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Registering is easy on-line. Click the red button and follow instrutions. If you need help or want us to send you a catalog, send us a message at
openuniversity@vtymca.org
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Meet The Instructors
Marcia Bailey worked for 20 years as a professional social worker. She was divorced when she had young children, and has been happily remarried for some time.
Hazel Beeler has a masters degree from Ohio University and a PhD from Virginia Tech. She has done geological field work in Virginia and West Virginia. She’s taught physical geology and historical geology at Virginia Western and New River Community Colleges, as well.
Cynthia Bertelsen trained as a nutritionist at Virginia Tech and attended cooking classes at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Over the years, she has cooked in restaurants, run a catering business, and written a newspaper column for “foodies.” Travel to Italy and a passionate love of Italian cooking have blossomed into a huge cookbook collection for Cynthia, who has loads of tips to share for practical, everyday cooking in the Italian manner.
E. Gail Billingsley is director of the YMCA at Virginia Tech. For over 20 years she has made a living in gambling, golf, and general mayhem -- pursuits which have taken her all over the globe. In addition to her activities as director, Gail teaches "Traveling Solo -- and Loving it!" for the Open University.
Lissa Bloomer teaches writing at Virginia Tech and has won the Diggs Teaching Scholar Award for innovative and motivating teaching practices. She is a poet, a potter, and an avid reader, gardener, kayaker and swimmer. Lissa lives with her three children, husband, cat, fish and hermit crabs in Radford.
Sue Brozovsky has been carving stone for over six years, and has studied the art under Bob Lockhart of the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Her work has been displayed at Miller Off Main Galleries, the New River Fine Arts Gallery, and the Glade Fine Arts Gallery.
Lisa Burley is a second year master’s student in the department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, who has been responsible for maintaining approximately 50 hives while conducting research on honey bee reproductive physiology.
Teresa and Bruce Caldwell of Cavalier Farm raise their own cattle using superior genetics for fast growth instead of growth hormones used by many beef producers. Bruce has a BS in Animal Science, a masters in Agricultural Education and has taught agriculture in North Carolina and Virginia for 23 years. He is currently an agriculture instructor at Floyd County High School. Teresa Caldwell studied Animal Science at Virginia Tech, was raised on a cattle farm, showed and fed steers in 4-H and has been employed on several prominent cattle operations in Virginia.
Karen Leigh Carrier is a licensed teacher of business and information technology education with a masters degree in accounting from Virginia Tech. She was an adjunct professor at New River Community College where she taught an introductory level accounting course. Karen has a bachelors degree in accounting from Radford University and a masters degree in accounting from Virginia Tech. She teaches computer classes and camps for the Open University.
Russell Chisholm is roastmaster and founder of The East Chair Coffee Shop, which has sold specialty coffees in Blacksburg since 1996. He is a member of The Roasters Guild and the Barista Guild of America, professional organizations within the Specialty Coffee Association of America. He currently oversees all aspects of coffee selection, roasting and blending for The Easy Chair Coffee Shop.
Eliza Joy Collins, instructor for bookbinding, spoon carving and block printing, has been a bosun on a Hudson River cargo sloop and built sea kayaks on Lake Champlain. She holds a studio art and environmental studies degree from Middlebury College, where she first fell in love with artistic and sculptural bookbinding. Her interest in crafts and the aesthetic challenges of designing functional objects grows with time. She has since worked and served as a resident host while taking post-graduate studies at the John C. Campbell Folk School.
Lauren Cooper and her husband own and operate Greenstar Farm and Apothecary in Blacksburg. Lauren has been selling fresh organically certified vegetables and herbs at the farmers market for many years and makes her own herbal tinctures.
Frank DuPont holds a Ph.D. in psychology and is a retired, licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a former member of the San Diego Gestalt Institute.
Chris Frost is an experienced ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician who holds an Associates degree in automotive service technology and has an additional three years of automotive analysis.
Marilyn Galbraith has been a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Blacksburg High School since 1989. She teaches classes on Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Clothing Design, and Housing, Home Furnishings, and Design.
David Gilley began teaching for Arthur Murray, Roanoke in 1976 and opened his own studio three years later. In 30 years of professional competition and instruction, he’s taught in New York, Boston, LA, and New Orleans. His former students include Victoria Principal and MTV’s Idallis DeLeon; and he has been the recipient of many Top Teacher awards. A dancer’s dancer, David continues to perform and teach with his partner Arnica Mulder.
Jim Gorman has been a professional potter for over 20 years, with an expertise in Raku technique. He has taught at the Fine Arts Center and the Degas Program. He has also given many workshops for students of the YMCA Open University and other community groups.
