Guest Column by Chris Chalmers

 

Students across the area are back in classrooms. Now is a perfect time to find an experiential experience that will enhance the quality of your life. Community Education provides opportunities for participants of all ages to “Gather,  Discover, Grow.”

From 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Brookside Education Center, join us for an open house of our early learning programming geared for all newborns to 5-year-olds and their parents/caregivers. There will be food, door prizes, tours, a bouncy obstacle course and a vehicle fair. All of this is free.

This past summer was busy at The Community Boathouse at Brookside. Over a thousand people went boating and biking with Community Education. Through Oct. 6, the Boathouse will be open from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays and from 6 p.m. to dark Tuesdays and  Thursdays. Check out a canoe or kayak or old-fashioned single-speed bike on a nice fall day.

Albert Lea Community Education partners with Austin, Owatonna and Waseca Community Education programs to offer many wonderful day trips. These trips are filling fast: river cruise, Renaissance Festival, Minnesota Orchestra and more. Leave the driving (and road construction) to us.

In the next few weeks, classes in yoga and open basketball are beginning. Informational sessions on trusts, long-term care, Social Security and other special interest topics are also beginning.

The Community Education fall catalogs were mailed out to all District 241 residents in mid-August. More copies of books can be found at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, City Hall, City Arena, Brookside Education Center and many other areas in our community, or go online for full descriptions and registration information.

All classes can be found online at albertleacommunityed.org or call 507-379-4834 with questions or assistance.

“Gather, Discover, Grow” with Community Education this year.

Chris Chalmers is the director of Albert Lea Community Education.