District 622 Community Education

The Root Beer Lady tells the story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters. The story reflects the beauty and hardships of Molter’s solitary yet satisfying life beginning in 1934. The play, funny and passionate, explores her independence, fortitude, and love of nature. Molter pushes back against the premise that her time in the North Woods made her the “Loneliest Woman in America,” as the  Saturday Evening Post  claimed in 1952. Back by popular demand, Dorothy’s story will delight all, young and old. “...a warm, enjoyable love letter to the Boundary Waters.” - Pioneer Press Fee includes bus and show tickets. NOTE: There will not be lunch on this trip. Please bring a small snack if you will need one. No refunds will be given after January 3.

Beginner Pickleball: These classes are an excellent way for brand-new players to learn the sport of Pickleball. You will learn all the basics to be able to play. We will cover Pickleball rules, scoring system, body positioning, footwork, drills, and doubles game strategy. Safety is emphasized. Paddles will be provided, or bring your own. Please dress for the weather, wear athletic shoes and bring water.

A gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support -no moving up and down from the floor. Improve your balance, flexibility, and strength. You may attend in person at Gladstone or Online via Zoom. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

A gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support -no moving up and down from the floor. Improve your balance, flexibility, and strength. You may attend in person at Gladstone or Online via Zoom. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

Join us for this cozy DIY workshop! Create a Chunky Knit Blanket with step-by-step instruction. No knitting experience or tools needed! You will choose your yarn colors upon your arrival for this workshop.

Join us for the Second Annual Community Fall Festival & Senior Resource Expo! Celebrate the season with food, door prizes, live music, and more! This free community event is designed especially for older adults and their families and will feature a wide variety of vendors offering valuable resources, services, and products for seniors. You’ll also have a chance to learn more about the Gladstone Senior Center and the 622 Education Foundation. What to Expect: Dozens of exhibitors including healthcare providers, social services, senior housing communities, realtors, apparel companies, and more Entertainment and refreshments Free door prizes and giveaways Admission is free, but preregistration is required to help us plan for seating and refreshments. Register online, in person at the Gladstone Community Education Center (1945 Manton St., Maplewood), or by calling 651-748-7250. Interested in being a vendor? Vendor space is limited. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations are welcome, vendor fees vary by type and help support events and activities at the Gladstone Senior Center. To learn more or to reserve a spot, you can register online or call the Gladstone Office at 651-748-7250.

Join us in exploring the Como Park Conservatory! We’ll take a tour through the many gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as you explore the Jewel of Como and learn about its rich history. Go behind the scenes to discover how garden staff keep the Conservatory looking lush and green year-round and produce the many seasonal flower shows. This tour is a unique opportunity to “peek behind the curtains” and get your daily dose of green! After the tour, enjoy time to explore Como’s grounds, including a 10% discount at Como's Garden Safari Gifts. Then we’ll head to Cossetta’s Italian Market & Pizzeria in downtown St. Paul for lunch on your own. Please note: Lunch is not included in the trip fee. Bring money if you’d like to purchase lunch, visit the Italian Grocery store, or pick up something sweet from the Pasticceria. This day trip is not wheelchair accessible. This trip is walker accessible. Please contact Sammy Wallace ahead of time if you plan on attending with a walker at 651-407-2024 or sammy.wallace@isd832.net. Schedule: Meet at the O.H. Anderson Elementary School (666 Warner Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55115) at 8:30 AM then depart at 8:45 AM. Conservatory tour 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Walking free time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Depart Como Conservatory for lunch: 12:15 PM Arrive at Cossetta's for lunch: 12:30 PM Lunch/Explore market/Shop store: 12:30-1:30 PM Depart Cossettas: 1:45 PM The bus returns at approximately 2:15 PM No refunds after Friday, July 25th

Join us for a scenic day trip along the Mississippi River! Travel in comfort on a luxury coach bus to Lake City and Winona for a day filled with delicious food, beautiful views, and a relaxing boat cruise. Highlights: Lunch at Kelly’s Lake House Bar & Grill: Enjoy a Petite Sirloin Luncheon Special while taking in stunning views of Lake Pepin. Winona Tour Boat Cruise: Explore the Mississippi River’s rich history and diverse wildlife aboard an enclosed, climate-controlled tour boat, guided by experienced USCG Licensed captains. Menu: Petite Sirloin with potato, vegetable, roll, dessert, and your choice of coffee, tea, or soda. Schedule: 8:45 AM – Depart Normandy Park Education Center (2482 County Rd F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110) 11:00 AM – Lunch at Kelly’s Lake House 12:15 PM – Board Winona Tour Boat 3:00 PM – Cruise concludes 3:15 PM – Depart Winona 5:30 PM – Return to Normandy Park Fee includes coach transportation, lunch, and boat cruise. No refunds after July 14

