Regular maintenance is a reality for home ownership.  Some things can be handled on your own but some tasks are best left to pros.  Here are a few spring tips to add to your Seasonal Maintenance List.

• Check outside spigots. and garden hoses
• Clean gutters and check downspouts
• Schedule a routine HVAC/air conditioner maintenance appt
• Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
• Aerate lawn, spread preemergent weed control
• Inspect outside of house - siding, foundation, windows, doors
• Wash grime and dirt from the outside of house with garden hose and mild soap
• Service sump pump

Scheels Grill Fest – Eden Prairie

It’s time to fire up the grills in the Scheels parking lot at Eden Prairie Center. Plan to enjoy samples from your favorite grilling brand as well as food for purchase from on-site food trucks.  You can learn a few key tips on grilling, find seasonings and rubs.

Scheels Grill Fest – Eden Prairie

Published June 2, 2025 | Updated June 2, 2025 | by Chrysa /https://www.Thriftyminnesota.com/scheels-grill-fest

 Along with warmer weather, summertime brings ou

Book’em Used Book Sale in Bloomington

Published May 9, 2025 | Updated June 4, 2025 | by Laura

This isn’t your typical used book sale – it’s enormous so there really is something for everyone. And they don’t just sell books; they also have music, movies and TV shows, puzzles, games, video games, and more!  This year is their 30th anniversary!

30th Anniversary!  Book’em Used Book Sale in Bloomington

The annual The Book’em Used Book Sale in Bloomington has thousa

CONCRETE MASONARY 

M.F. Fleischhacker Concrete & Masonry  - Woodbury, MN

DRIVEWAYS | SIDEWALKS | PATIOS | STEPS | FOUNDATION REPAIRS

This family owned company is Google reviewed, has an BBB A+ rating and is licensed and bonded.  Owner, Ryan Fleischhacker works with regular concrete, stamped concrete, and DURA-CRETE®. They are a certified DURA-CRETE® contractor since 1990.

Phone:  651-735-0932 / http

Bike Riding Offers Fun, Freedom and Exercise,

Such a great FREE opportunity to learn about biking and having kids and families ride their bikes as much as possible, all while being safe!

Riders will have the opportunity to get their helmet properly fitted, navigate their bikes through a safety skills course, bike races, bike rides and bike checks will be provided as well. Police and Fire personnel will be in attendance to oversee these activities. 

They are offered in all communities. Ramsey County, White Bear Lake , New Hope,  Check your city’s Official Newsletters or go to https://www.exploreminnesota.com/event/bike-rodeo

This was a really good article I wanted to share.  The Original article is by Allstate Identity Protection /Https://allstateidentifyprotection.com

Facts about Elder Fraud $33,915 is the average amount older adults report losing when scammed

1 in 4 in the number of seniors 65+ who have been victims of identify fraud

Follow along for step-by-step guidance on handling fraud — straight from Allstate Insurance in-house experts.

STAYING SAFE ROADMAP

Here are some tools and resources to make it easy to identify scams and signs of elder fraud. 

STEP ONE

If you’re a senior…

Part of taking care of yourself as you age is plan

May 31st, 2025  11 am - 4 pm  Lake Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr. St. Paul, MN 55106

Info: https://rwmwd.org/events/waterfest/

This free, family festival celebrating our clean lakes provides an opportunity for outdoor hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation.

Event Map: View the map to plan your visit or prep for the Passport Odyssey!

Parking: WaterFest takes place at the Lake Phalen Park Pavilion (1600 Phalen Dr. St. Paul, MN 55106). Parking is limited, so consider coming by bike or using our free shuttles from the Phalen Recreation Center and Phalen

Every May, Ramsey County Master Gardeners host a plant sale offering a large variety of annual flowers, natives, perennials, herbs, vegetables and houseplants for your home and garden. The plant sale funds most of our community service activities, supporting our mission to promote locally grown food and eco-friendly gardening practices throughout Ramsey County. 

Info here  https://www.ramseymastergardeners.org/plantsale

Doors open at 9 AM and plants are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

Ample, free lot parking is available

Aldrich Ice Arena

Aldrich Ice Arena
1850 Whit

Fields of Valor on display at the Maplewood Historical Center (Big Red Barn Bruentrup Heritage Farm).  Parking at Maplewood Mall with Free ADA Shuttle. 

