Continuing Education Course Offerings

Winter / spring 2012

Taste of Greece
From the island of Crete to the Parthenon in Athens and the rich farmlands in the region of Macedonia, Greek cuisine is engrained in ancient tastes and traditions. Koutouki Greek Cuisine will become the centre of the authentic Greek spirit as you enjoy a tour of the culinary regions of Greece through the delicious dishes of Chef Scordas. Culinary commentary will be provided throughout the evening as you engage in a diverse Greek experience.
Monday, February 27
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
$99 per person

French 101
Are you looking to refresh your French language skills for an upcoming job interview or prepare for a French language course? This personalized and interactive introductory course brings learning to life as you become comfortable with the French language in a variety of practical situations. Using a conversational approach, this course covers both written and spoken French and is for those looking to become more comfortable with the French language. Text is $30.
Thursdays, March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$175 per person

Conversational French
Leaving shortly for a holiday in France or Quebec? Need to keep up with the young ones in French immersion? Then this course is for you. You’ll have the opportunity to review vocabulary by theme, and use your French in action by teaming up with others and role-playing real-life scenarios. Discussion and active participation required. “Venez vous amusez et parlez français! “ This course is perfect for those who need a quick introduction to the French language for travel or enjoyment.
Thursdays, May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$125 per person

Understanding Judaism
If you’ve ever wondered about Judaism, the beliefs and traditions, this class is for you. This friendly, informal discussion is an introductory course that’s perfect for those who are curious about the Jewish community. You will explore the origins of Judaism and be provided with an understanding of Jewish traditions and the reasoning behind the Jewish system of faith.
Sundays, February 19, 26, March 4, 11
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
$75 per person 

Introduction to philosophy
Have you ever pondered the meaning of life or had a discussion about what beauty is? Learn the origins of philosophy as you’re introduced to philosophical thinking. This class will help you become familiar with thought-provoking issues and the methods of dealing with them..
Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$125 per person

Meditate your way to a better life
Have you tried to meditate and become frustrated by the busyness of your mind? There’s hope in finding what works best for you. Something different will be explored each evening from diverse practices such as yogic-guided relaxation of the five koshas (levels of consciousness); breathing exercises to induce relaxation and well-being; Buddhist vipassana; and modern brain wave entrainment through sound and right/left brain balancing. Each class will present historical information, theory and practice time. No previous meditation experience required.
Wednesdays,February 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28
7 to 9 p.m.
$125 per person

Detoxification for health
Do you suffer from headaches, fatigue, joint pain, allergy symptoms, insomnia, acne, arthritis, sinusitis, constipation or other vague symptoms? These may be signs that your body needs to detoxify. Discover how to effectively eliminate toxins through food choices and learning the key nutrients that fuel detox pathways with Tara Clapp, N.D.. Also, learn therapeutic techniques to rid yourself of chemicals, food additives, drug residues, and other toxins.
Monday, February 13
6 to 9 p.m.
$35 per person

Treating diabetes naturally

Diabetes is the fastest-growing health problem in Canada and more of us are at risk than ever before. This course will present a complete nutrition program, vitamin and herbal supplement protocols, and proven exercise and lifestyle changes for preventing, treating and even reversing diabetes. Learn how to integrate natural medicine with conventional treatment to decrease your dependence on medication. Learn the tools for helping you live a healthy and active life with Tara Clapp, N.D..
Monday, March 5
6 to 9 p.m.
$35 per person

Understanding tai chi and qigong
As medical research advances, the population is becoming less healthy and disease is on the rise. What can you do? Tai chi and qigong have been around for 5,000 years and are part of traditional Chinese medicine. Harvard University calls tai chi/qigong “medication in motion.” This series of classes will focus on tai chi/qigong history, theory and exercises that will help you to feel better.
Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16
10 a.m. to 12 noon
$60 per person

Hiking through Niagara’s history
Join Art Weaver as he guides you through some of the most historic areas of Niagara. Bring your camera as you hike through history.
$35 per person per hike

