(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.
GET YOUR YARN ON
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.
Register NowPICKLED PEOPLE (SOFT SCULPTURE)
Come join the fun in creating a whimsical soft sculpture. Discover a simple and inexpensive way to make marvelous faces, each as surprising and exciting as a child’s first crayon portrait. Work with a craft tradition as old as the first beloved sock doll, and as new as the most experimental contemporary soft sculpture. Bring some old jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces, a pair of old pantyhose, a needle and thread, and a 16 to 32 oz. canning jar with a lid.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC to register at (507) 386-5586 by 10/18 to sign up. Students (except Platinum members) should bring $1 to the class for polyester fiberfill. The class is limited to 10 students.
Register NowSOMALI CULTURE TRIP
The first stop is the Somali Museum in Minneapolis, with over 700 artifacts. Then it’s on to Quruxlow, a traditional Somali Restaurant, where guests will experience East African cuisine by sharing platters of roasted meats, vegetables, basmati rice, salad, and mango juice. After lunch, there will be time to wander the Karmel Mall, a four-story dense complex of shops and stalls overflowing with merchandise. Think scarves, long skirts, fabrics, jewelry and henna tattoos.
Cost: $49
Register NowMONKEY BUSINESS AT DAYTRIPPERS DINNER THEATER
The show has been described as “heavenly fun – as a male version of Nunsense with a little Damn Yankees thrown in.” Guests are served a buffet lunch before the show.
Cost: $69. Register by 10/13
Register NowANNIE AT THE ORDWAY & LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Wondering what to get your grandchild for Christmas? Take her (or him) to Annie! Based on the popular comic strip, Annie tells the extraordinary story of a little orphan who ends up in the lap of luxury with Depression-era billionaire Oliver Warbucks. On the way to the theater, the bus will make a lunch stop at the Southdale Mall. Lunch is on your own. Participants will have their choice of numerous restaurants as well as the mall’s food court.
Cost: $109. Register by 10/20
Register NowCOMPUTER UNIVERSITY: COMPUTER SAFETY 101
Plan to attend this guided interactive PowerPoint presentation with 10 tips on how to have a safer computer experience. Professional staff from Mankato Computer Repair will be available to answer your questions.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 10/20 to register.
FABRICATE A FABULOUS FOTO BOOK
Looking for a way to share your photos in an intriguing way? Online photo albums could be your answer! Photo albums created online are an easy way to capture memories. Online books provide the opportunity to use pictures, titles, and journaling to create an interesting book. This class will cover the basics of creating online books (such as Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Walgreens) and look at how to choose one of these sites to make your masterpiece. If you have a photo book that has been created online and you would be willing to share it, please bring it so that others can see the advantages of creating online photo albums.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 10/31 to register.
CREATING LABELS USING GOOGLE DOCS
Want to make address labels on your computer but don’t know how? Google Docs can help you out! Kathy will demonstrate how to make address labels using Google Sheets and Docs. She will also show how to use Microsoft Word to create labels. Those who attended Kathy’s previous class at the VACC, Gmail: More Than Mail, will be better equipped to understand the process.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 11/7 to register.
COMPUTER UNIVERSITY: WHAT DEVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Explore the pros and cons of desktops versus tablets. Learn what you can and cannot do with these devices.
Cost: No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 11/24 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.
MOVE IT MORE
Movie it More offers a challenging workout for those with little or no difficulty with balance and walking.
MEISA = MOVEMENT, EXPLORATION, IMAGINATION, SENSATION, AWARENESS
MEISA is a physical practice that integrates mindful movement incorporating breathing, stretching, balancing, and playful exploration. It provides an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in moving with less tension, increased mobility, and enhanced physical expression. All activities can be performed sitting or standing.
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.
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
FIVE WISHES
This workshop will help you plan for care at the end of life and document your wishes should you be 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, plus $5 for the Five Wishes document for ALL participants (except Platinum members). Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 10/11 to sign up.
