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

Looking to play some Wednesday morning pick-up games? Larry Tschritter will be in contact with you via email or phone text each week with information on the game. Play starts at 5:30 am. Registration for the full school year is $25 - please email l.tschritter@biglakeschools.org for details. Wednesday mornings I June 18-Aug 27 I 5:15-6:45 am I Big Lake Middle School 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.

Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7:15 am-4:00 pm | $125 | Deadline: MONDAY, Oct. 13, 2025 - No refunds after this date! 7:15 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello. Load in parking lot. 7:30 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot In the front of the building. 9:45 a.m. Arrive at Mayowood Mansion. Visitors should be prepared to walk or stand for the duration of the 75-minute guided tour of the Maywood Mansion. There are 12 steps leading to the first floor. 10:00 a.m. “Christmas at Historic Maywood” Take a guided tour of the former residence of Drs. Charles H. and Charles W. Mayo. A national historic landmark situated on a wooded hillside overlooking the Zumbro River Valley. There will be many rooms uniquely decorated by volunteers and merchants in Rochester. Each is personalized by those who contribute to the holiday spirit. The mansion has been recently restored to its full former elegant glory. As you walk through the mansion, notice the Steinway Conservatory Grand piano, a 1914 Acolian & Company player pipe organ, a Kerman pattern Persian rug, crystal chandeliers and leaded stained glass doors and windows. 11:15 a.m. Estimated conclusion of the guided tour.Take a few minutes to enjoy the setting. 11:35 a.m. Leave the Maywood Mansion. 11:45 a.m. Arrive at Victoria's Ristorante in downtown Rochester, featuring made-from-scratch dishes in a lovely atmosphere. 12:00 p.m. Have lunch in the dining room. Please select your choice when registering for this trip. 1. Baked Mostaccioli - Pasta baked with ricotta cheese, meat sauce, topped with mozzarella. 2. Walleye Sandwich - Fresh Canadian Walleye, breaded and deep-fried, served on special bread with Thousand Island dressing, onions, lettuce & tomatoes. 3. Chicken Honey Mustard Salad - Grilled Chicken, red and green leaf lettuce, feta Cheese, Roasted Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil, Red Onions, Red Peppers & Scallions with honey mustard dressing. 1:30 p.m. Leave Rochester. 3:45 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 4:00 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello.

“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.

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 9:15 am-3:45 pm | $110 | Deadline: MONDAY, SEPT. 15, 2025 - No refunds after this date! 9:15 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello. Load in parking lot. 9:30 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot In the front of the building. 10:30 a.m. Join your entertaining Victorian ghost guide through historic Saint Paul to hear thrilling tales of haunting. Designed to give you a bit of a tingle, a shiver or a laugh while learning some interesting history of our capital city. Locations include Saint Paul's historic Summit Avenue ( considered one of the most beautiful streets in the country), charming Rice Park which is older than Central Park in New York City and surrounded by several haunted buildings plus more! There are over a dozen sites on this tour and a brief stop or two. 12:30 p.m. Drop off your guide. 12:45 p.m. Arrive at The St. Paul Hotel.In 1910 “St. Paul’s Million-Dollar Hotel” opened. The guest list included James J. Hill, Lucius P. Ordway and John Ireland. 1:00 p.m. Have a light lunch in the St. Paul Grill. Menu: The Market Street Sandwich: Grilled Chicken Breast, Thick-Cut Bacon, Swiss and Cheddar with Sriracha Mayo, Hand-Cut Fries, Coffee or Tea. 2:30 p.m. Leave St. Paul. 3:30 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 3:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello.

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.

Adult Volleyball Ages 18+ Do you like to play volleyball? Big Lake Community Education is offering an opportunity for Adults Ages 18+ to play in an open format on Sunday evenings. Must pre-register. Instructors: Rachel Leshovsky & Billeye Juarez Meets in Liberty Elementary Gym | Sundays | Sept. 7-Oct. 12 | 7:30-8:30 pm

Winter/Spring 2026

We write everyday: emails, social media posts, work projects, and even non- fiction or creative writing. Improving is just a matter of knowing some simple tricks to make your writing more impactful and readable, and may help get you a promotion at work or avoid rejection from a publisher. In this hands-on session, there will be writing/editing examples and exercises so you can see in real time how to make sentences flow properly while still maintaining reader interest, and you will leave with a workbook full of writing tips and tricks, which is included in the 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 the day before class.

New to barre or getting back to movement? Beginner Barre is the perfect place to start. This low impact, full body workout blends ballet inspired moves with light strength training and deep stretching - no dance experience required. We'll focus on proper form, balance, and building strength at your pace. Expect small, controlled movements that target arms, core, glutes, and legs - all set to uplifting music in a supportive, judgement free zone. Come as you are. Leave feeling stronger, longer, and more confident with every class.

If your goal is to become a published freelance writer by selling a magazine article, short story, poem, or even a novel to a traditional publisher, this comprehensive workshop will guide you to, then past the editor's desk. You will discover how to: become a “published” writer overnight submit manuscripts the correct way find the right publisher for your work write irresistible query letters determine when and how to get an agent 100 ways to make money as a freelance writer If you really want to succeed, this step-by-step workshop is a must! 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 the day before class.

ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don’t be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to: register for a FREE ChatGPT account input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses build creative content, from stories to marketing copy determine its capabilities and limitations understand ethical/legal considerations using ChatGPT There’s no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It’s crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! 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. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Join us for this fun experience of candle making! You will learn the basic ins and outs of poured candle making: creating your own clean burning soy wax candles, incorporating cotton wicks and fragrance oils. The candle making process itself will take 30 minutes, then approximately 1.5 hours to dry and set. This is a great class for a group of friends, date day, or just meeting new people while hanging out at Lupulin Brewing. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Do you live in Sherburne County and have an interest in learning more about Child Foster Parenting? 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 Child Foster Care Provider at the meeting to be able to provide direct information about what it entails to be a Child Foster Parent!

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.

This is a relaxed and friendly open-forum seminar for participants with a seasoned Will & Trust attorney. Questions like: Should I avoid probate? Is a will good enough? Do I need a trust? How does my plan deal with the nursing home? How do we gift the assets of husband and wife? What about separate assets not of the marriage? If I am along, what tools protect me best? How do I decide who should serve in my estate plan? What is the death tax? How do I avoid leaving a mess for my children? Which Trust is best for my needs? Can I use a transfer-on-death deed? How do my retirement assets operate in my will or trust? All questions will be answered! Instructor: Steven J Ledin | Attorney | Ledin Law PLLC