Thursday, April 11
Career Exploration – Two-Day Workshop (Online)
9:30–11:30 a.m. - www.MinnesotaWorks.net
Basic Computer skills required for Career Exploration Workshop. Occupational and personal evaluations and tools are utilized to point individuals in the direction for managing their careers. This workshop is inclusive of interest inventories, skills and values assessments and how they impact your career decision process. Two half day workshop series; all sessions required. Registration will take place on MinnesotaWorks.net. Day 2 will take place on April 16.
This is free to the public. For more information go to co.washington.mn.us/.
Baby Storytime - Ages 0-24 Months
9:45-10:15 a.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Join us in singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing at this inclusive storytime for families with babies. This is a time for you and your baby to bond with one another through early literacy activities. It's also an opportunity for you to meet new friends in a welcoming environment. This storytime is recommended for soon-to-be parents, developmental ages 0-2, and their grown-ups (siblings always welcome).
You are encouraged to attend the storytime that best meets your family’s developmental needs. Registration is not required. Ages 0-5.
Library Play Date
10:30 a.m. to noon - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Stop by for the opportunity to play with your child(ren) in a literacy-focused environment. Each week will feature a variety of stations designed to strengthen fine motor skills, large motor skills and early literacy development. You may even meet a new friend or discover a new activity you enjoy! This inclusive, welcoming program is recommended for developmental ages 0-8 years and their grown-ups (siblings always welcome). No registration required.
Contraption Club
3:30-5 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Children ages 9-12 are welcome to join us to use a variety of technologies including 3D printers, a Glowforge laser cutter, a Cricut machine, an embroidery machine, TinkerCad, AdaFruit, and much more. No prior experience is required, librarians are on hand to assist you with the project of the day or free exploration. No registration is required.
Special School Board Business Meeting
6–6:05 p.m. - District Service Center, 7362 E. Point Douglas Road E., Cottage Grove
A seven-member School Board governs SoWashCo Schools. Board members are elected at-large on Election Day in November of odd-numbered years. The superintendent of schools is an ex-officio member of the School Board, and there are three non-voting student representatives. Board meetings are typically held twice each month on Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the District Service Center (7362 E. Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove). The public is welcome to attend these meetings. Board meetings are broadcast on Cable TV Channel 15 and streamed on YouTube.
School Board Workshop Meeting
6–8 p.m. - District Service Center, 7362 E. Point Douglas Road E., Cottage Grove
The second meeting of each month will be a formal school board business meeting that is recorded and live-streamed. The meetings will provide time for comments to the board, staff presentations and will include items that require the board to take action or conduct a vote. School board workshops are open to the public but do not include public participation.
Woodcock Walk (MN Campus)
7–9 p.m. - Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
Visit CNC’s Minnesota Campus to learn about the world of the American Woodcock. CNC Executive Director Jennifer Vieth, along with CNC Big Year cohost Bend Douglas will share fascinating details about the lifestyle and conservation outlook of these interesting long-beaked birds. The program will begin with a quick indoor presentation, which will be followed by a walk through the darkening prairie trails to observe the acrobatic mating displays of male Woodcock.
The majority of the program will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. We recommend you bring binoculars and a flashlight, however, please reach out if you need help with that.
This program is FREE; however, donations are always appreciated!
Friday, April 12
On Our Quilt Time
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Do you have a quilting project you are working on? Join fellow quilters for camaraderie, inspiration, and ideas. Bring your own sewing machine and project supplies. Come and go as needed. No registration required.
Preschool Story Time – Earth Day Hooray
10–11 a.m. - Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
These programs introduce children ages 2-5 to nature in a fun and safe environment. Listen to stories, spend time outdoors, make a craft and meet CNC’s live animals. Call ahead to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program fee is $6 per child or $4 for Friends of CNC. No charge for adults. Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Storytime – Ages 0-8
10:30-11 a.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Join us in singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing at this inclusive, welcoming storytime for families. This storytime focuses on concepts such as life skills, emotions, community, family, and kindness. Storytime is your opportunity to meet new friends, socialize, and strengthen early literacy skills. Activities during and after Storytime are designed to strengthen fine and large motor skills. Grown-ups are encouraged to actively participate alongside their children (modeling is one of the best ways to influence behavior). Registration is not required.
We will meet in the children's area. This storytime is recommended for developmental ages 0-8 and their grown-ups.
Community Movie Night and Resource Fair
4–6:45 p.m. - R. H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury
In celebration of National Library Week and in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, R.H. Stafford Library and Washington County Community Services have partnered to offer a community resource fair and movie night.
At R.H. Stafford Library starting at 4 p.m., learn about local organizations and services within Washington County that seek to uplift and support community members. Local organizations include: Washington County Community Services: Parent Support Outreach Program, Childcare Licensing, CareerForce, Parks, Crisis Response, and Public Health | SoWashCo CARES and Community Education | Valley Outreach | Basic Needs | YMCA | The Connect Center | Canvas Health Abuse Response & Prevention
At 5 p.m., we will watch the 2002 Disney film that taught us "Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." Everyone is invited to this community viewing of Lilo and Stitch. Chair seating will be limited, so we recommend bringing blankets to sit together on the floor to make it an indoor picnic kind of night! Popcorn will be provided.
