Just Released! Fall Winter 2022-2023 Newsletter

View the Fall Winter Newsletter for 2022-2023 online and in person at the Oakdale Discovery Center.
 
Get active with programs designed for your interests and never miss out on a special event in your community! The Oakdale Recreation program guide has something for everyone in the family to enjoy this fall and winter.
 
Register to participate in activities.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Drop off your pumpkin during the Discovery Center’s open hours October 23 through 26 | Discovery Center
 
Calling all pumpkin carvers! The Pumpkin Carving Contest is open to families or individuals of all ages/skill levels. All entries must be family friendly. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each of three categories; Best, Spookiest, and Bumpkin Pumpkin (entry by ages 12 and under). The pumpkins will be displayed at the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt and attendees will vote for the winners. Win a $25 Target Gift Card!

MORE INFORMATION

Foliage Frolic (family friendly, 12 years of age or older)

Saturday, October 8 | 10 AM to 1 PM (Check-in begins at 9:30 AM) | Discovery Center
 
As the leaves are changing color and the cooler temps arrive it is time for an outdoor adventure designed to celebrate the beautiful autumn season. Hike, bike then lunch and learn, makes this a complete morning of fresh air, exercise, lunch, laughter and education. The perfect autumn event.

• Hike – Approximately 2 miles on the paved and mowed grass trails of the Oakdale Nature Preserve.
• Bike – Approximately an 11 mile loop on the Gateway trail. Note: leave your biking equipment in your car until the hike is completed.
• Lunch & Learn – Gather back at the picnic shelter for a campfire lunch and a discussion of outdoor hacks in case of forgotten/broken equipment, risky/emergency situations and unpredictable weather conditions.

Dress in layers for the weather, wear walking shoes or hiking boots and bring your bike, bike helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray and sunglasses. This is a guided event that starts promptly at 10 AM. Deadline to register is October 1. $29.

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Sundae Bingo

Sunday, November 13 | 1 to 3 PM | Discovery Center
 
All ages welcome! What could be better than ice cream sundaes and two hours of bingo!? Join us for this fun-filled Sunday afternoon. Make your own ice cream sundae while shouting out BINGO! Prizes are awarded to winners of every game. All participants will be eligible for the grand prize raffle drawing at the end of the event (must be present to win the raffle). Deadline to register is November 6. $10.

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Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt (Ages 12 and Under)

Thursday, October 27 | 7 to 8:30 PM | Discovery Center

Search for pumpkins under the stars in the Oakdale Nature Preserve! After the hunt enjoy chilling refreshments, family DJ, bonfire, spooky entertainment and ghoulish games. Costumes are optional; don’t forget your flashlight! All participants receive a glow necklace upon check-in! Deadline to register is October 20, or when full. $12 per child, parents attend free.
 
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Curious Critters Club (Ages 3 to 6)

Select Friday mornings | 9:30 to 11 AM | Discovery Center

Preschoolers discuss a nature topic, play themed games, watch videos and create crafts centered on the subject. Children enjoy a snack that is provided during the class. Please dress kids for the weather; Curious Critters like to go on adventures outside! Deadline to register is one week prior to class. $8 per class.

• October 7: Nature’s Recyclers
• October 14: Can’t We All Just Get Along?
• November 4: Everything from A to Z

 
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MEA KidCreate Art Class | Squishy Squishmallows (Ages 5 to 12)

Thursday, October 20 | 9 AM to 12:30 PM | Discovery Center

Create a clay version of a favorite Squishmallow using air-dry clay, paint, and so much more. What could be more fun? Bring your Squishmallow to class so they can join in the fun! Please pack a nut free snack and drink for your child.Lunch will also be served at noon. Program sponsored by Heartwood Church. Deadline to register is one week prior to program date. $25.
 
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Library Storytime

Select Wednesdays | 10:30 AM | Discovery Center

A Washington County Youth Librarian will be visiting for a series of special preschool story times! We’ll have fun talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing together. We will focus on concepts such as counting, colors, sharing, emotions, patterns, and the alphabet. A simple craft will follow. A free program recommended for developmental ages 0 to 5 and their grown-ups. 

• October 26: Fall Story Time

 
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Farmers Market

Wednesdays, October 5 and 12 | 2 to *6:30 PM | City Hall Parking Lot

Purchase locally grown products that promote healthy lifestyles, while sustaining local agriculture at the Oakdale Farmers Market. Pick up a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, a bouquet of flowers, a loaf of bread, dessert, and so much more! Check out the Community Booth to see what is happening locally, and enter your name for a chance to win the Vendors Variety Gift Basket. This is the vendors' way of saying thank you for supporting the community and local businesses. *Some vendors depart at 6 PM.
 
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Yoga

Yoga taught by Jennifer Brandt, Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist at Body and Mind Yoga Therapy www.bodyandmindyogatherapy.com.
 
Yoga Classes
Tuesday or Thursday Mornings | 9 to 10 AM | Discovery Center
 
Develop a strong and flexible spine, increase comfort and mobility in your joints, and build strength and balance in a safe way in this all-levels yoga class. Classes focus on each student's own internal experience rather than achieving an external appearance. Every class will include movement and guided breathing woven together. Most classes will have an element of meditation, chanting, and guided self-exploration. 

