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Personal enrichment classeS
For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page. Links to classes will become live as detailed information becomes available.
New classes are added periodically. Check back often and register early!
Classes for Two
Me & You Massage
Ballroom Dancing - Basic (Fall 2008 dates now open - 3 options available)
Languages
Beginning Conversational Sign Language
Conversational Sign Language - Level II
Food for Thought
Italian Cooking on the Light Side
Slice, Dice & Chop: Easy, Meatless Meals for Fall & Winter
The History and Geography of Coffee
Fats & Oils: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Food for Thought about Holiday Foods
The Great Outdoors
Fly Fishing 101
Advanced Fly Fishing
The Triathlon - Getting Started in Multisport
Artistic Explorations
Beginning Guitar
Stained Glass Basics
Parent & Child
Oh, You Beautifil Doll! Parent & Child Doll Making
Play it Safe! Parent & Child Internet Safety
Fly Fishing Fun for Parents and Kids
Home & Garden
Home Staging Tips & Techniques with the Ladies of RE/MAX
Do-It-Yourself Basic Car Maintenance
Gardening Series Lunch & Learns
The Art of Xeriscaping
Go "Green" in your Garden
Fall Planitng Tips
Tech After Dark
Using a Scanner to Convert Print to Digital
Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Elements
Fun & Easy Photo Repair
and for those on the go
Online classes
Italian Cooking on the Light Side
Traditional Italian meals prepared and eaten at home are typically light in both quantity and choice of ingredients. Snack on a simple veggie and cheese antipasto while John demonstrates the preparation of pasta with lemon sauce accompanied by a string bean dish. Come hungry!
Register early! Class size is limited to 8.
Dates: Thursday, October 23
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: John Magnasco
Fee: $29; after October 20 - $39
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Fats & Oils: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Make plans to attend and learn about the various sources of food fats and oils and how they may benefit or harm our health. Included in the seminar will be a discussion of fat types:
- Good fats: monos and polys
- Bad fats: saturated and trans
- Ugly fats: cholesterol
Find out what your cholesterol numbers mean. Learn how to balance taste appeal with health eating!
This seminar is presented by: Dr. Lynn R. Bell, RD/LD, Clinical Nutritionist with the Lowndes County Health Department
Dates: Thursday, October 9
Time: 6 – 7:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Lynn R Bell
Fee: $5; after October 6 – $10
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Food for Thought about Holiday Foods
Before you get too far into the holiday festivities, attend this evening seminar and learn how to keep those extra holiday calories away. Hints on how to calorically lighten up favorite recipes and how to mix physically fun activities with good food, good flavor and good people will be shared.
This seminar is presented by: Dr. Lynn R. Bell, RD/LD, Clinical Nutritionist with the Lowndes County Health Department
Dates: Thursday, December 11
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Lynn R Bell
Fee: $5; after December 8 – $10
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Slice, Dice & Chop: Easy, Meatless Meals for Fall & Winter
Ever thought, "I could never enjoy a meatless meal? It's too much work and couldn't possibly be satisfying." Well, come find out how easy, delicious AND satisfying a meatless meal can be. You'll learn how to make simple, nutritious soups, stews, chilis and casseroles. Why not see what meatless meals are all about in a fun and inviting atmosphere? Your arteries will love you for it!
Dates: Friday, November 7
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Suzanne Royce
Fee:$29; after November 4 - $39
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Basic Ballroom Dancing
Are you looking for a cure for two left feet? Then we have the class for you! Join instructor David Wiza and learn the basics of several popular dances, including the Swing, Foxtrot (Two-Step), and Waltz as you dance to old standards, country & western and popular music. David will also introduce you to the Shag, a variation of the Swing. Practice proper posture, leading, and following as you learn basic dance patterns and variations in a fun and energizing atmosphere. Singles are welcome, but we can’t guarantee a partner for you. Wear leather-soled shoes (no sneakers, please).
