Noncredit Continuing Education Courses
Fall 2008

Special Topics

Family Life

Special Topics

Science Behind the News *NEW!*
Have you wondered if there is any relationship between the ozone hole you've heard about and the ozone alert days? Is there a relationship between the ozone hole and global warming? Using newspaper and magazine articles, you will examine the laws of chemistry, biology, engineering and physics, and how fundamental science applies to our everyday lives. This class will explore the scientific theory and principles behind the news. Be prepared to participate in lively and stimulating classroom discussion on topics of your interest. You do not need a scientific background to enjoy this class. $89

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Live Well, Eat Well and Save Money
Food is a major expense in everyone's budget. Grocery shopping, takeout, eating out--all modes of eating can take a big bite out of your budget. We're all pressed for time, and shopping and cooking takes time, but there are many ways to save hundreds of dollars on food and still eat well without feeling deprived. Come and find out how! $25**

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Advanced Power Learning Strategies *NEW!*
If you'd like to read with greater focus, strengthen your knowledge base, absorb information more quickly, understand better, and retain more, participate in this supercharged learning experience. Learn to read without mentally "tuning out," getting tired or bored, or forgetting what you have read. Discover how to quickly get needed information from books and documents, and learn how to tap in to the part of your brain that never forgets. Additional fee of $20 for audio CD payable to instructor at class. See www.ProfessionalVocabularyInstitute.org for audio clips on this class. $49**

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Escape the Rat Race: Live, Work, Retire Abroad
Ever dreamed of living in a romantic village, beach resort, or colonial town in some far-flung corner of the world? If so, take this class and discover how to earn a living outside the US and how to live in popular retirement spots or some that are in off-the-beaten-path havens. Instructor Paul Heller has traveled, studied and lived abroad and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with you. Determine if you are ready to live abroad. Learn how to really enjoy your new life overseas. Discuss buying property abroad, how to find medical care outside the U.S., and how to set up your new home abroad. A $16 fee for a handbook is due to the instructor. $39**

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Travel the World for Practically Nothing
Do you think you have to have lots of money to travel? Think again. In 25 years traveling around the world, instructor Paul Heller has met hundreds of travelers who have passed on tips to traveling the world for as little as $20 a day. Discuss how to find low-cost airfares to almost anywhere in the world; how to get great award travel; how to find nutritious, delicious meals for under $5; and how to negotiate substantial reductions and upgrades with hotels, airlines, and other travel providers. A $16 fee for a handbook is due to the instructor. $39**

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The World's Best Kept Travel Secret
Discover the ultimate travel industry secret. Learn how to travel for next to nothing while getting immersed in a new way of life. Find out the ins and outs of dozens of travel experiences--such as home and cultural exchanges, hospitality exchanges, volunteer experiences, special interest tours, and learning vacations--which plunge you into the heart of a new place for less money than staying at home. A $16 fee for a handbook is due to the instructor. $39**

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Chess
Chess is a game that can be exciting and challenging. It has been played for thousands of years and is one of the oldest games in the world. This course is for beginners and for people who want to improve their game by learning new tactics. Chess is an enjoyable way to improve memory, decision making, and analytical and strategic thinking. If you bring your interest in learning to play the game, we will provide the chess sets and instruction. $65**

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Intermediate Bridge
Practice your new bridge skills and expand your knowledge of five-card major bidding and play. Instructor Sue Browning makes learning bridge fun and easy. $99**

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Femme Football
Do you wonder why everyone gets so excited about football? Would you like to be able to at least take part in a football conversation and sound like you are in the loop? Take just 2 hours to learn the basics of football and not be left out of the game! Join in and have fun! $39**

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Car Maintenance for Women
Car safety and routine maintenance are key to a successful driving experience. In this class you will discuss how to keep a car in top running order and how to maintain safe operation of the vehicle. You will learn when to check your car battery, brakes, alignment and electrical, cooling and exhaust systems. You will talk about the care of the interior and exterior of your automobile, tips on selecting an auto mechanic, the value of keeping good maintenance/repair records on your vehicle, and purchasing considerations for new and used cars. This class gives you tips you can really use! (Note: this course features consumer-oriented classroom instruction, not hands-on training in a garage.) (T) $59**

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Face the Facts
Confused about what products and procedures will help give you that glowing complexion that seems to be fading day by day? Does your make-up appear dated? Do you want to talk to an expert who can give you immediate answers? Instructor Mary Gontkovic, professional make-up artist, is just that person. Discuss skin care products that will help cleanse and improve your complexion. Examine various types of products and determine what is best for your age and skin type. Learn how to apply make-up for both day and night that enhances your natural beauty without looking "over-done." Take this time to pamper yourself and have fun doing just that! $39**

