Personal Enrichment

Personal Enrichment course topics include: Art, Astronomy, Creative Writing, Finance Planning, Interior Design, Supper Club, and many more.

Abstract Painting

Experience the joy and freedom of abstraction with this hands-on painting class that focuses on the major styles from cubism to abstract expressionism. Students are welcome to work with their own choice of medium, oil, acrylic, or water color.

Experience the joy and freedom of abstraction. For the beginner to the more experienced student, this class focuses on the major styles from cubism to abstract expressionism. Even for those interested in representational painting, abstraction offers a great way to study paint handling, color theory and composition. Students are welcome to work with their own choice of medium- oil, acrylic or water color. Please view a suggested supply list if using Acrylic or Oil. Those wishing to use water color may use the Acrylic list, as appropriate, to estimate their needs.

FOR ACRYLIC PAINTING SUPPLY LIST CLICK HERE
FOR BEGINNING OIL SUPPLY LIST CLICK HERE

Accent Reduction Part 1

Practice new pronunciations with direct feedback from our professional, speech-language pathologist. As you change pronunciation, learn American formal and informal expressions in a relaxed, workshop-style course setting. Limited to 15 students.

The international speaker of English can greatly improve pronunciation with the assistance of this professional speech-language pathologist. Each student will have the opportunity to practice new pronunciations with direct feedback from the instructor. As students focus on changing pronunciation, they also acquire American formal and informal expressions in a relaxed, workshop-style course setting. The textbook is included, which will be handed out at the first meeting. Limited to 15.

What will be covered:

Recognition of the difference between the targeted American English sounds and error productions
Pronunciation of a number of sounds the American way in isolation, words and sentences
Inclusion of these new productions in oral reading and in your spontaneous speech
Introduction of American formal and informal expressions

After this class, you will be able to:

Recognize the difference between the targeted American English sounds and error productions
Pronounce a number of sounds the American way in isolation, words and sentences
Begin to include these new productions in your spontaneous speech

Accent Reduction Part 2

Expand your knowledge, vocabulary and use of American expressions in areas such as descriptive language, oral explanations, guided discussions, and examining how to reply in conversational situations. Limited to 10. Prerequisite: Accent Reduction: Part 1

Further practice the sounds you learned in Accent Reduction: American English Pronunciation and learn how to incorporate them into your spontaneous speech. Simultaneously expand your knowledge and use of vocabulary and American expressions in areas such as descriptive language, oral explanations, guided discussions, and examining how to reply American-style in various conversational situations. Limited to 10 for an intimate setting to enhance learning potential.

PREREQUISITE: You must complete Accent Reduction Part 1 before taking this course.

CLICK HERE FOR REQUIRED BOOK

What will be covered:

Learning to produce the target sounds in multi-syllable words through extensive oral reading
Analysis of short video clips for auditory discrimination, humor and vocabulary/American expressions
Oral explanations, conversation, discussion with attention to inclusion of all target sounds

After this class, you will be able to:

Pronounce the target sounds more consistently in both oral reading and in spontaneous speech
Better discriminate discrete words in rapid speech, even when the words are not fully spoken
Expand your knowledge and use of American expressions in areas such as descriptions, explanations, paraphrasing and replies

Acrylic Painting for the Novice

This course will touch on composition, color theory and handling, and how to achieve pictorial depth and painterly surfaces. Students will get individual attention to help achieve their personal goals.

For students with little or no experience with painting, this course will touch on composition, color theory and handling, and how to achieve pictorial depth and painterly surfaces. Students will get individual attention to help achieve their personal goals. Please view suggested supply list.

FOR ACRYLIC SUPPLY LIST CLICK HERE

Artistic Landscape Enhancements

Utilize best practices to elevate your understanding of the principles and elements of stunning, artistic landscapes. Leverage a firm grasp of these concepts to approach outdated sites and easily identify enhancements to maximize curb appeal.

Everyone appreciates a beautiful landscape. For weekend gardeners and landscape professionals, this course will teach the principles and elements of stunning, artistic landscapes. By developing a firm understanding of these concepts, participants in this highly interactive course will be able to approach dated landscapes and easily identify enhancements to maximize their home’s curb appeal.

After this class, you will be able to:

Describe what makes a landscape beautiful.
Explain what steps can leverage this knowledge to enhance dated sites.
Map and manage the impact of shade in the landscape.
Apply landscape industry best practices for installing enhancements.
Manage drainage and rectify erosion issues.

Beginning Drawing

Take a methodical approach to traditional drawing techniques under the personal guidance of this experienced instructor, as your work becomes a direct channel for your own self-expression.

