Valdosta State University > Continuing Education > Personal Enrichment

Excuse our confusion as we update our pages for Spring 2012 classes

Personal enrichment classes

For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page.

Creative Explorations
      The Joy of Singing
      “What If?” … Exploring Mixed Media
      Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People
        Nickel and Dime Design
      Waltz & West Coast Swing
      Drawing with Charcoal

Home & Garden
      All about Herbs
      Gardening with Perennials

Culinary
      Cake Decorating Basics
      Wine Tasting 101
      The Art of Japanese Cooking
      Beginner’s Guide to Coffee Cupping
      Celebrating Spring with Russian Blini

Languages
      Conversational French II
      Arabic for Beginners
      Italian for Travelers

Fitness
      Let’s Zumba!
      Common Sense Self-Defense
      Eating Disorders - Recognizing the Warning Signs

Tech After Dark
         Computer Boot Camp
         Introduction to Adobe Lightroom

              Computer Quick Shots
                       Creating Accessible Websites
                       Excel Charts and Graphs
                       Linking and Embedding Excel Objects
                       Using Merge in Microsoft Word

and for those on the go
      Online classes - these classes run all year long. Click here for a scedule of session dates.

Creative Explorations

“What If?” … Exploring Mixed Media

Take your creativity to a new level with mixed media! Discover how to combine traditionally distinct visual media to layer multiple visual perceptions in a single work. Explore strategies that combine drawing, painting, photography, found objects, printmaking, and other media in collages. For example, the collage format allows you to visually express the implications of serendipity, chance, and other characteristics of mixed materials.

Special note: A supplies list will be sent with your registration receipt. Fee does not include supplies.

      Dates:5 Thursdays, March 29 - April 26
      Time: 6 - 8:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor:David Rodgers (click here for instructor information)
      Fee:Early bird special $99; after March 26 - $109 (Fee does not include supplies.)

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Drawing with Charcoal

Unleash your inner artist! Learn how to draw still life settings and portraits with charcoal! Move beyond hand drawing techniques and discover the many ways you can manipulate charcoal on paper, cardboard, and linoleum to create beautiful and unique pieces of art. Be prepared to get your hands dirty while working with this messy but fun and versatile medium.

Special note: A supplies list will be sent with your registration receipt. Fee does not include supplies.

      Dates:5 Mondays, February 27 - March 26
      Time: 6 - 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Blair Lambert
      Fee:Early bird special $89; after February 22- $99 (Fee does not include supplies.)

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Nickel & Dime Design

Have a room that needs a facelift? Wondering where to begin and how much it will cost? If you are on a tight budget, this class is for you! Discover tips and techniques for pulling it all together to create a fabulous space! Start big with overall room space planning and work down to the details of how to turn some of your favorite memorabilia into original pieces of artwork!

Special note: Please bring several photos of your room to the first session.

      Dates:3 Mondays, April 16 - 30
      Time: 6 - 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor:Blair Lambert
      Fee:Early bird special $59; after April 11- $69

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Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People

Experience the joy of playing piano without years of weekly lessons! In just one enjoyable evening, learn enough secrets of the trade to make piano playing a part of your life by learning chords, not notes. Learn all the chords needed to play any song, any style, any key and get a healthy dose of insider secrets about how to embellish songs.

This is an absolutely beginning class in chord piano techniques. If you can find middle C and know the meaning of Every Good Boy Does Fine, you already know enough to enroll. If not, send a self-addressed stamped envelope for a helpful free pamphlet to Music Masters, 90 Molly Lane, Ringgold, GA 30736.

Special note: Instructor will collect $25 in class for a book and 68-minute practice CD.

      Dates: Wednesday, March 14
      Time: 6 - 9:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor:David Haynes
      Fee:Early bird special $59; after March 9 - $69 (Fee does not include supplies.)

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The Joy of Singing

Find your most natural and powerful voice and gain confidence in singing! Singing is a learned skill that can be improved. Explore vocal exercises designed to help you practice the basics of healthy voice technique - breathing, mechanics of vocal production, and resonance - all in a non-threatening atmosphere. Join us and discover the joy of singing!

