South Washington County Schools 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. Will not meet on April 15

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.

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness is the single most important activity adults can do to stay active and reduce their chances of falling. This class will combine elements of a variety of different formats, including resistance bands, light weights, body weight, Tai Ji Quan and yoga for balance and flexibility training. Designed to help older adults remain independent and active through enjoyable physical activity.

Community Education is happy to announce that the American Legion in St. Paul Park will be the new host site for Music Jam! No need to register ... just come on out to listen to the music, have a snack or beverage, and even dance if the mood hits you. For those who came to Music Jam when it was at the Senior Center pre-Covid, you'll find a newly-formed group with a few former players and lots of new ones. It will be less about a performance, and more about musicians gathering together to "jam". This will be a circle Jam that provides each participant an opportunity to lead a song, request a song, or pass to the next person. Whoever leads a song will explain the key/chords, anything unusual about it, and when/if there will be breaks(solos). Sometimes there will be paper handouts. We'll sit in a circle so that everyone can see everyone else. The Jam is not limited to acoustic stringed instruments. All instrument types are welcome as long as their volume level is compatible. The Jam is not limited as to music genre. We'll play whatever the participants want to play. This is an open Jam. All experience levels are invited. The purpose of the Jam is to sing and play music with others and enjoy the process. It's not a competition and it's not about perfection. It's about experiencing community with people who love music. So whether you want to come as a musician or come just to listen ... all are welcome!

Bring a bag lunch and join our ESL students! This special day includes an art demo by Molly Oleson, one of our enthusiastic (and excellent!) new instructors. Molly is a professional pet portrait artist who will demonstrate the techniques she uses to paint texture that looks like fur, eyes that look realistic and more. Then we'll allow some fun conversation time for ESL students to practice their English with Seniors over questions related to lovable pets and art.

Join us for fresh air, sunshine and refreshing open water as we embark on a Lake Minnetonka Cruise. We’ll board the Lady of the Lake, a historic sternwheeler for a narrated tour. In the mid-1800’s, Lake Minnetonka enjoyed worldwide fame for its elegance and scenery. Relax and view a variety of recreational watercraft on the lake. Lunch will be served onboard. The Boaters Boxed Lunch includes their Signature Gourmet Chicken Salad on a Croissant with Lettuce, Fresh Fruit, Pasta Salad, Dessert and a soft drink. After the cruise, we will reboard the bus to downtown Excelsior to shop. Plan to depart at 11:15 a.m. and return by 4:15 p.m. Registration deadline is Friday, July 15.

September 19 - September 22, 2022 Travel with Laurie, the Community Ed Senior Coordinator in Hastings, as we head to Door County in Wisconsin. This 4 Day Motorcoach Tour is $945.00 per person (2 to a room). $1,180.00 (1 to a room) Tour includes: *Deluxe motor coach transportation. *Meals: 1 Coffee Stop, 3 Breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners included, *Gratuities on included meals and attractions, * 3 nights at Rowley's Bay Resort, *Fish Boil, *Tour to Washington Island, *Lunch at the Famous Al Johnson's Restaurant, *Tour of Norwegian Bjorklunden Chapel (photo by Rachel Crowl), *Performance by the Peninsula Performance Theatre, and the *Door County Maritime Museum. Arrive for boarding by 7:00 a.m. from the District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. So., Cottage Grove. Bus leaves promptly at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept 19 and is estimated to return on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m. A $215 deposit is due by July 8, 2022. Final payment is due July 31, 2022.

We will start the day at the popular Aamodts Apple Orchard in Stillwater. Lots of apples and treats available to browse. At 1:00 we will board the train in Osceola to meander through beautiful countryside enjoying fall foliage and a boxed lunch along the way. Fee includes: transportation, lunch, tax, tip and train ride. Reservation deadline: September 16. Plan to arrive at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove by 10:15 a.m. as the bus will depart promptly at 10:30 a.m. You will return at approx. 4:45 p.m.

The Church Basement Ladies are at it again and laughter is in the air. In the 9th installment of the highly successful series, the year is 1975 and all your favorite characters are back! You won’t want to miss this brand new show. Fee includes: transportation, lunch, tax, tip and show. Plan to arrive at the District Program Center in Cottage Grove by 9:45 a.m. Bus departs promptly at 10:00 a.m. and returns by about 4:15 p.m. Reservation deadline: Sept. 30