Meditation

Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self
Based on contemporary Buddhist bestseller The Buddha in Your Mirror (www.middlewaypress.com), this class will introduce a simple daily ritual that you can apply to relationships, career, health, and the unique environments you encounter in normal life. Unlike monastic traditions, this 700-year old Buddhist philosophy and technique can be practiced anywhere (not recommended while driving!) and can be completely integrated into your daily life (without redecorating, investing in a new wardrobe, or leaving for long weekends). Instruction will take place in English. Team taught by Charles Greenberg and a guest speaker. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He team-teaches Practical Buddhism.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. 10)
Mon., 7/21; 7:00-9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Meditation Workshop with Thai Meditation Master
Achan Da will lead another seminar similar to those that have been so well received in past years. Mahasati meditation is a form of vipassana, or insight meditation, practiced for years in Southeast Asia. It uses both walking and seated meditation. It is experiential in focus and does not rely on the acceptance of any religious doctrine. Since it is performed with the body in motion and eyes open, it is more easily carried into daily life than other forms of meditation. Suitable for both new and experienced meditators, the worekshop will combine lecture, demonstration, and actual meditation practice. The second session provides attendees the opportunity to ask Achan Da questions regarding their practice after trying the technique for a week. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Meditation Master Achan Da is a Theravada monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was abbot of the Thatkong monastery in Northeastern Thailand and has been teaching meditation for over 30 years. This is a chance to learn from a true master. Taught at Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge, W. Redding 1/2 mile east of Route 7.
2 Sessions $20 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Cake Decorating

Cake Decorating for Beginners
Learn how to decorate cakes that look great. We will make a bakery style cake, a colorful character cake, a patchwork sheet cake, a doll cake, and a special cake sculpture. Using a pastry bag, learn how to make stars, borders, ruffles, basket weave, flower garden and more. After the first instruction session, students will bring a baked cake each week to decorate in class with icing prepared at home. Have fun. Supply list provided at first class. Class limit 12. Taught by Theresa Obert. Theresa Obert is a former academic teacher who has been teaching cake decorating in lower Fairfield County for several years just for fun. She has worked in various creative arts with people of all ages from pre-schoolers to senior citizens.
6 Sessions $98 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $49)
Thur., 9/25; 10/2, 16, 23, 30 & 11/6; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Veterans Park School

Color Analysis

Color Analysis
The right colors, your true colors can make you 10 years younger, your lines softer, your circles lighter, and give you radiance. Save time and money by building on a color coded wardrobe. Jan Campanile will analyze you and suggest your most complementary colors for make-up, clothing and hair. Please do not wear make-up to class. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at class. Class size is limited. Taught by Jan Campanile. Jan Campanile’s long term interest in fashion led her to take many classes in color analysis, wardrobe planning, and immage enhancement. She performs color analysis to individuals and small groups. Her workshops have been very well received.
1 Session $17 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $9)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Basket Making~ NEW

Little "Hairy" Basket
This is a class for anyone, with or without previous basket making experience. Students will learn how to start a 10 spoke base, using natural and dyed rattan seed. Color, texture, and pattern possibilities will be explored as students weave up the sides of their baskets. The instructor Kati Lonning has been weaving professionally for the last 30 years. She exhibits baskets nationally, as well as in the Ironwood Gallery here in Ridgefield. The instructor will supply materials for which a fee of approximately $10 will be collected at class. Each person can expect to finish a basket.
2 Sessions $48 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $24)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Home Remodeling

Basement Finishing
If you’re thinking of finishing your basement, converting that unwanted space into a playroom, or home office, with or without a bathroom, this course is a must. Ridgefield Assistant Building Official Bert Veilleux has an informative workshop that will cover the permit process, building code requirements and construction tips and pointers. Instructor Bert Veilleux is Assistant Building Official for the Town of Ridgefield. He previously ran his own construction company.
2 Sessions $32 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $16)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall dates.

Decks ~ Building and Finishing Your Own
If you are thinking of building your own deck, this course is a must. Ridgefield Assistant Building Official Bert Veilleux has an informative workshop that will cover the permit process, building code requirements and construction tips and pointers. Instructor Bert Veilleux is Assistant Building Official for the Town of Ridgefield. He previously ran his own construction company.
1 Session $24 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $12)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Tool School 101 for Beginners
Ladies: Learn what tools you need in your own personal tool box and how to use them. Use tools such as a stud finder (handy when hanging anything on your walls), caulking gun (why wait for the plumber to seal the tub?) and a cordless drill/driver (it’s simpler than you think). Hands on demonstrations of simple tools for everyday use. Taught by Jan Brown. Jan Brown demonstrates and sells tools for Tomboy Tools, tools designed ergonomically for women.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10) + $ materials
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall dates.