Review the rules of the road and learn new information regarding today’s cars, and update your driving skills. Those over the age of 55 qualify to receive a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance after completing this 4-hour basic course. This course is a live online presentation offered in a 4-hour Online session. A 4-hour refresher course is required every three years. Register at least one week before the class date and please stop by Gladstone Community Education Center Office (1945 Manton St. Maplewood, MN 55109) to pick up your required booklet. Office hours are Monday- Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m IMPORTANT UPDATE: Effective July 1, 2024, the 4-hour defensive driving program can be taken for the initial and the refresher courses. During the registration process please confirm the best email address to reach you. The class link will come in a confirmation email one day prior to your class start date.

Make a Difference for Seniors in Our Community! At Gladstone Senior Programs, we provide a warm and welcoming space where seniors can stay active, engaged, and connected year-round. With your support, we can continue offering vital programs like: Social Activities – A place to gather, make friends, and enjoy activities like card games, art classes, and woodworking. Fitness Classes – Fun and accessible daily exercise for all levels. Little Free Library – Take a book or leave a book to share the joy of reading. Enrichment Classes – Lifelong learning through exciting courses and workshops. Defensive Driving Courses – Helping seniors stay safe on the road and save on insurance. Foot Care Clinic – Essential services to keep feet healthy and happy. Meals on Wheels – Nutritious, made-from-scratch meals delivered by friendly volunteers. Dateline Newsletter & E-Blasts – Keeping seniors informed and connected. These programs bring joy, companionship, and resources to so many—but they wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of people like you. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation today? Your gift helps provide education, social connection, and essential services to local seniors. Every dollar makes a difference! Together, we can ensure seniors in our community continue to thrive.

Tired of working for someone else? Do you need to make more money? Turn your talents and hobbies into profits by starting a home business. Taught by a Chamber of Commerce Past President and award winning business owner, this is probably the most comprehensive business start up workshop you will ever find. You will discover: more than 250 legitimate home business ideas mandatory legal documentation many ways to market your product/service how to take tax deductions (this workshop included!) Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed 2 days before class in a reminder email.

Curious about ChatGPT but not sure where to start? This short and practical 1-hour class will introduce you to what ChatGPT is and how to use it effectively in your everyday life and work. Learn how to craft better prompts, write résumés, summarize documents, compose emails, upload and analyze images, and even develop video content, no technical background required. This is not a technical or ethics-focused AI course. Instead, it’s a hands-on, accessible session designed to help you boost productivity and manage your time more efficiently using ChatGPT. Perfect for both personal enrichment and professional development. Preview the class with this short video: How to Use ChatGPT – Introduction

Explore which areas of your life are craving playfulness. Rediscover the art of joy, one playful step at a time. Experience enhanced well-being and relationships, increased positivity, and a revived sense of fulfillment.

Learn the basics of kayaking on a Lake in your own backyard. You will receive a comprehensive orientation on land of proper paddling techniques, water safety, entering and exiting your kayak, and the chance to practice these new skills on the lake. This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about kayaking. SilverFinn Kayaking provides kayaks, paddles and all necessary safety equipment.

Take an in-depth walk-thru of an actual Minnesota Probate Estate from the filing of the Application for Probate to the Final Accounts and all the steps in between. Learn the process, see the current forms and court and filing requirements, discuss the accounting and procedural steps, and the procedures for the sale and distribution of estate assets. Discussion will also include the roles, responsibilities, and liabilities of a person appointed as the Executor/Personal Representative. The class will have real-life examples and solutions to many issues involving typical (or not typical) Minnesota Probate Estate. This class encourages questions: Is there a “reading of the Will”? What about personal items? Does the Executor get paid? What about estate bills and creditors? Bring your questions. For Classes at Gladstone Park in the main lot on Manton St and enter through door 1E. The classrooms are down the first hallway on the left.

Do you already walk for enjoyment or exercise? Nordic Pole Walking will turn a simple walk into a full body workout without feeling like you are working any harder! This style of walking will increase your heartrate and create resistance to build better bone density while working your upper body as well as your legs. It uses specially designed poles-not to be confused with trekking poles - to enhance your natural walking experience. Burn more calories, improve your posture and gait. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Poles provided by the instructor. Meets outside at Gladstone

Learn easy-to-implement steps to get out of chaos and prevent disorder. How can mini habits, simple routines and master lists streamline your efforts of maintaining organization? Proven techniques will be offered with plenty of time to discuss to each participants' unique organizing issues.