Level 2 delves deeper into greetings, practical phrases, numbers, family, food, hobbies, and more complex interactions. Prior elementary Spanish experience recommended. Instructor: Dick Milles, former Spanish Instructor, Metropolitan State University

This engaging course covers greetings, practical phrases, numbers, family, food, hobbies, and more. No prior Spanish experience required. Register early. Instructor: Dick Milles, former Spanish Instructor, Metropolitan State University

Please note that due to circumstances beyond anyone's control (life happens), we have moved the date to Tuesday, Aug 18. Same time.This is different than what was published in the TriDistrict Catalog.Hydrogen and helium are gaining attention across Minnesota—but what do they mean for our state’s energy future? Join Don Elsenheimer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, for a clear, balanced overview of the science, supply potential, regulatory process, and public debate surrounding their development. Explore the opportunities, environmental considerations, and policy decisions shaping what comes next. An informative program with time for thoughtful questions and discussion. Presenter: Don Elsenheimer, PhD, Gas Production Regulatory Mgr, MN DNR

Discover the art of leatherworking in this hands-on beginner’s course! Whether you're looking to craft your own wallets, bags, or accessories, Leathercraft 101 will teach you the essential skills to get started. Learn how to select the right leather, master cutting and stitching techniques, and finish your projects with a professional touch. Through guided instruction and practical exercises, you’ll create your own handcrafted leather items while gaining the confidence to continue your leathercraft journey. All supplies and materials included. Instructor: Jim Kern

Dakota/Diné filmmaker Leya Hale, producer of the powerful documentary Medicine Ball will share her inspiring film where Leya explores how the game of basketball — introduced in Indian boarding schools — became a source of resilience, cultural pride, and community strength for Native athletes and their families. The film follows the journeys of Native college basketball players as they navigate life on a campus with a complex history, revealing how sport can be a bridge between past and present and a catalyst for empowerment. Presenter: Leya Hale, Dakota/Dine’ filmmaker

Join Naturalist Eloise Deitz each month for a fun, hands-on Nature Sense series at Thompson Park. Explore fall colors, create nature art, and uncover winter wildlife secrets. Eloise’s engaging style and deep knowledge make each session a delightful way to connect with the outdoors. May - Birds on the Fly After a brief discussion about the birds we’re most likely to spot (including their mating behaviors, nesting habits, and egg-laying patterns), we’ll head out on a guided birding hike through the TPAC woodlands, open grassy areas, and along the scenic Thompson Park Lake trail. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; dress appropriately for the weather. Observe, listen, and enjoy the beauty of birds in their natural habitat. June - Summer Sentiments Bring with you and share a favorite summer reading, poem, song, story, picture or photo that manifests what "summer" is for you. Following this share fest, we will take a summer hike on TPAC trails. July - A Summer Garden Tour Back by popular demand! Spend a delightful morning exploring several nearby neighborhood gardens, each uniquely designed and bursting with color at their July peak. Meet at Thompson Park at 9:15 am to check in and organize carpools before heading out together to each garden location. Along the way, enjoy conversation and the beauty of summer in full bloom. Return to TPAC around noon. Space is limited, reserve your spot early. August - The Taste of Summer Summer is bursting with flavor in our gardens and in the wild! Join us for a hands-on, sensory adventure as we explore what’s ripe, ready, and delicious this season. Together we’ll identify, gather, and sample the fresh bounty that makes summer so memorable. Come curious and ready to savor the season.

Beyond their prickly reputation you will find an often overlooked, yet compelling animal, unique to the forests in which it lives. From careful mating to seven-month pregnancy to self-defense of its own quills, the porky is special in many unexpected ways. The shed quills are the basis of creating some of the best-known native embroidery art. From working with a non-releasable porky to teaching birch bark and quill work, Melonie Shipman has found many endearing traits of this little-known treetop dweller. You will, too. Presenter: Melanie Shipman, Traveling Naturalist

Homelessness remains one of Minnesota's most visible and complex challenges. Join representatives from Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, one of Minnesota's largest organizations working to address housing instability and homelessness, for a fact-based discussion of the issue. Topics will include current trends, contributing factors, barriers to stable housing, public safety concerns, and the roles of government, nonprofits, and local residents. Learn about the statistics, research findings, and community realities that organizations and policymakers use to understand the scope of homelessness and evaluate potential solutions. Presenter: Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative

What’s happening in your neighborhood? Find out what’s going on as West St. Paul Reader editor and founder Kevin D. Hendricks shares the latest neighborhood news. West St. Paul Reader is a local news website committed to informing the community. You’ll learn how local news works, meet inspiring neighbors, discover history, and more. Ideal for new residents wanting to learn the area as well as long-timers who can test their trivia knowledge. Presenter: Kevin Hendricks, Editor & Founder West St. Paul Reader