Take a methodical approach to traditional drawing techniques under the personal guidance of this experienced instructor as your work becomes a direct channel for your own self-expression. Please view suggested supply list.

After this course you will be able to:

Experience the basic techniques and methods necessary to confidently continue with more advanced classes
Develop your work on your own and have, in general, a greater ability to observe and analyze visually
Have a great deal of fun pursuing your artistic skills

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Beginning Oil Painting

Learn everything needed (including the right techniques) to get started with this flexible, rewarding medium. Explore composition, color theory, depth, and harmony as you develop your own personal style and complete your first paintings.

Enjoy an easier, more satisfying introduction to oil painting when you know the right techniques. You'll learn everything you need to get started with this flexible, rewarding medium. Explore composition, color theory, depth and harmony as you develop your own personal style and complete your first paintings. Please view suggested supply list.

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Blueprint for Financial Success

We'll discuss wealth management and investments, retirement strategies, asset allocation models, estate planning, and risk management. Build a comprehensive checklist of important financial documents and a list of follow-up action steps.

Successful financial planning and investing is critical to reaching your financial goals. This course reviews the process of financial planning and gives you the tools to refine and upgrade your existing financial plan. We'll discuss wealth management and investments, retirement strategies, asset allocation models, estate planning, and risk management. You'll receive a checklist of financial documents that you should have available and organized as well as a comprehensive financial planning list of follow-up action steps to implement your financial plan. This course is ideal if you want to elaborate on the financial groundwork you have already laid as well as organize the array of strategies and products you have accumulated.

Compelling American Conversations for Non-Native English Speakers

Practice conversational English in the classroom through a series of activities -- game playing, presentations, role playing, and others -- to help with pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence. Students will practice in pairs and small groups.

Practice conversational English in the classroom through a series of activities—game playing, presentations, role playing, and others—that will help you with your pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, help you to correctly ask questions, and help you speak English more confidently. You’ll also research topics of conversation via social media, and reflect on your fellow students’ own communication styles and habits.

Students will practice in pairs, small groups, and with the class as a whole. Additionally, students will be expected to do approximately 2 hours each week of preparation for the next class session to include outside reading, research, or textbook exercises.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE REQUIRED BOOK

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Practice real-world conversations to gain confidence with the English language
Practice vocabulary, pronunciation, and usage to improve comprehension, expand word and phrase bank, and increase fluency
Choose appropriate idioms and phrasal verbs to include in conversations
Practice listening and responding through stories, conversation activities, and class discussions

Decorating Basics

Explore basic interior design principles: identification of style components, continuity and flow, selection of appropriate pieces, proper furniture placement, use of color, texture, and lighting, and proper execution of wall art and groupings.

This course will address basic interior design principles such as identification of style components, and how to have continuity and flow while introducing complimentary and eclectic items. Class will also cover proper furniture placement, use of color, texture, and lighting, and how to select appropriate pieces that you presently own and to identify what you need to complete the look. Proper execution of wall art and groupings are also discussed.

Decorating Basics II

Create beautiful and functional spaces where you live, work, and play as we explore color theory and the physiological effects of color on work environments. Tuition includes exclusive 'trade only' store tour to review concepts and learn industry secrets.

Create beautiful and functional spaces where you live, work and play, and build on your foundation as we explore color theory and the physiological effects of color on relaxing and productive environments. Learn the techniques of illusion design which include the art of masking architectural flaws including off center doors and windows, and creating spaciousness. Included in the tuition is an exclusive tour of a "trade only" store to explore and learn the secrets of fabric combinations, furniture arrangement, furniture selection, quality determination, and rug purchases.

Enjoying Wine: The Basics and Beyond

Join us to learn how wine is made, different styles and types of wines, and the fascinating people behind these creations. Six to eight wines will be tasted at each class, accompanied by light food pairings. Must be 21 years old with valid ID.

Have you found the study of wine to be daunting? Filled with snobbery and elitism? We invite you join us in a four-part series to taste wine and learn about different varietals, how wine is made and the fascinating people behind these creations. We will discuss how to taste wine with ease, different styles and types of wines, interesting wine characteristics and fascinating regional differences of wine from around the world. More importantly, this course will help you start to develop your own point of view, enabling you to confidently order wine in business and social settings. This series promises to be fun and enlightening for both the novice and enthusiast. Six to eight wines will be tasted at each class, accompanied by light food pairings. A course notebook will be furnished to each participant. You must be at least 21 years old in order to take this class. Must have a valid ID.

