Woodbury Bulletin - 05/28/2008
For families with school- age children, the end of school year is the real beginning of summer. Parents have the not-so-easy job of finding some activities for their kids to do during the long three months of summer vacation.
One of the fun summer activities my kids have enjoyed in the last few years is VBS (Vacation Bible School), offered by many churches in and around Woodbury.
VBS usually is a weeklong half-day program consisting of Bible stories and games, arts and crafts, lively songs, recreation and refreshments. In most cases, there is a closing program on the last day.
Parents are invited to watch their children perform songs they have learned during the week.
Programs are designed for elementary aged children, some for kids as young as three years old. VBS is a great way for children to learn Christian lessons while also engaging in summer fun and recreation.
Churches use VBS to educate children and as a way to reach out to the community. Some churches may charge a small fee to cover some expenses while others offer this as a free service.
I compiled a list of VBS offered by local churches this year that I am aware of, with registration and contact information, VBS date, theme, age and fee requirements. Please check the church websites or contact the churches for complete and accurate information.
I hope this list will make it easier for you to choose a VBS for your kids.
• Woodbury Community Church, 2975 Pioneer Drive, (651) 739-1427
www.wccmn.org
Monday-Friday, June 9-13, 2008, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
“Beach party: Surfin’ through the Scriptures”
K - sixth grade (age/grade in the fall), Free
• Woodbury Church of Christ, 4920 Woodbury Drive, (651) 459-1869
www.woodburychurch.org
Monday-Friday, June 16-20, 9 a.m. to noon,
"The Power Lab -Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power"
Family Fun Night on Friday evening, June 22, 6:30 p.m.
4 years – (entering) sixth grade, Free
• Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9925 Bailey Road, (651) 730-1000
www.resurrection-woodbury.org
Bring or mail completed registration form by May 31
Monday – Thursday, June 16-19, 9:30 a.m. - noon
"The Power Lab - Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power"
4 years – fourth grade (completed), $30 per child ($75 family maximum)
Monday–Thursday, July 14 -17, 9 - 12:00
“SportsLife Camp,” Ages 6 - 11
$45 ($50 for registrations after June 1)
Choices for the main events are: basketball and street hockey, cheerleading and dance, ultimate Frisbee and soccer or arts extravaganza
Further information at www.sportslifecamps.com
• Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, (651)739-5144
www.woodburylutheran.org/ministries/children/vbs.php
Monday–Thursday, June 16-19
Choose between morning session 9:30 a.m. to noon or afternoon session (12:30 - 3 p.m.
“Friendship Trek,” For ages 3 - current Kindergarten, Free
Monday–Thursday, July 7 -10, 9:00 a.m. – noon
“SportsLife Camp”
First - sixth grade (completed June 2008)
$35 ($45 after June 1)
• King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, (651) 738-3110 or e-mail office@kingofkingswdby.org
www.kingofkingswdby.org
Check the summer programs for more information about other camps
VBS Session 1: June 16 - 20, 9-11:30 a.m.
VBS Session 2: June 16 - 20, 1-3:30 p.m.
"Rainforest Adventure," 4 years (by 9/1/2008) – third grade, $25
July 13-17, Day Camp
Sunday 1-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
Completed first-fourth grade, $48
• St. John Lutheran Church, 1975 St. John's Drive, (651) 436-6621 or e-mail stjohn@stjohnwoodbury.org
http://stjohnwoodbury.org/VBS2008.htm
Return the registration form to the church office
Monday-Thursday, June 23 - 26, 9 a.m. - noon
Ages 3 (by June 1) – (entering) 6th grade
“Friendship Trek: Jesus, Our Forever Friend,” $10
• Woodbury United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, (651) 738-0305
www.woodburyumc.org/family.html
Check out the summer adventures brochure online for info about other camps
Monday-Friday, June 23-27, 9 a.m. -noon
“Beach party - Surfin’ through the Scriptures!”
Age 3 - fifth grade, $50
Monday-Friday, July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lake Elmo Day Camp: "Handle with Care/Taking Care of Our Planet"
First-fifth grade(as of Fall 2008), $120
• Spirit of Life Bible Church, 690 Commerce Drive, (651) 731-1900
Register online at http://www.SpiritOfLifeBibleChurch.org by Sunday, June 1.
