Magnifying Abilities Newsletter Spring 2026 by ce4all

Magnifying Abilities

For adults with unique learning abilities

Welcome to Magnifying Abilities

Spring 2026

Magnifying Abilities is a social/recreational program for adults 18 and older with intellectual and physical disabilities. The program is designed to enhance community involvement and lifelong learning of people with disabilities. Individuals who participate in the program reside within Carver and Scott County.

Volunteer With Us!

If you are looking for an opportunity to be involved in the community, consider volunteering with Magnifying Abilities! We invite individuals 16 and older, who have a friendly attitude and a willingness to get to know people of all abilities, to provide support at our events! The time commitment is short (typically less than 2 hours) and we have a lot of fun!! Attending family members of participants willing to be an “official” event volunteer are asked to contact MA staff regarding upcoming opportunities. Please reach out to Susan Meyer with Magnifying Abilities at (952) 556-6434 or meyers@district112.org or register on our website.

Instructor Spotlight: Theresa Ganzer

Theresa has been teaching MA classes for two and a half years. Her favorite class to teach is painting. She is a high school media arts teacher by day. Her current passion is graphic design and animation but her roots started in painting and traditional art marking. Theresa says, “I love sharing my knowledge with others! I love that I have so many outlets in my life to continue to share my artistic skills and help anyone from all walks of life and any skill level find the artist within themself. Everyone has so much creativity inside of them and I feel very privileged to be able to help others unlock that creativity”. Magnifying Abilities offers Exploring Art class once a month.

Watch the MA Video Here!

Want to learn more about Magnifying Abilities? Visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymqyT0xrSk or scan the QR code to hear from MA participants and families in our promo video!

Be a Magnify Abilities Instructor!

Attention Magnifying Abilities families and friends…do you - or someone you know - have a special skill, unique hobby, or background in education? We are always looking for new instructors to provide interesting education opportunities for Magnifying Abilities! Please reach out to Susan at meyers@district112.org for more information about becoming a paid instructor with MA.

Recreation Recreation

St. John Game Night

Prepare yourself for a evening of fun at St. John the Baptist Church in Jordan! This popular annual event is hosted by the youth program at SJB, as they invite you to join them for games, snacks, and an opportunity to make new friends! Enjoy activities such as mini-bowling, ping pong, floor hockey, mini-basketball, card games, coloring, and more! Don’t miss out on the fun! Caregivers, please accompany and assist individuals needing support. Register/Cancel By: 3/2

1410-SJBgames St. John’s the Baptist - Jordan $5 Wednesday, March 4 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Address: 313 2nd St E, Jordan

Daytime Spa Series

Enjoy a spa-like environment at this daytime class series intended to help you relax and unwind. Each class will feature different spa themed crafting and relaxation activities. March 12th: Sugar Scrub Craft - Making your own exfoliating sugar scrub. April 9th: Chair Yoga - Soothe your mind and body with relaxing movement. May 7th: Worry Stones Craft - Create worry stones to help relieve stress and anxiety.

Exploring Art is at the Family Learning Center and is $10 + $20 for groups of up to 4.

1418-DayClass1 Thursday, March 12 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1418-DayClass2 Thursday, April 9 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1418-DayClass3 Thursday, May 7 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Bingo Theme Night

Don’t miss out on the fun at Magnifying Abilities Bingo Theme Night! Join friends once per month for bingo, snacks and prizes! Our Spring Bingo themes are All Things Green in March, Think Spring in April, and Fiesta Bingo in May. Play several rounds of themed bingo followed by number bingo! Everyone goes home with a prize! Register/Cancel By: 3/16, 4/6, 5/4

Bingo Theme Night is at the Family Learning Center and is $7 per day.

1408-Bingo1Mar Tuesday, March 17 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1408-Bingo2Apr Tuesday, April 7 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1408-Bingo3May Tuesday, May 5 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Let’s Play Cards

Join your MA friends for a fun night of easy-to-play card games like UNO, Go Fish, Old Maid, Memory, and more. Come enjoy laughs, connection, and a friendly space where everyone can play and belong. Snacks and drinks included! Register/Cancel By: 3/19

1416-Cards Family Learning Center $7

Monday, March 23 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Saturday Bowling

Meet your MA friends at Shakopee Bowl for friendly competition and funfilled bowling! Your registration fee of $10.00 per session includes 2 games of bowling and shoe rental, if needed. Bring extra $$$ to purchase snacks and drinks from “The Bowl’s” delicious menu! Per Shakopee Bowl policy, NO outside food or beverage containers allowed. Participants needing support should be assisted by a caregiver. Bowling begins at 10:00 AM. See you at “The Bowl”! Register/Cancel By: 3/25, 4/22, 5/27

Saturday Bowling is at the Shakopee Bowl and is $10 per day.

