COMMUNITY EDUCATION - (360) 416-7873

Every season, every year, Skagit Valley College Community Education offers residents of Skagit and Island Counties many ways to expand your minds, strengthen your bodies, and refresh your spirits. For every age and every interest we have so many choices to enjoy. Come learn, grow and enjoy life with us! Workshops meet on the Mount Vernon campus of Skagit Valley College unless specified differently. Parking permits are not required for evening classes.

Live Green & Save!

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
4534 SRHEC 052 AG series for those over 60 years of age $55.40

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.
6056 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

Sports and Recreation

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 and kayak rental. Class will be held in Anacortes. Details sent upon registration. Saturday class meets 10-4, Sunday, 10-2. Students over 60 register for 4530.
6016 SERV 008 DG 10am-4pm SSu 9/27 & 28 ANA Ross $179
4530 SRPE 051 AG (60 and older) $27.70

American Boating Course

Get an introduction to the basic safety and boat handling issues encountered by all boaters. Many marine insurance companies give discounts on premiums upon successful completion of this course Topics include boat terms, propulsion systems, boat handling, water sports safety, personal watercraft, boating courtesy, trailering, boating and the law, navigation rules, adverse conditions, emergencies and communications. $45 due to instructor at first class for teaching materials.
6013 SERV 8 AG 7-9pm W 10/1-11/26 N-119 Johnson $10

Exploring Skagit County

Lost Cities of Skagit County

Begin this step into the past with a guided tour of the Lost Cities of Skagit exhibition at the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner. Through rarely seen photographs, maps, stories and artifacts, explore the intriguing tales of 17 "lost" Skagit communities. We'll then board a van to actually visit some of these lost cities. Logistics sent upon registration.
6051 SERV98 OG 1-am-2pm W 10/8 LaC Densmore $39
6052 SERV98 PG couples - each must register $30

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 over 60 years of age may register for 4532.
6007 SERV 6 AG 8am-12pm W 10/29-11/19 tba Rice $89
4532 SRBIS 051 AG over 60 years old $27.70

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 over 60 years of age may register for 4533.
6008 SERV 6 BG 9am-3pm Th 10/30-11/20 tba Rice $99
4533 SRBIS 052 AG over 60 years old $55.40

Salmon Field Trip

Join Melanie Graham, former US Forest Service River Ranger for a trip to the salmon hatchery in Marblemount.You will see and learn about salmon from the egg stage up to spawning. You will also see how important salmon are in the Northwestern ecosystem. Details available upon registration. Two or more immediate family members may register for 6010 at $35 each.
6009 SERV 6 CG 8am-4pm Sat 10/4 tba Graham $45
6010 SERV 6 DG couples - each must register $35

Bald Eagle Field Trip

Join bald eagle/salmon specialist Melanie Graham up the Skagit River, stopping at Bald Eagle viewing sites enroute. Learn about eagles from their nesting stages to wintering on the Skagit to plumage color, age biological studies, migration patterns and more. Details available upon registration. Two or more immediate family members may register for 6012 at $35 each.
6011 SERV 6 EG 8am-4pm Sat 12/6 tba Graham $45
6012 SERV 6 NG couples - each must register $35

Health, Fitness and Well-being

Create a Life You Love

Take home a set of tools to help you gain more energy, enjoyment, passion and purpose in life. Learn to use what “lights you up” as an internal navigation system for life choices. Leave class with 3 simple steps to create a life you love. Whether you want a simple life tune-up or complete makeover, join us for a fun, engaging and insightful evening.
6039 SERV 98 CG 6-8pm T 9/30 T-19 McFarland $29

The HOW of Happiness

Learn to increase your personal happiness by understanding what happiness is and isn’t and what you can do to create and enhance authentic happiness in your life. You’ll walk away with 12 scientifically proven practical strategies that enable you to increase your satisfaction in work, love and play. Instructor Melanie Springer has a MA in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Positive Psychology. 6037 SERV 098 AG 6:30-8pm W 10/29 & 11/5 T-19 Springer $49

