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.

Advanced Chicken Keeping — A one-class course on Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, $49. For those with a flock and questions, this course is designed to address that next level of chicken-keeping, such as hatching eggs (machine incubation VS broody hen), techniques for handling eggs, healthy flock management, identifying common poultry illnesses and treatments for them, what to keep in a chicken “first-aid kit,” and troubleshooting. No discounts apply.

Excel Part 1 — A three-class course on Thursdays starting October 3, 6:30 pm to 9 pm, $99. Learn to use excel, the spreadsheet most used by businesses, students, and home-users. Spreadsheets are the best tool for working with rows and columns of information. The class will cover working with text, numbers, and dates. And students will learn how to use formulas and functions, as well as many additional features.

Surfing The Internet — A one-class course on Wednesday, October 2, 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm, $44. Internet browsers let users enjoy the wealth of content available on the internet. Join the class to learn about using internet browsers to get around the internet. The most popular browsers — Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox — will be compared, but the main focus will be on Google Chrome. The class will discuss browsing techniques, using search engines, adding favorites, using browser tabs, setting a home page, clearing cookies, staying safe, and more.

Beginner German — A six-class course on Thursdays starting October 3, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, $125. The instructor, a native speaker, will offer language skills for those people who have little or no prior exposure to the German language. Students will learn how to communicate with simple questions and sentences. Everyday German life will also be discussed in this class. Students will be required to purchase the book German In 10 Minutes A Day. No discounts apply.

Medicare Basics — A one-class course on Thursday, October 3, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, free. Designed for those approaching 65 and/or new to Medicare, this educational workshop will cover many aspects of this somewhat daunting and complex subject. A few of the topics included are Medicare part a, b, d, benefits, costs, and various related Medicare solutions — “Medigap” plans (Medicare supplements) Medicare health plans, Medicare savings plans, extra help, discount drug cards, and how Medicare works with other health insurance. The goal of this class is to learn about Medicare, and to reduce the cost of health care.

Beginner Knitting Circle, Ages 18 and Up — An eight-class course on Wednesdays starting October 2, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm or 11 am to noon, $129. This course is for those who do not know where to start or need to brush up the basics. Learn to cast on, knit, purl, and more, creating a fashionable project to start. Knitting is a great hobby that can be transported with the knitter. Learn about different fibers, try out different types and sizes of needles, and more. Crochet basics will also be taught. Students need to bring in a skein of super bulky-weight yarn (recommended: lion brand wool-ease “thick n quick” available at Joann’s, Michaels, or Amazon) of their choice, and US size 13 or 15 knitting needles to start.

Intermediate Knitting Circle, Ages 18 and Up — An eight-class course on Thursdays starting October 3, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm or 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm, $129. For those who can cast on and knit garter stitch and are ready to build more skills (or have completed the beginner course). Several projects will be created, starting with a hat that can be made in sizes from children to adults, as well as a seamless project “knitting in the round” on circular needles. In this comprehensive, step-by-step, fun class, students will learn to read patterns, check gauge, master more difficult stitches (including cables), and more. Students need to bring in size 10 (longer length preferable) straight needles and one skein (150 yards) of worsted weight yarn of their choice to start. Other materials needed will be discussed in class. Students can also bring independent projects for help as well.

Paint Your Pet — A one-class course on Thursday, October 3, 6 pm to 8:30 pm, $69. Imagine the thrill of seeing your precious fur baby on a 12-by12-inch canvas. Color on wheels is coming to make this all possible. All students need to do is register and then submit an electronic, clear, close-up of their pet’s face to us at ellise@newtown.k12.ct.us. Files will be sent to the artist who will transfer a simple pencil outline sketch of your pet’s basic features onto the canvas. The evening of the class, the instructor will guide students to paint the background and then work with individuals to paint and shade to create the image of their pet. All supplies are provided. Most importantly, relax and have fun. Limited to eight students. No discounts apply.

Photography Bootcamp For Beginners — A one-class course on Tuesday, October 1, 6 pm to 8:30 pm, $49. In one session, students will learn how to take pictures on manual mode of their digital camera to unleash the camera’s potential and their artistic control. This action-packed workshop covers w/b, iso, aperture (f-stop), and shutter speed, and how they work together to get artful shots. Participants should bring a DSLR camera to class with a fully charged battery and memory card. A Nikon D5200 camera will be provided for participants without a DSLR for each class session.

A Fool-Proof Organizing Process To Eliminate Clutter — A one-class course on Wednesday, October 2, 8 pm to 9:30 pm, $39. For those overwhelmed by clutter but unsure how to organize it, this class will teach students step-by-step how to clear the clutter. More than just information, students will put into action the best organizing solution. Organizing is a skill that can be learned, and this class is the first step. Please bring a purse/handbag/backpack to class (do not pre-organize.) Students can also e-mail questions they would like to discuss ahead of time through the instructor’s website, innerspacesbykaren.com.

Researching Our Roots — A two-class course on Thursdays starting October 3, 6 pm to 8 pm, $79. Researching Our Roots is designed for those just beginning to trace their family trees. The first half includes a slide show presentation featuring resources researchers can use. The second half is a work session, during which students begin their research with guidance and have access to paid genealogical subscriptions. No discounts apply.

Reiki I — A two-class course on Thursdays starting October 3, 6 pm to 8 pm, $149. Reiki is a Japanese word that translates to “universal life-force energy.” The traditional system of working with this energy is known as Usui Reiki Ryoho. The teachings are holistic, integrating the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellness. Each of the five Reiki precepts addresses emotional health. The daily meditation technique promotes a calm and clear mind. Reiki energy work allows for a physical relaxation and spiritual well-being. Finally, students learn the hand positions to give Reiki treatments for themselves and others. Reiki is a spiritual practice, but it is not a religion, and it does not interfere with nor require any religious beliefs. Reiki can have physical benefits, but it is not a replacement for conventional medicine. No discounts apply.

Chakradance Power Animal Meditation And Dance — A one-class course on Thursday, October 3, 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm, $29. An animal always brings with it a gift or instinctual and timely message. Take a journey guarded by a guide animal to discover a power animal waiting to meet the student beyond a sacred gateway in this special meditation exercise. Receive the wisdom from the power animal, then invite the animal to dance together, merging energies forging an intimate bond.

Rip Van Winkle Flyer On The Delaware And Ulster Railroad — A day-trip on Saturday, October 26, departs Newtown High School at approximately 7:30 am, $134. Experience elegant travel and dining aboard the Rip Van Winkle Flyer on the Delaware and Ulster Railroad. Encounter the elegance of yesteryear aboard this postwar steam liner train as it takes a scenic ride through the legendary Catskill Mountains. Enjoy an elegant lunch with linens and china served in their beautifully restored dining cars. The menu for the day is warm bread; seasonal salad; choice of Chicken Marsala served with vegetable and potato, Stuffed Pork Loin, or Eggplant Parmesan; dessert; and coffee and tea. Please include the entrée choice with registration. In the afternoon, the trip will visit The Emerson Country Store. Step inside a 19th Century dairy barn that has been preserved and transformed into an array of shops that contain unique gifts, antiques, original artwork by artisans, and more. No discounts apply.