Commerce East - TGIF

“The funniest thing keeps happening to me on Fridays…I miss place my energy when the sun comes up and I always seem to find it when the sun goes down…I think I have it all backwards…” – an anonymous Facebook status

 Today is Friday and many individuals at Commerce East have plans for the weekend. Some are going camping and some are planning movie dates. The temperatures this weekend are supposed to be in the 80s with some chances of showers and thunderstorms. But, do not be deter. Great movies are out in theaters so if the weather is a hindrance, catch a movie instead.

Cars 2 arrived in theaters today and Green Lantern came out last weekend (June 17). MovieGuy saw Super 8 in theaters last night and highly recommended the movie. The movie was scary and suspenseful. “I jumped!!” said MovieGuy.

If you get a chance, let us know what summer movies you recommend checking out!

For movie showtimes and more previews, go to Moviefone.

Commerce East - S’mores Galore

What do: mosquitoes, tents, sleeping bags, marshmallows, chocolate, crackers, fishing, boating, more mosquitoes, other nasty bugs, and bonfires all have in common?

Camping!

Tis the season for camping and many of the consumers at Commerce East went to camp or are going to camp this summer. Ms.Jewels went to camp last week; she shared her experience of eating pancakes for breakfast and making s’mores at camp. MissSocialite and MovieGuy are going to camp in the upcoming weeks. MissSocialite is ecstatic about her camping plans and eagerly expressed her excitement.

Here are some camping tips:

·        A potato baked in the coals for one hour makes an excellent side dish. A potato baked in the coals for three hours makes an excellent hockey puck.

·        Take this simple test to see if you qualify for solo camping. Shine a flashlight into one ear. If the beam shines out the other ear, do not go into the woods alone.

·        In emergency situations, you can survive in the wilderness by shooting small game with a slingshot made from the elastic waistband of your underwear.

·        Get even with a bear who raided your food bag by kicking his favorite stump apart and eating all the ants.

·        A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between your toes.

(Tips taken from http://www.basicjokes.com/djoke.php?id=98)

If interested in camp information, centers such as Courage Center offers camping experiences. Check them out at http://www.couragecamps.org/

Friendship Ventures also offers various camping experiences for individuals with special needs. Information can be obtain at their website: http://www.friendshipventures.org/

Commerce West – Staying Hydrated & Summer Fun

Last Week we talked about Summer Safety, and gave you some good tips on how to stay safe when out riding your bike. This week we’re going to give you some tips on staying hydrated!
 
-Drinking lots of water is the key. On a normal day drinking between 8-10 glasses is ok, but on a hot day you’re going to want to drink 10+ glasses to stay hydrated!
 -         Don't use thirst as an indicator for staying hydrated. If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, you're already dehydrated.

-         Choosing what you drink is very important as well. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, teas and some soft drinks will increase the chances of getting dehydrated.
-On those warmer days, take plenty of breaks from your daily activities to get in the shade and drink plenty of water. This will decrease your chances of suffering from dehydration!
 
Dolly says “she likes adding fruit punch to her water at times, its makes it taste a little different!”  
 
On a different note, we would like to remind our readers of fun summer events around town. This June, Dolly is looking forward to The Manitou Days Parade!
 
Manitou Days is located in White Bear Lake, MN. It starts on June 16^th and runs until July 4^th. The parade is on June 17^th it goes from 6:30pm until 8pm So grab your chairs, your friends and most importantly, your water!!
 

Commerce East - Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

The Sunken Garden

On Friday, May 27^th, 2011, some consumers from Commerce East visited the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul.

A brief history:

Como Park Conservatory opened in 1915. In 2002, it was renamed Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. The park is operated by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department, offering free admissions to the zoo and conservatory; however, donations are greatly appreciated.

At the conservatory:

The conservatory consists of indoor and outdoor gardens. Inside the conservatory, visitors can visit the Sunken Garden, North Garden and the Palm Dome. A variety of seasonal plants can be seen in the five flower shows offered in the Sunken Garden year round. Bananas, coffee, sugar canes, and other familiar plants can be found in the North Garden. The Palm Dome has palms in various shapes and sizes along with fountains and orchids.



"some kind of rose" displayed in the Sunken Garden



On the walk to the visitor’s center, visitors can go through the Fern Room. If the climate becomes too tropical, step outside and explore the Enchanted Garden with butterflies and frog ponds. Take another route and enjoy the Japanese Garden.

For more information about the conservatory and visiting hours and events, check out the Como Park and Zoo homepage at: http://www.comozooconservatory.org/

Voc- June

June is National SAFETY month!!

With June being National Safety month we will be giving a safety tip each week on different topics!

This week is about Summertime Safety and as many of you know bike riding is a popular thing to do this time of year.

Remember riding a bike can be very dangerous so here are some tips on safe bicycling:

1.      Always wear a Helmet

2.    If traveling in groups always ride in a single file line to avoid collisions with other bicyclists.

3.    Remember to look both ways when crossing any road.

4.    If riding at night make sure you have the proper clothing on- reflectors, so drivers can see you.

5.    Bring lots of water if it’s a hot day, you don’t want to get dehydrated.

6.    If riding alone, always let someone know where you will be in-case of an emergency.

7.     Always put on sunscreen (SPF 30+) at least 10 minutes before heading out.

MJay says “his favorite place to ride his bicycle is around the park with his dad”

                               

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With Summer approaching in just a few weeks, people are starting to get excited. Not only does summer mean; picnics in the park, fishing and swimming it also means it’s almost time for camp!  

Camp Courage has been the name that has come into many conversations around the building lately! When asked how they like it Ray-Ray Stated “He loves going to Camp Courage  and cant wait to go back every year” Another camp that has been in talk is Camp Friendship. Bookworm said she “has been going there since she was little, but has taken a break the last few years and misses going” Mjay states his “favorite thing to do there is swim.”

                                                      

To find out more information on these camps click the link below:

Camp Friendship 

Camp Courage