Orono Community Education

A basic obedience class for dogs 8 months of age and older. This training class offers an introduction to controlled leash walking, sit, down, wait at doorways, come when called and introduction of “Go to Mat.” Commands are taught in a fun, pet-friendly manner and gently enforced to ensure reliable performance. Dogs must be current on Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella and Rabies vaccines.

Planning to travel in China, fascinated by Chinese culture, or have an interest in establishing businesses connecting with China? In this introductory class, you will learn the basics of speaking, reading, writing and typing in Chinese. By the final class you will understand the Chinese alphabet, 5 tones and the structure and component of Chinese characters. Impress your family and friends by speaking a few basic phrases, key words, songs and rhymes. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture as we learn all about the 4 major Chinese holidays: Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival. 

Planning for college is complex. Join us to learn how to make college more affordable! This presentation introduces strategies on how parents can preserve their retirement savings, guide their students toward making smart college selection decisions and start their students on the right foot by learning wise money habits early and balancing the weight of educational debt. Your student is welcome to attend too! Hosted by local Thrivent Financial representatives. 

It is one thing to read about learning and attention issues. It is another thing to see them through your child’s eyes. Experience firsthand how frustrating it is when your hand won’t write what your brain is telling it to, or how hard it is to complete a simple task when you have trouble focusing. Experience Dyslexia is a hands-on experience, designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia (and other learning differences) encounter daily. The simulation provides a lively, thought-provoking experience for teachers, parents and anyone interested in better understanding the challenges experienced by those with dyslexia. Participants rotate among six learning stations that simulate various language-related tasks similar to those encountered in the classroom. These include two reading, two writing and two listening activities. A similar simulation was held in Orono this past spring with a great turnout and impact from those who attended.

Looking to buy a home for the first time? Don’t learn the hard way. This class will teach you the basics you need to know before buying a home, including everything from pre-qualification to closing the deal. We’ll cover topics such as: what mortgage is right for you, what affects your interest rate, what’s in the purchase agreement, the importance of a home inspection and more! Presented by: Sandra Tietz, Mortgage Lender with CorTrust Bank, Member FDIC & Equal Housing Lender, Teresa Nesenson, Realtor with KW Premier Realty Lake Minnetonka, and Troy Emter, Home Inspector with Rock Solid Home Inspection.

Genetic genealogy can add a new dimension to your family history efforts. It provides a concrete biological grounding that can be used to confirm your paper trail, to indicate new lines of research and to connect you to cousins that you may not have known about, etc. This class will cover the basics of biology that apply as well as practical advice on testing options and the interpretation of results. Instructor Craig Rhombs is a retired software project manager. He has enjoyed doing genealogical research since 1971.

A crash course in how to become zero waste, a lifestyle that produces little to no garbage. Do you ever glance at your waste basket and wonder how you’ve made so much trash? Learn how, why and a bit of history in becoming a more environmentally-friendly individual while saving money along the way. These fun and creative everyday tips and tricks are incredibly easy. Anyone can do it!

At some point in life, many people develop an interest in their ancestors. A lucky few will have access to information compiled by a relative, but the information may be largely paper documents. Because of modern day technology, genealogical efforts can be much more productive and rewarding now than at any time before. This presentation will serve as a basic introduction to useful techniques and tools. It is not intended to be all-encompassing, but it will help those with an interest in starting or refining their own genealogical research. Instructor Craig Rhombs is a retired software project manager. He has enjoyed doing genealogical research since 1971.

A photograph captures a moment that is gone forever! Are your photographs in a box, drawer, suitcase, phone, camera chip, external hard drive or all of the above? Are they securely backed up? Understand why photo organization and scrapbooking is more difficult today versus years ago. The number one goal is to save, organize and share your photos. Discover alternatives to get every printed/digital photo, video and memorabilia in one location, from scanning to storage and organization. You’ll leave with options to access every photo you own and be able to share them with family and friends.

Puppy Kindergarten class offers the perfect opportunity to provide critical early socialization activities for your puppy. We also focus on teaching important life skills and confidence building exercises. Topics include housebreaking, dealing with nipping and basic obedience commands of sit, down and leash walking. Designed for puppies 8 – 14 weeks old at the start of class. Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations (Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies and Bordetella).

Are you considering selling your home or do you want more information as you consider your next move? Get your need-to-know questions answered like: what is the most important first step? How do I prepare my home for sale? How can my realtor help? You’ll leave knowing the best ways to plan and organize for your move! Terry Eggan, a local realtor with 30+ years of experience and Holly Hansen, co-owner of Brilliant Moves will walk you through all you need to know.

As you approach retirement, now is the time to determine how you’ll support yourself. Find out how you can optimize Social Security and know how much you can expect to receive from other income sources. This workshop is hosted by Thrivent Financial representatives Brent Henkelman and Michael Coughlin, MBA, FIC, RICP.

You’ve seen the TV ads, but how do reverse mortgages really work? Are you 62+ and want to use the equity in your home without a monthly re-payment, or have elderly parents, or are a senior homeowner planning ahead? Get your questions answered! Learn the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage. How safe is it? Who is eligible? What properties qualify? How do you purchase a new property with a reverse mortgage? Instructor Dallas Jaynes and Terry Eggan are eager to share their personal and 30+ years of professional experience and knowledge.