Big Lake Schools Community Education

Looking to play some Friday morning pick-up games? Larry Tschritter will be in contact with you via email or phone text each week with information on the game. This is ongoing so join anytime! Please contact CE at 763- 262-2523 to register or go to our website and pay $25 for the whole school year. Location may be subject to change due to availability. Not meeting on Friday, Nov. 28, Dec. 26, Jan. 2 & Apr 3. Summer 2026 times, dates, and locations will be announced in the Spring. Friday mornings I Sept 5-May 22 I 5:30-6:45 am I $25/school year | Big Lake HS Gym

BRIDGES IN THE TWIN CITIES - Friday, April 24th 2026 - $112 9:00 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. NE., Monticello. Load in parking lot. 9:15 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot on the front of the building. 10:00 a.m. Meet your tour guide and discover the unique and interesting facts about the bridges in the Twin Cities on a riding tour. There are more bridges crossing the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities than any other place along the entire river’s length. Visit The Stone Arch Bridge. It is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. It was built in 1883 by James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railroad as a railroad bridge. It is now reserved for pedestrians and bicycles with panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls and the milling district of Minneapolis. The highest bridge in St. Paul is the Smith Avenue High Bridge, an inverted arch bridge with a deck height of 160 feet. You will hear stories about who built the bridges, how some have been re envisioned and the impact each bridge has in the community they service. [Note: weather permitting, there will be a couple of stops to get off the bus for a closer view.] 1:00 p.m. Drop off your Guide. 1:15 p.m. Arrive at Jax Cafe, serving Minnesotans since 1933, a landmark that was established by Stanley Kozlak. He left Poland as a teenager and established a restaurant business that would support three generations after him. Lunch service. Menu: Choose at sign up. 1. Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Vegetable. 2. Swedish Meatballs with Potatoes and Vegetable. Chocolate Mousse, Coffee, Tea or Milk included 2:45 p.m. Leave Jax Café. 3:30 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 3:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello. Deadline for registration and payment is MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026. NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE.

“Guys and Dolls” CHANHASSEN THEATER Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - $135.00 10:00 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. NE., Monticello. Load in parking lot. 10:15 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot on the front of the building. 11:15 a.m. Arrive at The Chanhassen Dinner Theater for lunch. Upon arrival at the theater, guests can select from a limited menu. Menu includes Entrée, salad, vegetable, bread potato or rice, beverage. Guests can walk inside the theater to the gift stores, if they have time after lunch. 1:00 p.m. Matinee performance: “Guys & Dolls” Book by ABE BURROWS & JO SWERLING Music & Lyrics by FRANK LOESSER For the first time in over 35 years Chanhassen Dinner Theatre brings you a thrilling and electric staging of GUYS AND DOLLS! From the gritty streets of New York to the colorful cafes of Havana, GUYS AND DOLLS is a grand spectacle of music and comedy to delight audiences of all ages. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ fresh production is set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City in a perfect balance of story, dance, music and romance! Charming but broke gambler Nathan Detroit is short on cash for the biggest craps game in town and the authorities are breathing down his neck. Meanwhile, longtime girlfriend and club performer, Miss Adelaide, is tiring of their 14-year engagement with no wedding in sight. Nathan looks to fellow high-roller Sky Masterson for the cash, and the two concoct a bet for Sky to whisk the straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown off to Havana. Sarah is determined to save the souls of the gamblers, setting in motion a series of events where love and redemption intersect. Frank Loesser’s vibrant score makes GUYS AND DOLLS a true crowd-pleaser, featuring songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Chanhassen Dinner Theatres brings you all the thrills, laughs and songs when you come to experience GUYS AND DOLLS! Directed & Choreographed by TAMARA KANGAS ERICKSON Associate Choreographer LINDA TALCOTT LEE Music Direction by ANDY KUST TONY AWARD-WINNER – BEST MUSICAL! 3:30 p.m. Estimated conclusion of show. 3:45 p.m. Estimated departure time. 4:45 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 5:00 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello. DEADLINE MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026, No refund given after deadline