1407-Bowl1Mar Saturday, March 28 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

1407-Bowl2Apr Saturday, April 25 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

1407-Bowl3May Saturday, May 30 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Address: 3020 133rd St W, Shakopee

Meet & Eat at EP Center

Have a meal out with your MA Friends! Meet up at the Eden Prairie Center mall and purchase your own meal from one of the many food court options to enjoy with friends. There is no sign-up fee but please register so adequate seating can be reserved. All individuals must be accompanied throughout the evening (no drop-offs). Register/Cancel By: 3/30

1417-MeetEat Eden Prairie Center $0 Monday, March 30 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Address: 8251 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie

Game Show Night

Come on down! It’s your chance to spin the wheel, hit the buzzer, solve the puzzle, or cheer on your teammates in an evening of fun and laughter! Become a contestant in your favorite game shows, presented with a Magnifying Abilities twist! Enjoy teamwork, friendly competition, and shared laughs as we re-create classic game show moments together. Register/Cancel By: 4/13

1412-GameShow Watertown-Mayer Community Learning Center $10 Wednesday, April 15 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 313 Angel Ave NW, Watertown

Jammin’ with Kevin

Join musician, Kevin Siefering and your MA friends for a fun musical experience! Be one of the singers with a microphone or play a rhythm instrument etc. as you have a jam session with Kevin! Come to sing, listen, or play along to Kevin’s popular playlist and enjoy an ice cream float with your choice of flavor (Root Beer, Coke, or Orange). Register/Cancel By: 4/13

1421-Jam Family Learning Center $8

Thursday, April 16 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Movie Talk Meetup

Do you love talking about your favorite movies? Join fellow movie fans for chatting and social time as you dive into the stories, characters, and popular movie scenes. Share your favorites, watch memorable clips together, and enjoy popcorn and drinks while exploring all things movies together. Register/Cancel By: 4/20

1420-MovieTalk Family Learning Center $7

Thursday, April 23 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Learning Learning

Exploring Art

Let your creativity abound at the Magnifying Abilities Spring Exploring Art series! Held once a month, this art class for all abilities will feature a variety of art mediums to learn new art skills and create unique works of art. Join art instructor, Theresa Ganzer and have fun creating with your MA friends! All supplies included. March 9th: Mixed Media Shamrock Craft. April 13th: Bunny Pom Pom Craft. May 18th: Cherry Blossom Acrylic Painting. Register/ Cancel By: 3/5, 4/8, 5/13

Exploring Art is at the Family Learning Center and is $15 per day. 1409-Art1Mar Monday, March 9 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1409-Art2Apr Monday, April 13 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1409-Art3May Monday, May 18 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Cooking with Sandi

Learn new cooking skills and enjoy time with friends! Join Instructor Sandi to learn tasty recipes you can prepare at home! Participants who need support to fully participate in the class are asked to have a companion remain with them throughout the class. Food Allergy Note: Recipes will contain wheat & dairy products. March 24th: Chocolate Mug Cake. April 28th: Savory Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups. May 26th: Mini Muffin Mania. Register/Cancel By: 3/18, 4/22, 5/20 *Individuals with food allergies may inquire about alternatives before registering at 952-556-6434.

Cooking with Sandi is at Shakopee West Middle School and is $15 per day. 1424-Cook1Mar Tuesday, March 24 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1424-Cook2Apr Tuesday, April 28 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1424-Cook3May Tuesday, May 26 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 200 10th Ave E, Shakopee

Art, Heart, & Hoofbeats

Camping Skills Adventure

Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School with Three Rivers Parks to learn camping skills! Work with a small group to set up and take down a tent. Learn the steps to building and lighting a campfire and learn how to leave no trace when enjoying the outdoors. The last 30-45 minutes of the program will be less structured to give participants more time to explore the tents and play games! Space is limited. All attending companions must register as well, however there is no fee for companions to attend. Register/ Cancel By: 4/10

