Community Education Corner: Barnum events offer help for computer users, new parents

Melting snow, green grass, afternoon rain showers, open windows, mud puddles, cold ice cream, evening walks, picnics in the park, warm sunshine and pretty flowers — happy springtime!

I’m thrilled that we are able to offer in-person classes again! Stay tuned as our summer program grows. T-ball, instructional ball, swimming lessons, soccer, summer reading challenges, storybook walks, National Night Out and field trips are all in the beginning planning stages here at Barnum Community Ed.

Until then, here is our current information and newest programs going on:

Baby Meet & Greet: This event April 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Barnum Elementary School is free and open to all parents expecting a baby or who have had a baby in the past 12 months.

Meet other parents and babies, discuss questions or concerns with experts, and enjoy dinner, a goodie bag and enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card door prize donated by Barnum Community Club.

So far, Jodi Collelo from Haven will be here with baby massage; Tania Brown will make baby-safe massage oil with you; Alisha Stoltzfus will talk about pre- and post-natal care; a public health nurse will be on hand for all your questions; and early childhood staff will be available.

Dinner will be provided by Chickadees Coffeehouse and Deli. Sibling care will also be provided.

Please call 389-3001 or email Kelly at kcopenhaver@isd91.org to register by April 7.

Coming soon! Saturday Crafting Days: Do you have that cooped up feeling? Do you miss interaction with people? Here is an opportunity for you to spend a day with others while working on your craft tasks.

Participants will provide all of their own crafting supplies and projects. We will provide the space, tables and chairs — no need to clean off the dining room table so you have a space to work. Each person will have their own table, spaced apart to accommodate social distancing. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and lunch or order from Chickadees.

We also have the opportunity to sign up for two Cricut Air Explore 2’s for an hour timeframe to make your projects. You need to bring your own vinyl or paper to cut your projects, but we have everything else, including access to design space.

You must contact us to sign up for your time.

Wanted: College student and 50-or-over adult: Barnum Community Education’s AGE to Age Program is seeking a college student and an adult age 50 or over for a paid summer intergenerational work experience. The college student must have at least finished freshman year.

Together, this fellowship team will support community planning and social engagement efforts while fostering interactions between generations. Varied duties including recruitment of participants for intergenerational programs, publicity, activity coordination and supervision. Fellows will work with identified AGE to Age to partners.

Good communication skills, basic technology skills (smartphone, computer skills — willingness to learn), positive attitude and responsible work ethic required. The anticipated timeframe is June 1 through August, with the possibility of staying through November. There is a $2,500 stipend.

Barnum Community Club fundraiser: Help support our Barnum Community Club at the Rustic Diner Drive-Thru BBQ on Friday, March 19, from 5-6:30 p.m., or as supplies last. Pre-order your plate by calling 218-389-6084. Cost is $13; $3 of that goes directly to the Community Club.

Tech & Coffee: Is held the first Thursday of every month from 9-11 a.m. at Chickadees Coffeehouse and Deli. Bring your electronics and any questions: "How do I get a Facebook account?" "How do I upload a picture?" "How do I make a folder?" "What is an app?" "Can you hook my phone up to my car Bluetooth?"

We aren’t professionals, but we can help or send you in the right direction. No need to register — just show up. Upcoming dates are April 1, May 6 and June 3.

Let’s Talk About Medicare Insurance: This is an educational meeting about Medicare and Medicare insurance on April 22 at 6 p.m. in the Barnum High School boardroom. We will discuss what Medicare covers, what it costs and how to enroll. We will review the types of Medicare insurance available and the factors to consider when deciding what type of insurance is best for you.

Presenters are Tom Hill and Jill Ehrman, True Partners Insurance brokers, licensed Medicare insurance brokers. The cost is free, but registration is required; the deadline is April 15.

To get more information or to register for any of the classes above, please contact Barnum Community Education: 218-389-0108, rolsen@isd91.org or at isd91.org/community-education .

"Community Education Corner," published weekly in the Pine Journal, features news from Community Education programs in Carlton County.