Valdosta State University > Continuing Education > Personal Enrichment

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.

Artistic Explorations
      arrowStained Glass Art - Now 6 weeks!
      arrowPainting with Oils
      arrowCreative Drawing - NEW!


Classes for Two
      arrowMassage For Two

Culinary
      arrowCoffee Cupping
      arrowWhole Grains
      arrowHappy Holiday Fare - NEW!

Home & Garden

Lunch Break Gardening Series
      arrowWinterize Your Landscape
      arrowRain Gardening
      arrowBobby’s Picks for Perennials & Annuals

Languages
      arrowConversational Spanish
      arrowConversational French
      arrowBeginning Sign Language

Music and Dance
      arrowSwing Into Social Dancing
      arrowLatin Dance Sampler - NEW!


Exercise and the Great Outdoors
      arrowKickboxing for Heart Health - NEW!
      arrowFly Fishing, Southern Style
      arrowAdventures in Camping - NEW!

Tech After Dark -



and for those on the go
      arrowOnline classes



Creative Drawing New course symbol

Bring out your inner artist! Learn terms and techniques while you discover creative approaches to drawing. Find out about value, line, proportion, shape, and more to create your own still life work of art. You will need to purchase your supplies before the first night of class:

  • · Set of drawing pencils
  • · Pink school eraser
  • · 9 X 12 or larger drawing paper or sketch pad (no newsprint).

      Dates: 5 Wednesdays, September 23 - October 21
      Time: 6 – 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Rachel Brown
      Fee: Fee: $69 (supplies not included); after September 18 - $79

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Painting with Oils

Uncover your artistic side! Let Geri Backus take you step by step through the creation of your own masterpiece in oils. For this class, all students will be painting the same subject so they can concentrate on technique and style. All supplies used in class including brushes, paints, canvases, and cleaners are included. Bring a flat box, approximately 16” by 24” to transport your painting.

Register Early! Class is limited to 15 students.

      Dates: 5 Thursdays, September 17 - October 15
      Time: 6 – 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Geri Backus
      Fee: $89 (supplies included); after September 14 - $999

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Happy Holiday Fare New course symbol

Entertaining is an important part of the holiday season. Let us help you ad festive fun and flavor to your holiday table! Learn how to prepare a delicious breakfast or brunch casserole that will have your guests asking for the recipe. While the casserole is in the oven, find out how to create a decorative AND edible table centerpiece and more! Come ready to sample!

      Dates: Friday, November 6
      Time: 6 – 9 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Laurie Colbert
      Fee: $39; after November 3 - $49

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Whole Grain Goodies

Take advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer! Learn tasty ways to prepare hearty, whole-grain dishes your family will love. Explore modern and ancient grains and discover how easy it is to make them  a delicious part of your diet. Come ready to sample!

      Dates: Friday, October 23
      Time: 6 – 9 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Suzanne Royce
      Fee: $39; after October 20 - $49

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Coffee Cupping Goes Organic

Something new is brewing at The Beanery! Learn the art of coffee cupping with three different organic coffees. Discover how to observe and evaluate each coffee’s essential flavor traits and aromas. Then practice your new skills as you explore changes in the way these coffees taste when paired with a variety of foods.

Register early! Class size is limited to 12.

      Dates: Saturday, November 7
      Time: 9 - 11 AM
      Location: The Beanery, 1009 Williams Street
      Instructor: Ellen Stevens
      Fee: $19; after November 4 - $29

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Swing Into Social Dancing

Put your best foot forward in social and ballroom dancing! Learn the basics of several popular dances in a fun and friendly learning environment. Practice proper posture, leading, and following as you learn basic dance patterns and variations including the Swing, Foxtrot (Two-Step), Waltz, and Shag. Discover the fun of ballroom and get some great exercise as you dance to old standards, country and western, and popular music. 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.

      Dates: 8 Thursdays, September 24 – November 12, 2009
      Time: 7 PM – 9 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: David Wiza
      Fee: $69; after September 21 - $79
 


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Latin Dance Sampler New course symbol

Latin dancing is hot, hot, hot!  Get your body moving with a great aerobic workout while you learn to sizzle on the dance floor! In this fun, upbeat class, you will be introduced to the salsa, merengue, cha cha cha and bachata, and touch on the cumbia.

Couples registering and paying together will receive a $15 discount on the second person.

      Dates: 5 Tuesdays, September 1- 29
      Time: 7:30 - 9 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Ellen Friedrich 
      Fee: $59; after August 27 - $69
 


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Stained Glass Basics 

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.

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!

The cost of all supplies is $50 and can be purchased from the instructor on the first night of class.

Extended format - now 6 weeks!

Class size is limited to 12 students. Register now
!

      Dates: 6 Mondays, October 26 - November 30, 2009
      Time: 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
      Location: “Stained Glass by Don”  620 N Ashley Street
      Instructor: Don Williams
      Fee: $149 (supplies not included); after October 22 - $159

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Fly Fishing, Southern Style  

Broaden your fishing skills as you discover the joys of fly fishing, Southern style! Learn how to set up your rod and reel and choose the right fly line. Discover when to use dry and wet flies. Develop casting skills, find out about the benefits of indicator fishing, and more. Then head to the fishing hole for instruction and practice in the field. Apply your new skills and learn some advanced techniques.

