Hastings Community Education

Are you and your spouse nearing retirement age? Learn how to get the most out of your Social Security benefits as a couple. Topics include: How marriage impacts Social Security - The spousal and survivor benefits you may be eligible for based on your work records Deciding when to claim - Strategies for timing when each spouse claims benefits to maximize your household income over your lifetimes Coordinating with other income sources - Factoring Social Security into your overall retirement income plan alongside 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, etc. Taxes and Social Security - How benefits are taxed and ways to minimize taxes on your benefits in retirement Working while receiving benefits - The earnings limits that may affect your benefits Techniques higher-earning couples can utilize This class is essential for married couples wanting to ensure they receive their full share of the Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Attend with your spouse or partner.

Are you tired of staring blankly into your fridge, wondering what to make for dinner? Do you find yourself constantly ordering takeout or making the same boring meals on repeat? Fear not, hungry friend, because Megan and Kirsten are here to spice up your kitchen game in one fun-filled weekend! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this live online class is perfect for anyone who wants to take their meal planning to the next level. From “A Month of Meatless Mondays” to “Taco Tuesdays Ten Ways” to “Souper Sundays”, there’s something for everyone. Megan and Kirsten believe that meal planning should be fun! They’ll share their favorite tips and tricks for making meal prep a breeze—from grocery shopping to prepping ingredients in advance—in a handout full of recipes. The live class will be recorded so you can rewatch at your convenience. Kirsten is a champion of cookware who enjoys teaching Instant Pot/air fryer classes from her kitchen with 3 dogs underfoot. Megan is a master of meal planning who manages her busy boys’ schedules and school with grace and style—and would never have a dog in her kitchen!

Walk away with a personally designed 54 or 108 bead mala handcrafted by YOU! Note: this requires small motor skills in hand tying the beads. We will cover the history and uses of malas and will touch briefly on meditation practices. Malas are known traditionally as prayer beads used in meditation in various cultures. Today, they have gained popularity not only for use in yoga and meditation, but are also worn for adornment as jewelry! A mala is a physical reminder of your personal intentions and affirmations. Use for daily meditation practice that invites an even deeper connection to living a grounded, soulful life. In the workshop, you will learn about the energetic meaning of the natural elements and gemstones as you are led through the creation of your very own mala. All supplies are provided. Class meets at Quaint and Quirky, 216 Second Street East, Hastings

You will make 12 items including gift card holders, tags, boxes, and/or bags. Plan to give the instructor $25 for Class fee materials. Plan to bring your Essentials Kit (scissors, adhesives, & bone folder).

Sound baths is a therapeutic practice that uses sound to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. The crystal bowls and other instruments provide a soothing and meditative sound. The sound bath sessions create a calming and relaxing environment that helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and water. *Register under one person's name and you will be asked to share who is attending with you.

Students will participate as a group* making cookies and candies for the holidays. Favorites like Russian Tea Cakes, Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, Cranberry-Orange Shortbread Cookies, Chocolate Fudge and Pretzel Rods dipped in caramel and chocolate. Each student will go home with 10 dozen boxed holiday treats. This class is open to those ages 12+ attending with an adult. All packaging is supplied. Be prepared the day of class to pay $25 directly to the instructor. *Please note this is “group making” meaning you will work together to get all the cookies baked. Each person or team receives one recipe assignment and then you share the cookies with everyone and all participants leave with a variety. Please call Hastings Community Ed if you have any questions. Only registered and paid participants are eligible to participate in class. Please do not bring any extra helpers unless they have paid and registered for this course.

The biggest fear for most baby boomers is how to pay for the nursing home and still leave an inheritance for the next generation. We will walk through the following questions and more including: How will I meet my nursing home goals? Is Long Term Care Insurance for me? What about home healthcare? Should I gift my money away? Would I qualify for Medicaid? What about my current Trust, does it protect my assets and avoid the nursing home? What is the 60-month claw back? What if my spouse goes into the nursing home and exhausts our money? Get the answers to these and other questions and learn how to create an effective plan to deal with these uncertainties.

Learn to create the rolled Norwegian cookie, Krumkakes made with cream, butter and cinnamon or sometimes flavored with vanilla. For generations, Minnesotans have purchased their irons to bake krumkakes from local manufacturer Nordic Ware in St. Louis Park. Italian Pizzelles are also baked on the top of the stove using an iron but are a flat, anise-flavored cookie or they also may be flavored with vanilla. The chewy, almond Swedish Sandbakkelse are delicate golden brown in color and are baked in tiny tins to resemble tarts. Finally, we will master deep fried Rosettes - those exceedingly fragile, paper thin Scandinavian delicacies dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Expect great recipes plus the many tips and techniques that will make your baking a success! Bring containers to transport your creations safely home. Be prepared the day of class to pay an additional food fee of $14 directly to the instructor. Only registered and paid participants are eligible to participate in class.

Hosted by Hastings Community Education and Hastings Area Senior Center. Todd Anderson will be bringing his Dazzling Neil Diamond tribute show to the Hastings Middle School stage. Experience Neil Diamond’s hits such as “Sweet Caroline” and “America” as Todd brings a celebration of this musical icon. This is a fun evening for participants of all ages! Advanced registration is required. Registration closes Wednesday, May 7th. The price includes a general admission ticket, seats are not reserved. Doors open at 6pm.