Community Education Coordinator: Cathy Tousey
| Enrichment and Education Classes | Health & Safety | Recreation and Fitness | Pool Classes & Open Swims | Youth Development & Kids Plus |
Enrichment and Education Classes
Spring 2011 Class Listings
General Interest
Cook Community Education Open Computer Time
Do you need to use a computer to work on your resume, do research, or study online? Cook Community Education in conjunction with ISD2142 is providing access to the computers in the Cook School Library every Tuesday and Thursday (when school is in session), from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. You will have access to High Speed Internet (some sites are blocked for student safety). We have some self-study discs available (Office 2000), and hope to add to the collection. A list of self-study tutorial sites will also be on hand. Please note that we do not have an instructor on hand, so you will need to be self-sufficient. Participants will need to sign a Community Education release and sign in each session. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm, in the Cook School Library, from March 15 to May 26. Fee: $5.00.
Writing College and Scholarship Applications Dr. Joanne Bergman and Dr. Ed Borowiec
Students getting ready to apply to colleges and apply for scholarships are often at loss as to where to start and what to say. Juniors and Seniors, now you know where to go for help! Retired English professors are willing to help you to edit and strengthen your College Entrance and Scholarship applications. Call 741-1174 to set up a time.
Volunteers in Education Tutor Training Workshops
Make a difference in the life of a child; join the team of volunteer tutors with Volunteers in Education (VinE). A small investment of your time and a love of kids are all that you need! Volunteer tutors participate in these workshops, which start at 6:00 pm and last for about two hours. Everyone is welcome to participate. You may become a tutor by calling Art Dale at 218-753-3323.
March Theme: The Joy of Reading Leader: Sue Devereaux
March 17: Orr School library, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.Reading is such a fundamental skill. VinE tutors will join together to participate in a workshop that will help them develop their students’ abilities and love of reading. Others are very welcome to participate.Please contact Art Dale if you have questions or need additional information.
Getting Ready To Retire Gregory Krog
“Will my money last as long as I do?” This workshop helps people answer that question, and shows what steps to take as they prepare for retirement. Find out about: IRA’s & 401K’s, how to determine income needed in retirement, how to manage taxes, retirement account distribution strategies, and developing a retirement checklist. Tuesday, March 22 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, in the Library. Fee: $5.00
Introduction to Myofascial Release Therapy Sarah Schmidt, RN
Myofascial Release Therapy is a hands-on, one-on-one, therapy for the treatment of chronic pain, restrictions (scar tissue) and/or lack of range of motion. The therapy works with the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue is a tough fibrous and gel structure that holds everything in the body in place. If the gel dries up or the fibrous area becomes thickened, normal function is reduced and pain may occur. The therapy is good for people wishing to regain a feeling of wellness that comes with easing of restrictions. Others may find a benefit from this therapy if they are trying to avoid surgery or medications. The class will describe how Myofascial Release Therapy works, and time is allowed for demonstrations. If you have any questions prior to class, please call Sarah Schmidt at (218) 750-2524. Tuesday, March 29 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, in the ITV Room. Fee: $3:00
Estate Conservation Gregory Krog
This workshop by a representative from Thrivent Financial helps people live their legacy now & plan what to leave for future generations. Find out about: wills vs. trusts, ways to reduce probate and other estate settlement costs, estate taxes, power of attorney, life estates, making gifts, charitable giving, & how it affects your estate. Tuesday, April 19 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, in the Library. Fee: $5.00
Geometry For People Who Hate Math Cathy Tousey
Do triangles make you quiver? Ever shuddered trying to calculate the area of a strange shape? Does the only “pi” you understand contain fruit? Join us for a fun (yes, FUN!) workshop in some basic geometry concepts, using real-life examples. You will find that you already know a lot more Geometry than you think, and maybe you’ll gain the confidence to help your children with their homework. Thursday, April 28 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room. Fee: $10.00
Avoiding Probate – Using Transfer on Death Deeds Angela Sipila
The new Minnesota Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) is available free online. It can help your real estate avoid Probate, but not avoid Medical Assistance liens. The class will discuss the pros and cons between the TODD, Life Estate Deeds, and Quit Claims, some discussion of “nursing home” liens, joint tenancy, tenants in common, and other real estate issues. See “www.sipilaw.com” for more information on this topic, but try the class to decide whether a TODD is right for you. The instructor is a licensed attorney; if you bring your real estate deed, the instructor will inform you on how to use it to complete a TODD. Monday, May 9 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room. Fee: $18.00
