Owatonna Community Education

The American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support class trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings. The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in all AHA courses and has developed instrumental materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the AHA.

Driver Education Training is required for students who wish to obtain their driver’s license before their 18th birthday. Driver Education Training by state law must consist of thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction. Students must attend the 30 hours of instruction offered on the dates and times listed. Every session must be attended, unless ill, but even then, those hours must be made up. It is recommended, but not required, that students be 15 years old by the last day of class. Registration includes both classroom and behind the wheel instruction. The Owatonna Driver Education program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and is taught by certified licensed instructors. This class is for participants who are 14.5 years or older before the start of classes. Please Note: There will be a “Parent Packet” that your child will bring home on the first day of class. This packet will explain all the steps necessary for your child to obtain a permit and license. This packet must be signed and returned to the Driver Education classroom for successful classroom completion. A 1.5hr Parent Class for the parents of a new student driver will be offered at the Owatonna High School. Attendance in this class is not mandatory. More information on the Parent Class will be provided in the Parent Packet mentioned above. Students do not need to attend the Parent Class.

Join us for Fireflies at the Sidekick Theatre! Retired schoolteacher Eleanor Bannister lives a quiet life alone in tiny Groverdell, Texas, set in her routines and secure in her position as the town’s most respected woman — until a hole in her roof draws the attention of Abel Brown, a smooth-talking drifter intent on renovating Eleanor’s house, and possibly her life. Can the unexpected sparks of late-life romance be trusted, or is there truth in the gossip that Abel isn’t all that he seems to be? Either way, the whole town is talking. On the menu: Chicken Breast with Roasted Red Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Coleslaw, Dinner Rolls, Assorted Desserts, Coffee, Hot Tea. Your trip fee includes: Motorcoach transportation, lunch, and admission. Register no later than October 1.

Charming but broke gambler Nathan Detroit is short on cash for the biggest craps game in town and the authorities are breathing down his neck. Meanwhile, longtime girlfriend and club performer, Miss Adelaide, is tiring of their 14-year engagement with no wedding in sight. Nathan looks to fellow high-roller Sky Masterson for the cash, and the two concoct a bet for Sky to whisk the straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown off to Havana. Sarah is determined to save the souls of the gamblers, setting in motion a series of events where love and redemption intersect. Frank Loesser’s vibrant score makes Guys and Dolls a true crowd-pleaser, featuring songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Chanhassen Dinner Theatres brings you all the thrills, laughs and songs when you come to experience Guys and Dolls! Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, and admission. Register no later than February 13. No refunds on trips. If you have any mobility or dietary requirements, please let us know at registration.

Have you ever wondered if ghosts are real? Have you had your own experiences? Find out about one of the most haunted places in Minnesota - yes, it's in Steele County! Over many years, your presenter, local historian Nancy Vaillancourt, has gathered stories about things that go bump in the night throughout Steele County. She will share a PowerPoint program with photos and stories. Come prepared to tell your own spooky stories, too!

MACKINAC ISLAND $1,735 (per person) Double $2,345 (per person) Single $500 deposit due at time of registration. Refundable if trip is cancelled. Balance due Monday, February 16, 2026 Includes: Deluxe Motorcoach transportation, Lodging for 4 nights, Meals included as indicated (B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner), Gratuities on included meals and attractions. DAY 1 - Monday, June 1, 2026 7:00 a.m. Leave from Woodson Education Center, 1601 4th Street SE, Austin, MN 55912. Make comfort stops at rest area’s enroute to Manitowoc, WI. Board the SS Badger Ferry. Upon arrival have an onboard boxed lunch (included). Cross Lake Michigan to Ludington, MI for the night. Have dinner at a restaurant (included) near the hotel. [L, D] Day 2 - Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Have breakfast (included) at the hotel. Travel to Charlevoix, Michigan for lunch (included) at Castle Farms. The estate was built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, acting president of Sears, Roebuck & Co. Continue to Mackinaw City, MI and take the ferry to Mackinac Island. On the island old-fashioned carriages, historic sites and quaint shops await visitors. There is no motorized travel on the island. Check into the Lake View Hotel in historic downtown. It has a pool, sauna, elevator, stylish guest rooms and a covered porch to relax and enjoy the views. Spend time shopping in the unique setting of this small village. The Visitor’s Center is nearby and has complimentary maps and a list of places for you to visit. There are fudge shops, art galleries, eating establishments, museums, attractions, and a variety of gift stores. Have dinner (on own) at one of the nearby restaurants. [B,L] Day 3 - Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Get breakfast (on own) at a nearby coffee shop or Café. Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Tour of Mackinac Island. Hear the history of the island and see points of interest such as Skull Cave, Arch Rock, Governor’s Mansion and more. Visit Fort Mackinac, a National Historic Landmark, founded in 1780 by the British. It is a restored military outpost with original building, re-enactments, storytelling, music, and interpreters dressed in 1880’s attire. Have an exceptional luncheon buffet (included) at the Grand Hotel. It is the world’s largest summer hotel and the premier attraction on Mackinac Island. After meal service, stroll along the majestic porch, view the glorious gardens, take photographs, enjoy the magnificent art in the hotel and purchase a souvenir in the gift shop. This afternoon and evening are free. You can go hiking, rent a bicycle or visit a riding stable. There are historic sites, like Ste. Anne’s Church Museum. [L] Day 4 - Thursday, June 4, 2026 Get breakfast (on own) at a nearby coffee shop or Café. This morning relax and do some last minute shopping. Take the ferry to St. Ignace and have lunch (included.) Travel to Green Bay staying at The Oneida Hotel located adjacent to the Oneida Casino. Dinner on own at hotel[L] Day 5 - Friday, June 5, 2026 Have breakfast (included) at the hotel. This morning, take The Packer Heritage Trail Tour and learn about the history of the team and the city of Green Bay. Tour Lambeau Field Stadium and the Green Bay Hall of Fame. Experience the Packers' history-rich facility first-hand and see several behind-the-scenes areas. Learn and feel the indomitable spirit and impassioned energy that makes the Packers and Lambeau Field so endearing. Have lunch (included) and leave Green Bay. Return to Austin by early evening. [B,L] CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: AFTER GUARANTEES ARE MADE NO REFUNDS CAN BE ISSUED. TRAVELERS CAN GIFT THEIR TRIP TO A FRIEND. WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL. TRAVEL INSURANCE CAN BE PURCHASED BY INDIVIDUAL PASSENGERS. Get rates and purchase coverage from the following options: Travel Insured 1-800-243-3174 www.travelinsured.com Allianz Global Assistance 1-866-672-9580 www.allianztravelinsurance.com To Register: Call 507-460-1706

