Adult Programs

Urban Homesteading Series

W    7-9p
Cost per class: $19 ID/$23 OD
Instructor:  Kevin Prier

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Preservation Series: Put summer in a jar and eat well all winter long by taking advantage of our bounty of fresh local produce.
 

9/21~ Canning Basics: Applesauce
Th e secret to fabulous applesauce is to use fabulous apples. With great apples, there is no need for extra sugar or any other additions. We will make and can a batch of fresh applesauce and everyone can take home a pint. Please bring a clean wide-mouth pint jar with new lid or $1 to purchase from instructor.
 

9/28~ Canning Basics: Pepper Jam
Make a sweet-spicy condiment from local Thistledown no-spray bell peppers and jalapeños. Th is is similar to Thai sweet pepper sauce, but you get to control the heat! Delicious on meatloaf, burgers, as part of a barbeque glaze, or in a vegetable sauté. Please bring a clean half-pint jar with new lid or $1 to purchase from instructor.
 

Fermentation Series: Adding a variety of fermented foods to your diet is a tasty way to improve your diet and your health. You can learn how to make a batch of sauerkraut in less than an hour, produce a loaf of delicious sourdough bread, and save money by making your own cream cheese, hard cheese, or ricotta.
 

10/5~ Cheese Making
We will make a fresh hard cheese and ricotta and learn about different hard and soft cheese cultures and processes. We will go through the entire process from cultured milk to formed cheese ready for the press. We will also go over how to make yogurt and kefir.
 

10/12~ Bread Making/Sourdough
Learn how to catch, care for, and use a wild sourdough culture. We will also go over regular bread baking techniques for those who want to start simple. Over the course of this class, we will make a batch of sourdough bread while we learn about proofing, the complex biology of a vital sourdough culture, and tips and tricks to get that great artisanal style bread in your own kitchen. Take home your own small round loaf and a sourdough culture.
 

10/19~ Fermenting: Kimchi, kombucha
Learn fermentation basics as we turn a head (or several) of napa cabbage and a bunch of other goodies into kimchi and take home a pint to ferment and enjoy. A special modified technique lets you ferment directly in the jar. We will also make a batch of kombucha and there will be kombucha SCOBY to take home for anyone who wants it.
 

10/26~ Beyond Sauerkraut
Ready to explore the world of fermentation? Learn how to make your own fermented pickles, salsa, hot sauce, a variety of fermented non-alcoholic beverages, and even corned beef. Take home a pint of giardiniera and some habanero hot sauce to finish fermenting at home. Bring a clean wide-mouth pint jar with lid or $1 to purchase from instructor.
 

Entertaining Series: A few simple home-made appetizers, spreads, sauces, and chutneys can spice up a  meal and impress your guests, especially if you can also bring out a couple home-made liqueurs afterwards.
 

11/2~ Homemade Liqueurs
Learn how to make a variety of infused vodkas, fruit liqueurs, and herbal liqueurs. Take home a small jar of  our favorite. 
 

11/9~ Home-made Spreads and Appetizers
Hummus, tapenade, pesto/sun-dried tomato cream cheese, and more. Get recipes and tips for customizing as we make a couple amazing and simple spreads and appetizers, including some gluten and dairy-free options. Take home some of what we make in class.
 

11/16~ Chutneys and Sauces
Learn how to make a variety of small-batch chutneys, peanut sauce, and other savory condiments for Indian and other Asian foods. We’ll make three different ones in class and you can take home a share. Self-Care/Gift Series: Take care of yourself with luxurious homemade soaps, herbal skin creams, and a bite or two of candied ginger. They also make great gift s!
 

11/30~ Balms and Salves
Learn to make a variety of skin creams, lip balms, herbal salves and tinctures for gift s or a treat for yourself. Take home some lip balm and herbal skin cream.
 

12/7~ Soap Making
Learn the basics of making bar soap from scratch. We will discuss the chemistry of saponification, properties of different base oils and local sources, and fragrance oils and other additives while we make
a batch of soap. You will also learn how to make liquid soap and two forms of laundry soap. Take home a share of the soap we produce.
 

12/14~ Ginger Treats
Ginger can be used for a number of sweet or savory treats. Come cook up a batch of candied ginger, ginger syrup, ginger sugar, and pickled ginger for sushi. Th ese all make great gift s, and you can take home a share of what we make.