Couples registering and paying together will receive a $15 discount on the second person.
Basic Ballroom Dancing - Section A
Dates:8 Tuesdays, September 23 – November 11
Time: 7 PM – 9 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: David Wiza
Fee:$69; after September 18 - $79
Basic Ballroom Dancing - Section B
Time: 3PM – 5 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: David Wiza
Fee:$69; after September 19 - $79
Special LIR Member discount: $25 per couple; Section B only
Basic Ballroom Dancing - Section C
Dates: 8 Thursdays,, September 25– November 13Time: 6PM – 8 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: David Wiza
Fee:$69; after September 22 - $79
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Learn to play seasonal tunes and music favorites in time to entertain your friends at holiday gatherings. In this fun and stress-free class, you’ll find out how to tune your guitar and learn basic music reading, timing and basic chords. Participants must bring a standard guitar to class. The textbook for the class is Contemporary Class Guitar – Book 1 by Will Schmid. The cost ranges from $12 - $18 and is available from a variety of bookstores and online booksellers.
Date: 5 Tuesdays, October 14 – November 11
Time: 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Keith Johnson
Fee: $69 (book not included); after October 9 - $79
Dates: 5 Tuesdays, October 14 – November 11
Time: 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Keith Johnson
Fee:$69 (book not included); after October 9 - $79
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The History and Geography of Coffee
Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder when he noticed his goats became friskier after eating some mysterious red berries. He tried some of the berries himself and the rest, as they say, is history! Today, millions of people all over the world start their day with a steaming cup of coffee. Take a coffee break with us and learn about the history and geography of this popular beverage. Discover why coffee grows best in tropical climates and where the premiere coffee growing areas are located. Find out how differences in growing regions affect the flavor of coffee, making each type of coffee distinct to its specific region. Then take home two different half-pound coffee samples to enjoy!
Please note: Class is limited to 12 students. Register Early!
Time: 9AM – 11AM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Ellen Stevens
Fee:$25 (includes two half-pound coffee samples); after October 15 - $35
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Come learn a new skill and have fun discovering your artistic side! You’ll learn basic techniques for the design, construction, fabrication, and installation of stained glass panels, sun catchers, and three dimensional objects. Explore the vocabulary of stained glass, the elements of design, the materials for fabrication, the structural requirements for strength, the use of colors, textures and other elements of glass to create your own unique pieces of art. Don will be using the Tiffany glass (or copper foil) style of construction.
The cost of all supplies is $50 and can be purchased from the instructor on the first night of class.
You can view some of Don William’s work right here in Valdosta. Stop by the Hampton Inn beside the James H. Rainwater Conference Center to see Valdosta scenes depicted in stained glass, or check out the stained glass elf above the front door of the Country Cobbler shoe store on Gornto road!
Class size is limited to 12 students. Register now!
Dates: 4 Mondays, September 8 - September 29
Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: “Stained Glass by Don” 620 N Ashley Street
Instructor: Don Williams
Fee:$99; after September 3 - $109
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The Great Outdoors
Have you always wanted to fly fish, but didn’t know where to start? Let Alan Carter introduce you to the joy of fly fishing! During the first session, learn about fly reel set-up, what equipment to buy and how to install line on a fly rod. Discover what you need to know about your fishing environment and flies. Finish your first session with some yarn dry casting practice. Then it’s off to the fishing hole for your second session. Alan will help you to bring it all together with additional instruction and guided practice in the field. So grab a hat and a fly rod…Let’s go fly fishing! (Please note: Transportation not included.)
A valid Georgia fishing license is required for this class.
Dates: 2 Saturdays, September 20 & 27
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education (fishing location TBA)
Instructor: Alan Carter
Fee:$49; after September 17 - $59
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Advanced Fly Fishing
Want to kick your fly fishing prowess up a few notches? Join us for two mornings of hands-on fishing as Alan Carter provides advanced instruction and guided practice at the waters edge. Learn fly fishing terminology, knots, casting, and fly selection. Alan will cover balancing tippet to fly, windy day knot training and fly casting, the dry fly, the wet fly, streamers, bass and bream fly selection, and more. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, a sack lunch and your current fishing license and let’s go fishing! (Please note: Transportation not included.)
