Newtown Continuing Education Classes Available
Newtown Continuing Education has limited openings available in the following classes and activities in its summer program for students currently in kindergarten to eighth grade. Contact Newtown Continuing Education at 203-426-1787, 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday, for further information on dates, times, and location or visit newtowncontinuinged.org.
What’s Happening In Newtown, for Boomers, Seniors, And Family — A one-class course in a series, Wednesday, September 18, 5 to 6:15 pm, free. For those who want to catch up on what’s going on in Newtown concerning seniors, boomers, and families overall, this free, hour-long, monthly event, sponsored by Newtown Continuing Education, the Commission on Aging (COA) and Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) will discuss and report on current Newtown events and hot topics of interest to both seniors and members of the community-at-large. Do not wait for the next town referendum to find out “what’s happening in Newtown.” These seminars feature relevant guest speakers, including the first selectman, commission and organization leaders, and representatives of the various town functions. Attendees should bring their questions and suggestions for topics of discussion. Call Newtown Continuing Education to reserve a spot, 203-426-1787.
Fused Glass Lantern — A one-class course on Saturday, September 21, 1 to 5 pm, held at Kelly Makuch Studio, $69. Create a mid-sized metal lantern in either white or black to be the frame for a work of decorative art. Using their own design inspiration and the studio’s fusible glass frit, stringers, and bits, students will decorate four clear panels in a style and theme of their choice. No experience necessary. All tools and materials and firing included. The studio will assemble the lantern for the student. Pick up in about a week. The student will be contacted when it is assembled. There is a materials fee of $15 payable to the instructor at the class. Please wear closed shoes and long pants. Not handicap accessible (stairs). Limited to eight students.
Blossoms And Butterflies — A day trip, slated for Sunday, September 22, departs Newtown approximately at 8:15 am, $134. Start the day off with some free time to shop in Yankee Candle, located in Deerfield, Mass. Afterward, the trip will head down the road to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens. Magic Wings opened its doors in 2000 and is an 18,200-square-foot facility that includes an 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths, and tropical vegetation. The sound of the waterfall, peaceful music, and hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely through the air creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Lunch is included and will be served at the Deerfield Inn. End the day with a stop at the bridge of flowers located in Shelburne Falls, Mass. This is a one-of-a-kind landmark made from a former trolley bridge. More than 500 varieties of annuals and perennials are planted and tended by volunteers. Be sure to bring a camera for some great picture opportunities. No discounts apply.
Yoga For Everyone — A ten-class course on Mondays, starting September 23, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, $99. These sessions help the participant to relieve stress, increase mobility, and help regain youthful movement. Bring yoga mat and towel. Blocks are optional.
Security Officer License Training — A two-class course, Monday and Wednesday, September 23 and 25, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, $125. Prepare for your Connecticut Security Officer Guard License with LJB Security Training. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be issued a training certificate, required to accompany a licensure application to the Connecticut Department Of Emergency Services and Public Protection. This dynamic course covers information about the security industry, how to be a security officer, and job exploration. Connecticut laws will be reviewed, pertaining to the security industry, self-defense and the use of force, and citizen’s arrest. In addition, students will learn about the use of force continuum, fire safety, the history of security, work place violence, terrorism, communication skills, and more. No discounts apply.
Beginner Meditation And Mindfulness — A five-class course on Mondays, starting September 23, 6 to 7:45 pm, $129. This beginner class will explore what meditation is and what it is not; provide guided instruction into meditation and mindfulness practices; provide methods for integrating mindfulness into daily life and finding a still, quiet place within that will ultimately reduce stress and empower choosing love over fear. Note: See yogaaccessories.com or amazon.com to order a meditation pillow (zafu) and meditation mat (zabuton). A yoga mat may be used in place of the meditation mat, or you may use a chair. Limited to 15 students.
Cover Letter Writing 101 — A one-class course on Monday, September 23, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, $30, taught by Jacklyn Gartner. The topic will be “First Impression: Resume & Cover Letter Design.” This one-hour presentation teaches exactly what goes into a top-notch cover letter. Learn about why they are important while having the opportunity to create a rough copy of a cover letter. No discounts apply.
Self Hypnosis Workshop — A one-class course on Tuesday, September 24, 7 to 8:30 pm, $54. Beginning with a stress reduction group hypnosis session, students will experience firsthand the benefits of hypnosis. The class will move on to teaching how to hypnotize oneself, literally at the drop of a finger. Finally, students will learn how they can use the power of hypnosis to draw on the resources of their subQconscious mind every day. Hypnosis can be used to help become a thoughtful eater, a better student, a non-smoker, more tranquil, and more confident. Access will be provided to an audio file that students may use as a refresher to reinforce what has been learned in this workshop. No discounts apply.