Defensive Driving 4 Hour Class Pete Goman
This course is for drivers 55 years of age and older who have previously completed an 8 hour course and need to recertify. The instructor is a Minnesota State Trooper with many years of experience investigating accidents; his expertise can help you avoid becoming a statistic yourself. A certificate of completion will be given to participants. Pre-registration is required, as class space is limited. Tuesday, May 26 from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, in the Cook School Library. Fee: $15.00
Investing For Dummies! Kari Shermer
Our local Karen Shermer of New Era Financial Group will be presenting an informative (and unintimidating) workshop on retirement planning, financial strategies for all age groups, and creative ways to think of Life Insurance. There will also be a fun (and delicious) BBQ provided for all participants! Mark Shermer of Mark’s Country Market will be cooking and serving goodies. Thursday, May 26 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, in the Conference Room. Fee: $10.00
Art, Crafts, & Hobbies
Wood Carving Class Warren Anderson
All ages and skill levels are welcome to join this fun non-competitive group. Beginners are encouraged to come as we learn from each other. Choose your own project; relief carving, spoons, chains, birds, animals, etc. Bring your own tools and wood. Patterns and help in ordering tools are available from class members. Mondays, March 14 – May 23, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, in the Shop Room. Fee: $3.0
Watercolor: Paint, Water & Paper Lois Larson
Share the fun and fascination of painting with others under the direction of an experienced instructor. The class is for beginners through advanced students providing the incentive and space to work on watercolor projects. You will receive a supply list at the first class or you may contact the instructor in advance. Class will be on Tuesdays, March 29 – May 3, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, in the Art Room. Fee: $30.00
Prairie Fire Auditions
Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre original musical production of a true slice of Americana “Tom Sawyer” will be held at the Cook School Cafeteria on Monday, April 11 at 3:15 pm. There will be crooks, chases, and buried treasure. 84 local youth & adults are needed to play the roles of Tom, Huck Finn, Cousins Sidney & Hildegarde, Becky Thatcher, Susie Harper & their Moms, the Townies, the River Rats, the Ghouls, the Bats & Roger, our Conman's Sidekick. Assistant Directors are also needed to run sound and lights. Singers & non-singers are encouraged to audition as well as those interested in dance. Two professionals from Prairie Fire will play the roles of Aunt Polly and a Conman (the Rightful King of France), & will direct the show. Auditions are open to age 7 – Adult, and will last two hours. Auditioners are needed for the full time & the cast will be announced at the end. Rehearsals will be held from 3:15 – 7:30 pm the remainder of the week with the performance scheduled for 7:00 pm on Friday, April 15. All cast members need to be at all practices! Fee: $10.00
“Tom Sawyer” Performance
Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm in the Gymnasium / Auditorium of the Cook School will be the culmination of a week-long residency by Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre. The play is based on the classic Americana story of Tom Sawyer, and has lots of great action! Crooks, chases, buried treasure… all being enacted by our own local children and adults. Prairie Fire continues its tradition of presenting familiar classics as you’ve never seen them before with “Tom Sawyer.” Admission: Adults - $5.00, Students - $3.00
Summer Chickadee Oil Scene Gail Peterson
Anyone can paint. This experienced instructor will take you step by step through the painting process & you will complete a Summer Chickadee scene featuring a chickadee on a fencepost with grapevines. All materials will be provided. Thursday, April 28 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, in the Art Room. Class fee payable with registration: $14.00. Supply fee of $13.00 payable to instructor at the class.
Graduation Reception Menus Shirley Woods
Dishes will be made and taste tested. A variety of recipes will be available to be copied and taken home. Ideas will range from fun to fancy, and inexpensive to not-so-inexpensive. We will discuss "beverages to desserts". The emphasis will be upon custom fitting menus to your Grad’s celebration. Please pre-register by April 27. Monday, May 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, in the Home Ec. Room. Fee: $3:00 (to Community Education). Supply fee of $5.00 payable to instructor at the class.
Scrapbooking Plus Ellen Williams
Need to get some scrapbooking projects completed? How about special occasion cards? Spend the day working on your own project plus get some help and ideas from the instructor. Beginners through advanced scrapbookers are welcome; if you are a beginner, please contact Ellen prior to the class at (218) 744-1015. A hands-on activity will also be presented during the day. Lunch and refreshments are provided. “Stop and Shop” visitors are welcome to drop in during the day. No fee for “Stop and Shop” guests. Classes will be Saturdays (dates To Be Announced) from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, in the Cook School Home Ec. Room. Supply Fee: (payable to instructor on day of class) $12.00 per class; Registration Fee: $3.00 to Community Education.
