Magnifying Abilities Newsletter Winter 2025/26 by ce4all

Magnifying Abilities

For adults with unique learning abilities

Welcome to Magnifying Abilities

Winter

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, with a friendly attitude and a willingness to get to know amazing people with disabilities in your community, to help 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.

MA Facebook Group

Would you like to be in-the-know about all things Magnifying Abilities? If you are not a member yet, join now! This private online community shares up-to-date event information and fun photos from our classes, events, and tours. Look us up on facebook or scan the QR code above to join!

Watch the MA Video Here!

Have you seen our new Magnifying Abilities video?

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymqyT0xrSk or scan the QR code above to hear from MA participants and families as they share their thoughts about Magnifying Abilities!

Be an MA 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! Join friends once per month for bingo, snacks and prizes! Our Winter Bingo themes are “Holly Jolly Bingo” in December, “Cartoon Bingo” in January, and “Everything Chocolate Bingo” in February. Play several rounds of themed bingo followed by traditional bingo. Everyone goes home with a prize! Register/cancel by: 12/8, 1/5/, 2/16

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

1389-Bingo1Dec Tuesday, December 9 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1389-Bingo2Jan Tuesday, January 6 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1389-Bingo3Feb Tuesday, February 17 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Saturday Bowling

Recreation

Cornhole Game Night

Don’t miss out on the fun and friendly competition at the Magnifying Abilities Cornhole Game Night! Also known as Bags or Bean Bag Toss, this easy game will be a great time with your Magnifying Abilities friends. Beginners are welcome for this easy-to-learn game! Team awards included! Register/cancel by: 1/26

1397-Cornhole Jonathan Elementary

$10

Monday, February 2 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110300 Pioneer Trail, Chaska

Pizza & Valentine’s Karaoke

We’re putting an MA twist on celebrating Valentine’s Day! Don’t miss Pizza and Valentine’s Karaoke with our favorite DJ, Ray of Sunshine! Sing your favorite love songs (or other favorite songs) with your MA pals and enjoy a pizza dinner! Not a fan of singing - that’s okay! Just come to listen and be entertained by the music, food, and fun! Register/cancel by: 2/10

1390-Pizza Family Learning Center $15 + $10 for companion

Thursday, February 12 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Meet your MA friends at Shakopee Bowl for friendly competition and fun-filled bowling! One session will be offered each month. 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 significant support should be assisted by a caregiver. Register early as space is limited! Bowling begins at 10:00 AM. See you at “The Bowl”! Register/cancel by: 12/10, 1/21, 2/25

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

1391-Bowl1Dec Saturday, December 13 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

1391-Bowl2Jan Saturday, January 24 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

1391-Bowl3Feb Saturday, February 28 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Address: 3020 133rd St W, Shakopee

Holiday Harmonies Performance

Celebrate the season with a delightful musical performance and sing-along featuring our very own Magnifying Abilities singers - Holiday Harmonies, and the ever-talented Ray of Sunshine, Kevin Siefering! Family, friends, and neighbors are all invited to register for admission to this festive celebration of music and community! Cookies and social time will follow the performance. Register/cancel by: 12/18.*Note: Registered Holiday Harmonies performers do not need to purchase admission.

1383-AdmissionHH Jonathan Elementary

Thursday, December 18 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110300 Pioneer Trail, Chaska

Board Game Bash

It’s game time! Join the MA community for a lively evening of board game excitement! Play classic games such as Sorry, Life, CandyLand and more. Celebrate fun and friendship with snacks, drinks, and social time! Register/ cancel by: 1/27

1394-Games Family Learning Center

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Lego Mania

Unleash your imagination at Lego Mania, an evening of hands-on fun, creativity, and connection! Each participant will receive a small Lego kit to assemble and take home, plus access to a wide array of bricks for imaginative freeform building. There’s something for every builder to enjoy! Mingle, create, and let your inner architect shine! Register/cancel by: 2/5

1394-Lego New Prague Community Education Center $10

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

Address: 410 Central Ave N #300, New Prague

Learning

Exploring Art

Let your creativity abound at the Magnifying Abilities Winter 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!