Tuesday-Friday, June 24-27, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
“His Banner Over Me Is …”
Program and picnic at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 27
K - Grade 6, Free
• Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 880 Neal Ave. S., Afton, (651) 436-3357
www.stpeterafton.org
Contact Shannon Hecksel at shecksel@stpeterafton.org
Monday - Friday, July 7 - 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
“Crosswalk” Free Carnival for all ages to kick-off the program on Sat. June 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Preschool - eighth grade, Free (lunch included)
• Grace of God Lutheran Church, 2697 Bexley Drive, (for VBS), (651) 730-4900 or e-mail grace@graceofgodlutheran.com
www.graceofgodlutheran.com
Monday - Friday, July 14 - 18, 9 - 11:30 a.m.
“Jerusalem Marketplace”
4 years - sixth grade, $15 per child (suggested donation)
n Guardian Angels, 8260 Hudson Boulevard, Oakdale, (651) 738-2223
http://www.guardian-angels.org/education/childrenyouth/vbs/
Registrations will be closed when full or June 6th whichever comes first.
Monday-Friday, July 28-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-noon
“God’s Big Backyard”
Ages 4-12, $25
• Woodbury Baptist Church, 6695 Upper Afton Road, (651) 738-7700
www.woodburybaptist.org/
Sunday-Thursday, Aug. 10-14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
"The Power Lab - Discovering Jesus Miraculous Power"
Each evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a supper.
Age 4 - fifth grade, Free
• Christ Episcopal Church, 7305 Afton Road, (651) 735-8790
www.christchurch-woodbury.org
Download and return forms and fee to the office, registration due Sunday, Aug. 10
Monday-Thursday, Aug. 25-28, 9-11:30 a.m.
Family Night Thursday, Aug. 28, 6-8 p.m.
"Rainforest Adventure"
Age 3 - 10 $25 per child ($50 family maximum)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Being content: A real blessing mother
Woodbury Bulletin - 05/21/2008
On this year’s Mother’s Day, I called my mother in China to wish her “Happy Mother’s Day.”
While picking up the phone and dialing the number, many thoughts and emotions ran though my mind.
I was concerned about my mother. She has diabetes and bradycardia (slow heartbeat). Lately she’s had swollen feet.
I was feeling sorry and guilty. I couldn’t be with my mother to help her or just spend time with her.
Since I left my home town for college at the age of 17, I haven’t spent much time with my parents except when they visited me in the U.S.
Now that they are both old and deteriorating in health, they could use some help from me, but I live so far away from them that I am not helpful at all.
I was feeling like a very unappreciative and bad daughter who doesn’t give back to her parents.
Not even flowers, lunch or anything for Mother’s Day.
Choking back tears, I said: “Mom, I am so sorry. I didn’t give you anything for Mother’s Day.”
In her usual humble and content manner, my mother responded.
“Getting your phone call is enough for me on Mother’s Day,” she said.
It brought me more tears.
I don’t know anyone who is more content than my mother and my father.
My parents never ask me for anything. Whenever I ask them about their needs for money or other things, they always say, “No, we have enough. You don’t need to give us anything.”
Being content is the way my parents have lived throughout their lives. It has influenced me so deeply that it has become a natural part of my life.
I know I am in a state of contentment. Here is why.
I appreciate and value what I already have. Without a thankful attitude, contentment will never be possible.
I don’t have a big ego.
I don’t always want more than I have or more than what others have.
I don’t usually compare myself with others. I am happy for others when they get promoted, make more money or are more successful.
Often times we are discontent not because we are not doing well, but because others are doing better. Comparisons ruin contentment.
I don’t complain about any lack of earthly things. Why should I care about a bigger house, a newer car or some fancier jewelry?
Contentment is not about what I have and how much I have. Contentment is a state of being, being in the present and being satisfied with present conditions and circumstances.
I try to be in the present, to be more aware of the good that exists right here, right now and in my life. If I am focused on how it could be more and better, then I will miss and not recognize what is good in the moment and in my life.
I am content with what I have and who I am. Though I admit, I still have a long way to go before I can achieve inner contentment fully.
Being content is liberating. It brings peace and freedom, freedom from desires, wants or needs. It frees my time, my mind and my resources.
I don’t pay attention to what’s fashionable and popular. I don’t spend time and energy worrying about what others think of me. I don’t spend money on getting more and better stuff to make me look good and feel good.
I want to let go of worldly cares and do what I like to do and be what I want to be.
Contentment is a choice and an attitude.
I realized that having a content soul is one of the greatest blessings in life.
I like what Socrates said about contentment:
“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have. Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.”
I am thankful for my mother and father for passing this one on to me.
