Fall 2023   

This seminar will challenge the participant to look at Chemical Dependency in the family system from an innovative point of view. It will include practical therapeutic encounters for education, therapy and intervention. It will also challenge beliefs and concepts that participants may assume to be true. This seminar is an interactive workshop facilitated by a licensed Chemical Dependency counselor and published author. Plan a half-hour lunch break. Optional book, “Healing the Wound: The Family's Journey through Chemical Dependency” may be purchased from instructor for $10.

Practice your basic MS WORD skills (such as Copy & Paste) while learning more features such as Text Formatting, Adding Images/Pictures, Find & Replace, Bulleting/ Numbering, Creating Tables, Handy Shortcuts, and using Win Explorer to Organize your files while dabbling with Internet Browsing. Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills with some experience working in WORD. Bring USB memory stick.

Interest in freelance book illustration – especially children’s titles – is growing. We will explore concept development, writing, page layout and type, composition for visual impact, and market appeal, all leading to your personal art style. Topics to consider: client interaction and pricing; prep for printing, publishing options, portfolio considerations. We will discuss book mock-up options, and presentation techniques. Bring a current work-in-progress to develop for one-on-one review, and group collaboration. Share experiences with other aspiring artists. 

Exploration of major artistic, historical, cultural, philosophical, gender, and genre issues represented in selected works of British literature from 1798 to the present. Online, Late Start.

Exploring papers, adhesives, paints, stencils, stamps and more, we will learn about and play with a variety of collage techniques in this workshop. The piece you will create is known as a “Masterboard” which can be cut into tags, cards, bookmarks, etc. Or you may want to keep it as is to frame and hang. My goal is for you to develop a good basis of understanding and be able to pursue and express your creative voice through collage (And HAVE FUN!) A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor at first class.

This fun, non-credit class is open to beginners and all levels of graphic artists. Using wax-based or water-soluble colored pencils, or soft pastel stick and pencils, students will be introduced to the Trace and Transfer Drawing Method. All photo references will be supplied. The instructor will draw each exercise with the class, and he will work with students to develop their individual drawing style. Suggested supply list available or bring your own art supplies to class.

Feeling a little ungrounded and disconnected from your creative side? Then come and get your hands dirty and reconnect to your personal creative expression using Earth's most primal element - Clay! Emphasis will be on relaxing and enjoying the process of opening up to creative expression through the experience of working with clay. We will start with a basic introduction, and then students will progress through hand-building techniques, including pinch pots, coil building, slab construction, press molds and more. We will finish with glazing all of our pieces on the last day. Arrangements will be made for project pick-up. This is a beginner level class. Class is limited to 10 students. Sign up Early! All supplies included in tuition.

Looking for Job Skills?  Microsoft Excel experience is highly prized in business as it allows you to track all sorts of information not just numbers. This session will deal with features such as Summary Sheets, Sheet Grouping, Range Names, Sorting & Filtering, “6 easy Formulas/Functions”, plus the Auto Features and some TIPS! Perfect for those who want to expand their Excel skills. Applicable for all Excel versions.  Prerequisite: Basic Computer & Excel Skills. Bring a USB memory stick.

Learn more about the beliefs and practice of Islam through readings, lectures, discussions and videos. In conjunction with the course, an optional trip to a local mosque will be offered. This opportunity to broaden perspectives on faith and feelings of Muslims is guided by two scholars, one Christian and one Muslim. Become familiar with the culture and beliefs, exploring beyond headlines, to engage the “heart-lines” of Muslim people.

Your body is teaming with millions of microorganisms! …. known as your microbiome and found primary in your gut. We’ll examine the impact these microorganisms have on our health, both in our gut and from consuming probiotic fermented foods. Be amazed by how fermenting organisms in our bodies modulate our immune systems and overall wellbeing, and the importance of probiotics in our diet. Fermentation permeates every aspect of our lives, and from this class you’ll get a tour of fermentation within us and around us, plus we’ll make some tasty treats. 

Jewish civilization historically and in contemporary times. Secular and religious expressions of Jewish culture, concepts, and ideals; sense of human place, purpose, communal and personal life; influence of Jewish thought on other religious and secular cultures; anti-Semitism and other modern challenges will be discussed. Recommended but NOT required textbooks: Seasons of Our Joy, ISBN: 9780827609303; Way of Man, ISBN: 9780415278294; and Jewish History in 100 Nutshells, ISBN: 9781568218861.

 

Do you understand the difference between an exchange-traded fund and a mutual fund? How about a municipal bond or how annuities work? Investing doesn’t have to be complicated. With so many options, research, and analysis available to today’s investors, making good decisions can seem overwhelming. Gain a working glossary to understand the world of investing. Learn a basic structure to assist in deductive decisions, and a fundamental framework to discuss the global marketplace. There will be time to learn about some of the pitfalls in financial planning and shared tips and insights on working with attorneys, accountants and advisors.

