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Adult 50+ Senior Activities Membership for 2022-2023Senior Center MembershipsSoWashCo 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.Fall 2022
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Lighten Up - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesJoin with others on the journey to feel your best. Each week we will weigh in and discuss practical topics including the latest diet secrets and trends. Whether you want to lose weight or maintain your ideal weight, having weekly accountability is a key to success!Winter 2023
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Mah Jongg - Daytime (50+)Free ActivitiesIf you are looking for a game of strategy, Mah Jongg may be it. Join us Tuesdays from 9:00 - 12:30 p.m. for American Mah Jongg, a game of both skill and luck. We play for fun, not money, with three or four players seated around a table using tiles, racks, and a "Hands and Rules" card. New players are welcome to start at any time, and it is not necessary to attend every week. There are members willing to work with new players to help them learn the game. If you have questions, contact Hjordes at 651-283-3989.Winter 2023
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Cribbage - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesLet CRIBBAGE play lead your way to a more enjoyable day. We'll meet once a week on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. for this ole traditional English and Scandinavian card game. Guaranteed 8 games of fun and changing partners to even the play and camaraderie!Winter 2023
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Mexican Train Dominoes - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesCome and learn Mexican Train from our volunteer instructor. It's played with a standard set of Double Twelve dominoes. This fun game is filled with strategies and chances to win!Winter 2023
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Hand & Foot - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesIf you enjoy Canasta or rummy, you'll want to check out Hand & Foot. Teachers are available to show you how to play. Come and join us for an enjoyable way to connect with new friends.Winter 2023
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Men's Group - Coffee & ConversationFree ActivitiesMen don't often have a place to just go and talk. Come and bring whatever is on your mind and see what you have in common. We'll provide tables and coffee for this unstructured time. You're sure to meet some new friends. Join us!Winter 2023
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500 Card Game - Daytime (50+)Free ActivitiesWhether 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).Winter 2023
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Saint Jude's Episcopal (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)Bingo - Daytime (50+)Free ActivitiesJoin 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!Winter 2023
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Farkle - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesThis crowd-pleasing game brings laughter and fun. If you don't yet know how to play, we'll teach you!Winter 2023
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Book Club Discussion Group - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesDo you love to read? Want a place to discuss and share reactions with like-minded people? Join us for this monthly book discussion group that meets second Tuesday of the month. Group members will choose the authors and titles for the year from a list of popular books. Most will be available at the public library.Winter 2023
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Men's Bridge (Open to Seasoned Players Only) - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesAre you an experienced Bridge player looking for a group of avid Bridge players to join? This group has been playing together for years, but may have room for new players with experience. Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month. If you are interested, please start by calling Jerry Jensen at 651-459-8210.Winter 2023
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Bunco - Daytime 50+Free ActivitiesJoin us for Bunco, known as the "famous social dice game". If you haven't yet played, we can teach you. Come join the fun!Winter 2023
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Grief Support Group - Evening (50+)Free ActivitiesIf you have lost a loved one and could use extra support as you grieve, please join us. Grief Group meets the 3rd Monday of each month. Contact KOK Funeral Home at 7676 80th St. S, Cottage Grove (651) 459-2875 for details. Here is the 2023 Schedule of topics: February 20: Video "Uncoupled: Dealing with the Death of a Spouse", March 20th: - Reverend Dr. Jules Erickson: "Grief and Family Systems", April 17 - Brittany Squillance: "Caring for Yourself", May 15th - Paul Johnson: "Transformational Grief", June 19 - Summer Event: Picnic, July 17th - Video: "The 5 H's ... Hurt, Hope, Help, Honor, Healing", August 21 - Summer Event: Riverboat Cruise, September 18th - Theresa Murray: "The Four Stones", October 16th - A Meal and Memories, November 20th - Colleen Luna: "Help for the Holidays", December 18 - Holiday Dinner Event.Winter 2023
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Diabetes Support Group - 50+Free ActivitiesAre you dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetes? Could you use a little support and practical tips for day to day diabetes management so you can feel your best? Join us for a friendly and informal group discussion designed to share facts and ideas. This group is facilitated by Diabetes advocate Connie Allen. She is a nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator and has been a Cottage Grove resident since 1996. Note: Please wear a mask if unvaccinated or if you are vaccinated and feel more comfortable doing so. Chairs can be socially-distanced. If guidelines change, we will follow accordingly. Class meets the third Tuesday of the month. This program is intended for anyone with diabetes. Spouses and support persons are also encouraged to attend! Please register online at sowashco.ce.eleyo.com. If you have questions, please call Connie Allen at 651-232-7057.Winter 2023
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WaitlistSAIL Fitness - Stay Active and Independent for Life (Daytime - 55+)Free ActivitiesStay 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.Winter 2023
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Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) - 55+Free ActivitiesArthritis 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.Winter 2023
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Pickleball - All Ages (Adult)Classes and EnrichmentPickleball 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.Winter 2023
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Police Presentations - Local. Timely. Relevant. Friendly.Free ActivitiesJoin 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.School Year 22-23
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Basic Computers for AdultsClasses and EnrichmentWhether you are an absolute beginner or have some experience but lack the confidence to continue on your own, join us! We'll teach you the basics, get you comfortable finding additional resources online, and do our best to answer your questions. Plan to join us once a week for the full 9 week course. To register for this class, please use this Great Rivers Registration Form.Winter 2023
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Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Sidekick Theater) - Day Trip for Adults 50+Trips and ToursTake 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.Spring 2023
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MN Landscape Arboretum Tram Tour - Day Trip for Adults 50+Trips and ToursThe 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.Spring 2023
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Galena, Illinois - Overnight Trip for Adults 50+Trips and ToursJune 6 - 8, 2023 This 3 day motor coach Tour is $655 per person (2 per room) or $815 per person (1 per room). Travel with Laurie, the Community Ed Senior Coordinator in Hastings, as we head to historic Galena, Illinois. Tour includes: Deluxe motor coach transportation, lodging for 2 nights, meals (1 coffee & roll, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners) and tickets to wonderful events including Dickeyville Grotto, Galena Trolley tour, U.S. Grant House & Museum, Dowling House, Yacht ride along the Mississippi River and much more (and shopping too!). A $100 deposit is due April 17, 2023. Final Payment is due May 1, 2023. Plan to leave from the District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. So., Cottage Grove. Pickup and drop-off times will be determined closer to trip date.Spring 2023
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Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls - Day Trip for Adults 50+Trips and ToursJoin 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.Spring 2023