I know what I will tell my kids when they ask me what I want for Mother’s Day. All I want is a call, a personal note or their personal presence.
That’s enough for me. Just like for my mother.
On this year’s Mother’s Day, I called my mother in China to wish her “Happy Mother’s Day.”
While picking up the phone and dialing the number, many thoughts and emotions ran though my mind.
I was concerned about my mother. She has diabetes and bradycardia (slow heartbeat). Lately she’s had swollen feet.
I was feeling sorry and guilty. I couldn’t be with my mother to help her or just spend time with her.
Since I left my home town for college at the age of 17, I haven’t spent much time with my parents except when they visited me in the U.S.
Now that they are both old and deteriorating in health, they could use some help from me, but I live so far away from them that I am not helpful at all.
I was feeling like a very unappreciative and bad daughter who doesn’t give back to her parents.
Not even flowers, lunch or anything for Mother’s Day.
Choking back tears, I said: “Mom, I am so sorry. I didn’t give you anything for Mother’s Day.”
In her usual humble and content manner, my mother responded.
“Getting your phone call is enough for me on Mother’s Day,” she said.
It brought me more tears.
I don’t know anyone who is more content than my mother and my father.
My parents never ask me for anything. Whenever I ask them about their needs for money or other things, they always say, “No, we have enough. You don’t need to give us anything.”
Being content is the way my parents have lived throughout their lives. It has influenced me so deeply that it has become a natural part of my life.
I know I am in a state of contentment. Here is why.
I appreciate and value what I already have. Without a thankful attitude, contentment will never be possible.
I don’t have a big ego.
I don’t always want more than I have or more than what others have.
I don’t usually compare myself with others. I am happy for others when they get promoted, make more money or are more successful.
Often times we are discontent not because we are not doing well, but because others are doing better. Comparisons ruin contentment.
I don’t complain about any lack of earthly things. Why should I care about a bigger house, a newer car or some fancier jewelry?
Contentment is not about what I have and how much I have. Contentment is a state of being, being in the present and being satisfied with present conditions and circumstances.
I try to be in the present, to be more aware of the good that exists right here, right now and in my life. If I am focused on how it could be more and better, then I will miss and not recognize what is good in the moment and in my life.
I am content with what I have and who I am. Though I admit, I still have a long way to go before I can achieve inner contentment fully.
Being content is liberating. It brings peace and freedom, freedom from desires, wants or needs. It frees my time, my mind and my resources.
I don’t pay attention to what’s fashionable and popular. I don’t spend time and energy worrying about what others think of me. I don’t spend money on getting more and better stuff to make me look good and feel good.
I want to let go of worldly cares and do what I like to do and be what I want to be.
Contentment is a choice and an attitude.
I realized that having a content soul is one of the greatest blessings in life.
I like what Socrates said about contentment:
“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have. Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.”
I am thankful for my mother and father for passing this one on to me.
I know what I will tell my kids when they ask me what I want for Mother’s Day. All I want is a call, a personal note or their personal presence.
That’s enough for me. Just like for my mother.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Other homes for your used stuff
Woodbury Bulletin - 05/14/2008
After six months of cold weather and indoor hibernation, the weather is finally nice and warm again. Yes, spring is here.
Spring is a time for a new beginning and a fresh start, for renewal and growth. For a lot of people this means it’s time to do spring cleaning.
Depending on the individual, spring cleaning could mean deep-cleaning the house inside and out, cleaning and reorganizing closets, basement and garage, putting away winter clothes and bringing out summer clothes, purging clothes or getting rid of other stuff no longer useful and wanted.
But what do you do with the unwanted or no longer needed items you want to get rid of?
Basically, you can sell, donate, give away or trash them if they are not in good condition.
There are different ways people can sell things and make some money off of the used items.
Some people sell stuff on eBay or Craigslist, through garage sales or via consignment stores.
EBay and Craigslist sound too high-tech and time-consuming for me. On the other hand, a garage sale is too low-tech and time consuming. They both feel overwhelming to me, so I have never tried either one of the methods.
This leaves the consignment store the only option for me to try if I want to squeeze a few bucks out of my unwanted items.
That’s exactly what I did recently.
Since I had never sold anything to a consignment store and didn’t really know how it works firsthand, I thought it could be a learning experience.
I gathered more than a dozen new or like-new items my kids and I have either outgrown or didn’t want any more. I brought them to a local consignment store in a convenient location.
