Institute for Continuing Learning

Outdoors & Hiking in Southern Appalachians

Start
April 01, 2024
End
May 13, 2024
Schedule
6 sessions
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
3

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Course Instructor George Owen

Course Fee $25.00

The first session covers the vast array of trails close to where the class is being held, types of hiking from beginners to experienced, handouts from Forest Service and Appalachian Trail Folks, etc. Includes basic requirements for comfort and safety. Subsequent course sessions will vary greatly from about long-distance trails to first aid kits, guide and reference books, seasonal variations, etc. I also plan to use friends and experts to help with various segments of the course, including an expert on basic equipment for both day hiking and backpacking. There is no class on April 15th.

George Owen was born and raised in central Florida, where from early elementary school on to adulthood he hunted, fished, and explored the middle Florida woods. While in college over some summers he was the director of the outdoor program and nature instructor for one of the largest youth camps near Leesburg, FL. When he moved to Georgia with his wife Sandy while starting their family of two sons, he soon was deeply involved on weekends and spare time with trail clubs and trails, twice teaching a course at ICL on hiking and the outdoors in the southern Appalachians. He has held many positions with North GA trail clubs, including the presidency of three of them and maintenance and construction director also for two. He is a co-founder of the Benton MacKaye Trail Association in 1980. He has laid out and supervised construction of over 125 miles of hiking trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest over a half-century. After retirement from his regular occupation, he was a guide for ten years part-summers in the Swiss Alps. He is currently starting his fourth term as president of the area Mountain High Hikers.

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Improving Your Bridge Skills

Start
April 01, 2024
End
May 20, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
Classroom B in ICL Classroom Building
Spaces left
6

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Instructor George Curran

Course Fee $30.00

This class will be a review of bridge basics as well as an introduction to competitive bidding and play strategies. This class will cover: Bridge table etiquette, Hand valuation, Bidding and Response, Common bidding conventions, Play of the Hand, and Scoring. The class will be a mix of semi-formal instruction and play at the table. The goal of the class is to improve your game and have fun in the process.

George Curran is a resident of Union County but has lived in Pennsylvania, California and Florida. He retired to the Blairsville area in 2008. He learned to play Bridge in the 1960s while in college and has played ever since. He has played social Bridge and duplicate Bridge. George is also a Bridge Instructor in Blairsville.

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Ukulele 101

Start
April 01, 2024
End
May 06, 2024
Schedule
6 sessions
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
10

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Instructor Cy Sineath

Course Fee $25.00

Ukulele 101 is all about having fun playing this simple little 4 stringed instrument with a group of like-minded, fun-loving strummers. No complicated music theory, just learning the basic chords and strum patterns to make music on the uke. Taking this class automatically enrolls participants in the Ukulele Club of the Mountains which holds weekly jams at a restaurant in Hiawassee. You will need a ukulele tuned to standard C tuning. If you don't have one, the instructor has several loaners and recommends trying one before you buy.

Cy Sineath has been playing the ukulele for 8 years and has enjoyed playing socially with groups throughout the southeast as well as Dublin, Ireland and London, England. Prior to moving to Blairsville in 2017, he played regularly with two groups in the Atlanta area. He feels the ukulele is much like the game of Bridge; you can learn the basics in a matter of hours and then spend the rest of your life mastering it. He now lives here in the mountains with his wife, Jo, and Otis, the wonder dog.

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Photographing Spring’s Wildflowers

Start
April 02, 2024
End
May 14, 2024
Schedule
7 sessions
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
0

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Course Instructor Stephan Banakas

Course Fee $30.00

This class will combine basic photographic skills with Spring wildflowers as the primary subjects to be photographed. Each week students will attend a 4-hour class that will begin in the classroom with a Power Point presentation centered on basic camera techniques, adjustments, and considerations that will aid them in photographing these wildflowers. After the classroom portion of the class students will then be taken to specific outdoor areas where they will photograph wildflowers that are blooming at that time. Should anyone prefer not to join in this part of the class, they will have an opportunity to go to various areas and shoot at their leisure.

Students will then be requested to submit a few of their photos to the instructor who will include the photos along with camera settings in the Power Point for presentation and discussion by the class during the following week. And the above-described process will be repeated.

