Welp, I failed my New Year’s resolution. I bought myself a fancy water bottle and still didn’t hit my 64 ounces a day. I gave it a decent try. At the very least, I drank more water than I did in 2024, so I’m calling that a win.
While I was reflecting on my shortcomings, The Ripple landed in my mailbox. It’s Lake Superior School District’s publication and a great resource for youth and community education. This issue read like a choose‑your‑own‑adventure list of ways to get healthier, get moving, and learn something new during the long stretch of winter when most of us are fighting the urge to hibernate.
Winter registration opened December 15, and the offerings are vast. Truly something for everyone, whether you want to break a sweat, pick up a hobby, or simply get out of the house and see other humans.
I do need to focus on my health in 2026, so I started reading about the advantages of swimming over other forms of exercise. It speaks to me because it’s low‑impact but high‑reward. Swimming builds cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility while giving you a full‑body workout. And honestly, the idea of being warm in a pool while the Minnesota windchill is pretty appealing.
Both Silver Bay and Two Harbors Community Ed offer swimming lessons, which feel essential for anyone living near the Big Lake. For those already comfortable in the water, lap swim is available several times a week. And if you want to take it up another notch, water aerobics classes offer a fun way to build strength and stamina without stressing your joints.
Silver Bay also offers Family Open Swim, a great option if you want to get everyone moving and burn off some winter energy together. Cabin fever is real, and an hour in the pool can work wonders for both kids and adults.
If staying dry is more your speed, there are plenty of options. The William Kelley School Fitness Center is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:30 to 7:30. It’s free for WKHS students, though parents must sign a waiver online. The general public can join for a $25 fee. For early risers, it’s a solid way to start the day before the sun decides to show up.
Ladies Who Lift! Winter 26 is also available in Silver Bay. It’s designed for women who feel intimidated by the weight room and want guidance. Instructors will be on hand for 30 sessions to teach proper use of the equipment and help participants build confidence. It’s a supportive environment, and it’s always more fun to learn something new when you’re surrounded by people cheering you on.
On school days in Silver Bay, folks can sign up for Walking for Your Health and walk the halls from 4:00 to 7:00 for a $3 charge. It’s simple, accessible, and warm, which is half the battle in January.
Two Harbors High School offers Adult Open Weight Room on Mondays and Thursdays starting in January for a $10 fee. An instructor will be available to answer equipment questions. They also offer Walking for Your Health from Monday through Thursday, 4:00 to 7:00, with walking available at both THHS and Minnehaha. It’s a nice option for anyone who wants movement without the pressure of a full workout.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, Community Education offers Stretch and Tone classes. Fees vary by month, and the sessions are a good way to loosen up and build strength. There is also a Weight Loss and Healthy Living support group that meets on Wednesdays. Winter can be a tough season for motivation, and having a group to check in with can make a real difference.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Beginning Belly Dance might be the class for you. Sessions start January 6 and run on Tuesdays. It’s a fun way to strengthen your core while improving posture, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
Of course, becoming a healthier person isn’t just about the body. Exercising your mind matters too, and Community Education has plenty of ways to learn something new.
In Silver Bay, folks can sign up for Beginner Tackle Craft: Spearing Decoys. All supplies are provided for this two‑part class, and registration is due December 30. Later this spring, a Spinner Making class will also be offered. These classes blend creativity with local tradition, and you walk away with something you made with your own hands.
For those who enjoy crafting with a side of mindfulness, Judi Roux teaches Mindful Making: T‑Shirt Yarn and Crocheted Totes. Participants repurpose old t‑shirts into usable yarn and learn simple crochet techniques. This class is offered in both Two Harbors and Silver Bay and is a great way to create something useful out of what would otherwise be thrown away.
Two Harbors has even more crafting options, including Two Harbors Quilters and a Slow Stitching class. Gardening classes are also on the menu, from Seed Selection to Growing Fruit in Northern Minnesota to Winter Sowing. It’s a hopeful thing to think about green shoots and future tomatoes while the world outside is frozen solid.
Intro to Honey Beekeeping is offered in February with instructor Jadell Cavallin. I’m a little scared of bees, but I do appreciate honey, and this class seems like a good way to learn the basics without committing to a hive in your backyard just yet.
And this is only a fraction of what’s available. There are offerings for youth, seniors, hobbyists, lifelong learners, and anyone looking to stay busy through the long winter and early spring. Community Education is one of those quiet local treasures that keeps people connected, curious, and moving forward.
As for my own New Year’s resolution, I’m doing a take-two and vowing to drink more water. I’d also like to move more and learn at least one new skill. Community Education seems like a good place to start.
For more information and to register, visit www.isd381.k12.mn.us.
