This is the Farmington feed, bringing you information from the city of Farmington. >> Hi and welcome back to the Farmington fee. I'm Karen Hajniki, the city's communications specialist, and I'm hungry for another episode of the feed. We have two special guests with us today. Here to discuss the Ramling River Center and the recent renovations are two of the Rambling River Center advisory board members, Mary Garlet and Blanch Riker. Hi and welcome guys. >> Hi. >> Hi. Hello. >> So Mary has been a member at RC for how long? over five years. >> All right. And a board member for over three years. >> Awesome. And then Blanch, how long have you been a member? >> I think I've probably been a member maybe close to 20 years. >> Awesome. >> And I've been on the board. I don't remember, but I know it's more than 10. >> Yeah. Awesome. And so you've seen a lot of different changes. >> Oh, yes. >> We are going to talk about the renovations. We're going to talk about membership and a little bit about your journeys at the center. Okay. What was your first reaction when you saw the new building, Mary? >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> Even from the outside, you know, you first walk up there and it looks like a whole new building, even though it really isn't. It just has that new updated modern look to it. >> What about you, Blanch? >> Oh, it is so awesome. When I first went in, I thought, "Oh my gosh, this looks like it's been added on." But it really hasn't been. >> Yeah. just opened up and brightened up and >> yes, it's just beautiful. >> Can you tell me a little bit about your the most improved space that you think is in the building? >> Well, I think the major one that made the most significance change is when you would first walk into the building. >> Yeah. >> Before it was really a crowded entryway and people would jam up. But here it's big and open and you know you can get waited on, you can visit and you don't feel crowded and closed in. >> Oh, for sure. What do you think, Blanch? >> I agree completely with Mary. It's just room upon room and it's just I'm hoping that we can put maybe some little round tables in that entryway just >> like little coffee tables or something. >> Yeah, something like that. Yeah, it's just like such a nice space and like you can just hang out there too and not have to be feel like you got to get out of the way, right? >> Yes. >> What surprised you the most about the renovation, Blanch? What do you think? >> Well, we knew we were changing the inside arranging, but it is just so awesome and it really helps everybody >> like navigating through the building and just getting to where you want to be. >> Yeah. Well, I think it's just great the layout of the building now and the rooms all seem larger, >> right? Because they're just brightened up and >> Yes. Yes. And we've added bathrooms. >> Oh, yeah. And additional bathrooms is always a good thing. >> And one really large bathroom that's really designed for handicap people, individuals. It's going to be wonderful for those that need it. >> So, another feature that's new, brand new, is the patio that will be coming. Well, it's partially there, right? Um, are you excited to use that? >> Oh, absolutely. >> Yes, that's gonna be fun. >> You're gonna sit outside and what? Chat with your coffee and >> Yes. >> We may even do some exercises outside and play some games out there. >> Perfect. Okay. Oh, cuz you teach some of the classes, don't you, Mary? >> Yes. Yes. >> And which ones are those? >> Well, I teach a general stretching and balance class and I also lead the sale classes. What sale is is actually stands for stay active and independent for life. It's designed for senior citizens and it just tries to help them maintain or maybe increase their mobility a bit >> and to just just keep going. You know, if you don't use something, you do lose it. >> For sure. And that class is offered how often? >> Twice a week. We do a Tuesday and a Friday morning. >> Okay, nice. Um, and then Blanch, what about you? What what what do you participate in when you're at the Ringling River Center? >> We have a a carving class, wood carving class. >> Okay. >> That and come in for exercise every week like Mary said. It's just awesome. >> So, do you do classes or do you use like the fitness center? >> I actually do the classes, but I think I might like to see what I think about using the equipment because I do do that at home. I do a lot of walking and stuff, but >> And it's a nice view in there now, right? Like >> beautiful. >> Those beautiful tall windows and it's open and a little bit of sun comes in and >> you can close the shades in case it's too bright, but >> at least you get that natural light in there now. So, what is your favorite activity at the Rambling River Center, Mary? >> Well, I'm partial to exercising. Well, you do teach it. I do teach it. Yeah. And I think, you know, it's so important for people, like I said, just keep moving. if they can if they can attend any any of our exercise classes. We offer such a wide variety and we have something for everyone and all abilities >> and and then the exercise room they can use the equipment at their own speed and abilities. >> I know there's a lot of classes that are free for members, correct? And then there's some paid classes, right? >> The majority of our exercise classes and activities are free to members. Okay, awesome. Blanch, what's your favorite? >> I like everything that Mary said, but it's kind of fun to meet on Fridays. >> Okay. >> To play bingo. >> I was going to say, what's special about Fridays? I think I um said hi to you guys last Friday. >> And there's a lot of people that love it. >> Yeah. >> And so we just have lots of fun and >> Yeah. And I bet it's nice to be back in that banquet room. >> Oh, it is. