YMCA Open U Schedule Spring 2014 by YMCA at VT

Learn Grow Thrive Spring 2014 Community Class Schedule YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH

YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH

SPRING REGISTRATION INFORMATION Some classes are offered by the instructor and you will register with and pay them directly. Please read the description for details. Make sure we have your current email address and phone number on file in case we need to contact you about directions, cancellations, etc. You can register three ways:

Online

Set up a new account or log into your existing account to view classes and register at www.vtymca.org. Not sure if you have an account? Call 540–961–9622, email us at ymca@vtymca.org.

By phone

Call 540–961–9622 with a Visa or Master Card.

In person

Visit The Y Center at 1000 N. Main St. Blacksburg Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash, check, Visa, or Master Card.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Please register at least 3 business days before class begins. If you would like to join class on the day it begins and it is still open, please call to register.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Occasionally, we must cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment, weather, etc. When a class is cancelled you will have the option of receiving a full refund or a credit.

CLASS WITHDRAWALS

Refund requests must be made at least 3 business days prior to the first class meeting to ensure a full refund or credit. Withdrawals after that time will receive credit or a refund minus a $5 fee. Withdrawals after a class begins are non–refundable.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

For cancellation information, call us at 540–961–9622 or check www.vtymca.org for an update by 3 p.m. the day of class.

A WORD TO STUDENTS

The Y is committed to offering a wide variety of affordable courses open to all members of the community. Instructors agree to a policy that prohibits them from advertising or selling products and services while teaching these classes. The views expressed in class do not necessarily reflect those of the YMCA at Virginia Tech. Register at www.vtymca.com or call 540–961–9622

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ON DEMAND CLASSES Sometimes we offer a class you want to take at a time or day that doesn’t work for your schedule. The Y now offers an alternative with On Demand classes. You tell us the class you’d like to take from classes listed with the On Demand and we’ll work with you and your potential classmates to find the perfect time to hold the class. All you have to do is:

1. Give us a call at 540–961–9622 or go online to www.vtymca.org; 2. Register for the class; 3. When the minimum number of students register, we’ll set times/dates for the class; 4. Come to class and enjoy! If for any reason the class doesn’t reach the minimum number of students, you’ll get a full refund. Have a group of friends, family, or coworkers who want to take one of our classes at a different time than we offer it and it’s not On Demand? Call us and we’ll do our best to arrange it!

CHOOSING A CLASS If you’re having a difficult time choosing a class to sign up for this spring, the icons below are here to help. Look for the icons, as well as the class category marked in purple text, throughout the schedule for the type of class you’re interested in taking. You’ll also want to look for the class category when signing up for a class online.

DANCE

WRITING & LANGUAGE

HEALTH & FITNESS

WORLD LANGUAGES

MUSIC/GUITAR PHOTOGRAPHY FINE ARTS & CRAFTS POTTERY SEWING

HOME IMPROVMENT

pg. 3

pg. 6-8

pg. 3 and 8-12

GARDENING & OUTDOORS pg. 12-13

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pg. 3-5

pg. 12

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. GROUP INTERESTS Life-Long Learning DANCE Ballroom Dance Instructor Nataliya Timoshevskaya has been dancing more than 10 years and would love to share her experience and love for dance. In this class you’ll learn basic steps, music and variations of Slow and Viennese Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot, and also Latin dances—Cha–cha, Rumba, Samba, and Jive. Every lesson will start with a light warm–up. Dance is a great opportunity to improve your posture, meet new people or spend more quality time with your partner. Come alone or with a partner. Bring comfortable soft–soled shoes and your desire to dance! For more information go to https://sites.google. com/site/bbdymca/ or https://www.facebook.com/ bbdymca. Course fee: $45/per person/per session (six classes) or $8 per class for walk in. Location: YMCA Stuart Event Room Class Size: Min 8 Time: Tuesdays 7:30 pm, three 6–week sessions Dates: February 18th – May 6th

Hoop Dance Basics This class will allow you to strengthen your body and focus on the meditative art of hoop dance. You will learn to express your inner self and become one with the hoop. Hoop Dance Basics is a low impact, high energy, core busting way to achieve physical fitness! Using oversized, weighted hula hoops, instructor Kristin Marlowe will guide students through a series of exercises on the waist and hips mastering core control, hand hooping, tosses and jumps. Free Trial Class on February 22nd from 12 – 2 pm! Hoops provided.

