While we’re temporarily suspending some of our programs and activities due to COVID-19, we’re doing our best to provide you with some virtual classes to keep you busy until we fully reopen. Please log in for insurance reimbursements each day.
We’re offering live virtual classes Monday – Saturday. Join us for the following ones:
In case you missed our live class, check out these previously recorded videos:
Move it More offers a challenging workout for those with little or no difficulty with balance and walking.
Move it More offers a challenging workout for those with little or no difficulty with balance and walking.
Basic Yoga will challenge you physically while helping maintain and improve your flexibility and form.
Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for its defense training, its health benefits and meditation.
Learn simple stretches that target your upper, middle, and lower body muscles. Some stretches will be done from the floor.
Using Yoga Tune-Up Balls, you’ll massage muscles that are overused, underused, or misused.
VINE is offering presentations on Zoom. You can register online or by calling (507) 387-1666. We will email the link to those who have pre-registered. These programs are free and open to everyone.
Online registration closes 24 hours before the scheduled start. To register after that, and up to one hour before the start, email mikel@vinevolunteers.com.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOURSELF AS YOU CARE FOR OTHERS: TIPS AND TRICKS
During this National Family Caregivers Month, VINE acknowledges and appreciates the incredible self-gift of caregiving. Join a cast of characters from Mayo Clinic Health System as they lead you through some simple ways to care for yourself while you are caring for others. Join us for an informative, fun-filled, light-hearted presentation about a very serious subject.
CONNECTIONS MINISTRY IN ITS NEW LOCATION
Rev. Broady Grund has been a member of the Mankato community for a decade, serving as associate pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for most of that time. In 2017, along with Rev. Erica Koser of Centenary United Methodist Church, she founded Connections Ministry. It is an ecumenical partnership of churches committed to shelter and relationship building with those experiencing homelessness. After rotating church buildings for two years, the shelter took up residence at Covenant Family Church on Riverfront Drive last year, and opened its fourth season in its newly renovated location, First Presbyterian Church on Hickory Street, on October 14.
WRITING VERSE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
Learn how to write the “special event” poem – for the holidays or family celebrations, from local poet Susan Chambers. Learn how to create unique event poems that are memorable, and not out of a Hallmark card. Bring your pen and paper with you because you will be doing some writing.
Many of us who have lived our entire lives in the U.S. have our Christmas traditions, usually based on our church or family traditions. Those who have come to the U.S. have their own, and learning them can add great understanding to who they are. Join us as we share holiday traditions from friends of VINE.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: LINCOLN AND THE DAKOTA 38
On October 11, protesters in Portland, Oregon, tore down a statue of Abraham Lincoln, leaving the phrase “Dakota 38” spray painted on its base. It happened during a protest called Indigenous Peoples Day of Rage Against Colonialism, and brought forward not only a terrible incident in U.S. history, but also the idea of judging historical figures and events through the perspective of today. Participants will receive the link to an article that will be used as a prompt for a Zoom discussion.
IS THIS NORMAL? GUIDELINES FOR DIFFERENTIATING NORMAL MEMORY CHANGES FROM DEMENTIA
Have you ever experienced a lapse in memory and thought and wondered, “Is this normal or something more serious?” Distinguishing normal changes in memory and thinking from the early signs of dementia can be difficult. This presentation will provide guidelines to help make this distinction. In addition, strategies for effectively communicating concerns about memory and thinking to medical providers will be reviewed and the value of detecting dementia as early as possible will be emphasized.
VINE AUTHOR SERIES: RANDY WYATT
Randy Wyatt is a playwright with many publishing credits to his name through Smith and Krause, Playscripts Inc, YouthPLAYS Inc, and others. His plays continue to be produced throughout the U.S. and around the world. He has devised work under the umbrella of Theatre for Social Change including currently #thewaterproject about Michigan and Great Lakes water issues. He served for 12 years as the Theatre Program Director for Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. An MFA graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he portrayed the title role in the play Galileo, he has directed more than 70 plays.
COMPUTER UNIVERSITY: HOW TO ORGANIZE DOCUMENTS
Registered dietitian Emma Schalow shared some health information and tips for getting through winter and COVID, in a healthful way.
Registered dietitian Emma Schalow shared some health information and tips for getting through winter and COVID, in a healthful way.
Britta Higginbotham shared some tips about how to utilize the ideas of gratitude to help your mind work to its greatest benefit.
