Activities & Programs

The Waconia Area Senior Center offers activities, classes, and programs for a wide variety of ages, groups, and interests. Registration only required for highlighted events. Please click on the links next to the events to register.

Arts & Crafts

Weekly Events

BINGO

Join us for Classic and Yahoo BINGO.

Wednesdays
12:30pm

Board Games

Come and enjoy your favorite board games with your friends! Channel your competitive spirit and enjoy the element of chance.

Thursdays

10am

Bridge

Bridge is a four-player partnership trick-taking game with thirteen tricks per deal. The dominant variations of the game are rubber bridge, more common in social play; and duplicate bridge, which enables comparative scoring in tournament play. Each player is dealt thirteen cards from a standard 52-card deck. Open to beginners and experienced players!

Thursdays

12:30pm

Cribbage: Learn & Play

A card game, usually for two players, in which each player tries to form various counting combinations of cards. Each player receives six cards, and the score is kept by moving pegs on a narrow rectangular board. Beginners and experts are invited to play.

Tuesdays

10am

Games of Choice & Card Games

Drop in to join a variety of card games including: Hand & Foot, 500, and Kings Corner.

This month we will highlight Sheephead on Tuesday, June 10 from 10:30-11:30am! Not sure how to play? This it the perfect time to check it out. Sheepshead is a trick-taking card game, often called American Schafkopf, played with a deck of 32 cards (7-A of each suit). It typically involves 5 players, but variations exist for 2-8 players. The game revolves around trick-taking and point-gathering, with a goal of reaching 61 points to win a hand.

In July, we will re-visit some of the games that we have highlighted.

- Wednesday, July 2 10:30-11:30am Left Right Center
- Wednesday, July 9 10:30-11:30am Sheephead
- Wednesday, July 16 10:30-11:30am 500

Mondays & Wednesdays

10am

Mahjong:
Learn & Play

Beginners and experts are welcome! Mahjong is a tile-matching game where players race to create a winning hand before their opponents. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles that depict Chinese characters, symbols, dots, bamboo, winds, dragons, flowers, and seasons. The goal is to form four sets and one pair, also known as a meld and an eye, respectively. Mahjong sets provided by the Senior Center.

Mondays

12:45pm

Mexican Train Dominoes

Mexican Train is a game played with dominoes. The object of the game is for a player to play all the tiles from his or her hand onto one or more chains, or trains, emanating from a central hub or "station". The game's most popular name comes from a special optional train that belongs to all players. Dominoes provided by the Senior Center.

Tuesdays

10am

Waconia Walk

Let’s get MOVING and enjoy the beauty of being outdoors! Join us at the Senior Center every Thursday morning and together let’s reap the many benefits of walking! All walking levels are welcome. We will walk inside if weather doesn’t permit us to be outside!

Thursdays

10:30am

Cards & Games at the Waconia Senior Center

Books & Reading

Monthly Events

Fitness & Health

Downsizing & Getting Ready to Move

As pioneers in the Senior Move Management industry, WellRive (formerly Gentle Transitions) has assisted thousands of Twin Cities older adults with their moves since 1990. Senior Move Specialist, Ellen Meier, will be presenting educational tips to help those considering an upcoming move or who would just like to declutter for the future. From downsizing, sorting, getting rid of the excess, to packing, unpacking and resettling, you will gain valuable knowledge and a multitude of resources to help you get through the process “gently”. Come join us for this fun and motivating presentation.

Wednesday, June 11th

10:30-11:30am

Craft: Rock Painting

Come & enjoy craft therapy and socializing! Unleash your creativity and draw your own rock design! No painting experience required. All materials will be provided. Limited to 10 people. Please bring your fee with you the day of the event. The cost will go into the Senior Center budget to cover the cost of crafts.

Thursday, June 12th

10am-12pm

Nutrition Presentation

Join Andrew Akhaphong, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian, for our monthly nutrition topic. This month we will look at how nutrition significantly impacts brain and neurological health, affecting everything from cognitive function to the risk of neurological disorders. A diet rich in essential nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals supports brain development, cognitive abilities,a nd protexts against cognitive decline and neurological diseases. Find out what tips Andrew has to share!

Tuesday, June 17th

10:30-11am

(Oak Room)

Personal Technology Support

Volunteers from Senior Community Services’ Technology Education, Connection & Help (TECH) Services team can help you:

Troubleshoot device settings or errors
Find and use helpful device features
Manage online security and safety
Download and manage applications
Virtually connect via Zoom or Facetime

There is no cost, but you must sign up for an appointment. Bring your device with you. (If this is your first time using this service, please complete the registration form with Senior Community Services: https://bit.ly/3VZAY76)

Tuesday, June 17th

12:30-3pm

Fun & Games

National Root Beer Day Celebration

June 17 is National Root Beer Day and gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the refreshingly frost soda known as root beer. Let’s celebrate together and make Root Beer Floats!

Tuesday, June 17th

1-2pm

Foot Clinic

Call 651.829.3944 to schedule your appointment at Safari Island.

Healthy feet enable you to maintain mobility and independence. Regular foot care is important for increased comfort and improved overall well-being. Registered nurses provide the following services: assessment of feet and skin, trim toenails, manage fungal nails, reduce corns/callus, and diabetic foot care.

