(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.
DOWNTOWN MANKATO SHOWCASES THE ARTS
In the last 10 years or so, downtown Mankato, North Mankato and Old Town have been undergoing an arts renaissance. The CityArt Sculpture Walk, painted electrical boxes, a variety of murals and, coming in the next year, murals painted on the silos of Ardent Mills. All make the downtown area more inviting and create a welcoming atmosphere for the arts. Find out howthis happened and what else is in store from the two women leading the effort.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 12/10 to register.
Register NowFROM LIBRARY TO GALLERY: CARNEGIE ART CENTER TOUR
In February 1901, the City of Mankato secured $40,000 from Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegie Corporation to build a Carnegie Library in Mankato. The Mankato Public Library and Reading Room served the city until the mid-1970s when the new regional library facility was constructed. Since 1981, when it was rescued from disrepair, the Carnegie Art Center has served as the largest gallery space in town. Learn more about the building, its history and view the current exhibits during this special visit. Meet at the Center, 120 S. Broad St., Mankato.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/6 to register.
Register NowTHAT’S ORIGINAL: CREATING PLAYS AND MUSIC FOR THE STAGE
Bethany Lutheran College is presenting two original productions this season with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Letters to Anne of Green Gables. Faculty member Benji Inniger is teaming with a student in creating the spring production, an original story based on the books of L. M. Montgomery. Learn what goes into creating a play from scratch, and also how he goes about composing original music for other productions such as the award-winning Jam Jar Sonnets.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/8 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.
LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES IN WELLS
Many of us remember when movie theatres were palaces and
going to see a movie was a rare, treasured treat. We will look to duplicate that experience with a bus trip to The Flame Theatre in Wells, built in 1912 anLET’S d rebuilt after a fire in 1960, and owned by the City of Wells since 1996. The city administrator will stop by to tell us about the history of the theatre before the movie. Concessions will be available to purchase! We will choose a Blu Ray movie title and they will show it for us on their big screen. On the way, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at Maggie J’s Restaurant in Mapleton.
Cost: $39 – Register online or call (507) 387-5501 by 1/4.
Register NowNATIONAL EAGLE CENTER IN WABASHA AND LUNCH
The National Eagle Center in Wabasha is a world-class interpretive center located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is home to non-releasable bald and golden eagles. The Upper Mississippi River Valley is home to hundreds of bald eagles, many of which build their nests in the tall trees. Hundreds more bald eagles arrive in the winter months because the Mississippi River remains open there year round. The trip includes lunch at the Eagles Nest Restaurant in Plainview and a snack for the ride home.
Cost: $63 – Register online or call (507) 387-5501 by 1/11.
Register NowSPAM® MUSEUM, LUNCH AND HORMEL HOME TOUR
Yes, it’s real. The SPAM Museum is stuffed with interactive exhibits that bring the iconic history of the SPAM® brand to life like you’ve never seen it before! Go behind the scenes and behind the can for an experience you will savor. Then we will go to the Hormel Historic Home and have lunch and a guided group tour. The 1871 structure strives to preserve the home and history of the George A. and Lillian Hormel family.
Cost: $49 – Register online or call (507) 387-5501 by 2/1.
Register NowCOMO ZOO FLOWER SHOW AND LUNCH
Come travel through the many gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as you explore this historic treasure. The Spring Flower Show will feature the hydrangea ‘Oregon Pride’ and ‘Blaumeister,’ tulips, hyacinth, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, calla, bearded iris, allium, and crocus.
The show’s color theme is purple. We will be led by the Como Zoo Education staff to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory along with up-close animal encounters in a classroom setting. Along with your tour, immerse yourself in the Tropical Encounters exhibit and learn what it would be like to visit a real rainforest with plants and animals. We will also have a box lunch and more time to explore the Como Zoo on our own after the group tour.
Cost: $49 – Register online or call (507) 387-5501 by 2/22.
Register NowSPIRIT LEVEL PLAY AT DAYTRIPPERS THEATRE
Cobbler’s Cottage is haunted by Susie Cameron and her husband, Jack, who in life was
a successful author. Annoyed to find themselves victims of a tragic accident, their ghosts have taken up residence in their former cottage. To ensure their privacy, all interested tenants have been scared away — much to the distraction of Mark Webster, the real estate agent trying to sell the property. Things are about to change, however, with the arrival of a young married couple awaiting the birth of their first child. The ghosts take a shine to the newcomers and perhaps all can live happily — if a meddling mother-in-law and a befuddled Guardian Angel will get out of the way.
