WBLAS Community Services & Recreation

Join the discussion about the history of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, how the Supreme Court makes its decisions; discuss some of the important cases and some fairly current cases that affect our lives every day.

Join us in exploring the Como Park Conservatory! We will take a tour through the many gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as you explore the Jewel of Como and learn about their rich history. Go behind-the-scenes and uncover how the garden staff keep the conservatory looking lush and green all year long and produce the many flower shows. This tour is a unique opportunity to “peek behind the curtains” of the Conservatory and get your daily dose of green! After the conservatory tour, there will be time to explore Como's grounds, including a 10% discount at Como's Garden Safari Gifts. Then we will be having lunch, on your own, in downtown St. Paul at Cossetta's Italian Market & Pizzeria. Please bring money for lunch or to purchase something for lunch or items from the Italian Grocery store or the pasticceria. This day trip is not wheelchair 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: 8:35am Meet at the Mahtomedi District Education Center 8:45am Bus Departs 11:00am - 12:00pm Walking Free Time 12:15pm: Leave Como Conservatory for Lunch 12:30pm Arrive at Cossetta's for Lunch 12:30-1:30pm Lunch/Explore Market & Shop 1:45 Depart from Cossetta's 2:15pm Bus Returns No Refunds After Friday, July 25.

After years of traveling abroad, Avery Sutton is happy to return to the comfort of his home in Connecticut. Unfortunately, almost nothing is as he remembered it. The entire house is tilted at a distinct angle, the dog hasn’t been fed in five years, and Avery’s Grandmother, who everyone thought was dead, is still alive and kicking. Forced to either accept the oddities of his family or leave them behind, 37 Postcards suggests that you can, in fact, go home again... You just never know what you’re going to find. MENU UPDATE: Our new has changed for this event! Lunch will be: Chicken breast in creamy tarragon sauce, Swedish meatballs, Tuscan vegetable medley, Raspberry vinaigrette salad with strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin orange, Fresh-baked dinner rolls with butter, Real mashed potatoes, assorted homemade dessert bars, and coffee, tea, and water No Refunds after April 18 PUBLISHED REVIEWS: “McKeever’s writing illuminates not only insightful wit but a disarming poignancy that, while poking fun at this dysfunctional family, also reveals a well-thought-out and emotional resonance." George Capewell, Backstage “Moving and real.” Alvin Klein, New York Times “If you want some laughs mixed with warmth, love, and familial devotion, do not miss this play.” Buddy Clarke, Entertainment News and Views “What can possibly top this show?” Kim Cool, Venice Gondolier Departure / Return from: Gladstone Community Center, 1945 Manton St, North St Paul Bus Departs: 10:45AM Bus Returns: 4:00 PM

Explore 1,200 acres of professionally maintained gardens, rare plant collections, and accessible trails. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a research center and extension of the University of Minnesota. Join us for a guided and narrated one hour three mile tram tour highlighting varied collections, display gardens, and the Arboretum Farm! Your fee includes lunch and 10% off at the Gift and Garden Store. We will also have self guided exploration time of the 30+ gardens and natural areas, trails, library, and conservatory. Lunch Menu: Flowerpot lunch includes a choice of sandwich (turkey, ham, roast beef or veggie), chips, an apple, cookie, and bottled water NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 5 Schedule of the Day 9:00 am - Meet and leave Mahtomedi Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave 9:50 am - Arrive at MN Landscape Arboretum (Bus parking is free) 10:00 - 11:00 - Tram Tour 11:00 - 11:30 - Walking time, Bathroom, Gift shop (We get 10% off, etc.). 11:30 - 12:00 - Lunch time Until 2:45 - Self Guided Exploration 2:45 - Meet at the bus 3:00 - Depart 4:00 - Return to Mahtomedi Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave

Join us in exploring the Minnesota History Center! We will start our day by having lunch, on your own, in St. Paul at Café Latte. Please bring money for lunch or to purchase something for lunch. Then you will have self exploration time at the Minnesota History Center where you can explore our state's past through exhibits and displays. You can learn about the lives of Minnesota's Native American tribes, cultural evolution, early settlers, agricultural history, the civil rights movement, and more! Please contact Sammy Wallace ahead of time if you plan on attending with a walker at 651-407-2024 or sammy.wallace@isd832.net. This day trip is not wheelchair accessible. Schedule: 10:45am Meet at the O.H. Anderson Elementary School, 666 Warner Ave, Mahtomedi 11:15am Café Latte 12:15pm History Center 3:30pm Return time No refunds after June 24th. Registration deadline June 25th.

