chance to give back to the community! TR members and their
support staff are encouraged to join us at the fair for washing tables and
picking up litter on Wed, Thurs, or Fri , 2 –4 pm of fair week. We have
enjoyed helping with this service project the last few years and looked
forward to greeting friends in the crowd while we worked. The work is fun
and easy. TR has been rewarded with donation from the Fair Board each
year we’ve helped out, so we appreciate your help as well. Let us know when
you want to work by 7/15/16, for a free Fair Cleanup Crew T shirt.
TR Walking Group
To get in the routine of doing more physical exercise, we’re starting a walking group for
TR members which will meet 2 times weekly. We’ll use the beautiful trails, sidewalks,
and pathways throughout Owatonna to get a comfortable workout and still enjoy the
scenery and time to visit. If we have rain or heat advisories, we’ll cancel, otherwise we’ll
plan to meet at the designated site and walk for 45—60 minutes. Our schedule will be
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7 PM, starting July 12. Wear tennis shoes & bring a
water bottle. We’ll walk different routes each week, and hand out our list of walking
routes the first time we meet. Hopefully we’ll continue into the fall. Fee: $15. Meet at
the Kaplan’s Woods Pavilion, July 12.
,
2016 Summer Trips
Be sure to read all the details about our summer trips included in this issue of the newsletter.
Some of the trips are free, but do not include staff or transportation. Some have deadlines to
register coming up quickly and have limited availability, so get your registration and payment in as soon as possible. Unfortunately, scholarship
funds are not available for trips. Payment is expected at the time you register, unless other arrangements have been made. Don’t miss your chance to travel this summer, with us or on your own!!
LIFE Plans
July/August 2016
July 6
July 4 Holiday Week/ No Program
July 13
Membership Night/ Meet at Brown Park, 4-5:30 PM, for an action packed
game of kickball! Since it’s also a membership activity be sure to bring you $48 member
dues to cover your participation from July through December, 2016. Wear sunscreen,
tennis shoes and bring a water bottle. We’ll enjoy a refreshing summer treat before leaving. Staff and members come ready to play!
July 20
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic/Meet at Lake Kohlmier for this All Group Event,
6–8 PM. Bring a fishing rod if you have one you like, or use one provided by our guests
from the DNR Minn Aqua Program. Also bring your fishing lisence. Learn all about
fishing from the pros, as we catch and release fish from the best site in Owatonna.
All equipment will be provided for those who don’t have it. Wear bug spray, or sunscreen and a hat if you wish. We’ll fish from the T dock and surrounding area. We’re using worms for
bait, so you can bring some if you wish. (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE)
July 26
Movies at Northwoods Cinema 10/ Meet at the movie theater by 4 PM for the
last matinee of the day. Movies are $5 all day on Tuesdays with free popcorn with the purchase of a soda, as well. We’ll meet at the theater and select a movie there, but I’ll keep you
posted one week before to let you know what our choices will be. Bring $5 and money for a
drink and you can settle in for the show. (NOTE THE DAY CHANGE, THIS IS TUESDAY)
August 3
Swimming at River Springs Water Park/ Meet at 3065 St Paul Road 5
PM to 8 PM for the Twilight rate of only $4.50. TR Staff will be at the water park
from 5– 6:30. But you are welcome to stay ‘til closing and get your money’s worth for a
relaxing evening swim, or leave when you choose. Don’t forget to bring money for a
treat, your suit, towel and sunscreen, besides your $4.50 admission. (NOTE TIME CHANGE)
August 10
Plans for September/October and a Pizza Happy Hour/
Meet at Senior Place, 4– 5:30 PM. Bring $3.00 and your own beverage and
we’ll order pizza in. Be sure to bring some fun ideas for the upcoming fall
months and let’s try to keep active! Any new ideas for volunteer projects
are welcome!
August 17
Steele County Free Fair/ No Program/ Sign up to volunteer for the Fair
Cleanup Crew and give back to your community!
August 24
Sand Volleyball/ Meet at Lake Kohlmier 4 –5:30 to play volleyball or hike
around the lake to the boat landing, and back. You may want to do both! Wear sunscreen and
sturdy shoes for walking. Don’t miss out on the last days of summer, enjoy the weather!
August 31
Grilling out!/ Meet at Mineral Springs Park pavilion, 4 –5:30 PM to
learn some delicious and simple grilling recipes to try at home. Be ready to help
with the food prep and to sample the finished products. RSVP with Wendy, 774–
7360, and supply fee of $4 are both due by 8/22/16.
Night Club Schedule
July/ August 2016
Mary Louks
July 6
July 4 Holiday Week/ No Program
July 13
Membership Night/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30-8 PM for Pool Noodle Backyard
Games (and taking care of membership business). Bring your $48 member dues and any changes we
should know about for your records. Challenge your friends to play a few games set up in the backyard of Senior Place. Included in this evening’s lineup are bean bag toss, football kick, and target
practice, just to name a few. Be sure to bring a lawn chair to relax in or cheer on your friends.
We’ll enjoy a refreshing summer treat before the night is over.
July 20
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic/ Meet at Lake Kohlmier for this All Group Event, 6 –8 PM.
Bring a fishing rod if you have one you like, or use one provided by our guests from the DNR Minn
Aqua Program. Also bring your fishing lisence. Learn all about fishing from the pros, as we catch
and release fish from the best site in Owatonna. All equipment will be provided to those who don’t
have it. Wear bug spray or sunscreen and a hat if you wish. We’ll fish from the T dock and surrounding area. We’ll use worms for bait, so bring some if you wish.
