DALLAS TWP. — Misericordia University is now taking registrations for a variety of non-credit courses being offered to the community this spring.
“Computers 110: Getting Started and Moving Forward” will offer the fundamentals of today’s computer technology and the basics of Microsoft Office. The series of five classes begins Wednesday, Feb.12 from 6 to 8 p.m. through March 11. “Advanced Computer Technology” will further explore Microsoft Office and teach students how to maintain their computer’s performance and privacy though diagnostics and anti-spyware tools. The five-week sessions will continue on Wednesday’s beginning April 8 until May 6. The instructor is Rich Fufaro. Fufaro will also offer a one-day workshop, “Advanced MS Office Techniques: Learn More About MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint,” on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 371 Mercy Hall. The class will help increase knowledge of MS Office and help develop skills beyond the basics.
“Clay by Hand and Pottery Wheel” for those 14 and older, offers six different six-week class options beginning with the first series on Jan.13, and a second series on March 16. Instruction will include hand-building and pottery wheel skills, and decorative and glazing techniques. Advance registration is required. Online registration is available at www.misericordia.edu/adultclay. Classes will be held at the Misericordia Art Studio at the rear of 50 Lake St.
A two-session Bonsai Class will be held Mondays, March 30 and April 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Anderson Sports and Health Center. The cost is $150 and includes a tree, pot, wire and soil. In this class, students will learn the history, techniques, and horticultural care in the ancient art of bonsai. Students will trim, wire, style, and repot their very own tree to take home and nurture. The class is taught by local artist Carl Achhammer, Jr. of Zenchaser Bonsai. His 20 years of experience will provide great knowledge and a passion for this ancient art form.
“Yang Style Taijiquan – Learning a Tradition” is 12-week session of classes by Mark R. Reinhart that will include a brief overview of the history and health benefits of Taiji (T’ai Chi Ch’uan). It is broken into three teaching sets (or paragraphs) to make it easier to learn. This 12-week session, while only teaching the second set of the form, is a complete offering for any and all who are interested in learning this classic form. While learning the complete Yang Long Form is suggested, it is not necessary in order to derive the numerous benefits of Taiji practice. The classes will be held Thursdays, beginning March 19, from 7-8 p.m., in the Anderson Health and Fitness Center.
The university also offers Fitness Center Memberships, Fitness Combo Packages, a series of fitness classes in the Anderson Sports and Health Center from Jan. 2 through May 7. The classes will offer variety of cardio, strength, aerobics and core conditioning work. Water aerobics classes are also offered Jan.13 to May 7, weekdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Use of the Anderson Center indoor walking track is available for $50 per semester. The fee is included in the cost of fitness and water aerobics classes, and Fitness Combo Packages.
In addition, the Misericordia University Community Choir will continue to hold rehearsals this spring. There is no cost to join. Under the direction of conductor Matthew Rupcich, the mixed chorus (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) of singers will perform a repertoire from all periods, both a capella and with chamber musicians. No prior choral experience is required. Rehearsals are held Thursday evenings, 6-8:15 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 23 in the Maslow Ensemble Room 004 Insalaco Hall.
There will be free NEPA Lyme Support Group meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Huntzinger Room 218 Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall. The March meeting will be held in the Catherine Evans McGowan Room on the third floor of the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library. The sessions will offer guest speakers and informational literature on tick bites, Lyme and tick-borne illnesses. For more information, contact Michele Cassetori, O.T.R./L. at michcassot@comcast.net or 570-760-6108. Walk-ins are welcome.
There is a charge for all programs and advance registration is required, except where noted. A brochure on the Fun and Fitness programs with a downloadable registration form is available at www.misericordia.edu/funandfitness or by calling the Center for Adult and Continuing Education at 570-674-6289.
