Welcome to a new year of self-discovery. In January, Â鶹ÊÓƵ is offering diverse classes, in culinary, dance, book club discussions, Tai Chi, the buzz-worthy world of beekeeping, card making, and more. Sign up for a class (or a few) to kickstart your journey toward personal growth in 2023.

 

Personal Enrichment

 

In "Spring Book Club," you will enjoy stimulating discussions with other bibliophiles as we read and engage in conversation about one book each month. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Held Fridays, beginning on January 19, from 2-4 pm, this class.

 

"Beekeeping for Beginners" Learn everything you need to know to get started in beekeeping. You will learn about beekeeping equipment, the biology of the honeybee, bee sting safety, what to do when a swarm occurs, general management of beehives, how to extract honey, and how to identify and manage bee diseases and pests. Learn more about the honeybee’s role in pollinating food crops as part of a vast network of pollinators. Texts will be available for purchase at a discounted rate at the first class. Held on Wednesdays, January 17-March 6, from 6:30-8:30 pm, and Saturday apiary training on March 23 from 2-4 pm, this class will cost $75. 

  

"Creative Card Making: Beginners" is a fun and creative way to express your feelings and celebrate occasions with personalized touches. Everyone loves a handmade gift. We will use various materials and tools to make your own cards, such as designer series paper, die cuts and stamps, ribbons, matting, layering, and much more. A small starter kit is included. This class is for beginner crafters. Held on Mondays, January 22-March 11, from 2-4 pm, this class will cost $85. 

 

"Creative Card Making: Advanced" is for students who have taken the beginner card-making class; now it’s time to explore many other different styles and techniques of card making. We will create 3D images, various die cutting, heat embossing, punching, stenciling, and more! Held on Mondays, January 22-March 11, from 4-6 pm, this class costs $85. 

 

"Contact Bridge for Beginner and Novice Students" will teach you the game of Bridge, a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Our introductory Beginner and Novice classes are for beginners or those who need a refresher class and will include formal instruction and hands-on practice. Five additional classes will teach many aspects of the game in more detail. The introductory class will be held on Tuesday, January 9, from 10 am-noon, and is free. Games will be held on Tuesdays, January 16-February 13, from 10 am-noon, and will cost $60.

 

"Introduction to Line Dance– Level 1" is an introduction to line dance. We will take the time to learn basic steps and patterns to build coordination and confidence on the dance floor. We’ll learn popular line dances done at social events: Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Copperhead Road, and others. After six weeks, you may feel ready to develop your skills further in our Level 2 – Absolute Beginner class. Held Thursdays, January 25-February 29, from 5-6 pm, this class will cost $50.

 

''Absolute Beginner Line Dance – Level 2" will guide you to an improved foundation of dance step terminology, rhythm counts, posture, and dance floor etiquette. You’ll experience a variety of absolute beginner line dances to different genres of music. Leave your inhibitions at the door and join us on the dance floor. The prerequisite for this class is Level 1 Line Dance, or being able to dance Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, and Copperhead Road. Held Mondays, January 22-February 26, from 5-6:30 pm, this class will cost $65. 

 

"Beginner + Line Dance – Level 3" will build upon the skills learned at the Absolute Beginner level. You’ll learn dances suitable for the experienced dancer, with some emphasis on body posture and styling principles. The dances will provide a natural progression of complexity: steps, turns, syncopations, tags, and restarts. This 6-week session will prove to be a good ole time on the dance floor. The prerequisite for this class is the successful completion of the Level 2 class. Held Mondays, January 22-February 26, from 6:30-8 pm, this class will cost $65.

 

"Improver/Intermediate Line Dance – Level 4" will feature dance routines suitable for the experienced line dancer who has mastered a comprehensive range of step patterns and movements. This 6-week session is intended to satisfy the seasoned dancer with new challenges that will prove fun and rewarding. Held on Thursdays, January 25-February 29, from 6-8 pm, this class will cost $75. 