Course fee: $60 for 6–week class Class Size: Any Location: YMCA Stuart Event Room Time: Tuesdays 6:00 – 7:00 pm Dates: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25

EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP Academic Enrichment WRITING & LANGUAGE Beginning Conversational Spanish This course provides the fundamentals of the Spanish language and teaches grammar and conversation. It enables beginners and advanced beginner learners to develop Spanish language skills naturally. Instructor Bertha de la Garza is a native of Mexico. She has taught Spanish to adults and children for the past 8 years. Required Supplies: Spanish textbook: “Easy Spanish Step–By–Step” by Barbara Bregstein.

Session 1: Course fee: $50 Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Min 5, Max 15, Adults Time: Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Dates: February 18th – March 25th (no spring break)

Session 2: Course fee: $50 Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Min 5, Max 15, Adults On Demand – start April 1st Open U Classes | 3

EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP Academic Enrichment

Continuing Conversational Spanish This course is a continuation of Bertha’s beginner level course. It builds on the fundamentals and emphasizes improved conversation. It enables beginners and advanced beginner learners to develop Spanish language skills naturally. Instructor Bertha de la Garza is a native of Mexico. She has taught Spanish to adults and children for the past 8 years. Required Supplies: Spanish textbook: “Easy Spanish Step–By–Step,” by Barbara Bregstein.

Session 1: Mondays, February 17th – March 24th (no spring break), 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Session 2: On Demand – start March 31st Course fee: $50 Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Min 5, Max 15, Adults

French for Preschoolers Beginning courses introduce vocabulary and essential dialogue through the use of role play, songs, games, gestures and stories. Our continuing courses expand knowledge and use of the target language, increasing comfort with the language and functional proficiency. Other classes offered on demand. If you are interested in other youth or adult classes in French or German, please contact the instructor, Pamela Ferey-Spence, at familyferey@ aol.com. Course fee: $150 for 12 weeks, includes books and materials. 10% tuition discount for 2 or more children from the same family. Location: YMCA Conference room Class Size: Min 4, Max 12 Time: Thursdays 4:00 – 4:45pm

French for Homeschoolers Beginning courses introduce vocabulary and essential dialogue through the use of role play, songs, games, gestures and stories. Our continuing courses expand knowledge and use of the target language, increasing comfort with the language and functional proficiency. Other classes offered on demand. If you are interested in other youth or adult classes in French or German, please contact the instructor, Pamela Ferey-Spence, at familyferey@ aol.com. 4 | Open U Classes

EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP Academic Enrichment

Course fee: $150 for 12 weeks, includes books and materials. 10% tuition discount for 2 or more children from the same family. Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Min 4, Max 12 Time: Wednesdays 12:15 – 1:30 pm

Continuing French for 3rd thru 6th graders Beginning courses introduce vocabulary and essential dialogue through the use of role play, songs, games, gestures and stories. Our continuing courses expand knowledge and use of the target language, increasing comfort with the language and functional proficiency. Other classes offered on demand. If you are interested in other youth or adult classes in French or German, please contact the instructor Pamela Ferey-Spence at familyferey@ aol.com. Course fee: $150 for 12 weeks, includes books and materials. 10% tuition discount for 2 or more children from the same family. Location: YMCA Art room Class Size: Min 4, Max 12 Time: Mondays 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Alleghania Workshop @ Solitude This workshop takes place at Solitude of Virginia Tech. Creative and Literary Workshop with VT/RU Alumni, Teacher and Poet T. Byron Kelly Email contact tbyron@vt.edu for more information. Course fee: Tuition free Location: Solitude at VT Class Size: any Time: Fridays 3:00 – 4:00 pm

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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Improving the nation’s health and well-being. HEALTH, WELL-BEING & FITNESS Group Classes HEALTH & FITNESS Holistic Health for Life Enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual well– being using holistic health. You will learn basic hands–on techniques such as self–hypnosis, EFT, kinesiology, and intention. Each of these can be used on a daily basis to improve any area of your life. Students should bring a journal and pen. Instructor Cathy Songer has a BS in Education, MA in Holistic Health and Spiritual Care, and is a certified hypnotherapist & Reiki Practitioner. Course fee: $70 Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Min 10, Max 20 Time: Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm Dates: March 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th

Be Kind To Your Spine Yoga and pilates based class for those wishing to promote optimal back health. We will work on building core stability, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. This is a beginning level class that is accessible to those who would like a gentler approach and modifications will be provided for those needing more challenge. This class is taught by Jennifer Speiden, a physical therapist, registered yoga teacher, pilates instructor and professional dance performer and educator. To register for the class, please contact Jennifer Speiden at (540) 552–2596 or joyifer@yahoo.com.

