As summer wraps up, refresh with community education classes

Wrap up your summer with engaging and stimulating community education classes at Casper College. August classes include Better iPhone Photography, Healthy Eating For Life, In a Pickle, Self-protection Fundamentals, Aspects of Grief, Journey to Jordan, and more.

“Whether you’re passionate about health and culinary classes or ready to discover a new hobby, we got you covered this summer,” said Zhanna Gallegos, community education coordinator.

Healthy Eating For Life will present easy ways for people to change their diet and improve their well-being without resorting to a salad-only diet. Participants will learn tips to reduce sodium and sugar while increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. Instructor Shannah Johnson will share healthy recipes for mini-egg frittatas, fruit smoothies, homemade instant oatmeal, lasagna with whole wheat pasta, and more. Johnson will also show participants how to eat healthily on a limited budget. “Healthy does not mean boring, and this class will get you inspired and excited about cooking again,” she said. Healthy Eating for Life will run from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 and 11.

Taught by Lucinda Canchola, In a Pickle class will demonstrate how to make bread-and-butter pickles. Students will learn to use water baths and steam canners to create savory treats with their garden veggies. Students are asked to bring their own cucumbers, onions, mustard seed, vinegar, sugar, spices, and canning jars with new lids and rings for this fun class on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Local award-winning photographer Karel Mathisen Atkinson will show students how to create beautiful photos with a variety of built-in iPhone camera features in Better iPhone Photography. “The smartphone has become a sophisticated image-making device, and this class will help students maximize their camera capabilities, explore additional apps, and learn tips and tricks to make one-of-a-kind photos,” said Mathisen Atkinson. The class will be held Monday, Aug. 21 through Sept. 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is for iPhone users only.

Ensuring your personal safety is not a task that anyone should postpone. In Self-Protection Fundamentals, participants will “Discuss preventative thinking, boundary setting, and simple precautions to keep them and their family out of harm’s way,” said Kenneth Knight, instructor. Students will also learn essential physical and soft skills and tactics for real-life scenarios. The class will run from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 22 through Sept. 5.

According to instructor Todd von Gunten, there is a way to become a better support person to grieving family and friends. “During the class, Aspects of Grief, … “students will acquire knowledge to understand better what grief and loss are and learn the emotional, physical, and spiritual expressions of grief,” said von Gunten. Repeat students are encouraged to sign up for the class, as they will … “discover new layers of the grief process,” von Gunten added. The class will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning on Aug. 23 and concluding on Sept. 6. Gallegos also noted that this class is not for grieving people. Please contact Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions for grief support services.

Students will explore the wonders of Jordan, nestled between Israel and Saudi Arabia, where Asia, Africa, and Europe intersect during Journey to Jordan. The class will be held on Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 through Sept. 20. Students will … “learn about Jordan’s history, religions, and traditions, and discover amazing places, including the Dead Sea and Petra, the famous archaeological site dating to 300 B.C.,” said Sam Dia, instructor. Other class highlights include sampling authentic foods, discussing their preparation with a native Jordanian, and learning basic phrases in Arabic.

Community education offers noncredit courses for personal enrichment and lifelong learning for people 18 and older. To sign up or for more information on any of these classes, go online or call 307-268-3401.