Noncredit courses in arts and leisure, business, career development, health, finances, and new dimensions.
Please note: some of the following require PDF viewer software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader; a free download.
- Crafts & Hobbies
- Dance
- Food & Drink
- GED Testing
- Home Improvement
- Landscaping
- Money & Finance
- New Age
- Photography & Video
- Writing
Crafts & Hobbies
Pintura Acrilicos en Español
A compañen a un pintor entrenado en el arte de pintura tradicional y aprenda a crear hermosos cuadros acrilicos. Las clases incluirán instrucción de dibujo, mezcla de colores, pintar en capas y el uso de varniz para obtener el mayor brillo y color. El instructor contactará a los estudiantes para indicarles cuales son los materiales que necesitan para la clase.
Instructores: Señor Edwin y Danny.
Sab Oct 10 - 24 10 AM - 1 PM
CRN 91519 $89 Devens
Beading 101
Ever wondered what to do with beautiful beads? Gain basic knowledge to create single strand bracelets and necklaces. Receive instruction on how to string beads, handouts so you may continue on your own, and leave with a new bracelet.
Instructor: Kay Richard.
Materials: $25 payable to instructor
Thu Dec 3 6 – 8 PM CRN 91308 $25 Gardner
Calligraphy
Learn the art of beautiful writing using pen, paper and ink. The Italic hand will be taught first. Learn how to hold your pen, how to create letters by using strokes, and what pens, nibs, papers and inks are best for each style. A variety of styles will be discussed and demonstrated. Instructor: Lisa Williams.
Tue Sep 22 – Oct 27 5:30 – 7:30 PM
CRN 91285 $79 Gardner
Card Making: Birthday Wishes
It never fails, someone’s birthday arrives and you have forgotten to send a card. Create 25 beautiful cards to get you through the entire year—different cards to coordinate with each season. Stash the cards away for upcoming birthdays, or wrap with raffia and give with a book of stamps as a thoughtful gift. Instructor: Tiffany Call.
Materials: $20 payable to instructor
Thu Sep 24 6:30 – 9 PM
CRN 91428 $25 Gardner
Card Making: Holiday Cards
Send holiday wishes with a handmade greeting. In this “round robin” style workshop, move through five stations, creating 25 beautiful holiday cards your friends and family are sure to love. Instructor: Tiffany Call.
Materials: $20 payable to instructor
Thu Oct 29 6:30 – 9 PM
CRN 91430 $25 Gardner
Knitting for Beginners
Learn the basics including casting on, knit & purl stitch, and cast off. Choose your own first project: scarf, hat, wristlet and blanket. Instructor: Josephine Amato.
Materials: $20 payable to the instructor (includes yarn, needles and pattern)
Section 1: Thu Sep 10 – Oct 1 6:30 – 8 PM CRN 91400 $54 Gardner
Section 2: Thu Oct 15 – Nov 5 6:30 – 8 PM CRN 91401 $54 Gardner
Numismatics, US Coins & Paper Money
Covers early US coin history, modern US mint production and coin design, US rarities and errors, grading techniques and the art of collecting US coins for fun and profit. Instructor: Pete Valera.
Tue & Thu Sept 22 – Nov 12 1 – 4 PM
CRN 91475 $43
Scrapbooking 101
Transform simple photo albums into works of art for your whole family to enjoy. From cropping photos, color selection, journaling and embellishing, learn everything you need to get started. Instructor: Tiffany Call.
Materials: $20 payable to instructor
Thu Oct 15 6:30 – 9 PM CRN 91429 $26 Gardner
Scrapbooking: Beyond the Basics
Are you ready to take your scrapbooking to the next level? Learn fun techniques like eyelet setting, heat embossing and distressing to enhance your scrapbooking layouts and highlight all your wonderful memories.
Instructor: Tiffany Call.
Materials: $20 payable to instructor
Thu Nov 12 6:30 – 9 PM
CRN 91431 $26 Gardner
Scrapbooking: Material Girl
Learn unique ways to incorporate fabric and sewing notions onto your scrapbook page as layout backgrounds, beautiful accents and simple embellishments. Instructor: Tiffany Call.
Materials: $20 payable to instructor
Tue Dec 1 6:30 – 9 PM CRN 91432 $26 Gardner
Dance
Ballroom Dancing
Learn the basics of ballroom dancing, including the ChaCha, Foxtrot, Polka and Rhomba. All are welcome, singles, couples, teens and adults. Classes will be held at
St. Paul’s Church, 79 Cross St, Gardner.
Instructor: Pauline Richard.
Wed Oct 21 – Dec 9 (no class Nov 17)
7 – 8:30 PM CRN 91369 $109 Gardner
Belly Dance for Beginners and Beyond
Have fun and discover the ancient art of belly dance! Class includes warm-ups, basic alignment, isolations, snake arms, drills, building dance skills, simple combinations and choreography for any age, shape or size. Work on your core and meet some friends. Look forward to end of program recital party! Bring: yoga pants, yoga mat, water, yoga strap, and a fitted shirt, to see the movements. Instructor: Jane Paszko Sauer.
