Newtown Continuing Education has limited openings available in some of its upcoming classes, including a few later this week. Contact Newtown Continuing Education at 203-426-1787 for further information or to express interest in a program.newtowncontinuinged.org.Sewing Machine Basics - A three-class course from 6 to 8 pm starting Thursday, March 24, $79.Basic Zentangle Techniques - A one-session course from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, March 24, $29.Hand Painted Furniture - A six-class course from 6:30 to 8:30 pm starting Thursday, March 24, $99. Shelley Lowell, published and award-winning artist and graphic designer, will teach students how to take an old piece of furniture and turn it into a family treasure. Students will work in class and at home on a small plant stool, which will be supplied by the instructor at the first class. A supply list will be provided and discussed during the first class, so students are asked to bring a notebook. A $16 fee for the stool is payable to the instructor at the first class.Core Barre - An eight-class course from 2:45 to 3:45 pm starting Monday, March 28, $90.Why Am I Gaining Weight? - A one-session course being offered from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, March 30, $29. Participants will learn how lifestyle modifications will help them lose weight the safe and healthy way.The Importance of Wills and Life Planning Documents - A one-session course being offered from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, March 30, $29.The Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care - A one-session course being offered from 6 to 7:30 pm on Friday, April 1, $14.Belly Dance Fitness - An eight-class course being offered from 6:30 to 7:30 pm starting Tuesday, April 5, $79.

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Participants will become comfortable with their own sewing machine, learn easy techniques to make a number of different projects, and how to save time and money with simple mending. Participants should bring their sewing machine, manual, and accessories. A materials fee of $10 is payable to the instructor the first night of class. The course is limited to 8 students.

The course will explore the art of zentangles, a relaxing way to create beautiful designs using some basic repetitive patterns. Students will be required to purchase supplies and a list will be provided.

The course is a ballet-inspired sculpting class that will transform your body using small targeted movements, isometrics, and high repetition. Each class focuses on the core, arms, seat and thighs, along with plenty of stretching to create long, lean muscle without bulk. Students are asked to bring a mat, a set of light weights, and water. Dance experience not required.

The course will go over the terms living will, durable power of attorney (POA), health care directive and proxy, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and DNR. Coursegoers will learn how to create the documents and their importance in today's society.

The partnership is a unique alliance between the state government and the private insurance industry developed to provide individuals with a way to plan for long-term care needs without the risk of impoverishment, and much more. The instructor will address how Medicare, Medicaid, and health plans impact long-term care, or not, and will also include a detailed explanation of how the Connecticut Partnership for Long Term Care Insurance Program works.

The class will be taught by an employee of the State of Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management.

Students will strengthen their core and sculpt their trunk, arms, and legs while learning the basics of Middle Eastern belly dance. Basic choreography along with pop music and traditional Middle Eastern music will have participants dancing away the calories. Hip scarves will be provided. Course takers are encouraged to wear work-out clothes and bring 2-3-pound weights.