Continuing Education
SPECIAL INTERESTS
ABRACADABRA – THE JOY OF MAGIC FOR NON-MAGICIANS
7 weeks Clifford Bruce
Magic can be a social asset in business, teaching, public speaking, and the ministry. The goal of this class is to prepare students to use magic to entertain friends, relatives and colleagues. This class is aimed at providing an introduction to magic as a performing art. Emphasis will be placed on performing magic with small objects. Some basic sleight-of-hand will be taught along with the fundamentals of misdirection and other important principles of magic. Some materials will be furnished by the instructor. Students will also be asked to obtain other materials as needed for class. The instructor, Cliff Bruce, has been a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians since 1952 and The Society of American Magicians since 1978. He is the author of several articles and papers on magic and has lectured before various magic groups on a variety of topics. He has taught magic and juggling for various schools and organizations. He operates the Prop Box Magic Company in Hudson Falls.
Class size limited to 15.
Starts 2/28
Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $35**
B109
ARE YOU READY TO BE A PUBLIC SPEAKER?
3 weeks Donna Kreis
Do you want to be a better public speaker? Do you find it hard to get up in front of a large crowd and be the center of attention? Are you in a position where you are required to make oral presentations? Would you like to polish your Public Speaking skills and gain confidence at the same time? Join this class and become comfortable being in the public limelight. You will learn tips that only the professionals know about! This is a wonderful opportunity to practice 3 speeches in front of a live audience and receive positive feedback! The instructor has been a member of Toastmasters International for 7 years and competes in statewide speech contests.
Starts 2/25
Monday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15**
D102
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE BEGINNER
4 weeks Zack Lynch
If you own a digital camera and don't use it, then come to this class, we'll show you how to Love it! This introductory course on Digital Photography and the Digital Camera will begin with learning to use your camera and understanding all of its complicated features. We'll also explore some techniques and practical uses such as photos for family events, Snap Shots and uses for the Internet, especially EBay. Step by step learn how to store and print your photos for all to see. The basic principles of photography and design are incorporated into every class to add a creative element throughout. At the end of this course, you will leave with a full understanding of your camera, the ability to take quality photos anywhere anytime and the knowledge of how to present them to an audience in several different formats. You MUST own a Digital Camera. Bring your batteries, wires, disks and manuals to each class. Instructor Zachary Lynch, has extensive knowledge of Digital Still Cameras and has worked with them since 1994. As a freelance graphic designer, he has worked for magazines such as Vanity Fair, GQ, Details and as a comic book colorist and photo editor. Currently he is the photographer for Saratoga Today as well as being published in numerous magazines and has just been nominated and accepted as a Sports Shooter (an elite organization consisting of only approximately 600 members – check out sportsshooter.com). A materials fee of $3 will be payable to instructor the first night of class. Class size limited to 10.
Session I: Monday, starts 3/3 or
Session 11: Tuesday, starts 3/4 or
Session III: Wednesday, Starts 3/5 or
Session IV: Thursday, starts 3/6
7-9 p.m. $25**
B114
EVENING MAH JONGG
7 weeks Barbara Bade
Looking for a game? Experienced players can get together once a week for an evening of Mah Jongg. Minimum of 4 players will be needed to start the group. We will use the 2008 National Mah Jongg League card. Please bring your own Mah Jongg set and 2008 card. $3 "Pie" each week. Any questions? Please call Barbara at 584-3495.
Starts 3/13
Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $10**
G127
FENG SHUI FOR BEGINNERS
4 weeks Brenda Jenks
Bring harmony and balance into your life by making changes in your environment. Learn how plants, lighting, furniture arrangement and other “cures” can change the flow of energy in your home, workplace or any area. You will need a notebook and a pencil.
Starts 3/11
Tuesday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $24 B105
FILM NOIR
4 weeks Rene Montenegro
This weekly course takes a look at this cinematic “mood” whose origins go back to the 1940’s. Film Noir was a style of black & white American films that became renowned in the post World War II era. Full length and/or clips of different themes will be shown preceded by a very short synopsis of each film. Themes explored include: Gumshoes, Femme Fatales, Prison, Crime and Corruption and Modern Age Film Noir. Bring Your Own Popcorn!
