Personal Enrichment

Workshop Descriptions
Dates and times for these workshops can be found on our online schedule

Conversational French I
Would you like to travel to Montreal and be able to read the signs, directions, and order dinner from a French menu? Would you like to be able to converse over the phone or in person with French customers? If you would like to be able to talk with your French speaking friends and to show others that you care enough to learn the language, then this workshop is for you. Be prepared to have fun, practice your speaking in class, and work on your reading skills at home. Textbook required: Essentials of French REA Language Series available at the College bookstore.

Conversational Spanish I
A basic introduction to speaking the Spanish language using the four discourses of communication: socializing, asking and providing information, expressing feelings, and persuasion. Textbook required: Basic Spanish available at the College bookstore.

Beginning Sign Language
American Sign Language is for everyone who wishes to learn to sign and understand deaf culture. This workshop is intended only as a six-hour introduction to the universal language of signing. Handout will be provided to allow for home practice between classes. Certificate of residency required.

Strategies for Successful Online Learning
This course is designed to prepare students for on-line classroom learning environment. Students will participate with hands-on activities that will familiarize them with the course management system and the strategies necessary to be a successful on-line learner, including time management, basic computer applications, expectations and outcomes.

Writing to the Beat: The Art of Formal Poetry
In this creative workshop, participants will examine and write different types of formal poetry from around the world including haiku, renga, cinquain, limerick, pantoume, villanelle, sestina and bop. Participants should come to class with writing implements and paper.

Heartsaver CPR
The Heartsaver AED Course teaches the basic techniques of adult CPR and how to use an AED. Students also learn about using barrier devices in CPR and giving first aid for choking. The course teaches how to recognize the signs of four major emergencies: heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest and choking. The certification card is valid for two years.

Introduction to Saltwater Aquariums
This workshop will cover basic information, equipment required, live stock, set-up, maintenance and upgrading existing equipment, basic water chemistry, fish compatibility, and diseases. Participants will receive a gift certificate equal to the registration price to Bridge Street Aquariums at the end of the workshop from the instructor.

Landscape Management
Does your yard need some maintenance? Find out the best management practices on how to maintain your home landscape. Topics include: pruning techniques, lawn care and fertilizing and perennial garden care. Come prepared to ask specific questions and leave ready to get your hands dirty! Participants should bring pruning shears to the workshop. Come learn from Henry’s experience. Henry is a certified master gardener by the University of Maryland and certified in Landscape Management by Chesapeake College.

Pond & Waterfall Construction
Learn the construction of a pond from the ground-breaking to completion of waterfalls and pond. Learn the formulas used by the professionals for purchasing liners, rocks, and stones. If you do not want to build your own, but want to know what to look for if someone else builds it for you, this is the course for you. A booklet on equipment to use in pond building will be supplied. Come learn from Henry’s experience. Henry is a certified master gardener by the University of Maryland and certified in Landscape Management by Chesapeake College.

eBay: Buying and Selling
Learn how to buy and sell goodies using eBay. Simple step-by-step instructions will be given. This workshop is for beginners, although all are welcome to attend.

Reduce Your Heating and Electric Bills: Weatherizing Your Home and Energy Saving Techniques
Energy prices may be soaring but we have some tips to help you. This workshop will cover weatherizing your home and energy saving techniques including; how to check for air tightness, caulking, weatherstripping, insulations, windows CF bulbs, energy star appliances, heating and cooling tips, how to make your existing system more efficient, and what is out on the markets for improvements.

Basic Vehicle Maintenance
Did you know that properly maintaining your vehicle can improve your gas mileage? Topics to be covered include oil, water, and air filter checking, automatic transmission fluid, belts, lights, tires, and other helpful hints to help you save money.

Personal and Family Preparedness
This workshop covers the essentials of personal preparedness for individuals and families. Included will be planning, 72-hr kits, and short term storage. An emphasis will be placed on providing options in emergency situations.

Identity Theft and Your Credit
This workshop provides guidance on steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft and how to fix or increase your credit score. Topics covered will include: how most identity theft takes place, what simple steps you can take to avoid an identity theft crisis, who to contact if you become a victim, and how to fix or improve your credit.

Organizing Your Home or Office
This workshop will cover general principles and specific tips about how to organize your home or workspace to make it both functional and welcoming. Topics include both physical surroundings and electronic files.

Holiday Stamp a Stack of Cards
Create 10 holiday cards within 3 hours. Learn paper crafting techniques that you can apply on not only cards but on scrapbook pages, alterables, and other assorted crafts. Come be inspired and take home some beautiful cards. Students will need to pay the instructor a $10 fee for supplies at the workshop in addition to the registration fee.

Victorian Weaving Project- Men’s Neckties
This workshop will teach you how to weave men’s neckties into a simple basketweave pattern to create a table runner or gift center piece using simple hand sewing only. Basic hand sewing skills required. Bring to the first class 10 or more old worn out/aged neckties and a sewing kit. A list of supplies needed in your sewing kit will be given at registration.

Adirondack Pack Basket
During this workshop, participants will weave a medium-size Adirondack Pack Basket. Some weaving experience is helpful, but not required. Participants will leave the class with a functional Pack Basket ready for ice fishing or a walk in the woods. (Bring a bag lunch) Note: A $30 fee is payable to the instructor at the class to cover materials and supplies. Participants should also bring a pair of needle nose pliers, a pair of sturdy utility scissors and a straight blade screwdriver.