Should the weather be bad, the classroom portion of the class would still be held and a ‘make up day’ for the outdoor portion of the class would be scheduled at the end of the 6-session class.

The class would be limited to 10 students and would be conducted over 6 sessions lasting 4 hours/session.

Students must possess basic camera skills and be able to handle short hikes on uneven ground.

Class would begin @ 1:00, Tuesday, April 2th – May 7th with May 14th reserved as make-up day, if needed.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica

Stephan Banakas is an avid fly fisherman and wildflower/landscape photographer. He is originally from Pensacola, FL. where he worked as a police officer until he retired in 1999. He now lives in Hayesville with his wife, Diane, and their two cats Gordon and Maggie.

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Yin Yoga

Start
April 03, 2024
End
May 22, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
YHC Fitness Center in the Recreation Building
Spaces left
1

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Instructor Mark Anderson

Course Fee $25.00

YIN Yoga is a mostly seated practice with activation/balance of the body's energy centers and parasympathetic nervous system.

Postures are held 2-3 minutes each and participants will be guided in breath-based pranayama, affirmations, and a yoga theme. Feel free to
bring a yoga mat or blanket to these 1 hour sessions. This class is open to beginners and current practitioners.
Session Type: Mostly seated on mat with stretching

Mark Anderson is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS). His main place of business is Thai BodyWork Georgia, Whisper Woods Rd, Hiawassee, GA.

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Gentle Yoga

Start
April 03, 2024
End
May 22, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
YHC Fitness Center in the Recreation Building
Spaces left
0

Join waitlist

Course Instructor Mark Anderson

Course Fee $25.00

Gentle Yoga is a class where traditional Hatha Yoga Postures/poses are taught. Modifications will be given to all yoga flows.This class is open to beginners and current practitioners.

Session Type: Active strength and flexibility yoga flow

Mark Anderson is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS). His main place of business is Thai BodyWork Georgia, Whisper Woods Rd, Hiawassee, GA.

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Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements

Start
April 03, 2024
End
May 22, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
18

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Course Instructor Dr. Adam Daniels

Course Fee $25

This course is an exploration of what religious scholars have termed NRMs, or New Religious Movements, and their cultural, political, and sociological impact. Issues raised and discussed will include but are not limited to: Understanding apocalyptic beliefs, government intervention in NRMs, violence and NRMs, “brainwashing,” gender issues in NRMs, and the role of media in portrayal of NRMs. Special attention will be given to the Branch Davidians, The People’s Temple, Heaven’s Gate, the Children of God, Aum Shinrikyo, Scientology, Nxivm, and the modern Christian megachurch movement, among others.

New

Religious

Movements

Rev. Dr. Adam Daniels is the Chaplain at Young Harris College and also teaches classes in the Department of Religion. He has been in ministry for 16 years and holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. He has traveled all over the globe but believes it's hard to beat the community here in the Enchanted Valley.

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Photographing Spring’s Wildflowers - Course II

Start
April 04, 2024
1:00 PM
End
May 16, 2024
5:00 PM
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
3

Register

Course Instructor Stephan Banakas

Course Fee $30.00

This class will combine basic photographic skills with Spring wildflowers as the primary subjects to be photographed. Each week students will attend a 4-hour class that will begin in the classroom with a Power Point presentation centered on basic camera techniques, adjustments, and considerations that will aid them in photographing these wildflowers. After the classroom portion of the class students will then be taken to specific outdoor areas where they will photograph wildflowers that are blooming at that time. Should anyone prefer not to join in this part of the class, they will have an opportunity to go to various areas and shoot at their leisure.

Students will then be requested to submit a few of their photos to the instructor who will include the photos along with camera settings in the Power Point for presentation and discussion by the class during the following week. And the above-described process will be repeated.

Should the weather be bad, the classroom portion of the class would still be held and a ‘make up day’ for the outdoor portion of the class would be scheduled at the end of the 6-session class.

The class would be limited to 10 students and would be conducted over 6 sessions lasting 4 hours/session.

Students must possess basic camera skills and be able to handle short hikes on uneven ground.

