Personal Enrichment   

10/7 | St Marks
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10/14 | Birdsong
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

10/21 | Tall Timbers
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

11/4 | Tallahassee area
(field study only)
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Generally, the goal is to teach participants the tools and knowledge to enjoy bird watching at whatever level they wish to attain. Specifically, the class includes: how to make your backyard enticing so birds will winter there; what are basic and advanced observation tips for identifying bird species, especially back yard birds and birds at nearby birding hotspots; what tools (equipment, phone applications, books) are available to enhance your bird watching experiences; Where are various and incredible bird watching hot spots in the Tallahassee area, Florida and the world. Class size limit: 15.

MOBILITY REQUIREMENT: Ability to walking slowly, stopping often, over uneven ground for 2-3 miles; hold arms above shoulders holding binoculars for 1-2 minutes.

Suggested Reading:  The Crossley ID Guide Eastern Birds, Crossley, $25, available at Wildbirds Unlimited, Field guide with all photos in natural habitat (my favorite) • Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, Kaufman, $13. Up-to-date field guide, includes official names of birds; new species; updated range maps and easy to use • Birdwatching Basics or https://myfwc.com/media/10650/birdwatching-basics-2010.pdf

Five Smooth Stones is part support group, part creative journaling, part storytelling performance, in exploration of the journey from loss and grief to a place that includes peace--even joy. Attendees will be invited to participate as they are comfortable. A complimentary luncheon will be served. Class size limit: 15.

As you research your family history, an important first step is to conduct a thorough online search and record it properly in your database. But equally important is to identify repositories that hold resources/documents that you may need. Such on-site research visits can be complex, and may be overwhelming on your first visit. In this class you will discover tips to help your research trip experience be a positive one! Learn how to prepare for your upcoming visit to optimize your experience. Then understand how to properly record your findings in Family Tree Maker. Class size limit: 15. 

SKILL REQUIREMENT: Computer Basics and Familiarity with Genealogy.
 

This course will continue in the same manner as the introductory class. Students will have the opportunity to further advance their note-reading skills as well as play more repertoire pieces, including familiar classics. Participants will expand their skills to play as a group and make music together. Classes will be held in the piano lab in the Kellogg Building at FSU. Access to a piano or keyboard outside of class would be ideal to enhance and reinforce the skills practiced during each class. Class size limit: 7.

This course will review the essential elements of good writing, then move on to memoir structure, form, and style. After deciding whether to focus on a specific time or a particular theme and producing an outline, students will begin work on their own opus, progressing in short form from rough draft through to final edits, with regular instructor feedback and guidance. At the end of the course, there will be a discussion of possible routes to publication. Class size limit: 12.

Classes cover the mechanics of photography; basics of digital photography; composition and design; history – what makes these great photos great; and using photo software. Every week students will have voluntary assignments for sharing and critiquing photos. (This has been one of the most popular elements of the class in the past.) Class size limit: 15.