Funding for the movie licensing was provided by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Saturday, April 13
Bird Hike (WI Campus)
8–10 a.m. - North End, 300 E. Cove Road, Hudson
Learn to identify birds with local experts at Carpenter Nature Center’s Wisconsin Campus. Binoculars and field guides available or bring your own. Program fee is $5 per person or free for Friends of CNC, SCVBC and students. Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359.
Hamlet Park Parkrun – Weekly 5K
9-10 a.m. - Hamlet Park, 8883 Hamlet Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Park runs are free weekly community events held all around the world taking place every Saturday morning in parks and open spaces. parkrun events are 5ks and are meant to be a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for all. There is no time limit, and no one finishes last. Whether you walk, jog, run volunteer or spectate, you are welcome to join us every Saturday at Hamlet Park for a parkrun.
Register here: https://www.parkrun.us/hamletpark/
Bird Hike at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
9–10:30 a.m. - St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, 10191 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
Join the ranks of 47 million birders in the U.S. Whether you’re new or experienced, these hikes are a great way to get outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature, and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home. Participants can contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys. The surveys collected will assist our Natural Resources team in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant.
Dress for the weather. We recommend bringing your binoculars, water, snacks and wearing winter hiking shoes or boots. The program is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Free with vehicle park pass.
Art Cart for Adults: Puzzle Trees
10 a.m. to noon - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Programs with these carts will not be instructor-led, but there will be some helpful information. Participants are welcome to interact with art materials on the cart. This month we'll be making trees out of puzzle pieces. This is a great opportunity to use your imagination and meet someone new. No registration is needed. For this activity, children over 8 years of age are welcome as long as they are supervised by an adult. This program is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Spring Maker’s Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Ravine Regional Park, 9653 Keats Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Washington County Parks will again host a Spring Maker’s Market. This is a free event with a vehicle permit ($7/ daily & $30/ annual), and a suggested donation of $3 per person to support the park. Food trucks will be on site. Park merchandise and gift cards will be available at the front desk.
Monday, April 15
AARP Free Tax Assistance
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Meet with a volunteer AARP Tax Aide who will help you prepare your income taxes for 2023 free of charge on Mondays through April 15.
A limited number of spaces are available. You'll need to bring all of your financial documentation with you (W2s, 1099s, etc.). Each appointment is expected to last around 90 minutes. This program is open to tax filers of all ages. Registration is required. Call 651-459-2040 to register.
Art Cart: Terracotta Pot Painting
5:30–7 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Get into the spring planting season by decorating your own three-inch terracotta pot. Art supplies and a pot will be provided. This program is open to middle and high school students. Limit 15 participants. This program is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Tuesday, April 16
Blazing Needles
9:30 a.m. to noon - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Do you have a needlework project you are working on? Join fellow enthusiasts for camaraderie, inspiration, and ideas. Bring your own project supplies. Come and go as you wish.
Speaker Sessions at The Little Village
10–10:45 a.m. - The Little Village, 7750 Harkness Ave. S., Ste. 101, Cottage Grove
This Speaker Session will focus on “Preparing Big Brothers/Sisters for a New Baby” and is hosted by Better Beginnings.
The Little Village has gathered up local experts on all things baby and child to chat … with you! During these 45-minute sessions, you’ll get tips and tricks from experts – from sleep coaches to pediatric dentists – to deal with these crazy little people we call our children. Each session is 45 minutes long, with 30 minutes devoted to hearing from the expert speaker and 15 minutes for questions. All sessions are included in Open Play admission (which begins at $5).
To learn more, visit thelittlevillagemn.com/speaker-series.
Teen Game Night
3-4:30 p.m. - Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Ave. S., Cottage Grove
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to play video games, board games, study, and hang out in the large meeting room after school. Games will be provided. Bring your friends and come have fun.
Wednesday, April 17
Free Paper Shredding Event
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury
Documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. These events are free and open to residents and businesses.
Drop-off procedures: Stay in your vehicle. Place items for drop-off in the trunk, rear of SUV, or cargo bed. Keep items you do not want us to take separate from items you are dropping off. Provide your zip code to the attendant. No driver’s license is required.
LinkedIn Basics Workshop (Online)
9:30–11 a.m. - www.MinnesotaWorks.net
Discover how to get the most out of using LinkedIn. Learn how to construct or improve your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise and find out how to effectively use the platform for marketing while getting one step closer to your next career. Topics include settings and privacy, profile info content, headline, summary, work experience, skills, and recommendations. To participate you must have a LinkedIn account. If you do not have one you will need to join at https://www.linkedin.com/
Registered participants will receive information on how to connect to the online workshop prior to the beginning of the event. Registration will take place on MinnesotaWorks.net. This is free to the public. For more information go to co.washington.mn.us/.
City Council Meeting (Special Open Meeting)
5 p.m. - River Oaks Golf Course & Banquet Center, 11099 Hwy 61, Cottage Grove
Meet your city council and see them at work for the city of Cottage Grove.
City Council Meeting (Regular Meeting)
7 p.m. - Council Chambers, 12800 E. Ravine Pkwy., Cottage Grove
Meet your city council and see them at work for the city of Cottage Grove.
Bingo! At the Muddy Cow
7 p.m. - Muddy Cow, 7350 Hardwood Ct. S., Cottage Grove