Starts 2/26
Tuesday 6:30-8:30 pm. $24 B111
GENEALOGY: GETTING STARTED
3 weeks Ruth Ann Messick
The ins and outs of getting started - taking what you know and going on - the location of resources and lots more! Bring everything you know about your family from Bibles, diaries, pictures, letters, etc.
Starts 3/3
Monday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $10 B103
INTRODUCTION TO AVIATION
3 weeks Jim Morzillo
This course will introduce to you the many facets of aviation. Whether you are interested in piloting your own aircraft on a holiday trip to Grandmas, sightseeing trips in the local area, soaring for hours without an engine, or just having a basic understanding of what is happening on the flight deck of a commercial jet, this course is for you! You will be introduced to various types of aviation, sources and costs of flight training, basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems, the national airspace system and flight planning. Also, you will become familiar with what it takes, in regards to training, cost and commitment, to become a pilot and what to look for when choosing a flight school and/or flight instructor.
Starts 2/28
Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $15 G129
MAH JONGG
7 weeks Barbara Bade
Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese tile game introduced to this country in the 1920's. The Game of Sparrows was first played by the ruling class of China, the Mandarins during the time of Confucius. Mah Jongg is played with a group of 4 people using a set of 152 decorated tiles and a card of standardized hands and rules. Much like Gin Rummy, but a lot more fun! Come with a friend or alone - and learn the game of Mah Jongg. Purchase of a 2008 Mah Jongg card will be necessary. Materials fee of $22.00 payable to instructor the first night of class which includes the 2008 Mah Jongg card ($7) and The Beginners Guide to American Mah Jongg Book ($14.95). New players and those who just want to brush-up welcome! (Please indicate if you are a new player on your registration form). For any questions, please call Barbara at 584-3495.
Starts 3/13
Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35 G127
PUBLIC SPEAKING
II: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
3 weeks
Donna Kreis
Do you want to practice your public speaking? Do you feel comfortable with public speaking, but would like to practice in front of a group? Do you want to practice impromptu speaking? Polish your public speaking skills and receive quality, positive, constructive criticism on three speeches. You will learn tips that only the professionals know about. The instructor has been a member of Toastmasters International for 7 years and competes in state-wide speech contests.
Starts 3/31
Monday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15**
D102
THE ART OF BECOMING AN EXCELLENT CONVERSATIONALIST
3 weeks Blossom Woodrow
This class teaches conversational skills, from A-Z, that will become a winsome social asset and a magnetic business tool. Instruction includes: how to initiate and maintain conversations with friends or strangers; how to be interesting so that others will enjoy your company; how to improve your listening skills; how to contribute to conversations outside your area of expertise; and much, much more. Blossom Woodrow, with her culturally diverse and international background, teaches conversational skills to individuals from all walks of life: doctors; attorneys; engineers; educators; students and entire families. Whether you’re out to breakfast with a client, lunch with the boss, dinner with a date, at a job interview or a party, one on one or in a group, you’ll learn how to be conversationally engaging with anyone, on any level, and at ease in any setting. This class is taught in a fun and relaxed atmosphere ~ you may come as a stranger, but will leave as a friend!
Starts 4/30
Wednesday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $15**
D201
WILLIAM'S WINE CLASS
3 weeks William Roach, AIWS
William's Wine Class will teach you what wine is, how to serve it, what to serve with it, how to choose from a restaurant wine list and how to choose wine in a store. Along the way, you'll learn which wines are made where, and why, and how to pronounce them. The first two classes will be classroom based with the third class being a practical wine tasting to familiarize students with different styles of wine and held at Putnam Wine on Broadway. William is the Fella in the Cella at Putnam Wine. He holds a Diploma in wine and spirits from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). This is the world's leading provider of professional training for the wine industry. Materials fee of $5 payable to instructor the first night of class. Class size limited to 20.
Starts 3/26
Wednesday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15**
B103
WOMEN IN FILM
4 weeks Rene Montenegro
This class will look at women in the film industry who have distinguished themselves as studio heads, producers, writers and directors. Films that illustrate women as leaders, advocates, and social change agents will be shown.
Starts 4/1
Tuesday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $24 B111
SPECIAL INTEREST SPECIALS
A GARDEN IN
CONSTANT BLOOM
One Night
Beverly VanNess
You too can have a three season garden by planning, using bulbs, annuals and with long blooming perennials. Join us and learn how!