Rebuilding Your Health

Learn how to improve your health by improving your diet with more nutrient-dense and less processed, lifeless food. Nan Monk, Director of the Cedar Springs Renewal Center will share information on how nutrition and digestion go hand-in-hand, how to read labels, the effects foods have on sugar balancing, fat burning and immunity. She’ll also share recipes for healthy, nutritious and delicious snacks.
6038 SERV 098 BG 10am-1pm Sat 11/8 & 15 A-35 Monk $59

Face-lift Massage

Do you want to give your face a lift without involving expensive and invasive treatments such as botox, laser resurfacing, and plastic surgery? Instructor Amy Colvin, Licensed Massage Practitioner, will show you how to stimulate facial muscles, circulation, and pressure points using simple massage and acupressure techniques. Bring a facial lotion and a small hand mirror to class.
6040 SERV 98 DG 10am-12pm Sat 10/4 N-123 Colvin $29

Warm Water Bodywork Basics I

Practice the techniques of Watsu - an aquatic bodywork done in 95 degree water. The gentle resistance of the water lengthens muscles and frees the spine and joints, leading to a release of muscular tension and a general sense of well-being and relaxation. A minimal amount of strength is necessary. Class held at a private outdoor pool on Samish Island. Logistics sent upon registration.
6014 SERV 8 BG 1-2:30pm TW 9/23-10/1 Bart $69
6015 SERV 8 CG 2:30-4pm TW 9/23-10/1 Bart $69

Dress for Your Best Style

Are you dramatic, classic, town and country, sporty/natural, romantic or delicate? Learn the best way to dress for your body type and the colors that work best for you. The second session you will learn to make the most of outfits from your own wardrobe by applying the principles learned in the first session.
6041 SERV 098 EG 6-9pm M 9/22 & 9/29 T-19 Hall $49

Great Discussions

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. Students over 60 years old register for 4526.
6053 SERV 98 QG 1:30-3:30pm Th 10/16-11/20 L-66 Newbrough $49
4526 SRSOC 051 AG (over 60 years of age) $27.70

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. Students over 60 years old register for 4527 for Anacortes Sr Ctr, 4528 for Mount Vernon Sr Ctr.
6054 SERV 98 RG 10am-12pm M 9/22 - 10/27 Ana Malcomson $49
4527 SRPHI 051 AG (over 60 years of age) $27.70
6055 SERV 98 SG 10am-12pm Th 9/25 - 10/23 MVSC Malcomson $49
4528 SRPHI 051 BG (over 60 years of age) $27.70

Check out these interesting credit classes…

Car Care

Learn to do maintenance and upkeep on your own vehicle.*This is a credit class with different tuition and registration procedures. Call 360.416.7873 for more information.

Introduction to GIS

Get a conceptual overview of the principles of geographic information system software, its use and application in natural resource management. You’ll get hands-on experience using Arcview. *This is a credit class with different tuition and registration procedures. Call 360.416.7873 for more information.

Language and Culture

Beginning Conversational Spanish

This class is so popular we thought we’d offer it in your community! Learn the Spanish sound system, basic vocabulary and simple Spanish grammatical structures as you develop an ability to understand and respond to simple spoken Spanish. Required textbook, available at the SVC bookstore. 6045 is offered on the SVC Mount Vernon campus; 6046 Burlington Library; 6047 La Conner High School.
6046 SERV 98 JG 6-8:30pm M 9/29-11/17 H-112 Guillen $139
6047 SERV 98 KG 6-8:30pm W 10/1-11/19 BURL Chavez Pickett $139
6048 SERV 98 LG 6-8:30pm T 9/30-11/25 LAC Brunisholz $139

Advanced Beginning Conversational Spanish

Designed for students who have taken Beginning Spanish, activities promote listening, comprehension, enunciation and conversation. Continue with textbook, Spanish is Fun I, or purchase from the SVC bookstore.
6049 SERV 98 MG 6-8:30pm T 9/30-11/25 H-112 Morelli-Klima $139

