Community Education programs are for everyone! Whether you’re looking to try a new hobby, learn a new skill or just have fun, Community Education is for you. Augusta County coordinates fun and educational classes for adults in the community within the following categories - Personal Enrichment, Health, Language, Music, Home and Garden, Cooking, and Finance.
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For more information, click here for our current program guide.
Boating Safely - $30.00
This is a certificate producing course that covers all subjects required for the Virginia Boating Certificate. Also included are other Boating Safety Practices. Instructed by: United States Coast Guard Auxillary. AGES: 13 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to workshop. Workshops will be held at the Augusta County Government Center from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on September 11 and October 23.
Composting and Rain Barrels ... You can do it! - $15.00
Making Money Save time, save money and help the environment! Come learn about composting and rain barrels … including the eleven reasons why you should compost. Instructed by: Corinne Blasius. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is October 5. The workshop will be held at the Augusta County Government Center from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on October 12.
In the Kitchen with Culinary Herbs - $12.00
Challenge your taste buds and add herbs to your soups, entrees and desserts. Learn to prepare herbs for the kitchen so you can delight the palette by improving plain and bland foods! A tasty treat or two will be prepared for the class to sample. Instructed by: Corinne Blasius. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is September 14. The workshop will be held at the Augusta County Government Center from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on September 21.
Dog Obedience - $67.00
Come, Sit, Stay - does your dog know these commands? Come ready to teach your dog to be a well behaved member of your family. Please bring your dog’s vaccine history first night of class (no dogs until second class.) All dogs must have a 4-6 ft leash with a flat nylon, leather, or head collar (no flexi leashes.) Only one handler per dog. Let’s have everyone in the family well behaved. Instructed by: Danielle Dundas. AGES: 14 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of class. Six week sessions at the Augusta County Social Services Building from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. will begin September 22 and November 10.
Music
Beginning Guitar - $78.00 + $8.00 material fee
Beginning guitar will teach you to play the new guitar you just got or the one that has been propped in the corner of your house for years! The instructor will teach basic chording, strumming techniques and much more. Instructed by: Boston Shilling, Staunton Music. AGES: 13 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of class. Six week sessions at Staunton Music from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. will begin September 11 and November 6.
Language
Beginner Chinese I & II - $96.00 ($10.00 discount for immediate family members.)
Almost one fourth of the world’s population speaks Chinese. Have you ever imagined if you could speak Chinese, or wish your child could speak Chinese? Here is your opportunity. During these lessons, you will be introduced to the Chinese culture, learning frequently used words, useful sentences and numbers. Instructed by: Li Fultz. AGES: 6 & UP. Deadline to register is September 7. The seven week session at Wilson Middle School from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. will begin September 14.
Getting Paid to Talk: with Your Voice: An Introduction to Professional Voice Overs - $25.00
Have you ever been told that you have a great voice? This exciting class will explore numerous aspects of voice over work for television, film, radio, audio books, documentaries and the internet in your area. We will cover all the basics, including how to prepare the all - important demo, how to be successful and earn great income in this exciting field. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and to hear examples of demos recorded by professional voice actors. Class participants will even have a chance to record a commercial script under the direction of our Voicecoaches.com producer! This class is informative, lots of fun, and a great first step for anyone interested in voice acting professionally. Space is limited, and registration closes one week prior to class, so register early. Please visit http://www.voicecoaches.com/gptt for more information. Instructed by: Voice Coaches (Creative Voice Development Group LLC). AGES: 18 & UP. Deadline to register is October 5. The workshop will be held on October 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
American Sign Language - $57.00
Basic American Sign Language is intended for teens and adults with an interest in learning sign language. This class goes beyond the realm of finger spelling and into full gestures that help one to communicate more freely. The basic mechanics of sign language including direction and emphasis will be the main concentration. This class will prove to be both fun and educational! Instructed by: Bobbie Dietz & Rachel Bavister. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is September 2. The seven week session at the Augusta County Government Center from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. begins September 9.
Financial Workshops
Surviving Hard Times - $10.00
Learn financial strategies to weather the current economy and how to overcome financial difficulties. Learn to apply the right tools to be in a position to take advantage of the coming economic turn. Instructed by: Pat Copper, Financial Fitness, Inc. AGES: 18 & UP. Deadline to register is September 7. Workshop will be held September 14 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Augusta County Government Center.
Annuities and Your Retirement - $5.00
This seminar is designed to help people better understand the basics of the latest annuities so they can choose the options that make the most sense for a specific situation. Instructed by Christian Pecheukonis, Edward Jones Financial Advisor. AGES: 55 - 75 years old. Deadline to register is September 7. Workshop will be held September 14 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. at Wilson Middle School.
A Woman’s Guide to Money Matters - $5.00
This seminar is for women of all ages to learn how to take control of their financial life, prepare for retirement (it’s never too soon) and pay for education. Bring yourself, your mother, sister, daughter and friends! Instructed by Christian Pecheukonis, Edward Jones Financial Advisor. AGES: 18 & UP. Deadline to register is September 28. Workshop will be held October 5 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School.