Cost: $69 – Register online or call (507) 387-5501 by 3/15.
Register NowBASICS OF SHOPPING AT ONLINE STORES
More and more online shopping options are available but knowing how to use them and which are best can be hard to determine. Learn about the top online shopping sites and how to maneuver your way through them. You may be able to get delivery before Christmas!
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 12/14 to register.
BEST ORGANIZATION OF YOUR DIGITAL PHOTOS
You’ve taken photos of family events, and now they’re cluttering up your phone. You want to have them available to share but want them safely stored somewhere. Learn some easy strategies for regularly organizing and storing photos so you’ll always have them to share.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/18 to register.
HOW TO BEST 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. Know what you’re safely sharing with one friend or, more importantly, what is being posted for everyone to see!
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/15 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. No registration required; join any class.
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.
ROLL AWAY THE STRESS
In this class you’ll use Yoga Tune-Up Balls® to massage muscles that are overused, underused, or misused. Your “body blind spots” will be identified and targeted to help heal damaged muscle, increase strength and establish healthy movement patterns. Movements will be done on the floor or against a wall. No registration required; join any class.
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.
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!
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
TOTAL KNEE/HIP REPLACEMENT
Knee and hip replacement needs are as individual as the people who seek them. Learn about the options that are available and how to make the decision that suits you best. Knee or hip replacement can be a new beginning for your active life.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 12/6 to register.
Register NowCONSIDERING AN ORGAN DONATION
How do you know if organ donation following your death is the right decision? John will go through the different scenarios to help you make that decision. John was a long-time Mankato teacher and state legislator whose personal experience will lend great insight to the subject.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 12/14 to register.
Register NowSUMMER ABOARD A RESEARCH SHIP
Eric Koser is a physics teacher by day. After he was accepted into a program called Teacher at Sea with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), he spent more than two weeks last summer working on the NOAA research vessel, The Rainier. A hydrographic research ship’s primary task is to create and update maps of the ocean floor. NOAA creates and maintains all the navigational charts that are used by mariners to assure safe navigation. He will recount his experience living aboard ship with scientists in southeast Alaska.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/16 to register.
Register NowEARLY RECOGNITION, TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
The first step in treating clinical depression is recognizing the signs. The second step is seeking help. These two steps may, in fact, be the hardest part of the entire treatment process. Once someone seeks help from a qualified health care provider, they will find that there are numerous treatment options to help them get back on track. Dr. Olson will identify the signs and symptoms of depression, risk factors and treatment options available.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/17 to register.
Register NowA LOOK AT 21ST CENTURY CARS
Today’s vehicles are increasingly complex…but why? What happened to the good old carburetor? And what’s with all of the electronics and sensors? Greg will explain the advances in modern automotive technology and how it has improved reliability and economy. He will also explore what’s next in personal transportation.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/18 to register.
Register NowDEALING WITH ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS
Joint pain is common, but living in pain doesn’t have to be. The effects of poor joint health can be costly and detrimental to your overall health and quality of life. Learn some practical ways to take charge of your joint health as you age.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/29 to register.
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 financial and legal documents. Give yourself and your family a sense of security and peace of mind.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/5 to register.
Register NowBACK AND NECK
Although we’re not football players who make a living through hard contact, it doesn’t mean we don’t have concerns about our back and neck. Understanding how these parts of your body are affected by everyday influences can make a world of difference as we age.
Cost:FREE for member; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/7 to sign up.
Register NowSELF-DEFENSE
Older adults are one of the top groups at risk for assault and robbery, often because of other’s perceptions of their weakness or vulnerability. During this class, you will discuss behaviors that may put you at greater risk, and what you can do to help protect yourself. Learn easy-to-implement self-defense tips and techniques that are useful at any age. Students will practice these newly gained skills in class. Instructor Dar Loiselle has more than 10 years of experience teaching self-defense classes at MSU, Mankato.
Cost:FREE for member; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/7 to sign up.
Register NowHEALTHFUL EATING AS WE GET OLDER
As we age, healthful eating can make a difference in our health, help to improve how we feel, and encourage a sense of well-being. Eating healthfully has benefits that can help older adults but there are also eating challenges as we age such as decreased appetite and decreased desire to prepare meals. Erin will share ideas about how to eat well and overcome eating challenges.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/14 to register.
