Community Ed offers engaging classes for July
Community Education at Casper College offers exciting classes throughout July, including Woodworking Warriors, Signing for Babies, Healing Through Reflexology, Espresso Explained, Dance Vibrations, We be Jammin,’ and more, according to Zhanna Gallegos.
“One of the excuses for not trying new things is ‘I never have time!’ Take advantage of summer’s longer days to learn something new and expand your horizons,” noted Gallegos, community education coordinator.
Woodworking Warriors will allow students to get crafty as they create their own small project using the basics of woodworking. Students will learn the terminology that simplifies woodworking processes and techniques, how to sharpen and prepare tools and leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation at the end of class. Previous woodworking experience and knowledge of safely operating the equipment and machinery are required. Tools are provided for student use for the duration of the class. Instructor Nick Carter will explain wood materials and project recommendations in the first class. Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-noon July 10 through Aug. 9.
A unique class, Signing For Babies, will be offered on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m., July 11 through Aug. 15. The class will teach basic sign language that will aid parents and caregivers in communicating with babies and toddlers. Sign language can be learned at any age and … “boosts brain development, promotes social interactions, and encourages babies to communicate. Sign language aids parents in understanding what their baby is trying to say,” said instructor Chelsea Elertson. According to Elertson, the class is suited for parents, babysitters, and other adults who interact with babies and toddlers. No prior experience is required.
“Physicians agree that a majority of health problems are stress-related,” said Healing Through Reflexology instructor Laura Johnson. Johnson will teach students how reflexology can relieve stress and other physical symptoms and improve well-being, including how to self-treat their hands and feet to increase circulation, balance the nervous system, and achieve equilibrium. Students will also learn about the history of reflexology and how reflexology differs from massage. The class will be held on Thursday, July 13 and 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Coffee lovers are invited to deepen their knowledge of coffee and discover what brew method is right for them during the class Espresso Explained. Taught by the Cascade Coffee Shop staff, participants will learn about coffee history, the different types of roast, and specialty flavors. “Students will examine the equipment used in creating caffeinated delights and try their hand at making espresso drinks and basic lattes while they learn to understand and appreciate coffee more and use coffee lingo confidently,” said Gallegos. Expresso Explained will take place on Friday, July 14, from 6-8:30 p.m.
Move, sway, and sync as you express yourself through dance in the Dance Vibrations class. The course, which will be taught on Monday from 7-8 p.m. July 17 through Aug. 7, will be led by Julie Oliver. Oliver will start with an introduction to dance, effective warm-ups, and basic movements in various styles. “Students will learn how to keep time, develop inner rhythm, and dance with joy as they practice correct dance techniques and gain confidence with styles such as line dancing, social dancing, tap, and more,” said Oliver. Prior experience is not required for Dance Vibrations, which is intended for people with complete or partial hearing loss. An interpreter will also be available during the class.
Instructor Lucinda Canchola will show students how to make the best fruit jams using simple, all-natural ingredients in We be Jammin.’ Participants will learn how to prepare jam using water baths and steam canners. We be Jammin’ will be held on Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Participants are asked to bring new jelly jars with lids and rings, sugar, fruit, and pectin. According to Canchola, students should just peek inside their box of pectin to see how much fruit to bring.
Community education offers noncredit courses for personal enrichment and lifelong learning for people 16 and older. To sign up or for more information on any of these classes, click here or call 307-268-3401.