April Griffin has been making pots for eight years and teaching for three. She works with a high-fire stoneware that she prepares or an atmospheric woodfiring. April enjoys creating functional pots that will enhance the simple pleasures of drinking your favorite beverage in a handmade vessel, or eating a salad served in a unique bowl.
Pinar Gürdal has been a member of the English Language Institute of Virginia Tech for five years, and has tutored English and Turkish in the US and abroad since 1997. Although she holds a master’s degree in business, contributing to her life professionally and culturally, she considers herself -- first and foremost -- a teacher.
Gwynn Hamilton and husband Robert Webster operate Stonecrop Farm in Newport where they have produced vegetables, herbs, and flowers since 2003. Gwynn applies her experience in non-profit administration and education to marketing their wares and sharing her love for digging in the dirt.
Mike and Rebecca Hubbard own and operate Garden Mountain Farm. Their products include grass finished beef and lamb, pasture-raised chicken and pork.
As sole proprietor of The Antique Restoration Shoppe, Derry Hutt has woven many a seat. “In kindergarten,” she reports, “I wove a place mat using construction paper . . . not much has changed.” Over many years in the business of woodworking and repair, Derry has undertaken repairs for antiques dealers, homeowners, and Smithfield Plantation. Now, she’s helped to restore one of our most popular classes, as well!
Claire Ihlendorf, who has lived and studied in Spain, holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and math from Virginia Tech, with four years’ tutoring experience.
Bruce Jensen is a general contractor, skilled stone mason, a fabulous chef, and a selfless community volunteer – not necessarily in that order. He teaches popular cooking classes for the Open University, many from his exceptional home and quarry garden with a cliffside vista, just outside Blacksburg.
Shashi Joshi is a certified Pilates instructor with specialized training in prenatal, armchair and flex band Pilates. Shashi, whose background is in dance, calls Pilates a classic form of exercise: “Fun and extremely effective in transforming the body.”
Matthew Komelski, a new face in Blacksburg, has studied the martial arts both in the US and abroad; and, completed his MA in Asian Studies doing interdisciplinary studies in the martial arts through the University of Hawaii. Matthew’s primary emphasis in teaching Tai chi is on aesthetic development and physical well being. These benefits are easiest to find when Tai chi is practiced in a group interested in helping each other reach for these goals.
Alice Kinder has taught for the English Department at Virginia Tech for twenty years. Youngest of eight siblings and the first of her rural Tazewell County family to attend college, her areas of focus are Appalachian and Southern Literature. Her lively teaching methods were the subject of a Roanoke Times feature in September, 2005.
Matthew Komelski has studied the marital arts both in the US and abroad; and completed his MA in Asian Studies doing interdisciplinary studies in the martial arts through the University of Hawaii. Matthew’s method of teaching Kung Fu encompasses both physical and psycho-social dimensions of the art, providing students with activities to reflect on the responsibility that comes with mastering martial skills.
Joe Lanter, an “A” league player with 10 years competitive experience, is a member of BAD, the Blacksburg Area Darters. Joe is also a card instructor who has been an avid card player his entire life; he enjoys canasta, spades, hearts, and poker. A tournament champion in both bridge and cribbage, Joe understands both cards and people – always a winning combination!
Popular instructors Jim Lawrence and John Pollard continue a19-year tradition, offering Tai Chi through the YMCA Open University. Jim is a building contractor and has taught Tai Chi for 11 years; John is an engineer at Virginia Tech and has taught for nine.
Cindy Ptak holds a bachelor’s degree in deaf education from the University of Arkansas and a master’s in educational administration from the University of Hawaii. She was in deaf education as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, training volunteers there and also in Sri Lanka and Nepal. A member of the American Sign Language Teachers Association, Cindy has been signing for 25 years and teaching it for 20. She currently teaches at both Blacksburg High School and Radford University.
Billie Lepczyk, a professor of dance education at Virginia Tech, has had a professional dance career in Europe based in Athens, Greece. She performed the title role of Adriane at the Athens Lyric Opera House and was featured in numerous musicals and films. Billie has received Excellence in Teaching Awards from Virginia Tech and professional dance organizations. She has been teaching dance to adults through the YMCA for more than five years.
Frank Levering is a 3rd generation orchardist, author, filmmaker, and founder of the Center for Simple Living in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Frank and wife Wanda Urbanska have been creating a TV documentary series for PBS focusing on ethical, economic and environmental life-style choices. Frank & Wanda have authored several books on the theme of simple living, offering alternatives to modern consumerism. He owns and operates the largest cherry orchard in the Southeast United States, also producing peaches, plums, pears, and many varieties of apples.