An introduction to leather working – the art of tooling leather to make art or useful leather items that are both attractive and personalized. Learn the terms and history of leather working and how to use the tools. Build tooling skills with guidance as you create a beginner’s project. Supply list provided for students to purchase at estimated cost of $195.

 

This interactive class is intended for everyone who is taking care of a loved one at home. Maybe you have been doing this for a while, or maybe you are just starting. Either way, it is important for you to know that you are the best possible caregiver for your loved one, and the best possible place is home. This class will also help with strategies for you to take care of yourself, so you do not feel isolated or overwhelmed. As we explore every aspect of caregiving, physical, emotional, and spiritual, we will share ideas and support.

Relax, revitalize & heal your mind and body in this series of guided meditations using breath, intention, visualization, and sound healing. Learn how & why we are naturally wired to create more calm in our lives. Promote better memory, digestion, sleep, motivation, happiness, and overall quality of being. Incorporate a centering peace through simple everyday meditative techniques to improve your wellness. Taught by a Certified Transpersonal Hypnotherapist & Wellness Coach. Bring a yoga mat or towel.

 

The American Southwest has long been home to a fascinating variety of Native Peoples, each with their own unique story. This course will focus on the history and culture of the Pai peoples of the high country of central and northwestern Arizona, including the Hualapai, Havasupai, Maricopa and Yavapai.

The American Southwest has long been home to a fascinating variety of Native Peoples, each with their own unique story. This course will focus on the history and culture of the western Pueblo peoples of northeastern Arizona and western New Mexico, including Hopi, Zuni, Acoma and Laguna.

Have you ever had the feeling that you have met someone before? You might be experiencing what is known as Deja vu and have known that person in a past life. Whether a person believes in reincarnation or not, past life regression work can be very helpful in understanding one's current problems and relationships. We will discuss karma, reincarnation, and theories of past life recall. We will follow a detailed outline to conduct a past life regression and cover the do's and don'ts of regression work. Students will have the opportunity to experience a group regression as well as participate or observe individual regressions. All these experiences are optional. Required book. "Past Lives Present Problems: Healing Life Problems with Past Life Regression Therapy," by Dr. Elaine Hodge. Read Part I before first class.

In Melissa’s class, you will learn what prospectors' records were Prescott’s first documents, predating government records; where is the first lot sold in the original townsite; who are streets named after; what member of the Corp of Engineers is Fort Whipple named after; who was the mayor who went to war…and much more. Based on years of research, Melissa authored, Prescott: A Pictorial History, originally sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and later in 4 reprints. She is one of 100 of AZ “Culture Keepers” and will share the rich history of Prescott from 1862 to 1912 with handouts, “show and tell” lectures, and a historical walking tour downtown ending with lunch (on your own) at The Palace, where her great-uncle won a mortuary business in January 1903.

 

USUI Reiki is a Japanese Energy healing technique where A Master teacher attunes the student to the symbols of Reiki. In this course the education, hands on learning and Attunements for Level 1, 2 and Master Teacher are covered. These certifications provide the credentials to begin a healing practice, teach reiki or just simply expand your own awareness and intuition. This is a spiritual journey where the Master Teacher offers long term support and mentorship beyond the class.

In March of 2022 the United States Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates for the first time since the 2008 Great Recession. Fourteen years of low interest rates and a rising stock markets rewarded stock investors and made bonds boring. Everything has changed. The stock market is down, interest rates are up, and several factors have allowed inflation to increase. Come learn how all these impacts investors and hear ideas on how you might want to position on your assets for the new normal.

In this class we will go over everything you need to know to get started on your sewing journey! From plugging in your machine to completing your first project, you will walk out of here ready to start sewing at home! We will go over how to operate any home sewing machine, shopping for beginner fabrics, & practice exercises. Students will leave with two completed projects: a French seamed pillowcase and a beginner apron. Fabric will be provided for the pillowcase project, but students will need to purchase apron fabric AFTER being given fabric requirements in class. Sewing machines are provided, but students must bring fabric scissors, pins & pin cushion, small scissors/snips, soft measuring tape, & a seam ripper.

Now that you’ve learned the basics of operating your sewing machine & completed a few beginner projects, it’s time to start doing stuff with a few more steps to it! We will be building heavily on the basics taught in previous classes to really strengthen your construction knowledge with new techniques like pockets & working with stretch fabrics. Students will leave with three completed projects: lined toiletries bag with zipper, pocketed lounge pants, & raglan/baseball tee. All clothing projects are gender inclusive. Sewing machines, bobbins & patterns will be provided. Students must bring fabrics that meets project requirements & Standard Supply Kit to each class.