Estimating and Proposing Landscape Enhancements

Intended for landscape designers and installation professionals, the course will cover the meaning of margin and mark-up as well as the industry's best techniques and formulas for estimating landscape upgrades, enhancements, and installations.

Offering landscape upgrades such as plant, stone and drainage system installation to your customers can be a lucrative endeavor for your landscape business. Designing and installing these enhancements can be challenging, and there is nothing more disheartening than doing so at a financial loss. Intended for landscape designers and installation professionals, this class will provide you with the information you need to successfully propose landscape enhancements. Learn the meaning of "margin" and "mark-up" and the industry’s best techniques and formulas for estimating landscape upgrades for a profit!

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

Define the difference between "gross margin" and "markup."
Calculate material and labor cost for a typical landscape installation project.
Accurately estimate and propose landscape enhancements for a desired profit margin.

Improving Writing Impact for Non-Native English Speakers

Explore several different writing formats so you can learn how to write more clearly and use grammar correctly. Participants will practice identifying and correcting grammar errors pertaining to verb tenses and form, sentence structure, and more.

Explore several different writing formats so you can learn how to write more clearly and use grammar correctly. Expand your vocabulary, and practice self-editing. Through classroom activities and well-designed homework assignments, you’ll build your skills, week-by-week, working on writing and grammar activities to meet your needs. Participants will practice identifying and correcting grammar errors pertaining to verb tenses and form, sentence structure, agreement, prepositions, and determiners

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE REQUIRED BOOK

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of grammar use in writing
Write related sentences to form paragraphs and narratives using the building block of writing
Identify areas of weakness in writing and develop strategies for reducing errors
Demonstrate the ability to self-edit writing material
Practice writing skills through a variety of communicative writing activities

Introduction to Home Staging

Identify both exterior and interior problems areas of a home and learn professional staging tips and techniques to create a 'show ready' home. Discover professional staging arrangement tools, showcasing, and display solutions to get homes sold.

Home staging is perfecting the art of creating an environment that will draw positive attention to a home for sale. Students will be able to identify both exterior and interior problem areas of a home and will learn professional staging tips and techniques resulting in a "show ready" home. This course will emphasize professional staging arrangement, showcasing and display solutions to get your home sold. Whether you are an individual who has a home to sell or someone who is interested in the business of professional home staging, this introductory course will provide you with a foundation for the home staging industry.

After this course, students will be able to:

Identify design themes that will sell a home
Be able to describe packaging and positioning solutions for staging a home
Identify the three stages of buying/selling a home
Apply practical and professional staging tips and techniques to showcase a home for sale

Kitchen Design and Décor

Experts say even minor kitchen remodels return more value than any other project. Explore your style and how you will achieve it, including choices for cabinets, floors, countertops and lighting. Identify tips and techniques to make the job much easier.

Experts say even minor kitchen remodels return more value than any other project on the list--about 81 percent, nationally. Whether you're building or remodeling a kitchen, the process doesn't have to be stressful. Find the inspiration and courage to begin your project with the expertise of noted Interior Design Expert, Lee Anne Culpepper. Explore your style and how you will achieve it. Choices for cabinets, floors, countertops and lighting can be overwhelming – receive the information you need to make the job much easier!

Learning the Fundamentals of Investing

Make informed investment decisions based on facts rather than gut feelings by using academically accepted standards. Position yourself to either manage your own investments and/or enhance their ability to evaluate the value of your financial professional.

This course covers the main topics in financial planning. The course utilizes academically accepted standards for creating a personal investment plan. Students who complete the course will be better positioned to either manage their own investments and/or have the ability to better evaluate the value their financial professional brings to the table. First we learn about the time value of money and financial decision making using our financial calculator. Don't worry---we go over the calculations step by step! We will learn about stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investment vehicles. We look at making and implementing a plan. And lots more. I will show you where to seek information on your potential advisor to verify his/her credentials, learn what credentials are important, and if they have done bad things. Retirement? It is all about income and we will learn how to prepare for that as well. Lastly, come with questions and the instructor will fit in what you want to know! The purpose of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them make informed investment decisions based on facts rather than “gut feelings.”

Materials: Principle Based Investing: A Sensible Guide to Investment Success (available in the Kindle version), HP-12c financial calculator (If you have a Smartphone you can download the HP-12C calculator application for free on Android and around $10 on IPhone.)

CLICK HERE FOR REQUIRED BOOK

Principles of Design

Explore the latest color and design trends and how to create spaces that inspire. Discover helpful software applications and learn how to incorporate 'green design' elements. We'll also discuss the wide variety of design career options.