All the items were carefully inspected before they were accepted. One or two items were rejected because their condition didn’t meet the high standard. A new account was opened in my name.
I left thinking I would either collect some money from the sale of my items or get the stuff back before the end of the contract.
Just before my contract ended, I went back to the store to get my money or stuff. To my disappointment, I hardly made any money. Only three new items were sold. What I got was a pity.
I am pretty sure I could make more money on them at a garage sale, since no one would take more than half of the profit from the sale.
What’s more disappointing was I couldn’t even get all my unsold items back. Some were donated/missing/lost, whatever the convenient term was used.
Then I was told that they would call me when they could find the items. But I never got any call.
I left the consignment store with a sour taste and bad feelings. I was not happy for doing something so unproductive and non-beneficial.
I wish I had given away those items to friends or donated them to a charity. I would have felt 100 percent better.
The little money I got was not worth of the time and effort in the first place, let alone the unpleasant experience.
For sure, I will not sell anything to any consignment stores again. But in the end, the experience did serve its purpose, as a learning experience. Now, donating and giving away sound more attractive to me.
There are many charitable organizations that are in need of donations. Some will come to your house to pick up donations. You will not only feel good by doing good, but you can also get a tax deduction if you itemize your tax return.
You’re are allowed to deduct the fair-market value of items donated to qualified charitable organizations.
When giving away to friends, think who can use the items and who would also appreciate your giving. Kids’ stuff is probably the most popular thing to give away.
You can also give away your stuff to strangers.
The Twin Cities Free Market (www.twincitiesfreemarket.org) is a great place to give away or get free stuff. Its purpose is to “save money, save the earth, make someone’s day.”
Another popular site in that category is the Freecycle Network (www.freecycle.org).
Without charge, you can also put a “Free items” ad in the Woodbury Bulletin’s classified section.
Whatever you do with your unwanted stuff, do that in a way that will also make you feel good, not just to enrich your pocket. That’s the lesson I have learned.
As for myself, I know what I will do in the future. But first, I have a lot of spring cleaning to do in my house.
After six months of cold weather and indoor hibernation, the weather is finally nice and warm again. Yes, spring is here.
Spring is a time for a new beginning and a fresh start, for renewal and growth. For a lot of people this means it’s time to do spring cleaning.
Depending on the individual, spring cleaning could mean deep-cleaning the house inside and out, cleaning and reorganizing closets, basement and garage, putting away winter clothes and bringing out summer clothes, purging clothes or getting rid of other stuff no longer useful and wanted.
But what do you do with the unwanted or no longer needed items you want to get rid of?
Basically, you can sell, donate, give away or trash them if they are not in good condition.
There are different ways people can sell things and make some money off of the used items.
Some people sell stuff on eBay or Craigslist, through garage sales or via consignment stores.
EBay and Craigslist sound too high-tech and time-consuming for me. On the other hand, a garage sale is too low-tech and time consuming. They both feel overwhelming to me, so I have never tried either one of the methods.
This leaves the consignment store the only option for me to try if I want to squeeze a few bucks out of my unwanted items.
That’s exactly what I did recently.
Since I had never sold anything to a consignment store and didn’t really know how it works firsthand, I thought it could be a learning experience.
I gathered more than a dozen new or like-new items my kids and I have either outgrown or didn’t want any more. I brought them to a local consignment store in a convenient location.
All the items were carefully inspected before they were accepted. One or two items were rejected because their condition didn’t meet the high standard. A new account was opened in my name.
I left thinking I would either collect some money from the sale of my items or get the stuff back before the end of the contract.
Just before my contract ended, I went back to the store to get my money or stuff. To my disappointment, I hardly made any money. Only three new items were sold. What I got was a pity.
I am pretty sure I could make more money on them at a garage sale, since no one would take more than half of the profit from the sale.
What’s more disappointing was I couldn’t even get all my unsold items back. Some were donated/missing/lost, whatever the convenient term was used.
Then I was told that they would call me when they could find the items. But I never got any call.
I left the consignment store with a sour taste and bad feelings. I was not happy for doing something so unproductive and non-beneficial.
I wish I had given away those items to friends or donated them to a charity. I would have felt 100 percent better.
The little money I got was not worth of the time and effort in the first place, let alone the unpleasant experience.
For sure, I will not sell anything to any consignment stores again. But in the end, the experience did serve its purpose, as a learning experience. Now, donating and giving away sound more attractive to me.
