Are you new to Medicare? Are you a senior already on Medicare but don’t fully understand it? It’s no doubt that Medicare can be confusing and overwhelming, so let us educate you. This class will help explain the basics of Medicare, eligibility, and enrollment. We are willing to answer any questions that you may have to the best of our ability. Are you a couple years out from eligibility? No worries, bring a notepad to become fully prepared for when you are eligible.

If you enjoy nature and the great outdoors, let’s create! We will learn various techniques how to make garden art and nature inspired, whimsical sculptures -- such as gnomes! This is not a wheel class. Snack is optional.

MURDER MYSTERY at AFTON HOUSE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026 9:15-9:30 a.m. Arrive at the Eisenhower Community Center and meet your host for check-in at the front entrance Welcome Desk. 9:45 a.m. Leave from the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins, MN. The bus should park in front of door A. 11:00 a.m. Arrive in the tiny village of Afton, MN at the historic Afton House Inn overlooking the St. Croix River Valley where you will be seated in the Wheel Room or Pennington Room. This modern property is filled with antique ambiance. Upon arrival, guests will receive their parts for the murder mystery play. In the process of removing suspicion from yourself, you question or point to others with motive and opportunity. During this two hour of non-stop laughter and mystery solving you will be served a luncheon. (You can be an onlooker or participant in solving the mystery.) Menu: Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a Rosemary Demin Glaze, Fresh Vegetables, Rolls & Butter, Coffee or Hot Tea, Dessert. 1:00 p.m. After the mystery is solved, take a few minutes to look around this delightful property. If rooms are not occupied, visitors are able to view the unique rooms furnished with heritage pieces and decorated with cozy amenities. 1:30 p.m. Leave Afton. 2:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Hopkins *Theme-appropriate costumes are welcome, though not required!

Learn the time-honored tradition of oil painting in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. Explore color, value, paint application, design and composition in this most forgiving medium. We will also look at the work of other artists for inspiration and techniques in art-making. All levels are welcome, whether you are just starting out, continuing, or returning to oil paints. Supply List (Note: Please purchase supplies no sooner than 5 days before class, in case of cancellation due to low enrollment) Oil Colors-- Cadmium Yellow Medium Cadmium Red Light Alizarin Crimson Ultramarine Blue Thalo Blue Thalo Green Viridian Burnt Sienna Burnt Umber Yellow Ochre Titanium White (large tube) Bristle Brushes Flat #8, Filbert #6, Round #2 Small container of Gamsol or other Odorless Mineral Spirits Container with lid for solvent Palette Knife with offset handle Palette -Masterson 12" x 16" with lid and paper liners Stretched Canvases--1 to 2 per class

In this course we will continue to explore different painting techniques, working on our perceptions and having a lot of fun! There will be lectures and time for guided practice while focusing on how the formal elements of painting such as composition, color and value can be used to create a skillful painting. Lectures will continue to analyze historical and contemporary paintings to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of oil painting. During guided practice students will receive demonstrations and direct recommendations which introduce a wide variety of approaches that can be used to enhance the quality of their work. Intended for beginning and intermediate-level students. Note: A suggested supply list will be sent 7-10 days before the first class.

Take your artistic journey to the next level in this comprehensive 8-week advanced workshop. Designed for returning students, this course bridges the gap between classical still-life painting and the exciting challenge of portraiture. Throughout the session, we will split our focus to master two major genres: Still Life: We will continue to refine our realistic techniques in painting stationary subjects. Portraiture: Students will transition to painting from a live model, learning how to apply their color theory knowledge to create luminous, realistic skin tones. To support our studio work, each session will include visual presentations and lectures. We will explore the structural anatomy of the human face to ensure accuracy in our portraiture. We will also analyze master paintings to see how color chemistry has evolved throughout history.

If you are currently taking a pottery class through Hopkins Community Education at any level of experience, join us at Open Pottery Studio on Saturdays to work on a piece from class or on a personal project. Use your own clay from your class or purchase additional clay from the attending instructor for $40 (check or exact cash). While our instructors supervise the open studio for the hours of 9:30-12:30, no instruction is provided. We need a minimum of 3 students registered for a particular Saturday session to run, so if you want to participate, you can help instructors and students by registering before Noon on the Thursday before the Saturday session that you want to attend. No Drop-Ins.

This course will discuss risk factors and common regions of bone stress injuries (BSIs) in distance runners, how to identify a bone stress injury, elements of an individualized return to run program, and what to include in an injury prevention program to optimize bone health in distance runners.Note: The date for the online offering of this class has been changed to August 11, instead of the original listing of August 18.