Seniors Active in Winsted (SAW), a local organization composed of residents who organize activities and opportunities for Winsted's aging community, will host its first-ever Oktoberfest Thursday, Oct. 23, from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The event, which is open to the community, will take place in the Vollmer Room at Winsted City Hall, which also serves as the city's senior center. It will feature a German-themed lunch but will not include beer and other alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic beer will also be off limits.
Instead, attendees will be served apple cider and homemade Spezi, a traditional German soft drink that combines cola and orange soda. Lunch will be served at noon for $5 per person and will include brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and apple crisp.
Those interested in attending must pre-order their meals by Friday, Oct. 17, by calling SAW Coordinator Cindy Fiecke at 612-518-2870.
The celebration will also include live music from Jim Strehlke of Alpensterne, whose band is known for performing popular German folk songs throughout Minnesota and beyond. Strehlke will perform from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Fiecke said SAW decided to host an Oktoberfest to create an event that brings the community together, adding that the organization hopes to make it an annual tradition if it is well-received.
Added SAIL session
One of SAW's earliest and most successful initiatives has been its Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program, a free bi-weekly exercise class designed to promote health and balance among seniors.
The class focuses on exercises that improve strength and stability, helping participants prevent falls and related injuries.
The Winsted SAIL program, led by Carolyn Barr, Elaine Olson, Anne Voas, Theresa Otto, Carol Quast, Deb Guggemos, and Cathy Wolford, has grown to include more than 100 participants from Winsted and nearby communities. Last year, the program was recognized by the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) and the AmeriCorps Seniors Association of Minnesota for its success.
Until recently, SAIL hosted two sessions each Monday and Friday - one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 9:45 a.m. Due to an ever-growing waitlist for the two sessions, SAW has now added a third beginning at 11 a.m.
SAW is still accepting new members for the 11 a.m. class. Anyone interested in joining can contact Fiecke for more information.
Updates to congregate dining
Another key SAW initiative, the congregate dining program, provides seniors aged 60 and older an opportunity to enjoy affordable, freshly prepared meals in a social setting.
Originally taking place at River of Life Church, the weekly lunches now occur at the senior center every Thursday at noon. Meals cost $5 and must be pre-ordered.
Previously, SAW worked with Lutheran Social Services' (LSS) dining center in Hutchinson to supply meals. However, the organization has since transitioned to partnering with several local businesses, including The Corner Bar, Blue Note Restaurant, Glenn's SuperValu, Subway, and occasionally Keg's Bar.
These restaurants rotate weekly, offering participants a variety of meal options each month. Fiecke said the local partnerships have allowed SAW to provide higher-quality meals while also supporting area businesses.
"Five dollars is a great deal for meals from any of these establishments," she said.
Fiecke added that SAW is grateful for the community support.
Monthly meal schedules - along with information about SAW's events and workshops - are listed in the organization's printed calendars, which are available for free at Keaveny Drug, Glenn's SuperValu, St. John's Lutheran Church, the local Subway, and both levels of Winsted City Hall.
Other upcoming events
In addition to Oktoberfest, SAW has several other events planned this fall.
A wellness discussion focused on understanding lab values and results will take place Monday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. in the senior center.
The session will be led by Dr. Tim Meyer from Ridgeview Internal Medicine, who will explain how physicians interpret lab results to help seniors manage their health. The event is free, and no registration is required.
On Monday, Nov. 24, local resident Monica Hertzog, owner of Budding Ideas, will lead a flower arrangement workshop at the senior center. The session will cost $20 per person, and registration will be required. Those interested can contact Fiecke to sign up.
Fiecke said SAW is happy to provide a variety of engagement opportunities for local seniors, noting that the organization has been a valuable addition to the community, benefiting Winsted's aging population while bringing people together.