Lifelong Education

=designates classes which are designed for adults age 55 and over.   Adults under 55 may register on a space available basis.
=designates Community Education classes which are  supported solely by student fees (no state income).

Art Classes

The "Eucalyptus" painters were confident of their craft and painted in a highly modified style based somewhat on Italian and French Innovative painting. Beginners welcome. Supply list in office. (6 weeks) [M17, L1]

Learn simple techniques so that you can draw any subject with skill and confidence. Beginners welcome. Bring 9"x12" sketch pad and pencil to first class. Supply list in office. (6 weeks)

Learn the fundamentals of painting and how to use traditional fine art materials. Weekly discussions and applications of design, color, value and technique. Beginners welcome. Supply list at first class. (7 weeks)

Create several paintings and build a foundation for a career inventory. Weekly discussions of composition, value, color, technique and critiques. Continuing students only. See supply list here.
(6 weeks)

Learn to develop realistic landscape and portrait paintings. Lecture, demonstration and critiques will increase visual awareness. Composition, color and techniques to be emphasized. For intermediate and advanced students. Supply list at first class. (7 weeks)

Learn the pure and simple techniques of creating beautiful landscapes, still life and flora. Basic demonstrations each class. Beginners attend Friday afternoon class. Supply list at first class. (5 weeks)

Enjoy the varied, exciting techniques of watercolor and acrylics.  Demonstrations each class using these different mediums transparently, layered, textured and more. Supply list at first class. (5 weeks)

Explore hand-building and sculpture or use molds to pour greenware.  Learn to apply glazes to produce interesting effects.  Create unique gifts, serving pieces or decorations for your home and garden.  Firing fee included; students purchase materials.  (7 weeks)

Learn stringing, designing, and wire wrapping techniques to create lovely jewelry.  Make bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more.  Revitalize old jewelry to create up-to-date styles.  Supply list at first class. (7 weeks)

Do you want to learn to weave?  Become skilled at the basics and use a portable loom to weave tapestry bags, purses, belts and pillows.  You'll gain the knowledge necessary to weave beautiful scarves, shawls, table mats and runners.   No experience needed; looms provided!  Supply list in office.  (7 weeks)

Boating

Covers boat equipment, operation, navigation, boating laws and procedures with an emphasis on safety. You do not need to own a boat.  Pay for text in class $35, cash only.  Light lunch, Coast Guard Auxiliary Certificate and wallet card provided. Email Barry Campbell at bjcemail@earthlink.net for additional information. 

A list of required and recommended texts is available in the office.

A beginning hands-on course to learn what a computer is and how it works using Windows Vista. Topics include how to turn on and off a computer, use the keyboard and mouse, write letters with WordPad and Word, and browse web pages.  Note: Using Your Computer - Level II is the next course. No prerequisite.  Text required.  (5 days)

Are you already familiar with the basics?  Use the internet to search, save or print information and to send and receive email.  Learn to work more efficiently in the Windows environment, use Internet Explorer, Word and Excel.  Prerequisite: Using Your Computer -Level I or equivalent experience. Text required. (4 days)

Take control of your computer files!  Create folders/subfolders to organize your files.  Find, copy, move, and delete files; create shortcuts and customize the Windows desktop. Send, receive, and print email attachments.   Prerequisite: Using Your Computer Level II or equivalent experience. Text required.  (3 days)

Retouch and prepare images for printing or email.  Fix flaws and correct color.  Repair faded or torn photos.  Change or enhance backgrounds. Prerequisite: Using Your Computer - Level III.  (4 weeks)

Use layer and selection tools to manipulate photos, create composite images, and produce seamless panoramas with multiple images. Work with filters, styles, effects, and text. Create a slideshow to send as an email attachment to friends and family.  Prerequisite: Photoshop Elements Level I.  (3 weeks)

Two and Three Day Cooking Classes

Prepare cold noodle dishes that are light, delicious, and refreshing.  Use Chinese chow mein noodles, Japanese buckwheat (soba) noodles and Vietnamese/Southeast Asian rice flour noodles combined with fresh herbs, vegetables, meats and light sauces.  (2 weeks)