Mon Sep 14 – Nov 23 (no class Oct 12)
7 – 8 PM CRN 91515 $109 Devens
Beginner Latin Dance
Includes three popular Latin dances: Rumba, Mambo and Merengue. Starting with the sensual and slow moving Rumba, you will gain confidence and learn to move hips in “Cuban motion.” Along with the basic moves and foundation steps, learn important partnering skills and stylizing techniques. Each combination of dance moves will be broken down into simple steps that will come together with ease. Look forward to end of program recital party!
Instructors: Marcia Levesque/Leo Levesque.
Tue Sep 22 – Dec 1 7:30 – 8:30 PM
CRN 91517 $109 Devens
Line Dancing
Learn the favorites like Cadillac Tears, Tush Push, Boot Scootin Boogie and others. It’s great exercise and it’s fun. Classes will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 79 Cross St, Gardner. Instructor: Pauline Richard.
Wed Sep 2 – Oct 14 7 – 9 PM CRN 91368 $109
Beginner Tap for Adults
Whether you are a first time dancer or someone with distant but fond memories of dance lessons, here is your chance to learn tap. Study basic tap dance technique, develop musicality and timing skills, and gain an appreciation for this earliest form of jazz movement. Tap dancing is a great way to exercise and no experience necessary. Look forward to end of program recital party! Students must have tap shoes. Instructor: Susie Michaud.
Thu Sep 10 – Nov 12 6:30 – 7:30 PM
CRN 91516 $109 Devens
Food & Drink
Cheesemaking
Learn the history and biochemistry of cheese, make cheese, and bring your product home with you. Class will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 79 Cross St, Gardner.
Instructor: Bruce Lucier
Materials: $5 payable to instructor
Fri Oct 23 7 – 9 PM CRN 91364 $31
Home Brewing Beer
Learn the history and biochemistry of beer, make beer and bring your product home with you. Classes will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 79 Cross St., Gardner. Instructor: Bruce Lucier.
Materials: $5 payable to instructor
Fri Oct 30 & Nov 6 7 – 9 PM CRN 91363 $45
Party Cocktails
Wow your guests with classic and trendy versions of timeless and trendy cocktails. We will cover traditional, French, white chocolate, and apple martinis; cosmopolitans; and more. Practice mixing and taste your creations as you learn new libations to spice up your holiday parties. Students must be 21+.
Instructor: Dan Zunitch. Materials included.
Thu Nov 5 6:30 – 8:30PM CRN 91378 $44 Gardner
Basics of Tea
Do you get confused about the different types of tea or the difference between loose tea and tea bags? Have you wondered about where tea comes from? Sample some wonderful teas and learn. Sample tea costs included in price of registration.
Instructor: Danielle Beaudette.
Section 1: Wed Oct 7 6:30 – 8 PM CRN 91365 $25 Gardner
Wine-making
Students will make a fruit wine (apple, cherry or peach) and a grape wine. The history, chemistry and love of wine will be discussed. Classes will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 79 Cross St, Gardner. Instructor: Bruce Lucier. Materials: $10 payable to instructor.
Fri Sep 18, 25 & Oct 16 7 – 8:30 PM
CRN 91362 $59
Home Improvement
I Hate This Room!
Ideas to change that room into something you love . . . for pennies.
Instructor: Bonnie Wicklund.
Mon Sep 21 6:30-8 PM CRN 91309 $20 Gardner
Color Confidence
Are you afraid of color, confused by all of the choices? Learn the basics of using color with confidence. Instructor: Bonnie Wicklund.
Mon Oct 5 6:30 – 8 PM CRN 91310 $20 Gardner
Decorating Secrets
Simple decorating secrets will make amazing changes in your personal space.
Instructor: Bonnie Wicklund.
Mon Oct 19 6:30 – 8PM CRN 91311 $20 Gardner
Home Inspection and Energy Efficiency for the Beginner
Designed with the first time homebuyer in mind, topics covered include structure, siding, roofing, electrical, plumbing and heating along with attic and basement inspection. We will also focus on major items and windows along with energy efficiency tips.
Instructor: Erik Storm.
Tue & Thu Oct 6 –20 6:30 – 8:30 PM
CRN 91303 $89 Gardner
Landscaping
Create a Bird/Butterfly Garden
Learn how to create a backyard haven for birds and butterflies. Learn about the best plants to attract our feathered friends, and how to landscape your yard to provide food, shelter and nesting sites for the winged wonders that will help bring nature right into your life. Instructor: Ellen Sousa.
Tue Sep 15 6 – 8:30 PM CRN 91273 $23 Gardner
Earth-friendly Landscaping
Learn how to landscape your property in an earth and nature-friendly way. Class includes information about maintaining an organic lawn; dealing with pests and weeds in safe, non-toxic ways; home composting; and relying on the simple laws of nature to keep your gardens healthy.