Session 1: Jan. 28 – Mar. 4, $60 for 6 weeks Session 2: Mar. 11 – Apr. 15, $60 for 6 weeks Session 3: Apr. 22 – May 27, $60 for 6 weeks

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Location: Inner Awareness, 657 Coal Hollow Rd., Christiansburg, VA Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 – 9:00 am

Limited Body, Unlimited Mind This class is appropriate for anyone who loves music and desires to explore the healing powers of— and joy within—movement regardless of whether they are living with mobility challenges or not. No dance experience is necessary. The moves explored can be done sitting as well as standing. These classes serve to provide an environment and opportunity for all to enjoy the energizing, enriching and empowering benefits of dance and music in a welcoming community setting. Facilitator Jennifer Speiden will bring elements of contemporary, social and world dances into the class as well as integrate her extensive movement knowledge and experiences as a physical therapist, registered yoga teacher, pilates instructor and professional dance performer and educator. Please call the YMCA directly for information about course registration at 540–961–9622. Donation based ($5–$10 per class encouraged). Location: YMCA Stuart Event Room Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Dates: 1st Friday of every month (except for March) Jan 3rd, Feb 7th, Mar 14th, Apr 4th, May 2nd

Tai Chi for Beginners Tai Chi is a Chinese movement system for enhancing Health, balance and inner strength. Slow and gentle movements are combined with focused attention to promote overall well being. This class

HEALTH, WELL-BEING & FITNESS Group Classes

will concentrate on Tai Chi principles and instruction in the “24–Style” Yang short form. Instructor John Pollard is an engineer who has taught Tai Chi for 17 years and continues the 25–year tradition of offering Tai Chi at the Y. Course fee: $100 Location: YMCA Stuart Event Room Class Size: Min 6, Max 16 Time: Mondays 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Continuing Tai Chi Tai Chi is a Chinese movement system for enhancing health, balance and inner strength. Slow and gentle movements are combined with focused attention to promote overall well being. This class is for students who have completed the “24–Style” form and wish to further develop their skills through continued practice and instructions. Instructor Jim Lawrence is a building contractor who has been teaching Tai Chi for 19 years and continues the 25–year tradition of offering Tai Chi at the Y. Course fee: $100 Location: YMCA Stuart Event Room Class Size: Min 6, Max 16 Time: Mondays 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Zumba® Fitness Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music! Zum-

ba® classes feature exotic rhythms set to highenergy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating! No dance experience necessary. All ages, sizes, and fitness levels welcome. Safe & effective workouts with experienced instructors. For more information, contact instructor Rosa Jones at 540-230-7178 or rosajones@vt.edu. $5 walkin rate. Open enrollment. Course fee: $5 Location: YMCA Dance Room Class Size: any Times: Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30 am Dates: February 1-28, 2014

Boot Camp If you are serious about losing weight, toning your body, or increasing your fitness level, then Boot Camp is for you! Boot Camp features cardio, strength, core, and flexibility through different forms of fitness to include kickboxing, sports moves, yoga/pilates, and weight training. Lose pounds and inches! Workouts are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercisers. $5 Walk–in rate payable to instructor at class. For more information, contact instructor Rosa Jones at rosajones@vt.edu or 540-230-7178. Open enrollment.

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HEALTH, WELL-BEING & FITNESS Group Classes

Location: YMCA Dance Room Class Size: Any Times: Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:15 pm, Saturdays 9:30 – 10:15 am Dates: February 1–28, 2014

The Presence Process, A Journey into Present Moment Awareness We live our lives in the present, but our minds are often elsewhere. If we can shift our vantage point into the now, we have the potential to live a more rich, easeful, and satisfying life. Come explore this idea in a class based on Michael Brown’s step–by– step guide, The Presence Process: A Journey into Present Moment Awareness. Weekly chapter discussions and exercises will support the skills of being present. Instructor Lisa McCrickard is a Blacksburg resident and yoga instructor. She has facilitated this class multiple times and brings great enthusiasm for the quest of living more firmly in the now. Each student should purchase a copy of Michael Brown’s book “The Presence Process, A Journey into Present Moment Awareness”, 2nd edition. Course fee: $10 supply fee to be paid directly to the instructor. Location: YMCA Conference room Class Size: Max 30, adults and teens Time: 6:45 – 8:15 pm Dates: Tuesday, February 18th

