By Holly Desrosier
Craven Community College’s (Craven CC) Adult Enrichment Program (AEP) is spicing up the summer by offering a mixture of engaging new classes, along with many tried and true favorites.
The eclectic range of classes will allow students of varying interests to experience the joy of taking up a new hobby or two this summer. Topics offered are based on community input and range from beginner to advanced. Classes are held at the Craven CC’s New Bern and Havelock campuses and in community locations.
Megan Johnson, AEP coordinator, looks forward to seeing both new and familiar faces and is eager to see what the remainder of the year will bring. Since taking over the program in May 2018, Johnson has recruited several new instructors and helped instate dozens of new classes and events.
“As a year-round program, Adult Enrichment Program is pleased to be offering classes all throughout the summer,” said Johnson. “Come beat the heat and enjoy friends while learning something new.”
Several art classes are being offered, such as acrylic painting, painting on silk, digital painting, watercolor and oil painting, as well as portrait drawing, drawing for newbies and linear perspective. Crafts include silk scarf dyeing, Japanese Shibori dyeing and folk art weaving. Students can also bring out their artistic side in the kitchen through cake and cupcake decorating with Embossed Fondant Cupcakes, Intro to Buttercream and Team Building Tall Cakes.
For people interested in money matters, the AEP is offering courses for selling items on eBay, as well as real estate for first-time buyers and sellers. Those who would like to become more tech-savvy may benefit from basic training for iPhone, iPad and Android. Refresher courses are also available.
The AEP is also offering a lecture series on seasonal gardening topics, along with several opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors through courses on motorcycle safety, golf, backpacking, boating and hiking. Beginner, intermediate and advanced tennis classes will be held at the Harbour Town Racquet Club in River Bend. Other courses include Performing Arts 101, Mah Jongg and Celebrating National Parks.
On Sunday, July 28, the AEP will host “The History of Beach Music” with Jackie Gore. Many may recognize Gore as the “father of beach music” and the original voice of the Embers. The audience will be treated to songs and stories on the origin of beach music, as well as a Q&A session and meet-and-greet with Gore. The event is open to all ages and will take place at 3 p.m. in Orringer Auditorium on the New Bern campus. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the cashier’s office in Barker Hall on the New Bern campus, or the Redd Building on the Havelock campus.
This fall, the AEP will introduce a new series of classes, including Exploring Grammar; Classic and Contemporary Literature; Wire-wrapping Jewelry; SCUBA Certification; Belly Dance Fitness; Conversational Spanish, French and American Sign Language; Spotify; Etsy; How to Create a Professional Website; and many more.
“We’re adding new classes nearly every week,” said Johnson. “This program continues to expand and thrive thanks to our wonderful instructors who are willing to share their talents with the community.”
The AEP is part of the college’s Workforce Development department and provides a diverse array of non-credit, short-term and affordable courses. View the full list of AEP classes, register for or suggest a class at www.cravencc.edu/AEP. For more information, contact Johnson at 252-638-7273 or johnsonm@cravencc.edu.
This article was originally published in the New Bern Sun Journal on July 24, 2019.