Instructor Ellen Sousa.
Tue Sep 22 6 – 8:30 PM CRN 91274 $23 Gardner
Money & Finance
How Money Works
Learn what the credit card and insurance companies, and even banks don’t want us to know. Instructor: James Morico.
Section 1: Wed Sep 9-23 7-8:30 PM
CRN 91355 $25 Gardner
Section 2: Wed Oct 7 – 21 7-8:30 PM
CRN 91356 $25 Gardner
Section 3: Wed Nov 4 & 18 and
Thu Nov 12 7-8:30 PM
CRN 91357 $25 Gardner
New Age
Past Life Regression
This popular seminar will help you to recall several of your past lives. Ever wonder if you have lived before? No firm belief in past lives or reincarnation necessary.
Instructor: Sharon Alley.
Tue Oct 13 6 – 9 PM CRN 91286 $39 Gardner
Photography & Video
Photography for Beginners, Digital or Film
Get the most out of your camera by improving technical/compositional skills. Learn the differences between film and digital photography and how to use the various creative controls on both cameras. We will focus on f stops and shutter speeds, making visually exciting photo compositions, and great flash pictures, using basic equipment for studio quality pictures. There will be weekly assignments and one Saturday field trip – TBA (transportation to field trips not provided).
Instructor: Norm Eggert.
Section 1: Mon Sep 14 – Oct 19 6 – 9 PM CRN 91360 $169 Gardner (no class Oct 12)
Section 2: Thu Sep 10 – Oct 8 6 – 9 PM CRN 91531 $169 Devens
Outdoor and Nature Photography, Digital or Film
This course is for beginner or experienced digital or film photographers who want to improve their nature photographs. Learn about the equipment to produce memorable photographs, the best lenses for specific situations, teleconverters, filters, tripods and flash in the field. Learn how to pick the best photo, what to include in your picture, using light, form, texture, shape and patterns in nature and landscapes and insects. There will be weekly assignments and one Saturday field trips – TBA (transportation to field trips not provided).
Instructor: Norm Eggert.
Section 1: Tue Sep 15, 29, Oct 6, 20 & Nov 3 6 – 9 PM CRN 91361 $169 Gardner
Section 2: Thu Oct 15 – Nov 12 6 – 9 PM
CRN 91530 $169 Devens
Video DVD Creation with Adobe Encore
Learn how to create a professional Hollywood style DVD from your home videos. Learn all the basics to connect your videos, create a menu & disc navigation. Bring your own DVDs. Instructor: Michael Colten.
Wed Sep 23 – Oct 28 6 – 9 PM CRN 91480 $119 Gardner
Video Editing with Adobe Premier Pro
Are you a video enthusiast who wants to learn basic video editing techniques? Transform your home videos into a polished, flowing movie with professional graphics, transitions and special effects. Bring your VHS tapes or DVDs. Instructor: Michael Colten.
Thu Sep 24 – Oct 29 6-9 PM CRN 91481 $119 Gardner
Writing
Flashing: Writing Flash Fiction
Learn how to create flash fiction, usually regarded as a short story consisting of 1000 words or less. Analyze published examples of flash fiction, experiment with your own ideas, and give and receive feedback.
Instructor: Mariam Cronin.
Wed Sep 9 – Oct 28 6:30 – 8:30 PM
CRN 91289 $129 Gardner
In My Own Words: Creating Your Family Narrative
Create a narrative that you can pass onto your children, siblings, or any of your other loved ones. Learn how to gather and organize your material; edit and evaluate your writing; and enhance your narrative with photographs and other memorabilia. Instructor: Kim Kerrigan.
Materials: $5 payable to instructor.
Wed & Thu Sep 30 & Oct 1 6 – 8 PM
CRN 91287 $48 Gardner
Journal to the Self
Learn different ways to write in your journal adding color, perspective and dimension to your reflective writing. The 16 different journal techniques will gently, but powerfully, help explore various aspects of yourself, and your relationship with others.
Instructor: Kay Richard.
Materials: $10 payable to instructor.
Thu Oct 1 - 29 6 – 9 PM CRN 91306 $119 Gardner
Life Lines: A Memoir Writing Jumpstart
Imagine sitting in your favorite chair, reading through the journals and diaries of your ancestors. If you have always wanted to write your memoirs, but did not know where to start, this workshop was designed with that in mind. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are not as important as getting your life on paper. Bring paper/notebook and pen, and some old photos. Instructor: Kay Richard.
Thu Nov 5 –19 6 – 8 PM CRN 91307 $64 Gardner
Montachusett Memories
Explore the essays and short stories of the late Leominster writer, Robert Cormier. Cormier’s work, which highlighted places and experiences familiar to anyone from this region, will help you discover that you have much to say in the form of short and creative non-fiction. Instructor: Mariam Cronin.
Mon Sep 14 – Nov 9 6:30 – 8:30 PM
CRN 91288 $129 Gardner
(no class Oct 12)