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Have you ever wanted to go on an archaeological dig? How about learning magic or getting started in stand-up comedy? Then there’s pet first aid, upholstering, candy making and even French.
All these and much more are offered in the Spring-Ford School District’s new Community Education program. Classes begin the week of Sept. 18, although some of the classes are scheduled for later in the fall.
According to Kathie Kotch, public outreach coordinator for the district, “It’s been a very positive response” to the program. The most popular classes appear to be ballroom dancing and tai chi.
Some classes are taught by district teachers, while other instructors are people from the community. The instructors range “from the vice president of a bank to the lady next door who just has a passion for cooking,” Kotch said.
She added that anyone interested in teaching a course should contact her, as she’s already begun work on setting up courses for the spring.
The classes are open to anyone, not just residents of the Spring-Ford School District. Some classes feature a Gold Card discount for senior citizens.
Courses range from one-evening seminars to 11-week classes. Most are held in the 9th Grade Center (the former high school), 400 S. Lewis Rd., Royersford.
Self-improvement courses include AAA Defensive Driving for 55+, Empowerment Parenting, Find Your Dream Job and more. For those interested in a musical experience, classes include Guitar 101 and Play the Banjo.
Spring City/Royersford: Then & Now will be taught by William Brunner, president of the Spring-Ford Historical Society, on Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24, 7 to 9 p.m. “Old timers” are invited to “enjoy the memories,” while newer residents are encouraged to learn about their new hometown. Those attending will learn about the rivalries between the two communities, which eventually joined to become today’s Spring-Ford.
The first night will be a classroom lecture with handouts. Night 2 will feature a slide presentation showing Royersford and Spring City, past and present. On the third night, participants will meet at the Spring-Ford Historical Museum for a tour of the museum.
Safety courses include Babysitting Safety, CPR, First Aid and Heartsaver AED. Home design classes will look at color, getting started, painting and upholstering. Among the food and beverage courses are Cheese Tasting, Cook and Carry, Candy Making, Herbal Pleasures, Indian Cuisine and more.
Arts and Crafts courses include Adventures in Art History, Basic Drawing, Oil Painting Portraits, Pastels: Soup to Nuts, Basic Beading & Jewelry Design and more. Among the exercise classes are Aero-Flex Workout, Bowling for Fun, Country Line Dancing, Massage for the Family, Self-Defense for Women, Kayak the River/Canal, Orienteering and Pilates.
Several classes are also planned in computers, language, finance and legal.
The Community Education program also offers three day trips. A trip to St. Michael’s, Md. is planned Saturday, Oct. 21; Menopause: The Musical at the Society Hill Playhouse, Friday evening, Nov. 10, and the Pennsylvania Holiday Show, Harrisburg, Sunday, Dec. 3.
Registration may be mailed or dropped off with check or money order to the Spring-Ford District Office, 199 Bechtel Road, Collegeville, PA 19426. No phone registrations will be accepted.
Classes will only run with sufficient enrollment. Kotch noted that if too few people sign up for a particular class, it may need to be cancelled.
Most classes are designed for adults over 18.
Community Education course booklets will be mailed to district residents twice each year.
For more information about the Community Education program, call 610-705-6081.
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