TriDistrict Community Education

Hear a first-hand account of what it was like for JapaneseAmericans who were interned in concentration camps right here in the U.S. during World War II. Sally’s family was moved from their home to the Puyallup Assembly Center in Washington state and then on to the Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho, where they spent the war years. Presenter: Sally (Ohno) Sudo

Join us for Toast and Topic on the last Monday of each month, a special time for men to visit and share their insights. Discuss various topics in an engaging environment. Take this opportunity to connect with new folks and contribute your thoughts. Even if you don’t usually ‘get involved’, your participation and insights will be appreciated. Facilitator: Rob Meyer No meeting December or May.

We select a wide range of authors and locales, and enjoy stimulating discussions on our interpretations, speculations and theories of the book. It’s truly amazing the wonderful insights each reader brings to the discussions! Facilitator: Joyce Wahlquist July: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister Aug: Hidden Depths by Ann Cleves 2nd Tuesdays

Discover the exciting world of high-altitude research with the NASA MN Space Grant Consortium! This presentation explores the science behind weather balloons, how they collect atmospheric data, and their role in space and climate research. Learn how these balloon missions help advance scientific understanding and provide valuable insights into our planet and beyond. Don't miss this fascinating event. Presenter: James Flaten, PhD, Assoc Dir of NASA's MN Space Grant Consortium

Eloise's programs are designed to promote connections with nature. Register one week or more in advance. It's time - let's go! March Looking for Spring Hike Maybe you will need to wear boots or a raincoat, or winter-wear still, but we are heading out on Thompson Park trails in search of early signs of spring. Will March come in like a lamb or go out like a lion? Whatever, there will be signs of spring and we will find them! April April Foolery This program is all about nature facts, fiction, trivia and maybe even attempts at stumping the naturalist. Let's have some laughs! May Spring Birding Join fellow bird enthusiasts on a guided hike through the woodlands, around the lake, and across nearby grasslands at Thompson Park. We'll be on the lookout for early spring migratory birds in their natural habitats. Bring your favorite field guides and binoculars if you have them! June Plants Alive How much do you really know about plants? Discover surprising facts and answer intriguing questions during this engaging, station-based activity that takes place both indoors and outdoors. July Summer Garden Tour Looking for gardening inspiration? Join us for a tour of three unique off-site gardens during their peak blooming season. We'll meet at Thompson Park Activity Center (TPAC) at 9:00 AM to arrange carpools, then explore the vibrant and imaginative gardens in West St. Paul and St. Paul, spending 20–25 minutes at each garden. Aug The Soil Beneath Our Feet Soil is a vital resource we often take for granted. In this class, you'll learn about the different types of soil, how it's used (and abused), and its importance to life on Earth. Gain a deeper appreciation for the ground beneath your feet!

Join our nonfiction book club on the first Thursday of the month at 1 pm.

Nordic Pole Walking will turn a simple walk into a full body workout with feeling like you are working any harder! This style of walking increases heart rate and creates resistance to build better bone density, while working your upper body as well as your legs. It uses specially designed poles - not to be confused with trekking poles - to enhance your natural walking experience. Burn more calories, improve your posture and gait. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Instructor: Kay Okey, poles provided

Classical Coffee Concert Dvořák New World Symphony - This concert provides four reasons with Haydn’s Sinfonia concertante, which allows a quartet of players to shine. To set the scene, Caroline Shaw riffs on one of Haydn’s quartets, and we close with Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, partially inspired by his time in the Upper Midwest. Lunch will be at Brit’s Pub & Eating Establishment located on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. Menu: Fish and Chips Luncheon with a Beverage “Brit’s bestseller…Cod Save The King.” Register by: Fri, Oct 31 Location Departure Return Registration TPAC 10:00 am 3:30 pm XXXX-WSP-W26 SSP 9:45 am 3:45 pm 1670-SSP-W26 IGH 9:30 am 4:00 pm www.ighmn.gov/register Thursday, December 4th, 2025 $107.00

