Magnifying Abilities
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.
Sponsored by
SWMetro Community
Education Consortium
Administrative Assistant:
Denise Ayen
952.556.6402
ayend@district112.org
Program Specialist:
Susan Meyer
952.556.6434
meyers@district112.org
MA Professionals:
Cari Nesvold
Doni McQuiston
Kelli Christopher
Instructor Spotlight: Sandi Picka
Sandi has been teaching with Magnifying Abilities since October of 2017! She began teaching sewing classes and now teaches “Cooking with Sandi” class once per month. Sandi also enjoys the martial art of TaeKwonDo. She has assisted TKD instructor, Master Tessa at nearly every Magnifying Abilities TKD session, sharing her passion and skill with MA participants. When asked why she enjoys teaching with Magnifying Abilities, Sandi shared, “I love seeing the students each month and watching their confidence grow as we work on projects. I have been working with some students for almost 10 years and it has been rewarding to watch how their skills and confidence, both physically and socially, have improved over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such an optimistic, friendly and intelligent group of students. This truly doesn't feel like a job for me and I love teaching my friends at Magnifying Abilities.” See Sandi's "Cooking with Sandi" and "Art in the Park" classes on the next page! -----------> Website:
ce4all.org
110600 Village Road Chaska, MN 55318
Volunteer With Us!
If you are looking for an opportunity to be involved in the community, consider volunteering with Magnifying Abilities! We welcome volunteers, ages 16 and older with a friendly attitude and a passion for supporting individuals of ALL abilities! The time commitment is short (typically less than 2 hours) and we have a lot of fun! Please reach out to Volunteer Coordinator, Cari Nesvold at nesvoldc@district112.org for more information.
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 Magnifying 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
Bingo Theme Night
Don’t miss out on the fun at Magnifying Abilities Bingo Theme Night! Get together with friends for bingo, snacks and prizes! Our Summer Bingo themes are Safari Bingo in June, Birthday Party Bingo in July, and Disney Bingo in August. We’ll play several rounds of themed bingo followed by traditional number bingo. Everyone goes home with a prize! Register/cancel by: 6/8, 7/13, 8/17
Bingo Theme Night is at the Family Learning Center and is $8 per day.
1428-Bingo1Jun Tuesday, June 16
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
1428-Bingo2July Tuesday, July 14 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
1428-Bingo3Aug Tuesday, August 18 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Disney Music Game Show
Join our favorite DJ, Ray of Sunshine, at a fun and energetic, game-show style event! Disney Music Game Show combines trivia, games, and other challenges featuring popular Disney music! Be a game show contestant, win a candy prize, enjoy an ice cream treat, and show off your music knowledge! Register/cancel by: 6/3
1441-MusicGame Family Learning Center
$10 Tuesday, June 23 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Saturday Bowling
Join the MA community at Shakopee Bowl for friendly competition and fun-filled bowling! Your registration 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 to bowl should have a companion attend and assist. See you at “The Bowl”! Register/ cancel by: 6/24, 7/22, 8/19
Saturday Bowling is at the Shakopee Bowl and is $12 per day.
1446-Bowl1Jun Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
1446-Bowl2Jul Saturday, July 25 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
1446-Bowl3Aug Saturday, August 22 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Address: 3020 133rd St W, Shakopee
Shrek the Musical by Stages Theatre Co.
Get out of the swamp and into the theatre to join Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on an adventure bigger than Lord Farquaad! Shrek the Musical brings all your favorite characters from the Oscar-winning film to life and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Participants needing support in community settings should be accompanied. Companions are also asked to register for a ticket. Register/cancel by: 6/18
1432-Shrek Stages Theater Company $18 + $18 for companion Sunday, July 12 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Address: 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Shockwaves Water Ski Show
Join your Magnifying Abilities friends and be entertained at a FREE Water Ski show by the Shockwaves Water Ski Team. These amazing water skiers will perform pyramids, ballet, barefooting, jumping, wakeboarding and many other crowd-pleasing stunts! The show will be held in Quarry Lake Park in Shakopee. Bring a blanket or chair for seating. This event will be held weather-permitting. Participants should be accompanied throughout the entire show by a companion (no drop-offs). Register/cancel by: 7/22
1433-SkiShow Quarry Lake Park FREE Thursday, July 23 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Address: 6201 Innovation Blvd, Shakopee
Pizza Picnic & Music Social
Celebrate summer with pizza, friends, and great music! Meet at Lake Susan Park in Chanhassen for a pizza, pop and dessert meal, yard games such as cornhole and bocce ball, and sing-along with the vocal and guitar talents of Kevin Siefering (DJ - Ray of Sunshine). Companions who would like pizza are also asked to register. Register/cancel by: 8/3
1444-Picnic Lake Susan Park
$15 + $10 for companion
Thursday, August 6 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Address: 903 Lake Dr, Chanhassen
Learning
Summer Safety Kit
Get summer storm ready! This class is designed to help you feel calm, confident and prepared for unexpected summer emergencies. Play “Summer Safety Jeopardy” to review practical storm and summer safety tips. After the game, everyone will assemble their own summer safety starter kit to take home! You’ll leave more prepared to keep yourself and your household safer all season long. Register/cancel by: 5/22
1447-SafeKit Family Learning Center
$18
Tuesday, June 2 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Pizza Social Skills Class with My Path
Don’t miss a Pizza Social intended to help you learn conversation and friendship-building skills! Enjoy pizza, interactive games and space for connection. Learn from the professionals at My Path, who use the evidencesupported PEERS® Conversation & Friendship program developed by UCLA. Walk away with some conversational tips and tricks that have been proven to help people make and keep friends! Register/cancel by: 6/22
1431-MyPath Family Learning Center
$10
Wednesday, June 24 6:00 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. Limited spots so register early! Participants who need support to fully participate in the class are asked to have a companion remain with them and assist throughout the class.