Often a trend will inspire both the amateur and the professional. Explore the latest color and design trends and how to use them to create spaces that inspire. Examine the characteristics of fabrics and learn how to select effectively the appropriate fabric for the scheme, including mixing patterns and colors. Create eye catching rooms by discovering the levels of quality and best uses of furniture. You will be introduced to simple, computer assisted software applications that will allow you to change colors and other design elements in real time on your computer screen. This class will also reveal the importance of incorporating “Green Design” into your master plan and why green is now a standard in the design industry. Finally, be introduced to the variety of career options for design.

The Camera You Carry: Smartphone Photography

Take better photos using your smartphone! Hands-on demonstrations and practical assignments help you improve your photo quality via proper exposure, better composition elements and editing software -- then store and share your images with confidence.

Think you need an expensive, bulky camera to capture many of life’s great moments? Take better photos using your smartphone! Our course includes hands-on demonstrations, practical assignments, and lectures to help you better utilize your smartphone’s camera features. Learn to improve your photo quality via proper exposure, better composition elements and editing software – then store and share your images with confidence.

After this class, you will be able to:

Operate you smartphones with ease
Recognize and utilize the camera features of the smartphone
Improve the quality of your photos through proper exposure and better composition
Store and share photos with confidence
Enhance photos - after picture taking

Watercolor 101 and Beyond

Come explore the science of color theory, learn about proper brush and paper selection, and practice effective painting techniques as you develop and refine your personal style through self-expression. Both new and experienced painters are welcome.

Both new and experienced painters can utilize this course to discover how to maximize and take full advantage of this complex -- yet extremely rewarding -- art medium. Come explore the science of color theory, learn about proper brush and paper selection, and practice effective painting techniques as you develop and refine your personal style through self-expression. Indulge your creativity and enjoy the gratifying process of producing your own masterpiece!

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Define and practice color theory with their paintings.
Define and practice composition, proportions and a variety of techniques with their paintings.
Determine their innate watercolor painting style through experimentation.
Develop and complete a painting by class end.

Astronomy in the Suburbs - An Introduction to Star Gazing

Learn a basic understanding of the night sky and how to enjoy the stars from your own neighborhood. Your instructor will guide you through the constellations and how to use a sky chart to locate the major stars and planets and observe the moon phases.

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Learn a basic understanding of the night sky and how to enjoy it from your own neighborhood. Your instructor will guide you through the constellations and how to use a sky chart to locate the major stars, locate the major planets and observe the phases of the moon. In this course, you learn basic astronomy concepts to further your enjoyment of the night sky. Textbook is not required; however a list of recommend books is available by request.

English Refresher

Identify the principles of effective writing, basic mechanics, and correct usage. Via writing and grammar exercises, work to improve grammar and punctuation skills by learning how they work in the context of your own writing and that of professionals.

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Your confidence level will soar as we learn the principles of effective writing, basic mechanics, and correct usage in this class. Through formal instruction, writing and grammar exercises, and group editing, you will improve grammar and punctuation skills by learning how they work in the context of your own writing and that of professionals. Learning how to edit, revise, and proofread will give you such an incredible sense of self assurance about writing that you will wish you had taken this class years ago.

CLICK HERE FOR REQUIRED BOOK

After this class, you will be able to:

Use your increased knowledge of English grammar
Know the eight parts of grammar
Use improved writing skills
Use improved vocabulary
Use increased reading skills

The Pleasures of Poetry

From haiku to epic narrative, this class will explore the infinite variety of this ever-evolving genre. Well discuss form, meter, metaphor, and imagery, and how each plays a part in making a poem. Course includes reading assignments and class discussion.

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An appreciation and understanding of poetry can be cultivated, blossoming into a lifelong passion. From haiku to epic narrative, this class will explore the infinite variety of this ever-evolving genre. We’ll discuss the nuts and bolts of form, meter, metaphor, and imagery, and how each plays a part in making a poem. There will be reading assignments from the textbook, followed by class discussion. If you’re also interested in writing poetry, heed the words of Mary Oliver, who says, “There is no better teacher than reading good poems.” No background in literature is required.

April is National Poetry Month—come celebrate with us!

CLICK HERE FOR REQUIRED BOOK

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Identify the basic elements of poetry: form, meter, image, and musicality
Integrate the reading of poetry into their lives with a deeper level of appreciation
Recognize the many resources available to poetry lovers in the 21st century, whether online, in print, or in the larger community