1423-Camping Cleary Lake Regional Park $18 + FREE for companion Saturday, May 9 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Address: 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake

Countryside Container Garden

Create a container full of summer flowers and plants! Winter is over and let’s celebrate summer by planting flowers in a container that will bring a pop of color and life to an outdoor area of your home. Each participant will go home with a rectangular container perfect for a patio, outdoor entryway, or other outdoor space. Your planter will be filled with bright beautiful blooms that you can treasure all summer long! Register/Cancel By: 5/13

1415-Garden Family Learning Center $24 Wednesday, May 20 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Rapids Lake Scavenger Hike

Enjoy the great outdoors and hike the Forest Loop Trail at Rapids Lake Education Center in Carver. Join your MA friends on a scavenger hunt as you search for wildlife, plant life, and signs of spring along the trail! Don’t forget your water bottle and bug spray. Register/Cancel By: 5/20

Animal and art-lovers - this class is for you! Experience the charm of Art, Heart and Hoofbeats Sanctuary, a local farm that promotes connection, growth and artistic expression. Join the friendly staff and delightful rescue animals at Art, Heart and Hoofbeats for 3 Spring sessions of creativity, curiosity, and connection with animals. Signed waiver required to participate. Participants needing support to participate must bring a companion assist throughout the class. April 29th - Spring Chickens: Birds, Brushes & Belonging. May 13th – Walk With Me: Horse Mirroring & Mosaic Making. May 27th – Joyful Noise: Our final spring class celebrates the creativity and fresh energy of early summer. We will also learn how to safely feed the horses and check for fresh chicken eggs. This experience blends seasonal art, outdoor mindfulness, and meaningful animal interactions. Register/Cancel By: 4/27, 5/11, 5/25

AHH is at the Art, Heart and Hoofbeats Sanctuary and is $18 per day. 1411-AHH1 Wednesday, April 29 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 1411-AHH2 Wednesday, May 13 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 1411-AHH3 Wednesday, May 27 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 13735 County Rd 43, Cologne

1425-Hike Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center $5 Thursday, May 21 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver

See next page for more classes and a calendar of events!

Fitness & Dance Fitness & Dance

Move & Groove with Kelli

It’s time to get moving and grooving! Join Instructor Kelli for this 3 session series of yoga, fitness, and fun! Kelli will lead a variety of energizing activities to keep you fit and healthy! Each session will be unique, so don’t miss out! Register/Cancel By: 3/4, 3/11, 3/18

Move & Groove is at the Family Learning Center and is $7 per day.

1413-Move1 Thursday, March 5 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1413-Move2

1413-Move3

Thursday, March 12 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday, March 19 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Cheer Night with Chan Cheer

Join members of the Chanhassen Varsity Cheer Team for Cheer night! Be a star as you learn Cheer motions, jumps, cheers, and safe stunting taught by Chan High School Cheer Coach, Annie Shurson and members of the Cheer squad! At the end of the night, showcase your new Cheer skills with a performance of a Cheer routine for parents and companions!

1406-Cheer Jonathan Elementary

$15

Tuesday, March 10 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Address: 110300 Pioneer Trail, Chaska

Tae Kwon Do

Don’t miss out on this fun, active class that will help you feel strong and fit! Learn the Korean Martial Art of Kick and Punch at Tae Kwon Do. The experienced instructors from KKC Tae Kwon Do will safely guide participants through practice stretches, Tae Kwon Do moves, and striking to targets. This class series is for all levels and abilities. Register/Cancel By: 4/15

1414-TKD Bayview Elementary School

$28

Mondays, Apr 20 - May 11 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

Address: 24 S Walnut St, Waconia

Texas Hold ‘Em Line Dance Class

Put on those cowboy boots, grab your hat and come on out to enjoy a night of dancing! Learn fun and easy line dance steps to Beyonce’s hit country song,”Texas Hold ‘Em”. Don’t miss out on the toe-tappin’ fun at this energizing dance class! Register & Cancel Before: 4/20/2026

1405-LineDance La Academia Elementary

$10

Wednesday, April 22 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Address: 1800 N Chestnut St #1492, Chaska