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FINE ARTS

The Art of Drawing
In this beginner friendly class, you will have the opportunity to try various drawing media, including pencil, charcoal, ink pen, and colored pencils. Discover the joy of drawing through exercises ranging from doodling and sketchbook techniques to lessons on value, composition, and perspective. Learn a whole new way of seeing your world while gaining confidence and skills.  Families are encouraged to sign up. Ages 15 & up. Instructor will discuss the supplies you will need. For first class, please bring: a sketch pad (5x7 or 8x10), #2 pencil or drawing pencil (graphite), and art eraser (white). Instructor: Jill Lauch.
10/6-12/1 Th 1-3p Room E
Adult: $78 ID/$97 OD Senior: $68 OD/$87 ID
 

Chinese Inkbrush Painting
Learn the basics of Chinese inkbrush painting and about the types of brushes, paper, and ink to use. Classes will focus on the “Four Gentlemen” – bamboo, orchid, chrysanthemum, and plum flower – as well as Chinese landscapes. Students work at their own pace. Bring your own equipment or buy inexpensive items
from the instructor ($50 for complete supplies: sumi ink, brush, shuen paper and mat). Instructor: Teresa Hsu.
9/7-11/16 W 12-3p Room E
Adult: $106 ID/$132 OD Senior: $92 ID/$119 OD
 

Capturing Fall Colors with Watercolor
Brilliant colors and changing landscapes provide inspiration for this beginner-friendly class. Basic drawing and painting skills will be presented along with specific techniques that make watercolor such an exciting medium. Increase your powers of observation and creativity in an atmosphere of encouragement and
discovery. Families (ages 15 and older) are welcome to attend! Supply list included as an attachment. Instructor: Jill Lauch.
10/4-11/29 Tu 6:30—8:30p Room E
Adult: $78 ID/$97 OD Senior: $68 OD/$87 ID
 

Acrylic Paint Night
During each class, attendees will be guided, step by step, through an acrylic painting with a seasonal theme. Each class is a standalone project with each painter taking home their finished 11x14” canvas. Registration includes all supplies. Participants may bring their own snacks and beverages. Instructor: Holly Lee.
9/23 F Milk can w/sunflowers
10/7 F Lone raven w/pumpkin
11/4 F Stacked pumpkins
12/2 F Christmas boots
$35 night/painter 6-9p Rm E
 

DANCE
 

Belly Dance- Skills and Drills
Th is is an all level Tribal/Tribal Fusion class. Learn basic Tribal and Tribal Fusion movements pulling from Middle Eastern, North African, East Indian and Flamenco cultures. Instructor: Candice Morgan.
9/6-11/15 Tu 7-8:15p Beginning MP Adult: $62 ID/$77 OD Senior: $54 ID/$69 OD Drop in $10
9/8-11/17 Th 7-8:15p Intermediate MP
Adult: $62 ID/77 OD Senior: $54 ID/$69 OD Drop in $10
 

Argentine Tango
Intro to Tango right from the beginning! Emphasis on posture and connection to make your transitions smooth. Learn the fundamental patterns needed to step into more elaborate movements.

Tango Level II (Close Embrace Series) is for students who know the fundamentals and wish to keep improving. New combinations of steps will be introduced. Th ese classes focus Tango as the social dance seen in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Try  it and transform your life. Held at River Road Annex, 1055
River Road. Instructor: Marisela Rizik. To register, email Marisela at Mrizik@aol.com or visit www.mariselarizik.com.
9/4-11/27 Su 3-4p Beginning - fundamentals
Su 4-5p Level II
Su 5-7p Tango social fun time
$55 a month
$10 additional each Sunday for social time
$15 per class drop-in
 

Modern Dance: Technique & Improvisation
Discover the joy of movement and create a strong, flexible, expressive, body and mind. Class includes thorough warmups, principles of modern dance technique, energetic dance sequences and a relaxing cool down. In our supportive, playful environment you can liberate the dancer within, improve your fitness level and have a lot of fun. The instructor is a certified teacher of the Evans Somatic Dance Technique, a neurodevelopmental approach that supports whole brain function and injury prevention. Great for mature movers as well as teens and adults. No prior dance experience is required.
Instructor: Joanna Cashman, MFA.
9/8-11/17 Th 5:30-6:45p Room C
Beginner/Intermediate
Adult: $62 ID/$77 OD Senior: $54 ID/$69 OD
 

The Art of Sign Language Dancing
In this highly aerobic exercising of body and mind, you will use American Sign Language, ballet, and some hip hop to express language in motion. Your hands get the signs, and your feet get the beat. You will be instructed by the innovator of this unique and exhilarating dance exercise. To view this activity,
go to YouTube: Th e Art of Sign Language Dancing. All ages welcome. Instructor: Vicki Coble.
10/5-26 W 3-4p Room C $20

LANGUAGE

Italian 2
Emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. Guided dialog will help improve pronunciation and increase comprehension. Textbook: Living Language is available for purchase from the business office. Italian 1 or instructor approval required. Instructor: Sied Imani.
9/12-11/28 M 3-5p Rm E
Adult: $93 ID/$116 OD Senior: $81 ID/$104 OD
 

Spanish 1
Beginner class. No experience necessary. Focus on commonly used phrases and language for the traveler. Textbook: Living Language is available for purchase from the business office. Instructor: Sied Imani.
9/8-11/17 Th 3-5:30p Rm E
Adult: $93 ID/$116 OD Senior: $81 ID/$104 OD
 

Spanish 1+
Focus on commonly used phrases and language for the traveler. Textbook: Living Language is available for purchase from the business office. Spanish 1 or instructor approval required. Instructor: Sied Imani. No class 11/11.
9/9-11/18 F 12-2:30p Rm E
Adult: $93 ID/$116 OD Senior: $81 ID/$104 OD
 

