Continuing Education
The Basics of Selling on eBay (ages 18 & up)
This course is for eBay newbies or those with little eBay selling experience. The course guides students through the process of creating an eBay seller's account and shows students how to create an effective eBay listing. Students learn to create listing titles and descriptions, how to produce quality photos and how to determine the market price for items students are selling or buying. A $20 material fee is due to instructor at the beginning of class for manual and CD.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Bill Disessa
Individual $25/$36/$50
Couple: $30/$42/$60
1337.002 1 class T 2/21 6:00pm-9:00pm
Beyond the Basics: Building your Business on eBay (ages 18 & up)
If you have some experience selling on eBay and want to take it to the next level, you will want to attend this class. This advanced class will cover the keys to success on eBay, starting a business on eBay, what to sell and where to find it. Develop a business strategy, pricing and format options. Learn how to market your business on and off eBay. Also learn what to do after the sale (managing payments, shipping etc.) The course cost includes a materials fee of $20, which includes an eBay-issued Student Manual and exclusive Student Resources CD-Rom. Receive a course completion certification from eBay.
Site: Bennett Recreation Center
Instructor: Bill DiSessa
Individual: $25/$36/$50
Couple: $30/$42/$60
1337.005 1 class W 2/22 6:00pm-9:00pm
Help Me Get Organized (ages 18 & up)
Are you constantly misplacing items? Has paper taken over your home? Join professional organizer, Betty Huotari of Logical Placement LLC who has been prominently featured in Woman's Day, appeared on A & E's Hoarders, and has been quoted in many local and regional publications in Michigan. Betty will tell you how to get and stay organized. Come learn the best ways to conquer your paper piles and organize your kitchen and bedrooms.
Site: Bennett Recreation Center
Instructor: Betty Huotari
$30/$42/$60
1324.556 1 class M 2/6 7:00pm-9:00pm
Creative Writing - Learning, Sharing, and Growing as a Writer
(ages 18 & up)
The objective of this class is to explore creative writing through a variety of discussions and short exercises. Topics include genres, writing styles, fundamentals of story crafting, and publishing. Participants will provide feedback to peers in a constructive and positive fashion. The art of critiquing work will be taught and practiced. Writers are encouraged to bring a previous story for project work in class. We will not be working on poetry. Instructor is a published freelancer and award-winning writer who has facilitated and presented at writing workshops for community groups and colleges.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Kim Hytinen
$60/$84/$120
1342.014 6 classes T 1/3-2/7 6:00pm-8:00pm
Becoming a Freelance Writer (ages 18 & up)
The objective of this class is to learn about the basics of getting published as a freelance writer. Topics include marketing yourself, query letters, idea and story creation, finding sources through research and networking, and tax
time. Students will participate in discussions, write an article for potential publication, and draft a query letter to a specific editor/publisher. We will also discuss contract negotiation and maintaining records. Instructor is a
published freelancer and award-winning writer who has facilitated and presented at writing workshops for community groups and colleges.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Kim Hytinen
$60/$84/$120
1342.017 3 classes SAT 2/11-2/25 9:00am-12:00pm
Job Search & Resume Writing (ages 18 & up)
Unemployed? Seeking a career change? Let an employment specialist take a look at your resume and help you market yourself most effectively. Job search strategies, interview tips, and business attire will all be discussed. Instructor will provide individual feedback and resume assistance. Instructor is an experienced career services specialist who has assisted with more than 100 resumes and numerous placements. Instructor will not be providing placement assistance.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Kim Hytinen
$30/$42/$60
1342.010 1 class W 1/11 6:00pm-8:00pm
1342.011 1 class W 2/22 6:00pm-8:00pm
“I Got the Job”: Polished Resume (ages 18 & up)
Your resume is your first impression with any employer. It will either get you in the door or keep you out! Whether you are writing your first resume or updating and refining a 20-year work history, you will learn how to create an
attention-getting, polished resume that will entice employers to invite you to the interview.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Kristen Warner
$60/$84/$120
1342.001 1 class T 1/10 7:00pm-9:00pm
“I Got the Job”: Interviewing Skills (ages 18 & up)
Learn how to take your interviewing skills to the next level. You’ll learn the keys of preparation, attire, appropriate questions, and the one key that most people miss which leads to a confident interview that employers remember.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Kristen Warner
$60/$84/$120
1342.003 1 class T 1/17 7:00pm-9:00pm
“I Got the Job”: Salary Negotiation (ages 18 & up)
You can’t afford to miss this class whether you’re looking for a new job or working on a promotion. Studies show that 70% of women and a lot of men do not negotiate their salaries, yet HR professionals report that even in this tough economy they are willing to go 10-20% higher than their first offer. Come and learn the art of salary negotiation, which is simple with a little preparation and know-how.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Kristen Warner
$60/$84/$120
1342.005 1 class T 1/24 7:00pm-9:00pm
Estate Planning Basics (ages 18 & up)
Probate, health care, and estate tax laws have recently changed! Find out how to prevent your assets from going through probate, how to protect them from estate and capital gains taxes, and how to protect yourself against the
costs of long term care. Learn about the new "Estate Recovery" law, whereby the state can seek repayment from a person's estate for benefits being paid, and ways to prevent that from happening. Discover the dangers of using joint accounts and quit claim deeds as estate planning tools.
