(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.
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL DEBUTS
June will feature the first appearance of the ProMusica Chamber Music Festival at Mankato’s Bethany Lutheran College. Founders hope it becomes an annual summer music festival committed to offering a venue for chamber music in southern Minnesota. One of the founders is Peter McGuire, a Mankato native who began studying violin at age 4 with Patti Tryhus at the Mankato Suzuki School. Peter was appointed to the violin section of the Minnesota Orchestra in 2003 and as acting associate concertmaster in 2011. Bethel teaches piano music history courses at Bethany Lutheran College and Martin Luther College in New Ulm. Their presentation will include music and more information about ProMusica and its inaugural festival.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/4 to register.
Register NowWHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN ACTING MFA?
Patti McGuire is a 2000 MFA graduate from the Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Theatre & Dance who returns this summer to perform in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Sister Act in Highland Summer Theatre. Find out about her life before she got an advanced degree and after. And, what’s she doing now that she has “retired” from acting?
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/11 to register.
Register NowTRASH TO TREASURE: CHAIR CANING BASICS
Wayne Sharp will show you how the lost art of chair caning can reinvigorate an old family heirloom or a new thrift store find. Wayne has more than 40 years of experience, having caned over 600 pieces and served as President of the SeatWeavers’ Guild 2008-2010. Since he retired, he has had time to share the art of chair caning with others. Bring your worn and torn antique chair or rocker to class and Wayne will let you know what it will take to bring it back to life. You’ll learn about seat weaving styles, materials and where to find the products needed to do repairs. If there is interest, the presentation may evolve into a class where you can receive Wayne’s assistance on re-weaving your old chair.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/18 to register.
Register NowAN INTRODUCTION TO LEATHER CRAFTING
Jack Rupert will demonstrate, discuss and offer hands-on opportunities on the craft of leatherworking. He learned to do leather work in junior high almost 60 years ago, but didn’t do much until years later. He was declared legally blind in 2009 and made his first trip to the Veterans Administration center in Chicago in 2010 where he explored different vocational traits. He has been doing leather work continuously for almost 10 years.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/16 to register.
Register NowSINGING THE PRAISES OF SINGING HILLS CHORUS
The Singing Hills Chorus was begun in 2017 for persons with memory loss or other dementias, and their care partners, to create and learn in weekly rehearsals. With the assistance of a specially trained professional choral conductor, these rehearsals build to a public performance that showcases the singers’ accomplishments. Learn more about the organization that celebrates the full potential of people living with Alzheimer’s.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/6 to register.
Register NowMemoir 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.
YARN CLUB
Grab a ball of yarn, a set of needles or a crochet hook, and let’s get creative! Come when you want. Stay as long as you want. Bring your own supplies (and questions)! You may bring a project you are working on. There will also be several patterns available for easy projects such as a felted bowl, a bunny blanket, and a mitered pot holder. Knitters and crocheters of all levels are invited!
Cost: No charge. Members only. Bring your own supplies. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 the day before the meeting to let us know you are coming. The number of participants is limited to 12.
EXPLORE THE NEW CITYART SCULPTURES
The new CityArt Sculpture Walk will be installed on Saturday, May 11, so join us to look at the “new class.” Afterward, feel free to join us as we stop at a City Center restaurant to get a cold beverage and discuss our favorites.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 5/13 to register.
Register NowHOW TO BACK UP ALL OF YOUR DATA
Be certain that your data is backed up and secure. Learn to create full copies of your computer or create backups of single files or folders. Backups and data security will be explained in easy-to-understand language.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 5/17 to register.
COMPUTER SAFETY 101
If you own a computer, a tablet or even a cell phone, you know how often technology is changing and updates are requested. Get help in making sure you’re having a safer computer experience by attending this instructive presentation and asking questions.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/14 to register.
HOW TO AVOID A COMPUTER SCAM
Those who want to perpetuate a computer scam are getting more and more sophisticated, which makes it more important for the consumer to be educated. Learn about internet-based scams – how to identify one, what to look for, and what to do to protect yourself if you feel you have been scammed.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/12 to register.
GET YOUR DEVICES COMMUNICATING
Phones, home PCs and mobile computing: Get your phone talking to your desktop and talking to your laptop. This way, if one of these devices goes down, you aren’t dead in the water.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/17 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.
BARRE ABOVE
Barre Above® incorporates Pilates, yoga, aerobics and a variety of strength training exercises commonly used by dancers. This class can help improve posture, flexibility and balance while finding the strength of your inner dancer! (No dance skills required.) We will have yoga mats available but bring your own if you’d like.
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.
MOVE IT MORE
Movie it More offers a challenging workout for those 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.
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.