A valid Georgia fishing license is required for this class.
Dates: 2 Saturdays, October 11 & 18
Time: Session 1 - 9 AM – 1 PM;
Session 2 - 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education (fishing location TBA)
Instructor: Alan Carter
Fee:$59; after October 8 - $69
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Fly Fishing Fun for Parents and Kids
Let’s go fishing! Bring your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or grandchild and discover together the thrill of watching the fly dance across the water in search of that big catch. In a parent and kid friendly atmosphere, Alan will introduce you to fly fishing basics, understanding flies, and your fishing environment during the first session. Then put up your “Gone Fishing” sign and head off to the fishing hole in the second session of in-the-field instruction and guided practice. Bring a sack lunch and a camera to capture some special memories. (Please note: Transportation and lunch not included.)
A valid Georgia fishing license is required for participants age 16 and up.
Dates: Saturday, October 4
Time: 9AM – 3PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education (fishing location TBA)
Instructor: Alan Carter
Fee:$69 (per adult & child); after October 1 - $79
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In the Garden with Bobby Flowers... Fall Lunch & Learn Series
VSU Horticulturist Bobby Flowers will guide you through some of the ins and outs of gardening in South Georgia. All classes will be held in the Auditorium at VSU’s Regional Center for Continuing Education, 903 North Patterson Street.
The Art of Xeriscaping
Xeros is the Greek word for “dry”. Xeriscaping is the art of creating a beautiful landscape that conserves water and protects the environment. You’ll learn the principles of xeriscaping that will help you keep your landscape looking green without having to drag your water hose all over the yard. Discover how to choose the right plants and soil amendments to retain moisture needed for plant health.
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Fee: $19 (includes lunch); after September 3 - $24
Go "Green" in your Garden
Do you worry about the harm pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are doing to you and your yard? Why not go “green” in your garden? You CAN have a beautiful landscape without all the harmful chemicals. Come learn how to use what Mother Nature has used since the dawn of time to protect your landscape and keep it looking beautiful.
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Fee: $19 (includes lunch); after September 10 - $24
Fall Planitng Tips
Gardeners get the planting bug in spring. But don’t forget about fall! Come hear tips on how to have a great fall planting without breaking the bank. Learn what plants to grow to enhance your fall landscape.
Date: Tuesday, September 23
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Fee: $19 (includes lunch); after September 17 - $24
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The price for attending any of the Gadening Lunch & Learn programs without having lunch is $12.
Home Staging Tips & Techniques with the Ladies of RE/MAX
Is the “House for Sale” sign still sitting on your front lawn? Don’t know what to do to help sell your house faster and more profitably? Let the Ladies of RE/MAX show you how to transform your house into a welcoming, appealing and attractive piece of property. Learn techniques to simplify and beautify your living environment and put your house in move-in condition. Discover how to eliminate clutter, arrange furniture, and create a bigger, cleaner, brighter and warmer look to showcase your house and not the stuff in it!
Dates: Thursday, October 9
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Joan Kierce (with the Ladies of RE/MAX)
Fee:$29; after October 6 - $39
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Beginning Conversational Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL), the language used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons, is the third most widely used language in the United States. Now you have an opportunity to learn the basics. Learn the manual alphabet, basic signs, and common phrases. Practice conversational skills so that you can better communicate with your Deaf and Hard of Hearing friends, neighbors, co-workers, and customers! (1 CEU)
The textbook is American Sign Language Phrase Book by Lou Fant and is not included in the fee. The book may be purchased for approximately $14 through local or online bookstores.
