News Continuing Education Workforce Development Announces Start Of March Community Education Classes - Garrett College
Apply Now
Plan a Visit
Request Info
Make a Gift

Campus News

February 26th, 2019

Continuing Education & Workforce Development announces start of March community education classes

Wild plants, line dancing, puppy kindergarten, basket making and more

Continuing Education & Workforce Development recently announced several upcoming courses taking place in the first half of March.

Local Wild, Edible & Medicinal Plants by the Season

Tuesday, March 5 - 26, 6-8:30 p.m., Northern Outreach Center
Learn how to identify, harvest and prepare local, wild edible and medical plants by focusing on what is available by each season. Common poisonous plants and proper foraging practices will also be discussed. Students are encouraged to bring a notepad and any reference book on wild plants, foraging, herbalism, etc.

The instructor for the course is area resident Tanya Bucci, a graduate of University of Pittsburgh. She is a certified nutritionist with a master’s degree in research methodology.

Line Dancing

Wednesday, March 6 – April 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m., GC McHenry campus
Participants in the line dance class can expect to learn a variety of dances to all genres of music. Although line dancing is found most often in country scenes, it can be danced to any style of music. Line dancing can be a fun and simple way to learn how to dance to a song without learning different steps to every single beat of the music. Line dance is a solo dance, meaning there is no need to have a partner.

Garrett County resident Kim Crosco, a certified hip-hop and gymnastics instructor, along with being a professional member of the US All Star Federation, will instruct the course. She created her own line dance classes called "Steppin to the Beats with Miss Kim" several years ago. She coaches and is manager of the Toxic Twist Crew competition teams at Jessica's Creations in Oakland. She encourages a total quality of life - including physical well-being, hoping to mold a healthy, productive and highly engaged people.

Puppy Kindergarten Playschool

Thursday, March 7 – April 11, GC McHenry campus
Two time slots are being offered for the course, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. or 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.

Proper socialization of the puppy, relationship building with the owner, and prevention of common behavior problems are the emphasis for this class. Pups from 12 to 20 weeks of age are taught to accept handling, take treats gently, develop a soft mouth (stop puppy nipping), and build confidence in their greetings with both people and other dogs. Handlers will learn how to focus puppy's attention and begin to incorporate valuable basic obedience commands. All puppies are required to have their DHLPP, as well as rabies vaccinations prior to attending.

Instructor for the class is Garrett County native, Heather Umbel, a certified pet dog trainer. She is also a certified groomer and pet masseuse. She is employed at Hart for Animals as a groomer and trains privately.

Understanding Credit and Credit Reports

March 11, 6-7:30 p.m., Southern Outreach Center in Oakland
Sponsored in part by the University of Maryland Extension, this workshop will provide an overview of how credit is used in your everyday life. Knowing how to obtain your credit report and correct mistakes are important steps in improving your credit score and reducing the amount of interest you pay on loans. It is also an important step in protecting your identity.

The course is being by Dr. Jesse M. Ketterman, Jr. who works as an extension educator for University of Maryland Extension serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties focusing on financial and health insurance literacy. He began his career in the University System of Maryland in 1999 working in student affairs leading wellness related initiatives and transitioned to Extension in 2016. He is also an accredited financial counselor.

Introduction to Basket Making

March 13 and 14, 6 – 9:15 p.m., GC McHenry campus
Students will be introduced to the craft of basket making by completing a berry basket, approx. 8" high x 8" wide x 4" deep. All weaving materials are provided. Students will need to provide the following items: dishpan or small tub for soaking reed; 12 to 15 spring-type clothespins; small flat-blade screwdriver or awl, flexible tape measure, shears or scissors; and a towel.

Instructor James Tomasek, a regional artisan who demonstrates at Mountain Craft Days and other area festivals will lead the course. He has been basket making for over 30 years and specializes in historic-styles of baskets used in the 18th and 19th centuries. He has made baskets for historic sites including Colonial Williamsburg, Fort McHenry, Pottsgrove Manor, and Somerset Historical Center.

Course registration fees apply. To register, contact Garrett College Continuing Education & Workforce Development at 301-387-3069.