Studio Art — A six-class course on Wednesdays, starting September 25, 6 to 7:30 pm, $99. Studio art is structured like a traditional high school or undergraduate foundational art course and includes content in traditional drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Students will experiment with a variety of media in each discipline, with emphasis on foundation, building, problem solving, and conceptual exploration. Studio art is ideal for beginning artists seeking regular studio time, students seeking to develop their portfolios, and/or for anyone looking for a fun and engaging general art experience.
Raising Backyard Chickens For Beginners — A one-class course on Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, $49. Backyard chickens are the new “it” pet. Learn what it takes to raise a flock (i.e., money, time, supplies involved) and how to keep them happy and healthy. Topics covered will be breeds of chickens, starting a flock, coop and flock management, chicken behavior, and more. No discounts apply.
Cartooning — A six-class course on Thursdays, starting September 26, 6 to 7:30 pm, $99. Various styles of cartooning are welcome in this exciting course. Emphasis will be placed on the development of original characters and the universes they inhabit. The fundamentals of general art techniques, character development, and storytelling with emphasis on narrative art techniques, penciling, inking, lettering, and coloring (both traditionally and digitally), are the foundations of this class. It is recommended that participants have a sketchbook to work in regularly outside of class.
Ballroom Dancing — A four-class course on Thursdays, starting September 26, 7 to 8 pm, $99/couple or $51/single. Learn the fox trot, waltz, cha-cha, and more. Joe Williams and Noni Low have been dancing together for more than 21 years and teaching ballroom dance for beginners to advanced for more than 15 years. Their basic concept of ballroom dancing consists of having fun with easy-to-learn instructions. Couples and singles welcome.
Tai Chi Easy, Five Form Series, Take 10 Series — A ten-class course on Thursdays, starting September 26, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, $59. Choose to start the day, take a break, or end the day performing the ten-minute tai chi easy movement series, total body tune-up, or massage intensive. There is a materials fee of $17 payable to the instructor at the first class.
The History Of Television Westerns (1950-1970) — A one-class course on Thursday, September 26, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, $59. Many of the popular television westerns and cowboy series began as radio programs. Learn the history of favorite westerns and the stories of the stars of these television series.
Make Your Own All-Natural Lotion — A one-class course on Thursday, September 26, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, $59. There are more than 1,400 various chemicals/toxins found in beauty products that are considered “carcinogenic,” “potentially toxic,” or “harmful.” Come prepared to mix up a batch of lotion and learn how easy it is to do it at home using local, non-toxic, chemical-free ingredients. Materials provided by instructor (included in course fee). No discounts apply.
Chakradance Rock Your Root — A one-class course on Thursday, September 26, 6:45 to 7:45 pm, $29. Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is the foundation of the chakra energy system and contains patterns passed down from families, both the bloodline and the soul line, making this a powerful conduit to connect with heritage. Guided imagery set to chakra resonating music along with meditation and spontaneous movement produces a unique individual experience.
What is The Cloud And Am I Using It? — A one-class course on Saturday, September 28, 10 am to noon, $44. So what is “the Cloud” anyway? The Cloud refers to the sharing of data and programs over the internet. Here are some common examples of using the cloud: sharing files or photos, backing up important data using carbonite, keeping track of a schedule using Google Calendar, using online versions of Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, using Google Docs to create and collaborate on documents, using online versions of popular programs such as QuickBooks, using amazon to access your music library from anywhere, and so on. Concepts and usage of the cloud will be demonstrated and discussed.
Byzantine Weave Bracelet, Metalsmithing/Wire-Working — A one-class course on Saturday, September 28, 10 am to 2 pm, $69. The byzantine weave is an ancient unisex chain pattern that is both strong in style and elegant. With just two tools and more than a few jump rings, students will quickly begin enjoying the meditative rhythm of this repeating pattern. Some may be able to finish the whole bracelet during class. Makes a great gift. High quality copper or silver tone included in materials. With notice and paid additional fee, teacher can order silver or silver fill jump rings. Please contact studio within two weeks notice to order. Beginners please note: silver/filled rings are harder to open and close than aluminum or copper, and either way, they are stunning. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at the first class. Bring a snack. Please wear long pants and closed shoes. Not handicap accessible (stairs). Limited to eight students. Class will be held at the Kelly Makuch Studio.