Tuesday, April 8 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5**
B102
ADVENTURES IN GHOSTBUSTING!
One Night Brenda Jenks
Join us for first hand stories of real ghosts in the Saratoga area ~ learn all about “clearing” houses, lands and businesses of ghosts, negative thought forms, entities, etc. An enlightening look at the unseen world, how it affects us and what to do about it.
Thursday, March 13 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B104
BEFORE YOU GET YOUR DOG
One Night Kristina Gage
Presented by Kristina N. Gage, Certified Pet Dog Trainer and owner of SmartDog Dog Training, this class will provide you with important information to help you choose, prepare for and bring home a new dog. We will discuss adopting puppies, adolescent and adult dogs and choosing between mixed and pure breed dogs. You will also learn where to find your new dog and how to pick an individual dog that best fits your family. Finally, we will cover steps to take before you bring your new dog home, how to introduce your dog to the family and how to meet the needs of your new dog.
Tuesday, March 11 6:30-9:00 p.m. $7** B101
BOOM!
Two Nights Janet Ostrov
Join coach Janet Ostrov for a look at the new face of retirement and the ‘encore career’ phenomenon. This workshop is for “boomers” and others ready to plan the next exciting chapter of their lives, one that is fun, creative and meaningful. Bring a pen and a notebook, and leave your old beliefs about aging behind. Participants will receive a bibliography of life planning resources. Class size limited to 15.
Tuesday, February 26
and March 4 7:00-8:30 p.m. $10**
B103
CAREGIVING AT HOME - THE BALANCING ACT
One Night Eileen Dunn
There is no such thing as home, sweet nursing home! Most people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. But at one point, you or your parents will need some assistance to accomplish this. Every day, 25 million Americans provide care for loved ones. Most of these caregivers are working age adults and have full time jobs. This program is designed to help future caregivers and those currently providing care, to gain a better understanding of the community programs and services available and how to best utilize these services. You'll also learn the eligibility criteria’s for community and institutional Medicaid, how home care needs are determined and trends in the home health care industry affecting service delivery. You'll also receive tips on setting up home care and hiring care providers. Mrs. Dunn was a Hospital Discharge Planner for several years and also worked for the New York State Department of Health as Special Assistant to the Director of Medicaid Management. She assists professionals and individuals in understanding and designing long-term care programs.
Wednesday, April 2 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5**
B115
DO IT YOURSELF CRUISE PLANNING - AND SAVING
One Night Tracey Kubis
Have you dreamed of taking a cruise? You can! And, you can save money too! Let your next vacation involve waking up each morning in a different port, afternoons filled with exciting excursions and evenings enjoying a wonderful dinner, shows and more. Yes, the average person can book their own cruise trip and their own shore excursions - saving money along the way! Learn the game of cruising, and come out saving! The instructor has taken 9 cruises and has learned these tips from her own experience.
Wednesday, March 5 7:00-8:30 p.m. $5** B118
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY LAWN CARE
One Night Maureen McNamara Rice
If the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but you don’t want to pollute the waterways and kill wildlife with pesticides and herbicides (and risk exposure to cancer causing chemicals), this class is for you. Learn to care for your lawn as a steward of the earth – making your yard friendly to your children, grandchildren, birds, butterflies and, of course, you!
Monday, April 7 7:00-8:30 p.m. $5**
B108
EXPERIENCE THE YADDO GARDENS
One Night The Yaddo Garden Association
Peace, love and inspiration were the core of the creation of The Gardens at Yaddo. Come spend an evening and learn the history and mission of the Yaddo Gardens. We’ll discuss the design and ideas behind the creation of the Rose Garden and adjoining Rock Garden. Discover the beautiful Italian marble statues and the lower pond area with its “riot of Color”. Each participant will receive a complimentary pass for a Docent led Drop-In tour of the Yaddo Gardens in the 2008 summer season. Class size limited to 25
Wednesday, April 2 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5**
B104
EXPLORE THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL
Two Nights Elizabeth O’Leary
Trace the beginnings of the Champlain Canal in 1823 through to today’s use as leisure transportation. See how inland waterways changed many towns in our area into thriving industrial communities. Learn about Solomon Northup (Author of 12 Years a Slave) and how he was connected to the Champlain Canal. The second session of the class will consist of a Walking/Driving Tour. We will meet at the Old Fort House Museum and then go to Champlain Canal Lock Seven to see this working museum in action. We’ll walk along the towpath of the old canal ruins and over the stone arch bridge of the aqueduct with a stop by the historic State Street Burying Ground.