Food Allergy Note: Recipes will contain wheat & dairy products. Individuals with food allergies may inquire about alternatives before registering at 952556-6434. June 30th: Parfaits 3-Ways. July 28th: Party Pinwheels. Register/ cancel by: 6/24 & 7/22 *Note: Sandi’s August class will be Art in the Park. * Cooking with Sandi is at the Family Learning Center and is $15 per day.
1434-Cook1 Tuesday, June 30 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1434-Cook2 Tuesday, July 28 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Fishing at Cedar Lake
Join educators from the Three Rivers Parks - Outdoor Recreation School to learn about fishing basics and practice fishing skills! Learn about bait selection, how to bait a hook, types of Minnesota fish, and how to safely take a fish off your hook. Equipment and catch-and-release fishing license are provided for use during the program. Participants are invited to bring a family/friend/PCA to assist with support needs during the program. Register/cancel by: 7/1
1429-Fish Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park $14 Thursday, July 9 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 25875 Juniper Ave. New Prague
Craft & Connect
Discover the joy of creating and the joy of community at this daytime craft class series! Each session features a fun craft project to explore your creativity and a welcoming space to chat and connect with friends. June 11th: Pinecone Bird Feeder and Birding Walk. July 1st: Star Button
Art - Create a bold, patriotic masterpiece using colorful buttons to form a festive stars-and-stripes design and enjoy karaoke! August 20th: Garden Tic-Tac-
Toe - Transform natural materials into a playful, one-of-a-kind tic-tac-toe set. Register/cancel by: 6/8
Craft & Connect is at the Family Learning Center and is $10 per day. 1437-Craft1 Thursday, June 11 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 1437-Craft2 Wednesday, July 1 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 1437-Craft3 Thursday, August 20 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Star-Spangled Craft Night
Red, white, and blue will take center stage at this craft night featuring patriotic projects - perfect for sprucing up your space for Flag Day, Independence Day, and all your favorite summer celebrations. Have fun crafting with friends and take home your hand-crafted decorations that show your American spirit! Register/cancel by: 6/4
1427-StarCrafts New Prague Community Education Center $12 Thursday, June 11 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 410 Central Ave N, New Prague
Summer Sip & Paint
Socialize, get creative, and let your inner artist shine! Learn step-by-step, how to paint an adorable summer-themed acrylic painting on canvas. Enjoy fun, fizzy (nonalcoholic) drinks as you paint and connect with friends! Two sessions will be offered - one daytime and one evening - choose what works for your schedule! Register/ cancel by: 6/17
Summer Sip & Paint is at the Family Learning Center and is $13. 1438-SipPaint1 Monday, June 22 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1438-SipPaint2 Monday, June 22 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Solar Jar Lantern
Create a touch of summer magic with your own handcrafted lantern. Transform simple mason jars into colorful solar?powered luminaries using a decoupage technique. Your finished lantern will soak up the sun by day and cast a warm, enchanting glow by night. Two class sections will be offered - choose day or evening! Register/cancel by: 7/15
Diamond Dot Art
Craft dazzling, mosaic?style art using shimmering diamond dots! Choose to make a sparkly keychain design or craft your own set of bedazzled stickers—perfect for personalizing water bottles, lunch boxes, notebooks, and more. Enjoy a relaxed, creative evening as you unwind, chat, and make something uniquely yours with friends. Register/cancel by: 7/21
1448-Diamond Family Learning Center $10 Tuesday, August 4 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Smash & Splash Floral Art
Let’s have fun smashing summer flower petals to make beautiful color splashes! We will create original art on watercolor paper using the color from smashed flower petals and adding more creative detail with colored pencils, ink stamps, and watercolor. Design summer-inspired artwork that you can take home and enjoy all year long! Register/cancel by: 8/5
1430-Smash Family Learning Center
$13
Monday, August 10 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Build a Butterfly House
Create a charming home for one of nature’s most captivating pollinators - butterflies! Participants will assemble and decorate their own wooden butterfly house. As the paint dries, make and enjoy a butterflythemed pretzel snack. Two class sections will be offered - choose afternoon or evening. Register/cancel by: 8/19
Build a Butterfly House is at the Family Learning Center and is $15. 1440-Butterfly1 Monday, August 24 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1440-Butterfly2 Monday, August 24 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Art in the Park