RESTORATIVE YOGA
Restorative Yoga focuses on deep relaxation where poses are held for several minutes. Some yoga experience is required and class size is limited to eight students. Pre-registration is required. Call 386-5586.
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.
View ScheduleZUMBA 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!
WATER 101
Are you afraid or nervous about being in the water and want to get more comfortable? This small group session will help address fears you may have, while giving you confidence to attend a water exercise class or open swim time. It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits water exercise provides! Pre-registration is required.
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
CROSS-CULTURAL LEARNING MOVIE, DISCUSSION
We will view the movie Dialogues on the Refugee Crisis with members of MCC Refugee Services staff who have had their own refugee journeys and who work with those in our community with refugees and immigrants. The movie features stories of the barriers that refugees experience as they flee persecution abroad, and the challenges and accomplishments of those who come to the U.S. to begin new lives among us.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/10 to register.
Register NowSTEPS TO TAKE TO AVOID A HOME INVASION
Learn how to protect yourself from home invasion by attending this informational presentation by the Mankato Department of Public Safety’s Tiffany Blaschko. You will learn what criminals look for, how you can avoid showing them what they want, and what to do if you are the victim of a home invasion. This presentation is sponsored by Modern Woodmen of Mankato in memory of Evelyn Adams. Refreshments will be provided, with the opportunity to visit. Stay for a tree-planting ceremony after the June 17 presentation.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/14 & 6/21 to register.
Register NowGROUP PROMOTES GOAL OF HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
Health Care for All Minnesota is a group that works to educate and engage Minnesotans on issues of healthcare financing reform. In this presentation, they will share their desires to preserve the patient protections required by the Affordable Care Act, make coverage universal, and reform how health care is paid for.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/19 to register.
Register NowCHRONIC PAIN 101: GETTING RELIEF
Ruth will discuss how to assess pain, decision making, pain management options and the multi-disciplinary approach to pain. Learn about minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic services that enable patients suffering from pain to restore function, relieve pain and renew hope.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/24 to register.
Register NowGET INVOLVED IN YOUR CAUCUSES
Many people want to get involved in making the political system reflect their ideas, but it can be a daunting task. Long before the elections take place, regular citizens gather to set the direction for candidate choices, issues that will make it to the vote, and generally creating the tone for political action. Prepare for caucuses to be held in February 2020 by learning from a couple of the people who coordinate the local events. This is a bi-partisan event.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/9 to register.
Register NowA HISTORICAL LOOK AT DOTSON IRON CASTINGS
Dotson Iron Castings is a company that goes back to 1871 when a German immigrant brought his family to Mankato, Minnesota. In 1876, Laurence Mayer, a blacksmith, established a growing business just 300 feet from the current operations. He had three sons who followed in his profession: Conrad, the blacksmith; Louis, the inventor; and Lorenz, the businessman. What they established and built has grown and flourished. Dennis Dotson will speak about that history, as well as the present and future of his family’s business.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/15 to register.
Register NowGET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW: A GIFT TO THOSE YOU LOVE
This program will provide guidance for gathering and storing significant personal information so it’s available to your loved ones after you die. Join VINE staff and others for this important discussion. Give yourself and your family a sense of security and peace of mind. A guidebook can be purchased for $10 and includes all of the information you need.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/29 to register.
Register NowFIVE WISHES
Don’t put it off another day; complete your healthcare directive! Five Wishes will help you plan for care at the end of life and express how you want to be treated if you are unable to speak for yourself. The presentation will include a 30-minute DVD with instructions on how to complete your Five Wishes document.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Additional cost: $5 for the Five Wishes document for ALL participants. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 7/30 to register.
Register NowANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT CBD PRODUCTS
The use of hemp products, such as CBD oils and lotions, has been growing in Minnesota since the Legislature granted limited access to the products. These products can be found at various Mankato locations, including Journey Organics and The CBD Center. Come and learn about the treatment that many swear by for conditions ranging from sciatica to epilepsy to debilitating back pain, and more.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/12 to register.
Register NowTHE AGING BRAIN
Have you ever had difficulty remembering the name of a familiar person? Been in the middle of a sentence and can’t find the right word to say? Entered a room and forgotten why you went in there in the first place? These situations can cause concern for older adults who may begin to question whether something more serious is going on. Older adults are often unaware of normal changes that occur as we get older and what are signs of a more serious problem. This program will provide an overview of the changes in cognitive abilities that normally occur as we age. General guidelines for distinguishing these normal changes and more serious problems will also be discussed.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/19 to register.
Register NowTAKING A FRESH LOOK AT HOSPICE CARE
This session takes an overview of the basics of hospice and examines common misconceptions about hospice care. It is designed for anyone who needs more education on hospice, including Medicare admission criteria for hospice services, and when to refer someone to hospice. There will also be testimonies from families who have experienced hospice care.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 8/26 to register.
