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Cell Phones & Parenting: Balancing Connectivity and SafetyTechnologyThis engaging session will help you navigate the challenges of your child’s digital world and provide helpful tools for your parenting toolbox. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies for managing social media and friendships; understand how to set boundaries and ensure online safety; and foster healthy screen habits to empower your child. Gain the tools to help raise a teen with a smart technology foundation they will use into adulthood.Winter/Spring 2025
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ClassesCategory
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Classic Homemade Pierogi & Sweet Berry Pierogi!Food & DrinkHave some fun participating in this virtual class! Learn how to make your own homemade Classic Pierogi, and wonderful Sweet Berry Pierogi with 2 types of homemade dough and filling that will make your taste buds dance for joy! We will also be learning how to cook, and freeze these little dumplings that you can make ahead and store for a rainy day. No fancy equipment needed. Participants will receive a list of ingredients in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and prep. Participants will also receive a professionally created PDF packet of the instructor’s personal recipes.Winter/Spring 2025
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Collecting Family HistoryWritingDo you have old family photos, diaries, or documents like birth or marriage certificates? Maybe you’ve done an ancestry search or have family stories that have been passed down through generations. This class will help you organize and document your family history, or get you started if you haven’t yet begun. In 3 sessions, we will: Assess what you already know and explore available resources; Create lists and timelines to organize your family history focus; Write down what you know and begin documenting photographs and oral histories from family members. This class is perfect for beginners and those looking to organize and preserve their family’s history in a meaningful way.Winter/Spring 2025
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Comedy Writing: How to Be Funny on Paper and StageWritingWhether you need to make a dull work presentation more lively, mix laughter with learning in the classroom, or ultimately want to write for print/production or perform your own stand-up routine, this fast-paced session will show you how to apply humor to all aspects of your life. You will learn the anatomy of a joke, how to use your powers of observation to sharpen your wit, write different types of jokes, and use humor to entertain and influence people. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.Winter/Spring 2025
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Cooking Class: AjiacoFood & DrinkJoin us for a comforting on-site cooking class where you will learn to prepare Ajiaco, a traditional Colombian soup! Led by María from Colombia, this interactive session will guide you through making this hearty and flavorful dish, made with chicken, potatoes, and corn. Ajiaco is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for everyone to enjoy. Discover the culinary techniques and cultural significance behind this classic Colombian recipe while enjoying a hands-on cooking experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and satisfying journey into Colombian cuisine!Winter/Spring 2025
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PopularCooking Class: Empanadas ArgentinasFood & DrinkJoin us for a delightful on-site cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare Empanadas Argentinas, a traditional Argentine dish! This interactive session will guide you through the process of making these delicious pastries, filled with a variety of ingredients. We will provide options for both vegetarian and vegan fillings, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Discover the culinary techniques and cultural significance behind empanadas while enjoying a hands-on cooking experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and flavorful journey into Argentine cuisine!Winter/Spring 2025
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Cooking Class: Ñoquis de ArgentinaFood & DrinkJoin us for a delicious on-site cooking class where you will learn to prepare Ñoquis de Argentina, a traditional Argentine pasta dish! This interactive session will guide you through the process of making these soft and flavorful dumplings, with a special emphasis on a vegetarian option. Discover the culinary techniques and cultural significance behind ñoquis while enjoying a hands-on cooking experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and satisfying journey into Argentine cuisine!Winter/Spring 2025
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Copper Tooling: Beyond Basics to AdvancedArts & CraftsTake your copper tooling skills to the next level in this exciting and creative class! Choose from a variety of fun patterns and bring your design to life on an 8x10 sheet of copper. With hands-on guidance, you'll complete the tooling process and leave with a stunning, frame-ready masterpiece. Plus, you'll get to take the tools home, so the fun doesn’t stop when the class ends. Perfect for anyone ready to dive deeper into this captivating art form! What to Bring: Participants are required to bring thin cotton gloves and clothes you can get messy. Additional $12 supply fee due at time of class to instructor.Winter/Spring 2025
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Create Social Media Content Without PanickingTechnologyOnline class via Zoom - Do you have a business, product, event, or service but panic at the thought of putting yourself on social media? In this beginner class, you'll learn helpful tips and strategies to create social media content with ease. Say goodbye to freezing up in front of the camera, thanks to the practical skills you'll gain. We’ll guide you through a step-by-step process, so you can start creating content confidently today! Gain confidence in creating social media content for your specific audience. Learn tips for filming a video and creating engaging content. Understand key social media terms and leave with actionable steps for successful posts.Winter/Spring 2025
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Cross Country SkiingThe Lumberjack SkiSparks Club meets each Monday after school at Gene Dillon Elementary. Sessions will be lead by experienced volunteer coaches. Participants will learn about cross country skiing and spend time practicing on the trails behind Gene Dillon Elementary. A limited number of rental skis are available. Registration through Community Ed and myxc.org website is required. Program registration $40, Equipment Rental $35.Category
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CurlingThe Junior curling program is designed for athletes of all levels to learn, train, and excel in the unique sport of curling! Whether you're new to the game, aiming to refine your skills, or looking to join a competitive league, our program offers a welcoming environment and comprehensive coaching that will provide for the curling experience you're looking for.Category