Tom Martin currently teaches in the Agricultural Technologies program at Virginia Tech and specializes in large, woody ornamentals (in other words: big, pretty trees). Years ago, he and wife Lissa Bloomer were curators of Smithfield Plantation House, where Tom’s interest in the local flora took root. Tom will soon receive his Ph.D. in Horticulture.
Elizabeth McCommon has been a public speaking instructor in Virginia Tech’s department of Communication Studies, as well as a professional actress and performance artist. She has performed her dramatic memoir, Fall Forward, Spring Back, throughout the region, from Atlanta to Northern Virginia.
“Parenting should be enjoyable, not a nightmare,” according to instructor Johnny McCord, who has spent over twenty years as a behavior specialist for youth in the Atlanta area. A former director of the Sandy Spring Youth Center, director of Fulton County Special Services Program, and Activity Therapy Coordinator for Georgia Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Johnny offers strategies that are an alternative to the unsatisfying parenting experiences many have.
Linda Mitchell is the owner of Divine Inspiration, a Blacksburg specialty shop that sells beads and gifts. She has been a jewelry maker for six years.
Franklyn Moreno has been building birdhouses and nestboxes for over 40 years; and, he’s been working with wood since he was a youngster. In recent years, he’s been polishing his skills with his grandchildren.
Roya Nazare is owner of Blacksburg’s Gourmet Pantry. A former owner of restaurants and a catering business, cooking has been her passion for over 20 years. She gathers the best information for her students from farmers, chefs, gourmands, and gourmets alike.
Johanna Nichols and husband Brett bought Five Penny Farm in Floyd in 2002. This year marks their third season at the Blacksburg Farmers Market with herbs, vegetables, flowers, and small fruits. Prior to locating in the New River Valley, Johanna spent five seasons working at farms in Main, New Hampshire, Vermont and Pennsylvania.
Rachel Perkins has worked in YMCA, 4-H and other residential camps for the past seven years as a program leader and counselor. She is a master’s student at Radford University, with concentrations in both early childhood and special education. She has been a nanny to a premature infant in foster care; and a childcare provider for abused children. She enjoys fitness training, kayaking, and hiking; and she is a member of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars, as well as Phi Sigma Pi, a national honors co-ed fraternity.
A knitter for 40 years, a designer for 20, and a teacher for 15. Margaret Radcliffe is the author of The Knitting Answer Book (scroll to the bottom of this page for information on the new book!); publishes “Maggie’s Rags” knitting patterns and is a free-lance knitting writer and editor. Margaret has taught for the John C. Campbell Folk School, The Knitting Guild Association, Stitches Expos, Knautical Knitters Cruises and for numerous shops and fiber guilds across the US. You can learn more about Margaret at http://www.maggiesrags.com/.
Susan Robbins is certified as both a yoga instructor and massage therapist. She received her masters degree in education from William and Mary. She was coordinator of pre-teen summer programming for Williamsburg/James County, Virginia. Susan is also the mother of an 18-month old.
Jyl Robinson is a graduate of the Arizona Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, with a degree in culinary arts, baking and restaurant management. In addition to running her own specialty cake business, she has been head pastry chef at both the Nerv and Jackson Street Café in Blacksburg, and she is currently pastry chef for the Blacksburg Country Club.
The Coal Hollow Brothers have competed in the Roadkill Cookoff in Marlinton, WVA for the past 9 years; and, have been the subject of TV “shorts” on both The Travel Channel and the Food Network. They have also worked with the New River Boy Scout district for approximately 15 years both as leaders and trainers for outdoor cooking. As such, they are versed in many cooking techniques, which include lightweight backpacking, primitive utensils, Dutch oven, and the traditional Coleman stove. John Pennington, Marlon Harris, and Ed Blackford are members of the Coal Hollow Brothers team.
Jolynn Schwartz, who teaches on the healing properties of food, is from the Sweetwater Bakery, a small, family-owned baking company in Floyd. They use only the highest quality ingredients and believe that good nutrition is the foundation of good health.
Co-author of 8 books and senior editor of Quilts with Style Magazine, Liz Schwartz and her artistry have been featured on HGTV’s Simply Quilts. In 15 years of beading, she has studied with nationally known instructors and has taught many classes, both privately and for the YMCA Open University.
Tina Smusz, M.D. is Hospice Medical Co-Director of Carilion Hospice of the New River Valley; Director of Palliative Medicine Service at Carilion NRV Medical Center; andProfessor of Medical Specialties, Palliative Care for the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg.