Spanish Club
Practice listening, speaking and reading using audio visual materials in an informal setting. Basic knowledge of Spanish is needed. Club Coordinator: Bonnie Rutledge.
9/12-11/14 M 10:30a-12:30p Rm E $5
 

MUSIC
 

Piano Lessons
All ages. Individual 30-minute piano lessons with experienced performer and composer Ashley Wright. Lessons are customized to your musical goals and tastes, and include repertoire study, theory, sight reading, ear training and improvisation. Ashley connects from the heart with each student in a spirit of fun! Please contact the park business office at 541- 688-4052 for more information. Instructor: Ashley Wright.
Ongoing W $20 per lesson paid monthly
 

GENERAL INTEREST
 

Voice Overs…. Now is Your Time – Virtual Only
In what could be the most enlightening 2 hours you’ve ever spent, this class will show you the best way to begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead! Whether you choose to pursue voice-overs part-time or full-time, this could be the game
changer you’ve been looking for. Zoom link will be provided 72 hours prior to class. Instructor: Lisa Foster.
11/14 M 6-8p $35 ID/$45 OD
 

River Road Reading Series – Virtual Availability
We have so much local talent! Enjoy monthly authors’ readings of poetry, fi ction, non-fi ction…you name it! Th is reading series is held at the River Road Park District Annex, 1055 River Road. Authors’ books are available for purchase and refreshments are served. To join virtually, go to the series website – riverroadreadings. blogspot.com. Donations gladly accepted to cover room
costs. Hosts: Joan Dobbie & Erica Goss.
9/24 & 11/26 Sa 4:30-6p Free
 

Balloon Twisting 101
Be the life of the party or impress your family and friends by bending and shaping balloon animals. You will learn the basics of twisting elastics into several simple balloon animals. Registration includes all supplies needed to create animals that pop! Instructor: David Grinder.
10/4 & 11 Tu 7-8p Room E $28

Neelam’s Traditional Indian Cooking Class
Neelam offers an immersive culinary experience of delicious, flavorful & nourishing healthy Indian cooking using culinary herbs & spices & cooking methods best suited for each of the seasonal vegetables & fruits, based on the ancient wisdom & Holistic Wellness Ayurveda. Over & above partaking a deliciously healthy meal together, the fun factor of each class is learning about the rich diversified cooking culture, sharing
of the stories about family’s cooking traditions and much more.... All classes are vegetarian. Vegan & gluten free recipes provided.

Class #1: Participants will learn the concept of essentials of Ayurvedic Cooking, introduction to a plethora of typical Indian spices & herbs, an extensive varieties of lentils, food combinations & pairing of vegetables with lentils and grains... how layering of spices works & taste the flavors with each layering process will be an exclusive experience followed by hands on experience of cooking together an appetizer, a special gourmet cooking of one vegetable, one lentil (legume),
yogurt dish & rice preparation. A complimentary Ayurvedic health quiz, 10 minutes of Mindfulness Meditation is offered in each class. Personalized recipes based on their response to the Health Quiz will be emailed to each participant. * Unless otherwise stated, you must take this class before you can take any of Neelam’s other classes.
11/12   Sa   11a-2p   $60
11/19   Sa   11a-2p   $60

Class #2: In this class the participants will learn in detail about Indian breads and cooking one  acompanying seasonal vegetable / special popular dish like Saag Paneer (spinach & cottage cheese) / Channa masala/ Paneer Tikka Masal/ Daal Makahani. Hands on cooking techniques will be learnt to make Indian breads like Roti, Phulka, layered paratha, stuffed paratha, naan....gluten free options like pearl millet fl our will
also be available. Free Ayurvedic Health Quiz, personalized recipe & nondairy option recipes will be provided. *Must take class #1 before taking this class.
TBA

Class #3: Who doesn’t love a special sweet treat. Some of the Indian sweets are known to be favorite foods of much-loved deities like Krishna, Ganesha, Shiva.... In this class learn how to make at least two Indian desserts and enjoy them with couple of savory snacks made using healthy, digestion aiding spices. Choice of making warm or cold dessert. Free Ayurvedic Health Quiz, personalized recipe & nondairy option recipes will be provided. * Must take class #1 before taking this class.
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Class #4: Neelam will share 6 different tea recipes and ways to make herbal teas that are not only delicious but are also healing and therapeutic. Neelam will also serve her special Indian Masala Chai with some delicious Indian savory snacks and share stories of tea and chai making in her small home town in India as well as in Mumbai. Neelam’s active interest in Ayurveda, yoga, and herbal therapies was kindled and inspired by her mother and maternal uncle who passed away at a great age of 103 in 2020, believed in practicing a holistic, spiritual way of life. Early in 2016, Neelam moved away from her corporate life and focused on holistic wellness, training herself to be a certified practicing herbalist, Ayurveda Counselor, yoga, and mindfulness educator. This is a stand alone class. You don’t need to take the first class to partake in this one.
TBA
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