(507) 387-1666
421 East Hickory Street, Mankato, MN 56001
421 East Hickory Street, Mankato, MN 56001
The VINE Adult Community Center offers hundreds of fitness, educational, and creative classes and monthly bus trips to local and out-of-town destination.
Memoir Writing
This group meets weekly to work on their own memoirs. Open to all VACC members. No need to sign up, just simply show up.
Painting
This group meets weekly to paint. Open to all VACC members. No need to sign up, just simply show up.
Spelling
This group meets weekly to compete in a friendly competition Spelling Bee. No need to sign up, just simply show up.
VINE Book Club
Any VACC member is welcome to join the VINE Book Club. The group meets once a month to discuss the book. The books are free to check out and can be picked up at the front desk of the VACC.
CLASSIC AMERICAN FILM SERIES AND DISCUSSION
Join local film buff Ryan Sturgis to watch an old movie and have a lively discussion at the end of the film. Films are shown on our 79” TV with surround sound.
Monday, July 10:
Harvey
Cost: No charge for members; $5 per film for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 to sign up the day before the film.
Register NowMonday, August 14:
Some Like It Hot
Cost: No charge for members; $5 per film for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 to sign up the day before the film.
Register NowCREATING CUSTOM BOXES
Repurpose Altoids tins into miniature pieces of art. Ruthan will guide participants in how to use small pictures and old pieces of jewelry to create a work of art that is suitable for framing or to give as a gift. Ruthan is a self-taught mixed-media artist who creates art with the objects she collects on any surface that will stay still! Her crafting articles appear in magazines such as Stampington and the Somerset Studio Gallery. Materials will be provided, but to make your box more personal, you are encouraged to bring your own miniature images, cast off jewelry, and beads. If you have questions or want more ideas on what to bring to class, contact Ruthan at ermiller52@charter.net.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. There will be a $5 materials charge for ALL participants, except Platinum members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/1 to save your spot.
Register NowPADDLEFORD RIVERBOAT CRUISE AND LUNCH AT JOSEPH’S GRILL
Enjoy the splendor of the mighty Mississippi on this 2-hour cruise which departs from Harriet Island. Live entertainment is provided by the Mississippi Minstrels. After the cruise, enjoy a special buffet lunch at Joseph’s Grill in St. Paul.
Cost: $66. Register by 6/16 for July trip & 7/21 for August trip. Call Community Education at (507) 387-5501 to sign up and pay with a credit card.
CIRCUS JUVENTAS AND CATERED PICNIC
Circus Juventas is an elaborate spectacle in the tradition of Cirque du Soleil. It blends contemporary circus arts, dance, theater, magical sets, costumes, and music for an exciting and professionally-produced show, with a theme of Norse mythology. 100 performers will thrill audiences with acrobatics, aerial techniques, juggling, and more. The show takes place in the air conditioned Big Top next to St. Paul’s Highland Park. Enjoy a catered box lunch in the park pavilion before the show.
Cost: $75 for regular seats, $90 for V.I.P. seats. Register by 6/1. Call Community Education at (507) 387-5501 to sign up and pay with a credit card.
MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
Join us for a fun-filled day at the Minnesota State Fair. Don’t worry about parking or traffic; our coach bus will drop you off at the fair entrance.
Cost: $39 for age 65 & older, $44 for under age 65. Register by 8/4. Call Community Education at (507) 387-5501 to sign up and pay with a credit card.
SCAMS
Raise overall awareness for internet-based scams. How to identify a scam – what to look for and what to do to protect yourself if you feel you have encountered a scam. Where did scams originate anyway, and what is the basis for most scams now?
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/23 to register.
COMPUTERS FOR DUMMIES
Learn the basic language of computers. What are the different types of memory? What do the different parts of the computer do? Learn where things are stored. Discover new options for storage. Get enlightened about good backup practices so you don’t lose your stuff! Trevor will teach some of the common terms and provide some analogies that will help you to understand “tech talk”.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/21 to register.
HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Learn how to safely use Facebook, Twitter, and other popular social media sites, from basic posting to uploading photos and more advanced features.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/25 to register.
Group Fitness classes are FREE with a Premium or Platinum membership, $5 with Basic membership, $7 with Supporting Membership or $10 for non-members.
BASIC YOGA
Basic Yoga will challenge you physically while helping maintain and improve your flexibility and form.
BEGINNING YOGA
If you have little or no yoga experience, our beginning yoga class will teach you some of the basic poses.
CARDIO-STRENGTH
Participants in Cardo-Strength will be challenged each week with a variety of aerobic and strength training activities: you never know what to expect!
CHAIR YOGA
10:15 – 11:15 am
This class is for those individuals who want to try yoga but are unable to get down onto the floor. Many yoga poses can be done from a chair rather than the ground.