Monday, December 1st: Holiday Lights

Chalk Art - Bring night-time winter scene to life featuring chalk holiday lights! Monday, January 26th: 3D Paper Craft Snow Globe - Re-create the beauty of a snow globe using only paper and discover ways of giving it three-dimensions! Monday, February 23rd: Mixed Media Heart Wreath - Brighten up your space with a heart wreath using a variety of materials to make it one-of-a-kind! Register/cancel by: 11/25,1/21, 2/18

Exploring Art is at the Family Learning Center and is $15 per day.

1385-Art1Dec Monday, December 1 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1385-Art2Jan Monday, January 26 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1385-Art3Feb Monday, February 23 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Thursday, January 29 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

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

Learning Learning

Winter Tie-Pillow

Warm up your space and your crafting skills with this delightful winterthemed tie-pillow craft! Join Magnifying Abilities friends to create a soft and stylish pillow that adds seasonal charm to any room. Use as a heartfelt gift or keep it for yourself! All supplies are provided, along with snacks and drinks at the end of class. Don’t miss this chance to craft, connect, and celebrate the magic of winter! Register/cancel by: 11/19

1368-Pillow Central Public High School

$12

Tuesday, December 2 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 531 Morse St N, Norwood Young America

Learn-to-Make Lefse

Discover the heartwarming tradition and irresistible flavor of homemade lefse in this hands-on class! Learn the steps in making this beloved Norwegian flatbread with a delicious cinnamon and sugar filling, a seasonal delight passed down through generations. Register/cancel by: 11/28

1387-Lefse Family Learning Center

$15

Wednesday, December 3 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Daytime Art & Craft Connection

Don’t miss out on this daytime opportunity to unleash your creativity at 3 hands-on art and craft sessions! Ignite your imagination with themed projects and activities designed to connect you with the season of winter! Thursday, December 11th: Card-Making and Ornament Craft - Craft greeting cards for loved ones and decorative ornaments to bring seasonal cheer to any space. Thursday, January 15th: Peaceful Pine Painting - Learn how to create a peaceful pine tree winter scene with acrylic paint on canvas. (Note: this is a repeat of the Jan. 14th evening MA class). Thursday, February 26th: Woven Baskets - Learn how to weave a decorative handmade basket - a perfect place to keep small treasures. Register/cancel by: 12/8, 1/12, 2/23

Daytime Art & Craft Connection is at the Family Learning Center and is $10 for 1 participant or $20 for a group up to 4.

1400-DayCraft1 Thursday, December 11 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1400-DayCraft2 Thursday, January 15 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1400-DayCraft3 Thursday, February 26 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Cooking with Sandi

Learn new cooking skills and enjoy time with friends! Join Instructor Sandi to learn these 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.Tuesday, December 16th: Decorate Gingerbread Houses. Tuesday, January 20th: Pasta Perfection with Marinara and Alfredo Pasta Dishes. Tuesday, February 24th: Taco Tuesday with Fiesta Fizz Mocktails. Register/cancel by: 12/10, 1/14, 2/18 *Individuals with food allergies may inquire about alternatives before registering at 952-556-6434.

Discover Loom-Knitting

Learn a new skill in the new year! Everyone can knit with easy-to-use knitting looms! Try this relaxing rhythmic hobby and create a cozy hat or scarf to keep you warm on cold winter days. Don’t worry if you don’t complete your knitting project in class - each participant will receive a loom, yarn, and accessories to finish your project at home! Indicate your preference to make a hat or scarf at registration. Register/cancel by: 12/22/2025

1384-Knit Family Learning Center

Cooking with Sandi is at Shakopee West Middle School and is $15 per day. 1392-Cook1Dec Tuesday, December 16 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1392-Cook2Jan Tuesday, January 20 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 1392-Cook3Feb Tuesday, February 24 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 200 10th Ave E, Shakopee

$20

Monday, January 12 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Peaceful Pine Painting

Calling all artists! Don’t miss an evening of creativity and connection! At this guided, step-by-step painting experience, you will create a serene winter pine tree scene. All supplies included - just bring your imagination and create a masterpiece to be proud of! This class will be held at La ola del lago in Prior Lake. Register/cancel by: 1/12/2026 *Note: This class will be repeated at Daytime Art & Craft Connection on January 15th.

1397-Paint La ola del lago

$10

Wednesday, January 14 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 5061 Minnesota St SE, Prior Lake

Say it with Flowers!