Tuesday, June 17th

8am-4pm

Cost: $65

Keep In Balance

One of the main risk factors for falling is poor balance! Using a chair for support this 60-minute class will use a variety of exercises that target your balance and lower body strength! (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)

Wednesday, June 18th

10:30-11:30am

SilverSneakers Chair Yoga

Move your body through a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support helps you safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility and improve balance and range of motion. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation promote stress reduction and mental clarity. (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)

Monday, June 23rd

11:45am-12:30pm

Weekly Card Games at the Waconia Senior Center

Como Zoo Conservatory Tour

Join us for a visit to the Como Zoo and enjoy a tour of the conservatory and lunch at Dock & Paddle! Bussing will be provided and will leave the Senior Center at 9:30am. The Conservatory Tour will start at 11am and you will travel through the many gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as you explore the Jewel of Como and learn about the rich history. Go behind the scenes and uncover how the garden staff keep the conservatory looking lush and green all year long and produce the many spectacular and beloved Sunken Garden flower shows. You will depart Como Zoo at 1pm for lunch at Dock & Paddle. Lunch is not provided in the cost of this event. The bus will leave the restaurnat at 2:15pm and arrive home around 3:15pm. Tickets are limited to 20! Make sure to reserve your spot today. (Price includes tickets to the conservatory tour and transportation.)

Tuesday, June 24th

9:30am-3pm

Presentations & Special Events

Chamber of Commerce Presentation

Curious about what the Waconia Chamber of Commerce does? Join Christine Fenner, President of the Waconia Area of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, to learn more about how they support local businesses through adovacy, economic development, networking, and educational resources, to make Waconia a vibrant and desirable community!

Wednesday, June 25th

10:30-11am

Birthday Parties

Celebrate all birthdays during the month with an ice cream social!

Wednesday, June 25th

Poetry Reading

Explore poetry themed around summer and favorite poems. A bubbly beverage will be provided for you while you listen.

Thursday, June 26th

11:30am

(Oak Room)

Book Trivia

Join us for our monthly trivia event. Each month we will pick a different theme. This month’s theme...Book Trivia. Test your knowledge of books and authors! Compete against your friends to get the correct answer in the fastest time. The highest score at the end of the round will win a gift card. All you need to bring is your phone and your knowledge!

Thursday, June 26th

12:30-1:30pm

Start your weekend off on the right foot! Every month we will plan a breakfast outing to a different local restaurant. This month join a group of senior center friends at Pangea at 10am! We’ll do the planning and then breakfast is on you!

Friday, June 27th

10am

Monthly Breakfast Outing

Donuts with the Deputy

Join us for coffee and donuts as we listen to updates from one of the Carver County Sheriffs. His updates are always entertaining and informative. You won’t want to miss it!

Monday, June 30th

10-11am

Book Club

Join us for a discussion of the book "Little Women," by Louisa May Alcott, is a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they navigate their childhood, their transition into womanhood, and the challenges and joys of family life, all while their father is away fighting in the Civil War. The novel is known for its portrayal of the March sisters' unique personalities, their individual ambitions, and the close bond they share with their mother, Marmee, and their father.

Tuesday, July 1st

1-3pm

Class of '65

Meet other “65ers” to connect and reminisce!

Thursday, July 3rd

10am

Senior Strength Exercise Classs

This is a total body workout with a focus on strengthening the core and limbs while amplifying the body’s movement through stretch, improving overall balance, posture, muscle tone and mobility. By learning how to move the body in a healthy way, one can reduce pain, improve body awareness, avoid injury and reinforce proper movement principles. (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)

Monday, July 7th

11am-12pm

Statue of Liberty Presentation

The Statue of Liberty stands proudly in New York Harbor, but how did the Statue come to be? What does it symbolize? Join us for a compelling look at the idea, the construction and the meaning behind one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

Tuesday, July 8th

12:30-1:30pm

Personal Technology Support

Volunteers from Senior Community Services’ Technology Education, Connection & Help (TECH) Services team can help you:

Troubleshoot device settings or errors
Find and use helpful device features
Manage online security and safety
Download and manage applications
Virtually connect via Zoom or Facetime

Tuesday, July 8th

12:30-3pm

Big Stone Mini Golf/Lost Lake Creamery Visit

Join us for a visit to Big Stone Mini Golf and some ice cream afterwards! Bussing will be provided and will leave the Senior Center at 10am. Big Stone Mini Golf is known for its clever holes and unique sculptures. After a round of mini golf, you are free to enjoy the beautiful Big Stone Sculpture Gardens. The gardens display unique sculptures throughout the grounds of rolling hills, organic gardens, life size games, picnic areas, ponds, and an open pasture that also serves as home to a variety of grazing animals. You will depart Big Stone Mini Golf at 12:15pm for Lost Lake Creamery. Please bring money along to pay for mini golf and ice cream. (Big Stone only accepts cash and checks. The cost is $14 for mini golf.) The bus will leave the creamery at 1pm and arrive home around 1:30pm. Tickets are limited to 20! Make sure to reserve your spot today.

Thursday, July 10th

10am-1:30pm

Quilting Group

All quilters, including beginners, are invited to join this group each month.

Monday, July 14th

10-11:45am