Do you or someone you know need some basic computer training? As usual, East Side Neighborhood Services (1700 Second Street NE) has a program for that, and it’s FREE. Class schedules are listed below but, to participate, you need to sign up in advance. Interested? Contact Ellen Stavreff at 612-787-4095 to RSVP.

FREE Computer Basics Training (English language)

February 1: 10:30-12:30, Basic computer
February 2: 10:30-12:30, Microsoft Word
February 3: 10:30-12:30, Internet
February 4: 11:30-1:30, Gmail
February 5: 9:30-10:30 Computer Practice/Review, 10:30-12:30 Northstar Certification Exam.

FREE Computer Basics Training (Spanish language)

February 22: 10:30-12:30, Basic computer
February 23: 10:30-12:30, Microsoft Word
February 24: 10:30-12:30, Internet
February 25: 11:30-1:30, Gmail
February 26: 9:30-10:30 Computer Practice/Review, 10:30-12:30 Northstar Certification Exam.

Again, please contact Ellen Stavreff at 612-787-4095 to RSVP.

There are many important programs at East Side Neighborhood Services. Here are few you can add to your calendar:

FREE Financial Empowerment Sessions at East Side
Budgeting to Create Emergency Savings
January 14, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Learn how to use your current budget to build a realistic savings for life’s unexpected but sure-to-happen emergencies. Call Camri (612) 787-4068 to register.

Prepare and Prosper FREE Tax Preparation
Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings
January 23 – April 18 at East Side
Prepare and Prosper will provide free tax preparation to low-income individuals and families. There is no need to sign up – service is walk-in only. The order in which clients are served will be determined randomly. Everyone present at the sign-in time, which is 5:15 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 8:15 am on Saturday, has an equal chance to be served and to be seen first. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before the sign-in time. Those arriving after the sign in time will be served if there is time.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
Mondays and Wednesdays January 25 to April 13
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at East Side
12 week class to reduce risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through coordinated movements in a slow, circular, flowing motion. $10 suggested donation pays for 24 classes. Contact Brenna Horn to register: 612-787-4055 or [email protected]. Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance is sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging in the 7 county metro area.

FREE Tax Assistance for Seniors – February 1 to April 13
Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings beginning February 1 through April 13
AARP will be providing free tax assistance to low-income senior and disabled individuals at East Side. Assistance is by appointment only and may be made in person or by calling the front desk. Volunteer tax preparers will be here Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings beginning February 1 through April 13. Appointment times fill up fast, so if you know anyone that could benefit, encourage them to call early. (612) 781-6011

Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle
Saturday – February 6 – 9:30 AM
The biggest snowshoe race in Minnesota! Participants come from around the country to participate in this fun and challenging winter race. All proceeds benefit Camp Bovey, a summer youth program of East Side. For more information, visit www.snowshoeshuffle.org

40th Annual Senior Appreciation Valentine Luncheon
Thursday, February 11, 2016 – 11:30 AM seating
Admission by ticket only – Cost $4.00
Community members 55+ welcome.
Tickets can be purchased at: the Senior Food Shelf (1801 Central Avenue NE) or at East Side Neighborhood Services (1700 Second Street NE). Call 612-781-6011 with questions.

FREE Financial Empowerment Sessions at East Side
Strategies for Paying off Debt
February 11, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Learn the shortcuts that lenders and debt collectors don’t want you to know and begin your journey to financial freedom! Call Camri (612) 787-4068 to register.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions – Six week workshop
February 16 to March 22 – Tuesdays – 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Contact Brenna Horn to register: (612) 787-4055 or [email protected]

Elder Law Clinics at ESNS – Next Clinic: August 22
Neighborhood seniors can meet with an attorney for a half-hour consultation at no charge. Appointments begin at 10:00 am and end at 2:00 pm. To make an appointment contact Laura at (612) 781-6011 or lmurphy@esns.org. Clinic dates: August 22, September 26 and October 24.

Aging is for Everyone—Health & Wellness Expo 2015
Tuesday – September 15, 2015
10:00 AM to Noon
At East Side Neighborhood Services

East Side 100 Years Centennial Gala
Thursday, September 24, 2015
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
At the Historic Nicollet Island Pavilion

Nordeast Big River Brew Fest
Saturday, October 10, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
East Side Neighborhood Services

Mark your Calendar for the 2014 Holiday Train!

2014 Holiday Train (click here to see flyer)
Wednesday, December 10, 7:30 – 9:00 pm

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train arrives at approximately 8:30 pm. Come to Shoreham Rail Yard, 2800 Central Avenue NE, for a night of live musical entertainment, kid’s activities, horse-drawn hayrides and refreshments. Support the food shelves of ESNS by bringing a cash or non-perishable food donation to the 2014 Holiday Train. This is the only stop in Minneapolis, so don’t miss the train! (Please share this within your community. If you would like copies made to distribute, you can call (612) 781-6011 to have them printed, then pick them up at East Side.)

More Upcoming Events:

How to Ride the Bus and Light-Rail
Tuesday, November 25, 10:45 am
A Customer Advocate from Metro Transit will be at East Side to help Seniors learn the ins-and-outs of using Metro Transit. Call for more information 612-781-6011.

MNsure Assistance
Every Monday, 11 am – 1 pm
Need help signing up for MNsure?  Every Monday a MNsure Navigator is at East Side Neighborhood Services. Call Laura for an appointment 612-781-6011.

Tai Ji Quan – Moving for Better Balance
Mondays and Wednesdays, through  Nov 24, 1-2pm. Free!
Come and experience a combination of Tai Chi and moving to create better balance. We are in the dining room at ESNS. Come 10 minutes early to complete a needed form.

Renters Rights
Tuesday, December 9, 10:45 – 11:45 am
A free presentation at East Side. Open to seniors.

10th Annual Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle (click here to see flyer)
Saturday, February 7, 2015
For more information, please visit www.snowshoeshuffle.org