Special note: Teachers - this class has been approved for 1 PLU.

      Dates: 7Wednesdays,February 8 - March 28
      Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Ronda Paoletti (click here for instructor information)
      Fee:Early bird special - $89; after March 9 - $99 (Teachers add $10 for PLU certificate.)

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Waltz & West Coast Swing

Looking for a cure for two left feet? Put your best foot forward in social dancing and learn the basics of traditional Waltz and contemporary West Coast Swing. In a fun and friendly atmosphere, practice technique, rhythm, and patterns to dance American-style Waltz and the 6 and 8 count patterns of West Coast Swing. Learn how to identify music that suits each of these popular dances. Couples and singles are welcome. (Wear smooth-soled shoes; preferably leather or jazz shoes; no sneakers, please.)

Couples registering and paying together receive $15 off the second person.

      Dates:5 Mondays, January 23 - February 20
      Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Jam Jenkins
      Fee:Early bird special - $69; after January 18 - $79

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In the Garden

Learning in Retirement members take either gardening class for the discounted price of $10 each.

All about Herbs

Herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano, and thyme add wonderful flavors to food. These edible varieties are a mainstay in most herb gardens. There also are many varieties of herbs grown for their aromatic or medicinal uses. Learn how to identify edible, aromatic, and medicinal herbs and explore the best techniques for growing and caring for them.

      Dates: Thursday, February 23
      Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Brandi Griffin
      Fee:Early Bird Special - $15; after February 20 - $20
               LIR Member Discounted Fee - $10

Gardening with Perennials

Plant perennials for permanent color in your garden! Perennials can save you time and money because, unlike annuals, you won’t have to replace them every season. Discover which perennials are well-suited to our South Georgia climate. Learn how to choose the right plants for your garden or yard and care for them to keep them healthy and beautiful.

      Dates: Thursday, March 22
      Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Brandi Griffin
      Fee:Early bird special - $15; after March 19- $20
              LIR Member Discounted Fee - $10

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Culinary

Multiple Class Discount!

Take any two of our three $39 culinary classes for $69.
Take all three of our $39 culinary classes for $99.

Cake Decorating Basics

The Art of Japanese Cooking

Wine Tasting 101

To receive discount pricing, you must register and pay for the classes together by the early registration date for your first class.
No other discounts apply.

Cake Decorating Basics

Do your layer cakes keep ending up lopsided? Learn to level, smooth, and stack cakes so they look perfect every time! Then practice piping techniques to make your cakes beautiful. Supplies are included. Everyone will go home with their own 6-inch decorated cake.

      Dates: Monday, February 27
      Time: 6 - 9 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Pam Vickers
      Fee:Early bird special - $39; after February 22 - $45
                   Click here for multiple culinary course discount information

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The Art of Japanese Cooking

Japanese cuisine is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Beauty is an essential ingredient in any Japanese meal. Discover Japanese culture and traditions as you learn how to make healthy, delicious, and beautiful Japanese dishes with ingredients that are readily available at local grocery stores and Asian markets. Come ready to sample!

Menu:

1) temari sushi (sushi balls)
2) vegetable kakiage (a kind of tempura: deep fried vegetables)
3) soba salad (buckwheat noodle salad)
4) hiya yakko (cold tofu)

      Dates: Thursday, March 22
      Time: 6 - 8:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Sugako Starling
      Fee:Early bird special - $39; after March 19 - $45
                   Click here for multiple culinary course discount information

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Wine Tasting 101

Discover select California wines as you explore the basics of wine tasting. You will be introduced to wine selection and the wine tasting ritual. Learn about elements of American wine history and suggestions for food pairing combinations with both red and white wines.

Register Early - Class is limited to 12.