GROUP INTERESTS Life-Long Learning FINE ARTS & CRAFTS Pottery: One–time wheel “Give it a Spin” A half Day (3 hours) wheel experience with Michael LaRoche. Additional future classes will meet on an appointment basis. Individual scheduling required! Get put on a call–back list for times and dates, class will attempt to meet once per month as long as there is a minimum of 4 people registered. This instructor–led three hour workshop is designed for people who have never used a potter’s wheel and would like to “give it a spin”. It is a fun experience for individuals or groups who are look8 | Open U Classes

ing for something fun and unique to do for a couple of hours. For individuals interested in taking pottery but want to experience it first before signing up for a multi–session period. Anything you make in this class will be glaze fired with a clear, foodsafe glaze 3–4 weeks after. Color underglazes can be used on the raw pieces during class and will be fired later by Y staff. Groups can also reserve enough spots to make a pottery party, also $30 per person with a maximum of 9 people per one-time

GROUP INTERESTS Life-Long Learning

event. $15 of this class fee may go toward a future Pottery class at the YMCA. Ages 10 and up. First Scheduled class: February 1, 2014 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Course Fee: $30 Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class Size: Min 4, Max 12

Youth Pottery An appointment–based class, individual scheduling required! Get put on a call–back list for times and dates; class will attempt to meet once per month as long as there is a minimum of 4 people registered. Kids will learn the basics of making pots by coil, slab, and pinch during the first and second sessions. The third session will be spent on the potter’s wheel. The fourth will be spent glazing and decorating finished work. Kids are encouraged to take the class more often to advance their skills.

Session 1: Course fee: $80, includes materials. Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class size: Min 4, Max 6 Time: Mondays 3:00 – 5:00 pm with Michael LaRoche Dates: February 17th – March 17th (No class March 10th)

Session 2: Course fee: $80, includes materials. Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class size: Min 4, Max 6 Time: Mondays 3:00 – 5:00 pm with Michael LaRoche Dates: March 24th – April 14th

Session 3: Course fee: $80, includes materials. Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class size: Min 4, Max 6 Time: Mondays 3pm – 5pm with Michael LaRoche Dates: April 21st – May 12th

class sessions. This class is designed to review the basic steps in wheel throwing, including wedging the clay, centering, coning, pulling the walls, and trimming. As the class progresses and successful items are made on the wheel, glazing techniques will be the end focus for finishing up the session. $125 fee includes one bag of clay. ***Current studio pass-holders get a 30% DISCOUNT on classes. Please call to register to receive your discount at sign-up.***

Session 1: Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm with Chris Lively, Dates: February 19th – April 2nd (No class March 12th) Session 2: Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm with Michael LaRoche, Dates: February 20th – April 3rd (No class March 13th) Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class Size: Min 4, Max 8 (16 years or older)

Pottery: DAY CLASS Wheel Throwing ALL Levels – 6 week Course This class is during the day and is open to ALL experience levels and ages from 10 years and up. This class is designed for people who want to take a pottery class during the day. It is the same as the evening class but during the day. The class quickly goes through the basics of pottery, the Y studio, and begins with making hand–built pinch and coil pots the first class and then progresses directly to the potter’s wheel for the remainder of the class sessions. This class is designed to review the basic steps in wheel throwing from wedging the clay, centering, coning, pulling the walls, and trimming. As the class progresses and successful items are made on the wheel glazing techniques will be the end focus for finishing up the session. $125, includes one bag of clay. ***Current studio pass-holders get a 30% DISCOUNT on classes. Please call to register to receive your discount at sign-up.***

Session 1: Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm with

Pottery: EVENING CLASS Wheel Throwing

Michael LaRoche, Dates: February 19th – April 2nd (No class March 12th)

All Levels - 6 week Course The class quickly goes through the basics of pottery and begins with making hand–built pinch and coil pots during the first class, then progresses directly to the potter’s wheel for the remainder of the

Session 2: Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm with

Michael La Roche, Dates: April 9th – May 14th Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class Size: Min 4, Max 8 (10 years or older) Open U Classes | 9

GROUP INTERESTS Life-Long Learning

Pottery: Hand–building Session This class is for those wanting to make pottery without using the potter’s wheel. There are three classes lasting three hours each. Each week we will go over a new project, techniques may include slab building, coil pots and pinch pots as well. The class includes firing fees, glazes and one bag of stoneware clay. $75 fee includes clay, firing, and glazing materials ***Current studio pass-holders get a 30% DISCOUNT on classes. Please call to register to receive your discount at sign-up.***