Download Supply List for Intermediate Projects

This class continues your sewing journey by further expanding your skillset with new projects & slightly more difficult techniques. You can choose from four different project options: simple knit t-shirt, simple woven fabric top, elastic waist or wrap/tie skirt, and a sweater or sweatshirt. Each project option presents its own new challenges such as working with knits, buttons & buttonholes, hoods or turtlenecks, stitch in the ditch and more! Sewing machines, bobbins & needles will be provided but students must purchase all other supplies. A project supply list is available. (No class 10/26.)

Download Supply List for Intermediate Projects

Learn what you need to know about social security and retirement. We will discuss how your social security is calculated, the taxation of benefits, and ways to calculate when to take benefits. This class will help you understand the risks you face in retirement and help you create a strategy to mitigate those risks. Over 70% of Americans receiving social security today depend on it for half of their income. Planning for retirement can be complicated and knowing when to take your social security benefit can be one of the most important decisions in retirement. Come join us to learn ways to maximize your social security benefits and retirement income. 

$55 single/$20 for 2nd family member.

 

This exciting class captures all the information and benefits of the Simplified 24 Form class (see description below), as you learn Part 1 (the first 18-plus postures) and more of the famous Yang Style Long Form. The emphasis/focus of this class will be on health and wellness and “cultivating your inner chi.” We will closely follow our “virtual mentor,” Grand Master Kai Ying Tung’s (Tung Family Tai Chi) approach as you assimilate the major Tai Chi principles common to all styles of Tai Chi.  No experience is needed: beginners and continuing students are all welcome.

Do you understand how annuities and life insurance work? You’re not the only one. The complexity of these instruments can be staggering. Gain a basic understanding of different types of annuities and life insurance, when they should be used, when they should not and some of the pitfalls to avoid.

 

Charitable Remainder Uniform Trust and Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust can provide a substantial tax benefit and a significant win-win-win for everyone involved. This class will look at the basic structure of the Charitable Remainder Trust, frequently encountered issues in drafting and trust administration, and financial planning opportunities. We will examine the mechanics of charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT) and the charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), and the significant tax benefits of capital gains, estate tax, and income tax. This course will identify situations in which a charitable remainder trust is or is not an appropriate planning vehicle, explain how to structure the trust to meet an individual’s planning objectives, and identify situations in where a charitable trust might be appropriate.

Let’s create new journals from old books! Using a hard-covered book, you will learn how to successfully deconstruct it by removing the text block. You will then reinforce the spine and create signatures (groups of papers to form the pages) using a variety of papers. Once that’s finished, decide how you want to organize your pages, and we will talk about the various options. Using some book binding tools, I will show you how to stitch in the signatures and create the inside covers. Bring a hard-cover book, around 5" x 8" with a spine no wider than 1.5". Choose a book whose cover you like, as we will be leaving them as they are. A $20 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.

Journaling has many established benefits, from stress reduction to self-discovery and understanding. But oftentimes words are inadequate to express the nuances of what we are experiencing, processing, or trying to understand more deeply. Using guided imagery as a springboard, we will work with color and image to expand the practice of journaling into more dimensional forms. Journalers and artists, as well as those with no previous experience, are welcome with an openness to inner exploration and outward expression. Basic sketchbook-type journals and colored markers included in tuition. Students may bring other materials if desired.

The elements of classical ballet technique. Emphasis on movement quality and artistic expression.

Part One of this course meets 8/14 - 10/4/23. To continue through December, students must register and pay for Part Two, 10/10 - 12/6/23.

Theory and practice of ballet at the accelerated beginning level. Development of movement quality, and performance skills.

Part One of this course meets 8/14 - 10/4/23. To continue through December, students must register and pay for Part Two, 10/10 - 12/6/23.

Exploration of partner dance styles. Variety styles include: Arizona Two-Step, Night Club Two-Step, and a few favorite Linedances. (No class 9/4.)

Perspective and visual perception studied as related to developing artistic visual growth in perceiving our environment. Emphasis on analysis of objects and their compositional placement within pictorial construction. Application of design principles. 

Perspective and visual perception studied as related to developing artistic visual growth in perceiving our environment. Emphasis on analysis of objects and their compositional placement within pictorial construction. Application of design principles. 

If you enjoy drawing but have not been able to get to the level you prefer, this class will assist you in meeting your goals. Using exercises from Betty Edwards and others, you will learn proven artistic skills in a straightforward, fun way. The course will cover the drawing techniques of form, depth, volume, value, space, elements of design and composition, gesture and expression, perspective and color. We will be drawing from photographs as well as from life using hands, flowers, or fruit which enables us to capture the essence of what we are seeing and drawing. Our final project will be a finished painting. A required supply list is available.