Wednesday, March 26 :30-8:30 p.m. $10** B101
GET GREEN
One Night Kristine Bellino
It’s not easy being green…or is it? The organizers of the Saratoga Environmental Expo (SEE) will share with you their knowledge about living a greener lifestyle and introduce you to environmentally-friendly resources available throughout Saratoga and Upstate New York. This class will empower those who know little about green living and enhance the knowledge and networking of those who know a lot. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own lifestyle choices in an effort to live a carbon-neutral lifestyle. You can be green without breaking the bank and this class will show you how!
Thursday, March 13 6:30-8:00 p.m. $5** B101
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
One Night Kristine Bellino
Changes are happening all over Saratoga. Would you like to take more of an active role than reading the newspaper and voting? If you want to get involved, but are not quite certain where to start or what interests you the most, this class will provide an introduction to the resources and community around you. There will be a guest speaker and class participants will have the opportunity to develop a community-wide project. Materials fee of $5 will be payable to instructor the night of class.
Thursday, March 27 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5** B101
GETTING PAID TO TALK: An Introduction to Professional Voice-acting
One Night David Bourgeois
Have you ever been told you have a great voice? This exciting class will explore numerous aspects of voice-over work for television, film, radio, books on tape, documentaries and the internet! We will cover all the basics, including how to prepare the all-important demo and how to be successful and earn great income in this exciting field. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and to hear examples of demos recorded by professional voice actors. Class participants will even have a chance to record a commercial script under the direction of our producer! This class is informative, lots of fun, and a great first step for anyone interested in voice-acting professionally.
Tuesday, March 25 6:30-9:00 p.m. $7** B111
HEY MAKE ME OVER!
One Night Lillie Bruce
Join Lillie and find the magic of wearing make-up so people will notice you and not your make-up. In this crash course I will show you different make-up techniques, from your every day look to that special evening glow, to suit your lifestyle. Learn the secrets of making someone look 10 years younger. Bring your make-up bags and a mirror with you ladies! I will give you the secrets to creating the celebrity look in your own home.
Wednesday, March 5 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5** G129
HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST BOOK PUBLISHED
One Night Katharine Sands
Stay out of the Rejection Pile and Get Into Print! Join us for an exciting event and learn how to get published! Noted literary agent Katharine Sands will guide you through a seven-step action plan to make your dream a reality. You will learn: * How to catch an agent's eye and stand out from the stacks on an editor's desk * Sure-fire techniques for creating a professional book proposal * In-class and at-home exercises aimed at developing fiction and nonfiction for publication: * How to practice your PitchCraft - strategy secrets for selling your book and story ideas * What publishers want from new writers * Expert advice on what would really make them want to publish you. For anyone who ever thought about writing, this class will give you a step-by-step action plan and sound a clarion call to write. Bonus: Bring writing samples for class for critique. Katharine Sands is a literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency. She represents a wide range of authors in a broad range of categories.
Thursday, April 10 6:30-9:30 p.m. $7**
B102
MAXIMIZING YOUR
POTENTIAL AS A PERFORMER
Two Nights
Joan Kosby/Paul Mercer
Many performers, no matter how accomplished, have areas where they feel limited. It may be vocal or instrumental problems, difficulty talking to an audience, or just plain stage fright. In this class, you’ll learn how to work creatively within your limitations. At the same time, you’ll build on your strengths and work to reduce problem areas. We’ll cover everything from phrasing and arranging to stage presence and choice of repertoire. You’ll find a supportive atmosphere to work on the techniques discussed in class and share the results with the group. This class is designed primarily for singers and musicians, but poets and actors are welcome as well! Class size limited to 15.
Wednesday, March 26
and April 2 7:00-9:00 p.m. $10** Library
ORGANIC GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS
One Night Maureen McNamara Rice
Your yard is a great place to “Help Save the Planet”. Find out what to do with those fall leaves! Discover how to prepare gardens/lawns for spring, pruning, putting the compost heap to bed. Learn easy techniques for lawn care, pest control, plant arrangement and more without resorting to expensive and environmentally damaging pesticides, herbicides and commercial fertilizers. Make your yard “bird and butterfly friendly” and a great place for kids! Come on,e come all, meet other enthusiastic gardeners and have a good time.