      Dates: Wednesday, March 7
      Time: 6 - 8:30 PM
      Location:Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 1951 E Park Avenue, Valdosta
      Instructor: John Magnasco
      Fee:Early bird special - $39; after March 2 - $45
                   Click here for multiple culinary course discount information

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Celebrating Spring with Russian Blini

Chase away the winter blahs with blini! These Russian pancakes, stuffed with a variety of fillings, are traditionally eaten during the week of Masletnitsa to welcome spring and herald the beginning of Russian Orthodox Lent. Discover the fun and festivities surrounding one of Russia’s oldest holidays as you learn how to prepare this traditional dish. Enjoy a cup of Russian tea as you sample!

      Dates: Tuesday, February 21
      Time: 6 - 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Irina McClellan
      Fee:Early bird special - $29; after February 15 - $35

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Beginner’s Guide to Coffee Cupping

Did you know coffee cupping has many of the same steps and goals as wine tasting? Explore coffees from three different countries and “cup” each one to discover the unique aroma, flavor, acidity, and aftertaste. Your instructor will also brew the coffees using the traditional method of each country. Enjoy pastry from one of the countries with your coffee. (Class is limited to 12.)

      Dates: Saturday, March 31
      Time: 9 - 11 AM
      Location:The Beanery Roasting Co., 1009 Williams Street, Valdosta
      Instructor: Ellen Stevens
      Fee:Early bird special - $19; after March 28 - $25

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Languages

Conversational French II

Immerse yourself in the French language and culture as you follow a video adventure in Paris and the French countryside. In this engaging course, build fluency in day-to-day French for personal enjoyment, or to speak about everyday topics while on vacation or business trips abroad. This is a continuation of Conversational French. No text required. (1.2 CEU)

Prerequisites: Conversational French or equivalent basic French.

      Dates: 6 Tuesdays, March 20 - April 24
      Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Lisa Buie-Collard
      Fee: Early bird special - $89; after March 15 - $99

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Arabic for Beginners

Arabic belongs to the Afro-Asiatic family of languages with over 200 million speakers worldwide. Discover Arabic culture as you learn pronunciation and basic vocabulary in a stress-free environment. Practice greetings and practical vocabulary to communicate about everyday topics to friends, customers, business associates, and others. (1.2 CEU)

      Dates: 6 Thursdays, March 22 - April 26
      Time: 6:45 - 8:45 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Maria Hamalian
      Fee:Early bird special - $89; after March 19 - $99

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Italian for Travelers

Benvenuti alla bella lingua! Are you planning a business trip or vacation to Italy, or just want to learn Italian for personal enjoyment? Join us and learn the essentials of Italian. You will be introduced to the Italian alphabet, pronunciation, basic vocabulary elements, courtesy items, and key phrases you will need for shopping, dining, and more. No textbook required. (On the first night of class, your instructor will recommend several inexpensive Italian phrase books available from a variety of book stores and online booksellers.) (.75 CEU)

      Dates:Tuesdays & Thursdays (5 sessions), February 14 - 28
      Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: John Magnasco
      Fee:Early bird special - $69; after Feb 9 - $79

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Fitness

Let’s Zumba!

Looking for an energetic workout that anyone can do? Whether you are a beginner or advanced exerciser, come Zumba with us! This exciting fitness routine blends traditional dance steps with basic fitness moves - all to the beat of hot Latin dance rhythms. Zumba will get your heart pumping and increase your endurance as you burn fat. You’ll have so much fun, you won’t believe it’s exercise! (Bring a towel and water bottle to class.)

      Dates: 6 Tuesdays February 21 - March 27
     Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Cheryl Powell
      Fee: Early bird special - $59; after February 15 - $69

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Common Sense Self-Defense

Do you know what to do if you are confronted with an unarmed attacker? Most people panic and freeze. Don’t let this happen to you! Build self-confidence, mental focus, and self-control as you practice basic skills to defend yourself against common grabs, kicks, punches, chokes, and more.