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Happy Hair
Frustrated with lifeless hair? Eager to try a new style or color? Come join professional hair stylist Lilly Mariza for an afternoon of sharing tips and techniques for great hair. Learn what questions to ask when finding a stylist; what products are right for your hair type; how to treat damaged hair; what color and style is right for you according to your face shape and complexion; and what tools to use to get the style you love. This is a great opportunity to discover new possibilities for your new look! Classes held at Lilly Mariza Sudio in Taylor Village Center off Hilsborough Road in Ellicott City. $39**

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Petspeak: What Your Animals Really Want You To Know
Have you ever wondered what your companion animals are trying to communicate? Have you ever been perplexed by their behavior? Why don't you ask them? In this entertaining and provocative evening, Animal communicator Terri Diener will introduce you to the rich and wonderful world of your pet's thoughts and feelings. $29**

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Maryland Ghost Stories
Make this an enjoyable, scary Halloween by getting tips on what you need to do and the equipment to use to go ghost hunting. Share your ghost stories and learn more about the ghosts of Maryland from a professional ghost hunter. $25**

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Becoming Street Smart: Protecting Yourself From Crime *NEW!*
Unfortunately, much of the violent crime today takes place in locations we cannot avoid or is perpetrated by people we know. Road rage, for example, can take place during our commute to and from work. Workplace violence takes place where most of us must spend 40 hours a week. Domestic violence and elder abuse take place in homes. Due to the Internet, cults and sex predators can recruit children in their homes. Stalkers and date rapists know and are known by their victims. Hate crimes and terrorism can victimize anyone and can take place anywhere. This class teaches you how to protect yourself from these types of crimes. You will receive handouts containing short stories with police-blotter type descriptions of these crimes. Then the class will discuss the mistakes the victims made and how the victims can alter their habits and behaviors to avoid becoming victims in the future. Cost includes a $7 material fee.* $69** (includes $7 materials fee*)

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FAMILY LIFE

"I Do" for You Two *NEW!*
Here is a chance to create the words you plan to say to each other when you exchange vows at your ceremony. Do they reflect the unique bonds and personalities of the two of you? Through a process of questioning, thinking, evaluation and analysis, the instructor, an ordained cleric, helps to facilitate couples to find the right words to express themselves at their union as husband and wife. Meant for engaged couples whose wedding ceremony allows them to have personalized vows no matter what culture or denomination. $40 per person; $75/couple. $75**

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Family Communications - the Family Newsletter *NEW!*
Family newsletters can be used to share family information, update reunion news, share family history or genealogical information, or keep the lines of communication open between generations. Participants will learn how to correspond with family members via the Internet or in written format. $25**

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Family Emergency Preparedness *NEW!*
What is your family's level of emergency preparedness? Are you concerned about how you and your family would fare in the event of a major local disaster, whether terrorist induced, or natural? Learn the simplified best practices to develop and implement your own comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. This day-long class is taught in a positive, upbeat environment suitable for beginners but also appropriate for intermediate level students. Instructor is a multi -degreed criminal justice professional and Maryland State Certified Public Safety Instructor. You will learn what to prepare for, why and how; specific terrorist threats and natural disasters; universal levels of preparedness; sheltering in place vs. evacuation; food and water and kit storage and use; workable family communication plans; generator options; and more. Take this class for your own benefit and your family's. $69**

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Three Pillars of Hope: Program for Women in Transition *NEW!*
Skillfully navigating the life change of divorce requires both healing its wound and embracing its gift. Ann Bracken, expressive arts consultant, works with the arts as a medium for growth, healing, and change. In this introductory workshop, you will learn how to use the power of journaling, poetry, and role play as tools to help you create a successful new life. Together, art and beauty open a conduit to the well-spring of deep resources that are needed to do the challenging work of rebuilding. Immerse yourself in expressive arts and harness their power to navigate new territory and transform your life. $35**

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Signing With Babies
In just this one two-hour session you will begin communicating with your infant before he or she utters that first word. You will be taught 50-plus basic signs in all and will see the results of reducing frustration, confusion, and even tantrums through this method of communication. Practice signs for eat, drink, sleep, milk, more, mommy, daddy, listen, and many others. Bring $8 to the first class for a review DVD so that you can build your language skills from home. Moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers all benefit from learning basic sign language skills, and this class may help promote a deeper parental bond. Babies 6 months and older welcome. $49 parent/child; $79 couple/child $49**

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Family Celebrations: How to Plan Your Family Reunion
Create new family connections and renew old ones with a fabulous family reunion. Learn how to plan a family reunion where participants share family history and strengthen family ties. Topics include: the reunion budget, long-range planning, fundraising, family newsletters, reunion meals, activities and entertainment. Whether you are planning a simple reunion or a large event, you will benefit from this course. $25**

*Fees not eligible for waiver.
**Neither XE courses nor their fees are eligible for waiver.
(T) Textbook recommended or required. Purchase at HCC Bookstore before first class.
(S) Supplied needed. Instructor will provide list at first class.