Do you value education, life-long learning and personal growth? Prime Time classes provide a great opportunity to learn about our community, meet people with similar interests, and engage in activities that will interest and challenge you. If you're interested in teaching a Prime Time class, call 360.416.7873 or email brcreg@skagit.edu.

Prime Time Workshops

This program is designed for active retirees, age 50 & above. The special tuition for seniors (60 years and above) for some of the following classes is set by the State of Washington and proof of age is required. A separate tuition rate applies to those younger than 60.

Live Green & Save Green!

There are choices you can make that will save you money, as you leave a smaller carbon footprint on the earth. This series of classes, co-sponsored by Washington State University, will help you do both. You can start saving money by registering for the entire series!
6062 SERV 98 ZG 6-8pm Th 9/25-11/1 tba staff $89

Water-wise Gardening

Taught by WSU Master Gardeners, you'll learn how to install a rain garden in your yard (or in your neighborhood!) to prevent water runoff, containing chemicals and other pollutants from entering the waterways. You'll also explore opportunities for rainwater collection and storage.
056 SERV 98 TG 6-8pm Th 9/25 tba staff $25

Kitchen Gardens

You've heard that your food travels 1500 miles on average from where it's produced to your table. Plant your own vegetable garden and you can reduce that fuel usage. Plus you'll be eating healthy, fresher food. WSU Master Gardeners will talk about how to prepare your beds now, when to sow, what varieties of vegetables do well in the Pacific NW and which ones you can still plant this fall.
6057 SERV 98 UG 6-8pm Th 10/2 tba staff $25

Transportation Alternatives

Transportation costs are becoming an increasing burden in our personal lives and businesses all around the world. Explore alternative fuels and alternative transportation systems that are being used throughout the world at a personal level and government level. Learn about ways you can reduce your costs for transportation and how to effectively utilize our public transit system and what its like to own and use an electric car.
6058 SERV 98 VG 6-8pm Th 10/9 tba Shen/Root $25

Save Energy at Home

Bring your latest energy bill and learn how to reduce some of those costs by finding and eliminating energy leaks and losses in the home. You'll discuss do it yourself methods you can use to locate wasted heat and electricity. Learn how a professional energy auditor can help you eliminate even more heat and electrical losses
6059 SERV 98 WG 6-8pm Th 10/16 tba Shen/Mintner $25

Alternative Energy Sources

As much as we'd like to reduce our carbon footprint by using renewable energy in our home or business, the initial cost of such an investment is usually the first consideration. Learn about the feasibility of renewable energy systems - upfront cost, available incentives, system efficiencies, how renewable energy systems work, the feasibility of solar in our maritime climate, the costs and benefits of different types of renewable energy. Bring your 12-month average kW usage from your electric bill so you can see if an RE system might work for you.
6060 SERV 98 XG 6-8pm Th 10/10/23 tba Nelson $25

Tour of "Green" Facilities

Tour local residences and businesses that operate using solar and/or wind power they generate themselves. We'll visit both off-grid (no incoming utility power) and grid-tied (with incoming utility power) structures, where you can see how local people are using renewable energy technology in their daily lives. We'll also discuss strawbale construction (two homes on the tour use strawbales for insulation) and water catchment systems, and other building practices that conserve resources.
6061 SERV 98 YG 9-4 Sat 11/1 tba Graham $49

Northwest Coast Indian Art

Learn to identify tribal attributes, designs and terms used by the Tlingit, Tsmishian, Haida, N. Wakashan, Makah, Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakuit tribes. Saturday, 11/1, will be a field trip to the UBC Museum in Vancouver BC. $10 admission fee paid to museum. Students under 60 register for 6021. Instructor Alica Leppanen has a MA in Art History, with a focus on Northwest Coast Indian art and culture.
4529 SRART 052 AG 6:30-8:30pm Th 9/25-10/30 T-19 Leppanen $55.40
6021 SERV 10 BG under 60 years of age $89

