Hastings Community Education

Have fun with your friends and learn how to make your own fused glass Christmas ornaments! Each participant will select their special COE glass, hand cut and design three (3) ornaments; a Snowman, a Santa and a Tree. A great gift idea and a great way to spend some time with friends and family in a collaborative artisan environment. Make the fused glass ornaments in class. They will be brought back to the artist studio for fusing in a kiln at about 1400 degrees. Ornaments will be delivered back to the shop for pick up. Artist: Theresa Charpentier. Over 20 years of fused glass, mosaic and stained glass artistry experience. Class held at: Quaint and Quirky, 216 Second Street East, Hastings, MN 55033

Each participant will select their special COE glass, hand cut and design your choice of a total of 3 Garden Gnomes on stakes. A great gift idea and a great way to spend some time with friends and family in a collaborative artisan environment. Make in class. They will be brought back to the artist studio for fusing in a glass kiln. Garden stakes will be delivered back to the designated location for pick up. All instruction/tools/supplies are included in the price. Theresa Charpentier has over 20 years of fused glass, mosaic and stained glass artistry experience.

Needing more space? Perhaps you are downsizing, transitioning, or want to feel freer in your own home. In this seminar, learn the S.T.A.R.S. method to help you assess what is right for you and gain knowledge and tools to simplify your space and achieve your goals. You will learn about Space Dreams, Faves & Imposters, repurposing Clutter Zones, and effective Tips by Room. Creating space saves you time, energy, and money. Join me to create the space you desire

This Wonderful Norwegian delicacy is made for banquets, holidays, weddings and special occasions. If you are Norwegian and missed recording Grandma’s recipe, tips and techniques - this class is for you! Note: other nationalities find lefse delicious too! Learn the fine points in making the dough, baking, storing and of course how to serve lefse - bonus is a bit of history and humor too. We will begin with real potatoes using a number of authentic recipes - and a modern version using instant potatoes. Plan to sample your fresh, warm creations with traditional fillings plus take home finished lefse and dough to bake then share with family and friends. This class is a collaborative effort to prepare and make the lefse. Be prepared the day of class to pay an additional food fee of $9 directly to the instructor. 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.

Have fun with your friends and family and learn to make your own Fused Glass Metal Garden Stake. Each participant will select their special COE glass, hand cut and design. Add to your garden or provide as a great caring gift! Instructor will bring your designs back to the studio to finish in a kiln and return back to Quirky for pick up. Theresa Charpentier has over 20 years of fused glass, mosaic and stained glass artistry experience.

In retirement, your tax rate may vary widely over the years based on the timing and order in which you use different sources of money to pay for your living expenses. You want to apply the tax code in an organized and efficient way. You need a retirement tax strategy that will: Identify the types of taxes you will face at various stages Address how taxes impact Social Security and Medicare Plan when to tap different accounts so you don’t overpay taxes Attend this class and learn: The critical tax question you must answer BEFORE retirement The surprises that often make retirement more expensive What the Social Security “tax trap” is and how you can avoid it Why tapping assets in the wrong order can trigger higher Medicare premiums Why you need to manage taxes even before you retire The four stages of retirement and important tax actions in each stage, including tricky IRA challenges Mistakes to avoid when it comes to your investment portfolio, health care, and est

The Concern: Our family has a cabin, homestead, hunting land, farm or second home: How do we protect this family legacy and move its use and enjoyment into the future? The Problem: Various sources and forces threaten its very existence: The nursing home and Medicaid (MA), estate taxes, family divorces, creditor and bankruptcy issues, taxes and operating expenses, unequal resources of owners, the in-laws, and use and enjoyment equality. The Answer: We will provide real-life solutions and explore four paths to resolution that will solve our problems without driving the family apart or sacrificing the family legacy asset. A Zoom link will be emailed to you a few days before class starts. Be sure you have an active email account in our system.

Use your kitchen gadgets* to create yummy appetizers for holiday gatherings, game nights, or just for fun. Join Kirsten live online from her home kitchen as she demonstrates Instant Pot Hot Crab & Shrimp Dip, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, Goat Cheese & Garlic Crostini, Jalapeño Rarebit Poppers, Mediterranean Mezze Boards, and more! Registration includes extensive recipe handout and link to class recording so you can re-watch at your convenience. *No air fryer or Instant Pot? No problem! Recipes will include oven/stovetop directions too.

Make 12 cards (3 cards of 4 designs each) with matching envelopes. Plan to bring your Essentials Kit (scissors, adhesives, & bone folder). Plan to give the instructor $25 for your card kit at class. Tue Sept 10th 6-8:30pm Birthday (Kids) Tue Nov 10th 6-8:30pm Holiday Monthly themes: Sep = Birthday; Nov = Holiday; Jan = All About Love; Feb = Birthday; Apr = Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, Baby Shower/Wedding Shower; May = Thinking of You, Sympathy and Get Well; Jun-July-Aug = All Occasion Cards.

Sound bath 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.

Create a customized spruce top planter for your winter décor! Starting with a 12” pot, you will build a stunning planter using fresh greens such as evergreens, fur, juniper, and organa. Then you will add whimsical embellishments such as dogwood and birch branches, ornaments, berries, and bows. All supplies are included, and you will leave with a finished planter ready to display! (Some supplies may differ depending on availability.)

Everyone should have a health care directive and a power of attorney whether you are 18 or 80. Without these important documents, it can be difficult for your loved ones to get health care information, make health care decisions on your behalf or handle your financial affairs should you become incapacitated. Gain valuable information and tools to organize your affairs. Receive instructions and professionally prepared forms, and have access to witnesses and a notary public. Must bring your driver’s license for identification. This class is a great supplement to the Writing your Own Will class.

Have fun with your friends and learn how to make your own flashy wire wrapped stars! Each participant will select their glass, hand cut and design for 3 star ornaments. A great gift idea and a great way to spend some time with friends and family in a collaborative artisan environment. They will be brought back to the artist studio for fusing in a kiln at about 1400 degrees. Ornaments will be delivered back to the designated location for pick up. At pick up you will receive wire for wrapping your ornaments or the instructor can wrap for you. Theresa Charpentier has over 20 years of fused glass, mosaic and stained glass artistry experience.

Have fun with your friends and family building your own fused glass funky tree ornaments! Each participant will design, hand cut and build three (3) funky tree ornaments. A great gift idea and a great way to spend some time with friends and family in a collaborative artisan environment. All ornaments will be kiln fused and participants can pick up their ornaments a week later. All instruction, supplies, materials and kiln time is included in this class. Artist: Theresa Charpentier. Over 20 years of fused glass, mosaic and stained glass artistry experience. Class will be held at: Quaint and Quirky, 216 Second Street East, Hastings, MN 55033

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.