Robbinsdale Area Schools Community Education

Would you like to learn how to use that hand plane, chisel or saw that you inherited? Would you like to do great woodworking without the noise, dust, danger or expense of power tools? Come and learn how to select, sharpen and set-up your hand tools, and learn the skills to use them. First, we will learn about hand saws, hand planes, chisels and layout tools. Then, you will use the tools and your new skills to build a saw bench, or bench appliances, that you can then use at home. Please bring your own tools if you have them.

Students in this advanced hand tool woodworking class will build a six-board chest in the size and style of their choice; a simple candle box or a full-sized blanket chest. Construction of the chest will involve several kinds of joinery including dovetails, plowed grooves, rabbets, raised panels and dados, all cut using simple hand tools. We will introduce several new tools and spend time on design and layout as well as discussing and demonstrating how to prepare the stock and cut the joinery. Several different plans will be offered for you to choose from.  Note: Intermediate to advanced skills required to make the most of this class.  Basic hand tools required.

Not looking forward to spending money on an over-priced, yet cheaply-made costume for you or your child this Halloween? Join Sandra (known by her friends as one who “oozes” creativity) as she shows you how to “upcycle” thrift store finds into amazing costumes that rival ones found at costume stores; all with little or no sewing skills. Bring your imagination and leave with tons of ideas and step-by-step instructions for a DIY costume that you can use this season.

Hobby Groups Meet with others who share your passion. All abilities welcome. All groups are self-directed. Bring your own supplies. There is no class fee to participate, but there is a $7 annual fee per person for most groups. Stop by the Adult Enrichment office at Pilgrim Lane in Plymouth to get a Hobby Group membership card. Wood Carvers Calling all interested men and women! Bring your carving tools and projects and join this fun group of woodcarvers. As we work on projects we share patterns, techniques, suppliers and general knowledge. Basic carving skills are required.Thursdays, 8:30-11 am,

Hobby Groups Meet with others who share your passion. All abilities welcome. All groups are self-directed. Bring your own supplies. There is no class fee to participate, but there is a $7 annual fee per person for most groups. Stop by the Adult Enrichment office at Pilgrim Lane in Plymouth to get a Hobby Group membership card.  Needle Arts If you love needlework of any kind, you’ll love this group. We share patterns, supplier ideas, general knowledge, mutual support and a cup of coffee. Fridays, 9-11 am

Showtime Chorus Do you love to sing? Our Showtime Chorus has more than 25 singers but is looking for both men and women to join their talented bunch. Thursday, 9:15-11:15 am PL 218

Hobby Groups Meet with others who share your passion. All abilities welcome. All groups are self-directed. Bring your own supplies. There is no class fee to participate, but there is a $7 annual fee per person for most groups. Stop by the Adult Enrichment office at Pilgrim Lane in Plymouth to get a Hobby Group membership card.   Harmonica If you are yearning to play harmonica, come share your talent and general harmonica knowledge, or learn new skills from your peers. Wednesdays 12:30-2 pm

Square Dancing/Round Dancing offers music, friendships, mild exercise and lots of fun. We dance at the Mainstream level (lowest or first level) on the second Friday of each month during the school year and welcome all current Square and Round dancers. Mainstream level on Fridays:   Sep 13     Oct 11      Nov 8       Dec 13       Jan 10       Feb 7       Mar 13    Apr ?   May 10Plymouth Middle School Cafeteria   6-10 pm

Hobby Groups Meet with others who share your passion. All abilities welcome. All groups are self-directed. Bring your own supplies.  Story Theater For over 25 years we have been showing children that reading is fun! Explore dramatic reading and learn techniques of reading with expression. Attend two meetings per month to rehearse stories to perform for children in our elementary schools and other community locations. No Fee. Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, noon-2:30 pm, in the Performance Center at Pilgrim Lane. Drop in and see what we're about.

Expert Gemologists will assess your jewelry and coins and offer professional advice on any appraisals, selling, repairs and more! Learn about what you have and have fun doing it! Bring your own coins and/or jewelry.

Do you have dull and hard-to-use knives in your kitchen? Come to this class and learn what makes a knife dull, proper edge geometry, proper sharpening tools and cutting boards, knife selection and care, and how to sharpen and maintain the edges of your knives. The instructor will also teach good knife technique and cutting skills to make your food preparation quicker, safer and more fun.Bring your dull knives, a cutting board, your current sharpening tools and a few vegetables to practice on.

Make the stars your friends as we watch the great celestial show in the skies over Golden Valley. This night with the stars, constellations, planets, star clusters, nebulae and more, starts off with an indoor orientation followed by quality time outside under the heavens. Get to know the constellations like The Big Bear, Cygnus the Swan, Pegasus the Winged Horse, and some of the great stories behind them. We’ll also use large reflecting telescopes, including two giant 20-inch reflectors that are among the biggest mobile telescopes in Minnesota, for close-up views of Saturn, Mars, star clusters, galaxies and other magic in our early autumn skies. You’ll get a great handout package with user-friendly star maps and constellation charts, websites, a telescope-buying guide and more! Offered in partnership with Wayzata Public Schools. All ages welcome!

Imagine... all your photos, all in one place and a system that allows you to access any photo & movie in literally seconds!! In this class we will talk about scanners for copies & repair of older prints and slides, cloud storage services; owning vs renting. We will cover everything you need to know to complete this project... & quickly! Never worry about losing another photo again!

Can’t remember those basic sewing steps covered in school? Dust off the cobwebs and join us for this fun, informative class where you’ll come away with an understanding of machine operation and tips to get you started on your sewing journey. We’ll review key sewing terminology, practice threading and bobbin winding, as well as demystify machine “feet” and stitch “symbols”. Week two we’ll learn about patterns, fabrics and essential sewing accessories as well as take a field trip to a local fabric store where we’ll put our learning into action! Bring your curiosity, a great attitude and all supplies listed on the web site.

Are you comfortable (maybe even bonded) with your sewing machine and ready to tackle a simple sewing project? In this class, we’ll learn how to cut out a pattern, read directions and piece together a simple, yet functional tote bag. Feeling adventurous? Add a pocket to hold your keys or phone. Bring your enthusiasm and supplies listed on the web site.Note: If you have never used a sewing machine, we recommend taking the Sewing Basics for Beginners 101 class first. 

Discover the wonderful world of woodworking! Learn shop and tool safety as well as operation of the table saw, band saw, jointer, planer, power sanders, drill press and routers. Construct an Adirondack chair, Free Little Library, or project of your choice upon approval by instructor. Plans for the chair or library included in fee. Additional fees are $40-100 depending on your specific wood and hardware selections. Returning woodworkers welcome!