Winter 2026 For adults with unique learning abilities
Welcome to 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 Staff: Cari Nesvold Doni McQuiston Kelli Christopher Jozee Moton Website: ce4all.org Address: 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!
Beading Bonanza!
CLASSES
Create your own unique beaded jewelry at the Magnifying Abilities Beading Bonanza! Choose from a variety of beads and charms to make your own bracelet, necklace, or keychain! Great for swapping with friends or accessorizing an outfit. Enjoy crafting, connection, and snacks with your MA friends! Register/ cancel before: 1/19/27 1498-Beading Family Learning Center Center $10 Thursday, January 21 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Candy Jar Craft
Join instructor Cari and your MA friends, to create your own festive Candy Jar, perfect for holding Valentine’s Day treats! Keep for yourself and use as a gift for someone special! Register/cancel before: 2/3/27 1489-CandyJar Family Learning Center Center $15 Monday, February 8 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Cash Register Essentials
Join the instructors from My Path Coaching & Consulting to learn cash register essentials and enjoy pizza while you learn! This 2 session beginner-friendly course breaks down register operations into clear, simple steps. Hands-on practice includes making change, scanning and bagging items, delivering great customer service, navigating digital point-of-sale displays, and managing basic register software—all in a fun, zero-pressure environment. Small class size will ensure maximum time with the register, but spots are limited so register early! Have pizza with friends while you build your confidence, add a valuable skill to your resume, and step into today’s retail environment ready to succeed! Register/cancel before: 2/1/27 1475-Cash Family Learning Center $50 Thursday, February 4 & Thursday, February 11 6:00 - 7:30 PM
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. Register/ cancel before: 12/11, 1/15, 2/19. Led by Sandi Picka. 1481-Cook1Dec Shakopee West MS | Gingerbread Cookies $15 Tuesday, December 15 6:30 - 7:30 PM 1481-Cook2Jan Shakopee West MS | Breakfast Time! $15 Tuesday, January 19 6:30 - 7:30 PM 1481-Cook3Feb Shakopee West MS | Granola Bars & Hot Cocoa $15 Tuesday, February 23 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Cozy Cup Canvas Painting
Join instructor Cari and your MA friends, for an evening of painting fun! Learn, step-by-step, to paint a cozy winter scene on canvas you’ll be proud to display all season long. Register/cancel before: 1/6/27. 1482-Painting Family Learning Center Center $15 Monday, January 11 6:30 - 7:30 PM
CLASSES December Craft & Connect
Discover how to transform old catalogs and magazines into festive winter trees. Make an attractive winter decoration you can display at home or use as a gift! Two class sections will be offered - afternoon or evening! Register/cancel by: 12/14/26. 1483-DecCraftDay Family Learning Center Center $10/$20 Thursday, December 17 1:00 - 2:00 PM 1483-DecCraftEve Family Learning Center Center $10 Thursday, December 17 6:30 - 7:30 PM
January Craft & Connect
Upcycle Pringle cans to create an adorable Snowman complete with a cozy hat and scarf, a perfect addition to bring winter cheer to a table or shelf at home. Two class sections will be offered afternoon or evening! Register/cancel before: 1/25/27 1484-JanCraftDay Family Learning Center $10/$20 Thursday, January 28 1:00 - 2:00 PM 1484-JanCraftEve Family Learning Center $10 Thursday, January 28 6:30 - 7:30 PM
February Craft & Connect
Join instructor Cari and your MA friends, to create your own festive Candy Jar, perfect for holding Valentine’s Day treats! Keep for yourself and use as a gift for someone special! Register/cancel before: 2/3/27 1485-FebCraftDay Family Learning Center Center $10/$20 Thursday, February 18 1:00 - 2:00PM 1485-FebCraftEve Family Learning Center Center $10 Thursday, February 18 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Positive Posters
Relax, color, and be inspired at a Positive Posters coloring circle! Choose from a variety of inspirational posters featuring velvet borders, motivational words, uplifting themes, and creative designs. Experiment with your favorite style using a wide variety of markers, pencils, and pens to make your poster truly one of a kind. After completing your artwork, you’ll frame your new poster and take it home ready to display as a colorful reminder of positivity and connection. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and the joy of creating together! Two identical sessions will be offered please choose either the Prior Lake or Watertown location when registering. Register/cancel before: 1/4, 1/11 1476-Posters1 Educational Services Center at Grainwood Grainwood $12 Thursday, January 7 6:30 - 7:30 PM 1476-Posters2 Watertown-Mayer Community Learning Center Center $12 Thursday, January 14 6:30 - 7:30 PM
SIGN-A-Song with ASL
Learn how to SIGN a song using American Sign Language! Instructor Kelli will teach you how to sing the lyrics of the your favorite holiday tunes with ASL. No sign language experience necessary. Register/cancel by: 12/9 1495-Sign Family Learning Center Center $5 Thursday, December 10 6:30 - 7:30 PM
For all MA activities: caregivers are asked to accompany individuals needing supports.