Learn about medical and financial powers of attorney, wills, and living trusts.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Estate Planning & Elder Law Services
$10/$14/$20
1319.001 1 class T 3/27 6:00pm-8:00pm
Protect Yourself from the Cost of Long Term Care (ages 18 & up)
Did you know that 50% of people 65 years or older will spend some time in a nursing home and that it costs on average $6,191/month for such care? Because neither health insurance nor Medicare covers these costs, losing
ones life savings to such costs is a natural fear. This course discusses payment options, changes to the Medicaid eligibility rules, in-home care options, and more. The course is taught by attorney Christopher Lindsay, a member of the Elder Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Estate Planning & Elder Law Service
Individual $15/$21/$30
Couples $20/$27/$40
1319.003 1 class TH 1/26 6:00pm-8:00pm
Identity Theft (ages 18 & up)
What is identity theft? How does it happen? More importantly, what can be done to prevent it and what tools are available if it happens? Discover hidden dangers of posting on Facebook. Learn about all of these and more. (Save money by signing up for the Adult Financial Education series - see below)
Site: Bennett Recreation Center
Instructor: Angela Clark
$20/$28/$40
1338.001 1 class T 1/10 6:30pm-7:30pm
1338.002 1 class T 3/6 6:30pm-7:30pm
Demystify Your Credit Report (ages 18 & up)
Learn how to pull your credit report and understand how to read it (critical steps in preventing identity theft). Also, discuss tips on how to start, build, and maintain a good credit score. Learn why establishing a good score can save you money, help you land a job, and help you find a place to live. (Save money when you register for the Adult Financial Education series - see below)
Site: Bennett Recreation Center
Instructor: Angela Clark
$20/$28/$40
1338.004 1 class T 1/17 6:30pm-7:30pm
1338.005 1 class T 3/13 6:30pm-7:30pm
Budgeting for Beginners (ages 18 & up)
You know you should have a budget but don't know how? Learn three easy steps to help you get started. Discover how to set and meet your financial goals by creating and sticking to a monthly budget. TAKE A VACATION, BUY A NEW CAR, BUY A HOME! (Save money when you register for the Adult Financial Education series - see below)
Site: Bennett Recreation Center
Instructor: Angela Clark
$20/$28/$40
1338.007 1 class T 1/24 6:30pm-7:30pm
1338.008 1 class T 3/20 6:30pm-7:30pm
Adult Financial Education Series (ages 18 & up)
This series offers Identity Theft, Demystifying Your Credit Report, and the Budgeting for Beginners classes at a discounted price (all three classes are listed above).
Site: Bennett Recreation Center
Instructor: Angela Clark
$50/$70/$100
1338.010 3 classes T 1/10-1/24 6:30pm-7:30pm
1338.011 3 classes T 3/6-3/20 6:30pm-7:30pm
Under the Hood: New Driver Knowledge (ages 16 & up)
Did you just get your license? Ready to hit the road? This class is for new drivers and will help you find your way around under the hood. This class will show you basic repairs that every driver shuld know. Give your parents the security they need to send you out on your own. Please bring your car or your parent’s car to class.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Rick Schrader
$25/$35/$50
1331.001 1 class W 3/7 7:00pm-9:00pm
Auto Repair 101 (ages 16 & up)
This hands-on car maintenance and repair class will cover the basics such as changing a flat tire, checking fluids, checking tire pressure and more. You will be working on your own car, please bring your vehicle with you.