Jennifer Stempien is an award-winning dance artist who has studied and performed throughout the region. She has received specialty training in all aspects of the art; and she is founder and advisor of Hill and Veil, a group of Virginia Tech student bellydancers.
Jocy Graham Surface is an AFAA/AEA certified land/water aerobics instructor; as well as an AFAA/ACSM/AEA certified land/water personal trainer. She’s lived in the New River Valley for over 30 years and has been a fitness professional for ten. Jocy, who is married and has two beautiful boys, says “ I love my job and enjoy helping others, help themselves. Stay happy and healthy!!”
Karen Tinaglia is a registered yoga teacher certified in Integrative Yoga Therapy and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. She owned Natural Healthworks yoga studio for two years and was an instructor for The Yoga Center in Roanoke for six. A member of the Yoga Alliance, Karen has taught many Hatha yoga styles: Beginner and intermediate levels, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Prenatal Yoga.
Melanie Utermark has researched and been involved in natural, botanical based skin care for over 20 years.
Instructor Hank Utermark is the founder of three successful businesses. An executive coach, speaker and trainer, Hank comes to the Open University with 10 years of leadership experience in Fortune 500 companies.
Kay Velarde taught a diverse palette of classes from meteorology to management during her career as a military officer. Retirement has given her the time to return to her first love – arts & crafts. She believes creativity is the fountain of youth and that the talent is teachable.
Sandy Vicenzi has worked as a facilitator/coordinator in medical, education, governmental and nonprofit organizations since 1998. Her course on the “Circle Toward Wholeness” has evolved from training received since 2002, based on the work of Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal. More details are available at www.circletowardwholeness.com.
Bob Weidner learned to juggle as a boy, when forced by well-meaning teachers to adopt right-handedness over his natural preference for left. Nonetheless, he went on to teach school and coach in New York State for 36 years. For most of those years, he ran a juggling club for both high school and middle school-aged boys and girls. In retirement, he continues to share his love of the skill: When life gives you lemons, juggle them!
For 35 years, Donnie Wingo taught service courses at Virginia Tech to students and professors in Biological Systems Engineering; including classes on welding, heating, electrical, woodworking, masonry and concrete. Donnie will be assisted by his former student Larry Mitchell, Randolph Professor Emeritus with Virginia Tech’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Larry has volunteered his time to develop our welding course and assist in teaching it. He is a devoted life-long learner who has received advanced training at Snow Farm Craft School in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. He teaches welding annually at an old car institute in Utah.
Ed and Carol Wolfe have been brewing beer for 12 years. They hold two gold, one silver and one bronze medal in national brewing competitions, and have scored numerous regional awards, as well. Both have received the “national” ranking in the Beer Judge Certification Program; Ed also serves as chair of the program’s examination committee.
Barbara Wright has been at home in the mountains and in love with the music and dance heritage of this area for over 25 years. During that time, she has been performing and teaching with the Hoorah Cloggers, Blacksburg's long-time clogging group. She looks forward to meeting new dance students and helping everyone have more fun dancing!
John V. Wright bowled for Texas A&M for four years, and was captain of the team all four years. For many years, he bowled for the Masters Bowling Association; he was also awarded the Presidential Sports Award by Richard M. Nixon. He coached his own son to better scores (his average went from 97 to 193 in three years), and he can coach you, too!
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New Book from Margaret Radcliffe
Every avid knitter has faced this dilemma: deep into a project at midnight, just trying to finish one more row, and, then ... oh no, a dropped stitch three rows back! If only there was a 24-hour hotline to answer every question a knitter might encounter. Well, now there is, with The Knitting Answer Book. The expert author, Margaret Radcliffe, leaves no question unanswered, no quandry unaddressesd. Each book contains detailed, illustrated answers to literally hundreds of questions, from the common to the more unusual:
-Are certain needles better for certain yarns?
-Why do my edges tend to curl up?
-Can you use a different weight yarn than the pattern calls for?
-What can I do to keep my yarns from tangling up?
-Oops, I see my ribbing is way too tight. Now what?
Covering the whole range of situations a beginner is likely to face, along with the problems that may arise for those working more advanced patterns, The Knitting Answer Book will help knitters of all levels. The book is a small, take-along size, in a friendly-to-use Q&A format, and belongs in the bag of every knitter. Available 24/7, The Knitting Answer Book is always open, ready for yarn lovers to browse and consult to their heart's content.
About the Author
Margaret Radcliffe, authoer of The Knitting Answer Book, designs hand-knit sweaters and teaches both English and Continental methods of knitting throughout the United States. She publishes a line of knitting patters under the name Maggie's Rags and lives in Blacksburg, VA.
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