Thinking about your future housing options? Join us for an informative presentation focused on aging well in West St. Paul. Explore important questions about aging in place, home safety modifications, and whether staying in your current home is the best fit. Learn about available community services to help you stay in your home, available resources, and housing options including condos, cooperatives, Dakota County’s Senior Housing Program, independent living, and assisted living apartments. Presenter: Jess Luce, sponsored by Dakota County Public Health, Thompson Park Activity Center, and Living Longer and Stronger in West St. Paul

This welcoming and judgment-free workshop invites older adults to deepen their cultural understanding and support of LGBTQ youth. No prior knowledge is needed—just a willingness to learn. Explore inclusive language, the coming-out process, and the unique challenges LGBTQ individuals face in homes, schools, and communities. Through respectful discussion and guided activities, participants gain tools to become compassionate allies, reduce bias, and help build a more inclusive and connected community for all. Presenter: Trevor Project MN

Many people are becoming curious about backyard chickens and ducks. Join Dana and Craig of Flock Sitting MN, Minnesota’s premier chicken and duck sitting service, for a fascinating senior-friendly presentation exploring friendly fowl. Learn about chicken and duck breed identification, flock personalities and dynamics, egg-related topics, seasonal care, enrichment activities, and important bird health and safety practices. Discuss how flock owners responsibly care for their birds through Minnesota’s changing seasons while enjoying fun stories, practical knowledge, and lively conversation about these increasingly popular feathered companions. Presenters: Dana & Craig, Flock Sitting MN

There are a million ways to “de-stress,” but how do you know where to start? This workshop will help you understand what’s actually driving your stress so you can be intentional with the strategies you choose. You’ll learn how to spot the real source of your stress and leave with easy, repeatable tools you can put into practice immediately.

Visit to Ferndale Market, one of Minnesota's best-known family farms. Farmer and owner John Peterson will share the fascinating story of Ferndale's multi-generational farming heritage, its commitment to raising free-range turkeys, and the evolution of local food production in Minnesota. We’ll browse the on-farm market, sample some of Ferndale's popular turkey products, and learn what it takes to operate a successful family farm in today's world. If farm activities permit, we may even enjoy a drive through part of the property to see the turkeys. Lunch cost on your own at Rancho Loco.

Whether you are directly impacted, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking greater understanding, this presentation offers timely and practical information for our community. Knowledge builds stronger communities. Explore the legal rights of immigrant individuals and families, current resources available for support, and ways community members can respond with understanding and compassion. This discussion will offer factual information, practical guidance, and an opportunity to better understand how we can be informed allies to our friends and neighbors. Presenter: Jewish Community Action Agency

Join Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins for an engaging community conversation as he shares updates on county projects, local priorities, and the issues shaping Dakota County today. Known for his approachable style and clear communication, Joe will offer insights into what’s happening behind the scenes and what it means for our communities. Bring your questions and curiosity for this informative opportunity to hear directly from one of Dakota County’s most trusted local leaders.

Did you know Minnesota has surprising historical ties to South Africa’s struggle for liberation dating back more than a century? As Minnesota is being nationally recognized through the Kennedy Foundation for its commitment to welcoming and protecting immigrant neighbors, this timely presentation offers a powerful historical perspective. Join Chérif Keita as he uncovers remarkable 19th-century connections linking our state to South Africa’s fight for justice and freedom. Through original research and compelling storytelling, we’ll be reminded that Minnesota's tradition of global engagement, human dignity, and standing with others runs deep. Presenter: Cherif Keita, Carlton College distinguished scholar and award-winning filmmaker

From the big-eyed white-tailed beauties in our Minnesota yards to the caribou of Alaska’s tundra to the large-limbed moose of the north woods, Melonie Shipman has been engaged with the deer family for decades. We will explore their special adaptations and lifestyles as vegetarians who must manage long, snowy winters and multiple predators to just survive another day. You will look with new eyes at animals that you may have seen many times in your life. Now you’ll know the rest of the story. Presenter: Melanie Shipman, lifelong Naturalist

