Grow your love of learning with exciting Community Education classes

A collage of April community education offerings at Casper College. (Casper College illustration)

“Grow your love of learning with exciting community education classes at Casper College,” said Zhanna Gallegos, community education coordinator at Casper College.

The month of April offers a bounty of fun and educational classes, including Wine and Cheese Pairing, Meet the Artist: Marla and The Stingers, Chinese Inspired Art, Advanced Long-Range Reloading, Disc Golf Distance Driving, Birding Technology, and more.

Taught by the staff of Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Wine and Cheese Pairing will allow participants to explore how different foods impact the taste of wine, according to Gallegos. Participants will also learn about mirroring or contrasting aromas, intensities, and flavors, and matching the weight of the wine to the richness of the food. All supplies are provided, and the class is for students 21 or older. A valid ID is required. Wine and Cheese Pairing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Music lovers will have a unique chance to discover the bassoon and contrabassoon in the class Meet the Artist: Marla and The Stingers. The class will include personal insights from the musicians on how they choose their instruments, what they love about them, the instrument’s construction, and the critical role of the reed in creating the instrument’s signature sound. Marla and The Stingers is offered in partnership with ARTCORE and will also feature musical excerpts from the upcoming ARTCORE concert, including Renaissance dances by Susato, Beatles favorites, and more. The class will take place on Tuesday, April 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

In Chinese Inspired Art, participants will create their own Chinese-inspired bookmark, card, or luggage tag. Taught by Judy Ridolfino, participants will learn traditional characters through simple guidelines as they explore this artistic tradition through basic drawings and calligraphy. Chinese Inspired Art is suitable for all skill levels, and brush pens will be provided. The class will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Toyon Wiggs will teach the art of loading cartridges for long-distance shooting in Advanced Long-Range Reloading. Basic reloading knowledge is essential, as students will explore topics such as measuring the rifle’s chamber with a specific projectile, annealing, brass preparation, cleaning, primer pocket reaming, resizing cases, and more. Everyone will finish with load development methods using a chronograph. Tools, reloading components, and a basic instruction manual are provided, but students are asked to bring bullets, 10-20 once-fired brass, and a rifle with the firing pins removed. “The instructor will help with pin removal at the beginning of class if needed,” said Gallegos. Students are asked to verify that the proper equipment is available for their chosen ammunition. Advanced Long-Range Reloading is for students aged 18 and older, and a valid ID is required. The class will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Disc Golf Distance Driving will show participants how to boost their disc golf game by improving their throwing distance through hands-on training and real-time coaching provided by instructor Arlin Bird. Students will practice a variety of grips, run-ups, and throwing techniques at the local field and learn the mechanics behind different throws and how to apply them in gameplay. “Disc Golf Distance Driving is perfect for beginners and intermediate players ready to level up outdoors,” said Bird. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Supplies are provided, but those with their own discs are encouraged to bring them. According to Bird, distance drivers, fairway drivers, putters, and approach discs are recommended. The three-week class will be held every Saturday, April 11 through 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Finally, learn the fun digital tools available for birding in Birding Technology. Instructor Kristen Cart will show students how to boost their birding experience by using digital tools such as eBird, Merlin, and BirdCast to identify, track, and document birds in the field. Students will learn how to upload photos and audio, explore species maps, use their own birding data effectively, and follow migration patterns to see birds at the most rewarding times and locations. The class will include two sessions and a field trip. Birding Technology will be held on Tuesday evenings, April 28 and May 5, from 5:30 to 7, and the field trip will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 7 to 10 a.m. Students are asked to bring charged smartphones, 300-400mm lens binoculars or cameras, and a laptop, if desired.

Community education offers noncredit courses for personal enrichment and lifelong learning for people 18 and older. Call 307-268-3401 or visit caspercollege.augusoft.net to learn more about community education classes.

At a Glance:

• Host: Casper College Community Education.
• Purpose: Noncredit courses for personal enrichment for individuals 18 and older.
• Featured Classes:
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: April 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m., ages 21+.
• Meet the Artist: Marla and The Stingers: April 7, 6:30–8 p.m.
• Chinese Inspired Art: April 11, 10 a.m.–noon.
• Advanced Long-Range Reloading: April 18–19, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Disc Golf Distance Driving: Saturdays, April 11–25, 10 a.m.–noon.
• Birding Technology: April 28, May 2 (field trip), and May 5.
• Registration: Call 307-268-3401 or visit caspercollege.augusoft.net