DATE:           June 24, 2022

                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Tom Pawelk 

                      (763) 295-2711 | tom.pawelk@ci.monticello.mn.us

The City of Monticello Partners with YMCA’s Camp Manitou

Monticello, MN – The City of Monticello is happy to announce our new partnership with the YMCA and Camp Manitou!

This summer, beginning June 26, the Monticello Community Center (MCC) will provide lifeguard staff to Camp Manitou from 12-6 p.m. on Sundays through August 28.

Camp Manitou offers an outdoor aquatic center at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. The water features are open to campers and the public for $10 per person, children 2 and under are free. However, in exchange for staffing, MCC members can now get in for free on Sundays!

This new partnership is a welcome addition to the Community Center’s wide range of amenities including our indoor pool and waterslide, fitness center and classes, climbing wall, and ice arena.

If you are interested in an MCC membership, please contact Member Services at (763) 271-7127 or visit us anytime during business hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. MCC is closed on Sunday’s through Labor Day.

September is National Senior Center Month: Discover Monticello’s Today!

The Monticello Senior Center is located in the Monticello Community Center at 505 Walnut Street. The senior center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Some popular activities at the center include pickleball, card tournaments, billiards, and their bike group. In addition to fun, social activities, the center offers a wide variety of programs to the community. Including their HOME program, IT/Tech support, the Noon Dinner Program, and caregiver services.

HOME Program

The senior center HOME Program offers a variety of services for people ages 60+ including personal technology assistance, handyperson services, home safety checks, housekeeping, lawn care/snow removal and more. The HOME Program offers affordable services with rates based on the participant’s monthly income and ability to pay. The service area includes Monticello and a number of surrounding communities.

Noon Dinner Program

Noon meals are served at the Monticello Senior Center Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday meals are provided by Chin Yuen, Wednesday meals by American Legion Post 260, Thursday meals by VFW Post 8731, and Friday meals by the Cornerstone Café. The meal cost is $5 and anyone age 55+ and spouse (regardless of age) are welcome to dine at the center. Participants need to sign up at the senior center at least one day in advance by noon and pay for the meals they order.

Caregiver Services

If you’re helping an older adult in your life, you are a caregiver. Licensed Social Worker Becky Allard can help you get the support you need to sustain your ability to provide help and maintain your own life balance. Contact Becky at 612-804-0968 to make a one-on-one appointment for individualized support, guidance, or advice. You can also attend a Caregiver Support Group at the senior center on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

The Monticello Senior Center is hosting a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, October 22, 2023 in the Monticello Community Center gym from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This all-you-can-eat event includes scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, ham, donuts, milk, juice, and coffee. The cost is $9 in advance ($10 at the door) for people ages 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and kids under age 6 eat free.

Craft Sale Fundraiser

The Monticello Senior Center is sponsoring a Craft Sale fundraiser on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will be held at the Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut Street. Thousands of craft items will be available for purchase. The senior center will also be serving a delicious sloppy jo lunch during the sale for only $6.