Celebrate Valentine season with the timeless language of flowers! Discover how roses, daisies, and other blooms have long carried messages of love, hope friendship, and more. Together with your MA friends, arrange a few graceful stems in a vase to express a heartfelt message through flowers. Each arrangement will be finished by tying beautiful, printed cards with ribbon around the vase. Each card describes the meaning of the flowers placed in the arrangement. Keep the arrangement as a message to yourself or share it with someone special! Register/cancel by: 1/26

1388-Flowers Family Learning Center

$23

Thursday, February 5 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Valentine Twigs Centerpiece

Get crafting with your MA friends and create a charming Valentine tabletop decoration featuring rustic twigs adorned with colorful hearts. This Valentine centerpiece arrangement is sure to bring a bright, happy pop of color to any room! Register/cancel by: 2/5

1393-Twigs Family Learning Center

$10

Tuesday, February 10 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Address: 110600 Village Rd. Chaska

Dance/Fitness Trips & Tours/Volunteering

Dance with CHS Dance Team

Shakopee Holiday Fest

Don’t miss this exciting annual event! Magnifying Abilities participants join the Chaska High School Dance team for a performance at a Dance Show! This 2-night event starts with a Friday evening practice to learn a fun and easy dance routine with the CHS Dance Team. Then perform the dance routine with the team at the Saturday Dance Show at Chaska Middle School West! Please make sure you can attend both nights when registering. Caregivers, please remain in the gym throughout the performance as the end-time could vary. Register & Cancel

Before: 12/29/2025

1397-DanceShow Chaska Middle School West

Friday, January 2 - Practice 6:25 PM - 8:15 PM

Saturday, January 3 - Performance 6:25 PM - 8:00 PM

Address: 140 Engler Blvd, Chaska

Step into 2026

Start 2026 with some healthy exercise! Grab your walking shoes and get your steps in at the walking tracks at Chaska and Shakopee Community Centers. Count your laps, listen to music, or chat with friends while you walk. Participants who attend all 4 sessions will get a Magnifying Abilities water bottle! Companions are welcome to walk too but do not need to register. Register/cancel by: 1/5/2026

1396-ChaskaSteps Chaska Community Center

Thursday, January 8 & Tuesday, January 13 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Address: 1661 Park Ridge Dr, Chaska

1396-ShakoSteps Shakopee Community Center

Thursday, January 22 & Tuesday, January 27 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Address: 1255 Fuller St S, Shakopee

Kick-Sledding Adventure

Ready to make the most of winter? Discover the joy of kick-sledding- a traditional Scandinavian activity that combines the thrill of sledding with the ease of walking. Cruise through snowy paths and frozen trails with this low-impact way to explore the winter landscape. Lowry Nature Center staff will provide equipment and instructions - just bundle up and bring your sense of adventure! Limited spots available - caregivers who intend to participate must also register. Register/cancel by: 2/8/2026

1386-KickSled Lowry Nature Center

$12 + $12 for companion

Sunday, February 22 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Address: 7025 Nature Center Dr, Victoria

Looking for a way to kick-off the holiday season? Meet MA friends at Holiday Fest in Downtown Shakopee! This family friendly event will feature a vendor market, pictures with Santa, a walk-through parade, tree lighting, and fireworks! Register and provide your email address to indicate your interest. A meet-up time and location will be communicated by email the week before the event. Please note: this is not an MA-sponsored event, but we're happy to attend together as a group. Tree Lighting at 5:30 pm (meetup time TBD) Register By: 12/1

1398-HoliFest

Saturday, December 6 Meet-up time TBD; Tree Lighting at 5:30 PM

Address: Downtown Shakopee

Moose Mountain Adventure Golf

Meet up with your MA friends for a fun-filled outing at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf inside the Mall of America! Navigate whimsical obstacles and enjoy a round of mini-golf in this creatively themed course. After golfing, feel free to grab lunch in the Mall's food court. Just bring money if you'd like to eat. All participants must have a companion for this event. No drop-offs allowed. Companions are welcome to join the mini-golf fun but must also register. Register/cancel by: 1/7

1396-Golf Mall of America

$12 + $12 for companion Saturday, January 31 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Address: 376 North Garden, Bloomington

Volunteer at “Hooked on Books”

Join Magnifying Abilities for a fun volunteer opportunity! Hooked on Books is an ECCS Community Education event celebrating the joy of reading for young learners through free books, games, and activities! MA volunteers will play a key role in the Fishing Pond activity, where they'll help young readers "catch" fun prizes and spark excitement around books and reading! Register to receive volunteer details as they become available and join us in inspiring a lifelong love of reading!