Class would begin @ 1:00, Thursday April 4th – May 9th with May 16th reserved as make-up day, if needed.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica

Stephan Banakas is an avid fly fisherman and wildflower/landscape photographer. He is originally from Pensacola, FL. where he worked as a police officer until he retired in 1999. He now lives in Hayesville with his wife, Diane, and their two cats Gordon and Maggie.

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How Happiness Thinks

Start
April 04, 2024
End
May 09, 2024
Schedule
6 sessions
Location
Wilson Lecture Hall in Goolsby Center (On Duckworth Drive)

Register

Course Instructor Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger

Course Fee $25.00

ICL veteran Course Instructor, Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger is presenting an exciting new, six-week course for the Spring session titled How Happiness Thinks. Much more than a tool to boost your happiness, it is an exciting journey into your own mind and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and mystical teachings, this course will present you with a deeper understanding of yourself, and help you flourish by suggesting practical advice which, when implemented, will radically enhance the happiness quotient of your life.

Since the dawn of time, man has been ever fascinated by the workings of the human brain. Only recently, scientists have been discovering the underlying dynamics that shape and influence our frame of mind--new ways to cope with anxiety and stress, steps that we can take to crystallize our self-concept, and practical tools we can use to build the resilience and grit to ride through any challenge life throws our way.

Surprisingly, Torah and the Talmud have for centuries advocated various approaches to achieving happiness; ideas that are only now being confirmed through scientific observation. How Happiness Thinks offers a Jewish roadmap to happier living. Every lesson contains poignant insights into how our minds operate with practical steps you can take to boost your happiness levels to places unimaginable.

This course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any background in Jewish learning. A student workbook is required and may be purchased on Amazon or elsewhere, new or used…

Rabbi Hambourger has taught extensively on all aspects of Judaism over many years, including three previous courses for ICL. “Now more than ever, we need to focus on our emotional and spiritual health,” he said. “There is no better way to do that than through authentic Torah (Old Testament) based study and learning. I encourage everyone to give it a try and see what it can do for you.”

How Happiness Thinks Official Trailer - YouTube video.

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Beginning Mah-Jongg

Start
April 09, 2024
End
May 28, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
Classroom B in ICL Classroom Building
Spaces left
2

Register

Course Instructor Ann Powell

Course Fee $30.00

Mah-Jongg is a game that originated in China and is similar to the Western card game rummy. It is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. Three or four players play the game using numbered tiles. During those first years after its introduction a real craze developed around Mah-Jongg, but like all fashions it came and went. However, recently a growing number of people are realizing the intellectual challenge Mah-Jongg possesses and the beauty and excitement of the game itself. This class will lead you step by step into the wonderful world of Mah-Jongg. Come learn and play.

After living in various places: Pittsburgh, PA; Spartanburg, SC; Upper Saddle River, NJ; Chicago, IL; Charleston, SC and Franklin, NC, Ann made the retirement decision to live in Blairsville, GA in 2017. Ann learned how to play Mahjongg 12 years ago. While growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Ann did see and hear the tiles “clickity, clickity” on the tables while her friend’s parents played Mah-jongg. Never did she ever think she would one day learn to play and teach Mahjongg.

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Learn to Play Card Games

Start
April 09, 2024
End
May 28, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
Classroom B in ICL Classroom Building
Spaces left
0

Join waitlist

Course Instructor Ann Powell

Course Fee $30.00

Learn to play and enjoy various card games with others, challenge your brain and take a break from our daily lives and just have fun!

If you’re looking for some fun or just want to spend time connecting with friends or family members then why not try out these timeless classic card games. EX: Kings in the Corner, Phase Ten, Oh! Phew, Seven, Crazy Eights, Push Rummy and Euchre.

Learn card terminology ex: bidding, trump, sets, runs, scoring, renege, etc.

This class will play cards with emphasis on learning and enjoying popular card game, Euchre.

Rules of these various card games are easy to understand which makes cards a great choice for casual gaming. It’s a great way to socialize and make new acquaintances, as well as strengthening existing relationships.

While growing up in the Pittsburgh, PA area, card playing was a social activity with family and friends. Ann learned to play various card games after in living in many places. She enjoys sharing the games with others to socialize and enjoy card playing!