Chair Yoga
FITNESS
FITNESS
Calm your mind and reduce stress at 4 sessions of gentle, inclusive Chair Yoga! Taught by Certified Yoga Instructor, Jessica Emerson, 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. Every session ends with a seated “Savasana” (final relaxation) to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed! Wear comfortable, easy-to-move in clothing. Register/ cancel before: 1/10/27 1478-Yoga1 Family Learning Center $7 Wednesday, January 13 6:00 - 7:00 PM 1478-Yoga2 Family Learning Center Center Wednesday, January 27
$7 6:00 - 7:00 PM
1478-Yoga3 Family Learning Center Center Wednesday, February 10
$7 6:00 - 7:00 PM
1478-Yoga4 Family Learning Center Center Wednesday, February 24
$7 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Gym Games
Remember those fun games you played in gym class? Get together with your Magnifying Abilities friends and feel like a kid again...Hula Hoop games, Musical Chairs, Red Light Green Light, and more! A variety of game equipment will be provided and Instructor Kelli will organize activities. Get active, have some laughs, and relive gym class memories! Register/cancel before: 1/8/27 1492-Gym Jonathan Elementary Elementary $7 Tuesday, January 12 6:30 - 7:45 PM
Let’s Play Pickleball
Everyone can play Pickleball! Build confidence, get active and have fun with your MA friends as you learn the basics of this fastgrowing and exciting sport. Learn about serving, volleying, scoring, court movement, and the famous “kitchen.” Paddles and balls are provided. Just wear athletic shoes, bring a water bottle, and get ready for an active, social, and fun experience on the court! Led by Tim Laurent of My Pickleball Coach. Register/cancel before: 1/20/27 1494-Pickleball Chaska Middle School West West $17 Monday, January 25 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Move & Groove with Kelli
It’s time to get moving and grooving! Join Instructor Kelli for an evening of active games, yoga, dancing and fun. Kelli will lead a variety of energizing activities to keep you fit and healthy! Register/cancel before: 12/1/26 1493-Move Family Learning Center Center $7 Thursday, December 3 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Open Swim
Join the MA community for Open Swim night at New Prague Fitness & Aquatic Center. Spend time in the zero-depth warm water recreation pool with water features! Or try water-walking in the mini lazy river! Companions are asked to accompany individuals needing support in the pool, but do not need to register. Register/cancel before: 1/29/27 1479-Swim New Prague Fitness & Aquatic Center Center $5 Tuesday, February 2 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Saturday Bowling
Join the MA community at Shakopee Bowl for friendly competition and fun-filled bowling! Your registration fee includes 2 games of bowling and shoe rental, if needed. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase 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. Register early as space is limited! Winter Bowling begins at 10:00am. See you at “The Bowl”! Register/cancel before: 12/9, 1/27, 2/24 1488-Bowl1Dec Shakopee Bowl Bowl $12 Saturday, December 12 10:00 - 11:15 AM 1488-Bowl2Jan Shakopee Bowl Bowl $12 Saturday, January 30 10:00 - 11:15 AM 1488-Bowl3Feb Shakopee Bowl Bowl $12 Saturday, February 27 10:00 - 11:15 AM
RECREATION Bingo Theme Night
Join the fun at Magnifying Abilities Bingo Theme Night! Get together with friends for lively bingo, tasty snacks and prizes for ALL participants! We’ll play themed bingo, classic number bingo, and take a vote for next month’s Bingo theme! Register/cancel before: 11/30, 1/4, 2/15 1480-Bingo1Dec Family Learning Center Center $8 Tuesday, December 1 6:30 - 7:30 PM 1480-Bingo2Jan Family Learning Center Center $8 Tuesday, January 5 6:30 - 7:30 PM 1480-Bingo3Feb Family Learning Center Center $8 Tuesday, February 16 6:30 - 7:30 PM
St. John Fun 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. You are invited 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 individuals who need support in community settings.Register/cancel before: 2/15/27 1490-FunNight St. John’s the Baptist - Jordan Jordan $5 Wednesday, February 17 6:30 - 8:00 PM
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
An online community for adults with disabilities!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL EVENTS ANNIE at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