 

"Vinyasa Flow Yoga" will build flexibility, strength, and balance in your body and mind and decrease unhealthy stress responses in everyday life. Grounding and centering techniques will be incorporated. Comprehensive instruction will help students find body alignment and meditative practice matching breath to movement. All levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat. Held Monday and Wednesday, January 17-May 8, from 9-10 am, this class will cost $232. There will be no class on February 19, 21, 26, and April 1.

 

"Tai Chi Basics" will teach soft, slow, graceful movements to help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Tai Chi movements are approached with a mindful attitude and never forced; the muscles relaxed rather than tensed. There is no impact to aggravate joints, and it can be performed standing or even sitting, making it the perfect activity to improve and maintain your physical function and quality of life. The class will use the Yang 24 form and various Qi Gong movements. No special equipment is needed, and dress comfortably. Held Monday and Wednesday, January 17-May 8, from 1:30-2:30 pm, this class will cost $180. There will be no class on March 4 and 6 and April 1. 

 

"Tai Chi Practice" will improve and refine postures learned in Tai Chi Basics. Learn several Qi Gong exercises for enhanced stress reduction and improved wellness and practice the Beijing Form (working knowledge required). No special equipment is needed, and dress comfortably. Held Monday and Wednesday, January 17-May 8, from 2:30-3:30 pm, this class will cost $180. There will be no class on March 4 and 6 and April 1. 

 

"Financial Planning for Retirees" will include the following topics: Investment and estate planning. Income tax reduction and insurance planning. Proper portfolio balance to reduce investment risk, getting more income from investments, reducing probate costs, and long-term care planning. Held Tuesdays, January 16-February 13, from 3-5 pm, this class will cost $45.

 

Culinary

 

"Guilt Free Desserts" will teach you three recipes: a flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean chantilly cream, a vegan cinnamon sugar baked donut, and an avocado chocolate mousse topped with vanilla bean chantilly cream and fresh berries. Held on Monday, January 8, from 5-8 pm, this class will cost $100.

 

In "Pate a Choux Fun," you will have fun making three different desserts from this one recipe. We will make eclairs and profiteroles with diplomate cream topped with a delicious craquelin. Lastly, we will make some delicious churros. Held Monday, January 22, from 5:30-7:30 pm, this class will cost $75.

 

"French Brunch" is a 2-day class; we will take a culinary trip to France as we prepare a French-style brunch. Day 1, we will prepare our Beignet Dough and do some basic mise en place for our French onion and bacon strata. On day 2, we will fry off, bake, finish our beignets & strata, and prepare a red wine-sipping chocolate to round out our classic French brunch. Held Monday and Tuesday, January 29 and 30, from 5-7:30 pm, this class will cost $150.

 

Registration

 

We have streamlined the process for Workforce Continuing Education classes like these. You can now register and pay online. Visit sandhillscc-register.fundfive.com/course for a complete list of course offerings and registration. 

 

Spring Semester

 

Continuing Education classes begin throughout the semester. New and returning students do not need to apply to the College; simply register for classes. Spring semester curriculum classes begin January 8. For all information, go to www.sandhills.edu/learn.

New students taking curriculum/college credit classes must apply before registering. Sandhills has an open-door policy, which means all applicants are accepted. On www.sandhills.edu, new students can find the application at the top right. Returning or current students can register by using Self-Service located on MyÂ鶹ÊÓƵ. 

 

Boys & Girls Club

 

A Boys & Girls Club unit is offered on the Sandhills campus. It runs from 2:30 to 6:30 pm for kindergarten through fifth grade. The club is ideal for parents/guardians taking Â鶹ÊÓƵ afternoon or evening classes, those who need study time, need to utilize the computer lab, or work on projects. Club participants will receive homework assistance, and dinner is offered. The cost is $40 per child per year. The club provides transportation from McDeeds Creek, Farm Life, and Carthage Elementary schools.

 In addition, drop-in services are available free of charge to Sandhills students from 6-9 pm. This is ideal for students taking afternoon or evening classes, working on group projects, or for other academic reasons. For more information or to register for the club or drop-in services, contact Edith-Ann Jackson at ejackson@sandhillsbgc.org or 910.638.6502.