There are many charitable organizations that are in need of donations. Some will come to your house to pick up donations. You will not only feel good by doing good, but you can also get a tax deduction if you itemize your tax return.
You’re are allowed to deduct the fair-market value of items donated to qualified charitable organizations.
When giving away to friends, think who can use the items and who would also appreciate your giving. Kids’ stuff is probably the most popular thing to give away.
You can also give away your stuff to strangers.
The Twin Cities Free Market (www.twincitiesfreemarket.org) is a great place to give away or get free stuff. Its purpose is to “save money, save the earth, make someone’s day.”
Another popular site in that category is the Freecycle Network (www.freecycle.org).
Without charge, you can also put a “Free items” ad in the Woodbury Bulletin’s classified section.
Whatever you do with your unwanted stuff, do that in a way that will also make you feel good, not just to enrich your pocket. That’s the lesson I have learned.
As for myself, I know what I will do in the future. But first, I have a lot of spring cleaning to do in my house.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lifelong learning made easier
Woodbury Bulletin - 05/07/2008
For people who like to grow and mature intellectually and spiritually, learning is a lifelong process. We don’t — and shouldn’t — stop learning just because we have graduated from high school, college or have a doctoral degree in hand.
Many methods and opportunities exist to help us continue lifelong learning.
Traditionally, we can get self-help or how-to books and tapes from libraries or bookstores if we want to learn something new. We can enroll in classes offered by Community Education which integrates schools and adult education institutions within the community.
But lifelong learning has never been easier and more affordable in the human history than in today’s technologically advanced age.
Nowadays, we can learn a lot of things not only faster, with a simple click of the mouse, but also more affordable.
If you don’t care about getting a degree and a piece of paper to advance your career and financial life, if you simply just want to learn for the joy of learning, you will certainly find the following learning tools interesting.
They are just some examples and are not meant to replace learning through local libraries and community education.
Internet
Needless to say, the Internet has become the greatest learning tool. The things you can learn on the Internet are endless and limitless.
Have you “googled” or used Wikipedia lately? I do that on a daily basis.
Online courses
Many universities and organizations offer free online courses.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a comprehensive selection of free online courses, more than any other universities.
With its motto “Unlocking Knowledge, Empowering Minds,” MIT is committed to advancing education through knowledge open to everyone.
MIT OpenCourseWare shares free lecture notes, exams, and other resources from more than 1800 courses spanning MIT's entire curriculum. Its entire undergraduate and graduate curriculum is free online.
However, taking MIT’s free online courses is not equal to an MIT education. It doesn’t grant any degrees or certificates and doesn’t provide access to MIT faculty.
For more information, go to ocw.mit.edu/index.html.
If you belong to an organization or a trade association, you might be able to find free online courses that are available only to its members.
Speaking for myself, as a library staff in Minnesota, I have access to online courses offered by WebJunction Minnesota. WebJunction is an online community where library staff can take online courses.
It was initially founded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Now it is a partnership of national organizations and local library communities.
I also have access to free online courses and webinars offered by a trade association and a regional network.
Experimental College
The Experimental College (also known as EXCO or EC) Movement started in the 1960s by college students in search of equal access, social justice and democratic education for social change.
It aims to bring alternative voices to the University culture and to provide a forum for learning and teaching in an informal, cooperative setting.
EC is generally a school within a school, based out of a college or university that offers classes taught by not just traditional professors, but students and community members as well, often without grades and free of charge.
The Experimental College of the Twin Cities was a relatively new establishment. It started by Macalester students in 2006.
EXCOtc is currently expanding to other college campuses and community groups.
The University of Minnesota (Twin Cities Campus) chapter was created in 2007.
As stated on its website, “EXCOtc strives to offer Twin Cities’ communities the opportunity to teach or learn in a space open to alternative education and all kinds of knowledge, including and beyond academic knowledge. Everyone can teach or take a class, and all classes are free.”
EXCOtc has a community-based emphasis. It welcomes members from the community to teach and learn.
Recently I took two classes with EXCO, both happened to be taught by people from our local community. “The Power of Now” was taught by a Woodbury resident on Macalester campus. And the poetry class was taught by an Afton resident in her home.
EC provides an outlet for individuals to share their interests and skills. It provides opportunities for lifelong learning.
From politics to languages, from health to spirituality, you will probably find a class that interests you.