Download Required Supply List

A self-discovery and artistic journey course guided by Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen’s book, "Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women’s Lives." In this course, we will explore archetypes found in seven of the Greek goddesses. We will synthesize our understanding of these archetypes through artistic endeavors, journal reflections, group consciousness activities, and more!

Ground skills necessary for safety, control and cooperation with horses. Various training philosophies as well as methodologies involved in preparing individuals to train their own horse. Includes hands-on sessions with horses to build ground manners for liberty and riding. Personal horses welcome but not required.

Part One of this course meets 8/16 - 10/4/23. To continue through December, students must register and pay for Part Two, 10/11 - 12/6/23.

Horticulture production activities involved with the growing of market crops. Emphasis on hydroponic, greenhouse and field grown orchard and row crops. Includes team work and hands on learning managing and producing in an extensive greenhouse, orchard, organic and research gardens and flower beds. State of the art computer controls system and cutting edge techniques used in the cultivation of food crops and ornamentals. This Hybrid course meets in-person on Wednesdays and is online 8/12 - 12/9/23.

Part One of this course meets 8/16 - 10/6/23. To continue through December, students must register and pay for Part Two, 10/7 - 12/9/23.

Reading and writing poetry. Beginning techniques used for writing poetry.

Reading and writing poetry. Beginning techniques used for writing poetry.

Developing skills and expressiveness in drawing a basic form, construction and gesture of the human figure. Application of design principles.

Study and experimentation in painting techniques employed by modern and old masters. Emphasis on personal creativity and uniqueness of expression. Application on design principles.

Study and experimentation in painting techniques employed by modern and old masters. Emphasis on personal creativity and uniqueness of expression. Application on design principles.

Introduction to organic gardening in Yavapai County. Includes basic plant selection, soils, nutrients, and practices consistent with organic production for the home and small hobby farm.

Introduction to printmaking techniques including monoprint, collograph, relief and elementary intaglio printing. Exploration of different methods of inking, registration, hand and press techniques. Application of design principles.

Basics in pre-ride preparation, tacking, mounting, controlling and directing a horse at appropriate gait for horse and rider (e. g. walk, trot, lope). Emphasis on safety, fundamental patterns, and smooth transitions. Includes exercises to develop focus, feel and balance to create fluid synchronization between horse and rider. Horse ownership required or lease option available; contact instructor. First class meets in classroom, CVAG57-Room 119; do not bring horse.

Part One of this course meets 8/18 - 10/6/23. To continue through December, students must register and pay for Part Two, 10/13 - 12/8/23.

Basic and beginning moves for the Rumba, Cha Cha, and Swing. Includes movement, music and rhythm.

Exploration of sculpture using Oxyacetylene torches and GMAW (wire) arc welding processes. Emphasis on welding, cutting, and shaping metal to explore sculptural forms. No prior welding experience is necessary. Application of design principles.

Did you know that you can communicate with TWO-THIRDS of the world's population if you speak English and Spanish? You already speak English, now you can tackle your Spanish!! This class will cover basic vocabulary for travel to a Spanish-speaking country, and just a few verbs to be able to say simple phrases. We'll use real objects to learn new material and play games to review previous lessons, having fun knowing no one is perfect and everyone is learning a new skill!

For both beginning and continuing students, this fun class teaches the 24 movements of the most popular Chinese Government-approved Yang style "Simplified Form”, You will learn how to maximize the flow of Chi (energy), Tai Chi philosophy, history, and mindfulness through the series of movements that are slow, continuous, relaxed, and focused. Like all Tai Chi Forms, it combines “moving meditation” with gentle revitalizing exercise as the students benefit from improved strength, conditioning, coordination, flexibility, and balance. Students also report experiencing increased energy, reduced stress, reduced pain, enhanced sleep, and/or feelings of well-being.

Exploration of transparent qualities of watercolor medium. Techniques and materials used to stimulate personal creativity and uniqueness of expression. Application of design principles.

This class will contemplate the Yin Yang symbol as a reminder that all life is whole. Yin and Yang are not in conflict, both are essential to existence and the workings of the universe. Taoists embrace wholeness and tranquilly accepting what comes. You'll examine the wisdom of living in harmony with the course set by nature--TAO. The opening line of the Tao Te Ching, "The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao," exemplifies the realization that the meaning of life is not a problem to solve, but a mystery to experience." The Tao, beyond words and description, is the ground of everything--above all, behind all, it is the womb from which all life springs and returns."

Study of theory and design of wood lathe-turned objects. Includes wood-turning techniques, use of wood lathe and associated tooling. Application of design principles.

Study of theory and design of wood lathe-turned objects. Includes wood-turning techniques, use of wood lathe and associated tooling. Application of design principles.