Dates: 5 Thursdays, September 25 – October 23
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Erin Salmon
Fee:$69 (book not included); after September 22 - $79
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Conversational Sign Language - Level 2
[Prerequisite: Beginning Conversational Sign Language or equivalent]
Improve and enhance your foundational sign language skills and expand your ASL vocabulary. Increase your fluency and confidence in American Sign Language as you continue practicing conversational skills. Your instructor will conduct the class in American Sign Language. (1 CEU)
The textbook is American Sign Language Phrase Book by Lou Fant and is not included in the course fee. The book may be purchased for approximately $14 through local bookstores or online booksellers.
Dates: 5 Wednesdays, November 5 – December 10 (no class November 26)
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Instructor: Christia Williams
Fee: $69 (book not included); after October 31 - $79
Dates: 5 Wednesdays, November 5 – December 10 (no class November 26)
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Christia Williams
Fee:$69 (book not included); after October 31 - $79
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Treat yourself and a partner to a delightful experience! Join us and learn basic Therapeutic Swedish massage techniques to help alleviate stress and pain. Discover fun and effective hands-on techniques and experience the optimal body mechanics and quality of touch that will benefit you and your partner. Find out what massage therapy is and how stress affects the body. Learn the history, purpose and benefits of Swedish massage, full-body therapeutic massage routing and finishing touches, the efficient use of the massage table and where to find supplies. Don’t have room for a massage table? Donna will also discuss how to give a massage at home without a table. Each participant must bring their own pillow. (Please note: This class is for couples only.)
Register early to get into the session of your choice! Each class is limited to 5 couples.
All sessions of this course will be held at Mindful Massage and Bodyworks, 2229 E Park Avenue. Donna Garbett, LMT will be your instructor.
Session A
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Fee: $79 (per couple); after September 22 - $89
Session B
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 1PM – 5 PM
Fee: $79 (per couple); after October 22 - $89
Session C
Date: Thursday, November 20
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
Fee: $79 (per couple); after November 17 - $89
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Do-It-Yourself Basic Car Maintenance
Do you know how to check your oil, fuel filter, transmission fluid, or tire pressure in your automobile? If not, then this is the class for you. In this two hour seminar you’ll learn the ins and outs of minor car maintenance.
Dates: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Emmanuel Taylor
Fee:$19; after October 22 - $29
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The Triathlon - Getting Started in Multisport
Curious about Triathlon? Interested in learning more about becoming part of the multisport community? Join 18 year veteran triathlete Scot Raab for this informational session and discover what you need to know to get started. Scot will introduce you to the reasons why people get involved in triathlon and discuss equipment and training for the three legs of the race. Learn tips on how to prepare for and participate in a triathlon wisely and safely and understand the culminating physical effects of all three of the events.
Dates: Monday, September 29
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Scot Raab
Fee:$19; after September 24 - $29
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Play it Safe! Parent & Child Internet Safety
Does your child spend time chatting, blogging, and emailing on the Internet? There are lots of great learning and entertainment opportunities on the World Wide Web, but there are also risks and dangers. In this workshop, you and your child will learn how to safely use MySpace, one of the most popular social networking websites used by millions of children around the world. You’ll also learn some rules of “netiquette” (proper online behavior and courtesy). Register early! Class size is limited to 8 parent & child pairs.
Session A
Dates: Monday, September 29
Time: 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Eric Mathis
Fee:$19; after September 24 - $24
Session B
Dates: Monday, October 20
Time: 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Eric Mathis
Fee:$19; after October 15 - $24
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Oh, You Beautifil Doll! Parent & Child Doll Making
What do you get when you mix a grownup, a child, a little creativity, and some fabric, yarn, ribbon and glue? You get a fun-filled morning of cloth doll-making, of course! Each adult and child pair will learn to make a dainty pipe cleaner doll and a cuddly mop doll out of simple, inexpensive materials.
Dates: Saturday, September 27
Time: 9 AM – 12PM
Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
Instructor: Sherlyn Freeman
Fee:$39 (includes supplies for two dolls); after September 24 - $49
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