By Amy Baskin

Director of Communications and Community Education for Austin Schools

Community education in the state of Minnesota began in 1969 with the passing of the “Lighted Schoolhouse Legislation,” which made it possible for school buildings to stay open for community use in the evening. The concept of community education is predicated on two fundamental values — lifelong learning and community/citizen involvement.

Benjamin Disraeli once stated “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” These words apply to Austin Community Education as our instructors not only share their gifts with the community, but they allow us to discover new talents within ourselves.

The official fall brochure is at the printer and will be out to the community very soon, but the classes are live now and open for registration on our website www.austin.k12.mn.us/clc. We have some trip deadlines quickly approaching. Minnesota Arboretum Tour, Celtic Thunder concert, Amish Trip to Harmony and the Plymouth Playhouse trip to see Church Basement Ladies — The Last (Potluck) Supper have registration deadlines in the next week or so. These fun trips are a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy an event without the hassles of driving and parking. Our trips also give you a peak into areas you are not able to see on your own with special guides and deals.

A wide variety of technology classes are lined up this fall and range from basic computer skills to iMovie for iPad. Artful living offerings include quilting, watercolors, fused glass, wreath decorating, fall planting and lace making. New classes in voice acting, retirement planning and the five pillars of health join traditional classes like defensive driving, hypnosis and home buying and selling.

Community Education in Minnesota exists as a comprehensive statewide delivery system utilizing all 342 school districts to provide programs for community members of all ages, including School Readiness, Adult Basic Education, Out-of-School Time learning for youth, Early Childhood and Family Education, Adults with Disabilities and Adult Enrichment.  Community Education classes and activities are accessible to all learners and held in public school buildings during the days, nights and weekends, making neighborhood schools a valued resource for everyone. We look forward to seeing you in one of our classes this fall. You never know what new talent you may discover within yourself.