Set out on a riding tour with a tour guide, to discover the works of Norwegian entrepreneurs, architects, athletes and educators in the Twin Cities. Pass statues created by nationally known sculptors and view imposing structures created by famous architects. The tour will weave in other significant contributions by those whose roots reach back to Norway. Learn about the Anderson Library, colleges, medical breakthroughs and prominent statesman. Go inside the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church “Minderkirken” - one of the last Norwegian speaking church congregations in the U.S. The Pastor will talk about the churches significance in the celebration of the first Norwegians to sail to America and the 2025 Bicentennial Celebration. Walk next door to Norway House for coffee and a light lunch (included) at The Kaffebar Café. The Norway House is dedicated to connecting contemporary Norway and the United States through education and partnership. Take time to visit the small museum, the gift area and the exhibits throughout the building. Continue the tour this afternoon and conclude at Nordic ware to do some shopping. Thursday, September 25, 2025 $91.00 Depart TPAC 9:30am / Return 4pm Depart SSP 9:15am / Return 4:15pm Depart IGH 9am / Return 4:30pm Register by Friday, August 22

Register here to board the bus at Thompson Park Activity Center: Set out on a riding tour with a tour guide to discover the works of Norwegian entrepreneurs, architects, athletes and educators in the Twin Cities. Pass statues created by nationally known sculptors and view imposing structures created by famous architects. The tour will weave in other significant contributions by those whose roots reach back to Norway. Learn about the Anderson Library, colleges, medical breakthroughs and prominent statesman. Go inside the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church “Minderkirken” - one of the last Norwegian speaking church congregations in the U.S. The Pastor will talk about the church's significance in the celebration of the first Norwegians to sail to America and the 2025 Bicentennial Celebration. Walk next door to Norway House for coffee and a light lunch (included) at The Kaffebar Café. The Norway House is dedicated to connecting contemporary Norway and the United States through education and partnership. Take time to visit the small museum, the gift area and the exhibits throughout the building. Continue the tour this afternoon and conclude at Nordic Ware to do some shopping. Thursday, September 25 Depart TPAC 9:30 am / Return 4 pm Register by Friday, August 22

Everything You Want to Know About Medicare An educational presentation for anyone who wants to know more about Medicare. Topics will include Parts A, B, C, & D of Medicare, application process, estimated costs, supplements, MAPD, and when is the right time to sign up. This an ideal course for people that are turning 65 or over 65 and coming off their employer medical plan as well as those currently enrolled in Medicare. Instructor: Greg De Keuster

We invite you to join us for a special informational seminar to learn how pre-planning for cremation services can help you protect your family in the future. Providing peace of mind ensures your wishes are respected and that those you leave behind are cared for in what surely is one of their most difficult times. Protect loved ones from the burden of having to make uncomfortable financial decisions during a stressful and confusing time. Preplanning is a thoughtful and practical gift. Learn about: the value of pre-planning, current costs, legal aspects, relocation protection, travel protection, Veterans’ funeral benefits, social security, cremation options and costs, Medical Assistance and asset protection, and how to avoid common mistakes. All sessions are free for SSP Senior Members. Danielle will be available for individual questions afterwards. Presenter: Danielle Gore with National Cremation Society

We invite you to join us for a special informational seminar to learn how pre-planning for cremation services can help you protect your family in the future. Providing peace of mind ensures your wishes are respected and that those you leave behind are cared for in what surely is one of their most difficult times. Protect loved ones from the burden of having to make uncomfortable financial decisions during a stressful and confusing time. Preplanning is a thoughtful and practical gift. Learn about: the value of pre-planning, current costs, legal aspects, relocation protection, travel protection, Veterans’ funeral benefits, social security, cremation options and costs, Medical Assistance and asset protection, and how to avoid common mistakes. All sessions are free for SSP Senior Members. Danielle will be available for individual questions afterwards. Presenter: Danielle Gore with National Cremation Society

SSP Central Square Senior Membership for the year 2025 for January 1-December 31. Benefits Swim for free during scheduled days/times Cards: 500 Penny Bingo Cribbage Hand & Foot Danceline Craft Tuesdays Craft Group Senior Socials Out & About Lunches Senior Fitness Class Pricing Little Gift Shop Crafter Walk the Square Morning Coffee Buzz

Focused towards seniors, but all are welcome to join! Is designed for older adults who are just getting started or are returning to an exercise routine. Participating in this class will help you increase your heart health, muscular endurance and strength, flexibility, and balance. As you increase your fitness, you may also find you have more energy to take on your daily tasks and may even sleep better at night. If you are looking for a gentle workout with seated exercise options, this class is for you!