Site: Barnard Community Center
Instructor: Rick Schrader
$25/$35/$50
1331.003 1 class W 3/28 7:00pm-9:00pm
HOME BASED COMPUTER COURSES
The next four classes are home based computer classes. If you
do not have a computer you may use the Senior] Center Lab (when open) to complete the course. Students need to complete the 6 week course anytime between the dates listed. All taught through Growth Education with Gary Fugere.
Learn How to Communicate Effectively (ages 18 & up)
It has been said that people fear public speaking more than they fear death. If you believe that your oral communication skills need to be stronger in order to compete in today's world, then this class is for you. Topics include: organizing your message, knowing your audience, strategies to deal with nervousness, best practices when speaking in different settings, examples of strong and weak verbal exchanges, and several real-life exercises that you can adopt to increase your confidence and effectiveness as a communicator.
Site: Home Based Course
Instructor: Growth Education
$70 Flat Fee
1350.000 1 class 2/14-4/10 Anytime
Microsoft Word for Home & Business (ages 18 & up)
Microsoft Word is utilized by millions of people around the globe. Learn how to harness your information in this powerful, and often under-utilized application. Utilize Word to work faster and show real results, professional looking documents, usable templates which work for you or just find a simple tip or trick to simplify your life. Word is an extremely powerful application, with tools and abilities ripe for the picking, and ready to make your life simpler and give you more time for the things which are important. This course will use real-world examples to bring these items into perspective for you. Read lessons, participate in exercises with real-world business examples, and hold online discussions with your instructor and your fellow students online. The class runs for 6 weeks and is self-paced, so you can complete the lessons on your own schedule. Course requirements include intermediate PC skills, and Office 2007 or Office 2010.
Site: Home Based Course
Instructor: Growth Education
$75 Flat Fee
1350.001 1 class 2/14-4/10 Anytime
Microsoft Excel: Intro for Small Business (ages 18 & up)
Are you tired of tracking financial elements of your business manually, do you have to prepare staffing schedules by hand, or do you simply want to know how to get more information from your business data? Microsoft
Excel is one of the most powerful tools a small business owner or manager has at their disposal. Learn how to harness your business data and put it to use for you. Topics include: preparing financial statements, how to best display your data for maximum impact with formatting tools, Data Tables, Charts & Pivot Tables, using customer information to create customized letters with Mail Merge, importing data from programs like QuickBooks, calculate the costs of doing business with financial formulas, learn where to find pre-packaged business templates, and more. Throughout the course you'll find interesting tips and tricks to make your Excel use more efficient as well. The course will use a real-world example of a small business in operation with all of these elements. Read lessons, participate in exercises
with real-world business examples, and have interactive discussions with your instructor and your fellow students online. The class will combine text references, Excel workbook examples you can use, and integrated
video. The class runs for 6 weeks and is self-paced, so you can complete the lessons on your own schedule. Course requirements include intermediate PC skills, and Office 2007 or Office 2010. The course will be taught using Excel 2010, but any significant differences between the two applications will be pointed out where applicable.
Site: Home Based Course
Instructor: Growth Education
$80 Flat Fee
1350.002 1 class 2/14-4/10 Anytime
PowerPoint Basics for Home & Business (ages 18 & up)
This class is designed for individuals who have little or no prior experience with Microsoft’s PowerPoint program. It includes very basic instructions on how to open a new project, create slides, and use formatting tools to make
slides attractive and readable. Adding graphics, photographs, and using templates will also be covered. Students will use critical thinking skills to
evaluate how the audience will influence the style of the presentation. This course will include step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Students are required to have Microsoft Office 2007 - PowerPoint installed on their
primary computer.
Site: Home Based Course
Instructor: Growth Education
$55 Flat Fee
1350.003 1 class 2/14-4/10 Anytime
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