Robin Thompson from Senior LinkAge Link presented about changes in the Medicare Program for 2021 that those on it should look at while participating in the Open Enrollment Period.
Jameel Haque from the Kessel Peace Institute at Minnesota State University, speaks on the organization’s plans to rename Mankato’s Sibley Park.
Gregg Andersen, grandson of Harvey and Dolly Andersen, who created and operated Ski Haven in Mankato (now Mount Kato), reminisces about them and the ski hill in the 1950s and ’60s.
Mike Lagerquist speaks about the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City, including an interview he conducted with the museum’s owner, David Hawley.
The computer guys from Mankato Computer Technology take questions from attendees about downloading photos from the web and other topics.
Peter Bloedel is a musician, magician and theatre professor as well as being an author and adaptor of plays. He talks a bit about shows he has done, how he approaches them, and what is to come.
Scott Kudelka, DNR Naturalist from Minneopa, Flandrau and Fort Ridgely State Parks, shared a historical look at the Minnesota River and where it is today.
Lynn Solo from the St. Peter League of Women Voters offered information for how to vote in the 2020 general elections.
Amber Pietan, CTA, spoke about what is happening in the travel industry with the pandemic and how to find which destinations are open and how to get there.
Keith Kuch talked about what chiropractic treatments are and some of the ailments it can be used to help remedy.
Pat Christman, head photographer at The Free Press of Mankato, joined Trevor and Colin from Mankato Computer Technology for this presentation about editing and organizing photos for storage.
Shelley Tougas, former reporter for The Free Press of Mankato, who now is a writer of books, primarily for “teens and ‘tween,” spoke about how she got to where she is now.
VINE Memoirs Group held a virtual reading of some of their writings.
VINE Memoirs Group held a virtual reading of some of their writings.
VINE Diversity Manager, Cecil Fountain explains how language can be an unintentional barrier for immigrants wanting to learn and fit in with American culture.
Susan Stevens Chambers, an awarded poet, presented on how people can tap into their inner poet and create their own works.
Opossums get no respect despite having cool characteristics that other mammals here in North America don’t have. Learn more about these unique animals from DNR Naturalist, Scott Kudelka.
Matthew Schumann, Psychologist at Mayo Clinic Health System, discusses the difference between chronic pain and acute pain, factors that impact an individual’s chronic pain, and evidence-based treatment approaches for older adults with chronic pain.
Published author Allen Eskens speaks about his life as a writer and gives an update on what he’s working on.
Professional staff from Mankato Computer Repair provide multiple tips on how to have a safer computer experience.
Katie Wojtalewicz, Mankato Clinic Psychologist explains the roots of anxiety and new perspectives on how to face the unknown unafraid.
Executive Director Ann Fee walks us through the current exhibition, 100 pieces of artwork by members of the Arts Center, and answers questions about the Arts Center’s past, present, or future!
The Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Louise Dickmeyer, highlights one of the most successful children’s museums in Minnesota. This presentation sheds light on how the Children’s Museum is positively impacting the children who are our future.
Thomas Maltman shares his work including essays, poetry, and fiction that has been published in many literary journals.
Shannon Gullickson and Shannon Sinning from the Mankato Kiwanis Club and its Camp Patterson Committee speak about the history of the camp and improvements being made to the nearly 100-year-old camp on Lake Washington.
Learn about VINE’s new Diversity Program Manager, Cecil. Hear her personal story beginning in Sudan, then traveling all over the world and her role working with Mankato’s immigrants and refugees.
Dr. Paul J. Hustoles is just about to retire after 35 years at the helm of the Theatre and Dance Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He talks about following in the footsteps of the legendary Dr. Ted Paul and the evolution that has occurred over the decades. He also shares insights into some of his favorite shows and how the COVID crisis spoiled his big exit.
Tod Petersen, actor (son of Dwain and Carole Petersen of Mankato). Will speak on his growing up in Mankato and share stories of his favorite roles and experiences in the Twin Cities theater scene.
Established in 2019, Mankato Playhouse was founded by theater artists and enthusiasts David and Lori Holmes as a way to provide the local and surrounding communities an opportunity to experience and be involved in quality musical theater.
Radio stations are changing, and adding features, to match the times. Find out more from the business side of things from Bruce McGirdy, the general manager of Radio Mankato, which includes community favorite KTOE.
This program will provide some answers to questions about normal signs of aging and give tips to help maintain a healthy brain as you get older.
Clear your mind with this peaceful meditation.