District 196 Community Education

Review the home electrical system, application for different types and gauge of wire. Discuss proper techniques for stripping wire, attaching to outlets, switches and light fixtures, as well as test equipment. Install single pole and 3-way switches, outlets and light fixtures to energize a light bulb and test the circuit. Bring straight and Phillips screwdrivers, long nose pliers and wire stripping pliers to class, if you have them. Handouts provided. Hands-on.

Gain confidence by learning to repair minor plumbing problems or replace fixtures. Discuss the plumbing system and review different types of plastic and metal pipe. Take apart different types of faucets, replace pop-up drain assembly and discuss the internal working parts of a toilet. Handouts provided. Hands-on.

Join professional photographer and gardener Michelle Mero Riedel to learn the art of creating stunning, healthy and colorful container gardens. Discover fast-growing, high-quality plants for season-long beauty. Michelle will showcase beautiful garden combinations, provide detailed color handouts for each container design and answer your questions. It's the perfect way to beat the winter blues and plan your summer garden with a friend. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your gardening skills and create vibrant outdoor spaces.

Closets, basements, attics, garages and storage units can be intimidating spaces to declutter and organize, creating “hidden clutter” that has accumulated behind closed doors in your home and in expensive storage units. Explore the reasons why we cling to items we will most likely never wear or use again, continually diminishing our peace-of-mind and our money. Learn how to fearlessly declutter, organize and empty these spaces to lighten your life and save time, money and energy. Reclaim peaceful clarity and spacious simplicity for a healthier mind, body and home.

If something happens to you tomorrow, would your loved ones be able to easily find and manage all your assets, finances and wishes? Be prepared with options including worksheets to organize, preserve and share your household accounts, passwords, possessions, family history, photos and heirlooms, as well as health care directives and end-of-life plans, physically and digitally. This hands-on class is essential for anyone of any age and will save your next-of-kin time and money. Leave fond memories instead of a mess. Materials list provided with registration.

Learn best archival supplies for safely handling and organizing physical family photos, documents, movies, videos and audio tapes. Consider what to save, toss and/or possibly donate. Explore home, local and online scanning options and the safest permanent online cloud storage. Discuss digital uploading, organizing and dating photos and documents to share with family and friends. Consider illustrated printed books to preserve your cherished memories for generations to come.

Paper is necessary in our homes, but left untamed, it multiples on every flat surface and in every room. Discover steps, secrets and systems to minimize paper piles and efficiently deal with mail, notes, receipts, newspapers, magazines, catalogs and books. Learn how to make clear decisions for recycling, shredding and organizing your well-established piles as well as daily actions and simple systems to eliminate paper piles for good. Leave with inspiration to tame your paper piles immediately.