Tuesday, April 8 7:00-8:30 p.m. $5**
B108
PERENNIALS BY THE DOZEN
One Night Beverly VanNess
Perennials providing colorful blooms and beautiful foliage form the basis of a well planned landscape that recreates itself and evolves every year. This class will introduce you to a dozen of the easiest and most reliable perennial-flowering plants. Size of the garden, sun or shade, colors of plants and time you want to give, are some of the things you need to think about before starting a perennial garden. Preparation of beds, design, planting and maintenance will be included. Enjoy beautiful flowers from spring until the first frost of fall year after year. Join us!
Tuesday, March 18 7:00-9:00 p.m. $5** B103
PERFECT PARTY
PLANNING
One Night
Kristine Bellino
Planning what you hope to be a great holiday or birthday party or are you helping to organize a wedding? Bring your requirements and ideas and we will help you plan it from start to finish! We will cover the basics of organizing a party, introduce you to the latest trends in the Capital Region and provide helpful information for you to host that perfect party! Class includes a dinner buffet catered by a local restaurant. Join us for a sampling of desserts, party favours and gift baskets!
Wednesday, April 9 7:00-8:30 p.m. $5**
D102
THE HISTORY OF SARATOGA AND ITS SPRINGS
Two Nights Charlie Kuenzel/Dave Patterson
Join us for this short classroom overview of the history and geology of Saratoga Springs. The unique mineral springs found in Saratoga had a profound effect on the early development of the city of Saratoga. We will discuss the many aspects of the early springs from bottling to medicinal usage. The second night of class will consist of a walking tour of the many springs in the city and will be scheduled at a time, with input from the participants, still to be determined. Class size limited to 25.
Thursday, April 3 7:00-9:00 p.m. $10**
B106
THINKING ABOUT SELF-PUBLISHING?
One Night Jim Russo
Maybe you’re thinking about writing a book, or maybe you have written a book, and now you’re wondering about the next step. This workshop will give you some new ideas about publishing. We will explore self-publishing as an option. We will discuss preparing your manuscript, working with a designer, subsidy publishing, print-on-demand publishing and forming your own publishing company.
Thursday, April 3 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5**
B105
TOOLS AND HANG UPS!
One Night Maura Millar
Tired of having those draperys, shelving and pictures lining your floors instead of your walls? Have the tools to hang them, but just don’t know how? Empower yourself with a hands-on “tool school”. This is an intro class to learn how to use those basic tools in that toolbox. Also learn simple and savvy design tips as well as the art of wall hangings! You will now be able to call yourself a “Do-It-Yourselfer!”
Tuesday, March 4 6:30-9:00 p.m. $7**
B101
UNDERSTANDING THE LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE & MEDICARE SYSTEMS
One Night Eileen Dunn
Would you go to your cardiologist to have brain surgery? Of course not! This class is designed to teach people that long-term care is much more than a financial or legal concern, it's a health care concern. Many professionals are advising clients about long-term care when, in fact, they have absolutely no experience in the long-term health care system. It's important to understand this system before deciding if you need to insure for it. Learn from a practicing geriatric care manager how the long-term health care system overlaps with the financial and legal world, but will permanently remain a health care concern that requires advice from a health care professional. Learn the difference between Medicare and Medicaid from a clinical and home care perspective, as well as the eligibility criteria for these programs. You'll also learn why so many people buy more long-term care insurance than they actually need and receive a list of criteria to use when evaluating a plan or professional advisor. You'll also learn how the nursing home reimbursement system works. Mrs. Dunn was a Hospital Discharge Planner for several years and also worked for the New York State department of Health as Special Assistant to the Director of Medicaid Management. She assists professionals and individuals understand and design long-term care programs.
Monday, February 25 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5** B115
WALKING TOURS
OF THE SARATOGA SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOODS
One Night
Paul McCarty
Join us for a walking tour of the North Broadway and/or Union Avenue neighborhoods. Each tour will be $5. You will be notified of meeting location prior to the tour date.
Monday, April 28 (North Broadway) and/or
Monday, May 5 (Union Avenue)
4:30-6:30 p.m. $5** each