South Washington County Schools Community Education

SoWashCo Community Education offers a variety of activities, trips, resources and educational programming for adults age 50+ in a welcoming environment where social engagement thrives. Are you recently retired and missing your network of co-workers? New to the area? Love to play games? Take local trips? Meet new friends? Stay fit? Learn new skills or develop a hobby? Our Adults 50+ programming is designed to meet the social, educational, health and human service needs of people 50 and over. Join us for an exciting lineup of weekly activities. Whether you're interested in Bingo, Bunco, 500, Farkle, Lighten Up, Mah Jongg, Book Club, Mexican Train Dominoes, Hand & Foot or one of our support groups such as our Diabetes Support Group, your membership allows you to attend as much as you want ... all at no cost. Membership is only $15/year! That means it's just 32 cents per week or 7 cents per day to participate! And if the $15 is still a hardship, let us know. No one will be turned away due to finances. So whether you are ready to play a game of cards, discuss a book, exercise, or attend local trips and tours, there is something for you at SoWashCo Community Education.

Whether you have been playing 500 with this Community Ed group for years or are new to it, 500 is an easy way to get connected. This popular group averages 20 - 40 people. Come and join the fun! Meets Fridays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. No Senior Activities on Nov. 25 (Day after Thanksgiving), Dec. 23 (day before Christmas Eve), Dec. 30 (Christmas break), March 10 (Spring Break), April 7 (Good Friday).

Join us for this popular event each week on Mondays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. You might just win a B-I-N-G-O!

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a community-based recreational exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. Trained instructors cover a variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities, relaxation techniques, and health education topics. The program’s demonstrated benefits include improved functional ability, decreased depression, and increased confidence. Designed for people living with arthritis or anyone interested in becoming more physically active. No prior experience is necessary, and all ability levels are welcome. This class will be taught by Nationally Certified Personal Trainer Jose.

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. This popular sport uses a hand paddle to hit a light-weight ball with holes (similar to a whiffle ball) back and forth across the net. This is drop-in play without an instructor or leader present and is designed for players with pickleball experience. Two courts are available and all play is doubles; all players take turns rotating in for games. Purchase your Pickleball passes today! Registration and pre-purchase of Pickleball Passes is required. Choose the option that works best for you. Passes may be purchased in person before 3:45 pm at the reception desk of the DPC or purchased online any time. If you purchase online by 3:00 p.m., your passes will be left in an envelope with your name on it in the gym that evening. You may also register well ahead of the day when you plan to play. This is for either a single pass or if you purchase a set of passes. If you are not planning to attend on the evening of the day you purchase your passes, please email Kim at KHeiders@sowashco.org to hold your passes for a different day. All players are responsible for following posted procedures regarding sign-in, set-up and removal of equipment, and rotation of play on the courts. Detailed instructions are available on-site.

Join us for monthly meetings with Cottage Grove, Woodbury, and Hastings Police as they share the latest important trends and safety tips for seniors. Each month will have a different topic. Bring your questions and meet the friendly folks who keep our communities safe. Leave with up-to-date information designed to help protect you and those you love.

Take a trip back to 1973 with the Irish Catholic O'Shea family in this uproarious new play. This wild and tender comedy explores the foolishness of first love and ultimately, the power of family. Fee includes: transportation, lunch, tax, tip and show. Plan to arrive at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove. Bus will load at the District Program Center (DPC) in Cottage Grove at 10:30 a.m. and leave promptly at 10:45 a.m. Bus returns by 4:00 p.m. to the DPC. Registration deadline pending.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum boasts 30,000 tulips each May! We'll do our best to time this trip for peak viewing. You'll enjoy hopping aboard the tram for a narrated riding tour of the gardens and woodlands. Included is a casual sandwich lunch presented in a souvenir flowerpot. Plan to board the luxury motor coach at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove at 9:30 a.m. for departure by 9:45 a.m. Bus returns by approx. 4 p.m. Registration deadline is Friday, April 14.

Join us for a rare look into the lives and legacy of the Greatest Generation. Fagen Fighters WWII Museum includes a pristine collection of fully operational, active aircraft and vehicles from World War II. Also featured are fine art, bronze scuptures, interactive multimedia displays and an ever-growing library. This self-guided experience will give you time to absorb the exhibits, watch the videos and tour the three buildings with planes. Lunch will be provided at the Granite Run Golf Course. Plan to board the luxury motor coach at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove at 7:00 a.m. for departure by 7:15 a.m. Bus returns by approx. 5:15 p.m. Registration deadline is Friday, April 14.