Register NowMAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM SPEAKER SERIES: HEALTHY EATING: COOKING FOR 1 OR 2
Have you ever thought cooking really isn’t worth the time and effort if you’re only cooking for one or two people? During this session, Kristi will talk about tips and tricks to get motivated to make healthy eating easy and efficient when cooking for a smaller household.
Cost:No charge. This program is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 10/17 to register.
Register NowTRAVEL FORUM: THE CROWN OF THE CONTINENT – GLACIER PARK
Neighbors Tim Pulis and Jack Rayburn have been going to Glacier National Park for decades. Tim started going there in 1973 by taking a train to West Glacier to start a 25-day geography field trip sponsored by Minnesota State University and has been going back regularly with his wife ever since. Jack has done many off-trail hikes and will talk about its geology. Tim will give a general overview of what to see, where to stay and all the good places to dine. Come and find out what an amazing place it is to visit.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 10/19 to register.
Register NowGREEN BURIALS
Green, or natural, burials are becoming more common as people become concerned about the earth and how it is impacted when someone dies. In the U.S., burials typically involve preparing the body with embalming fluid and placing the body in a non-biodegradable coffin inside a vault. Learn about some of the green burial alternatives as you make decisions for your final resting place.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC by 10/27 to register.
Register NowHAVE IT YOUR WAY: HELPFUL TIPS FOR TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
There are many options available today for medical care and treatment programs. Join this facilitated round-table discussion for ideas about how to visit with your doctor so your health care is tailored to your personal needs and wishes. Each participant will receive a useful pocket guide with suggested questions to ask your medical provider.
Cost:No charge for members; $5 for non-members. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 to register. This discussion will be limited to 20 participants.
Register NowMAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM SPEAKER SERIES: EXERCISE – MEDICINE FOR THE HEART AND MORE
During this session, Chip will discuss how exercise is one of the most powerful medicines you can take for your heart and for other diseases. If done properly, exercise can help reduce heart disease, cancer, improve immune function and much more. Learn tips and tricks to take just the right dose of exercise medicine.
Cost:No charge. This program is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 11/14 to register.
Register NowTHE MINNEOPA STATE PARK STORY
Established in 1905, Minneopa is the third oldest State Park in Minnesota. It is well-known for its double waterfalls and the Seppmann Mill. People have been gathering at the Minneopa waterfalls for hundreds of years including the Dakota who had villages along the creek. Learn about what makes Minneopa State Park special including its geology, ecosystems, history, watershed, and plants and animals.
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) 386-5585 by 10/18 to sign up.
Register NowTHE FIRST LEBANESE IN MANKATO
Emily of Deep Valley, written by Mankato author, Maud Hart Lovelace, was published in 1950. The shy protagonist in the book, Emily, becomes Deep Valley’s (aka Mankato’s) premier advocate for the Lebanese (formerly referred to as Syrian) immigrants who live on the outskirts of town. Lebanese have been part of the Mankato community since 1890. Mocol’s Market is just one example of the many businesses owned by local Lebanese-Americans. Born to a Lebanese immigrant, the late Herb Mocol was the Mayor of Mankato from 1974 to 1986. Join Joe and Lona as they tell stories of some of Mankato’s early settlers.
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) 386-5585 by 10/26 to sign up.
Register NowAN AMERICAN SOLDIER’S EXPERIENCE IN VIETNAM
In 1968, there were 535,000 U.S. soldiers in Vietnam having hundreds of different jobs. Rather than centering on blood and death, this talk studies what the day to day life was like for an average soldier in the “Tet Offensive” era of the war. Former Army Specialist Larry Kortuem explains the boredom and heightened danger of a combat zone where the friendly and hostile look the same. Every story is different and this one is his. There will be time allowed for sharing, discussion, and questions.
Cost: No charge. VACC membership is not required. Funding is provided by the V4V Trust. Attendees are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. Coffee will be provided. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 11/13 to sign up.
