ADVENTURES IN ETHNIC DRUMMING New Course! This course will be held in Daphne. Come explore your rhythm with this exciting and interactive group drumming class. You will smile, tap, laugh and shake like you never have before! This rhythmic adventure will carry you to exciting locations around the world. You will visit parts of Africa, Ireland, Cuba, South America and maybe even a few Middle Eastern countries as you explore a multitude of percussion instruments and rhythms from all over this amazing planet. Mon., 7-8pm, 7 weeks, Oct. 4-Nov. 15, tuition $32, David Hughes, 228-0204.
THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR – BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER New course! A unique perspective on our national tragedy, this course presents an overall historical re-evaluation of the Civil War. In three segments, we will explore the decades-long road to the secession and conflict; the strategies and tactics, the effectiveness, or lack of it, of the military and civilian leadership on each side, and what might have enabled the South to prevail; and the gross failure of Reconstruction and its long-term impact on the South. Tues., 6:30-8:30pm, 3 weeks, Sept. 28-Oct. 12, tuition $27, Jim Morris, 625-3346. Be sure to check out our related offering, Reel Life: History to Film – The Birth of a Nation.
AMERICAN WOMEN IN LITERATURE New Course! Students will read and discuss short fiction and non-fiction works that reveal the lives of American women as well as issues and ideas engaging them since Colonial times. Materials will be available from the instructor for a small fee. Please enroll early to get the selections and read them before the first class. Class size limited to 12. Thurs., 1-3pm, 3 weeks, Oct. 7-21, tuition $27, Brenda Huchingson, 650-2499.
THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT New Course! The course will be an overview of the Arts and Crafts Movement, beginning with its European origins and emphasizing distinctive American interpretations. The history and philosophy of the Movement will be discussed. Slides, objects, and other visuals will illustrate the houses, furniture, wallpapers and decorative objects designed during the period 1875-1920. Fairhope’s utopian beginnings strongly relate to the Arts and Crafts Movement, both philosophically and architecturally, and you will see examples of these works on our streets. Thurs., 10-noon, 4 weeks, Oct. 28-Nov. 18, tuition $36, Jean Lawrence, 716-3333.
BASIC AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) New Course! This course is helpful for medical, fire and police personnel as well as other workers who interact with the general public. The objective of this course is to introduce students to the language and culture of the deaf community by incorporating these elements: a textbook and study guide; DVDs of deaf individuals signing (to improve your receptive skills), and practice of new sign vocabulary in sentences (to improve your expressive skills). At the end of the course, you will introduce yourself to the class in a short presentation using ASL. There is a required text, A Basic Course in American Sign Language, by Tom Humphries, Carol Padden and Terrence J. O'Rourke, Second Edition, which you should purchase before the start of the course if possible. Buy the spiral-bound edition. Amazon.com has the book starting at $16.00 used. In addition, there is a study guide that is very helpful for practicing at home, A Basic Course in American Sign Language Study Guide, on Amazon.com starting at $3.83 used. Class size limited to 12. Mon., 1-3pm, 8 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov. 15, tuition $72, Robin Hutchison, 928-7077.
THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH: A SURVIVOR’S STORY New Course! Following the three month long Battle of Bataan in 1942, the Japanese forcibly transferred over 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war to their prison camps under grueling conditions. The unspeakable physical abuse and other atrocities that occurred on the trek and in the camps resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The episode was adjudicated as a Japanese war crime, for which the commanding general was executed. Col. Glenn Frazier, who ran away from his home in the Alabama farmlands to join the army at 16, was one of those who miraculously survived the 90 mile trek over six days and seven nights without food, water or sleep. He is one of the few still alive to tell the tale of the march and of the conditions POW’s experienced under his more than three years’ imprisonment, and tell it he did in his riveting book, Hell’s Guest. A candidate for the Congressional Medal of Honor and recently honored by General David Petraeus, his exploits during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines are the stuff of legend. On his own initiative, and with great courage, he improvised ingenious defenses that slowed the Japanese conquest of the Philippines and bought Australia time to prevent an invasion. Escaping imprisonment a month after the defeat of Japan and catching a train to Tokyo, he was present as events unfolded in the wake of the atomic bombs having rained down on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This course will cover the rise of Japanese designs on the entire Eastern Theatre of the war – the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand; Japan’s conquests and ultimate defeat; and the aftermath of the U.S. Occupation, including the role Gen. Douglas MacArthur played, for good or ill. Ken Burns, director of the PBS series, The War, in which Frazier appeared, said, “Glenn Frazier’s harrowing and heroic story is a constant reminder that the Second World War wasn't the ‘good war’ of our subsequent mythologizing, but the worst war ever, where young men from the heartland sacrificed their innocence, and often a whole lot more, to create the world we now enjoy. Frazier's experience is at once ironic, courageous, horrifying and ultimately redeeming, and he tells it as only an honest soldier can - straight from the heart.” Tues., 10-noon, 2 weeks, Oct.26 -Nov. 2, tuition $18. The instructor is Col. Glenn Frazier. To register, call Laurie Wiggins, 990-5555.
BEGINNING BRIDGE New Course! Bridge is a game to be enjoyed! Using the Easy Bridge® method of instruction, you will be on your way to winning bridge in a flash. We will use the required text and workbook, Easy Bridge 1: How to Bid, Play and Have Fun the Modern Way, for instruction. It also provides “homework” Q&A’s to reinforce what you learn in the classroom. If you play bridge already but have uncertainty about how to bid, you will overcome the bad habits that you might have acquired along the way and become the confident player you wish to be! The text is available at www.EasyBridge.com for $15 plus $2 shipping. Fri., 9:30-11:30am, 7 weeks, Oct. 8-Nov. 19, tuition $63, Janet Anderson, 990-5114.
BEGINNING GUITAR New Course! This course is offered in Point Clear. Students will learn the basics of guitar – the basic chords and music theory as it applies to the guitar, and one-note lyric playing. Introduction to fingerpicking is included. Students will need to bring a tunable acoustic guitar to class. Copying fee $2. Students must be 12 and over. Class size limited to 10. Wed., 12:30-1:30pm, 8 weeks, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, tuition $36,Mike Hutchison, 928-9826.
BEGINNNING HARMONICA New Course! This course is offered in Point Clear. This course will provide an in-depth study of the diatonic harmonica. We will concentrate on bending notes for country and blues styles, and on improvising and blending notes for playing in all styles. At the completion of the course, students will be able to play at an acceptable level. Students must bring a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of “C”. Copying fee $2. Students must be 12 and over. Class size limited to 10. Wed., 9-10am, 8 weeks, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, tuition $36, Mike Hutchison, 928-9826.
BLUEGRASS DOBRO OR SLIDE GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS Students will learn right and left hand techniques, chording and noting, reading tablature and tuning, and be able to recognize chording changes in music while playing in a group setting. You will also learn strum patterns, and how to change chords with different time signatures and patterns. A standard dobro, resophonic guitar or modified standard guitar is needed, as well as a slide and picks. Your instructor can advise how to modify a standard guitar. The required text is You Can Teach Yourself Dobro, by Mel Bay, $10.95. Class size is limited to 10. Thurs., 6:30-8pm, 8 weeks, Sept. 30-Nov. 18, tuition $54, Kim Jones, 463-1123.
BOOK BUYING, COLLECTING AND SELLING - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW An accelerated study of what books to buy and collect, how to identify first editions, how to appraise, research, insure and sell collectible and out of print books, and how to use the Internet to assist you. Bring one or two books for a free appraisal. Thurs., Nov. 18, 9-noon, tuition $14, Donna Esslinger, 923-6220.