Beginning Sea Kayaking

If you are wondering if kayaking is right for you, then this is the class for you! You will be introduced to the basics of kayaking. You'll learn about essential equipment, gear selection. In the water you will be introduced to basic strokes (forward, reverse and turning), maneuvering skills, assisted and unassisted rescues, decision making and risk assessment. More information available upon registration. $39 payable to instructor for gear rental. Class will be held in Anacortes. Details sent upon registration. Saturday class meets 10-4, Sunday, 10-2. Students under 60 register for 6016.
4530 SRPE 051 AG 10am-4pm SSu 9/27 & 28 ANA Ross $27.70
6016 SERV 008 DG (under 60 years of age) $179

Winter Visitors – Migratory Birds

Learn about Skagit Valley's migratory birds as you travel in the SVC van to local birding hot spots to view them as they pass through or take up their winter residence here in the Skagit Valley and beyond. Biologist Andrew Rice will take us to Swantown and up the Skagit River as bald eagles congregate for the fall salmon runs. Logistics available upon registration. Those under 60 years of age may register for 6007
4532 SRBIS 051 AG 8am-12pm W 10/29-11/19 tba Rice $27.70
6007 SERV 6 AG (those under 60 years of age) $89

Birding by Kayak

Join marine biologist and long time kayak guide Andrew Rice to seek out migratory birds along the Skagit Delta and shores of the San Juans. Note: this class focuses on biology and is not a lesson in kayaking. Some paddling experience is required. Bring your own kayak (doubles preferred) or rent one. Logistics and rental information available upon registration. Those under 60 years of age register for 6008.
4533 SRBIS 052 AG 9am-3pm Th 10/30-11/20 tba Rice $55.40
6008 SERV 6 BG (those under 60 years of age) $99

The Dances of Political Economy

Join this lively discussion on political policy-making games and how they affect our market economy. Explore the basic structure of the US government, types of economic systems, how policy is affected by relationships between legislators and interest groups (the dances!), relative virtues and weaknesses of a free-market economy, and the many roles of government in our economy. Instructor Michael Newbrough has a PhD in Political Science and was a professor of Economics, History and Political Science at Palomar College. Those under 60 years old register for 6053.
4526 SRSOC 051 AG 1:30-3:30pm Th 10/16-11/20 L-66 Newbrough $27.70
6053 SERV 98 QG (those under 60 years of age) $49

Can You Have a Religion without God(s)?

Using classical Buddhism and Christianity, explore the reform implications of Hinduism that the Buddha appears to have had in mind and analyze some of the current works of a non-theistic approach to Christianity in a postmodern age. Instructor Dr. Bill Malcomson, whose background is in comparative religion, has taught in undergraduate and graduate institutions and in continuing education for adults. No class 10/6 in Anacortes. Those under 60 years old register for 6054 for Anacortes Sr Ctr, 6055 for Mount Vernon Sr Ctr.
4527 SRPHI 051 AG 10am-12pm M 9/22 – 10/27 Ana Malcomson $27.70
6054 SERV 98 RG (those under 60 years of age) $49
4528 SRPHI 051 BG 10am-12pm Th 9/25 – 10/23 MVSC Malcomson $27.70
6055 SERV 98 SG (those under 60 years of age) $49

Photography

A studio course introducing theory, practice, and history of photography as a medium of visual communication and creative expression. Field work and (wet) laboratory work on guided self-directed projects, black and white processing/printing. Digital concepts introduced as appropriate. Students supply manual (film) camera and materials. Fee includes $114.80 tuition plus $20 lab fee. This class for those over 60 years of age only.
0257 SRART 054 EV1 6:30-8:30pm TTh 9/23-12/11 H208 Bullis $134.80

Ceramics

An introductory studio course which focuses on fundamental hand building and glazing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on discussion and analysis. Fee includes $114.80 tuition plus $20 lab fee. This class for those over 60 years of age only.
0011 SRART 054 EV2 6-10pm Th 9/25-12/11 H119 Theiss $134.80

Drawing

An introductory studio class to develop observational skills using line, shape, value, space and texture. Fee includes $143.50 tuition plus $20 lab fee. This class for those over 60 years of age only.
0012 SRART 055 EV 6-9pm TTh 9/23-12/11 H209 Deisher $163.50