Take me out to the Ballgame! Join us for a fun day at the St. Paul Saints Baseball Game. What's better than spending a summer day watching a baseball game with friends? Join us for a fun afternoon watching the St. Paul Saints play at CHS Field in St. Paul against the Louisville Bats. Transportation and game tickets are provided with your registration fee. Please bring a credit card for any refreshments or food you would like to purchase at the game. If you need wheelchair accessible seats, please contact Sammy Wallace at sammy.wallace@isd832.net. Schedule: Meet at the Mahtomedi District Education Center at 11:45 AM. The game starts at 1:00 PM. The bus returns at approximately 4:30 PM No refunds after May 27th.

Join us for a memorable adventure on the Mississippi River with a luxury coach bus ride to Winona. The day starts with a relaxing lunch at Kelly’s Lake House Bar & Grill, offering stunning views of Lake Pepin and a delicious menu featuring a Petite Sirloin Luncheon Special. After lunch, we will board the Winona Tour Boat for an exploration of the river’s rich history and diverse wildlife, guided by knowledgeable USCG Licensed captains. Enjoy panoramic views from the comfort of an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin, complete with restrooms on board. This exciting trip promises relaxation, education, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an experience not to be missed! Menu: Petite Sirloin Luncheon Special with Potato, Vegetable, Roll, Small Dessert, Coffee, Tea or Soda. Schedule 9:15 am Bus Departs Normandy Park Education Center (Senior Center) 2484 East County Rd F, WBL 11:00 am Lunch 12:15 pm Winona Tour Boat 3:00 pm Conclusion of the Cruise 3:15 pm Leave Winona 5:30 pm Returns to Normandy Park Education Center Fee includes Coach Bus ride, boat cruise and lunch. No refunds after Monday, July 14. You may want to bring a snack for the bus ride home.

No need to look any further for restaurant quality Dim Sum than your own kitchen! Dim Sum, loosely translated to “touch the heart”, refers to a Chinese or Cantonese meal consisting of numerous small appetizers or finger foods traditionally enjoyed in restaurants. A dim sum meal therefore is considered a shared dining, social experience that can last for hours. Dim Sum meals often include some sort of dumpling, and two of the most popular dumpling options are open faced drum dumplings called “Shu Mai” and other dumplings called “Wontons”. Join Chef Tess for one of her newest classes where she will guide you in the step-by-step process of creating these delightful restaurant quality Dim Sum dumplings with two different meat and veggie fillings, and store bought wrappers. Learn to shape, fill and cook these tender, light, fluttery bites of deliciousness in your own home for a memorable dim sum get together. Serving, freezing and reheating tips will also be shared. CHEF'S NOTES: Equipment: A bamboo steamer is a “nice to have”, but not necessary. The instructor’s recipes are copyrighted and are only shared with those who register for this class. Participants will receive a list of ingredients in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and prep. a copy of the instructor’s personal recipes in PDF format. One registration fee for this on-line virtual interactive class can include immediate family members living full-time in the same home only. If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register SEPARATELY even if participating together. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. 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!

Are you or is someone you know considering divorce or separation? Whether you're contemplating a separation or already in the process, this event is designed to provide education, connection, and trusted support as you navigate life changes with more ease & confidence. Your coaches will include a family law attorney, financial planner, and realtor. This is a learning opportunity only. No products will be sold.

How do we forecast the weather? What tools and data are used? What progress have we made in forecasting the weather? What are our limitations? What are the best Internet resources for you to get a forecast? Answers to all these questions and more in this presentation!

