Beth and Rick Deinken, owners of Grandma and Grandpa’s Berries & More in Cokato, will cover the basics of canning, including different methods such as water bath and pressure canning. Canning is a great way to preserve your veggies, fruits, meat, meals, and more. Beth and Rick will share their knowledge and insights they’ve gained in their 35+ years of canning experience.

Jacob Selseth, West Central Coordinator for Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), is "hooked on helping people make wise decisions on how they use energy and choose the best technologies to achieve their goals." Join us for this FREE presentation and Q&A on measures you can take to save energy and money in your home while also benefitting the environment. The mission of CERTs is to connect individuals and communities in Minnesota to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects. For more info, see https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/

Ever think you’d like to produce some or all of your own electricity? Locals Dennis Compton and Dan Bravinder will offer a presentation of an example of a 6.5 kW system that was installed for a local home in May 2016. Topics will include system costs, performance, electrical bill savings, maintenance, planning and zoning issues, and more.

Becky Bravinder, co-founder of natural foods store Dan & Becky's Market, will offer a beginner class on raising backyard chickens for egg production, sharing what she's learned in years of providing organic eggs for the community.

Jolene Carlson, licensed nutritionist and soil health specialist, highlights the relationship of the soil ecosystem to that of the human gut, also covering how the microbiology of the soil is directly reflected in the human gut. She shares about the many ways the microbiome of the gut influences how we feel, what we think, and what we eat. Viewers gain the education and tools to help heal both the soil and the gut to optimize health, prevent disease, and improve their quality of life.

Carson Law, Recreation Specialist with Wright County Parks & Rec, will share about animal tracks and other signs to look for as animals prepare for winter. This will be a good program for kids!

Come and learn the ancient art of fermenting vegetables by using old-world techniques with a modern twist. Connie Karstens, owner of the Lamb Shoppe & Wellness Center in Hutchinson, will show you just how easy it is, how great it tastes, and how good it is for your health. In this class, we will demonstrate how to ferment vegetables, including carrots, beets, kraut, and more. Fermented or cultured vegetables are loaded with good bacteria and live enzymes. One little bite contains millions, maybe even billions of probiotics. As an added bonus, you will learn how to add medicinal herbs for even a greater nutritional boost. For educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any new therapy.

Chef Karyn Tomlinson shares about how to minimize waste and find more joy through cooking efficiently. Karyn was the winner of the national cooking competition, Grand Cochon, in 2018. Her restaurant, Myriel, was recognized by Esquire as one of America’s top 40 new restaurants in 2021. She works closely with local farmers and producers to source quality, sustainably-produced ingredients and puts much thought and care into using those ingredients resourcefully to make delicious and nourishing food.