“MACBETH” GUTHRIE THEATER - March 4th 2026 - $125 10:00 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. NE., Monticello. Load in parking lot. 10:15 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot on the front of the building. 10:45 a.m. Arrive in downtown Minneapolis. 11:00 a.m. Have lunch at the Hen House Eatery. Menu: A Cup Soup made from scratch daily, a Chicken Salad Sandwich, Beverage, and a Cookie. 12:15 p.m. After lunch transfer a few blocks to Guthrie Theater. (Drop on 2nd Street) 12:30 p.m. Arrive at the Guthrie Theater and take a few minutes to explore public areas of the building. You can take the elevator or hop on one of the longest escalators in the Midwest for a 60-second ride to Level Four. The Endless Bridge on level 4 & 5 - Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the Guthrie is a cantilever that extend 178 feet from the face of the building. Check out the postcard effect of the windows directing your eyes to specific attractions in the landscape. Amber Box on level 9 - Officially dubbed the Citizens of Minnesota Overlook, this lobby with amber windows provides a near 360-degree view of this historic neighborhood, including the river, Gold Medal Park and the downtown skyline. 12:30 p.m. Doors open to the McGuire Proscenium Stage. [Seats are in Area 1] 1:00 p.m. Performance: Macbeth by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, directed by JOE DOWLING Wurtele Thrust Stage A chilling tale of ambition - When three witches utter a surprising incantation — “All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” — a soldier and nobleman’s course is forever altered. Macbeth and his ambitious wife seek to kill King Duncan and usurp the throne. The pair is successful, but their satisfaction is fleeting, and the two embark on a perilous path of destruction. Macbeth is soon haunted by the bloodstained ghost of a former enemy, and the crown grows heavy with the weight of his insecurity and paranoia. Shakespeare’s thrilling story of treachery and ambition explores the relationship between power and corruption, revealing the villainy that can emerge when power is sought. 3:30 p.m. Estimated conclusion of performance. (Run time is estimated). 3:45 p.m. Estimated departure from Minneapolis. 4:30 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael 4:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello. Deadline for registration and payment is MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025. NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE.

WINONA MUSEUM & WATKINS - Tuesday, May 19th 2026 - $125 6:45 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. NE., Monticello. Load in parking lot. 7:00 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot on the front of the building. 9:00 a.m. Estimated arrival time into Lake City to use the washrooms at Stahlie Park Rest Area. 9:15 a.m. Leave Rest Area. 10:15 a.m. Arrive in Winona at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. After a welcome introduction by the staff, this is a self guided experience. The purpose-built museum is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and boasts six galleries, an educational and events space, and a destination retail shop on its seven acre riverside campus. It is through this surprising diversity that MMAM is not only describing what marine art is, but pushing the boundaries of what marine art can be. Through education and exhibitions that explore the ongoing and historic human relationship with water. This is Great Art Inspired by Water. 11:45 a.m. Leave MMAM. 12:00 p.m. Arrive at Signatures Restaurant at The Bridges Golf Club for a luncheon. Menu: Chicken Dumpling Soup, Build your own Salad - Mixed Greens, Tomato, Radish, Carrots, Red Onions, Cucumber, Croutons and Dressing. Build your own Sandwich - Sliced Turkey and Ham, assortment of Cheeses, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Mayo, Mustard, Bread, Chips, Cookie, Coffee, Tea or Water. 1:30 p.m. Leave Signatures Restaurant. 1:45 p.m. Arrive at the Watkins Administration Building on Liberty Street. Visit the Museum and purchase Watkins Pepper, Vanilla, Petro Carbo Salve and other items. [Note: Because the building is on the National Historic Registry, there is a flight of stairs to get into the building.] 2:45 p.m. Leave Winona. 3:45 p.m. Stop in Lake City at Stahlie Park Rest Area to use the facilities. 4:00 p.m. Leave Lake City. 6:00 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Micheal’s. 6:15 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello. Deadline for registration and payment is MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026. NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE.