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DanceUnleash your inner dancer in our various dance classes, where movement meets creativity! This class is designed for individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned dancers. Explore a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and ballroom, while improving your flexibility, coordination, and rhythm. Our experienced instructors will guide you through fun and engaging routines that promote self-expression and confidence. Whether you're looking to learn new moves, stay active, or meet fellow dance enthusiasts, this class offers a supportive and energetic environment. No prior dance experience is necessary—just bring your passion for movement and a willingness to have fun!Category
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DanceDance classes for kids are fun and engaging programs designed to introduce young children to the world of dance. These classes typically focus on foundational skills, movement, and rhythm while fostering creativity and confidenceCategory
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PopularDon't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus - Parent-Child Field TripYouth & Adult EventsThis event is a no school day parent-child field trip. 12:30 pm Performance Cost per person $25.00 Ticket includes performance and bus ride. Held at the Grand Rapids Reif Center Bus Leaves Paul Bunyan Center @ 10:45 AM But Returns by 3-3:30 PM Must reserve your ticket by January 27th Trip is for Ages 4 and up. Child must be accompanied by an adult.Spring 2025
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Early Childhood & ECFEClasses are designed for any and all families with children ages birth through 5. At ECFE, we understand that you are your child's first and most influential teacher. Our goal is to support you in your child-raising journey and it is our mission to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of your child. ECFE offers a variety of classes and you may join a class any time during the school year. As your child is exploring growing independence, these classes will provide opportunities to practice social skills, early literacy and math skills, creative art and more! The classroom will have engaging learning centers that will develop school readiness skills. Parents will have the opportunity to develop connections with other parents, learn how to support your child's needs, gain parenting skills, a positive support system, social skills for your child and a first introduction to school.Category
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EventsCommunity Education special events are not just about learning—they’re like a party where everyone’s invited! These events offer a lively and social atmosphere, making them perfect for people looking to have fun while picking up new skills. Whether you’re attending a hands-on cooking workshop, crafting unique holiday decorations, or dancing the night away in a salsa class, these events are designed to be both educational and entertaining. The festive, party-like vibe encourages participants to relax, connect with others, and fully enjoy the experience. Community Education special events blend learning with celebration, creating memorable experiences that bring people together.Category
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Explore & PlayClassesFamilies can attend with no registration required. Cost is $5 per time/per family. Come and play in our ECFE classroom and the gym.School Year 2024 - 2025
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FEBRUARY PARTNER DANCE CLASSES: Social Blend: Waltz, FoxTrot, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, SwingDanceWe believe dance should be all-inclusive—getting everyone on the floor, being comfortable, and having fun are our main goals. Not perfection! Each of these series is a standalone class, no prerequisite or experience needed. Think of these as “recess for adults,” where you'll gain a unique set of “crossover skills” and a few new tools for the dance floor. We will study several dances for couples that are great for social dancing. We’ll be learning: patterns, partnering, movement skills, lead and follow, musicality, and how to dance at any of the regional venues where local musicians play. Activities taught will help develop ease, comfort, and confidence in social dance situations. It’s not necessary to wait for your favorite dance style—join all of the classes to build versatility and flexibility within your dancing. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing (dress in layers) and bring a water bottle. Please also bring comfortable shoes with a smooth bottom that stay nicely on your feet (no flip-flops or work boots, please).Winter/Spring 2025
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Face YogaWellness & RecreationOnline Class via Zoom - There are over 30 individual muscles on each side of your face, all of which can be strengthened and toned, just like arm or leg muscles. Facial exercises can take years off your appearance by reducing frown and forehead lines, minimizing 'puppet mouth' lines, lifting and firming the neckline, making the upper and lower cheeks fuller, reducing puffiness and sagging around the eyes, improving circulation, and enhancing nutrient flow into cells. In this class, you will learn simple exercises that will rejuvenate your face. You will need a regular teaspoon for a few of the exercises, as well as a little of your favorite facial moisturizer.Winter/Spring 2025
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Food & DrinkEmbark on a delicious journey with our culinary creations classes, where food and drink come to life! Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home chef, these classes are designed to inspire and elevate your culinary skills. Explore a variety of cuisines and cooking techniques, from classic recipes to modern twists. Learn from expert chefs as they guide you through hands-on sessions, in person and online, preparing mouthwatering dishes, mastering baking techniques, or crafting delightful beverages. Discover the art of pairing food and drinks, and gain insights into nutrition and presentation. Join us to expand your palate, meet fellow food enthusiasts, and enjoy a fun and flavorful experience.Category
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PopularGene Dillon Dance TeamDanceWe would like to invite 4th and 5th grade Gene Dillon students to join our dance team. We will be learning a fun and exciting routine that will incorporate kick, jazz and hip hop styles all in one. A team t-shirt will be included in the cost and used for our performances. There will be a performance for families and friends at the end of the session. We may also have other performance opportunities that will be determined at a later date.Winter/Spring 2025
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Gene Dillon ElementaryKids & CompanySchool Year 2024-2025 Kids & Company Site
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General InterestDive into a world of discovery with our General Interests classes, where curiosity meets opportunity. Whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby, deepen your knowledge, or simply try something new, our diverse offerings have something for everyone. From language learning and creative writing to gardening and digital photography, explore a wide array of topics that spark your curiosity and expand your horizons. Our classes are designed to be engaging and accessible, providing a relaxed and enjoyable environment for learners of all backgrounds and skill levels. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your interests, and ignite your passion for lifelong learning. Join us and embark on a journey of exploration and enrichment!Category