July 27
Swimming/ Meet at River Springs Water Park, 3065 St Paul Road. Come and cool off
in the pool! Join us for an evening swim, there’s no better way to end the day during our hot Minnesota summers. The twilight rate of $4.50 starts at 5 PM, so come early and stay ’til 8 PM when the
pool closes.TR staff will be there for our usual time , 6:30 –8 PM. Bring your swim suit, towel, treat
$, sunscreen or bug spray, and meet us there!
August 3
National Watermelon Day/ Trivia and Tasting/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30 –8 PM.
If you’ve never celebrated watermelon before, it’s about time you did! Join us as we celebrate this
big fruit on it’s own big day. Sweet and tasty, it’s one of summer’s favorites because it tastes
sooo good. Be ready to play trivia as we form teams, answer questions, eat watermelon and end
the evening with an old fashioned seed spitting contest.
August 10
Wood Fired Pizza and Outdoor Concert in Berne, MN (See Trips for details) or Drop In
Activities/ Meet at Senior Place, 6:30-8 PM. Plan to play cards, board games, any fun past times you
want to bring from home to share with friends. We’ll also have some make and take summer crafts you
can purchase for $1 each. If it’s nice out, you may choose to take a walk or visit outside.
August 17
Steele County Free Fair/ No Program/ Be sure to sign up for the Fair Cleanup Crew (An
All Group Event) and volunteer to give back to your community!
August 24
Grab Bag Bingo/ Meet at Senior Place 6:30—8 PM. Take a look around your
house and look for items, new and gently used, that you think someone else might enjoy. You can
help us build up our prize box by donating items and winning new items to take home. Let Mary
know if you’d like to be a celebrity caller!
August 31
End of Summer Picnic/ Meet at Gainey Park, 431 Selby Ave, 6:30 –8 PM. Bring a dish
to pass and a friend or family member. (Note the change in location as different from past years) Bring
a generous dish to pass, a bag of chips, or cookies to contribute to the meal. Parks and Rec will provide
the hot dogs, buns, condiments and drinks. RSVP so we know how many to plan for by 8/24/16,
Teen Club Activities
July/August 2016
July 7
July 4 Holiday Week/ No Program
Lori Osmundson
July 14
Membership Night/ Grillin’ and Chillin’/ Meet at Brown Park, 6:30 –8 PM, for this free
and fun event. A special guest Griller will share his grilling tips while we sample and learn how to make
some delicious outdoor treats. We’ll end the evening with some active large group games, so come energized! Bring your $48 dues and be ready to update your records.
July 20
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic/ Meet at Lake Kohlmier for this fun All Group event,
6 –8 PM. Bring a fishing rod if you have one you like, or use one provided by our guests from
the DNR Minn Aqua Program. Also bring your fishing lisence. Learn all about fishing from the
pros, as we catch and release fish from the best site in Owatonna. All equipment will be
provided to those who don’t have it. Wear bug spray or sunscreen, and a hat if you wish.
We’ll fish from the T dock and surrounding area. We’ll use worms for bait, so bring some if
you wish. (NOTE THE DAY AND TIME CHANGE)
July 28
Deanna’s Birthday Party/ Meet at Morehouse Chalet, 6:30 –8 PM to raise the
roof for Deanna! It’s time to get down and party with this super fun birthday girl and be part
of her special evening of party games and treats for the whole gang. Save room for a yummy
polka dot cake with ice cream. Bring your best singing voice to wish her a happy birthday!
.
August 4
Swimming / Meet at River Springs Water Park, 5-8 PM. It’s
finally time to celebrate summer with our annual gathering at River Springs Water
Park. The twilight rate of $4 begins at 5 PM and continues ’til closing at 8 PM.
The Teen Club staff will be there 6– 8 PM but you may want to arrive by 5 to
get the most for your money. Bring $4.50 admission, a swim suit, towel, sunscreen, and treat $. Pay at the window and look for your Teen Club friends.
(NOTE THE TIME CHANGE).
August 11
Water Balloon Extravaganza!!!/ Meet at Brown Park, 6:30 –8 PM for this free
and wet event. Soak up the days of summer at our favorite splish splash, action packed, evening of fun at Brown Park. No guarantees on returning home dry tonight. Hope for hot humid
temperatures and watch out, Lori has invested in a machine to fill up 100 water balloons at one
time. Sounds like nobody’s safe, better bring a towel and duck!
August 18
Steele County Free Fair/ No Program/ Be sure to sign up for the Fair Cleanup Crew (An
All Group Event) and volunteer to give back to your community!
August 25
Therapeutic Horse Riding at Rideability/ Meet at Promised Meadows Farms
in Pine Island MN, 6:00 PM. Get ready for another horseback riding adventure with our
friends at Rideability. Ride in a horse drawn wagon, compete in some fun relays, ride and
paint a horse. RSVP to Lori @ 451– 9039 by August 18th and send a $5 donation to the
office. We will all contribute a group donation by check so please pay your fee here before the trip. Wear tennis shoes and comfy clothes, Lori will provide directions and a
waiver form. You must have a completed waiver in hand to participate. (NOTE THE TIME
CHANGE).
.
Send form to:
Owatonna Park and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Program
Registration for July/August 2016
Wendy Reller
Therapeutic Recreation
540 West Hills Circle
Name__________________________________ Phone____________________ Total Paid ________
Circle one:
Member
Non Member
Staff
Scholarship request _____________
Night Club
 __________ July 6
July 4 Holiday Week/ No Program
 __________ July 13
Membership Night/ Backyard Games/Senior Place
Bring $48 dues
 __________ July 20
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic/ Lake Kohlmier
Bring license, rod or use one provided