Register NowLIVING IN TWO VERY DIFFERENT WORLDS
After 30+ years living, working, and raising a family in Iowa and Minnesota, Cita, a native of the Philippines, returned to her home country. Her move back home was motivated by her desire to care for her 92-year-old mother who has dementia. Her decision was also influenced by her desire to give back to her home village. Blessed with a high level of energy, Cita is developing an 85-acre multi-crop self-sustaining farm, establishing a beach resort, and starting a fishing business. Her goal is to create jobs in her hometown. Volunteering as a missionary sponsored by her Mankato church keeps Cita connected to her “other home town”, Mankato. Two grandchildren living in Minnesota, also pull Cita back to the Land of 10,000 lakes frequently. Explore what it’s like to have two feet firmly planted in two countries, the Philippines and the U.S.
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) 386-5585 by 11/28 to sign up.
Register NowVETERANS BENEFITS – KNOW YOUR BENEFITS AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE A SNOWBIRD
Representatives from Blue Earth County Veteran Service Office and Nicollet County Veteran Service Office will present at VINE. Learn about veteran’s benefits and how to access them, even when you’re away for the winter. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply. Questions are welcome!
Cost: No charge. VACC membership is not required. Funding is provided by the V4V Trust. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 10/10 to sign up.
WE’RE HONORING VETERANS WITH A FREE DINNER
If you are a veteran, dinner is on us! Please attend and allow us to thank you for your dedicated service to our country. Joins us for a delicious turkey commercial sandwich and all the fixings. Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm. Musical entertainment starts around 1 pm.
Cost:Vets are free and the cost for their guest is just $9. Please call the VACC by 11/7 at
(507) 386-5586 to reserve your spot.
LUNCH AND LEARN: AN AMERICAN SOLDIER’S EXPERIENCE IN VIETNAM
In 1968 there were 535,000 U.S. soldiers in Vietnam having hundreds of different jobs. Rather than centering on blood and death, this talk studies what the day to day life was like for an average soldier in the “Tet Offensive” era of the war. Former Army Specialist Larry Kortuem explains the boredom and heightened danger of a combat zone where the friendly and hostile look the same. Every story is different and this one is his. There will be time allowed for sharing, discussion, and questions.
Cost: No charge. VACC membership is not required. Funding is provided by the V4V Trust. Attendees are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. Coffee will be provided. Call the VACC at (507) 386-5586 by 11/13 to sign up.
| MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Swim 8-9 am | Open Swim 8-10 am | Open Swim 8-9 am | Open Swim 8-10 am | Open Swim 8-9 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 10-10:30 am | Aqua Yoga (level 1) 11-11:45 am | Open Swim 10-10:30 am | Aqua Yoga (level 1) 11-11:45 am | Open Swim 10 am - 12 pm (10-11 am beginning 10/20) | Open Swim 11-11:30 am |
| H2O Strength Class (level 2) 10:30 -11 am | Open Swim 12-1 pm | H2O Strength Class (level 2) 10:30-11 am | Open Swim 12-1 pm | Deep Water Exercise Class - Level 2/3 11-12 *begins 10/20 | |
| Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 1 11:15 am - 12 pm | Mayo Therapy Rental 1-5 pm | Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 1 11:15 am - 12 pm | Mayo Therapy Rental 1-5 pm | Mayo Therapy Rental 1-5 pm | |
| Open Swim 12-1 pm | Aqua Motion - Level 2/3 5:15-6:00 pm | Open Swim 12-1 pm | Open Swim 5-6 pm | ||
| Mayo Therapy Rental 1-3 pm | Open Swim 6-6:30 pm | Mayo Therapy Rental 1-3 pm | |||
| Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 3-4 pm | Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 2 3-4 pm | ||||
| Open Swim 4-6 pm | Open Swim 4-5:30 pm | ||||
| Warm Water Exercise Class - Level 3 5:30-6:15 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.