Experience the beloved musical blockbuster ANNIE at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre! Don’t miss the heart‑warming story brought to life with award‑winning music, unforgettable characters, and the optimism of little orphan Annie and her loyal pup, Sandy. Your registration includes a full dining experience, complete with your choice of entrée, served before the matinee performance. Participants needing any support in community settings must be accompanied throughout the dinner and show. Companions must also register for a ticket. Register/cancel before: 12/18/26 1477-Annie Chanhassen Dinner Theater $79 Saturday, January 23 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
An Evening with Santa
Santa is coming to Magnifying Abilities! Join us for a festive evening filled with pizza, cookies, holiday sing-alongs, and plenty of holiday cheer. Spend special one-on-one time with Santa and have your photo taken by professional photographer, Sharlene James. Participants who wish to share holiday cheer are invited to bring a non-perishable item to donate. Don’t miss this magical night of fun, friendship, and holiday memories! Register/cancel before: 12/14/26 1457-Santa Family Learning Center $5 Wednesday, December 16 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Volunteer at “Hooked on Books”
Help spark excitement for books and reading! Hooked on Books is an ECCS Community Education event celebrating the joy of reading through free books, games, and activities! Volunteers will play a key role in the Magnifying Abilities Fishing Pond activity, where young readers will “catch” fun prizes! Register to receive volunteer details as they become available and join us in inspiring a lifelong love of reading! 1497-Volunteer Chanhassen High School School $0 Saturday, February 20 9:00 AM - Noon
Volunteer at FMSC
Join your community to give back this season! Meet at the Chanhassen location of Feed My Starving Children to pack meals, label food bags, or move boxes - all to help feed hungry families around the world. All abilities are welcome! MA participants, family members and PCA’s are all invited to participate and are asked to register for this event. Don’t miss this wonderful volunteer opportunity! Register/cancel before 12/21/26 1496-FMSC Feed My Starving Children Children $0 Monday, December 21 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Sing-Along & Soda Sippin’
Get ready to sip, sing, and socialize! Join Kevin at the microphone for a lively sing-along featuring popular music favorites, then treat yourself to a Dirty Soda adventure with creative and tasty flavor mix-ins that make every drink unique. Not a fan of singing? That’s okay! Come to listen and cheer on your MA friends! Register/cancel before: 2/5/27 1486-Singing Family Learning Center $10 Tuesday, February 9 6:30 - 7:45 PM
Holiday Harmonies Musical Celebration
Tell Your Story: Book Release Party
Celebrate the season with a delightful musical performance featuring our very own Magnifying Abilities singers - Holiday Harmonies, directed by 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. Admission is only $5.00 per person! (Registering for admission is appreciated, but tickets will also be offered at the door for cash/check payment for anyone not registered.) Register/cancel before: 12/5/2026 *Note: Holiday Harmonies performers do not need to purchase admission.
Celebrate the accomplishments of Magnifying Abilities authors! Enjoy refreshments and meet the creative authors behind a newly published book! Be among the first to see the new book published by Cow Tipping Press! Books will be available for purchase and signing (authors receive 2 free copies!). Pre-registration for the book release party is appreciated but not required to attend. Register before: 12/4/2026
Tuesday, December 8 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska High:, Blue Forum
Saturday, December 5 10:30 - 12:00 PM Chanhassen Public Library - Wilder Room
1491-AdmissionHH
$5
1487-BookParty $0
December 2026 Bingo Theme Night
Move & Groove
Holiday Harmonies Musical Celebration
SIGN-a-Song with ASL
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Holiday Harmonies Rehearsal
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Cooking with Sandi 6:30 - 7:30 PM Shakopee
An Evening with Santa
6:00 - 8:00 PM Chaska
Tell Your Story: Book Release Party
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Chanhassen
Saturday Bowling 10:00 - 11:15 AM Shakopee
December Craft & Connect 1:00 - 2:00 PM 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Volunteer at FMSC 5:00 - 6:30 PM Chanhassen
January 2027
Advisory Committee Meeting 6:00 PM | Chaska
Positive Posters
Bingo Theme Night
6:30 - 7:30 PM Prior Lake
(option 1)
6:30 - 7:30 PM | Chaska
Cozy Cup Canvas Painting 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Gym Games 6:30- 7:45 PM Chaska
Chair Yoga
6:00 - 7:00 PM Chaska
Cooking with Sandi
7:00 - 8:00 PM Chaska
(option 2)
6:30 - 7:30 PM Watertown
Beading Bonanza!