This class is focused towards seniors, but all are welcome to join! Increase muscle strength and range of movement, and improve activities for daily living. You'll have a chair for seated exercises and standing support. Your instructor can modify the exercises for your fitness level.

Join your entertaining Victorian ghost guide through historic Saint Paul to hear thrilling tales of haunting. Designed to give you a bit of a tingle, a shiver or a laugh while learning some interesting history of our capital city. Locations include Saint Paul's historic Summit Avenue ( considered one of the most beautiful streets in the country), charming Rice Park which is older than Central Park in New York City and surrounded by several haunted buildings plus more! There are over a dozen sites on this tour and a brief stop or two. Arrive at The St. Paul Hotel. In 1910 “St. Paul’s Million-Dollar Hotel” opened. The guest list included James J. Hill, Lucius P. Ordway and John Ireland. Have a light lunch in the St. Paul Grill. Menu: The Market Street Sandwich: Grilled Chicken Breast, Thick-Cut Bacon, Swiss and Cheddar with Sriracha Mayo, Hand-Cut Fries, Coffee or Tea. Thursday, November 6, 2025 $97.00 Depart TPAC 10:15am / Return 2:45pm Depart SSP 10am / Return 3pm Depart IGH 9:45am / Return 3:15pm Register by Friday, October 3

Register here to board the bus at Thompson Park Activity Center. Travel with your entertaining Victorian ghost guide through historic St. Paul to hear thrilling tales of haunting. Designed to give you a bit of tingle, a shiver or a laugh while learning some interesting history of our capital city. Locations include St. Paul's historic Summit Ave (considered one of the most beautiful streets in the country); charming Rice Park, which is older than Central Park in New Your City and surrounded by several haunted buildings; and more. There are over a dozen sites on this tour and a brief stop or two. Arrive at The St. Paul Hotel which opened in 1910 as "St. Paul's Million Dollar Hotel". The guest list includes James J. Hill, Lucius P. Ordway and John Ireland. A light lunch will be inside the hotel at The St. Paul Grill for The Market Street Sandwich: grilled chicken breast, thick-cut bacon, swiss, cheddar with sriracha mayo; hand-cut fries; coffee or tea. Thur, Nov 6 $97 Depart TPAC 10:15 am / Return 2:45 pm Register by Friday, Oct 3.

Learn the art of stained glass design and building with John Hanson who has been designing, making, repairing, and restoring antique stained glass for 24 years. All tools and materials will be provided and each student will take home a small panel. You will learn how to make, cut, and use patterns, cut and grind glass, tape your glass with copper foil, solder, and more. Wear closed toe shoes and long-sleeve top (not fleece or sweaters). Bring your own safety glasses (required). Sufficient hand strength required to cut glass. Instructor: John Hanson, owner Longfellow Soap Co.

Come together for fun and heartfelt moments of connection and creativity. Share your knitting, crocheting, and other hobbies in this warm, non-instruction peer group. It's a space to learn from one another while forming lasting bonds.

This group session time period is September 2024 through August 2025: Enjoy getting together with this social group for men and women for 1-2 outings a month, often including lunch. After registering, information will be emailed to you by the group's Communications Coordinator. Each member supports the group in the following ways: Pay the $10 annual fee to TPAC. Pay costs of activities in which you participate. Organize an activity (we can help with ideas). If ride-sharing, optional cash donation to the driver for gas. Dates vary Communications Coordinators: Dorothy Lea & Kathy Hansen