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> You guys have a hoot, don't you? >> We do. And so I know we just talked about memberships a little bit. So membership only costs $41 for for the year, right? >> Correct. 12 months. >> 12 months like a rolls. Okay. So you can start whenever. >> Yes. >> And it includes so much. So we mentioned some fitness classes. What else does that include? >> We offer different types of speakers. We have come in and offer different topics. Okay. >> Free to the the members. We they range from financial planning to assistance with uh enrollment for insurance. >> Oh yeah, >> it's really a wide variety. And if maybe a member has an interest in a certain topic, they'll they can approach us and say, "Hey, can we get a workshop come in and talk about this?" >> Oh yeah. Another one we try to annually provide a workshop for is different types of security >> and how to identify if something might be a fraud in that >> protection for for our members >> for sure. What else? What other fun activities that members can partake in? >> Well, like I did mention the wood carving. That's always fun and just getting together. There's a some women that just come in for coffee and >> Okay. >> And uh I know most of them and so it's fun to catch up with them and >> have a couple jokes. >> Yeah. See what's going on. >> And I know there's a library in there. How does that work? Do they just borrow a book and >> Yes. Yes. They just come in and pick out a book and they can take it, keep it however long they want. There's no expiration date. >> Okay. and bring it back and >> get a different one. >> All right. And then I did see someone playing or doing puzzles in there as well. There's like a puzzle board. >> Yes, >> there's that. Oh, and there was what else? Um the bread. I think I got to see some of that. What's that program? >> There was a lot of bread in there. >> Yes. Yes, a lot. They're from uh the different uh grocery stores. pick up fresh bread that has maybe one or two days left on >> Oh, yep. >> And it's free. It's still good stuff because usually >> they just can't sell it anymore. >> Yeah. And stuff is usually you can use it beyond that >> that date. Oh, that's awesome. >> Yeah. There's a lot there today. >> Um so if someone's interested in becoming a member, they just need to come in and say, "Hey, I want to be a member. Can I have a tour?" you know, anytime that you guys are open, right? >> Yes. >> And that's Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 3:30, correct? >> Yes. >> Correct. >> Awesome. >> Can you guys tell me a little bit about how you got involved initially with the center, Mary? I think I remember reading a story about you. >> Well, yes. Well, actually that came about uh after my husband had passed away. And after a while, I just I just wanted to do something. I didn't know what I wanted to do. I really had no direction. And then one of my acquaintances says, "Well, I think there's a senior center there in Farmington. Why don't you maybe check that out?" And so I did. >> And I came in and had a tour and visited with them and I thought, "Oh, wow. There's a lot of things going on here. I think I'd like to join." >> Yeah. >> And so I did. I became a member and started taking classes and that. And then uh one day uh I was approached. They said well they were going to incorporate this new exercise program called sale and they were looking for people to lead it and they thought maybe I'd be interested. I said oh I can't do that. I've never done anything like that before. I don't think so. They said we really think you can. I said well let me think about it. >> Okay. And how long did you think about it? >> I did a couple days. I talked to my family members. I said, "Do you guys think I could do that?" They said, "Yeah, that'd be great for you to do." And so I came back and I said, "You know, I think I'd like to try it, but just know I you know, like I said, I have no experience in this type of of leadership." Mhm. >> And so I did and we we went through classes and you you're trained how to be a leader and classes and first couple I was a little nervous about when I was on my own leading my own >> but then I got to go and I said you know what I love doing this. >> Yeah. >> And the feedback from the the ones taking the class they said well this is great. So I said well thank you. So been doing it ever since. >> Yay. That's awesome. Blanch, how about you? Do you remember how you got started? Did somebody just say, "Hey, come visit the center." >> Well, I I moved to uh Farmington so I could be closer to my son and family. >> And I I don't recall who told me or what, but >> I thought, you know, that's a good idea to get out and socialize, especially with people, >> especially when you're living alone. >> Yep. >> And stuff. And it was I first I just did a a couple things and then I just slowly got into it and >> and now you're there all the time, right? >> A lot. But it's