__________ July 27
Swimming / River Springs Water Park
Bring swimsuit towel sunscreen, and $.

__________ August 3
Watermelon Day and activities/ Senior Place
No fee

__________ August 10
Drop In Activities/ Senior Place
Bring $1 for make and take crafts

__________ August 17
Steele County Free Fair/ No Program

————— August 24
Grab Bag Bingo/ Senior Place
Bring items from home to donate as prizes

————— August 31
End of Summer Picnic/ Gainey Park
Bring chips/cookies, dish to pass, RSVP 8/24/16
LIFE Group

—————
July 6
July 4 Holiday Week/ No Program

—————
July 13
Membership Night/ Kickball/ Brown Park
Bring $48 dues, wear tennis shoes

—————
July 20
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic/ Lake Kohlmier
Bring license, rod, or use one provided

—————
July 26
Movies/ Northwest Cinema 10 Theater
Bring $5 admission and soda $

—————
August 3
Swimming/ River Springs Water Park
Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and $

—————
August 10
Pizza Happy Hour/Planning / Senior Place
Bring ideas, $3 for pizza, and beverage

—————
August 17
Steele County Free Fair/ No Program

—————
August 24
Sand Volleyball/ Lake Kohlmier
No fee

—————
August 31
Grilling Out/ Mineral Springs Park Pavilion
RSVP and $4 supply fee both due 8/22/16
Teen Club

—————
July 7
July 4 Holiday Week / No Program

—————
July 14
Membership Night/ Grillin & Chillin/ Brown Park
Bring $48 dues

—————
July 20
Minn Aqua Fishing Clinic/ Lake Kohlmier
Bring license, rod, or use one provided

—————
July 28
Deanna’s Birthday Party/ Morehouse Park Chalet
No fee

__________ August 4
Swimming / River Springs Water Park
Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and $

—————
Water Balloon Extravaganza/ Brown Park
Bring a towel, no fee

__________ August 18
Steele County Free Fair/ No Program

__________ August 25
Rideability/Pine Island, MN
August 11
Bring a signed waiver, & $5 donation
Seasonal Options

__________ June 13
Summer Bowling League / SPARETIME Entertainment $21.50 Registration fee, $5.50 weekly fee

__________ July 12
Walking Group/ meets 2x weekly, July& Aug, 2016
$15 registration fee

__________ July 13/14
Membership Nights for July -December, 2016
Bring $48 member dues

————— Aug 17/18/19 Volunteer for Fair Cleanup Crew (2-4 PM )
Circle the date

To register for trips call or stop in to the Park and Rec office: 507-444-4321
Owatonna Parks and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation 2016 July/ August Newsletter
Special Olympics Practice Schedule
Softball/ Scott Clark, Coach (507) 363– 0156
Brown Park (excluding 6/18, when we play at Morehouse Park)
June 11– August 17
Saturdays at 10 –12 AM, and Wednesdays, 6 –8 PM
(Wed. practice is for non Park and Rec members, only)
Area Tournament: July 16/ Faribault, MN
State Tournament: August 19-21/ Woodbury, MN/Bielenberg Sports Center,
If you have an interest in volunteering with Special Olympics Sports, please call Roy Koenig at 451–
2250. They are always looking for volunteer coaches. If you are interested in participating in Special
Olympics as an athlete, visit the Minnesota Special Olympics website @ www.somn.org for registration
information.
OWATONNA PARK AND RECREATION
540 WEST HILLS CIRCLE
OWATONNA MN 55060