Join staff from Mapping Prejudice who will guide you through the step-by-step process of reading property records to identify and document racial covenants. Racial covenants were clauses inserted into property deeds to restrict people who were not White from buying or occupying homes. Deemed illegal through the enactment of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, these covenants are a classic manifestation of structural racism. Help us make and map history. This program is cosponsored by Minneapolis Community Education and the Hennepin County Library. Note: Community Education uses a sliding scale model for program fees so our programs can be financially sustainable and more equitable. Participants are asked to pick the price that they can pay. By more clearly articulating our lower cost options, we have removed the barrier that some may have felt in making scholarship requests. When participants sign up at the higher price levels, they help make the program more sustainable. Refund Policy Refunds (minus a $5 transaction fee) are given if you call or email at least three business days before a class begins. Full refunds will be given for any class that needs to be canceled by the site.

It’s normal for your vision to change as you get older including more trouble driving at night or difficulty focusing on nearby objects. Join nurses from the Minnesota School of Nursing to discuss vision changes and challenges as you age. This program is cosponsored by MPLS Community Education, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and Sabathani Community Center.

Victoria Villasana is a Mexican textile and mixed-media artist known for her vibrant embroidered collages and yarn-based street art, where uncut threads spill beyond the frame to symbolize connection and impermanence. Her work blends traditional craft with contemporary imagery, exploring themes of cultural identity, feminism, and human resilience through bold color and tactile texture. In this workshop, participants will explore Villasana's distinctive style while creating their own patterned collage using a personal photo or iconic image. Please note: If you want to use a personal photo, please email picture by 4/20. No experience needed just a willingness to try something new. For further information, contact helene.gauthier@mpls.k12.mn.us or 612-668-4828.

Try simple woodworking skills by building your own wren house nesting box using ready to assemble kits under the guidance of Elpis Enterprises! Then practice watching birds with a Naturalist guide. Find out how to use binoculars and strategies for getting a closer look as we walk around Longfellow Gardens and prairie, keeping our eyes and ears open for our feathered friends. All building materials and tools provided. Binoculars to use during program are also provided. This program will take place partially outdoors, please dress for the weather.

Once the leaves come out, it can be tricky to see birds. Learn to identify birds by their songs and calls and get a better understanding of all the bird species active in the park. All experience levels welcome, binoculars available. Dress for the weather. Activities may include walking on uneven ground.

Join a naturalist at Marshall Terrace Park to learn about Great Blue Herons and observe their fascinating behavior, including courtship displays and nest-building. Binoculars and a spotting scope will be available for participants to use. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs.

Enjoy a high-energy workout with fun and lively music. Bodyshaping is a system of strength training and flexibility exercises that combines the best elements of free weights and yoga. Use of your own exercise/yoga mat and 2 sets of hand weights of different weights suggested. This class is priced on a sliding fee scale. Please pay the price you are able. This helps to ensure that Community Education can provide quality opportunities for all of our participants.

Take a walk with a naturalist then join musician Dean Johnson around the campfire to sing songs from our campfire days. Meets at North Mississippi Regional Park: Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center, 4900 N Mississippi Dr. Register online or call 612.668.2478.

TV viewing habits are changing rapidly. Streaming services are racking up a record share of Emmy nominations and 83% of US households subscribe to at least one streaming service. The array of TV streaming options can be intimidating, so catch up on the issues, opportunities, and best options for tailoring your personal TV streaming setup. The first session will give an overview of the streaming options and a demonstrate how to access the services. You can also join an optional session (register at the link below) with more individual support as you make a plan for what service matches your budget and viewing priorities. Topics will include: Pros & cons of cutting the TV cord Specific steps for setting up streaming TV for your home Recommended streaming devices & content services Streaming local Twin Cities channels Special streaming strategies for seasonal homes or cabins Cloud-based DVRs & how to avoid commercials Options for using a “smart TV” for streaming Costs of streaming TV vs. cable/satellite TV Combining streaming with an over-the-air TV antenna Demo of a typical internet-based TV streaming setup An additional 90-minute small discussion class, “Advanced Cutting the Cord: Tailoring YOUR Streaming Plan,” is also offered for participants who want a more in-depth and personal discussion of their individual situations, needs, and best options. Unless you are already familiar and experienced with TV streaming, it is highly recommended you first attend the above described “Basics” class for a foundation.

Designed to help each participant explore & define the best options & actions needed to achieve a streaming set-up tailored to the preferences & needs for their specific household. Unless you are already familiar and experienced with TV streaming, it is highly recommended you first attend the "Basic Cutting the TV Cord: Streaming Pros, Cons, & Options" class. Participants complete a quick questionnaire prior to this class to summarize their current & desired ideal viewing set-up, in order to focus class discussion on each participant’s priorities. Although many participants typically have similar situations, class size will be limited to 5 households to ensure adequate attention to each. Common topics include: Internet service: Ensuring adequate bandwidth for streaming. Internet services & apps: Recommendations aligned with each individual’s viewing objectives? Streaming equipment: Streaming devices “smart TV’s” – pro’s & con’s Desired features: Recording shows to the “cloud,” avoiding ads, live TV vs. video-on-demand, etc. Seasonal homes & cabins: Streaming set-up which moves seamlessly between 2 homes. Special individual priorities: Utilizing external speakers or surround sound, importance of access to Tucson local channels, accessing specific sports or cultural events, preferred budget, etc. Specific set-up steps required ***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APRIL 25TH CLASS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO: 5244 Lyndale Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55419 THE MAY 16TH CLASS WILL STILL BE HELD AT: Washburn Library 5244 Lyndale Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55419

Facing very low literacy rates, the educators of the late 19th century began a focus on schools and on books for young readers. Some of the best artists drew the illustrations for both classic tales and non-fiction titles. The results are books held in high aesthetic esteem to this day. These books also provide a peek into the cultural values of the times. Exploring this history brings out the artistic and childlike heart in us all. This program is cosponsored by Minneapolis Community Education and the Hennepin County Library.

Review your driving skills, understand current laws and gain tips on defensive driving. Receive a certificate for a 10% discount on auto insurance. Take the 4-hour class every three years to renew the 10-percent discount on your auto insurance. A discount certificate is given upon completion.

When you take the AARP Smart Driver course, you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Plus safer driving can save you more than just money. The course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Additionally, you’ll learn: Important facts about the effects of medication on driving. How to reduce driver distractions. How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car. Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes and new technology found in cars today. Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts. Age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to compensate. This 4-hour course needs to be taken every 3 years to be eligible for the insurance discount. AARP Members get $5 off this class: select the AARP member price ($24 in the drop-down price options) when you register online and include your AARP number when prompted OR… mention this discount when you register over the phone or by mail. No additional discounts.