Battle of Queenston Heights
Follow the events where they actually took place during the pivotal Battle of Queenston Heights. You’ll learn the history of the abandoned Queenston quarries and limestone kilns while enjoying the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. You’ll become familiar with the area’s natural history, including Carolinian forests and karst landscapes.
Saturday, April 28
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Twelve Mile Creek valley and Reynoldsville ghost town
You will learn the relationship between Reynoldsville and the Power Glen hydro plant and see how this is a model of the industrial revolution. We will then visit Morningstar Mill and Decew Falls while hiking along the beautiful Beaverdams Gorge. You’ll also learn about the roles played by John Decew, Robert Hamilton and Laura Secord.
Saturday May 12
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Twenty Mile Creek valley and Glen Elgin ghost town
This hike will take you along the scenic Twenty Mile Creek. You’ll visit Ball’s Falls conservation area and learn all about the Glen Elgin ghost town, which was once a major industrial centre. Enjoy the well-preserved historical buildings and learn the role this town played in the War of 1812.
Saturday, May 26
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Forty Mile Creek valley and Beamer Point
This beautiful section of the Bruce Trail will lead us from the Niagara Escarpment to the base of the Forty Mile Creek. Following the creek up to Beamer Point is breathtaking, as are the views from the observation decks in the park. You’ll learn how Grimsby was settled by Butler’s Rangers and the key role the town played in the industrial development of Upper Canada.
Saturday, June 9
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mountain bike adventure
Entry-level mountain bikers will embark on an adventure that is guided by a cycling coach. The adventure begins with learning the fundamental skills necessary to safely navigate the local trail network. Next, you’ll climb and descend the escarpment, overcome obstacles such as roots, rocks and logs and learn shifting techniques to gain control over your bike. Trail application of the fundamentals will definitely entertain. This adventure course is action packed, sustainable and progressive.
Wednesdays, May 23, 30, June 7, 13
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$125 per person

Drumming for life
Life is rhythm. In this fun and exciting hands-on adventure, you’ll use a variety of drums and hand percussion, learn basic techniques, and explore cultural influences. You’ll experience the dynamics of community drumming, get in touch with your own life rhythms, and feel the surge of excitement in creating music. No prior experience necessary. Instruments will be supplied for classroom use. The only requirements are an open mind and willing hands.
Tuesdays, February 21, 28, March 6
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$75 per person

Learn the ukulele
Want to play some music at the next campfire or jam session that you attend, but don’t want to carry around a large instrument? The ukulele is a four-string instrument that’s becoming very popular in mainstream music and with music lovers looking to learn a new instrument. In this course, you’ll learn the theory and basics of playing the “uke”, such as picking and chords. You’ll be sharing your tune in no time. Please bring your own ukulele and your enthusiasm.
Tuesdays, March 20, 27, April 3
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$75 per person

Actor’s toolbox
Using a variety of skills from the actor’s toolbox, students will develop effective communication strategies, improve business and social skills, and build self-esteem and confidence for both the personal and professional arenas. In an atmosphere of fun and creative risk-taking, participants will use elements of drama to strengthen vocal techniques, explore role-playing and develop interpretive skills with text and scene work.
Tuesdays, May 15, 22, 29
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$99 per person

Delve into InDesign®
Is your print media working for you, or are you working for your print media? Learn how to make your print media work as you design and create cost-effective, professional-looking newsletters, brochures, cards, flyers, and posters in this fun and interactive course. Learn the tricks of the trade and much more from a professional graphic designer. Register early because this class always fills up.
Saturdays, February 18, 25, Marh 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
1 to 3:30 p.m.
$165 per person

Delving further into InDesign®
Would you like to bring your media to the next level? Using Adobe InDesign, design and create multiple-page publications, learn to better understand the new and exciting capabilities of InDesign, and become familiar with the use colour and typography techniques. Thursdays, April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
6:30 to 9 p.m.
$165 per person