Session 1: Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm with Michael LaRoche, Dates: February 15, 22, March 1

Session 2: Wednesday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm with Michael LaRoche, Dates: April 16, 23, 30 Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class Size: Min 4, Max 6

Go Taller, Throw Bigger: Intermediate & Continuing Wheel–Thrown Pottery Ready to try more complicated assemblies of pottery such as tea pots, pitchers, jars and urns? Are you wanting to make more than bowls like taller mugs or a flower vase? Take an intermediate “continuing” pottery class to edge up your skills and learn the finer details of being a better potter.

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$125, includes one bag of clay ***Current studio pass-holders get a 30% DISCOUNT on classes. Please call to register to receive your discount at sign-up.***

Session 1: Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm with Michael LaRoche Dates: February 18 – April 1 (No class March 11th)

Session 2: Monday 7:00 – 9:00 pm with Chris Lively Dates: March 31 – May 5 Location: YMCA Pottery Studio Class size: Min 4, Max 8

GROUP INTERESTS Life-Long Learning

PHOTOGRAPHY Getting Past Point and Shoot Photography Every camera is a point and shoot, and hope for the best result. This class will teach you what your camera is thinking and give you the knowledge to out think your camera and get a better photograph. You need to bring your own camera and owner’s manual (if you can find it). Classroom instruction, sharing photographs, and some field trips are part of the class. Course fee: $30 Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Max 12 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm Dates: Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 9, May 7

Stone Carving New for this year! If you have wanted to take the course but had reservations regarding design, I have soapstone kits available in three sizes: small (2.5–4 inches for $12), medium (3–5 inches for $20), and large (4–6 inches for $25) of the following animals: Bear, Butterfly, Dolphin, Sea Lion, Sea Turtle and Starfish, supply is limited. Or you can choose to carve a design of your own choosing or select a stone and see what develops as you work. Soapstone and alabaster are available at $2–$6 a pound. You may use your own tools or pay a supply fee of $30 which covers the use of

tools, sanding materials, and polish. Stone and supply fee are payable to instructor. Bases—if you choose one—are an additional fee. If you have a favorite pair of work gloves, bring them. Course fee: $70 Location: Stonewitch Studios, 9000 Newport Road, Catawba, Va 24070 Class Size: Min 1, Max 8 Time: Mondays 6:00 – 9:00 pm Dates: 5 weeks, 5/24 – 6/21

Fused Glass 101 This class will cover the basics of glass cutting, edge trimming for safety, glass compatibility, glass assembly and development of aesthetically pleasing fused (kiln formed) glass pieces. The student should expect to leave the class with several pendants and two tiles for display. Special glass for fusing will be used. All supplies and equipment will be provided. Instructor Larry Mitchell is the owner of Ladell Kilnformed Arts and is a popular artist at the Y’s Annual Crafts Fair. This class is offered in association with Blacksburg Regional Arts Association. Course fee: $95; all supplies except jewelry findings are included Location: YMCA Craft Room Class Size: Min 3, Max 8 Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm Dates: Saturdays, March 15th – March 29th

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Fused Glass 201: Art Panels & Slumping of Dishes and Bowls This class will expand on fused glass basics from Fused Glass 101. Assembly and “framing” of art panels will be covered as well as weaving of glass. Next, the basics of slumping (bending glass over a stainless steel or into ceramic molds in the kiln) will be covered. The student should expect to leave the class with several art panels and several dishes. Instructor Larry Mitchell is the owner of Ladell Kiln-

formed Arts and is a popular artist at the Y’s Annual Crafts Fair. This class is offered in association with Blacksburg Regional Arts Association. Prerequisite: Fused Glass 101 or permission of instructor. Course fee: $120, supplies included with glass use limited to 700 square inches. Location: Instructor’s Studio – Christiansburg Class Size: Min 3, Max 7 Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm Dates: Saturdays, April 5th – April 19th

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SOCIAL SERVICES Environmental Education

Giving back & providing support to our neighbors.