1395-Volunteer Chanhassen High School

Saturday, February 21 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Volunteer hours TBD)

Address: 2200 Lyman Blvd, Chanhassen

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

DECEMBER 2025

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska Holiday

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska

December 2025

6:30 - 7:30 PM Shakopee

1:00 - 3:00 PM Victoria Cornhole

FEBRUARY 2026

February 2026

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska Pizza & Valentine’s Karaoke 6:00 - 7:30 PM

- 7:30 PM

6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska Kick-Sledding Adventure

6:30 - 7:30 PM Shakopee

Advisory Committee:

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

Doni M. Marshall E. Heather W. Travis K.

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, January 6th 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!

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

Knights of Columbus - Chanhassen Council #10031

Knights of Columbus - Belle Plaine Council #1503

Shakopee Lions

Scott County Pork Producers

Shakopee Bowl

Three Rivers Parks - Lowry Nature Center

DJ Ray of Sunshine - Kevin Siefering

Denise Ayen

Theresa Ganzer

Sandi Picka

Raulla Mitchell- Red Note Botanica

Volunteer at Hooked on Books!

Magnifying Abilities Registration -- Winter 2025/26

Name______________________________________________________________________

Email (Required)_____________________________________________________________

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

Phone____________________________________

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

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._____________

Emergency Contact___________________________________________________ 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

1389-Bingo1Dec Bingo 12/9

1389-Bingo2Jan Bingo 1/6

1389-Bingo3Feb Bingo 2/17

1391-Bowl1Dec Bowling 12/13

1391-Bowl2Jan Bowling 1/24

1391-Bowl3Feb Bowling 2/28

1383-AdmissionHH Holiday Harmonies Performance

$7_______

$10______

$5_______ For multiple admissions ($5 each): # of admissions____ total______

1404-Games Board Game Bash

1398-Cornhole Cornhole Game Night

1390-Pizza Pizza & Valentine's Karaoke

1390-Pizza Pizza & Valentine's Karaoke - Companion

1394-Lego Lego Mania

Learning

1385-Art1Dec Exploring Art 12/1

1385-Art2Jan Exploring Art 1/26

1385-Art3Feb Exploring Art 2/23

1368-Pillow Winter Tie-Pillow

1387-Lefse Learn-to-Make Lefse

1400-DayCraft1 Daytime Art & Craft Connection 12/11

$7_______

$10______

$15______

$10______

$15______

$12______

$15______

$10______

1400-DayCraft2 Daytime Art & Craft Connection 1/15 $10______

1400-DayCraft3 Daytime Art & Craft Connection 2/26 $10______

*For Daytime Art & Craft Connection groups up to 4 ($20/group), register online OR call 952-556-6434*

Learning cont'd

1392-Cook1Dec Cooking with Sandi 12/16

1392-Cook2Jan Cooking with Sandi 1/20

1392-Cook3Feb Cooking with Sandi 2/24

1384-Knit Discover Loom-Knitting

$15______

$20______

1402-Paint Peaceful Pine Painting $10______

1388-Flowers Say it with Flowers! $23______

1393-Twigs Valentine Twigs Centerpiece $10______

Dance/Fitness

1397-DanceShow Dance with CHS Dance Team $7_______

1403-ChaskaSteps Step Into 2026 1/8, 1/13

1403-ShakoSteps Step Into 2026 1/22, 1/27

1386-KickSled Kick-Sledding Adventure

1386-KickSled Kick-Sledding Adventure - Companion

Trips

& Tours/Volunteering

1401-HoliFest Shakopee Holiday Fest

1396-Golf Moose Mountain Adventure Golf

$5_______

$12______

$0_______

$12_______

1396-Golf Moose Mountain Adventure Golf-Companion $12_______

1395-Volunteer Volunteer at "Hooked on Books" $0_______

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.