fun. >> Good. Um and then did was there someone who inspired either one of you guys to join the board or did you just say, you know what, I need to be more involved. What do you think? >> I think somebody asked me and I can't remember if it was Missy or >> Yeah. or who? >> But somebody said, "You should be on the board." >> Well, they they said you'd like to be on I'll try it. >> Yeah. And then here you are 10 plus years later or whatever. Right. Mary, how about you? >> Well, for me, actually, Blanch is the one that suggested I do. We were playing bingo one day and we were just talking and she said, "See, by the way, there's going to be an opening come up. Why don't you apply for it?" And I go, "Really?" She said, "Yeah." So I did and I became on a came on the board and have been on it ever since. >> Awesome. Members, inspiring members. >> So what would you say to someone that's kind of considering joining the Rambling River Center? What would what would your comment to me to them? >> Well, I would tell them that there are so many things to do, so many programs, so many fun things for people, for individuals, everyone >> that you'd love it. >> Yeah. Mary, what would you say? >> Well, I'd advise them just to come in. Just come in and talk to us, you know, take a tour, see what's going on, maybe sit in on a couple different activities going on, >> and they're going to be surprised at how much interaction you have with others and that everyone is so friendly and willing to help. >> And it's really amazing. And you're made to feel so welcome. >> Yeah, that's important, right? >> Mhm. >> All right, let's end with this question. I usually ask, what's the funniest thing that's ever happened, but I don't want to go there today. I want to go I want your favorite memory. What's your favorite RRC memory? >> Once you get in there and you start meeting people and doing things, it's just fun. >> You just want to be there, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I like it, Mary. Well, for myself, it's actually been very rewarding for me. Like through my classes, if I have someone catch me after class or that and says, you know, what you've been teaching us, it's been so helpful. Uh, for example, one lady walked in one day and she had to walk with a cane and was very limited on mobility. And then a while later, she threw her cane away and said, "You know, this is so wonderful. I haven't felt this good for years." >> Oh, that's an awesome. >> And it just makes you feel so good. You know, it makes me feel good to be able to help people like that. >> Yeah, for sure. I know. >> Well, thank you so much, Mary Blanch, for giving us a preview of the Rambling River Center renovations. And you want everybody to come see you, right? Come say hi. >> Absolutely. Yeah. check out the new amenities and the new layout and all the good things. There's going to be a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 13th, I believe, at 10:00 a.m. >> with coffee and cake or something and then like a official ribbon cutting. So, come on and check out the center if you don't have a chance before then. >> If you want to get involved, they can attend your meetings, correct? You guys are have open meetings. Um, so your meetings the second Monday of the month. Yes. >> At 9:30 at the Rambling River Center, >> right? Um people also volunteer at the center, right? >> Oh yes. >> So um that's a big part of what helps make it work. Correct. >> That is. >> And so you want to get involved, join and then become a volunteer as well. >> And then if you have questions, they anybody can just call the Rambling River Center at 651-28-6970. >> But also don't forget the RC is a great place to hold your next event. There's rentals that are easy and affordable. You just go on the recreation website.faringtonmn.gov or just call the center for more information as well. And before I wrap up today's episode, I want to share a few things. Music in the Park series continues this Wednesday on July 23rd with Fred the Bear. It'll be at Rambling River Park starting at 7:00 p.m. Sponsors for this event are Castle Rock Bank, Farmington Youth Hockey Association, Farmington Liquors, Hobo, Sierra Jewel State Farm, and VFW Post 7662. And a special thanks to Marshall Line. They'll be at the event with a bus, face painting, and free popcorn. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held at the Rambling River Center. You can check out the new digs in case the weather's bad at 325 Oak Street in the banquet room. Check the weather hotline for information at 651-28-6871. National Night Out is just around the corner. It'll be Tuesday, August 5th in your neighborhood. Police and Fire will make stops at your party. Just request a visit via the online form. It can be found at farmingtonmn.gov/no. And finally, the Hyperspace Starcade video game truck is coming to Farmington and will be in Rambling River Parking lot on Thursday, August 7th, starting at 6 PM. This event is for ages 6 and up. Don't wait. Register today. It's only $59. Go to web.farington.gov. Well, that concludes this month's episode of the Farmington Feed. Thank you for listening. We look forward to connecting with residents with this podcast. If you have any feedback, guest requests, or ideas, email me at communications@farington.gov. Don't forget to subscribe to the Farmington Bean, wherever you like to get your podcasts.