Running a Business on a Shoestring Budget - $15.00
Learn how to plan, set goals and budget for your business without going into debt or putting your personal and family finances in jeopardy. Gain an understanding of how your personal finances affect your business. Instructed by: Pat Copper, Financial Fitness, Inc. AGES: 18 & UP. Deadline to register is October 5. Workshop will be held October 12 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Augusta County Government Center.
Eliminating Debt and Improving Credit Workshop - $15.00
Debt – What’s good, what’s bad?; is consolidating ok?; how to eliminate debt; how does it affect my life?
Credit – Proper use; how to improve, how to negotiate delinquent accounts; how does it affect my future? Instructed by: Pat Copper, Financial Fitness, Inc. AGES: 18 & UP. Deadline to register is November 2. Workshop will be held November 9 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Augusta County Government Center.
The Rules of the Road - $5.00
This seminar will provide ten principles for sound investing and discuss how to identify and avoid the most common investment mistakes. Instructed by Christian Pecheukonis, Edward Jones Financial Advisor. AGES: 20 & UP. Deadline to register is November 2. Workshop will be held on November 9 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School.
Health Workshops
Tired of Being Sick and Tired - $8.00
Have you been dragging that ball and chain too long? Are you suffering from symptoms such as these: lack of energy, foggy thinking, not enjoying life, stress, mood swings, digestive concerns, weight gain or loss, depression, chronic pain, or many others? It is possible to live a life of energy, vitality and vigor. Learn natural ways to find the hidden causes and help restore, maintain and enhance your health while reducing stress. Instructed by Dr. Susanna B. Wetsel, DC, CCN, DACBN and Don E. Wetsel, MA, Lac, NCTMB. AGES: 15 & UP. Deadline to register is September 15. Workshop will be held on September 22 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
Amazing Thyroid - $8.00
Learn about the thyroid's link to: weight gain or loss, fatigue, stress, depression, lack of energy, mental sluggishness, low body temperature, intolerance to cold, and more! Thyroid dysfunction can be a hidden cause of neck pain and other aches and pains. Learn natural ways to help restore healthy thyroid and endocrine function. Instructed by Dr. Susanna B. Wetsel, DC, CCN, DACBN and Don E. Wetsel, MA, Lac, NCTMB. AGES: 15 & UP. Deadline to register is October 11. Workshop will be held on October 18 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
Premenstrual Syndrome - $8.00
Symptoms of disruptions to the natural hormone balance include PMS, mood swings, depression, cramping, fatigue, headaches, low sex drive, night sweats, hot flashes, foggy thinking, hair loss or facial hair growth, weight gain, lack of energy, insomnia and many more. There is relief from this myriad of symptoms so many women experience. Learn how to tame that monthly monster that lives inside you. Instructed by Dr. Susanna B. Wetsel, DC, CCN, DACBN and Don E. Wetsel, MA, Lac, NCTMB. AGES: 15 & UP. Deadline to register is November 2. Workshop will be held on November 9 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
Organization Workshops
Get Organized for the Holidays - $20.00
If you want to enjoy the holidays with friends and family instead of dreading them, I have solutions and tips that guarantee you will have a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This class is designed specifically to help you overcome the stress of the holidays through time management and organization techniques. Instructed by: Kathyrn McMillan, Clutter Conversions, LLC. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is September 28. Workshop will be held on October 5 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
It’s All about my Kitchen – Take the Stress Out of Cooking - $20.00
Learn how a kitchen should be organized, the various zones and meal planning. We will also prepare enough menus to last you through two months and the grocery list for each one. You must bring a list of your family’s favorite meals or a couple of your favorite recipes and cookbooks. Instructed by: Kathyrn McMillan, Clutter Conversions, LLC. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is October 5. Workshop will be held on October 12 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
De-Cluttering and Space Organizing Made Simple - $20.00
Do you get overwhelmed when you look at a particular area and see all the clutter? You do not know how to start or what to do with all the items in there. This class will teach you the basics of de-cluttering and space organizing for any room in your home and give you practical storage solutions. Instructed by: Kathyrn McMillan, Clutter Conversions, LLC. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is October 12. Workshop will be held on October 19 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
Where Did the Time Go? - $20.00
Always in a rush and never enough time for you? Are you always in a hurry to be somewhere, doing something for someone else or rushing to get ready in the mornings? This class is designed to teach you basic time management skills to get you through the day, week or year and to help you achieve the goals you want. Knowing these skills will help you start the New Year off right! Instructed by: Kathyrn McMillan, Clutter Conversions, LLC. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is October 19. Workshop will be held on October 26 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.
Organizing Paper, Emails, and Filing Systems for Home or Office - $20.00
Start the New Year off right! Do you have too much paper lying around the house or office? Do you get overwhelmed with emails and to-do lists? Do you have an effective filing system for important papers in your home or office? This class will teach you how to effectively manage every piece of paper you come in contact with and set up simple organizing systems to deal with emails and files for your home or office. Instructed by: Kathyrn McMillan, Clutter Conversions, LLC. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is November 2. Workshop will be held on November 9 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center.