• Fall Tuesday Yoga | 7 week series ($110) | October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 15, 22, 29 (No class November 8)
• Fall Thursday Yoga | 7 week series ($110) | October 6, 13, 27, November 3, 10, 17, December 1 (No class October 20 or November 24)

 
Deadline to register for series is one week prior to start. Or, drop in at the Discovery Center front desk to try any yoga class for only $18 per single date.
 
Yoga Therapy Workshop | Healthy Joints
Sunday, October 16 | 6:30 to 8 PM | Discovery Center
 
Do you experience pain or stiffness in your back, neck, or shoulders? Hips, knees, or ankles? Increase comfort and mobility in your joints by being guided through gentle movements, breathing techniques, and meditations. This class will include an hour-long yoga practice and a few Ayurvedic and yoga tips you can do at home. Deadline to register is October 9. $25.
 
MORE INFORMATION

Foliage Frolic (adults only)

Thursday, October 6 | 10 AM to 1 PM (Check-in begins at 9:30 AM) | Discovery Center
 
As the leaves are changing color and the cooler temps arrive it is time for an outdoor adventure designed to celebrate the beautiful autumn season. Hike, bike then lunch and learn, makes this a complete morning of fresh air, exercise, lunch, laughter and education. The perfect autumn event.

• Hike – Approximately 2 miles on the paved and mowed grass trails of the Oakdale Nature Preserve.
• Bike – Approximately an 11 mile loop on the Gateway trail. Note: leave your biking equipment in your car until the hike is completed.
• Lunch & Learn – Gather back at the picnic shelter for a campfire lunch and a discussion of outdoor hacks in case of forgotten/broken equipment, risky/emergency situations and unpredictable weather conditions.

Dress in layers for the weather, wear walking shoes or hiking boots and bring your bike, bike helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray and sunglasses. This is a guided event that starts promptly at 10 AM. Deadline to register is September 29. $29.

MORE INFORMATION

Forest Therapy Walks 

Saturdays, October 1 or 15 | 10 AM to 12 PM | Meet at Discovery Center Firepit
 
Forest Therapy, or “forest bathing,” is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. Forest therapy walks are slow-paced and are leisurely guided through nature by certified forest therapy guides. $30 per class.
 
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Adult Road Trip | Skyrock Farm: The Happiest Music on Earth

Wednesday, October 12 | 9:30 AM to 3 PM | Departs from Gladstone Center, 1945 Manton Street, Maplewood

Let the "happiest music on earth" lure you to the magic and nostalgia of Skyrock Farm. Both live and wooden horses, hand-carved and painted carousel organs, carnival collectables plus a restored and operational carousel await your visit. Owner, Bill Nunn will entertain you with the tales, history, music and the restoration process of his massive collection that includes carnival relics, carousel organs and hundreds of mini carousels from around the world. Stacy Nunn will serve a home cooked luncheon of roast, potatoes, vegetable, salad, baguettes, dessert and coffee or lemonade - all prepared using fresh local ingredients. Following lunch, experience the excitement and majesty of the LIVE high jumping horses that train at Skyrock Farm. Register before the deadline on October 4. $69.
 
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Chicken Keeping

Thursday, October 20 | 6:30 to 8 PM | Discovery Center

Learn about the art of keeping chickens in frigid climates. Discuss the pros and cons of keeping chickens, highly efficient coop design and costs, ordinance compliance, neighbors, and where to get chickens. Did you know almost no commercially available coops are adequate for Minnesota winters? Learn dozens of tips, tricks, and techniques to make it easy, efficient, safe, sanitary, odor free, solve rooster noise problems, egg storage, low cost, and an efficient coop construction designed precisely for Minnesota winters that always stays above freezing (no heating of water, no frozen eggs) for $5 to $10 per year. Call 651-747-3860 to reserve your spot. Free.
 
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Oakdale Wellness 50+

Oakdale Wellness 50+ is a volunteer initiative making Oakdale and Washington County healthier by offering health-focused activities for persons 50 and over that lead to measurably improved wellness.
 
Oakdale Wellness 50+ is supported by Washington County, the City of Oakdale, and the Vital Aging Network (VAN).
 
Upcoming Activities

 
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Adult Road Trip | Sidekick Theatre: Dancing Lessons - A Comedy by Mark St. Germain

Wednesday, November 22 | 10:15 AM to ~4 PM | Departs from Gladstone Center, 1945 Manton Street, Maplewood

After she suffers a career ending injury, a professional dancer is approached by a geoscientist who offers her an absurd amount of money to teach him dancing lessons to avoid embarrassment at an awards dinner. Two mismatched souls are lead out of their comfort zones in a series of hilarious and heartwarming lessons. Before the show, enjoy a buffet style luncheon featuring chicken breast in an herb & wine cream sauce, parsley potatoes, vegetables, dinner rolls, assorted desserts, and coffee or tea. Register before the deadline on October 18. $85.
 
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To register for activities, please visit www.oakdalefun.com. If you have any questions

about the listings, please call us at 651-747-3860 and we will be happy to assist!