Beginning Italian

By the end of this class, taught by native speaker Guilianna Sica, you should be able to have a basic conversation with Italian people about common situations, travel confidently in Italy and interact appropriately in social situations. Throughout the course, you will discuss Italian culture and tradition so you can obtain a well-rounded and informed knowledge of the Italian people. Required textbook available at the SVC bookstore.
6043 SERV 98 GG 6:30-8:30pm M 9/29-11/17 N-123 Sica $129

Intermediate Italian

Continue your studies and gain a larger vocabulary and more comfort in speaking and reading the language. Continue with the Beginning textbook.
6044 SERV 98 HG 4-6pm M 9/29-11/17 N-123 Sica $129

Beginning Russian

Get an introduction to the Russian language and culture from a native speaker. You will learn the Cyrillic alphabet, Russian pronunciation, acquire basic everyday vocabulary and receive valuable travel and cultural information. Required textbook available at the SVC bookstore.
6042 SERV 98 FG 6-8pm Th 9/25-11/13 N-121 Kupriyanova $119

Beginning French

Learn French pronunciation and grammar while incorporating vocabulary that will help understand culture and travel in France. In this fun, interactive class you’ll learn vocabulary needed for airports, transportation, shopping, ordering food and using telephones and more. Required textbook available at the SVC bookstore.
6045 SERV 98 IG 6-8:30pm T 9/30-11/25 L-56 Miller $139

Travel

Saving $$ on Your European Vacation

The dollar may be down, but this class will help you save money on your European trip. Come away with a wealth of information on how to save when booking air, on the ground, accommodations, transportation, sightseeing and more! Instructor Rem Malloy owns Italy 4 Real Tours in Everett.
6017 SERV 9 AG 6:30-8:30pm M 10/27 T-41 Malloy $29

Planning Your Italian Vacation

Discover the best time of year to travel to Italy, how long and where to stay, what to pack, what to wear, cultural and etiquette tips so you won’t look like a tourist, personal and hotel security, public transportation, car rentals and driving, money matters, and much more!
6018 SERV 009 BG 6:30-9:30pm M 11/10 T-41 Malloy $35

Planning Your Dream Vacation to Greece

Learn tips about visiting the mainland, islands, breathtaking villages and whitewashed villas, as well as Athens and the Acropolis, of course. You will also get information on flights, hotels, car rentals, the Euro, rail travel, what to see and what to avoid.
6019 SERV 009 CG 6:30-8:30pm W 11/12 T-41 Malloy $29

Writing

Writing Fresh

Rev up writing skills by learning to create compelling imagery, use rhythm in your writing and get inventive with the English language using literary tools such as alliteration, personification, hyper-hyphenation and onomatopoeia. Taught by editor and writing coach M.L. Lyke, the class mixes writing, readings, language do’s-and-don’ts and fun exercises designed to exercise the imagination.
6033 SERV 18 AG 9-11:30am Sat 10/18 &10/25 N-123 Lyke $59

Arts and Crafts

The Ancient Art of Blacksmithing

Get hands-on instruction in blacksmithing techniques from local Master Blacksmith Paul M. Thorne. You’ll learn about the basic steps in forging and will take home a pair of custom tongs that you have made yourself. Class held at Thorne Studio in Anacortes. Details sent upon registration. Fee includes all materials and supplies.
6020 SERV 10 AG 8am-5pm Sat 10/11 ANA Thorne $299

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 over 60 register for 4529. Instructor Alica Leppanen has a MA in Art History, with a focus on Northwest Coast Indian art and culture.
6021 SERV 10 BG 6:30-8:30pm Th 9/25-10/30 T-19 Leppanen $89
4529 SRART 052 AG over 60 years of age $55.40

Pre-historic Southwest Indian Art

Explore the pre-historic art and archeology of the primary SW Native American tribes. We will discuss pottery and archeological sites primarily, plus lifestyles, sites to visit, museums and old villages still in use. A field trip to Seattle galleries will be held on 11/22.
6022 SERV 10 CG 6:30-8:30pm Th 11/6-11/20 T-19 Leppanen $59