If you are interested in teaching or taking a class with EXCO, submit an application or sign up a class online at www.EXCOtc.org. To contact EXCOtc, you can also call (651) 696-8010, or send an email to excotc@gmail.com
The summer session begins June 16, with teaching applications due by May 16. Fall classes start Sept. 22, with applications due Aug. 22.
Meetups
If you are interested in meeting other people in the community who share a common interest, go to www.meetup.com.
Meetup.com is an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in local communities around the world.
If you don’t find a group in your area that matches your interest, you can start a group yourself.
I found there are so many things to learn and so many ways to do it. I only wish I have more than 24 hours a day to learn and do all I want to learn and do.
For people who like to grow and mature intellectually and spiritually, learning is a lifelong process. We don’t — and shouldn’t — stop learning just because we have graduated from high school, college or have a doctoral degree in hand.
Many methods and opportunities exist to help us continue lifelong learning.
Traditionally, we can get self-help or how-to books and tapes from libraries or bookstores if we want to learn something new. We can enroll in classes offered by Community Education which integrates schools and adult education institutions within the community.
But lifelong learning has never been easier and more affordable in the human history than in today’s technologically advanced age.
Nowadays, we can learn a lot of things not only faster, with a simple click of the mouse, but also more affordable.
If you don’t care about getting a degree and a piece of paper to advance your career and financial life, if you simply just want to learn for the joy of learning, you will certainly find the following learning tools interesting.
They are just some examples and are not meant to replace learning through local libraries and community education.
Internet
Needless to say, the Internet has become the greatest learning tool. The things you can learn on the Internet are endless and limitless.
Have you “googled” or used Wikipedia lately? I do that on a daily basis.
Online courses
Many universities and organizations offer free online courses.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a comprehensive selection of free online courses, more than any other universities.
With its motto “Unlocking Knowledge, Empowering Minds,” MIT is committed to advancing education through knowledge open to everyone.
MIT OpenCourseWare shares free lecture notes, exams, and other resources from more than 1800 courses spanning MIT's entire curriculum. Its entire undergraduate and graduate curriculum is free online.
However, taking MIT’s free online courses is not equal to an MIT education. It doesn’t grant any degrees or certificates and doesn’t provide access to MIT faculty.
For more information, go to ocw.mit.edu/index.html.
If you belong to an organization or a trade association, you might be able to find free online courses that are available only to its members.
Speaking for myself, as a library staff in Minnesota, I have access to online courses offered by WebJunction Minnesota. WebJunction is an online community where library staff can take online courses.
It was initially founded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Now it is a partnership of national organizations and local library communities.
I also have access to free online courses and webinars offered by a trade association and a regional network.
Experimental College
The Experimental College (also known as EXCO or EC) Movement started in the 1960s by college students in search of equal access, social justice and democratic education for social change.
It aims to bring alternative voices to the University culture and to provide a forum for learning and teaching in an informal, cooperative setting.
EC is generally a school within a school, based out of a college or university that offers classes taught by not just traditional professors, but students and community members as well, often without grades and free of charge.
The Experimental College of the Twin Cities was a relatively new establishment. It started by Macalester students in 2006.
EXCOtc is currently expanding to other college campuses and community groups.
The University of Minnesota (Twin Cities Campus) chapter was created in 2007.
As stated on its website, “EXCOtc strives to offer Twin Cities’ communities the opportunity to teach or learn in a space open to alternative education and all kinds of knowledge, including and beyond academic knowledge. Everyone can teach or take a class, and all classes are free.”
EXCOtc has a community-based emphasis. It welcomes members from the community to teach and learn.
Recently I took two classes with EXCO, both happened to be taught by people from our local community. “The Power of Now” was taught by a Woodbury resident on Macalester campus. And the poetry class was taught by an Afton resident in her home.
EC provides an outlet for individuals to share their interests and skills. It provides opportunities for lifelong learning.
From politics to languages, from health to spirituality, you will probably find a class that interests you.
If you are interested in teaching or taking a class with EXCO, submit an application or sign up a class online at www.EXCOtc.org. To contact EXCOtc, you can also call (651) 696-8010, or send an email to excotc@gmail.com
The summer session begins June 16, with teaching applications due by May 16. Fall classes start Sept. 22, with applications due Aug. 22.
Meetups
If you are interested in meeting other people in the community who share a common interest, go to www.meetup.com.
Meetup.com is an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in local communities around the world.
If you don’t find a group in your area that matches your interest, you can start a group yourself.
I found there are so many things to learn and so many ways to do it. I only wish I have more than 24 hours a day to learn and do all I want to learn and do.
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