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Beginner's Pickleball

Start
April 11, 2024
End
May 30, 2024
Schedule
8 sessions
Location
Pickleball Courts - 67 Chase Drive, Blairsville, GA
Spaces left
0

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Instructor Sharon Harkavy

Course Fee $30.00

This class is for beginners. You will learn the rules of pickleball, proper ball handling techniques, dinking the ball, serving and returning the ball, punch block and drop block, basic strategy and drop shots. Balls and paddles are provided. Please wear court shoes, sunglasses or protective eyewear and bring water.

Sharon is a Maine native who now lives in Morganton, GA. She has been playing pickleball for 1 year after decades of playing competitive tennis. She is an IPTPA(International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) certified instructor. Sharon has been certified in many areas and has taught dance aerobics, fitness classes, stretching, STEP classes, water aerobics, deep water exercise, water walking, water STEP, and private swim lessons for both adults and children. She has been teaching for over 2 decades. She is active in the Blairsville Pickleball Club and also plays with the Fannin Pickleball club. Sharon loves teaching active classes for all ages especially adults. She is a mother of three, including a set of twins, grandmother of one, and is married to Jeff for almost 40 years. She is an active animal rescue supporter and educator who currently shares her life with 4 dogs and 2 cats. Sharon is looking forward to teaching the amazing game of pickleball to her new students.

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Dealing with Grief

Start
April 12, 2024
End
May 17, 2024
Schedule
6 sessions
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom

Register

Instructor Dr. Ray Ashurst

Course Fee $25

All of us have suffered some type of loss in our lives. It may be from a divorce, a move away from our hometown, our child leaving home for college for the very first time, the death of a family member or friend, or the death of a beloved pet. No matter what the loss, grief follows. These sessions deal with loss and the accompanying grief.

Dr. Ray Ashurst has been a private clinical therapist for fifty years. His doctorate is in the field of death, the dying process, and grief. His Masters degree is in clinical therapy. His published 13 books.

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Easy and Delicious Superfoods for Entertaining

Start
April 29, 2024
End
May 20, 2024
Schedule
4 sessions
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
3

Register

Course Instructor Ann Marie Stanczyk

Course Fee $25.00

Materials Fee $40.00

We all like to gather with family and loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries, or various social events. It's a great idea to nourish these folks and improve their health, while also building strong social ties. These foods are all quick, easy and delicious. We will prepare them in the classroom, and take them home to eat. There will be a one-time supply fee of $40, collected at the first class. Bon appetite!

This is the best seasonal dessert with summer fruit - and it's gluten free, vegan and paleo

Ann Marie Stanczyk has a Master's degree in Holistic Nutrition. She is focused on improving people's health with food, and in her practice, has seen many cases of superfoods transforming people's health. They act like medicine in the body, improving your health with every bite.

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Defining Spring with Acrylics

Start
May 02, 2024
End
May 30, 2024
Schedule
5 sessions
Location
Art Studio - 1942 Old Hwy 64 W, Hayesville, NC
Spaces left
4

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Instructor - Billie Shelburn

Course Fee - $25.00

Materials Fee - $25.00 per class

Spring into the beauty of our mountain splendor with acrylic bright colors on canvas. Demos and techniques to achieve beautiful scenes will be taught. Learn to see differently using color, shapes and thematic expressive painting techniques.

Billie Shelburn is a contemporary studio artist and fine art instructor in painting, drawing and mixed media. Billie’s works are comprised of representational, impressionistic and mixed media styles. Her paintings have won National, International and Regional awards. Billie was inducted into the National Organization for Women in Arts in Washington, D.C. and has served on the Executive Boards of Georgia Watercolor Society. Currently Ms. Shelburn is the Resident Artist at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C.

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Quilt Board Painting - The Hummingbird

When
May 24, 2024
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location
862 Main Street, Young Harris - ICL Classroom
Spaces left
9

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Course Instructor Barbara McMillan

Course Fee $20.00

Materials Fee $45.00

We will be painting a 20"X20" hummingbird quilt board as shown.

All supplies included for just $45.00 which is paid to the instructor the day of the class.

Barbara has been teaching painting classes for about 7 years which includes watercolor and chalk painting. She has been teaching quilt board painting for 4 years. She has been a resident of Murphy, N.C. for 12 years.

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Institute for Continuing Learning

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