Watercolor Painting

In-class painting, exercises, demonstrations and individual attention will increase your skils whether you are a beginner or more experienced. Learn about washes, glazing, color mixing, dry and wet techniques, brushes and different brush strokes. Instructor Michele Cooper will show you some “tricks and cheating ways” to get you started with your watercolors.
6023 SERV 10 DG 6-9pm W 10/1-11/19 A-11 Cooper $129

Mosaics: An Introductory Workshop

Take home a beautiful wall-hanging that you create as you learn the art of working with mosaics. Instructor Jean Kroll will bring all the materials you need and you can bring special items from home that you would like to incorporate into your design (glass pieces, beads, etc). $8 materials fee payable to instructor at class.
6002 SERV 2 AG 9am-1pm Sat 11/15 F-120 Kroll $39

Interested in this topic? Check out this credit class…

Artistic Welding Basics

Get an introduction to basic welding and metalworking techniques for the metal artist.*This is a credit class with different tuition and registration procedures. Call 360.416.7873 for more information.

Food and Wine

Cooking Fruits and Vegetables

Not only are fruits and veggies the best nutritional source for many health-boosting, disease-fighting nutrients and minerals, they are simple to prepare as well as great fun to eat. Ben Goe from the Skagit Valley Co-op will show you how to get the most out of your fruits and veggies with produce recipes from this year’s harvest in the Skagit Valley, including a fresh herb, corn, summer squash, and tomato fry, produce Carpaccio, spiced cider, and vanilla white peach sorbet. Class will be held at Anderson Appliance, 2520 Cedardale Road, Mount Vernon.
6024 SERV 12 AG 6-8pm T 10/7 AND Goe $35

Local Holiday Feasting

Join Ben Goe of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op in preparing a holiday meal using seasonal locally-grown foods. Ben will introduce ways to source your food locally, and provide recipes to create your own local Thanksgiving feast. Plus you’ll sample local brews to complement your feast, including local cider! Recipes include stuffed leg of lamb, a winter root tart, savory roasted apples and pears, wilted greens and cranberry salad, turkey, walnut, and sage wontons. Come hungry! Class will be held at Anderson Appliance, 2520 Cedardale Road, Mount Vernon.
6029 SERV 12 FG 6-8pm T 11/18 AND Goe $35

Comfort Food

It’s getting colder and darker, so it is time for our food to get warmer and cozier! Come learn about stocks, soups, and quick breads to go with them, as well as crisps, cobblers and pies. Betsey Delph of the Skagit Valley Food Co-op will prepare Thai Tomato Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, specialty beer bread with a few variations, as well as a sampling of fall fruit dessert options. Class will be held at Anderson Appliance, 2520 Cedardale Road, Mount Vernon.
6030 SERV 12 GG 6-8pm T 12/2 AND Delph $35

Wine Appreciation 101

Learn the process of winemaking, and the techniques and etiquette for tasting wine, while sampling whites, roses, reds, dessert, port and sparkling wines. Class held at Hellams Vineyards, 109 N First Street, La Conner. Fee includes tuition and tasting fee. Jeff Hellam is the owner of Hellam’s Vineyard Wine Shop in La Conner, and was the first graduate from the Professional Viticulture Program at the Irrigated Research Station in Prosser, Washington.
6025 SERV 12 BG 6-8pm Th 10/9 WINE Hellam $39

Appreciating Northwest Wines

Taste wines from around the state, including Washington’s oldest vineyards and learn to differentiate where a wine comes from as influenced by local terroir. Get a comprehensive, detailed look at the history of Washington wine and the pioneers who introduced wine grapes and winemaking to the Northwest. Learn about the economic impact of the wine industry in Washington State. Fee includes tuition and tasting fee. Class held at Hellam’s Vineyard, 109 N First Street, La Conner.
6027 SERV 12 DG 6-8pm Th 10/16 WINE Hellam $39