Register NowSOLUTIONS FOR HIP AND KNEE ARTHRITIS
Arthritis pain can be debilitating as we get older. How do you know when to seek help? Jacob Ziegler, M.D., will discuss modern treatment and management of hip and knee arthritis, as well as answer common questions around what you can do and when to get help.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 9/19 to register.
Register NowNORWAY’S FJORDS (THE EASY WAY)
Some of the prettiest country on earth lies along the west coast of Norway, with its mix of fjords, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and picturesque villages. While there are lots of ways to visit the area, many of them present real physical challenges due to the topography. Perhaps the easiest way is on a cruise ship stopping at six of the most popular towns and exploring the scenery near each one. An added bonus is the travel into and out of the long fjords with their cliffs and cascading waterfalls just off the sides of the ship. Bill and Robin will present a slideshow about their trip and discuss the pros & cons of cruising versus other forms of travel.
Cost:FREE for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 5/20 to sign up.
Register NowLAKE ADVENTURE: CALLING ALL VETS AND THEIR SPOUSES OR SURVIVING SPOUSES
Summer is finally here! Join us for a bus trip to the lovely lake home of Mark and Jennifer Frost on East Lake Jefferson. Want to ride in a pontoon? Waterski? Jet ski? Play games? These activities will be available to you when you sign up to enjoy a relaxing day at the lake. Enjoy an expansive view of the lake from the lakeside deck and have lunch fresh off the grill with all the summertime picnic favorites.
We will meet in the VACC lobby and the VINE bus will depart at 10 am. This event is partially funded by a grant from the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust.
Cost:: $10 (includes lunch, transportation, boat ride). VACC membership is not required. Open to veterans and spouses/widows/widowers of veterans. Visit the VACC reception desk to sign up and make your non-refundable payment by 6/10.
VETERANS: CELEBRATE OUR NATION’S INDEPENDENCE
VINE is hosting an indoor picnic for veterans, their spouses and widows/widowers of veterans to celebrate America’s birthday. We’ll be serving some of your favorite summer foods as you listen to a talented brass quartet. Attend this fun event and connect with friends old and new. This event is partially funded by a grant from the Minnesota Veterans 4 Veterans Trust.
Cost::$5. Open to all veterans, their spouses and widows/widowers of veterans. VACC membership is not required. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/24 to sign up.
LITERATURE THAT CONTRIBUTED TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S GREATNESS
In this interactive session, with costumed historical interpreter Bryce Stenzel, the audience will learn about several of the books Abraham Lincoln read as he grew from childhood to adulthood, and how they profoundly affected both his life, and his writing. Included in the discussion are: Parson Weem’s “Life of Washington,” “Pilgrim’s Progress,” “The Arabian Nights,” “Aesop’s Fables” and more.
Cost::FREE for VINE members and all veterans, their spouses and widows/widowers of veterans. $5 for the general public. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 6/29 to sign up.
| MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Swim 7:30-9 am | Open Swim 7:30-10 am | Open Swim 7:30-9 am | Open Swim 7:30-10 am | Open Swim 7:30-9 am | Open Swim 8-10 am |
| Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 9-10 am | Warm Water Exercise - Level 3 10-10:45 am | Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 9-10 am | Warm Water Exercise - Level 3 10-10:45 am | Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 9-10 am | *Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 10-11 am |
| Open Swim 10-11 am | Aqua Yoga (level 1) 11-11:45 am | Deep Water Exercise (level 2/3) 10:15-11 am | Aqua Yoga (level 1) 11-11:45 am | Open Swim 10 am - 12 pm | *Aqua Zumba in place of Warm Water Exercise 1st Sat. of the month 10-11 am |
| Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 1 11:15 am - 12 pm | Open Swim 12-1 pm | Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 1 11:15 am - 12 pm | Open Swim 12-1 pm | Private Rental 1-5 pm | Open Swim 11-11:30 am |
| Open Swim 12-1 pm | Private Rental 1-5 pm | Open Swim 12-1 pm | Private Rental 1-5 pm | ||
| Private Rental 1-3 pm | Warm Water Exercise (level 1/2) 5:15-6 pm | Private Rental 1-3 pm | Open Swim 5-6:30 pm | ||
| Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 3-4 pm | Open Swim 6-6:30 pm | Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 3-4 pm | |||
| Open Swim 4-6:30 pm | Open Swim 4-6:30 pm |
Level 1: Gentle movement including walking, stretching, and balance activities. May include use of noodles, kickboards, and weights.
Level 2: May include jogging, jumping, twisting, and constant movement. Weights, kickboards, and noodles are often incorporated.
Level 3: May include deep water exercise and rigorous movement. Weights, kickboard, noodles, and water belts are often incorporated.