Learn to make Chinese appetizers that are low-cal, easy and fun to prepare:  shrimp dumplings, stuffed mushrooms with black bean sauce, shiitake-filled tofu bites, and many more. (2 weeks)

Learn the basics of delicious, healthy and exciting meals that you can make at home for a fraction of the cost!  Creativity and interesting ingredients lead to wonderful results.  (3 weeks)

Proper cutting techniques make cooking fun and efficient.  Learn to dice, chop and julienne vegetables.  Discuss how to choose, sharpen and maintain your knife.  Bring knife and cutting board to class. (2 weeks)

One Day Cooking Classes

It’s easy and entertaining to prepare these flavorful appetizers. Learn to make three basic fillings (meat, seafood and vegetarian), fold the fillings into wrappers, and prepare basic dipping sauces.

Create delectable appetizers. Prepare colorful Vietnamese-style spring rolls and tasty soft tortilla wrappers. They are all light and fresh (not fried) with seafood, meat, and vegetarian fillings. Artfully arrange your hors d’oeuvres and tailor recipes to your taste.

You'll be dancing like the Stars! Get your hips and feet moving to the exciting Latin beats of Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo & Rumba. This is a fun class for everyone! Learn timing, footwork, patterns and style while you improve your hottest moves and become an impressive dancer on any dance floor. We change partners. SINGLES AND COUPLES WELCOME, ages 18-88! (5 weeks)

Confidence is the key to enjoying dancing! Learn Jitterbug, original Rock 'n' Roll, Fox Trot, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Tango, Basic West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and Country Western. Prepare for dance parties and weddings. The more you know, the more fun you'll have. Leading and following is emphasized. We change partners; SINGLES AND COUPLES WELCOME, ages 18-88! (5 weeks)

Dance your way to good health!  This lively Cardio Belly Dance workout will get your heart pumping while you practice basic belly dance moves.  Contemporary and traditional Middle Eastern music is used. All levels welcome!   (4 weeks)

Finance

No matter what age or disability, parents of children with special needs have serious questions about how to best provide for their child’s future well-being. Gain a better understanding of preserving government benefits, legal and financial plans including trusts that can provide for a lifetime of quality care. 

Without a will, the State of California chooses your beneficiaries, executor and guardians for your children.  In this workshop, each student will receive a "fill in the blanks" Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Health Care Directive Form.  The instructor is an experienced estate planning attorney who will assist students in completing their forms. (2 weeks)

Careers

Real Estate

A step-by-step easy to understand guide through the entire home buying process. Learn to write purchase offers, figure tax savings, and choose the best agent. We’ll explore low-down, low cost financing, credit report fixes, home inspections and more. You can own a home even without perfect credit or a lot of money! (2 weeks)

At last, the truth about buying bargain-priced properties! Gain all the information you need to buy for investment or that dream home. Learn the critical difference between a foreclosure and a short sale, where to find the best deals, learn secret money-saving shortcuts.

Sell for the highest price in the least amount of time. Whether selling “By Owner” or with a Realtor, you’ll come away from this class with inside tips on “staging” your home, reaching quality buyers, “fix it” items on which to spend (or not spend) money, and more.

On death, a Trust can be expensive and complicated or simple and economical to administer, depending on which kind you choose.  Have your questions answered by an experienced attorney who will explain exactly how Trusts and Wills work in a way that is easy to understand.  (2 weeks)  

CrossFit is an innovative, fun program designed for ALL levels of fitness that will challenge beginners and pros. Varied routines insure you’ll never get bored! CrossFit is composed of functional, effective movements making it extremely efficient. Studio is behind Peet's Coffee in Oak Grove Plaza, Concord, (925) 798-6235. (4 weeks)

Tone body safely and thoroughly. Release stress by focusing on physical and mental challenges of basic ballet. Bring a mat or towel. New students should arrive by 6:45pm on first night. (8 weeks)