Register NowN. RIVERFRONT DRIVE: COMMERCIAL HUB
When Jo was growing up in Mankato in the 1930s and ‘40s, North Riverfront Drive was the town’s commercial hub. Although she was living on Glenwood Avenue then, she spent much time at her grandmother’s store in the building that now houses Mom & Pop’s Ice Cream. Come and listen to her stories of a main roadway that is only now returning to its former glory.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/15 to register.
Register NowCPR/AED BASICS
Want to brush-up on your CPR skills or learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)? During this class, you’ll learn current CPR/AED protocol and practice your skills on mannequins. This class is intended
as a refresher course in the basics of performing CPR and using an AED — you will not receive CPR certification. Dar has 45 years of experience teaching First Aid and is CPR/AED certified.
Cost:FREE for member; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/21 to sign up.
Register NowPROTECTING INDEPENDENCE WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Are you having difficulty hearing, seeing, climbing steps? Come learn about a variety of devices that can help you maintain your independence and ensure your safety. Try them out and see if they help BEFORE you buy. We will have on hand: portable magnifiers, pocket talkers, cell phone signalers, amplified telephones, flashing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, ramps, sonic alarm clocks, and Amazon Echo.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/26 to register.
Register NowSLEEP APNEA IN OLDER PATIENTS
Sleep apnea can occur at any age, but adults older than 60 years have a significantly higher risk for developing the disease. Dr. Ziegler will explain why this is, what to look for and what treatment options are available.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 3/14 to register.
Register NowA TASTE OF AFRICAN CULTURES IN PERFORMANCE
Come and join students from the Minnesota State Mankato African Student Association as they “give back” to their community. The afternoon will include song, dance, poetry and other examples of their various cultures, all to be shared in the Gathering Room at the VINE Adult Community Center.
Cost:FREE for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/24 to sign up.
Register NowTAKING A WILDLIFE ADVENTURE TO AFRICA
Jim and his wife Colleen decided their next excursion would be in Africa but — apart from their usual hiking trips — this time it needed to include animals. So, they picked gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Jim will present a slideshow of his adventure in and around the Queen Elizabeth National Park of Uganda, its wildlife and the resilient people of southwestern Uganda.
Cost:FREE for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 1/31 to sign up.
Register NowDISCOVER PORTUGAL
Portugal is a small country that offers a lot of variety — from the cities of Lisbon and Oporto, to fishing villages in the north, to the internationally known Catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima, to palaces and castles, to medieval villages, to the oldest university, and the Duoro River. There are several UNESCO World Heritage sites included in this presentation.
In addition, we will discuss the possibility of having future “Traveler Forums” where experienced travelers can share tips they have developed, interesting destinations and potential pitfalls to travel. Come with your own ideas to share!
Cost:FREE for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 2/19 to sign up.
Register NowFIRST GULF WAR VET CHUCK KIND TO SPEAK
Mankato native Chuck Kind will speak a bit about his service in the U.S. Army. Chuck entered the military in 1983 as an infantryman in the Combat Service Company in Mankato. He went to Warrant Officer Flight Training in 1985 and served as a Blackhawk Pilot with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1986–1989. In 1989, after attending Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He served with S Troop 4th of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment 1989–1992. Besides being a Senior Aviator, he was awarded Jump Wings, Air Assault Wings and the Pathfinder Badge. Chuck is a Senior Vice President, Investment Sales Specialist, Great Lakes Region, for Wells Fargo.
Cost: No charge for veterans or members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 12/14 to register.
TAKE A RIDE THROUGH KIWANIS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Veterans and their spouses can enjoy a casual ride through
the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in one of VINE’s buses. Leave
the driving to us and we’ll take you through one of Southern Minnesota’s finest Christmas light displays in Mankato’s Sibley Park. If you’d like, bring a non-perishable food or cash donation. Proceeds from the event benefit local food shelves, non-profit organizations who serve as volunteers and create tree displays in the park, and Kiwanis programs to assist children.
Cost: The tour is provided free of charge to veterans and their spouses or survivors through a grant from the Veterans 4 Veterans Trust Fund. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 12/16 to register.
| 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 10-11 am | Open Swim 11-11:30 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 | Deep Water Exercise Class - Level 2/3 11 am - 12 pm | |
| Open Swim 12-1 pm | Private Rental 1-5 pm | Open Swim 12-1 pm | Private Rental 1-5 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.
