What does a belly dancer, genealogist, ukulele instructor and an artist have in common? They are instructors in the newly revived Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District's Community Education program, and classes begin as early as April 17.
The district is set to welcome a diverse array of instructors who are enthusiastic to share their talents and experiences. Fitness classes for all shapes, sizes, condition levels and tastes will be offered, including walk 15, Zumba, all levels yoga, beginner (Egyptian style) belly dance, and a more rigorous "HIPFIT - The Belly Dance Workout."
Those who have wanted to begin a running routine, but lacked motivation, as well as companionship may be interested in the "Run for Fun" club.
Looking for a means of introducing peace and serenity into a hectic schedule? There are classes being offered that will introduce attendees to mindful meditation, aromatherapy, as well as a colloquium related to the possible influence of angels in daily lives.
There are courses designed to tap into creative juices, including a portrait class, knitting class and chalk paint craft class.
Niagara-Wheatfield CSD's Community Education program has a class to track family tree roots, as well.
Looking to broaden your world perspective? Take "Introduction to Japanese."
Looking to learn how to play an instrument, but never had the opportunity? John Radice, founder and leader of the Buffalo Ukulele Club, promises that by the end of his "Introductory and Intermediate Ukulele" hands-on seminar, "you and your ukulele will be making beautiful music."
Ben Glurich, nutritionist from New York State Cooperative Extension, will also show you how to cook up healthy and tasty meals.
Those who are looking for more traditional learning experiences can hear that Edward Jones' financial adviser Ken Fisher will be with the program to discuss retirement plans and the basics of investing.
Electrical engineer and solar energy instructor David Kostick will answer questions related to the feasibility and everyday benefits of solar energy for homes.
Statistics indicate that 70-80 percent of cardiac arrest cases occur either in the home or at public places. In such cases, the person nearest to the victim who knows CPR can make a difference. Acquire the potential to be an "everyday hero" by taking CPR with highly trained and certified iSafety instructor Tim Miller.
Many of the classes offered for the spring session are for adults. However, the program announced that classes for kids are being introduced, with the goal of expansion. Pre-teens and teens who want to have an edge on fellow babysitters can take "The Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS)" course.
Parents with children who yearn for creative outlets with peers beyond the classroom setting: sign them up for creative thinking and problem solving, or elementary chess taught by experienced and certified district school teachers Beatrice Singh-Arnone and Brooke Harris.
Community Education Coordinator Mary Beth Fortunato had high expectations for the introductory spring 2018 Community Education session and those expectations were exceeded. Besides instructors previously mentioned, the assortment of experienced professionals and skilled newcomers who stepped forward eager to support the program and the community has been inspiring. They include former President of the Niagara County Genealogical Society Jim Lawson; local Zumba legend Melissa Durfey; Master level walk 15 instructor Linda Feagin and her mentee Lonna Reinbird; Oasis Dance Center Owner, instructor, choreographer and performer Faaria and her daughter, Fredonia BFA dance graduate Kenzie; Kripula Center for Yoga and Health certified yoga instructor Lindsay Carr; Welcome to My Oily Life founder Dawn Roulley; UB's Wellness Center meditation instructor Chris Churakos; WNY Yarns instructor Sheryl Lynch; avid crafter Cathy Hooper; native Japanese speaker and teacher at the Buffalo Japanese School Sachiko McMurray; Rev. Nancy Shaffer; and local artist in residence at ART247 and President of the Niagara Arts Guild Nicole Milley.
Fortunato said, "The caliber of those teaching for the Niagara-Wheatfield CSD's Community Education program is truly impressive and contact with these instructors is truly something that the Niagara-Wheatfield community does not want to miss."
Participation in classes is not limited to those who reside in the Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District. Those who reside in surrounding communities are welcome and at no additional cost. Class brochures will be mailed to those living in the district and distributed to local libraries and community centers. For those who cannot get their hands on a hard copy of the brochure, a PDF of the brochure and a PDF of the class registration form will be posted on the "Community Education" page of the district website at
www.nwcsd.k12.ny.us/domain/77.
The cost of attending classes varies and some of the classes being offered do not include a fee to attend. Regardless, registration is necessary to attend the classes. Because space is limited in all classes, participants are encouraged to register sooner rather than later. Registration began April 3 and classes begin April 17 and run until June 15. Registration will be accepted via mail or in person. The mailing address is NWCSD Community Education, P.O. Box 309, Sanborn, NY 14132. The walk-in address is NWCSD Administrative Offices, 5700 West St., Sanborn, NY 14132. Walk-in registration will be accepted Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins should ask for Fortunato. Call or email Fortunato at 716-215-3034 or
[email protected] with questions.