Join Naturalist Eloise Deitz each month for a fun, hands-on Nature Sense series at Thompson Park. Explore summer plants, create nature art, and uncover winter wildlife secrets. Eloise’s engaging style and deep knowledge make each session a delightful way to connect with the outdoors. September: Off Site Visit to Wakan Tipi Join us for an off-site visit to Wakan Tipi, formerly the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. We'll carpool from TPAC to explore this unique site where Native history, culture, and environmental stewardship come together. Enjoy a walk along mostly level trails, observe wildlife and natural habitats, and learn why this area is known as the "Dwelling Place of the Sacred." We will also visit the Interpretive Center if it is open Please note the date is Wednesday, Sept 9. This is a change since the printing of the TriDistrict Fall catalog. Wed, Sep 9 $12 10-12 pm Car Pool to site 15 max October: Apple Fun Celebrate apple harvest season with a fun look at apple history, folklore, and traditions. Sample a variety of apples, discover creative serving ideas, and share a favorite apple recipe if you'd like. A delicious way to welcome fall! Tue, Oct 6 $12 10:30-11:45 am November: Frost on the Pumpkins Halloween may be over, but pumpkins, squash, and gourds are just getting started! Explore their fascinating history, folklore, and many uses while enjoying seasonal food samples. You'll never look at these fall favorites quite the same way again. Tue, Nov 3 $12 10:30-11:45 am December: Feathers and Fur in Winter How do Minnesota animals survive winter? Discover the remarkable changes in feathers, fur, and behavior that help wildlife endure the cold months. From migration and hibernation to winter coats and camouflage, we'll explore nature's strategies for survival. Tue, Dec 1 $10 10:30-11:45 am

We will be discussing general options for obtaining Medicare. If you’re turning 65 or leaving an Employer Health Plan, learn how and when to sign up for Medicare, Basic Medicare vocabulary, considerations to think about when choosing plans and why working with an independent agent at no cost to you, can assist you in making a smart choice. No sales involved! Presenters: Sheri Salloway Yarosh, MBA, Vanclemens Insurance and Harvey Perle, Perle and Co.

Learn American Sign Language (ASL) and start here! This short, beginner-friendly class is designed especially for older adults and offers more than just a new skill—it’s a great way to keep your mind sharp, improve memory, and boost cognitive health. Taught by a patient and experienced instructor, you can discover the joy of new learning and the power of connection through ASL. Instructor: Suzanne Downs

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this cozy gathering each month for soup lovers and home cooks. Each features a local cook as they demonstrate, prepare, and serve one or two of their favorite fall soups in the TPAC kitchen. Enjoy sampling a delicious homemade creation while gathering for conversation, inspiration, and shared culinary ideas. Leave with a print out of the featured recipie—plus a few additional favorites — making it easy to recreate the warmth of the season in your own kitchen. SeptemberSoup With Mystery Guest: Our first Mystery Soup Chef is TPAC’s own Tim Johnson! Tim will demonstrate a delicious Creamy Corn Chowder, served in a warm sourdough bread bowl. But that’s not all! Luke’s Soups is joining the fun by providing a second soup for everyone to sample—and each participant will take home a Luke’s Soups cookbook filled with recipes to keep the soup-making going. At Luke’s Soups, they believe soup is something you share, not just something you sell. Located in Shoreview Village Mall, Luke’s offers a small, ever-changing menu of made-from-scratch soups and salads each week. We’re delighted to have them share their love of soup with our TPAC community! Tue, Sept 22 12-1:30 pm OctoberSoup “For All Seasons”, with Adina OverbeeAdina has shown many culinary skills for years and this time she is featuring the diverse and satisfying flavors of soups no matter the season.Thu, Oct 8 10:30 am-12:30 pm NovemberSoup With Lisa Grathen, Director of Community Education Lisa is the Director of Community Education and has shared various soup recipes with staff for years with great success.Mon, Nov 16 11-12:30 pm DecemberMediterranean Soup With Chef Mimi Asfaha Travel the Mediterranean through a bowl of soup! Award-winning Chef Mimi Asfaha will prepare a globally inspired vegetable soup bursting with fresh flavors while sharing cooking techniques, cultural traditions, and tips you can use to recreate this wholesome, satisfying dish in your own kitchen.Tue, Dec 8 12-1:30 pm

Did you know that coyotes, red foxes, and even gray foxes are living right here in our neighborhoods? Join University of Minnesota researcher Geoff Miller for an eye-opening look at the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Project. Using GPS tracking collars, researchers follow these adaptable urban carnivores to learn how they survive and interact in landscapes shaped by people. Geoff will share fascinating local stories—including research conducted near Thompson Park itself—and reveal what these surprising neighbors can teach us about wildlife in modern Minnesota. Presenter: Geoff Miller, U of M Researcher