Enjoy the outdoors with easy 4 mile hikes. Learn about local history, plants, and birds while improving your health. One extended hike.  Meet at PHEC gravel parking lot at 8:30am. (7 weeks)

Expand your hiking skills with moderate 4-6 mile hikes! Experience local beauty, learn cultural and natural history and improve your health. One extended hike.  Meet at PHEC gravel parking lot at 8:30am. (7 weeks)

Expand your hiking skills with moderate 6-8 mile hikes. Learn about new trails and cultural and natural history. One extended hike. Meet at PHEC gravel parking lot at 8:30am. (7 weeks)

Keep fit and feel great!  Class contains something for every body!  A strengthening, toning and cardiovascular aerobic workout for all levels of fitness!  Weights are provided! Bring mat to class. (Number of weeks varies)

No class 8/6

Pilates-inspired movements and stretching exercises will challenge your fitness, improve your posture and increase your overall core strength. For all fitness levels. Weights are provided. Mat is required. (7 weeks)

Increase your flexibility, improve your posture and increase your overall core strength. Pilates exercises designed for the mature body. For all fitness levels. Weights are provided. Floor mats required. (7 weeks)

Low impact aerobics for mature bodies! Feel great, strengthen back, flatten abdomen, improve posture, lower blood pressure, and lose inches. Ends with relaxation exercises. Bring water bottle, mat, rope, and 1 pound weights. (6 weeks)

No classes 7/27 and 7/29

Chair exercises for the mature body. Low impact, low stress workout perfect for seniors beginning an exercise program or with balance issues. Light weights are optional. Includes breathing and relaxation exercises. (7 weeks)

No class 7/30

Beat energy blahs with an invigorating exercise ball workout. Strengthening moves on a stability ball will send your body a wakeup call. The ball challenges your balance to improve core strength and posture. Bring floor mat and inflated ball to class (55cm for most participants). (6 weeks)

No class 8/2 and 8/4

Practice yoga poses that promote a healthy back and spine, encouraging good posture and alignment. You will learn how to alleviate back pain and reduce the chance of it occurring in the first place. Bring thick, firm blankets and an empty stomach.

Promotes strength and ease of movement. Includes yoga postures, breathing practices and meditation. Bring firm pillow, towel or mat, and blanket. Wear comfortable clothing. (Number of weeks varies)

You can build your immune system with certain yoga poses.  We will cover poses that were given to Iyengar yoga teachers from B.K.S. Iyengar during the flu season last year.  These asanas (yoga postures) will give rest to your organic body as well as your mind. 

Zumba® Fitness combines Latin rhythms and easy to follow steps to create a dynamic fitness program that will get you having fun while burning calories.  No dance background necessary because all routines are simple and the music is enticing.  Instructor Janice Litvin has been dancing and teaching for years.  See ZumbaContraCosta.com for more info.  Choose the session that fits your schedule! (6 weeks)

Offered by Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (925) 682-0896.

Personal Health

Learn simple self-help tools to relieve aching neck and shoulders.  You will learn acupressure points and movement exercises that you can easily do anywhere.  Get the energy flowing again and relieve chronic tensions developed from sitting in front of a computer all day or doing other repetitive movements that cause the muscles to seize up from overuse.

Feel confident as you learn to "feel" an opponent's intentions and put sharpened reflexes to immediate use.  Train your response and learn to use leverage; you don't have to be big or strong.  All ages and sizes can successfully learn Wing Tsun.  Studio is behind Peet's Coffee in the Oak Grove Plaza, Concord, (925) 798-6235.  (4 weeks)

Home

Garden

Eat the most nutritious produce you can find right from your own yard!  Learn the basics of planning, installing and maintaining a vegetable and fruit garden.  You'll save money and eat well.  Instructor is owner of a local landscaping company with a passion for gardening.  (2 weeks)

Learn the basics of how to build healthy soil, how to design a garden space, and how to select plants. Use compost and soil amendments to prepare a garden bed naturally.  Use research to identify your microclimate conditions and elements to enhance design aesthetics. (3 weeks)