CALLIGRAPHY Come join us for this four-week short course which will introduce you to the wonderful world of calligraphy. We will first introduce the beautiful “Italic” hand and provide all materials you will need to start practicing in class the very first day. You will receive many handouts with valuable tips and exemplars for not only Italic but also Bookhand, Black Letter (Old English), Uncial and Gothecized Italic hands. There is a supply fee of $15 for pens, nibs, ink, paper, pencils and handouts. Call early for instructor to order. Limited to 10 students. Sat., 10-noon, 4 weeks, Oct. 2-23, Tuition $36, Lorna Daniell, 633-4774.
CHINA PAINTING I and II This 8 week course is offered twice in Fairhope. Spread your wings, come and enjoy this ancient art form! We have a quick and easy approach for the beginner to the advanced. No experience needed - you do not have to paint a straight line. In our first class you will paint beautiful apples on an 8 inch plate, and as you progress you will create very special Christmas ornaments or other items you desire. Learn about this craft at our free demonstration. Supplies cost $25 unless you have your own. China firing fee $10. Come learn about this craft at our free demonstration on Mon., Sept. 27, 10-11am at Homestead Village. Tuition $108, Kirsten Bradley, 990-8234.
China Painting I Mon., 9-noon, 8 weeks, Oct. 4-Nov. 22.
China Painting II Wed., 9-noon, 8 weeks, Sept. 29-Nov. 17.
CHINA PAINTING III: This 5 week course is offered in Foley. During the course, we will paint a pear on an 8 inch plate, a Christmas ornament with holly, and at least two ornaments with texture or luster. Supplies cost $25 unless you have your own. China firing fee $5. Call 955-2873 to reserve a seat at our free demonstration on Fri., Sept. 24, 1-2pm, at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum, which will be displaying award-winning examples, including some by the instructor. Wed., 1-4pm, 5 weeks, Sept 29-Oct 27, tuition $68, Betty Somer, 955-2873.
CLASSICAL MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS, AND THE LIFE OF JOHANNES BRAHMS New Course! No matter what kind of music we listen to - symphony, chamber, opera, jazz, etc. - an understanding of the elements of music can greatly enhance our enjoyment. ESILL’s new music appreciation course explains how musical effects are achieved through the use of melody, pitch, tonality, rhythm, meter and form. For the benefit of those who attend performances of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO), we will highlight compositions featured on this year’s program. In addition, we will explore the life and times of Johannes Brahms and their effect on his music. MSO is also planning a special event for us. Students are invited to a behind-the-stage discussion with Scott Speck, conductor of the Symphony, and a guided tour of the beautifully restored Saenger Theatre before the start of the popular Beethoven and Blue Jeans concert on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 14. You are welcome to bring a friend. Call the Symphony at 432-2010 to purchase your concert tickets. Mon., 10-noon, 9 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov. 22, tuition $81, Vincentine Williams, 626-2712.
COMPUTER EMBROIDERY FOR BEGINNERS Students will study all aspects of machine embroidery. Designing, stabilizing designs for knits and other woven fabrics, and a host of other techniques will be covered. You must bring a computerized sewing machine with an embroidery unit. The instructor will provide a list of supplies. A $5 fee will cover printouts and designs. Thurs., 10-noon, 4 weeks, Oct. 7-28, tuition $36, Ruth Kelley, 621-3978.
COOKING WITH HERBS New Course! Learn how to use herbs to add flavor - not calories - to your favorite dishes. This is a hands-on course in which we will prepare and taste a main course and either an appetizer or dessert, including international dishes such as Thai green curry, pesto, hummus, even basil-lime cookies. All ingredients are available locally, and both meat and vegetarian recipe versions will be offered. The instructor will use some herbs grown in her garden, and will provide you tips for growing and storing your own. The course will be offered twice, with different recipes in each. Please let the instructor know if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, so that she can adjust the menu accordingly. Fee for the cost of ingredients $12. Limited to 10 students. Tuition $36, Sylvia Norton, 850-723-3509.
Cooking with Herbs I Wed., 10-noon, 4 weeks, Sept. 29-Oct. 20.
Cooking with Herbs II Wed., 10-noon, 4 weeks, Oct. 27-Nov. 17.
CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS New Course! Learn the basics of crocheting and how to read and interpret instructions. This class will cover making a slip knot, and all the stitches you need to know to get you started in this delightful craft. The instructor will provide a list of necessary supplies. Mon., 10-noon, 4 weeks, Sept. 27-Oct. 18, tuition $36, Rebecca Harmon, 990-0766.
ESTATE PLANNING Get all your questions about estate planning issues answered in just one class. This course will cover the basic planning principles, with an emphasis on reducing or avoiding estate, gift and generation-skipping taxes; the non-tax aspects of planning, including wills, trusts, and the probate process; the need to coordinate insurance and retirement assets; ways to avoid probate; methods of property transfer at death; durable powers of attorney and health care declarations, and more. In accordance with the Canon of Ethics of the Alabama Law Association, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Tues., Oct. 19, 5:30-8pm, tuition $12. The instructor is Sam Irby. To register, call Dot Bremer, 990-9651.
FINANCIAL PLANNING 101: TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR New Course!
Are you lost when it comes to putting together a financial plan? Don’t know enough to know how to start? Let this course give you the confidence to sit down with a financial advisor and give you the reassurance that you have all the bases covered. The instructor will give you the questions you should ask about the process that will be used to develop a comprehensive financial plan for you and your family; how that process incorporates your capacity as well as your ability to take risk; how the investment plan will be coordinated to meet your annual cash flow objectives; what happens to the management of your financial plan, investments and insurance if your financial advisor leaves the firm or goes on vacation; what safeguards are in place to insure your investments, and to protect them as well as your sensitive documents against fraudulent activities; what economic impact analysis has been done for you and your family in the event of an unforeseen disabling illness or premature death – and do you have enough insurance in place; are the proper estate planning documents in force, and what qualified legal advisor is recommended to evaluate that; how is the financial advisor compensated for these services (fees, commissions, or both); how is your plan monitored to insure it meets your current goals on an ongoing basis, and how is the advisor compensated for that service. Thurs., 6:30-8:30pm, 2 weeks, Sept. 30-Oct. 7, tuition $18, Greg Dorriety, 625-8885.
FINANCIAL PLANNING CASE STUDY: MEET THE SCHWARTZ’S New Course! Before you tackle developing a financial plan for yourself, it is helpful to practice on a case study. In this course you will develop a financial plan for a typical family facing real life situations that must be evaluated. Some or all of them may be familiar to you. Paul and Christine Schwartz are 50 and 45, respectively, and like many other Americans, find themselves labeled as among the “Sandwich Generation”. They are currently caring for both an aging parent and their children. They would like to retire 17 years from now but they estimate that Social Security will meet only 38% of their retirement income requirement and need an investment plan to make up the difference. They need to figure in that their two year old child will be starting college at just the point they want to retire, and they are currently providing 50% of the support for Paul’s mother, age 83. And what if catastrophic illness or death occurs? This is a hands-on course that will bring to mind all the factors that need to be considered for financial security. The
Financial Planning 101 course is a prerequisite.
Thurs., 6:30-8:30pm, 4 weeks, Oct. 14-Nov. 4, tuition $36, Greg Dorriety, 625-8885.
FOUNDATIONS OF DRAWING I This course will be based on Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Students will develop the five basic perceptual skills of realistic drawing: (1) the perception of edges, (2) the perception of spaces, (3) the perception of relationships, (4) the perception of lights and shadows, and (5) the perception of the whole, or gestalt. The required textbook is The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook: Guided Practice in the Five Basic Skills of Drawing by Betty Edwards. The instructor will provide a list of art supplies. Mon., 10-noon, 8 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov. 15, tuition $72, John Cleverdon, 928-2465.
