Programs for Ages 50+

Artistry

Offered in partnership with Artistry, these classes are led by skilled professionals with subject matter expertise and a commitment to each student's development. No previous art experience required. All materials provided.

Ceramics

Select from an assortment of greenware and bisque to paint or glaze. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fees apply for materials used.

Crafts & Quilting

Share your talents with this group Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Crafts and quilts are made using donated materials. Many of the items are donated to various charities.

Leatherworking

Check out leatherworking and learn to make crafts and works of art out of leather Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 p.m. Limited tools and scrap leather are provided to practice with.

Needleworkers

Socialize while creating blankets, scarves and other clothing items Thursdays, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Each year, local charities and schools receive an average 3,700 items are donated from this group.

Rock Shop (Lapidary)

Cut and polish rocks and gemstones into decorative pieces. Training and supplies are provided. There is a $1 fee per visit. Open Tuesdays, 1 - 4 p.m. and Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Woodcarvers

Learn the art of woodcarving Wednesdays, 9 – 11 a.m. Carve various items. Participants must provide their own wood.

Woodshop

This fully equipped woodshop is available to those looking to design and work on various projects. Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 – 11 a.m. There is a $1 fee per visit. Participants must pass a proficiency test and wear an ID badge.

Club 500

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 – 3:30 p.m. $0.50 to play.
Card tournaments held throughout the year on Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. $3 to play.
Lessons (by appointment): the first Monday of even months, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Cribbage

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:45 – 3 p.m. $1 to play.
Cribbage tournaments held the third Saturday of each month, 1 p.m. $3 to play.

Duplicate Bridge

Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 12:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. $0.50 to play.
Duplicate Bridge tournaments held the third Wednesday of each month, 12:15 - 4 p.m. $2 to play.

Social Bridge

Thursdays, 12:15 – 3:15 p.m. $0.50 to play.

Women's Evening Bridge

First Thursday of each month, 6:30 – 10 p.m. $2 to play.
To join, contact Lois at 952-890-3086.

Euchre

Wednesdays, 9 – 11:30 a.m. $0.50 to play.
Card tournaments held throughout the year on Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. $2 to play.
Lessons (by appointment): the first Monday of even months, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Hand and Foot Canasta

Mondays, 12:30 - 4 p.m. $1 to play.

Hearts

Hearts tournaments held the first Monday of each month, 12:30 – 3 p.m. $2 to play.
Lessons (by appointment): the first Monday of even months, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Pinochle

Single deck. Mondays, 1 - 4 p.m. $0.50 to play. Lessons by appointment.

AARP Smart Driver Program

Refresh your driving skills and perhaps qualify for lower insurance rates. Held monthly, daytime and evening, 8-hour initial class and 4-hour refresher courses. Registration required. Fees apply.

AARP Smart Driver (January - March)

AARP Smart Driver (April - June)

Byte Syte Advanced Computer User Group (ACUG)

Experienced computer users meet to discuss various topics and participate in demonstrations.

• Second and fourth Friday of each month, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Coffee Talks

Informational sessions on a variety of topics.

iPad Tutoring

Bring your own iPad or simply enjoy a demonstration.

• First Thursday of each month, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

Library

The Creekside Library has an extensive collection of books available for anyone to borrow.

Open Computer Lab

Bring your technology questions to Open Computer Lab. $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents per visit.

• Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Human Services is offering lifelong learning classes in partnership with the University of Minnesota.

Poetry Class

Structured poetry classes are designed to inspire you to create poems. Receive respectful critiques from classmates. For all poetry levels.

• Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Poetry Contest

The Human Services Division sponsors a poetry contest each year May - June. The contest is for people ages 50+ and adults with a disability.

Writers Club

Writers of all skill levels welcome. Bring out the best writer in you in whichever genre you prefer.

• Fourth Thursday (January – October), 1 p.m.
• Third Thursday (November – December), 1 p.m.

Clinic Services

Blood Pressure Screening

Get your blood pressure checked at Creekside Community Center. There is no appointment necessary. A Bloomington Public Health nurse will also be available to discuss health-related topics such as medication and resources.

• First Wednesday of each month, 10 – 11:30 a.m. 

Foot Care

Meet with professional foot care nurses to address personal concerns regarding thickened and fungal nails, corns, calluses, bunions, nerve and circulation deficits and other matters. For more information, contact Happy Feet at 763-560-5136. Appointment required. Fees apply.

• Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Health Insurance Counseling

Sit down with a trained volunteer from Senior Community Services to answer questions about Medicare, how it works, and what options are available. Appointment required.

• Second Tuesday of each month, 9 – 11 a.m. 

-or-

Schedule an appointment by contacting Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 (Monday - Friday, 8-4:30 p.m.), deaf or hard-of-hearing clients may contact the Minnesota Relay at 1-800-627-3529 and ask for the Senior LinkAge Line number.

Health insurance counseling is provided by state-certified health insurance counseling volunteers and is available at no cost. Health insurance counselors assist clients with:

• Understanding the basics of Medicare and Medical Assistance
• Choosing a Medicare supplement
• Choosing a Medicare Part D plan
• Ensuring proper processing of Medicare and medical assistance claims
• Assisting with health insurance forms
• Exploring ways to lower prescription drug costs

Hearing Testing

Get your hearing tested by a Bloomington Public Health nurse. Appointment required.

• Second Wednesday of even months, 12 - 1 p.m.

Medical Equipment Loan

Reserve wheelchairs, walkers and canes for short-term use. A refundable $25 deposit is required.