GENTLE YOGA
Gentle Yoga focuses on moving slowly through poses with awareness on form and breath.
MATTER OF BALANCE
Matter of Balance participants will reduce their fear of falling and increase their activity levels.
Matter of Balance is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging. VACC membership is not required to attend. Call Karen or Brittany at (507) 386-5586 for more information and to register.
MOVE IT MORE
This class is designed for people who want improved physical fitness with a variety of exercises; suitable for people with little or no difficulty with balance and walking.
PARTNERS IN ACTIVE LIVING (PALS)
PALS is a great class for those who want a safe and gradual increase in their activity level to improve strength, flexibility and balance. PALS is suitable for people of all fitness levels, including those who use a cane or walker.
PILATES
This Pilates class teaches a series of mat exercises that are useful for maintaining physical function by improving core muscle strength.
QIGONG PRACTICE GROUP
Qigong incorporates coordinated body postures and movement with breathing and meditation. All activities can be done sitting or standing, and no previous Qigong experience is necessary.
STRETCH AND FLEX
Start your day with some gentle stretches. Staying flexible can help you move better throughout your day and prevent common muscle injuries. In this 30-minute class you will move through simple stretches that target your upper, middle, and lower body muscles. Some stretches will be done from the floor. Warming up your muscles prior to class is recommended.
TAI CHI FOR HEALTH
Level 1:
Level 2: (completion of Level 1 is required)
Tai Chi Practice:
This Tai Chi program is easy to learn and provides many health benefits in a relatively short time. Medical studies show that practicing Tai Chi can reduce joint pain, prevent falls, and improve a person’s general health.
TE-KI-DO
This unique blend of easy martial arts was designed for people with little or no knowledge of its practice. The class is a way for older adults to increase their energy, improve balance, and decreases stress.
TREKKERS/SNOWSHOERS
Join the fun and adventurous trekking/snowshoeing group who meet rain or shine at different parks and trails in the area each week for a leisurely one-hour outing. Trekking poles and snowshoes are available to members for FREE or $10 for non-members. Call 507-387-1666 to find out the location each week.
WARM WATER EXERCISE AT OLD MAIN VILLAGE POOL
Warm water exercise is one of the most effective and gentle activities for improving older adult’s health. No swimming experience needed.
ZUMBA GOLD
Zumba Gold is designed with active older adults in mind: gentle on the body and easy-to-follow dance moves. If you enjoy listening to fun music while you dance, then ditch your workout and join the party!
The VINE Adult Community Center offers a number of different activities to partake in.
FOOT CARE CLINIC
Pathstone Home Care staffs this monthly foot care clinic. Bring your own basin and towel. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 to schedule an appointment.
Cost: $27
TRAVEL FORUM: ICELAND – ONE OF THE HOTTEST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN 2017
This group of friends and fellow travelers will share some of the tales from their January adventure to Iceland. See and learn about this unique country’s Blue Lagoon, ice caves and waterfalls, Game of Thrones filming locations, Vikings heritage, bustling Reykjavik, diverse cuisine, architecture, and art.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/12 to register.
Register NowMANKATO CLINIC PHYSICIAN TALKS: BOUNCING BACK FROM TOUGH TIMES
Resilience is that quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes. Psychologists have identified some of the factors that make someone resilient, among them a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback. Even after misfortune, resilient people are blessed with such an outlook that they can change course and soldier on. Dr. Olson will talk about how we can be more resilient in our lives- even if it doesn’t feel like a natural quality you possess.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/13 to sign up.
Register NowPHOTO EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION: IMAGES OF CHANGE.… Sharing the Personal Life Experiences of Elders from Diverse Cultures
Through images of hands and brief stories, photographer Kay Herbst Helms, casts a lens on how resilient and courageous individuals have used their hands throughout their lifetime. Some of the countries represented include Egypt, El Salvador, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Southern Sudan, Vietnam, and America. Join us at the reception where Kay shares her story, photographs, and insights, along with an opportunity to meet the elders and learn more about their lives. The photographs will remain at the VACC throughout the summer for additional viewing.
Cost:No charge. The exhibit and reception are underwritten with funds provided by Diana Gabriel, SSCC, PCC and Lloyd Management. Help us plan appropriately for refreshments at the reception by calling the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/19.
Register NowALZHEIMER’S: EVERY MINUTE COUNTS – A PBS Documentary and Discussion
Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts (premiered in 2017), is an urgent wake-up call about the national threat posed by Alzheimer’s disease. Many know the unique tragedy of this disease, but few know that Alzheimer’s is one of the most critical public health crises facing America. This powerful documentary illuminates the social and economic consequences for the country unless a medical breakthrough is discovered for this currently incurable disease.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/3 to sign up.