Let nature be your inspiration at Art-in-the-Park! Join instructor Sandi to learn the unique art of Fruit Stamping. This one-of-a-kind project uses the unique shape and texture of fruits and vegetables to paint and decorate your own personalized apron, perfect to wear for Sandi’s cooking classes, or cooking and crafting at home! Register/cancel by: 8/19
1443-ArtPark Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
$15 Tuesday, August 25 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 25875 Juniper Ave, New Prague
Solar Jar Lantern is at the Family Learning Center and is $15. 1439-Lantern1 Monday, July 20 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1439-Lantern2 Monday, July 20 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Fitness Trips & Tours
Beginner Golf at The Loop
Golf is for EVERYONE! Learn all about the sport of golf at a barrier-free golf course, The Loop at Chaska! Join the welcoming professionals at The Loop for putting instruction and course play on the beautiful, Minnalayas putting course. All equipment will be provided.Register/cancel by: 6/3
1450-Golf The Loop at Chaska
$5
Monday, June 8 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address: 1207 Hazeltine Blvd. Chaska
Take a Hike
Embark on an outdoor adventure with the MA community! Join instructor Kelli and your fellow MA friends once a month for three hikes at local parks, each offering unique scenery and experiences. Companions are asked to join but do not need to register. Register/cancel by: 6/18, 7/28, 8/11
Take a Hike is at the Various Local Parks and is $5 per day.
1449-Hike1 Thursday, June 18 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
1449-Hike2 Thursday, July 30 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
1449-Hike3
Thursday, August 13 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Addresses: Chaska Athletic Park 725 W 1st St, Chaska
Lowry Nature Center 7025 Nature Center Dr, Victoria Cleary Lake Regional Park 18106 Texas Ave. Prior Lake
Chair Yoga
Calm your mind and reduce stress at 4 sessions of Chair Yoga! Each session will begin with breathwork and meditation and then move through a series of adapted, controlled yoga poses using a chair for seated support and standing balance. About the Instructor: Jessica Emerson is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Special Education Teacher dedicated to making the practice of yoga inclusive and accessible to all! Register/cancel by: 6/26
Chair Yoga is at the Family Learning Center and is $7 per day.
1445-Yoga1 Wednesday, July 1 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
1445-Yoga2 Wednesday, July 8 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
1445-Yoga3 Wednesday, July 15 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
1445-Yoga4 Wednesday, July 29 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska
Wiffleball & Ice Cream
Head to Shakopee Bowl for fun, teamwork, and friendly competition! We’ll play a few innings of Wiffleball on The Bowl’s new ball field and visit the Scoop Zone Ice Cream Parlor located inside Shakopee Bowl for a scoop of Bridgeman’s ice cream! All equipment provided. Register/cancel by: 8/12
1436-Wiffleball Shakopee Bowl
$14
Wednesday, August 26 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Address: 3020 133rd St W, Shakopee
Carlson’s Llovable Llamas
Walk into the world of Llamas at Carlson’s Llovable Llama Farm! This farm visit will include learning about llama care, mingling with adorable llama babies, taking a llama on a trail walk, and brushing and feeding the llama’s with treats provided! One PCA per participant may attend at no charge but must register. Additional attending companions or family members are asked to pay the registration fee. Register/cancel by: 5/28
1426-Llamas Carlson’s Llovable Llamas
$14 + $0 for one companion, +$14 for each additional companion
Thursday, June 4 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Address: 8380 County Rd 10 E, Waconia
Sunset Pontoon Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing pontoon cruise on Lake Minnetonka at sunset! Join the experienced pontoon Captain and First Mate from Chaska Area Fishing with Friends for a 1.5 hour cruise to soak in the beautiful scenery of the lake. Board the pontoon at Howards Point Marina. There is no charge for this event but spots are very limited! Everyone needing a seat on the pontoon must register (including companions). Register/cancel by: 6/8
1435-Pontoon Howards Point Marina FREE
Wednesday, June 10 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Address: 5400 Howard’s Point Rd, Excelsior
St. Paul Saints Game
Don’t miss the fun and excitement of a St. Paul Saints game! Registration includes an infield ticket to the game against the Syracuse Mets, hilarious Saints entertainment, AND transportation to and from CHS Field! Board the bus at Chaska High School. Participants needing any support must have a companion who must also register. Register/cancel by: 8/10
1442-Saints Meet at Chaska High School $32 + $32 for companion
Sunday, September 13 12:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Address: 545 Pioneer Trail, Chaska
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 - 7:30 PM Chaska
August 2026
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
6:00 - 7:00 PM Shakopee Diamond
- 7:30
- 7:30
Thank you
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!