-Artillery Demos

-Living History Re-enactment 

-Antique Quilt Show 

-Food Trucks  

-Historic Kids Games 

Candlelight Tour Friday May 16, 2025 @8:30pm

General Admission Saturday, May 17 at 9 am - 5 pm

1860’s barn Dance Wedding Hop and Dinner Saturday May 17, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

General Admission Sunday, May 18 at 10 am - 4 pm

Questons?  Email info@MaplewoodMuseum.org

Maplewood Area Historical Society

2170 County Road D E  Maplewood, MN  55109

“Almost Half of Seniors 75 and Older Live On Their Own and Want To Stay That Way”

My mom and dad always had a full social calendar - book club, church functions, golfing and dinner dates.  Their home was spotless -Dad took care of the outside while Mom took care of the inside – they were a great team.

Sadly my dad passed and my mom was lost. She did not want to move from her home, but we worried because my mom didn’t know how to maintain the outside.  She didn’t know how to deal with contractors.  She wasn’t proficient on a computer.   She didn’t like to drive or go out alone.  She was in good physical health and just needed “a little help”.  My husband and i looked into private senior concierge service.

Companion care was a perfect solution. With

“Personalized Senior Service with Experience”

My dad is in a large senior community in the Twin Cities.  My dad did not need a lot of help but did want light housekeeping, bedding changes and errands, etc.  The Senior Management Co had personalized senior services so we hired them. At first they were there weekly but as time went on, they came sporaticly and did not do a good job.  We found mold growing in the microwave, the sink drainer, and the bathroom. A couple of times - they just never showed up.  My dad complained but he told me he felt very intimitaded by management.  We looked for a more Personalized Senior Service with  experience.  Dee Ryan and Flying Solo were a great fit.  He found her to be reliable, easy to get ahold of and did a great job.  There was alwa

Mark your calendar - May 1 is the Culver’s Scoops of Thanks Day to raise money for local FFA chapters and other agricultural organizations.

Donate $1 and get a FREE scoop of custard in your choice of vanilla, chocolate or the special flavor of the day.

Flavor of the day… HOW NOW BROWN COW infused with Culver’s Root Beer and swirled with chopped Dove* Chocolate and chocolate cake pieces.

In 2024, 169,457 total scoops served.  Donating to a good cause will get ya delicious custard! 

https://www.culvers.com/about-culvers/thank-you-farmers-project

Original article by Dawn Weinberger Family Handyman Editorial Process

To see the full article go to https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/find-handyman/

Not sure where to find such a person?  Hiring the right handyman is key. Do what you can to make sure they are reliable and honest. check to make sure they have all the required licenses and certifications for their specialty in your state or municipality. This provides peace of mind and consumer protection in the event that something goes horribly wrong.

Good news — word of mouth, the internet and social media

There are many types of concierges in the hospitality industry. They cover everything from the critical to the mundane. A Personal Concierge is someone who assists and gives you a support network that didn’t exist before. You buy time and/or tasks and they tailor the package to fit your situation because let’s face it - you need different solutions than the next person.

Personal Concierges are generally local experts and are usually well connected in the neighborhood and to businesses. They

Most Important Characteristics and Skills Wanted from a Concierge as Listed by Our Clients and Their Families

We recently polled our clients and families to see why they decided to hire Flying Solo Concierge service and here are their answers…

Important Characteristics

• Dependable
• Polite, smiling and happy
• Always Communicates especially if a schedule change is needed
• Lots and lots of Customer Service
• Can Multi Tasking
• Has great Organization Skills
• Offers Companionship
• Easy collaboration with client and family
• Proactive and gets the job done
• Empthy and Patence 
• Local Knowlege
• Affordable

Imp

Published April 23, 2025 | Updated April 25, 2025 | by Hannah | 

“From Transitional Care To Home”

My husband and I are older adults.  He fell and broke his femer bone.  I was very worries about leaving transitional care.  A friend recommended Flying Solo after she had a fall and was hospitalized.  She was very confident Dee Ryan and Flying Solo could help us.

I called Dee and she listened to my worries.  She said “To ensure this transition is successful, I will come to the transitional care facility to meet you and your husband.  Then, we can go over what both of youa re expecting from the concierge service.  we’ll reading through all the discharge instructions and prepare your home for any special equipment needed.  We want both of you to be comfortable so we can move furniture  avoiding trip hazards, and we’ll make special re

Found this helpful article  at PARx Home Health Care  follow link Exploring Government Programs For Home Repairs

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

The Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants program, also called the Section 504 Home Repair program, helps homeowners. This program gives loans to those who need to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. For elderly homeowners, it even offers grants to get rid of health and safety hazards. To qualify, you might need to meet income limits and show that your home has health or safety issues.