Discover the relaxing and rewarding craft of crochet! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn the essential skills to get started, including how to hold your hook, create basic stitches, and read a simple pattern. If you want to learn to crochet and have never picked up a hook or needle, this is the class for you! The main focus will be on holding the hook and yarn and learning basic stitches. We will be working on a dish cloth as a project - go as slow or as quickly as you wish! We will provided a yarn and a crochet hook for you to use and to take home.

The word "Bao" is derived from the word "Baozi" which means, "to wrap" in Mandarin. Bao buns are often described as "steamed pillows" of deliciousness that are becoming increasingly popular in North America. They are created by freshly steaming yeasted velvety dough, and are then filled with a variety of fillings. During this fun-filled class participant will learn to create delicious Steamed Bao that will be used "to wrap" almost like a little jacket, the fantastic filling of Korean Bulgogi BBQ Chicken, and a wonderful variety of Asian inspired quick pickled veggies! What fun! Everything from the Bao, the Korean Bulgogi BBQ Chicken and the pickled veggies will be made from scratch in a guided step-by-step fashion, making for a fun, exciting and memorable experience. Equipment Needs: A bamboo steamer is a "nice to have", but not necessary. A stand mixer is highly recommended. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ While cooking-along is loads of fun and highly recommended, it is optional. Make it a date night of family night as you create lasting memories in your kitchen! This class will take place on Zoom, free online software. Participants will receive instructions on how to access the class prior to it starting. A list of ingredients and class details will be received in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and preparation. The instructor's personal recipe from this class will be included in a professionally made PDF packet to be received by participants after the class. Note: The instructor's recipes are copyrighted and are only shared with those who register for this class. As an added bonus, the instructor has created a private group and a public group on Facebook for participants of her cooking classes. Everyone will receive an invite to the groups although joining is optional. Come join the fun! Note: One registration fee for this online virtual interactive class can include: immediate family members living full-time in the same home ONLY. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register separately even if participating together.

Turn your favorite recipes into a beautiful, personalized keepsake! In this creative, hands-on class, you'll transform a phot brag book into a stunning recipe book using decorative paper, embellishments, and your unique flair. Learn tips for organizing recipes, designing eye-catching pages, and incorporating thoughtful details to make your book truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you want to preserve family recipes, create a thoughtful gift, or showcase your culinary favorites, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Bring your creativity, and we'll supply the inspiration! All materials will be provided.

Do you live in Sherburne County and have an interest in learning more about having your own licensed Family Childcare? We would love to have you join our informational meeting where we will present information on the licensing process, helpful information, and be able to answer questions you may have. We will also have a currently licensed and experienced family childcare provider at the meeting to be able to provide direct information about what it entails to be a professional childcare provider and having your own business. The Milestones Navigator will also join us and outline supports available to new and old childcare providers.

Take your business to new heights with our fast-paced, comprehensive session designed to equip business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals with the essential skills and strategies needed to leverage social media for business success. Learn how to effectively reach your target audience, increase brand awareness, and drive engagement across major social media platforms.

Unlock the full potential of Google Sheets and gain skills that will benefit you for a lifetime! Whether you're using it for work or personal projects, this comprehensive class will transform you from a novice into an expert. You'll master the essential functions of Google Sheets, including entering, organizing, refining, analyzing, and visualizing data. Join us to build a solid foundation in Google Sheets and enhance your productivity and data management capabilities!

Weight Loss/Healthy Eating 5:45-7:45 pm ~ Stop cravings for sweets, carbs, greasy fatty foods, pop, etc. Get motivated to walk and or exercise. Develop a positive attitude towards getting healthy and losing weight. Stop Smoking-Chewing Tobacco-Vaping 5:45-8:45 pm ~ Stop nicotine addictions without cravings or weight gain. (This group will have a break off school grounds to have their last big smoke. Bring your tobacco products with you) Please bring a pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, etc for added comfort, you may sit or lay down for hypnosis part of the session. Dr. Fischer has 36 years experience teaching hypnosis classes through Community Education and major businesses. She also has a private practice in Waite Park/St. Cloud area.