Knights of Columbus - Chaska Council #9141 Three Rivers Parks - Outdoor Recreation School
St. Paul Saints Knights of Columbus - Chanhassen Council #10031
Carlson's Llovable Llamas
Chaska Area Fishing with Friends Knights of Columbus - Belle Plaine Council #1503 DJ Ray of Sunshine - Kevin Siefering
Shakopee Lions
Scott County Pork Producers
Shakopee Bowl
Advisory Committee:
My Path: Coaching & Consulting
Denise Ayen Stages Theatre Co.
Jessica Emerson
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 3 times per year to provide feedback and share ideas to promote and enhance Magnifying Abilities programming. Upcoming MAAC meetings will be Tuesday, May 5th at 6:00PM and September 15th 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 -- Summer 2026
Name______________________________________________________________________
Email (Required)_____________________________________________________________
Emails will be sent to confirm registration and communicate important program information.
I would like to reveive course information via text message.
Address______________________________________________________________ City & Zip ________________________________________
We love to capture and share photos of our Magnifying Abilities events! If you prefer NOT to be published, please initial here._____________
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
1428-Bingo1Jun Bingo Theme Night 6/16
1428-Bingo2July Bingo Theme Night 7/14
1428-Bingo3Aug Bingo Theme Night 8/18
1441-MusicGame Disney Music Game Show
1446-Bowl1Jun Bowling 6/27
1446-Bowl2Jul Bowling 7/25
1446-Bowl3Aug Bowling 8/22
1432-Shrek Shrek the Musical
1432-Shrek Shrek the Musical- Companion
1433-SkiShow Shockwaves Water Ski Show
1444-Picnic Pizza Picnic & Music
1444-Picnic Pizza Picnic & Music- Companion
Learning
1447-SafeKit Summer Safety Kit
1431-MyPath Pizza Social Skills
1434-Cook1 Cooking with Sandi 6/30
1434-Cook2 Cooking with Sandi 7/28
1429-Fish Fishing at Cedar Lake
$8_______
$8_______
$8_______
$10______
$12______
$12______
$12______
$18______
$18______
$0_______
$15______
$10______
$18______
$10______
$15______
$15______
$14______ Art
1437-Craft1 Craft & Connect 6/11
1437-Craft2 Craft & Connect 7/1
1437-Craft3 Craft & Connect 8/20
1427-StarCrafts Star-Spangled Craft Night
$10______
$10______
$10______
$12______
1438-SipPaint1 Summer Sip & Paint (afternoon) $13______
1438-SipPaint2 Summer Sip & Paint (evening) $13______
Art
1439-Lantern1 Solar Jar Lantern (afternoon)
1439-Lantern2 Solar Jar Lantern (evening)
1448-Diamond Diamond Dot Art
$15______
$15______
$10______
1430-Smash Smash & Splash Floral Art $13______
1440-Butterfly1 Build a Butterfly House (afternoon) $15______
1440-Butterfly2 Build a Butterfly House (evening) $15______
1443-ArtPark Art in the Park $15______ Fitness
1450-Golf Beginner Golf at the Loop $5_______
1449-Hike1 Take a Hike 6/18
$5_______
1449-Hike2 Take a Hike 7/30 $5_______
1449-Hike3 Take a Hike 8/13 $5_______
1445-Yoga1 Chair Yoga 7/1 $7_______
1445-Yoga2 Chair Yoga 7/8
$7_______
1445-Yoga3 Chair Yoga 7/15 $7_______
1445-Yoga4 Chair Yoga 7/29
$7_______
1436-Wiffleball Wiffleball & Ice Cream $14______ Trips & Tours
1426-Llamas Carlson's Llovable Llamas $14______
1426-Llamas Carlson's Llovable Llamas- 1 Companion $0_______
ADDITIONAL COMPANIONS: # of additional:_____ x $14 = $________
1435-Pontoon Sunset Pontoon Cruise $0_______
1442-Saints St. Paul Saints Game
1442-Saints St. Paul Saints Game- Companion
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.