Join us for a thrilling day trip to the historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis to experience Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera—one of the most beloved musicals of all time! Board our comfortable motorcoach in the morning for a relaxing ride to downtown Minneapolis. Before the show, we’ll stop in Burnsville for a delicious on-your-own luncheon. Then, we’ll make our way to the Orpheum Theatre, where the iconic chandelier, haunting organ, and breathtaking performances will transport you to the Paris Opera House. With its unforgettable music, elaborate costumes, and dramatic storytelling, Phantom of the Opera promises an experience you won’t forget! Your trip fee includes: Motorcoach transportation and admission. Register no later than September 30, 2025. No refunds on trips.

Have you ever wondered what lies underneath some of our most impressive Owatonna buildings? Have you seen things move in the upstairs vacant windows of those same buildings? This tour, offered only once a year in the Fall around Halloween, will take you inside several buildings to see what is behind the public view! Our local historian, Nancy Vaillancourt, will not only point out some of the hidden architectural features, but share stories of events in the places where they happened. You must be able to climb stairs and have a vehicle to drive between the locations we will be visiting. Your first clue (the location of our first stop) will be emailed and texted to you the morning of the tour! Remember to provide us with a working email address and/or cell number upon registration. Be sure to have a flashlight and comfortable shoes with you the night of this tour. If there is poor weather, we will relocate to Roosevelt School for the entire presentation. We will notify you via text and email should a change in location be made.

Texas Road Trip 2026! April 10-20, 2026 Pack your bags for an 11-day luxury coach tour filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes as we journey deep into the heart of Texas! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this Texas getaway offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. This incredible journey kicks off in Pawhuska, OK, where you’ll enjoy a multi-course deluxe brunch at the renowned Pioneer Woman Event Center, experiencing the charm of Ree Drummond’s hometown. From there, step back in time at the Fort Worth Stockyards with time to explore where the spirit of the Old West comes to life with longhorn cattle drives, western shops, and live entertainment. In San Antonio, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture with a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour, a scenic river cruise, an evening ghost tour, and a visit to the legendary Alamo. While in San Antonio, indulge in a special group dinner at Paloma Blanca, a local favorite known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and inviting atmosphere. We then travel onto the shores of South Padre Island, staying right on the beach while exploring the island’s natural beauty. Enjoy a visit to Sea Turtle, Inc., embark on an exciting dolphin watch cruise, and cap off the evening with a group dinner at Dirty Al’s, a well-loved seafood spot known for its fresh Gulf Coast flavors. Next, experience the charm of Waco, where you’ll stay near the famous Magnolia Silos in a beautiful 5-star hotel, take a deluxe city tour, and enjoy a special group dinner in this beloved destination. The adventure concludes in Dallas, where you’ll tour the stunning Dallas Botanical Gardens and visit Southfork Ranch, the iconic filming location of the TV series Dallas. This thoughtfully curated trip blends history, culture, nature, and relaxation, offering unforgettable experiences in every destination. Includes: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners 8 incredible tours Premium hotel stays, Deluxe coach transportation for a smooth and comfortable journey, an experienced travel host, and itinerary packet. Pricing and payment terms: $800 nonrefundable deposit due at the time of registration. Spots are not reserved until deposit is paid. Full balance due January 15, 2026. The complete itinerary will be sent by email when the trip balance is paid for in full. Bus pick-up locations are Circle Pines, MN and Austin, MN. Single Occupancy $3,328 Double Occupancy per person $2,438 Triple Occupancy $2,168 To register: Call 507-460-1706

A secondhand Shopping Adventure! Join us for a fun-filled Thrift Shop Hop - a motorcoach bus trip designed for bargain hunters, vintage lovers, and treasure seekers! We'll visit a curated selection of the best thrift stores, consignment shops, and hidden gem boutiques in the area. Enjoy a hassle-free shopping day with friends without the driving or parking stress! Trip includes: motorcoach transportation. Lunch is on-your-own. Register by September 1, 2025. No refunds on trips.