February CE classes offer variety and learning fun
A selection of classes offering variety and learning fun are available through Casper College’s Community Education department for February.
“Go in-depth and stay informed with community education classes at Casper College. Choose a class that keeps you up-to-date or warms your heart,” said Zhanna Gallegos, community education coordinator at Casper College.
Classes to be offered in February include Look Inside, Woodworking Warriors, Guarding Digital Privacy, Pastel Methods, Fitness Boxing, Aspects of Grief, Reflexology and E-Oils Wellness, and more.
Discover the body’s beauty and complexity in the class Look Inside taught by Kaitlin Ryan. Participants will dissect a sheep’s brain and heart and “Dive into neuroscience and physiology and discuss how these essential organs work and their roles in our bodies,” said Gallegos. The kid-friendly class is open to children ages 6 and up, and each participant must be registered for the class individually. A responsible adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16. Look Inside will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Create your own small project in Woodworking Warriors. Students will “… cover terminology that simplifies woodworking processes and techniques, sharpen and prepare tools, and leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation,” said Nick Carter, instructor. Carter will cover wood materials and project recommendations in the first class. The class will be held every Monday and Wednesday, Feb. 19 through March 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Previous woodworking experience or completion of the class Woodworking Foundations, which will be offered February 2 through 7, or Woodworking Warriors: Beginners is a prerequisite.
Learn how to safeguard your digital security with Casper College information technology network coordinator Brian Clark. During Guarding Digital Privacy, participants will learn about phishing terminology and tactics, how easy online access to personal information enhances these attacks, and how to identify social engineering threats that use detailed victim data. Students will “Compare the pros and cons of free versus paid services and Google versus Apple for privacy-focused systems,” said Clark. Students will also set up services on their devices during class and discover ways to minimize their data footprint with effective privacy hygiene and technology solutions. The class will run every Thursday, Feb. 20, through March 6, from 6-7 p.m. Each student is asked to bring their personal laptop, tablet, or smartphone to class.
Pastel Methods is the perfect class for those interested in exploring the vibrant medium of pastels and practicing color layering to create bright highlights and muted shadows, according to Gallegos. Instructor Karen Henneck will show attendees how the colors of the sky change throughout the day and teach techniques for finding the focal point to guide the viewer’s eye. Attendees can “Turn their ideas or favorite photos into finished paintings they’ll be proud to display,” noted Henneck. Selected supplies will be provided, but attendees are asked to bring a pencil, aluminum foil, and turpenoid, a turpentine substitute available at hobby stores, to class. Pastel Methods will be held every Saturday, Feb. 22, through March 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Students can burn calories, relieve stress, and boost their cardio in Fitness Boxing, a fun class designed for all fitness levels and body types. “Elevate your physical and mental health as you enhance your posture, shift positions, and challenge your cognition with an energizing blend of boxing movements and exercise routines,” said Billy Walker, instructor. According to Walker, selected supplies and equipment will be provided, but students need to bring 14-ounce boxing gloves and 180-inch hand wraps. The class will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3-3:45 p.m. Feb. 24 through March 14.
Instructor Todd von Gunten will help each participant become a better support person to family and friends who are grieving in Aspects of Grief. According to von Gunten, grief and loss can impact relationships, identity, and overall well-being. “Acquire knowledge to understand grief and loss better and learn grief’s emotional, physical, and spiritual expressions. Repeat students (will) discover new layers of the grief support process,” he said. Participants are asked to bring note-taking materials to the class, which will be held every Monday, Feb. 24, through March 10, from 5:30-7 p.m. Please note that this class is not for grieving people, and those needing grief support services should contact Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions.
Finally, Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., discover the realm of aromatherapy in Reflexology and E-Oils Wellness. During the class taught by Laura Johnson, students will learn the history of essential oils, their benefits in promoting physical and psychological well-being, the safe use of essential oils, including allergies to oil additives, and the various oil products available for purchase and their differences. “Relax and enjoy this all-natural alternative medicine method as we apply a couple of oils to the hands in class,” said Johnson. Supplies will be provided, and each student will be able to take a few samples home.
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 to caspercollege.augusoft.net or call 307-268-3401. To learn more about personal enrichment workshops and classes, visit caspercollege.augusoft.net//index.cfm?method=ClassListing.ClassListingDisplay.