Specific events and climate episodes have had an ever-lasting effect on cultures, landscapes, and historical events. Weather has played a key role in shaping human history. We will discuss several examples as we explore how weather has shaped our history in this presentation!

Preparing your will is an important step in providing for the ones you love. Week 1 ~ Learn the various techniques for property distribution of your estate. Explore basic estate planning concepts and assess your needs for your estate plan. You will receive sample forms and language to use while you draft your own will. It will be necessary for participants to type or handwrite their own document. The Instructor will also cover circumstances that may require a review/revision of your will and a brief review of the benefits of a trust. Questions welcome. Week 2 ~ You will sign the will you created. The language in your will will not be reviewed by an attorney and legal advice will not be given. Questions welcome!

Explore the delicious flavors and techniques of authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine in this class with instructor Mimi Selam. With approachable techniques you can replicate at home, you’ll learn to cook dishes with a variety of fresh ingredients and flavors, from light and mild to sizzling plates packed with exotic spices. Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine is also famous for flavorful vegetarian dishes that can be enjoyed by meat-eaters and vegetarians alike! Both vegetarian and meat-based recipes will be available at class. NOTE: There is a $20 materials/food fee due to the instructor at class. Be sure to bring containers to class to take home leftovers

No matter the occasion, you'll be prepared to dance! Be one of the best dancers at your next event, or just for the fun of dancing together in class and at home. Try something new to add laughter and romance into your relationship. Taking steps from classic ballroom dances, you will learn easy to remember mini-routines, danceable to all your favorite songs from the past to the present, including pop, blues, rock, country and more. If you think you have no rhythm and two left feet, this is the perfect course for you. Couples stay partnered. Solo attendees rotate, but partners are uncertain. For more information, visit www.ConstantineDance.com

Create a beautiful hanging fabric collage using a technique called Slow Stitching - a relaxing form of embroidery that focuses on process rather than pattern. We'll begin by layering fabric scraps onto a 6 x 6" square and then use a variety of hand embroidery stitches as well as trims, beads, etc. to add texture and color. Whether you are a new or experienced crafter, come explore your creative side. NOTE: $20 cash supply fee paid to instructor the first class. Bring fabric scissors

Join us for a delightful morning of creativity and relaxation as we explore the beauty of nature through art! In this hands-on workshop, you'll paint a stunning English Lavender Tree on a 10x20 canvas, bringing a touch of natural beauty into your home. Learn basic acrylic painting skills or brush up on some old ones. No experience necessary, as we guide you every step of the way! All materials included.

An educational presentation for anyone who wants to know more about Medicare. Topics will include Parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare, application process, estimated costs, supplements, MAPD, and when is the right time to sign up. This is an ideal course for people that are turning 65 or over 65 and coming off their employer medical plan as well as those currently enrolled in Medicare. NOTE: THE FEBRUARY CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Alcohol Ink is an exciting and versatile medium perfect for creating lively abstract art, and hydrangeas offer a beautiful subject to explore this technique. In your class, you'll learn to use a silicone tool to outline and fill in the petals, enhancing them with white alcohol ink for added depth. With the choice of a contrasting white or black background, you can create vibrant compositions, and if you make a mistake, simply use ISO alcohol to wipe it away and start fresh. Your instructor will provide step-by-step guidance, allowing you to express your creativity and potentially paint a second piece if time allows. NOTE: There is a $15 cash supply fee due at class

Do you know what next steps to take so you can retire? We can help. Join us for 5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly, a free workshop with insights to help you achieve your retirement goals, by answering the following questions: Will I have enough to retire? Will my retirement income last? Are my assets protected? This is a learning opportunity only. No products will be sold.

Do you know what next steps to take so you can retire? We can help. Join us for 5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly, a free workshop with insights to help you achieve your retirement goals, by answering the following questions: Will I have enough to retire? Will my retirement income last? Are my assets protected? This is a learning opportunity only. No products will be sold.

Join us in creating a beautiful nighttime waterfall scene on a 12" x 12" canvas using acrylic paint. Learn basic acrylic painting skills or brush up on some old ones. No experience necessary, as we guide you every step of the way! All materials included.