Organizing/Time Management

Want to Get Control of All That Paper Piling Up?
Is the mail piling up on the counter? Are the magazines stacking up in the family room? Are the files out of control in the office? This course will help you get control of the paper in all of these areas. You will learn simple techniques to help you quickly decide what to keep and what to get rid of. In addition, some easy to use filing systems will be demonstrated to help with household files. Taught by Jill McKean. Jill McKean is a professional organizer. Prior to starting Organize It, she was a financial professional with over 20 years experience in business.
1 Session $17 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $9)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall dates.

Community CPR/First Aid

New & Improved Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Course
The new American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillation) changes are the result of years of research and testing in order to deliver simplified and effective ways to teach skills and improve participant skill retention. American Red Cross Certification is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the class. A text/card/materials fee of approximately $21 is payable to the instructor at class. Please bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to class. Limit 8. Taught by Barbara Lohse. Barbara Lohse, RN is a Health teacher at East Ridge Middle School. She also teaches Community First Aid and CPR.
4 Sessions $64 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32) + $ text/materials
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Adult/Child CPR Challenge
The Adult/Child CPR Challenge gives an individual the opportunity to get recertified in CPR without repeating the entire course. An individual is responsible for preparing on his/her own for the skills and written tests. Instructor Barbara Lohse will give a brief demonstration review prior to exams. Anyone interested must provide proof of current certification. American Red Cross Certification is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the class. This course includes: First Responder, conscious choking, unconscious choking, rescue breathing, CPR. The certificate is valid one year. A card/materials fee of approximately $19 is payable to the instructor at class.  Please bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to class. Taught by Barbara Lohse. Barbara Lohse, RN is a Health teacher at East Ridge Middle School. She also teaches Community First Aid and CPR.
1 Session $45 (no discount available) + $ Mtls.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall dates.

Professional Rescuer Challenge
This course is designed for individuals who have taken the full Professional Rescuer course and have the skills and knowledge for a Professional Rescuer (EMT, life guard, law enforcement). Participants must have current Professional Rescuer certification and be prepared to take a written exam and demonstrate skills. Please register early and contact the Continuing Education office at 431-9995 to arrange to pick up and review the manual prior to class. Participants should bring their own resuscitation mask, (BVM), self addressed stamped envelope and a $19 check payable to the American Red Cross to cover Red Cross processing fee and manual. Taught by Barbara Lohse. Barbara Lohse, RN is a Health teacher at East Ridge Middle School. She also teaches Community First Aid and CPR.
1 Session $32 (no discount available) + $ Mtls.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall dates.

Genealogy

Beginning Genealogy
This two session workshop covers the basics of getting started: gathering initial family information, organizing the information, planning the search, types of information available, common mistakes, computer programs, Internet, public archives, etc. An overview of Canadian and European sources of information is also included. The class is also beneficial to those who have done some genealogical research and are stalled. Includes lecture, discussion, and some hands-on genealogical searches using the Internet. Taught by Bob Law. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
2 Sessions $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $18)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall dates.

Irish Genealogy
Bob Law is back with another useful and informative genealogy workshop that will help you do your research here before you do it in Ireland. Participants will also learn about the last 400 years of Irish history and governmental structure as it influences what data was recorded, what records survived, and who is in the old home town today. You will also learn what is available in Ireland and in the U.S. and obtain book, web site, and other search recommendations. Includes lecture, discussion, and time for questions and answers. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

German Genealogy
Many people claim German ancestry, but their ancestors may have been from Luxembourg, today’s northern Poland (Prussia ) or even Russia, as the borders of Germany have changed many times over the last 300 years. Germans settled in many parts of Eastern Europe during that same time period. This workshop includes a discussion of German history and geography, immigration and emigration of ethnic Germans, given and family names, religion, language, gothic script, and church and civil records, the need to use maps and gazetteers to help locate the origin village, as well as a brief overview of the ethnic German countries surrounding Germany –Luxembourg, Alsace, Switzerland and Austria, time for questions and answers and swapping family stories with participants. Taught by Bob Law. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

European Genealogy
Many Americans have multiple European Roots or are the descendent of a unique European racial stock. This course will give you the essentials needed to begin tracing your ancestors to 40 different European countries. It will teach you what you need to discover in the US or Canada before you can begin the research in any country in Europe. It will explain the history of the country, the records that are available and the decisions necessary regarding your ability to undertake the research. A list of books and web sites will be provided that will aid you in your research. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.

Canadian Genealogy
Many Americans have ancestors that were born in Canada. They are descendents of American Loyalists, Quebecois, Pennsylvania Pacifists or European Immigrants who came to a Canadian port and decided to stay. Genealogy research in Canada is quite different than in the United States. Learn the history of the Canadian Provinces and how to search the Archives. Ottawa is the capital of Canada and has a great National Archive. No matter if your ancestors were recent immigrants or several generations ago, the class will help you find their family information and do research in any province in Canada. Taught by Bob Law. Bob Law has over 25 years experience doing genealogical research in the U.S. and abroad. He is Director of Genealogy for the Ridgefield Historical Society and active in many genealogical organizations. His areas of expertise are U.S., Canadian, European, German, Irish and English genealogy.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for fall 2008 dates.