Craven Community College’s (Craven CC) Community Enrichment Program (CEP) is kicking off the spring season with a variety of engaging new classes and several tried-and-true ones. The wide range of classes allows students of all ages and interests to experience the joy of taking up a new hobby or two just for the fun of it.
Topics offered are based on community input and range in skill levels from beginner to advanced. The CEP provides a diverse array of non-credit, short-term, and affordable courses. Classes are held on Craven CC’s New Bern and Havelock campuses and in community locations. While the pandemic put a damper on the program for a couple of years, it is back in full force under the leadership of Dr. Suzanne Madison, CEP coordinator.
“Now that the program is up and running again, we plan to expand upon the offerings in the categories of Arts & Crafts, Kitchen & Cuisine, Language, Recreation & Wellness, and Special Interests,” said Dr. Madison.
Community members can capture moments in time and create lasting memories in the Basic Digital Photography class, held each Wednesday, March 8-April 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by How to Use Your Canon DSLR Camera on May 6.
The Beginner Macramé course will explore the ancient artform of tying different knots and combining them to form patterns and unique art. It will be held every Friday, March 24-April 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. For anyone interested in gaining or brushing up on painting skills, Oil Painting for Beginners will be offered every Friday, April 14-May 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Golfing for Beginners is a great choice with the recent surge of spring weather. It will run each Saturday, March 18-June 3 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Emerald Golf Club. Another way to stay active is through the Intro to Bellydance class, which will be held every Monday, March 20-May 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. And boating enthusiasts will enjoy Boat Handling, offered by Cape Lookout Sail and Power Squadron, America’s Boating Club. It will be held Saturday, April 22 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aspiring linguists will appreciate two upcoming language classes: Conversational Spanish 2 and American Sign Language (ASL) Level 2. Conversational Spanish 2 is ideal for beginners and those interested in building on basic Spanish vocabulary, pronunciation, and understanding spoken Spanish. It will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 21-April 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ASL Level 2 will expand on sign language fundamentals and cover more in-depth ASL history and culture, as well as finger spelling, numbers, phrases, and expressions. It will be held on Thursdays, April 6-May 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Several classes previously mentioned will also be offered at later dates throughout the year. Additional upcoming courses include: Living Your Best Life: Effective Ways to Unleash Your Potential, Financial Life Planning, Bridge for Beginners, Watercolor for Beginners, Visual Journaling, End-of-Life Conversations, Grant Writing, Home Organization, Virtual Piano Lessons, Figure Drawing, Quilting, pottery and ceramics workshops, and various cooking and landscaping classes.
“Be sure to keep an eye on our website for our schedule of CEP course offerings,” added Madison. “In addition, your comments and suggestions for future classes are always welcome. Do not hesitate to reach out to us should you feel the urge to extend your expertise to a teaching format!”
View more information or register for a class online at CravenCC.edu/CEP. For questions, contact Dr. Madison at 252-638-1519 or madisons@cravencc.edu.