GARDENING – BASICS, CONTAINER, SMALL SPACE AND HERB GARDENING So you have only a small yard with limited space for a garden? Planning, preparing the soil, taking care of and using greenery, flowers, and herbs in this small space can easily be done, if you know how. Learning methods will include presentation, discussion, demonstration and hands-on work. Information will be provided from research conducted at Auburn University and Alabama State University, the two land grant colleges in Alabama. Small copying fee. Tues., 10-noon, 3 weeks, Sept. 28-Oct. 12, tuition $27, Marylee Smith , 928-7519.
GENTLE CHAIR YOGA This course is for those who have limited mobility. It begins with students sitting in chairs practicing breath and posture techniques. We then move into gentle strength building and balance improving standing positions. At the end, we go to the floor for relaxation. You have the option to hold onto the wall or chair for support while standing, or to stay in the chair for relaxation instead of getting down on the floor. Bring a mat or ask the instructor about bringing one for you. Wed., 11:30am-12:30pm, 4 weeks, Oct. 6-27, tuition $18, Billie Reinhart, 379-4493.
THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC Music has mystified and challenged us for centuries, and even now no one has fully comprehended its power to affect us. This course will explore the ability of music to heal in many areas of our lives. Each class will include a lecture and a music experience, with time for discussion and questions. The primary emphasis for the four classes will be the cosmic nature of music - its role in creation; expanding consciousness through music; music as a healing agent for emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs; and music in survival. Suggestions for self-help will be offered. Bring a book of blank pages suitable for journaling. Wed., 9:30-11:30am, 4 weeks, Oct. 6-27, tuition $36, Ruth Skaggs, 626-3648.
HOLIDAY SILVER PENDANTAND EARRINGS WITH PRECIOUS METAL CLAY New Course!
A beautiful holiday-themed silver pendant and earrings will be made with precious metal clay. This product consists of an organic clay binder containing small particles of fine silver. It is shaped like clay, then fired in a kiln where clay binder burns away, leaving fine silver. We will make the pieces during the first class session, adding gemstones for sparkle, then after firing, students will finish and polish the pieces during the second session. No previous experience is required. You may view the result on our website,
www.ESILL.org, or in person at Bay Beads, where the course will be held. Materials fee $50.
Limited to 10 students. Fri., 1-3pm, 2 weeks, Nov. 5-12, tuition $18, Anita Rosenbaum, 929-3620.
INTRODUCTION TO ESSENTIAL OILS AND HEALING HERBS New course! Uplifting, purifying, energizing, and calming--the use of essential oils and herbs you can grow in your own garden or on the windowsill for medicine, emotional clearing, flavoring, and fragrance dates back thousands of years. Experience the best nature has to offer when you use essential oils or homegrown herbs for skin care, first aid, stress relief, and so much more. Tues., 6-8pm, 4 weeks, Sept. 28-Oct. 19, tuition $36, Angelica Jones, 895-7735.
INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND LANGUAGE OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
A fun, interactive introduction to Russian/Ukrainian history, language and culture. We will cover Russian history from the time of the Czars to the fall of the Soviet Union. Students will learn the Russian alphabet as an introduction to the Russian language, sample some of the region's cuisine (small fee) and become familiar with Russian/Ukrainian culture and traditions. Mon., 10-noon, 8 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov.15, tuition $72, Angelica Jones, 895-7735.
LA MER CHARM BRACELET New course! In this beginner course, we will explore using a new clay product to make a sea creature-inspired copper charm bracelet. Students will make two-sided charms with copper clay using special texture sheets of sea creatures. The charms will be fired in our kiln, a special green patina added, and sealed. We will then attach the charms to a copper chain, adding a mixture of crystal and copper beads for a beautiful finished charm bracelet. We will make the components in the first two classes and assemble them in the final class. You may view the bracelet on our website, www.ESILL.org, or in person at Bay Beads, where the classes will be held. Materials fee $40. Limited to 10 students. Tues., 1-3pm, 3 weeks, Oct.12-26, tuition $27, Anita Rosenbaum, 929-3620.
OUR ALABAMA CONSTITUTION Students will be provided with an understanding of the history, development, current status and reformation of Alabama’s 100 year old Constitution. This will be accomplished through presentations, discussion and debate. Wed., 10-noon, 3 weeks, Sept. 29-Oct. 13, tuition $27, Marylee Smith, 928-7519.
PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS® TECHNIQUES Students will be provided step-by-step instruction in how to use the powerful software tool, Adobe ®Photoshop Elements®, to organize, store and edit digital images. The class text is Adobe® Photoshop Elements® Classroom in a Book. No pre-requisite – beginners are welcome. Mon., 9:15am-12:15pm, 8 weeks, Oct. 4-Nov. 22, tuition $108, Gene Sellier, 597-7543.
REEL LIFE: HISTORY TO FILM New Course! Students will view D.W. Griffiths’ silent film masterpiece,
The Birth of a Nation, in two parts, and participate in an interactive lecture/discussion on how it depicts the history of the American Civil War and Reconstruction – and the way that the movie itself has affected history. While noted for its innovative camera techniques, its musical score and the masterful battle choreography that brought the art of cinematography to new heights, the movie provoked great controversy for promoting white supremacy and positively portraying the “knights” of the Ku Klux Klan as heroes. Of the first film ever shown at the White House, President Wilson famously said, “It is history writ with lightning”. Critic Eric Armstrong of
The Moving Arts Film Journal writes, “…..
The Birth of a Nation is as revered as it is reviled. Its unparalleled innovation and audacity, technically and narratively, coupled with its unprecedented cultural impact, makes it perhaps the single most important film ever made.”
Tues., 10-noon, 2 weeks, Nov. 9-16, tuition $18, Donna Esslinger, 923-6220. For those interested in the Civil War, see our related offering,
The American Civil War – Before, During and After.
SAVAGE PHOTOGRAPHY New Course! Understand your camera and learn to make better photographs in a fun and stimulating environment. The class is hands-on and an enjoyable way to see how your camera works. We will discuss what happens after you push the button, bringing an image to the computer and then seeing how to improve the digital capture. Enhancing photographs, email and printing will be demystified. We will look at photographs to improve our composition skills. Fun is guaranteed! Thurs., 6 weeks, Sept. 30-Nov. 4. Class hours are 10am-12:30pm, except on Oct. 14 the time is 11:15am-1:45pm. Tuition $68, Stephen Savage, 401-0008.
SERGER 101 New Course! End the frustrations of trying to conquer your sewing machine serger. This class will teach you all you need to thread, adjust tensions, and how to make necessary changes for two-thread, three-thread and four-thread sewing. Rolled hem, overlock stitch, flat lock stitch and reverse flat lock stitches will be taught. We will also cover how to maintain the necessary tools. Supply fee $5. Thurs., 1-3pm, 4 weeks, Oct. 7-28, tuition $36, Ruth Kelley, 621-3978.
SPANISH I - OR REVIEW New Course! This course is for beginners or anyone who wants a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of the Spanish language. More than just a language course, we will provide you ways of learning that highlight the rich variety of Hispanic cultures, and through comparison allow you to better understand your own culture and language. We will present grammar points in authentic situations that will enable you to speak conversational Spanish and interact successfully with the Hispanic community. Online resources will encourage you to continue learning. There will be a $5 copying fee. Bring a notebook or laptop (recommended but not required). Limited to 15 students. Tues., 12:45-2:15pm, 8 weeks, Sept. 28-Nov. 16, tuition $45, Ray Ables, 654-3274.
TEMARI - JAPANESE EMBROIDERED THREAD BALLS Using the ancient Japanese art of wrapping and stitching thread balls, create beautiful embroidered decorative items for display or gift giving. In addition to learning how to prepare the Temari for sewing, the following patterns will be taught: Spindle, Rose Garden, Interlocking Diamonds, and Chrysanthemum. Past participants are encouraged to return to learn a different ball division and additional patterns in accordance with their skill level. Supplies for four Temari balls cost $30, or past participants may bring their own supplies. Bring scissors. Limited to 8 students. Sat., 9am-noon, 4 dates, Oct. 23-Nov. 6, and Nov. 20, tuition $54, Blair Heald, 928-6939.
