Participants will have access to AncestryClassroom to work on their own projects. Research assistance will not be provided.

The Bounce Back Project is focused on promoting health and resiliency. Our book reads allow us to share laughter and perspectives with one another as we learn to better understand ourselves, allow ourselves grace, and develop the courage to be who we are. Our February discussion will feature We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World by Malala Yousafzai. Our April discussion will feature James by Percival Everett. Books in various formats may be requested through the Pioneerland Public Library System online at https://www.pioneerland.lib.mn.us/ or by visiting your local library. Learn more about the Bounce Back Project™ and connect with the Willmar group HERE.

Join us for a small group adventure! Our winter outings are taking us to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Spring Flower Show and Como Conservatory Winter Flower Show (February 13), the Como Conservatory Spring Flower Show (March 20), the History Theatre for a performance of Hungry Like the Wolf (March 28), Galleria Edina for Fleurs de Villes FLORA featuring fresh floral installations and spring couture in bloom (April 10), the Minnesota History Center including a North Star Voices presentation on carousels (April 18), and the Sidekick Theatre for lunch and a performance of Birthday Candles (April 30). History Theatre Hungry Like the Wolf is a hilarious, fast-paced comedy blending history with heart, centered on Minnesota’s trailblazing Willmar Eight. Uncover their daring 1977 strike, women’s battle for labor rights, and director Lee Grant’s compelling story – all punctuated by ‘80s pop culture and a fierce Duran Duran obsession. It’s a vibrant coming-of-age tale that uses humor, a game show, music, and fellowship to explore how we can envision and build a better tomorrow. Sidekick Theatre The lunch menu is: creamy chicken breast, served with roasted red potatoes, glazed carrots, coleslaw, dinner rolls, and assorted dessert. About Birthday Candles: this charming new play, recently on Broadway, will warm the soul. The ingredients for the cake are simple: eggs, butter, sugar, salt. Look closer, though, and you’ll see the essence of life itself. Every year, Ernestine bakes a cake and celebrates with her family on her birthday — a delicious ritual that unfolds onstage across 90 years of birthdays. We meet Ernestine and the people who sweeten her life every year on this day as she grows from 17 to 107 years old. Through glimpses of Ernestine’s life as the years go by, Birthday Candles tenderly explores motherhood, family, love, loss and finding your place in the universe.

Always wanted to learn or refresh your Spanish? This class focuses on building conversational skills through interactive practice. Topics include greetings, pronunciation, numbers, food, clothing, and basic grammar. You'll engage in small conversations and explore cultural insights like word origins and dialects. This virtual class will be held via Zoom. All participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities, such as a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, or a smartphone.

Continue your Spanish journey in Beginner Spanish Part Two! Build on conversational skills for directions, restaurants, and everyday interactions. Learn vocabulary on weather, dates, family, and key verbs like ser and tener. Explore cultural topics on food, family, and friendships. This virtual class will be held via Zoom. All participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities, such as a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, or a smartphone.

Stay relevant and up to date by learning all about Venmo, the popular mobile payment service. In this class, you’ll discover how to securely pay friends and businesses, as well as receive money without the need for cash or checks. You’ll gain a confident understanding of setting up Venmo safely, avoiding unnecessary fees, and applying it in real-world scenarios for you and your family. You'll be able to discuss the topic among family, friends and have an understanding of the key terms used when you hear about Venmo in the news! Join us to master Venmo and handle mobile payments with ease and security. This is a virtual class. Participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities such as a laptop, tablet, or a smartphone.

Embark on an exciting journey through the Spanish-speaking world, right from your home! This interactive, beginner-friendly LIVE virtual course helps adults master essential phrases for greetings, dining, and directions. With Futura’s dynamic, hands-on approach, you’ll stay engaged and have fun while building confidence for your next adventure. Perfect for both new learners and those with some prior experience in Spanish conversation. This virtual class will be held via Zoom. All participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities, such as a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, or a smartphone.

Spring into fresh flavors with Kirsten in this live online cooking class! We’ll start by preparing a grain base and a protein and while those are cooking we’ll make a sauce and some fresh sides, then assemble everything to enjoy now OR pack separately for meal prep. Participants will receive an extensive handout along with the link to join prior to class. There will be ample time for questions during the session, and participants will receive a link to the recording afterwards so you can cook along at your convenience. This virtual presentation will be held via Zoom. Participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Ready to turn your real-life stories into unforgettable nonfiction? Whether you’re crafting a memoir, how-to guide, personal essay, or narrative article, this class is your launchpad to powerful, authentic writing. Discover how to pick compelling topics, unleash your unique voice, and organize your ideas with clarity and punch. Explore every nonfiction format—from blogs to books—and master techniques for crafting openings that hook, weaving in research seamlessly, and polishing your work for maximum impact. 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. This is a virtual class. Participants must have audio and visual technology capabilities such as a laptop, tablet, or a smartphone.

Step into a winter wonderland and experience the magic of golden hour on snowshoes! Join a guided trek through the snowy trails of Prairie Woods, where you'll learn about winter wildlife and the history of snowshoes. As the day winds down, pause to take in the sunset over the prairie. Please dress for an outdoor experience at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.

In order to nourish pollinators throughout the entire growing season, it’s essential to create a habitat that supports them from reproduction to migration. Come learn about gardening for monarchs, and more!

Join Pat, Dale, and Daryl from the Kandiyohi County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program for a panel discussion on home composting. They will cover a range of topics, including best practices, various techniques (including worms!), common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and resources for constructing a DIY compost system. There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the program.