Julie Anderson, Personal Trainer, will provide you a personalized introduction to the Fitness Center, guiding you through an overview of equipment and demonstrating proper usage and techniques. If you chose, she can also provide a body fat analysis and help you set personalized fitness goals. Once you get registered, Julie will schedule a time to meet that works in your schedule.

Make the stars your old friends as we watch the great celestial show in the skies over Big Lake! Get to know constellations like the Big Bear, Cygnus the Swan, Pegasus the Winged Horse, and many more. You'll also hear many fun stories about how some of these constellations found their way to the heavens. I'll also have giant telescopes aimed at Saturn, star clusters, galaxies, and more. New video telescopes will also display live images of distant celestial treasures in amazing color! You'll also get a great handout package of star maps, constellation charts, as well as great websites and app recommendations. Also included is a practical telescope buying guide. Mike Lynch is a retired WCCO Radio meteorologist and has been hosting star parties and teaching astronomy classes for over 50 years. He also writes a weekly stargazing column for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and is the author of the book "Stars, A Month by Month Tour of the Constellations." It'll be available for purchase at the program. Select Mike Lynch celestial photos, and super cool glow-in-the-dark star shirts will also be available for sale. The Great Night Sky is Waiting! This class is an outdoor class so come dressed for the weather and bring along a lawn chair for your viewing comfort! This is a great event for girl/boy scout troops.

Create a custom necklace with the World's Smallest Tiles! Select a personal color palette and design, then use the tiniest tiles to construct a beautiful necklace. These pendants make great gifts or new additions to your collection. All abilities welcome - beginner friendly. This is a change from the catalog!

Celebrate the beauty of Minnesota in all four glorious seasons with this instructor led class that guides you into making a plate or wall art fused glass! Class held at: River Birch Glass Studio | 14469 190th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330

Wow your guests as your serve an appetizer on a beautiful fall or Christmas themed dish you made yourself! This instructor led class requires no advanced knowledge of glass fusing and yet you'll come away with a masterpiece! Class held at: River Birch Glass Studio | 14469 190th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330 *Date Change From Catalog*

Come paint a little chickadee in acrylic paint on a 12”x12” stretched canvas. We’ll start with a stenciled chickadee then add layers of soft pastel colors to create a vibrant painting you’ll love. Acrylic painting is an amazing medium which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment! In this introductory class, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto.

Come paint a forest landscape in acrylic paint on a 12”x16” stretched canvas. We will begin in black and white with fall colors mingled on top. It’s the perfect painting for beginners to gain an understanding of contrast, composition and color mixing. Acrylic painting is an amazing medium which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment! In this introductory class, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto.

Come paint a northern lights inspired piece in acrylic paint on a 12”x16” stretched canvas. You will learn to mix a variety of colors to create the sky as well as black and white to create the illusion of atmospheric perspective. Top it off with a black bear stencil or spirit animal of your choice. Acrylic painting is an amazing medium which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment! In this introductory class, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto.

FINALLY IT'S HERE: BIG LAKE BRINGS PERSONAL TRAINING AND NUTRITION SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY ED! Julie Anderson - Certified Personal Trainer & Advanced Nutritionist specializes in personalized and results-driven approach, focusing on your unique needs and goals. 1. **Custom Workouts:** Tailored exercise plans based on your fitness level and objectives. 2. **Nutritional Coaching:** Achieve your goals with personalized plans/support. 3. **Motivational Support:** Stay inspired and accountable throughout your fitness journey. **Why Choose Personal Training?** - **Individual Attention:** Personalized sessions catered exclusively to your fitness requirements. - **Form Correction:** Ensure proper technique to maximize results and prevent injuries. - **Accountability:** Stay on track with a dedicated coach supporting your progress. Invest in Yourself – Let Julie support you in your Health & Wellness journey! Training will ideally be 2 times a week. Once registered all training sessions will take place within two months. Questions about Personal Training? Email Julie Anderson @ juliejwellness@outlook.com