Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

This class is for beginning riders, starting with balancing on the bike. If you have a bike already, bring it! If not, bikes will be available to borrow. The curriculum has been developed by the Bicycle Alliance of MN. Attendees who are successful in learning to ride will receive a bike, helmet, lock, and lights. The classes will be held at the Civic Center South Parking Lot, 401 4th St. SE Rochester, MN 55904.

Start from the beginning and learn to use a sewing machine, thread the bobbin and machine, and learn about needles and fabric. We'll use a pattern to make a pair of pajama pants. Learn to cut out the pattern and fabric, sew and finish seams, insert elastic and put up a hem. Note from the instructor: Purchase a basic pajama pants pattern in your size (Butterick or Simplicity) and the fabric and elastic according to the pattern. Bring these to class along with your sewing machine, thread, scissors, and pins.

Learn to play bridge—the greatest partnership game in the world! Learn bidding with a few easy conventions, such as Stayman and Transfers, and strategic play using pre-dealt hands. The class will be based on "Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction" by Audrey Grant. You can buy a book in class. Please email jklong714@gmail.com to order a book. medcitybridge.com

Join us for a relaxed and laughter-filled afternoon of card and board games designed just for adults! Whether you're a seasoned strategist, a casual player, or just looking for a fun day out, this community education event offers the perfect chance to unplug, unwind, and connect. We'll have a variety of games available—from timeless favorites like Scrabble, Uno, and Rummikub, to strategy games like Codenames, Ticket to Ride, and more. Or you can bring your own! Come solo or bring a friend—there’s something for everyone, and we’ll help you find a table.

Tired of having your opponents steal the bid from you? This class is for those who have been introduced to bridge and grasp the basics of opening the bidding and responding to an opening bid. It covers additional tools available to you in a competitive auction. You will learn about preemptive bidding, overcalls, takeout doubles, and more! The course is based upon Audrey Grant's book "Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding." Contact Layne Vinje at elvinje@charter.net for a low-priced copy of the book. medcitybridge.com

When planning a cruise, there are many details to consider. Come and learn some cruising tips from an avid cruiser. We will discuss cost, travel seasons, cruise locations, cabin choices, shore excursions, transportation, and booking options. We will also discuss available discounts, on board credit, the different cruise lines, back-to-back cruises, and how to read Cruise Critic reviews.

If you enjoy seeing the evidence shown on one of 20+ TV and cable ghost hunting shows, you’ll want to sign up for this class! Hawk Horvath has been around the country and as far away as Ireland, investigating a variety of locations, searching for evidence of ghosts. This class will feature two haunted locations each night, complete with the site’s history, plus audio and video evidence captured by Hawk’s team. Sites included are Waverly Hills Sanatorium, located in Louisville, Kentucky; Prospect Place in Trinway, Ohio; Leap Castle in Ireland; and Ross Castle in Ireland.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself! Highland Celtic drummers are the dynamic backbone of a bagpipe band, providing the driving pulse that unites and moves the group. In this Highland Celtic drum lesson series, you can expect to: get a taste of the three drum styles in Highland Celtic drumming: snare, tenor, and bass drum; learn basic rudiments and Highland Celtic playing techniques; and develop your focus—drummers can’t drift! And, of course, have fun! Join our drum class to learn new Highland Celtic drumming skills, meet new people, and play with a bagpipe band. This class is an introduction to Highland Celtic drumming and a stepping stone into the world of rhythmic Celtic music. No experience is needed; we adapt to all levels of musical skill. Class fee includes materials and your own quality drum practice pad and sticks.

Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries: how to play songs without relying on music. A very practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing - all expressed in everyday language. This is an ideal follow-up to the “Instant Piano” class and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Expand your musical horizons, free yourself from sheet music dependence, and be the life of the party! Prior experience with chords recommended. Fee includes the online book, online follow-up lessons, a recording of the class, and an optional monthly question and answer session. Class is held online using Zoom.

In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Fee includes the online book, online follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using Zoom and is partly hands-on instruction and partly lecture/demonstration. For ages 13+. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 2 days prior to the class date with directions on how to join the class.

In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes. Fee includes the online book, online follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using Zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. For ages 13+. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 2 days prior to the class date with directions on how to join the class.

Bagpipes are one of the most unique instruments in the world. This class introduces you to one part of the bagpipes – the chanter, where the tunes are played. Join us for a six-week class to learn finger placement, the scale, and a simple tune. This class sets the foundation for future lessons and the eventual purchase of a full set of bagpipes. Playing the Great Highland Bagpipes is fun, highly rewarding, and offers unique adventures into Celtic music and band camaraderie. This class is taught by members of the Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band. Class fee includes materials and your own quality practice chanter.

If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoeing can be a great winter blues buster. Come learn about the history of snowshoes and their construction, and then strap on a pair of traditional snowshoes for some guided practice. Cost includes instruction and use of snowshoes. A minimum snow base of 6 inches is required to snowshoe. In the event of an inadequate snow base, class will still meet and participants will receive a gift certificate to snowshoe on their own at another time.

Come and explore the awesome sport of hot air ballooning! This class will cover the procedures of flight, from briefing, to setup, to flight, and packing up after landing. Videos and numerous other reading materials will be available. Attendees will be offered opportunities to crew, observe, and become members if desired. Crew credits will earn free rides.

Come and discover songs and artists that honor our planet. From protecting the environment and conserving energy to safeguarding wildlife and celebrating the beauty of nature, these songs inspire us to care for the world we share. Enjoy music that uplifts, educates, and connects us with the Earth.

Step into a world where love stories unfold amidst magical realms, daring quests, and enchanted landscapes. This one-day book discussion is designed for adult readers who enjoy the thrilling blend of fantasy and romance - known as "romantasy." Whether you're a long-time fan or newly curious about this fast-growing genre, join us for a lively, insightful conversation about the themes, tropes, and unforgettable characters that define romantasy literature. You don't have to read a specific book to join us - just come ready to share about your favorite books with other readers. And be sure to bring your wallet so you can enjoy drinks or snacks from Thesis during our discussion!

Make friends with your serger machine during this class. We will discuss threading, the parts of your serger machine, tension, serging seams, finishing seams, gathering, and rolled hemming. Bring your serger machine, cone thread, tweezers, extra needles, scissors, fabric pieces to serge on, the accessories that came with your machine, power cord, and foot pedal.

Let's advance your serger machine techniques. You'll have fun serging with decorative threads, embellishing your projects, and saving time working on your projects. Bring serger machine, cone thread, tweezer, serger accessories and additional feet, scissors, thicker decorative thread, and fabric pieces for making samples.

Take your sewing skills to the next level! Join us to make an unlined jacket with sleeves—armed with your sewing machine, skills, and a pattern. This new class is sure to be a hit! Note from the instructor: Please bring to class "A Little Somethin" jacket pattern (available online), fabric amount according to the pattern (cotton is recommended), thread to match, tape measure, fabric marker, pins, scissors, and sewing machine in good working order. Please cut your pattern prior to attending the first class. If you are not comfortable doing this, you can bring it to class and the instructor will help you.

Set sail on a musical journey through the artists and songs that defined Yacht Rock. Also known as the West Coast Sound or Adult-Oriented Rock, this genre rose to popularity from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. With its smooth melodies, lush harmonies, and breezy vibe, it’s the soundtrack of sailing, sunshine, and good times. Discover the music of Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and many more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about this timeless sound, join us for an evening of smooth listening and laid-back nostalgia.