Open University Spring Schedule
Special Interest

League of American Bicyclists: Bike Commuting
League of American Bicyclists: Bike Traffic Skills 101
Kids I Bike Class
Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Power Point
Internet Security: Is Your Information Safe?
Have Fun and Make Money with Cooking Contests
Supplementing Your Income the eBay Way
Books: Evaluating Their Value
Finding Treasures – Shopping Adventure
Getting the Life You Really Want
Job Search Preparation
Ladybug Wine School
Remodeling: Discovering the Hidden Potential In Your Home
VA Tax Preparation – Subtractions & Deductions
Investing $50-$100 a Month

League of American Bicyclists: Bike Commuting
For adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike. This 6-hour course covers topics including lane and intersection positioning, route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Included with the class are handouts and student materials. This class will be taught by two League of American Bicyclists’ Certified Instructors. Brought to you in partnership with the New River Valley Bicycle Association. To learn more about the NRVBA, please visit http://www.nrvbike.com/. $33

Date	Day	Time	Location
5/9	Saturday	9am-3pm	VT Campus - TBA

League of American Bicyclists: Bike Traffic Skills 101
Learn the rules of the road and about commuting confidently around town by bicycle! Gives cyclists the knowledge and skills they need to ride confidently and legally in traffic or on multi-purpose trails. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, lane and intersection positioning, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling. This class will be taught by two League of American Bicyclists’ Certified Instructors. Brought to you in partnership with the New River Valley Bicycle Association. To learn more about the NRVBA, please visit http://www.nrvbike.com/. $45

Dates	Day	Time	Location
4/16	Thursday	5:30-8:30pm	Pamplin 1004
4/18	Saturday	9:00-4:00pm	Pamplin 1004

Kids I Bike Class
As a part of Healthy Kids Day, a Kids 1 Bike workshop will be offered to parents and children in grades K-4. Parents and children will learn the basics of helmet and bike fit as well as other bike safety information for young children. Bicycles and helmets can be brought for fitting. Bike helmets will be given away to those that do not own one - available on a first-come first-served basis. Free. No registration required.

Introduction to Computers
Do you feel like the technology revolution has left you behind? Do you think you may be the only one on the planet who doesn’t email or use the Internet for research? Come and see what all the fuss is about and get started on your own adventurous path into the cyberworld. Instructor Karen Sinclair has been teaching computer application courses for 10+ years. $25

Date	Day	Time	Location
1/21-1/28	2 Wednesdays	6:00-8:00pm	BMS Lab

Introduction to Power Point
that incorporate text, pictures, and video. This class will start with the basics; introducing presentation layouts, designs, backgrounds, sounds, transitions, and animation. Instructor Karen Sinclair has been teaching computer application courses for 10+ years. $25

Date	Day	Time	Location
2/7	Saturday	1:00-5:00pm	BMS Lab

Internet Security: Is Your Information Safe?
How secure is your information when you use a credit card, pay bills, or bank online? Is it safe to open certain emails or to visit all websites? In this workshop, you'll learn how to keep your computer and your personal information private and secure, as well as how to make sure a disk or email from someone else is safe. We'll also cover how much of your information is available when you post to Facebook and other social networking sites, and how to protect yourself from identity theft through the Internet. If you're not sure how to protect your computer from viruses, or, if you know the basics but are unsure you are adequately protected from hackers and identity theft, join us for this essential computer class - and come with questions! Keath Marx corrects computer problems and prevents security breaches in homes, offices, and dorms across the New River Valley. He has been teaching and fielding questions for many years and has a variety of computer experience. $10

Have Fun and Make Money with Cooking Contests
Cooking contests have been around since the 1950’s. There are literally hundreds of recipe contests and cooking contests offered each year with prizes ranging from kitchenware to college scholarships to a million dollars! These contests are free to enter and fun for kids and adults. Learn where to find them and tips to increase your chances of getting in. The big annual and biennial contests will be discussed specifically and packets will be given out with information to get you started right away. If you enjoy cooking, this class may introduce you to a lifelong hobby. Sita Williams is a two-time Pillsbury Bake-Off Contestant and was featured in the 2005 Bravo movie, ‘Million Dollar Recipe’. $15