Fitness and Fun
Walking for Exercise
Even though the spring is coming, there is still a lot of snow and ice! If a location for walking is desired, area residents are invited to use the hallways of the Cook School for their walking exercise. Monday – Friday, March 14 – May 31 from 6:30 – 7:45 am and 3:30 – 7:00 pm (when school is in session). It is necessary (for our students’ security) that you register in advance or at the school office when you arrive for the first time. Fee: $3.00
Women's Weight Lifting Marla Kahn
Designed for women who have had previous weight training. Join others to work out, strengthen and tone your muscles at your own pace. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 15 – May 26 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Weight Room. Fee: $3.00
Men’s Morning Basketball Chuck Bergman
Join area men playing basketball in the early mornings. Please call Chuck to let him know when to start (666-2531). Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 15 – May 26 from 6:00 am – 7:30 am, in the Main Gym. Fee: $3.00
Martial Arts Tim Kuyava
Learn basic and advanced martial arts and self defense. Join instructor Tim Kuyava, second degree black belt in Bu Ryu Do. All ages are welcome. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 15 – May 26 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, in the Cook High School Cafeteria. Fee: $45.00
YOGA – Tuesdays After School Cat Holm
Think you can’t do yoga? Think again! This yoga class is suitable for all levels – whether you’re a complete beginner wondering what yoga is about, or whether you’ve been doing it for awhile. Come and find out why yoga is hot, and why students list benefits ranging from lowered blood pressure, weight loss, decreased back pain, and general overall improvement in life! Yoga is more than stretching and exercise because it combines the former with regulated breathing. Learn tools to relax, cope, and move through life ease-fully – all while improving tone, balance, and strength. Leave class feeling refreshed and renewed! Bring a mat and wear loose, nonbinding clothing. Nine sessions: Tuesdays, March 15 – May 10 from 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm, in the ITV Room. Fee: $84.00
Firearms Safety Dick Olson
Whether you plan to hunt or not, you should be familiar & feel comfortable around firearms. This class is for all ages, but you must be at least 12 years old by Nov. 5, 2011 to enroll. Attendance at all 6 sessions is mandatory unless approved with instructors in advance. Class will consist of safety instruction & field use of firearms. Range practice date will be announced in class. Pre-register by March 23. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, March 28, 29 & 31; April 4, 5 & 7; from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at Cook School. Registration Fee: $3:00. Supply Fee: $7.50 (check payable to MN DNR).
NRA Certified Pistol / Concealed Weapon Class Finn & Sue Ostman
Whether you choose to carry a handgun for recreation or personal protection, this course will meet your need for training. The course is designed to: teach the basic knowledge, skills, & attitude for owning & using a pistol safely, teach about pistol parts & operation, ammunition, gun safety & shooting fundamentals. It teaches federal, state, & local laws that pertain to purchase, ownership, transportation, use & possession of handguns, as well as the laws that pertain to use of a firearm for self defense. It also teaches the means of avoiding a criminal attack & the importance of controlling a violent confrontation. Participants will demonstrate their ability to shoot. This course will strictly follow all NRA guidelines. It has been approved by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department to meet the State of Minnesota requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit. (The Minnesota Permit is recognized in several other states.) Class size is limited, so please contact instructors directly at 666-0385, 750-4542, or e-mail to frostman@accessmn.com . There will be two nights of classroom instruction on Tuesday and Thursday, May 3 & 5, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Room 11 at the Cook School. There is also a Live Fire session, date and time to be announced in class. Fee: $65.00
All Terrain Vehicle Safety Class and Field Test Cook Timberwolves
Anyone operating an ATV on public lands in Minnesota between the ages of 11 – 15 (Certificate is valid when student turns 12 years of age) must pass a field training session. Pre-requisite for this session is completion of the independent study course. CDs for this course are available at the Cook School office or from the DNR. Local trained safety instructors will be offering this class on a Saturday, at the Cook Timberwolves Club House. A parent MUST attend with participant, to sign the MN DNR waiver, and participants MUST bring the printout that shows they successfully completed the CD Test. A separate Supply/Certificate fee of $15.00 is payable at the class. You must preregister through Cook Community Ed. Registration and complete a Community Education release form prior to class. Saturday, may 7 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the Cook Timberwolves Club House, behind Waschke Chevrolet. Community Ed. Fee: $3.00
The Pool is closed for the Spring. No classes are offered.