Wine Sensory Analysis

Gain more in-depth information on the sensory analysis of wines including detection of acids, tannins, bitters, sugars and alcohol. Learn the basic steps of identifying these components, compare/contrast various styles of wines and blind taste wines that have been modified to test these elements. Class held at Hellam’s Vineyard, 109 N First Street, La Conner. Tuition includes $29 tuition and $29 tasting fee and sensory kit.
6028 SERV 12 EG 6-8pm Th 10/23 WINE Hellam $58

Holiday Food and Wine Pairing

Did you know that elements in wine interact with food to provide different taste sensations? Explore the basics of pairing food & wine, with special emphasis on holiday appetizers and dishes. You’ll sample various foods, paired with wines to match. $15 tasting fee payable to instructor at the class. Class held at Hellams Vineyards, 109 N First Street, La Conner.
6031 SERV 12 HG 6-8pm Th 12/11 WINE Hellam $44

Home and Garden

Sustainable Kitchen

Explore ways to live lightly and well in your kitchen: simple kitchen gardens, sourcing food locally, buying and cooking in batches, and proper storage of oils and grains. We’ll also look at air quality and under the sink, including how to make your own green household cleaners. Be kind to pets, family, surfaces, and self!
6026 SERV 012 CG 6:30-8pm T 10/14 T-31 Collier $25

Detoxify Your Home

Molds, perfumes, dyes, and other chemicals and hazardous wastes found in your home can make life hard on you, your pets and the watershed. Learn what to look for in your home and explore resources and suggestions for lowering the toxic loads in your home and body, including Home Health Assessments and a Do It Yourself HEAL form, from the ALA.
6006 SERV 005 CG 6:30-8pm T 11/4 T-31 Collier $25

Redesign and Redecorate Your Home

Learn the elements to consider when redesigning a room: furniture placement, color, flooring, lighting, window treatments, accessories and how to define space. Put your knowledge to work in the second session, when you will redesign your own living space. Instructor Kay Hall is a home staging professional.
6005 SERV 005 BG 6-9pm M 10/6 & 10/20 T-19 Hall $49

Basics of Landscaping Design

Join Skagit Valley College gardener Stephen Murphy to learn the tips of landscape design. Learn how to evaluate your site, the principles of design, plant materials, installation and care of your plants. Understanding these basics will save you costly mistakes and help you create a yard that is beautiful, functional and survives!
6050 SERV 098 NG 9am-12pm Sat 9/27-11/1 A-11 Murphy $89

Installing Wood Flooring

Save money and have fun by learning to install your own wood floors. Taught by John Freeto, owner of Woodcraft Inc, the class will be held at his showroom, 1515 D Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon. Learn the different types of wood, advantages and disadvantages of each, and get hands-on experience in various installation techniques.
6004 SERV 005 AG 9am-12pm Sa11/15 SHW Freeto $39

Money Matters

Financial success and security begin with sound education. This series of courses will benefit every adult - college students, working singles, married couples, divorce parents or grandparents. Take each course individually or the entire series at a discounted rate.
6032 SERV 30 DG entire financial series $60

Personal Money Management

Adopting sound financial practices makes it easier to buy a house, finance college education or start a retirement fund. You’ll leave class with tips to help you set up money-saving habits to build savings to meet financial goals, develop and use a personal spending plan, manage debit and credit cards, instigate a financial record-keeping system and avoid identify theft and fraud.
6034 SERV 30 AG 6-8pm W 9/24 T-19 Hudson $25

Personal Savings

The first step to building a secure financial future is building savings. Once you determine how much you need to save and when, you can look at the available options for savings. Gain an understanding about the basics of setting goals, the time value of money, savings vehicles, bonds, and the banking industry and its products and services.
6035 SERV 30 BG 6-8pm W 10/1 T-19 Hudson $25

Personal Investments

No longer can you assume that you will work for a company for 30 years and then retire in comfort. You are now on your own, facing a financial future that is becoming more uncertain. Learn the important concepts about investments including return, risk and correlation. You’ll explore different types of investments, how to evaluate different funds and investment advisors, and give some basic information on how to protect your wealth.
6036 SERV 30 CG 6-8pm W 10/81 T-19 Hudson $25