Date	Day	Time	Location
3/26	Thursday	6:00-9:00pm	Y Center

Supplementing Your Income the eBay Way
This four-week course will cover the basics of utilizing eBay for fun and profit. Topics include internet security, finding your niche, product acquisition, preparing creative and effective listings, photography, packaging, marketing, and fees. Kelly McPherson has been an eBay member since 1999 and combines family life with operating two successful eBay stores. $50

Date	Day	Time	Location
3/23-4/13	4 Mondays	7:00-9:00pm	Torgersen 3310

Books: Evaluating Their Value
Determine if your book is worth something or if it is a keepsake of more sentimental than monetary value. Students will learn how to use Internet based tools to assess the value of their books. Students should bring a pen, notebook, and some books to evaluate to class. Taught by Roger Hjulstrom, owner of Books Below. $30

Dates	Day	Time	Location
2/12-3/5	4 Thursdays	6:00-7:30pm	Torgersen 3080

Finding Treasures – Shopping Adventure
Find inexpensive and wonderful treasures at thrift stores, consignment shops, and salvage yards – from designer handbags to charming antiques. Rebekah Paulson will be your guide for a treasure hunt shop-‘til’-you-drop adventure. She’ll share pointers on how, where, and when to find the most interesting items and best bargains. You’ll visit Rebekah’s favorite spots in Blacksburg and Christiansburg and learn about other out-of-the-way spots to visit in the New River Valley and beyond. Please plan to carpool with others from the Y Thrift Store. Class limited to 15 students. $20 (includes a $5 gift certificate to the Y Thrift Store).

Date	Day	Time	Location
3/17	Tuesday	9am-12pm	Start at Y Thrift Store

Getting the Life You Really Want
Discover how you can go after your dreams by using the effective and proven strategies presented in the book "Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want" by Barbara Sher. Here's how this introductory class works: 1. Show up as you are; 2. Bring your dream (if you know what it is); 3. Give and get ideas for making dreams real; 4. Learn how to use the Wishcraft process to live your dream. Bring $10 or a copy of the book "Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want" by Barbara Sher. $10

Date	Day	Time	Location
3/19	Thursday	6:00-8:00pm	Pamplin 3028

Job Search Preparation
Are you looking for a new job or thinking about a career shift? This class will help in the identification of transferable and marketable skills, resume development, career networking, and interviewing skills. $40

Ladybug Wine School - New Start Date!
This class will provide an innovative approach to understanding wine. Participants will have the opportunity to sample wines and learn how to ask the right questions to ensure they get the wine that will best suit them. Instructor Thom Horsey has 20 years of experience in the wine industry and has led over 500+ seminars and tastings. You must be at least 21 to register for this class. *Class meets every other week on 2/10; 2/24; 3/10; 3/24. $140

Date	Day	Time	Location
1/27-3/10*	4 Tuesdays	6:00-8:00pm	Bookbinders Grill

Remodeling: Discovering the Hidden Potential In Your Home
Most of us would like to change some aspect of our home but can’t see the possibilities. This class will take you through case studies that required creative thinking “outside the box” and the beautiful end results. We will delve into the discovery process of how to find that unique design and functionality for your home. This class will give you a new perspective on your own home and its possibilities. You will find the knowledge and confidence to move forward in making changes to your home. Tim Lawrence is the owner of Blue Ridge Home Improvement, Inc. $15

Date	Day	Time	Location
2/12	Thursday	6:30-8:00pm	Y Center	Canceled

VA Tax Preparation – Subtractions & Deductions
Virginia hides tax reductions of great value in Subtractions and Deductions. Even if you don’t itemize on your Federal return, there are some deductions that can still be taken. This class is designed primarily for working people of modest means and medium income retirees. Students should bring their 2007 FED & VA returns, a calculator if they have one, and pencil/paper. Instructor Frank Lau has been an AARP Tax-Aide Counselor for 14 years. This class is free. To register, please call 961-9622, or send your name, address and a daytime phone number to us by email.

Investing $50-$100 a Month
This course is meant for the novice investor or those who wish to learn more about their investments. Areas of coverage will include tax-sheltered annuities, 401(k)’s, IRA’s – traditional and Roth, how to know your investment risk tolerance, and investment psychology. Ron Gibbs has been an adjunct instructor at Virginia Tech and has an MBA in Investments. $10

Date	Day	Time	Location
April 2	Thursday	6:30-9:00pm	Y Center

Back to Main Catalog Page

Questions? Send us an email or call 961-9622