Digital darkroom
Take a guided tour through the world of digital photography. This hands-on course will show you how to take an amazing photograph and then how to manipulate and correct your digital image just as if you were in the darkroom. Archie will show you how to improve the composition of your photos while Aldo will show you how to turn your photo into a masterpiece using Photoshop®. Whether you’re completely new to photography or have been snapping photos for years, this course will teach you how to create stunning images, add artistic effects and much more. Please bring either your DSLR or your point-and-shoot digital camera.
Mondays, February 27, March 5
7 to 9 p.m.
Saturdays, 17, 24, 31
10 a.m. to 12 noon
$150 per person

Fine art photography
Take your photographs to the next level and turn them into art. Expand your conceptions of what represents subject matter, find new sources of artistic inspiration, and learn how to better critique your own work and streamline your portfolio. Students will complete assignments and share and critique their work. Please bring a portfolio of 15 prints (any size) to the first class and a 35mm SLR – digital preferred (no point and shoot cameras please).
Mondays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14
7 to 9 p.m.
$150 per person

Sketching with pencil
Let your pencil come alive. This course is for novice, intermediate or experienced learners. Learning to look at objects will teach you how to draw. Each week, participants will learn a new sketching or learning exercise, and create a finished pencil drawing with a variety of subjects. Techniques of line, shading, proportions and positive and negative shapes will be discussed and applied. Sketching can provide a lifetime of enjoyment once you understand the fundamentals. Your pencil will become your favourite companion. Registrants must supply materials.
Mondays, April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
$125 per person

Microsoft bootcamp
This three-part workshop will explore the fundamentals of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You will learn basic operations when creating Word documents such as changing font settings and page formats; moving, copying and deleting text; creating tables; using styles, numbers and bullets; and working with lists. You’ll also learn how to manage date through Excel spreadsheets, including learning basic spreadsheet concepts; using formulas and functions; editing and formatting tools; and working with graphics and charts. Participants will explore basic functions such as creating and saving PowerPoint presentations, adding new slides, using templates, editing slides, working with graphics and clip art, and adding speaker notes.
Saturdays, April 21, 28, May 5
8 a.m. to 12 noon
$99 per person

Social networking
This introductory course provides an overview of social media: its history, theories and the principles behind online communication. Through hands-on demonstration of a variety of social media tools, including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, RSS, wikis and social bookmarking, you discover how these tools are shaping modern communication and how to incorporate them into everyday business and personal communications. Topics also include upcoming trends and predictions for what’s next in social media.
Saturday, April 21
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$99 per person

Vegetable gardening for beginners
Are you concerned about where and how your vegetables are grown? Growing your own vegetables close to home can be a relaxing and productive hobby that will tantalize your taste buds and calm any worries about food production. In this class, you’ll learn how to plan, prepare, plant and harvest your own vegetable garden for truly local produce.
Wednesday, May 2
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$35 per person

Public speaking like the pros
Are you looking to ace a big presentation at work or a speech at a social event? Speaking in public is a common source of stress for many people. Learn public-speaking techniques such as voice control and improvisation in a comfortable atmosphere with others who are keen to practise their newly developed skills. You’ll be speaking in public like a pro in no time.
Tuesday, February 21
6 to 9 p.m.
$35 per person

Making the most of your experience on a board of directors
Are you currently volunteering for or thinking of joining a board of directors? This course, led by a seasoned board volunteer, will help you to learn the questions to ask before joining a board, the types of board of directors and the critical roles within.
Saturday, March 3
9 a.m. to 12 noon
$50 per person

Controversial book club
Why are some books taken out of the educational system and others not? In the first sessions of this club, you’ll examine the social taboos that are present within the book Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence. Learn how and why society censors books while you discuss the works of authors who challenge values and beliefs. Acquiring the book is at the discretion of the participant.
Wednesdays, February 15, 22, 29
7 to 8:30 p.m.
$45 per person