6:30 - 7:30 PM Shakopee
Let’s Play Pickelball
Positive Posters
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Chair Yoga
6:00 - 7:00 PM Chaska
January Craft & Connect 1:00 - 2:00 PM 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
ANNIE at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre 11:30 - 4:00 PM Chanhassen
Saturday Bowling 10:00 - 11:15 AM Shakopee
February 2027 Cash Register Essentials (Day 1)
Open Swim
6:00 - 7:00 PM New Prague
Candy Jar Craft 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
6:00 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Cash Register Essentials (Day 2)
Sing-Along & Soda Sippin’
Chair Yoga
Bingo Theme Night
February Craft St. John Fun Night & Connect
6:30 - 7:45 PM Chaska
6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Cooking with Sandi 6:30 - 7:30 PM Shakopee
6:00 - 7:00 PM Chaska
6:30 - 8:00 PM Jordan
6:00 - 7:30 PM Chaska
1:00 - 2:00 PM 6:30 - 7:30 PM Chaska
Chair Yoga
6:00 - 7:00 PM Chaska
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
Sharlene James Photography
Knights of Columbus - Chanhassen Council #10031
My Path Coaching & Consulting
Knights of Columbus - New Prague Council #2023
Shakopee Bowl
Shakopee Lions
Sandi Picka
Scott County Pork Producers
Jessica Emerson
New Prague Fitness & Aquatic Center
Carver County Library / MELSA
My Pickleball Coach - Tim Laurent
Cow Tipping Press
DJ Ray of Sunshine - Kevin Siefering
St John Youth Program - Jordan
Magnifying Abilities Advisory Committee Special thanks to the following individuals who attended our September Advisory Committee meeting! We value your support and feedback! Doni, Adam, Jon, Ryan, Colleen, Marshall, Joe, Patty, Dawn, Dylan, Sandi, Heather, David, Zander The MA Advisory Committee (MAAC) meets 3 times per year to provide feedback and share ideas to promote and enhance Magnifying Abilities programming. Our next MAAC meeting will be January 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!
Volunteer at “Hooked on Books”
9:00 AM - Noon Chanhassen
Saturday Bowling 10:00 - 11:15 AM Shakopee
Magnifying Abilities Registration Name____________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________ Email (Required)_____________________________________________________________ Emails will be sent to confirm registration and communicate important program information.
I would like to receive 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. ____________ 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 dropins. 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
Classes
Fitness
1498-Beading Beading Bonanza!
$10 ____
1478-Yoga1 Chair Yoga 1/13
$7 ____
1489-CandyJar Candy Jar Craft
$15 ____
1478-Yoga2 Chair Yoga 1/27
$7 ____
1475-Cash Cash Register Essentials
$50 ____
1478-Yoga3 Chair Yoga 2/10
$7 ____
1481-Cook1Dec Cooking with Sandi December
$15 ____
1492-Gym Gym Games
$7 ____
1481-Cook2Jan Cooking with Sandi January
$15 ____
1494-Pickleball Let’s Play Pickleball
$17 ____
1481-Cook3Feb Cooking with Sandi February
$15 ____
1493-Move Move & Groove with Kelli
$7 ____
1482-Painting Cozy Cup Canvas Painting
$15 ____
1479-Swim Open Swim
$5 ____
1483-DecCraftDay December Craft & Connect Ind.
$10 ____
1488-Bowl1Dec Saturday Bowling December
$12 ____
1483-DecCraftEve December Craft & Connect Eve
$10 ____
1488-Bowl2Jan Saturday Bowling January
$12 ____
1483-JanCraftDay January Craft & Connect Ind.
$10 ____
1488-Bowl3FebSaturday Bowling February 1488-Bowl3Feb
$12 ____
1483-JanCraftEve January Craft & Connect Eve
$10 ____
1477-Annie ANNIE at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
$79 ____
1483-FebCraftDay February Craft & Connect Ind.
$10 ____
1477-Annie ANNIE Companion
$79 ____
1483-FebCraftEve February Craft & Connect Eve
$10 ____
1457-Santa An Evening with Santa
$5 ____
1476-Posters1 Positive Posters - Grainwood
$12 ____
1486-Singing Sing-Along & Soda Sippin’
$10 ____
*Group registration online only
*Group registration online only
*Group registration online only
Special Events
1476-Posters2 Positive Posters - Watertown-Mayer $12 ____
Volunteer Opportunities
1495-Sign SIGN-A-Song with ASL
$5 ____
1497-Volunteer Volunteer at “Hooked on Books”
$0 ____
1478-Yoga1 Chair Yoga 1/13
$7 ____
1496-FMSC Volunteer at FMSC
$0 ____
1478-Yoga2 Chair Yoga 1/27
$7 ____
1478-Yoga3 Chair Yoga 2/10
$7 ____
Recreation 1480-Bingo1Dec Bingo Theme Night December
$8 ____
1480-Bingo2Jan Bingo Theme Night January
$8 ____
1480-Bingo3Feb Bingo Theme Night February
$8 ____
1490-FunNight St. John Fun Night
$5 ____
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.
Magnifying Abilities
Non-Profit U.S. Postage
110600 Village Road Chaska, MN 55318
PAID
Permit #43 Chaska, MN 55318
Sponsored by SWMetro Community Education Consortium
To be removed from this mailing list please email meyers@district112.org
Magnifying Abilities
For Adults with Unique Learning Abilities
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. For more details and policies, please visit the MA website to read our Magnifying Abilities FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions For more frequently asked questions regarding cencellation policy, registration & payment, transportation, and more, please refer to the FAQ sheet by scanning the QR code or visiting
tinyurl.com/2e46xza5