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.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

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 workshop 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.
Wed., Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge, W. Redding (1/2 mile east of Route 7).

Job Search

Finding a Job is a Full Time Job (Organize for Success)
Be one step ahead of your competition in your job search! Discussions will include:

• Goal Setting & Achievement
• Time Management – 8 hour work day
• Time Map Calendar Guides You to Success
• Multi-Tasking…, Friend or Foe?
• Networking – Time Waster or Link to Success?
• What exactly is an Elevator Speech and How Do You 'Nail' It?
• Resumes and Interviews
• Research is KEY - Find Out Why.
• What is Meant by "It's a Numbers Game"?

Participants may bring a snack or brown bag lunch to class. Instructor Randi Hutton is owner of the RZ connection, an organizing service business that specializes in job/career transitions services, corporate organizing services, and relocation organizing services.
1 Session

Voice-Overs

You’re On the Air or (How to Really Make it in Voice-Overs!)
With such notable talent as James Earl Jones, Linda Hunt, and Donald Sutherland lending their voices to commercials, films, and videos, one would think that it would be next to impossible to break into this field. Not so! In this class you’ll learn about an exciting new way to get around the competition and actually turn voice-overs into a thriving full or part-time business! Rob Sciglimpaglia, successful voice-over artist (PBS, AMD, Dean Koontz, Court TV, etc.), will demonstrate voice-over technique and will introduce students to the voice-over business as a whole.  He will talk about the numerous opportunities, the income potential, and the all-important demo and how to have it produced.  You’ll step up to the microphone to do some practice recording, and best of all, hear the results! Instructor Rob Sciglimpaglia is an accomplished and successful NY-based voice-over artist and actor.  Rob works for clients all over the United States from his home studio in Norwalk, CT.  His voice-over clients include:  PBS, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Dean Koontz, Court TV,   In addition to his voice over & acting career (that has stemmed from his voice-over work), Rob is a practicing attorney in Norwalk, CT.
1 Session
Mon., 10/4 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS

Image

Color Analysis with Dress for Success Tips
The right colors, your true colors can make you look 10 years younger, your lines softer, your circles lighter, and give you radiance. Dress for success, while saving time and money by building on a color coded wardrobe. Jan Campanile will analyze you and suggest your most complementary colors. Please do not wear make-up to class. A materials fee of $20 is payable to the instructor at class. Class size is limited. Jan Campanile, an image consultant, has taken many classes in color analysis, fashion, image, wardrobe planning at Fashion Institute of Tecnhology.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Nature Hikes

Hiking and Spring Amphibian Study
This spring join Will Michael, producer of Connecticut Naturalist TV, on a serious of spring nature hikes. Participants will visit amphibian habitats and learn about their unique life cycle and behavior. Participants are encouraged to bring photographic equipment if they have an interest in nature photography. Advance registration, including children is required. Children must be registered in advance and accompanied by one of their parents. Will Michael is producer of Connecticut Naturalist TV and also leads many nature seminars and educational workshops.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Hike 1: Terra Haute Property
We will hike in the Terra Haute Property to Revolution Pond. Target species include Red-spotted newts, Jefferson & Yellow spotted salamanders, cadis fly larvae, predacious diving beetles, and more. Terra Haute is located on the border of Bethel & Redding. Meet at Turnage Dr. Bethel, CT 06801 (located off route 53)

Hike 2: Huntington State Park
We will examine an active vernal pool used by wood frogs each year for breeding. Eggs, tadpoles, and adults will be examined. Additional target species include red-efts, and red-backed salamanders. Meet at Huntington State Park (Boat Launch parking lot).

Hike 3: Mountain Pond
We will examine Spring Peeper frogs in vernal pools and listen to pickerel frog calls. Spring peepers are the smallest frog in Connecticut, but produce the loudest song during the spring. Meet Mt. Pond (park along Long Ridge Rd. in Danbury, CT 06810)

Home Staging

Preparing Your Home for the Market (or to Enjoy It Yourself)
Lonnie Shapiro, co-author of the Connecticut issue of How to Make Your REALTOR® Get You the Best Deal, presents a general discussion of what buyers see when they look at a house and the before and after benefits of staging. She has arranged a variety of guest speakers including professional stagers and a professonal organizer who will explain what you should start doing. Participants will view a video of a major real estate trainer discussing preparing your home for the market. There will be a panel discussion including a building inspector and an attorney who will provide more information on additional ways to prepare for your eventual sale. A recent home purchaser will comment on what she expected when she saw houses. Lonnie Shapiro has been a realtor in Ridgefield for over 30 years, has been teaching several years, and works for Prudential Connecticut Realty.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Home Staging
“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. In this difficult market, make your home as appealing as possible. We will go room my room covering do’s and don’t and ideas that are inexpensive yet very effective. Make your home as “saleable” as possible. A discount consultation is available for anyone who attends the class. Taught by Joanne Loftus. Joanne Loftus is a consultant who lectures on Feng Shui and Home Staging in this area.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.