TO LIVE AND WRITE IN DIXIE - or Kansas, or Canada, or Kathmandu! New Course!
This course is offered in Spanish Fort and twice in Fairhope. This course will explore all aspects of environment - geographical, social and psychological - in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as setting as character in essays or short stories. Students will read and write personal essays or short stories examining the influence of place in creative writing.
Dixie I Fairhope, Mon., 2-4pm, 6 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov. 1, tuition $54, P.T. Paul, 625-3504.
Dixie II Fairhope, Tues., 2-4pm, 6 weeks, Sept. 28-Nov. 2, tuition $54, P.T. Paul, 625-3504.
Dixie III Spanish Fort, Thurs., 1:30-3:30pm, 6 weeks, Sept. 30-Nov. 4, tuition $54, P.T. Paul, 625-3504.
TRIBAL STYLE BELLYDANCE New Course! Take this exciting, unique opportunity to stay in shape while having fun celebrating the spirit, strength and beauty of women. Tribal style bellydance is improvisational, and influenced by Flamenco, Indian Kathak, Middle Eastern and American Modern dance. Learn the basics while receiving a low impact workout, toning your body, and developing grace. No prior dance experience necessary. Open to students of all ages. No matter what your body shape or size, age or level of fitness, you can learn to bellydance! Wed., 7-8pm, 8 weeks, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, tuition $36, Andrea Bassett-Walton, 391-4446.
UKULELE FOR BEGINNERS Learn basic ukulele skills such as tuning, simple chords, strumming and playing songs. Students will achieve skills to play several chords and different strums, all while playing many popular songs. No musical knowledge is required, just a willingness to have fun. If you do not own a ukulele, you will be advised on purchasing one. Limited to 15 students. Thurs., 7-8pm, 6 weeks, Sept. 30-Nov. 4, tuition $27, Larry Norris, 599-1743.
THE WAR ON TERROR New Course! This course will examine aspects of the Global War on Terror from several different perspectives: the nature of the radical Islamist threat; broad questions about the nature of the contemporary world; issues pertaining to American foreign/domestic policy that impact on the War on Terror; international issues that continue to impact us; the “crisis” within the Islamic world and what that means; and issues surrounding the charge by many on the ‘Left” that American foreign policy brought on 9/11. The required text, The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror, by Bernard Lewis will greatly enhance your understanding of the topic. It is available on Amazon.com for $11.16. It is suggested that you read it prior to the first class. Highly recommended but not required is the The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States which you can find at your local library. Mon., 10-noon, 8 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov. 15, tuition $72, Lou (“Dr. C”) Campomenosi, 626-2610.
WINDOWS® MOVIE AND DVD MAKER Students will learn how to turn digital pictures and movie segments into a single movie with titles, music, narration, and credits. [The instructor will advise you about converting print paper photos to digital, if needed.] The course also instructs students on the use of transitions and special effects. After completing the course, you will be able to turn your wedding, family, travel, instructional, or special event photos and videos into professional DVDs. The first classes will introduce students to the software, and the final two classes will focus on actual projects. Students may work on their own projects during the last two sessions if they have photos and/or movie segments. Bring a laptop if you have one, and blank DVDs and CDs. Limited to 8 students. Fri., 2-3pm, 6 weeks, Oct. 8-Nov. 12, tuition $27, Charles McInnis, 928-5809.
YOGA FOR FITNESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT Join us to learn yoga poses that will increase your flexibility and balance, and breathing techniques that will improve your health and calm the mind. Reduce stress and tension with these relaxation exercises. Bring a yoga mat and towel. Sign up for both sessions for the best results. Tuition $41, Christina Caprez, 928-9565.
Yoga I Mon., 9:15-10:45am, 6 weeks, Sept. 27-Nov. 1
Yoga II Mon., 9:15-10:45am, 6 weeks, Nov. 8-Dec. 13.