Spring Sparkle Dance Party

Get ready to sparkle and shine! You’re invited to dress up in your best outfit (or come just as you are, whatever feels comfortable). Show off your sparkle as you strike a pose in the photo booth, and enjoy treats and mocktails as you dance the night away with your MA friends. Our favorite DJ, Ray of Sunshine, will play all of your favorite tunes. Don’t miss a sparkling night of music, laughter, and fun! Register/Cancel By: 5/7/2026

1422-Sparkle Family Learning Center

$15

Thursday, May 14 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Trips & Tours/Volunteering

Volunteer at FMSC

Help feed hungry families all around the world and have fun with your Magnifying Abilities friends! Meet at the Chanhassen location of Feed My Starving Children to help pack meals, label food bags, or move boxes. All abilities welcome! Participants needing support should be accompanied. Staff/family members are invited to participate and are asked to register for this event. Don’t miss this wonderful volunteer opportunity! Register/ Cancel By: 3/26/26

1419-FMSC Feed My Starving Children FREE + FREE for companion Wednesday, April 1 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Address: 18732 Lake Dr E, Chanhassen

Bell Museum & Culvers Trip

Hop on a bus with your MA friends to visit Minnesota’s official natural history museum! Explore hands-on exhibits at the Bell Museum at your own pace. Discover fascinating stories about dinosaurs, wildlife, space, and the world around us. Take in a planetarium show that surrounds you with stunning sights and sounds (optional). After our museum adventure, we’ll make a stop at Culver’s, where you’ll have the chance to purchase a snack or treat before heading home. Participants needing any support when in the community, must have a companion. Saturday - April 11th 12:30pm4:00pm (return time approx.) Bus Departs Chaska High School Activities Entrance. Register/Cancel By: 3/25

1420-Museum Chaska High School $28 + $18 for companion Saturday, April 11 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Address: 545 Pioneer Trail, Chaska

For all MA activities: caregivers are asked to accompany individuals needing supports.

Magnifying Abilities Policies, Reminders, & FAQs

New to Magnifying Abilities? Please Read!

We’re excited to have you join us! Our goal is to make your experience with Magnifying Abilities positive, enriching, and safe. To help everyone feel comfortable, we ask that new participants attend their first few activities with a companion (family member, friend, or staff) or have someone remain in the building during the event. Once you're ready to attend independently, please speak with MA staff at the activity for approval. Some participants may need a family member or other companion to attend with them indefinitely due to support needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more frequently asked questions regarding cancellation policy, registration & payment, transportation, and more, refer to the FAQ sheet here → OR visit

tinyurl.com/2e46xza5

6:30 - 7:45 PM Chaska Meet & Eat at EP Center

5:30 - 6:30 PM Eden Prairie

MARCH 2026

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska Tae Kwon Do

5:30 - 6:15 PM Waconia Tae Kwon Do 5:30 - 6:15 PM Waconia

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska

Tae Kwon Do

5:30 - 6:15 PM Waconia

Tae Kwon Do

5:30 - 6:15 PM Waconia

Exploring Art

Cherry Blossom

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska

May 2026

Bingo Night 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska

Art, Heart & Hoofbeats

6:00 - 7:30 PM Cologne

Countryside Container Garden

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska

Daytime Spa Series 1:00 - 2:00 PM Chaska

Spring Sparkle Dance 6:30 - 7:45 PM Chaska

Rapids Lake Scavenger Hike 6:30 - 7:30 PM Carver

Thank you

Cooking with Sandi

6:30 - 7:30 PM Shakopee

April2026

Art, Heart & Hoofbeats

6:00 - 7:30 PM Cologne

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Camping Skills Adventure 1:00 - 3:30 PM Prior Lake

Bowling 10:00 - 11:15 AM Shakopee

June2026

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A big THANK YOU to the following organizations and individuals for the partnerships, donations, contributions to Magnifying Abilities! We appreciate all the ways you support our program!

Printable Calendars by Vertex42.com

https://www.vertex42.com/calendars/printable-calendars.html

Knights of Columbus - Chaska Council #9141 Three Rivers Parks - Outdoor Recreation School

Knights of Columbus - Chanhassen Council #10031 Art, Heart, & Hoofbeats Sanctuary Knights of Columbus - Belle Plaine Council #1503 DJ Ray of Sunshine - Kevin Siefering

Shakopee Lions

Scott County Pork Producers

Shakopee Bowl

Advisory Committee:

Denise Ayen

Theresa Ganzer

Sandi Picka

Special thanks to the following individuals who attended our January Advisory Committee meeting! We value your support and feedback!