HUD Home Improvement Loan Programs

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has several loan p

“Organizing and Moving to FL”

On my 70th birthday, I was living alone in the house my husband and I raised our family in.  My kids were far away and they were busy dealing with their own families - I hardly ever saw them.  My home was comfortable but aging (just like me!)  Home upkeep was overwhelming me.   I wanted to move to FL near my sister.  The thought of moving and everything that went with it was daunting – there was so much to do.  I just never could get up the energy to do it. 

On a recommendation, I called Flying Solo and Dee Ryan.  She was helpful and confident.  We talked about my goals and what my timeline was. She reassured me that organizing and downsizing was actually going to be fun. 

I bought the two (2) hour Intro package to see what

“Hip Surgery And Then Some”

I have hired Flying Solo since the spring of 2024.  I knew Dee’s parents well and witnessed how Dee and her family assisted her mother from downsizing from a house to an assisted living community.  They were caring, attentive and wonderful! 

When I lost my husband and then had to have hip surgery - I called Dee and hired Flying Solo.  I was worried about recovering at home while alone.  I didn’t have to worry becasue Dee and I  planned everything out from morning checkins to afternoon visits to evening meals and when I needed something - it was Flying Solo to the rescue. 

She has helped me with setting up appts, waiting with me while service people were in my home, cooking special items for a 4th of July party, errands, shopping wi

Upcoming Maplewood Community events for your calendar!  www.maplewoodmn,gov

April 20 - 26  Earth Week Cleanup Challenge.   To help keep our parks clean, with all the budget cuts ahead, it is even more important to keep a bag on your person while walking a park.  It’s a PLALKING challenge (Pick Up While Walking).

April 22  RedCross Battle Of The Badge Blood Drive.  There is no easier way to save a life than by donating blood.  From Noon to 6PM Maplewood North Fire Station  (1530 County Rd C East).  To ensure a spot, please pre-register at redcrosblood.org/give Sponsor Code: BATTLE

May 3  Spring Clean Up Day.Maplewood Spring Clean Up day is from 8am - 1pm at Aldrich Arena Parking Lot (

Here are top recommendations from The American Cancer Society for assistance ideas (https://donate.cancer.org) or 800-227-2345

Personal network - Care team, Social worke, Patient navigator or advocate, Oncology nurse, Family, Friends, Church

SHORT TERM LODGING

The American Cancer Society  ( 800-227-2345) Hope Lodge®. This program offers families a free place to stay when cancer treatment is given far from home.

Extended Stay America has partnered with the American Cancer Society to offer discounted rooms for people who have to be away from home for cancer treatment.

Healthcare Hospitality Network is a group of nearly 200 non-profit organizations throughout the US that provide free or low-cost lodging to

Are you preparing for a significant transition? Plan ahead and review your progress with this five-point checklist. Many tasks can be completed well in advance to be truly effective.

• PICK YOUR DATE EARLY: Plan your move date well in advance to manage tasks like reserving furniture transport, picking up enough supplies, decluttering, sorting, packing, address change, etc.
• MAKE TWO (2) LISTS on two different colored monthly calendar:
  • List what needs to be done at the OLD LOCATION. Sit down with a blank monthly calendar. Schedule daily goals to accomplish and stay focused. Identify Monthly goals, weekly goals and daily goals to keep you on a timeline of tasks to be done before it becomes overwhelming.
  • List what will be needed at

“How To Make Downsizing Easier”

We moving to FL!”  I still couldn’t believe it and I was having a panic attack.  We were downsizing from 4250 sq ft to 1800 sq ft - that’s a lot! I was overwhelmed and I knew I was going to need help.  I was breathing into a bag - trying to figure out where to start when my daughter called.  “Mom - I found someone who can help!  The company is Flying Solo Concierge Service.  It’s my girlfriend’s mom and she’s been doing this since 2015 - call her!” 

I called and Dee Ryan was so helpful - and that was just over the phone.  My husband and I thought it would take 6 months.  I was so emotional but we embraced the transition.  Dee came over that next day and my house was a total mess.  She just laughed and said “The way I look at it -