Edina Community Education

Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a crossroads. The holiday season is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reimagine what’s next. This uplifting and insightful class, inspired by Dr. Vic Strecher's groundbreaking research, explores how living with intention is scientifically linked to improved physical health, emotional resilience, and even longevity. Through powerful tools and guided self-reflection, you’ll learn how to clarify your core values, align your daily actions with deeper purpose, and create a personal roadmap toward greater vitality and fulfillment. Whether navigating change, burnout, or simply yearning for more meaning, this class offers a powerful way to close the year with clarity—and step into your next chapter with intention. ____________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

This cute Dala horse will be a wonderful addition to your Holidays or a gift for someone special. Basic embroidery knowledge is helpful but not required. The demand for this class has prompted us to open another section on Monday, September 29. Please register for that one if this is full. Jan Hagerman: Jan attributes her creative side to her mother, an artist in many mediums and a renowned ceramics and floral instructor. Jan appears regularly on WCCO sharing her DIY knowledge with the community. She is thrilled to share her creativity and knowledge with Edina Community Ed. Please note that we have added another section of this popular course. You can now register for this class on December 8 as well. Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Please note that due to the sustained interest in China Robert Scarlett will be offering a replacement topic for his 11/22 Great Decisions Coffee Hour: SEE BELOW Great Decisions is one of our most popular adult events. We are expanding our Great Decisions offerings with some of your favorite speakers/moderators. We piloted this series of events during the winter of 2025 at FRGMNT Coffee in Eden Prairie. Due to the popularity and the long waitlist this past winter, we will be offering this event at the Edina Community Center to accommodate more participants. Instead of registering for the entire series you can register for the dates that work best with your schedule. If you have any other questions about this engaging opportunity, please email heather.larson@edinaschools.org. Please bring your own coffee and/or treat. Please register for each event individually. 9/13 12:30 to 2:30 pm with Jay Shahidi - Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Trump's Foreign Policy and its Economic Ripple Effects In an unprecedented era of global change, understanding the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy and its economic repercussions is more vital than ever. This course, presented by Jay Shahidi, delves into how the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions have fundamentally altered the world's economic and political landscape. We will explore the cascading effects of these shifts and discuss their implications for individuals and nations alike. 9/20 9am to 11am with Duncan McCampbell - The Breathtaking Rise of China This session details the 16 discrete factors that came together to fuel China’s rise from poverty and isolation in the late 1970’s to global prominence in less than a human lifetime. The discussion will pivot to the reasons why almost all of these factors can no longer be leveraged by the government of China to fuel further growth. This is a bad state of affairs for China which, thus far, has not mustered the will to change its outdated economic model. But a rapidly slowing—even flatlining—Chinese economy will also have negative consequences around the world. Now, China’s two largest and closest geopolitical “partners” (Russia and Iran), are regionally unpopular, heavily sanctioned, embroiled in costly wars, and are no longer able to underwrite their struggling proxies. Some tough discussions are now taking place in Beijing. Come, let’s talk about these things as the world’s geopolitical deck shuffles. 10/11 12:30 to 2:30pm with Robert Scarlett - U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy with a focus on Latin America Until the 1980s, the U.S. had been a major trading partner with most Latin American countries. Since then, many of these countries have diversified their trading relationships and their diplomatic alliances. At the same time, the Indigenous peoples of the region have been playing a much larger role in determining domestic policies and priorities. All of these changes, plus the current U.S. attempts to unilaterally restructure the global trading system, are challenging the regional dominance of the U.S.A., once known as the Colossus of the North. Rob Scarlett is an international businessman who began his career in Latin America in the 1960s and has continued to follow events there. He looks forward to discussing the implications of these changes with Great Decisions Coffee Hour participants. 10/25 9am to 11am with Todd Lefko - US-Relations with Russia - The US and Russia have spent many decades as competitors, enemies and sometimes friends. They are defined as within the "Axis of Evil", the producer of the war with Ukraine, and the promoter of disinformation and untruth throughout the world. We can dislike, sanction and seek to lessen Russian influence worldwide, but we cannot ignore them. We will discuss how the US can get along with the Russians in the future, and how we deal with those nations which disagree with our vision of the world. 11/8 12:30 to 2:30pm with Christi Siver - The Ethics of War - In contemporary conflicts, whether Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, or the civil wars in Sudan and Myanmar, one population seems to be suffering the most, civilians. Yet, according to international law, specifically international humanitarian law or the law of war, civilians should be entitled to the greatest protection. What is international humanitarian law and how can it be enforced? How are changing military technologies putting civilians at greater risk? Christi Siver, professor at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, will discuss the role of international law in both defining ethics in war and providing leverage to those who seek to hold states and individuals accountable. 11/22 9am to 11am with Rob Scarlett -Rob Scarlett -What If the US Were to Seize the Initiative to Collaborate With China in Response to Climate Change? The U.S. continues to be the world's largest consumer market, but it also desires to increase its manufacturing base, which now makes up only 10% of U.S. GDP. The facts on the ground show that China is the global leader in the alternative energy transition and has a dominant position in manufacturing and supplying the world with solar panels, electric vehicles, and other green technologies. It also leads the world in processing the rare earth minerals that are essential for the continued worldwide adoption of alternative energy sources. Just as British and other foreign capital built the U.S. industrial base in the 19th century, what if private Chinese companies were allowed to invest in the U.S. green economy and, in so doing, help the U.S. increase its advanced manufacturing base while accelerating the global response to climate change? 12/6 12:30 pm to 2:30pm with Jay Shahidi - The Future of Human Rights & Democracy: Navigating a Divided World As the mid-21st century approaches, the global landscape for human rights and democracy faces unprecedented challenges. Will the hard-won progress of past decades endure, or are we charting a course towards increased division and the rise of autocratic power? Join Jay Shahidi for a critical examination of these pivotal questions and a compelling discussion on what lies ahead for fundamental freedoms and democratic governance worldwide. The Great Decisions program provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year and serves as the focal text for discussion groups across the country. The Great Decisions program was created by the Foreign Policy Association. The mission of the Foreign Policy Association today, as it has been for over 100 years, is to serve as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process. ______________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