Doni M. Marshall E. Heather W. Dylan E. Travis K. Sandi P. Dawn E. Ryan K. Colleen B. Joe S.

The MA Advisory Committee (MAAC) meets quarterly to provide feedback and share ideas to promote and enhance Magnifying Abilities programming. The next MAAC meeting is Tuesday, May 5th at 6:00PM at the Family Learning Center in Chaska. If you would like to be involved in the Magnifying Abilities Advisory Committee, please reach out to Susan Meyer at meyers@district112.org or (952) 556-6434. We welcome new members!

Magnifying Abilities Registration -- Spring 2026

Email (Required)_____________________________________________________________

Emails will be sent to confirm registration and communicate important program information.

Address______________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact___________________________________________________

I am interested in learning about transportation options. Please contact me.

City & Zip ________________________________________

We love to capture and share photos of our Magnifying Abilities events! If you prefer NOT to be published, please initial here._____________

Phone_____________________________________________ □ Private Home □ Group Home (name of group home)_____________________________________________________________

Special accommodations for consideration ___________________________________________________________________________________

Registration and Payment All participants must be registered for Magnifying Abilities events. We are not able to accommodate drop-ins. Payment for each activity is required at the time of registration. The easiest way to register is to visit our website: ce4all.org/programs/adults/magnifying-abilities OR complete this registration form. Mail or Drop Off (check payment ) Office hours (M-F 8 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) 110600 Village Road Chaska, MN 55318

Recreation

1410-SJBgames St. John Game Night

1418-DayClass1 Daytime Spa Series 3/12

1418-DayClass2 Daytime Spa Series 4/9

1418-DayClass3 Daytime Spa Series 5/7

*For Daytime Spa Series groups of up to 4 ($20/group), register online OR call 952-556-6434*

1408-Bingo1Mar Bingo 3/16

1408-Bingo2Apr Bingo 4/7

1408-Bingo3May Bingo 5/5

1416-Cards Let's Play Cards

1407-Bowl1Mar Bowling 3/28

1407-Bowl2Apr Bowling 4/25

1407-Bowl3May Bowling 5/30

1417-MeetEat Meet & Eat at EP Center

1412-GameShow Game Show Night

1421-Jam Jammin' with Kevin

1420-MovieTalk Movie Talk Meetup

Learning

1409-Art1Mar Exploring Art 3/9

1409-Art2Apr Exploring Art 4/13

1420-Museum Bell Museum & Culvers Trip- Companion $18_______ Name______________________________________________________________________

1409-Art3May Exploring Art 5/18

1424-Cook1Mar Cooking with Sandi 3/24

1424-Cook2Apr Cooking with Sandi 4/28

1424-Cook3May Cooking with Sandi 5/26

$5_______

$10______

$7_______

$10______

$0_______

$10______

$8_______

$7_______

$15______

Learning cont'd

1411-AHH1 Art, Heart, & Hoofbeats 4/29

$18______

1411-AHH2 Art, Heart, & Hoofbeats 5/13 $18______

1411-AHH3 Art, Heart, & Hoofbeats 5/27 $18______

1423-Camping Camping Skills Adventure $18______

1423-Camping Camping Skills Adventure- Companion $0_______

1415-Garden Countryside Container Garden $24______

1425-Hike Rapids Lake Scavenger Hike $5_______ Fitness & Dance

1413-Move1 Move & Groove 3/5

$7_______

1413-Move2 Move & Groove 3/12 $7_______

1413-Move3 Move & Groove 3/19 $7_______

1406-Cheer Cheer Night with Chan Cheer $15______

1414-TKD Tae Kwon Do $28______

1405-LineDance Texas Hold 'Em Line Dance Class $10______

1422-Sparkle Spring Sparkle Dance Party $15______

Trips & Tours/Volunteering

1419-FMSC Volunteer at FMSC $0_______

1419-FMSC Volunteer at FMSC- Companion $0_______

1420-Museum Bell Museum & Culvers Trip $28______

Total amount due: _________ Voucher payment:________________ Voucher #_______ Check Payment:______________

Registering for any Magnifying Abilities course or event indicates the participant and/or the participant’s representatives assume all risks of participation in the program and agree that neither Magnifying Abilities, ISD 112, nor any member of the SW Metro Community Education Consortium shall be held liable.