      Dates: 6 Fridays, January 27 - March 2
     Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Percy Harris
      Fee: Early bird special - $79; after January 24 - $89

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Eating Disorders - Recognizing the Warning Signs

The media constantly bombards us with the message that thin is in! For some children, adolescents, and adults, the desire to be thin could lead to an eating disorder. Learn to recognize the warning signs of eating disorders and what to do if you suspect a teen, friend, peer, spouse, partner, or other loved one is suffering from an eating disorder. Find out what types of treatments and resources are available and more.

      Dates: Tuesday, March 20
     Time: 9 - 10:30 AM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Darren Moore
      Fee: Early bird special - $25; after March 15- $30

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Tech after Dark

	Look for this icon throughout the Continuing Education website for classes that are part of the Workplace Skills Certificate program. Click here for complete details.
	Look for this icon throughout the Continuing Education website for classes that are part of the Digital Photography Certificate program. Click here for complete details.

Introduction to Adobe Lightroom

Want to create the perfect look for the raw images you shoot? You can with Adobe Lightroom! Learn more precise white balance control, exposure modification, how to apply a variety of filters, and use sharpening and lens correction tools. Plus you will learn the basics of editing an image for publication; either online or print. (Some experience with digital photo editing software recommended.) (.6 CEU)

      Dates:3 Mondays, April 30 - May 7
     Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Bryan Garris
      Fee: Early bird special - $99; after April 25 - $109

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Computer Boot Camp

Increase your knowledge of your personal computer and begin to work more comfortably, efficiently, and independently at home or in the office. Learn computer vocabulary, parts and operations, basic word processing, and the Internet. Discover simple troubleshooting solutions for common computer malfunctions. This class is designed for beginners or those needing a refresher. (.6 CEU)

      Dates:3 Thursdays, March 15 - 29
     Time: 6 – 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Dennis Harris
      Fee: Early bird special - $59; after March 12- $69

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Computer Quick Shots

What are Quick Shots? These two-hour classes are designed to teach some of the special features of popular Microsoft applications and other topics in computer technology. We provide enough information to get started in these programs. For additional instruction, check out our online courses at www.valdosta.edu/conted.

Creating Accessible Websites

With the ever-increasing dependence on computer technology, it is vital that your message reaches all audiences. Discover what “accessibility” means and the types of barriers people with disabilities face when they encounter inaccessible websites. Explore the concept of Universal Design and learn how to make PDF, PowerPoint, and Word files accessible. You will also learn the benefits these enhancements create by increasing your business or organization’s connectivity to popular electronic devices. (.2 CEUs)

      Dates:Tuesday, March 20
     Time: 6– 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Michael McKinley
      Fee: Early bird special - $29; after March 15 - $35

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Excel Charts and Graphs

Heard the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words?” A simple Excel chart or graph can say more than a sheet full of numbers! Don’t leave your audience puzzling over a list or table of data. Learn how to create informative and attention-getting charts and graphs and get your message across at a glance. (Basic proficiency in Excel is recommended.). (.2 CEUs)

      Dates:Thursday, April 12
     Time: 6– 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Michael McKinley
      Fee: Early bird special - $29; after April 9- $35

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Linking and Embedding Excel Objects

Become a more efficient user of Excel! Learn to use data from an Excel spreadsheet without having to type it all over again. Discover the difference between linking and embedding objects and how you can use these features to import whole files into a PowerPoint slide or other document. (Basic proficiency in Excel is recommended.) (.2 CEUs)

      Dates:Thursday, April 26
     Time: 6– 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Michael McKinley
      Fee: Early bird special - $29; after April 23 - $35

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Using Merge in Microsoft Word

Mail merge in Microsoft Word is not just for making labels or envelopes for bulk mailings! Use the mail merge feature to create other documents, such as a form letter to be sent to many customers or clients. Begin with mail merge basics, and then apply your new skills to producing nametags, personalized letters, roster forms, and more. (Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is recommended.) (.2 CEUs)

      Dates:Thursday, April 19
     Time: 6– 8 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Julie Halter
      Fee: Early bird special - $29; after April 16 - $35

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