Did you learn French a long time ago but feel as if you forgot most of it?  Are you interested in learning the basics so you can have a simple conversation?  This class perfectly fits your needs!   In a fun environment and in less than three months, you will be able to ask for directions, describe what is around you, count and tell the time, etc.  Textbook available in office. (7 weeks)

Planning a trip to a French speaking country? You will acquire basic conversational skills through activity-centered settings and topics such as transportation, asking directions, hotels, etc., while learning French customs and practices. Same textbook as French 1A. Prerequisite: at least one term of French. (7 weeks)

Learn the language basics and become familiar with manners, customs and traditions of the Italians in this fun beginner's class where the emphasis is on proper pronunciation, speaking, vocabulary and grammar. Class assumes no previous study.  Textbook available in office.  (7 weeks)

Join active, lively older adults to learn new skills and enjoy friendly fellowship. Free activities include Tai Chi exercise, copper enameling, weaving, knitting, crochet, beading, painting, travel log films, low cost lunch and more! Meets every Tuesday at Concord First Presbyterian Church, 1965 Colfax Street, 9:00am-1:00pm. Call (510) 512-4032 for more information.

You don't need musical experience to start playing guitar immediately.  Learn the rudiments of reading music, notes below the 5th fret for all 6 strings and popular and open chords.  Learn techniques through playing the music of various contemporary artists.  Bring your own guitar.  Fee includes a book and CD. (4 weeks)

Benjamin Ofori, a traditional drummer and dance instructor from Ghana, Africa, will teach you to play authentic and exciting drum music using African instruments. You'll also sample traditional dance and have the opportunity to participate in a group performance. Drums provided. (5 weeks)

Do you wish to read and play music for the guitar? Learn to play a melody, understand rhythm and where notes are on the guitar. Students provide their own instrument, preferably with nylon strings. Beginners welcome. Text: Classic Guitar Technique, Volume One by Aaron Shearer. (7 weeks)

Just that...the basics of playing the ukulele. Focus is on learning chords and transitions through playing songs. Notes in the open position will be covered as well. Fee includes book and CD. (3 weeks)

Voice-overs are hot today!  You may think it's next to impossible to break into this field, but not so!  Learn about opportunities, income potential and how to make a demo recording.  Step up to the microphone to practice recording and hear the results!

None this term 

Learn beginning quilting or continue honing your skills. For beginners: fabric selection, rotary cutting, step-by-step assistance for lap-size quilts. For continuing students: curved-piecing, triangles, appliqué in more complicated patterns. Supply list in office. (7 weeks)

Discover how to create home decorating projects such as window treatments, duvet covers, slipcovers (small items such as dining room chairs and footstools OK), table accessories, and pillows. Students will work on their own projects in class.  (7 weeks)

Create a work of art from a simple piece of wood. Includes tool selection, carving techniques, demonstrations, individual instruction, and safe use and care of basic woodcarving tools and equipment. (Number of weeks varies)

Learn how to carve fish, ducks, songbirds and eagles, just to name a few. Includes tool selection, carving techniques, demonstrations, individual instruction, and safe use and care of basic woodcarving tools and equipment. (7 weeks)

For summer fun, learn to use the wood lathe!  We will teach you the safe and easy way to make fun projects and develop basic turning skills.  Projects will include:  wooden pens, bottle stoppers, bud vases, and bowls.  (7 weeks)

Enjoy fun days of turning new and interesting easy projects.  Try out something new like a wood pen, Tauga nut small hollow vessel, or a small lidded box or bottle stopper.  Only basic skills will be required so come practice and explore new ideas.  (7 weeks)

This course is a continuation of Anatomy of Traditional Cabinetry and will take you step-by-step through planning, layout, face frames, drawers, and doors.  It's kitchen and bathroom cabinetry made easy.  Prerequisite: Anatomy of Traditional Cabinetry I at PHEC or instructor approval. One hour lunch break.  (5 weeks)