HOME & ENVIRONMENT Practical Photovoltaics This overview will provide an introduction to photovoltaic solar electric systems including grid-tie, grid-interactive, and off-grid. Discussion will include panels, mounting methods, inverters, maintenance, and evaluation factors when choosing components and a contractor to design and install your system. Bryan Walsh of Solar Connexion will lead this program at the YMCA at Virginia Tech where participants can see the ‘solar trailer’ that provides stand-alone power as well as the grid-tied Y Wind and Solar project. For more information please contact Bryan Walsh and info@solarconnexion.com. Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Any Time: Saturday, April 12th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

GARDENING & OUTDOORS Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Learn how to properly prune fruit trees to maximize fruit production and reduce pesticide use. Basics of fruit tree physiology done indoors, then a 12 | Open U Classes

hands-on demonstration follows at the Hale YMCA Community Gardens. Dress to be outdoors. Participants can bring hand-pruners and loppers, other materials supplied. Instructor Barry Robinson has over 20 years of professional horticulture experience and has taught these techniques for several years. Contact Barry Robinson at sustainag@ gmail.com. Course fee: $12 Location: Meet at Y Community Garden at Arlean’s house, 600 Bishop Rd. Class Size: Min 5, Max 25 Time: Saturday, Feb 22nd 9:30 am – 12 pm

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop Learn to graft and sustainably maintain apple and pear trees for home orchard use. This will be a lecture and a hands-on class. Participants will take home 4 grafted trees, one of which can be a pear. Extra rootstock can be purchased for $2 each. Instructor Barry Robinson has over 20 years of professional horticulture experience and has taught

SOCIAL SERVICES Environmental Education

this workshop for several years. Must be signed up at least one week in advance. Bring hand pruners if you have them. Contact Barry Robinson at sustainag@gmail.com. Course fee: $12 Location: Y Arts Classroom Class Size: Min 5, Max 25 Time: Saturday, April 5th, 9:00-11:30 am

Sustainable Vegetable Gardening Take one session of this gardening series or all three. Each class builds upon prior classes for full season information. Be ready to take notes, but handouts will be provided. Session 1 is pre-season planning; Session 2 is lecture & hands-on with free plant material to take home; Session 3 is how to take care of what is planted. Instructor Barry Robinson has 40 years of gardening experience and a BS in Horticulture. Contact Barry Robinson at sustainag@gmail.com. Course fee: $15 per session, $40 for all 3 Sessions:

Planning Your Garden: Learn sustainable practices and principles for vegetable gardening and how planning ahead improves the outcome of your efforts. Course fee: $15 Location: Y Center Arts Classroom Time: Thursday, February 20th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Seed Starting and Transplanting: Learn seed starting and transplanting techniques, timing and early care for the plants in your garden. Come dressed to get your hands dirty, and bring containers to take home materials donated by local garden centers. Course fee: $15 Location: Y Center Arts Classroom Time: Thursday, March 13th 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Garden Care and Trouble-Shooting: Learn about planting successively, maintaining crops, dealing with environmental issues and reducing & addressing plant diseases, insect pests and weed problems. A follow-up, on-site, garden diagnosis date is to be determined at this class meeting (to occur sometime between mid-June and early July). Course fee: $15 Register at www.vtymca.com or call 540–961–9622

Location: Hale YMCA Community Gardens Class Size: Min 5, Max 30 Time: Thursday, Jun 26 6:00–8:00 pm

Green Your Lawn & Landscape Participants will learn basic sustainable lawn and landscape principles such as plant selection, establishment and maintenance. This will be a ‘walk & talk’ type of class. Each student should bring a notebook something to write with, plus a camera to document site visit tips. Instructor Barry Robinson holds a BS in Horticulture and a MSEd in Agricultural Education, and has over 20 years of professional horticulture experience. Offered in conjunction with the Town’s Arbor Day celebration. Contact instructor Barry Robinson at sustainag@gmail.com. Course fee: $5 Location: Gazebo at tennis courts in Blacksburg’s Municipal Park (between Turner St and Patrick Henry Drive) Class Size: Min 5, Max 20 Time: Saturday Apr 26, 10:00am–11:30pm

Primer on Beekeeping Discussion on basic bee biology and management techniques for successful beekeeping. Some topics covered will be honey production, nucleus colonies, and queens, as well as keeping your bees alive without treatments. Taught by Richard Reid, a local beekeeper that produces honey, nucleus colonies, and raises queens without using any treatments. Contact instructor Barry Robinson at sustainag@ gmail.com. Course fee: $20 Location: YMCA Conference Room Class Size: Max 30 Times: Tuesday June 10th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm – mostly discussion Saturday June 14th, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm; time in the beeyard inspecting beehives. (bring protective bee wear to the second class)

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Spring 2014 Community Class Schedule YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH