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Going green: What does it mean?

Spring 2008 is GREEN in Lifelong Learning! This semester, our focus is the ability to respond to sustainability issues and we invite you to consider ways you can individually and collectively make a difference. Check out our latest community class offerings designed to heighten awareness of local and global issues, find balance and harmony in your daily life, and create avenues for exploring alternative ways in which GREEN is not just the latest fad word, but rather a way of living.
We have added many new classes to our program including:
• Shaolin Kung Fu
• It Must Be Felt!
• The Organic Difference
• Socially Responsible Investing
• The Local Landscape: A Place-Based Poetry Workshop
• Meditation for Beginners
• Herbs: The Spice of Life!
• Make Good Photos GREAT with Photoshop Elements
• Financial Planning for Women
• Golf like a Pro!
• Seed Propagation
• Tai Chi Chuan
• Jewelry-Making: Beginning Metal Skills
• Introduction to Art History
• What’s the Cost? Agrarian Solutions to Peak Oil
• Beginning Japanese
• How to Redesign Your Financial Plan After a Life-Changing Event
• More Wheel

Signup starts on December 20 and courses begin in February 2008! Download our Community course postcard, and call 529.8600 or Email lifelearn@muohio.edu for your course bulletin!

 

Personal Enrichment

Golf like a Pro!
Want to be a better golfer? Never golfed before but want to try? Learn the fundamentals of golf starting with the grip, setup, and swing in this beginning golf class. Putting, chipping, pitching your sand shot, and the full swing will also be covered. Join instructor Rodger Cromer at Indian Ridge Golf Club to learn the basics or improve your skills!

Tuesdays | April 1-15 | 4 – 6 PM | $75

Instructor: Rodger Cromer, taught and coached golf at Miami University for 37 years, was MAC Coach of the Year 8 times, District IV Coach of the Year 3 times, and is listed in the Butler County, Miami University, Cradle of Coaches, and NCAA Golf Coaches Hall of Fame.

Supplies: One time fee of $20 per person for range balls payable first day of class to Indian Ridge Golf Club. Bring or rent golf clubs.

 

The Organic Difference
How can our community come together to make fresh, local, seasonal foods more available to consumers? Explore how organic food production differs from conventional production, and how these differences can impact your health and the health of our planet. Learn how the choices you make at the store can help preserve family farms in our area, and about the member-owned natural grocery store currently being planned for Oxford!

Wednesday | Feb. 20 | 7:30 – 9 PM | $19

Instructors: Bernadette Unger is the President of the Miami Oxford Organic Network (MOON) Co-Op. Harv “The Lettuce Guy” Roehling is a founding member of MOON, serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), and is an organic grower and vender at the Uptown Farmers Market.

 

Latin Ballroom Dance for Beginners
DATE CHANGED FROM FLYER
Learn Latin dances, including the mamba and rumba, in this beginning class. Bring a partner or come alone and enjoy the magic and passion of Latin dancing! Classes will be held in the spacious and historic ballroom of the Oxford Community Arts Center.

Thursdays | February 21 – March 27 | 7:40-8:30 PM $75 per person

Instructor: Michael Scoggins has over 20 years experience in the dance industry and has choreographed, directed, and performed at venues around the world.

 

Herbs: The Spice of Life!
CLOSED
Learn the art of propagating, harvesting, and preserving herbs along with the culinary, cosmetic, and decorative uses of herbs in the interactive class. You will sample herb teas, spreads, appetizers, and desserts and will learn to make potpourri and take home a sachet! Class fee covers cost of supplies and materials.

Saturday | Feb. 9 – 23| 10 AM – 12:30 PM | $95

Instructor: Jana Morse has been teaching and gardening for over 19 years, is a member of the Herb Society of America, and is a graduate of The Ohio State Master Naturalist course.

The Local Landscape: A Place-Based Poetry Workshop
Have you always wanted to share poetry with others? We will write about our local landscape: where we come from, how it has changed (environmentally or through age/experience), and where it’s going. Find out some of the basics of writing poetry and learn, share, and laugh with our best teachers: each other!

Thursdays | Feb. 28 – April 10 (no class March 13 and 20) | 6:30 – 8 PM | $89
Public poetry reading Wed., April 9 at the Oxford Community Arts Center

Instructor: Amber Nichols-Buckley holds a Master’s Degree in English Education from the University of Mississippi and has taught English courses for the past three years. She was a Summer Institute Fellow of the National Writing Project 2006.

 

Hand Building with Clay Slabs
Learn the skills and techniques necessary to roll slabs of clay and transform them into various forms based upon the finished vessels. Participants will create one (or more) finished products.

Wednesdays| Feb. 27 – April 23 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM $119 plus $10 clay fee due 1st class
No class March 19 (MU Spring Break)

 

Making Pots on the Pottery Wheel
Join local potter J. Harris and learn about making pots on the pottery wheel. Novice potters will learn throwing from the ground up. Participants will start with the basics of centering clay and have a finished bowl or mug by the end of class! For people with little or no experience… come join the fun!

Thursdays | Feb. 21 – April 17 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM $119 plus $10 clay fee due 1st class
No class March 20 (MU Spring Break)

 

More Wheel!
For those more or less comfortable making bowls and mugs and want More Wheel! This class will introduce you to combined forms, making casseroles and pouring vessels, lids, handles, and spouts. Everyone will create at least one finished product of their choice.

Mondays | Feb. 25 – April 21 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
$119 plus $10 clay fee due 1st class
No class March 17-- (MU Spring Break)

Instructor: J. Harris, area resident for 40 years and former teacher, has been a full-time potter for 14 years.

 

It Must be Felt!
Come learn to work with the magic of wool, water, and imagination! Learn the basics of wet felting, a unique and interesting fiber art. You’ll make felted beads, soap, and create a flat piece of art suitable for framing in the first week. The second class will focus on making a seamed piece such as a bag or purse.

Saturdays | March 1 – 8 | 1 – 4 PM | $110

Instructor: Kathy Savage Hubbard, art teacher for Finneytown Schools and master teacher for the Taft Museum, has been felting for over 7 years.

 

Jewelry Making
Create metal jewelry from your own designs. Learn sawing, drilling, piercing, texturing, forming, riveting, and silver soldering. During the eight sessions we will make a band ring, cuff bracelet, French hook earrings, and a brooch/pendant.

Wednesdays | Feb. 20 – April 23 (no class March 19 and April 2) | 6 – 8 PM | $205 (includes all supplies and materials)

Instructor: Jan Krenke Southern, Silversmith and Art Jeweler, taught Jewelry/Metals at Bowling Green State University.

 

Introduction to Art History
Love art? This is the class for you! Learn about major movements and key figures in western art, from prehistoric times to the present. Study a variety of styles, movements, artists, and significant historical events to develop an appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. No experience required!

Wednesdays | Feb. 27 – March 12 | 5:30 – 7 PM $49

Instructor: Lisa Smith has a bachelor’s degree in art history Miami University, and master’s degrees in art education and art history from The Ohio State University.

 

Seed Propagation Techniques
Get ready for spring planting! Learn how to propagate seeds and cuttings and how to protect your plants from disease and insects!

Saturday | Feb. 16| 1:30 – 3:30 PM | $25 or
Saturday | Feb. 23| 1:30 – 3:30 PM | $25

Sharing Nature With Children
Are you a scout leader, parent or camp counselor? Learn to investigate the natural world and share it with children through hands-on techniques. Help children create a relationship with nature and discover the wonders of the natural world.

Saturday | Feb. 9 | 1:30 – 4:30 PM | $45

Instructor: Jana Morse has been teaching and gardening for over 19 years, is a member of the Herb Society of America, and is a graduate of The Ohio State Master Naturalist course.

 

Oh Yuck to Oh Yeah!
Gardening with Children
Learn how to grow organic vegetables and involve your children in the joy of gardening! Get ideas that will excite children about gardening and eating healthy foods while increasing their knowledge of garden ecology. Families welcome!

Wednesday | April 16 | 7 – 8:30 PM | $19

Instructors: Sharon Edwards is the naturalist for the local, non-profit Environmental Mobile Unit, which provides environmental science programs. Her brother, Steve Edwards, is currently the gardener at Grailville.

 

What’s the Cost? Agrarian Solutions to Peak Oil
How does the sustainability of our local food systems relate to cheap petroleum? Learn about problems with industrial agriculture and explore local food systems as a sustainable alternative.

Wednesday | April 2 | 7 – 8:30 PM | $19

Instructor: Charlie Stevens, Ph.D., is a lecturer in American Studies and International Studies at Miami University and has studied sustainable agricultural systems throughout the world.

 

Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise suitable for people of any health level. It involves purposeful breathing and movements designed to increase the body’s flexibility and range of motion. This class will encompass the “Simplified 24 Posture” or Peking Style form, which is the most well known version, as well as applications for self-defense.

Mondays | Feb. 18 – April 28
(no class March 17)| 6:30 – 7:30 PM | $125

 

Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu includes exercises and forms (kata) teaching self-defense, meditation and fitness from the ancient Shaolin Temples. It is the most comprehensive system of traditional martial arts available, and includes animal styles, weapons, Tai Chi, and other internal systems.

Thursdays | Feb. 21 – May 1 (no class March 20)
6 – 7:30 PM | $125

Instructor: Dennis Cook is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu. He has been a student of the art for over 27 years and a teacher for 24 years.

 

Meditation for Beginners
Calm you mind and experience relaxation through meditation. This class will teach breathing techniques, meditation postures, and have guided and silent meditation time. Explore a variety of approaches including secular, Buddhist, Hindu, and Native American techniques.

Wednesdays | April 9 – 23| 6:30 – 9 PM | $95

Instructor: Jana Morse has practiced Siddha Meditation since 1981. She has studied with renowned Guru Swami Muktananda and the fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.

 

Spanish in the REAL World: Beginning Spanish Conversation
Closed
Learn about general greetings, travel phrases, health-care vocabulary, and more! This course can be tailored to YOUR needs based on your occupation and areas in your life where you might use Spanish the most. Each session will focus on useful phrases and the cultures of Spanish-speaking people.

Tuesdays | Feb. 5 – March 11 | 7 – 9 PM | $119

Instructor: Megan Kuykendoll has a BA in Spanish and is the Latino Community Coordinator at Miami University.

 

Beginning Japanese
Are you preparing for your trip to Japan or simply have the desire to learn Japanese? This class focuses on Japanese for conversational use by learning the most useful Japanese words and phrases for beginners. Dialogue used in greetings and introductions as well as learning basic conversation techniques necessary to travel in Japan will be taught. Students will also be given insight to the Japanese culture. Enjoy learning and speaking Japanese!

Thursdays | Feb. 28 – March 13 | 6:30 – 8 PM $59

Instructor: Ruri Hirayama, native Japanese speaker, is currently a Japanese instructor at Miami University and is obtaining a Master in Japanese Pedagogy from Columbia University in New York City.

 

Finance and Career

How to Redesign your Financial Plan After a Life-Changing Event
We all experience major events at different points in our lives that have a major impact on us, in many different ways. Events such as birth, death, divorce, disability, marriage, inheritance, or suddenly having to care for an elderly or impaired loved one can create new financial challenges. This course will explore some of the financial strategies others have used to successfully navigate through periods of unexpected or sudden change.

Tuesdays | March 4 – 11 | 5:30 – 7 PM | $39

 

Financial Planning for Women: How to Steer Your Own Course
Women tend to live longer, value money differently, and consider risk in ways men don’t. This course views these differences as strengths that can be put to immediate practical use – not only in the realm of financial choices, but also as a component of overall self-concept.

Tuesdays | April 8 – 15 | 5:30 – 7 PM | $39

 

Socially Responsible Investing: It Doesn’t Have to Hurt!
CLOSED
Is it possible to do social good while investing? This course will explore the dangers and rewards of investing in a socially responsible way, and will introduce practical tools and concepts for doing so.

Tuesdays | Feb. 19 – 26 | 5:30 – 7 PM | $39

Instructor: Alan T. Schauer, Ph.D., CFP., former professor at the University of Texas, owns a financial services firm in the Cincinnati area.

 

Financial Strategies Workshop
Prepare for a financially secure retirement! You will learn how to select appropriate investments, protect your assets, manage your finances, and create an estate plan. Take home in-depth information you need to plan and enjoy a comfortable retirement!

Oxford: Saturdays | April 5 – 26
9:30 AM – Noon
Kenwood: Thursdays | April 3 – 24 | 6:30 – 9 PM

$49 per person or couple, which includes a 240 page financial strategies workbook.

Instructors: Kenneth Weiss, BS, and Erik Shifflett, BS, specialize in investment planning, long term care insurance, and portfolio management.

 

Make Good Photos GREAT with Photoshop Elements
Are you an aspiring digital photographer? Photoshop Elements has all the tools you’ll need to get started producing great digital images. Learn how to use professional techniques for portrait retouching, shadows and highlights, filters, and much more. Each class will include an interactive forum for questions & answers.

Saturdays | Feb. 23 – March 8 | 9 AM – Noon $149

 

Website Design for Under $100
CLOSED
Create a professional looking website and get it online for under $100! From start to finish, we will walk you through domain registration, design, and e-mail setup. Create a site that you can build on as your company and requirements grow! Basic Windows skills required. All course materials are provided.

Tuesdays | Feb. 19 – March 4 | 5:30 – 8 PM
$159

Instructor: Dennis Coler has over 30 years of experience in training and the technology industry. As co-owner of PDC Technical Solutions, Dennis is a technology advisor and a university instructor.

 

Small Business Management with QuickBooks Pro
CLOSED
Create invoices, track bills and customer payments, and keep accurate business records. Use QuickBooks Pro, the most popular small business accounting software on the market, to customize your company forms and much more. For Windows students only.

Mondays | Feb. 18 – March 3 | 5:30 -8:30 PM $159

Carol Coler has over 20 years experience in instruction and development and has directed adult learning classes for learning institutions and universities. As co-owner for PDC Technical Solutions, Carol is an instructor and advisor for advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, Intuit Quickbooks, and Digital Photography.

 

Community Connections

Earth Day
The Institute of Environmental Sciences coordinates Earth Day activities. This year, there will be booths from many local environmental organizations, local bands, and lots of fun in Oxford’s uptown park. Mark your calendar now!

Saturday/Sunday | April 19 & 20

 

Butler County Stream Team
Community members are needed to collect stream water samples (we supply the plastic bottles) and to help in the lab (simple, supervised analyses). The Institute of Environmental Sciences coordinates the sampling, and maintains the lab. Help monitor the health of streams in Butler County!

Saturdays | March 8, April 12, May 10,
and June 14 | Free

For more information, contact:
Mark R. Boardman, 529-5811

 

MOON (Miami/Oxford Organic Network)
Learn about developing and creating sustainable living practices in the Oxford community. Visit www.mooncoop.com today.

 

Help Your Community Through the Oxford Choice Food Pantry
Non-perishable food items and other household supplies can be dropped at the Lifelong Learning office, located at 127 McGuffey Hall.
The following items are needed:

• Fruit juices and canned fruit
• Tuna, canned meats, and baked beans
• Boxed instant meals, such as Rice-A-Roni
• Rice and pasta
• Vegetable oil

 

Ambassadors for Children (AFC)
Want the chance to travel with a purpose? Join AFC at Miami University and help children around the world.

New trips start all the time, but even if you can’t go abroad, you can still help AFC through donations. Visit us in 127 McGuffey Hall, or online at www.muohio.edu/LLL/ambassadors to learn more.

 

Debate Camp Summer 2008
The Miami Forensics team has a history of success including 7 consecutive appearances at the National Debate Tournament and more than 20 national speech championships since 1999. Learn more about their camps at
www.miamiforensics.org, or call (513) 529-3050.

 

Public Poetry Reading
CLOSED
Join us on April 9, 2008, as students in our Place-Based Poetry Workshop share their writing in the North Parlor of the Oxford Community Arts Center. Free and open to all ages!