DUE to the overwhelming popularity of the Chunky Blanket class offered in November, we are swapping in this class instead of the Pumpkin class. The price has been adjusted down to $85 instead of $105. Connect with your creative side and join us for our no-experience-required art class. Jeremy Ross from Your Bearded Artist will guide you through hand knitting your very own soft, chunky blanket. During this one-of-a-kind event, Jeremy will guide you step-by-step. No needles or knitting experience is required and all supplies will be provided. You will receive 140 yards (5 skeins) of size 7 chunky yarn (100% polyester) available in a variety of colors. Your completed blanket will measure approximately 40”x50”. Families can join in on the blanket making fun. Ages 8 and up if accompanied by an adult are welcome to join. Sometimes working as a 2 person family team is a great way to make sure the young ones get the attention they need. If you have any questions, please reach out to Heather Larson heather.larson@edinaschools.org. Jeremy's other classes are also intergenerational. _______________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date.Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Participants will learn basic book making styles using methods, tools and techniques from artist Heidi Jeub. Starting with simple pamphlet, accordion and zines in week one, weeks 2 and 3 will explore long stitch and Coptic binding. Instructor will supply unique and archival materials, or students can bring materials from home, especially for weeks 2 & 3. _________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Many baby boomers today are facing the tough decision of finding appropriate housing options for their parents. Moving mom and dad is often a challenge, especially when mom and dad are reluctant to address the issue. In this class we will discuss and give an overview of the housing market in general for those considering buying or selling a home. We also provide a guide called Moving Mom & Dad, a $24.95 value. The guide covers the five common mistakes Children of aging parents make and how to avoid them. The guide also includes the following topics: Conversation’s starters for discussing late-life housing choices with aging parents Solutions for remodeling homes designed for aging-in-place Descriptions of common senior living options and 55+ communities Key questions to ask when researching assisted living and long-term care communities Tips and criteria for hiring key service providers Frequently Asked Questions and much more Access to preferred service providers and discount coupons provided to all attendees, as well as a no cost home evaluation for those who want to know the value of their home and recommended suggestions to make it more salable.

Unlock the magic of lentils and beans in this hands-on cooking class that blends nutrition, flavor, and tradition. Perfect for anyone looking to explore healthy vegetarian dishes, this class will teach you how to create a variety of satisfying meals that showcase the versatility of these powerhouse ingredients. Learn to prepare: Green Moong Dal Chilla: A savory, protein-packed pancake that’s light, crispy, and perfect as an appetizer or snack. Indian-Style Lentil Soup: A comforting bowl of spiced red lentil soup with warming flavors of ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Yellow Moong Dal with Spinach: A wholesome curry featuring yellow lentils and fresh spinach in a mildly spiced gravy. Khichri: A nutritious one-pot dish of lentils and rice, delicately spiced and perfect for a cozy meal. Pulao with Black-Eyed Peas or Garbanzo Beans: Fragrant basmati rice paired with tender black-eyed peas or garbanzo beans, cooked with aromatic spices. Through this class, you’ll learn essential cooking techniques like tempering spices, balancing flavors, and using lentils and beans in diverse ways. You’ll leave equipped to recreate these dishes at home and with a deeper appreciation for their nutritional and culinary potential. Join us for a fun and flavorful culinary experience that will transform the way you think about lentils and beans! This class will take place in our Family and Consumer Science classroom at Southview Middle School. You will be working at kitchen stations preparing your own dishes in small groups. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Savvy Social Security Planning Learn what baby boomers should consider when coordinating their retirement income and social security. Do you know how to estimate your benefits? We discuss five factors to consider when applying for benefits. Does it make sense to delay or not? Also, might it be better to delay benefits and coordinate with your spouse? Other innovative strategies, as well as how to minimize taxes on benefits, are reviewed. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952

Cook along with Kirsten as she demonstrates Danish Smørrebrød, sweet braided Finnish Pulla bread, and Swedish Fruit Soup. Recipe handout will be provided before class and link to class recording shared afterwards. __________________________________________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952