The Nurse Is In

Talk with a Bloomington Public Health nurse the first and third Thursday of the month, 1 - 4 p.m. regarding:

• Fall prevention education
• Medication review
• Blood pressure check
• Active aging
• Understanding lab results
• Education with diagnosis
• Safety
• Healthy living tips
• Assistance
• Contacting your clinic
• Assistance contacting your insurance company
• Resources

Creekside Memorial Trust Fund

The Creekside Senior Memorial Trust Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that assists individuals who desire to create a memorial to someone, living or dead, in the following ways: encouraging donations to fund the memorial, maintaining memorial books and distributing trust funds for the general benefit of the 50+ Program.

Board members review proposals from 50+ Leaders to determine if the request will benefit Creekside programs.

50+ Leaders

Become involved in the planning, developing and implementing of activities and programs for the 50+ Program.

Ageless Grace®

Group exercise class based on everyday movements that focus on healthy longevity of body and brain that can be done by people of all ages and abilities. Movements are designed to be performed seated in a chair and can help improve strength, balance, self-esteem, joint mobility, and more.

• Mondays, 9 - 9:45 a.m.
• No cost to participate

Bone Builders

This class focuses on strengthening muscles and promoting balance and stability. Hand and ankle weights are provided. A medical release form is required prior to joining the class. Space is limited.

• Tuesdays, 6 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 – 10 a.m.
• Mondays, 1 - 2 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m.
• No cost to participate

Chair Yoga

A modified form of yoga, using exercise principles of traditional yoga to increase participant's health and fitness by replacing a floor mat with a chair.

• Fridays, 9 - 10 a.m. and 10 - 11 a.m. 
• 6-week sessions: $30 for the session or $7 drop-in fee for Bloomington residents, $42 for the session or $9 drop-in fee for non-residents.
• Call for session dates

Dakim BrainFitness System

This touch screen computer program gives you a fully personalized workout to maintain brain fitness and slow the effects of cognitive decline. Stop by Creekside Community Center for a quick demonstration, complete an application and begin your personal brain fitness program today.

Gentle Mat Yoga

Learn a gentle form of yoga, how to adapt and accommodate exercises and proper breathing techniques.

• Thursdays, 10 – 11 a.m.
• 6-week sessions: $30 for the session or $7 drop-in fee for Bloomington residents, $42 for the session or $9 drop-in fee for non-residents
• Call for session dates

Line Dancing

This fun and instructor lead beginner's class will help increase balance and memory while exercising as a group. Free and open to men and women of all dancing abilities.

• Tuesdays, 8 - 8:45 a.m.
• Offered for all age groups.

Low Impact Exercise

Offering a light and moderate way to exercise, this class focuses on balance, low impact aerobics and strength training.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 – 10 a.m.
• No cost to participate

Silver Sneakers® Flex

Cardio and Strength
Improve cardiovascular fitness, as well as maintain or increase bone density, flexibility, range of motion, muscle tone and coordination. Bring your own mat.

• Tuesdays, 9 - 10 a.m.

Strength and Balance
Exercise will be performed while holding onto a chair or sitting in a chair. This class combines light cardio and strength training for individuals who want to improve muscle tone, flexibility, range of motion, balance and coordination.

• Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 - 10 a.m. 

For all Silver Sneakers® Flex classes:

• Space is limited
• UCare/Humana Members (Medical Medicare) - no charge
• Non-members - $3/class

Walking Club

Lace up your sneakers and get moving with the Walking Club. This group meets year-round at various walking paths and trails throughout the City. 

• Tuesdays and Thursdays
• November - April, 8 a.m. (indoors)
• May - October, 7:30 a.m. (outdoors)
• No cost to participate
• Call for specific locations

Music groups are available for performances in Bloomington and the greater metropolitan area.

The Bloomingtones

A mixed choral group who sing a wide variety of music from all eras for pleasure and entertainment. Rehearsals are Fridays, 9:30 a.m. September - May.

Classic Country Music Jam

Join, listen or dance as a group of musicians provide a FREE country concert every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Creekside Community Center.

Creekside Crickets

This band plays and sings oldies, country, polkas, waltzes, and show tunes at various venues in the area. Welcoming new members of all abilities that have an interest in music. Rehearsals are Thursdays, 9 a.m. September - May.

Bocce Babes

A women’s social group playing bocce ball and other activities such as boat trips, pool parties, farmers markets, and more June – January.  For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877. Fees may apply.

Bocce Ball

Leagues held at Creekside Community Center, weather permitting.

• Wednesdays, 9 - 11 a.m.

Born Again Jocks

Men’s sports leagues including bocce ball, bowling, tennis, golf, softball, table tennis and volleyball. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877. Fees may apply.

Bowling

Men’s leagues meet at Southtown Lanes. Fees apply. Contact 952-881-7731.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays

Chess

Whether you're new to chess, an advanced player or you want to brush up on your skills, join Richard Laybourn and open up the world of benefits to playing chess.

2nd Wednesday of every month, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Garden Club

Create and design flower containers and gardens at Creekside Community Center. Donations of plants and gardening tools are accepted and can be picked up by volunteers.

Golf

Co-ed leagues meet at Hyland Greens Golf Course. Contact 952-881-6863. Fees apply.

• Monday mornings

Informal Games and Equipment

Puzzles, card and board games in the library. Bocce ball, shuffleboard, table tennis, and Nintendo Wii (bowling, tennis, and golf) equipment to check out and use at Creekside Community Center.

• Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (based on availability)

Nintendo Wii League

Stay active and start a Nintendo Wii league today. Video bowling, tennis, golf, and more.

• Fridays, 12:30 p.m.

Normandale Lake Flower Club

Plant and maintain flower beds at Normandale Lake.

• Thursdays, 9 - 11 a.m. (May - November)

Pool

Calling ALL pool players! $12 annual membership fee.

• Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Ladies: Thursdays, 1 p.m.
• Tournaments: Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 6 p.m.