Valid fishing license required for ages 16 & up.       

  • · Beginners & experienced anglers welcome!
  • · Must be 8 years or older
  • · Ages 8 - 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • · Please bring a sack lunch
  • · Equipment list and waiver will be mailed with your receipt.

      Dates: Saturday, September 26
      Time: 9 AM - 3 PM (lunch and gear not included)
      Location: TBA
      Instructor: Alan Carter  
      Fee:$49; after September 23 - $59 (lunch and gear not included) 

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Adventures in Camping  New course symbol

Is the economy taking a toll on your vacation budget? Try camping, an exciting and inexpensive alternative to resorts and hotels. In this interactive program, you will learn how to select a park and campsite, set up your tent, choose and use your lantern and stove, camping safety, and more.

Once your campsite is set up, you will be hungry. Well, move over beans and wieners! Discover how to prepare and cook some easy and delicious dishes you never thought possible over a camp stove or fire. Please bring a bottle of water, lawn chair, and paper and pencil to take notes.

      Dates: Saturday, September 19     
      Time: 9:00 AM - 12 PM
      Location: Grand Bay Picnic Area
      Instructor: Alan Carter    
      Fee:$29; after September 16 - $39


Languages

Conversational French

Learn basic conversational French in an informal and relaxed atmosphere while using photographs, the Internet, and music to immerse yourself in French culture. You’ll focus on conversation for the traveler so you can communicate with native speakers about dining, sight-seeing, traveling and more. No textbook required. Handouts will be provided. (1.2 CEU)

      Dates: 6 Tuesdays, October 6 - November 10
      Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Lisa Buie-Collard
      Fee:$69; after October 1 - $79

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Beginning Sign Language

Come learn the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), the language used by Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons. This is the third most widely used language in the United States. You’ll learn about Deaf culture as you practice the manual alphabet, basic signs, and common phrases. Build your 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 Wednesdays, October 7 - November 4
      Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Erin Salmon
      Fee:$69 (book not included); after March 19 - $79

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Conversational Spanish

Develop your Spanish language skills through conversation and listening. You’ll focus on communication skills: understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Learn common words and phrases, sentence structure, and how to ask and answer basic questions in a fun and stress-free atmosphere. No textbook required. Handouts will be provided. (1.2 CEU)

      Dates:6 Mondays, September 21 - October 26
      Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Laci Medeiros
      Fee:$69; after September 16 - $79

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In the Garden with Bobby Flowers... Fall Lunch Break 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 at VSU’s Regional Center for Continuing Education, 903 North Patterson Street.

      
Winterize your Landscape

Even in South Georgia, your garden needs to be prepared for winter’s chill and help ensure it will be healthy come spring. Find out what to do to put your landscape to bed for the winter. You’ll learn about proper pruning, fertilizing, and application of herbicides.

      Dates:Tuesday, September 22 
      Time: 11:30 AM - 1 PM
      Fee:$19 (includes lunch); after  September 17 - $25


Rain Gardening

Discover how simple it is to create and maintain a rain garden that is beautiful, economical, and helps the environment. A rain garden locks rainwater into the ground, keeps nutrients in your soil, and helps stop polluted runoff from finding its way into storm drains where it runs into streams and water supplies. Rain gardens also save time and money by reducing the amount of watering you have to do. Even in a drought, your garden can look fantastic!          

      Dates:Tuesday, September 29
      Time: 11:30 AM - 1 PM
      Fee:$19 (includes lunch); after  September 17 - $25    


Bobby's Picks for Perennials and Annuals

Looking for the right plants for your garden and landscape? Look no further! Bobby shares his best picks for beautiful perennials and annuals that are well-suited to our South Georgia climate.

      Dates:Tuesday, October 6
      Time: 11:30 AM - 1 PM
      Fee:$19 (includes lunch); after  September 17 - $25  

Take all three gardening classes for a special price - $50 (includes lunch)

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The price for attending any of the Gardening Lunch & Learn programs without having lunch is $12.


Massage For Two

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. Class is limited to 5 couples.)

Register early - class is limited to 5 couples.

      Dates:Saturday, October 24
      Time: 2 - 4 PM
      Location: Mindful Massage and Bodyworks, 2229 E Park Avenue
      Instructor: Donna Garbett, LMT
      Fee: $59 (per couple); after  October 21 - $69

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Kickboxing for Heart Health New course symbol

Tired of the same old fitness routines? Energize your workout  with cardio kickboxing! Learn the fundamental kicks, punches, and jabs while increasing your stamina, strength, and flexibility and building self-confidence and respect for others in this fun and fast-paced class. Get moving and feel great! (Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Athletic shoes are recommended.)

      Dates:6 Tuesdays, October 6 – November 10
      Time: 6:30 – 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Cheryl Powell
      Fee: $69; after October 1 - $79

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