Cook Youth Development/Kids Plus Spring 2011
The Youth Development/Kids Plus Program continues their pursuit to provide opportunities for students K-12 to explore their gifts, enhance leadership skills, and build character and healthy relationships, while supporting a lifestyle that embraces positive choices. The Youth Development approach recognizes youth as a vital resource for outreach for their school and community. It looks at them as partners in creating a framework for developing and implementing successful programs that reflect the needs of the students, their peers, their families, and the world that surrounds them. The program encompasses numerous components, each complementing the other, providing both opportunity and personal challenge: The Peer Helper program provides students with the chance to help their peers and the staff by assisting with mentoring and mediation, tutoring, and special projects. The SADD Chapter engages students in projects that promote awareness and education in the areas of drug abuse, social issues, violence and bullying, offering support and alternatives that make it easier for students to make healthy choices. The final component is the programs’ commitment to the future of the New Doug Johnson Community/ Youth Center Project.
The Peer Helper Program (Grades7-12)
What drives a peer helper to reach out is the passion to make a difference. Just this year, the peer helpers have offered their personal time in the areas of early-childhood assistance, mediation in various areas of need, tutoring, swimming with students, after-school programming, charity fundraising, health screening assistance, and classroom/staff aide. As the temperature warms up they will be called upon to be of assistance in spring activities such as the Spring Carnival, transitional bridge-building events, MN Special Olympics, spring clean up, book swap clinics, charitable fundraising, and other end of the year projects/events.
The SADD Chapter and Jr. SADD-(Students Against Destructive Decisions) 5-12
The Cook High School SADD Chapter is committed to its mission of providing drug-free awareness and support through creative programming, outreach, and education. More importantly, support to overcome negative peer pressure by empowering each student with the freedom to make positive choices for their life. This is not an easy task but, each year brings it’s own strength and energy ignited by the ambition and personal sacrifice of the SADD team. February was International Friendship Month and the SADD Chapter hosted their annual Sweetheart Ice Fishing Tournament, Climb Theater Production, and the IRYA Conference Trip. Two SADD Chapter Teams competed in this year’s Cook Chili Cook-off with the Rachael-n-Rachael Team taking 2nd place. Bravo to both teams for sharing their time and secret receipts for all to enjoy.
The New Doug Johnson Community/ Youth Center Project (grades K-12)
The Youth Development/Kids Plus program, in a collaborative effort with Iron Range Youth in action, Community Education, Cook City Hall, Parks and Rec Committee, the Cook School, and surrounding community organizations, continue to support the efforts for a safe, healthy recreational opportunity for our youth. The need is obvious, the demand is genuine and the support is overwhelming. Our dreams become a reality right before our eyes with each nail, slab, and 2x4 of the new building that goes up. This is an amazing testament to the individual drive and enormous heart of this wonderful community. A big “Thank You” to all that have volunteered their time to make this dream come true! Peer helpers will be called upon to help out in the annual Wings and Things fundraising event held in April providing financial support for this project.
Elementary Friendship Club (grades K-6)
This program is designed for grades K-6th to promote healthy intergenerational relationships through unique activities during and after school. Our hope is that children who agree to participate in the activities will adopt and practice good friendship building skills, learn to help others, and establish a greater sense of self worth by promoting good sportsmanship and kindness. GOOD CHARACTER is the focus for each special event and activity. The pool will be open through the Month of March and we will be hosting Flipper-Dipper Friendship Dive-in Afta-Skoola-in-the-Poola on February 25th 3-5 and March 18th from 3-5. The Bingo Buddies Brigade will visit their friends at the Cook Nursing Home for another exciting afternoon of BINGO. The peer helpers play a key leadership role in implementing and interacting in the after school elementary programming. Refer to individual flyers for more details and other upcoming events.
Mondo Moby Mondays after school Special K-6
This popular program has been reconfigured this year to run from October 25th through April 18th. The program will run from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and will be held in the HS Cafeteria. MMM offers students in grades K-6th indoor and outdoor games, a snack, arts and crafts, time for homework help, and a genuine good time with other friends. Students are invited to join throughout the year with the fee adjusted accordingly. If your student is interested in participating in Mondo Moby Mondays please contact Joani Bergstrom at the Cook School.
Any questions or comments please contact Joani Bergstrom or Ashlee Zupancich, Youth Development at 666-5221 ext. 3307.