Higher (and higher) education
As the Spring term winds to a close, Oregon Coast Community College still has new Community Education courses on the horizon.
June will bring two classes sure to keep your eyes on the skies: birding and kiting.
Rokkaku and You
In the two-session, “Kite Making and Flying” course, participants will utilize a no-sew method to create their own unique, durable Tyvek kite. Sessions are Wednesdays, June 1 and 8, with the first for design, concept and painting and the second for construction. Taught by Lincoln City kite company owners, Ronda Brewer and Lindsey Johnson, the class promises to be fun with (almost) no strings attached. The class will be held just before the Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival, so participants will be invited to bring their creations and fly them as one of “Ronda’s Rookies.” As one of her Rookies, you will be invited to participate in a Rokkaku kite battle with Ronda, a four-time American Kite Flyers Association Rokkaku Kite Battle champion.
The class is from 9 am to 4 pm both days, and the cost is $30 plus a $35 materials fee.
Birding Basics
Do you find yourself listening to an odd chirp while walking or gardening? Are you fascinated by random rustlings in the bushes? Do you notice and enjoy the birds in your world, but wish you knew more about these clever and busy neighbors? These classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from June 6 to 16, are for you.
Participants will learn how birds behave, so it will be easier to find, watch and identify the type you are seeing. Participants will have access to bird guides and binoculars and will learn how to use them. The final session of the class will be a field trip to identify birds in the area.
Class leaders are Caren Willoughby and Laura Doyle of the Audubon Society of Lincoln City. Classes are from 1:30 to 3 pm. Tuition is $40 plus a $10 materials fee.
Ready to teach?
The Spring season has been busy at OCCC. In Waldport, county residents have discovered their inner oil painter, while others have sharpened their skills — and their pencils — in a general drawing skills class.
In Newport, players are gathered around square tables for Mah Jongg, or perhaps planning for the inevitable at the estate planning course. Meanwhile, the halls of the North County Center in Lincoln City ring out with the sounds of Tahitian drumming and acoustic guitar, while down the hall, a much quieter group learns knitting.
If you have a talent or passion you’d like to share with your neighbors, consider teaching a community education class at OCCC.
For more information about taking, or teaching, a class at the OCCC, go to oregoncoast.edu/communityed or call 541-994-4166.