Register NowMANKATO CLINIC PHYSICIAN TALKS: PARDON ME? – ALL ABOUT HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages and can vary from mild to profound. If you are experiencing a hearing problem, audiologists can perform tests to determine which portion of your hearing is affected and to what degree. They can also provide solutions and recommendation to reduce the effects of your hearing loss and improve your quality of life. Learn more about hearing loss and the impact it can have on you and everyone around you.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/10 to sign up.
Register NowPLANNING FOR THE END-OF-LIFE: A GIFT TO THOSE YOU LOVE
Why do most of us plan for early, mid-life, and retirement but nothing beyond? Start the planning process now! Join VINE staff and others for this important discussion. A sample of topics to be addressed include: critical discussions with family, health care directives, legacy letters to your spouse and children, and where to store important legal, financial and legal documents. Guidebooks, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, will be available for participants. Give yourself and your family a sense of security and peace of mind.
Cost:No charge for members. $5 for non-members, plus $5 for the Basic Instructions document for ALL participants (except Platinum members). Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/15 to sign up.
Register NowSTATISTICS DO NOT TELL THE STORY OF IMMIGRATION – PEOPLE DO
The U.S. has been continually infused with the energy of newcomers. Clarice, an educator at Mankato’s ABE Program, will moderate this panel of adult students. Come hear their stories! The ABE program at Lincoln Community Center serves over 500 adult students from 37 countries. These newcomers speak 26 different languages. Refugees and immigrants come to Lincoln Community Center primarily with the goal of improving their English to continue their education or to get on a specific career pathway. They also take classes in citizenship, parenting and job preparation. Most students are already working, typically on assembly lines or in a lower wage job. They hope to improve their situation with more English and education.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Attendees are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. Coffee will be provided. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/18 to sign up.
Register NowTHE POWER OF A GOOD STORY
In Taiwan, some twenty years ago, Maurie Sween spent an evening listening to an aboriginal man tell folktales to students at a school for children with cerebral palsy. When the storyteller was finished, Maurie, the school’s chaplain, began to discuss the ethics that were evident in each tale. The storyteller interrupted and politely said, “Let the kids ponder the meanings for themselves.” This experience inspired Maurie to begin reflecting on the power of storytelling for personal and social transformation. He will share some of his reflections on storytelling, and about his recently published novel, Charlie’s Rabbit.
Maurie, who has lived and worked in Taiwan for the last 30 years with his physician wife, Lan-Shiang, and his 13-year-old son, Charlie, is originally from Rapidan. He returns for a few weeks every summer to visit family, including VACC member, Mary Sween. Maurie, holds degrees from Fuller Seminary, Yale University, and the University of Edinburgh. He has taught in Presbyterian seminaries, has pastored a church, and is currently writing his second novel.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Attendees are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. Coffee will be provided. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/10 to sign up.
Register NowSOMALI MUSEUM TRAVELING EXHIBIT
Minnesota is home to one of the world’s largest Somali populations. The Somali Museum in Minneapolis, with over 700 artifacts, preserves and celebrates the culture for the benefit of all Minnesotans. Come see the traveling display of some of the artifacts in the collection. Sip a cup of traditional Somali tea as museum staff present a slideshow and provide a rich cultural learning experience.
Cost: There is no charge for this program. Funding is provided by the Blue Earth County Library and the State Legacy Fund. Attendees are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. Coffee will be provided. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/16 for a reservation.
Register NowINDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION FOR VETERANS
Picnics, parades, fireworks, gathering with friends – that’s how we celebrate our nation’s birthday and our country’s independence! The party continues at the VACC as we invite all veterans, their spouses and widows/widowers to enjoy an indoor picnic. We’ll serve some of your favorite 4th of July foods and MAGIC, a barbershop quartet, will perform some of your favorite patriotic songs. Enjoy time spent with friends old and new.
Cost:$5. Open to all veterans, their spouses and widows/widowers. VACC membership is not required. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/5 to sign up.
STRENGTHENING WOMEN AND MEN OF SERVICE AND THEIR FAMILIES
The McNamara’s are helping veterans, locally and across the state, in many ways, but perhaps it is how they help each other every day that is a true testament of being there for one another and how love can truly overcome so many obstacles and barriers. They are dedicated to helping veterans and their family members find the help, services, support, and care they deserve. Rachel is a licensed social worker who has worked with veterans from all periods of service and all military branches in the CORE (Counseling, Outreach, Referral & Education) program for several years. Jason has overcome many wounds of war. He has been actively involved in many civic organizations for veterans and has helped to start a local non-profit wounded warrior guide service where he and other veterans go hunting together. He was the inspiration for a change in the law that allows Purple Heart recipients, like Jason, to have the Purple Heart design appear on motorcycle license plates. Come hear more about the work they do and their personal stories.
Cost: No charge. VACC membership is not required. Funding is provided by the V4V Trust. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/14 to sign up.
