The Winter 2009 Carnegie Center class schedule is now available
online! Registration is open now!
Here are some of the new classes that we will be offering:
ASL (American Sign Language)Wednesdays Jan. 21 to Mar. 25 5:30-7:00 pmWould you like to better communicate with friends and neighbors with speech barriers? Are you interested in teaching your infant or toddler “baby sign language”? This introductory class will cover the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) in a fun, interactive environment. $50.
Melody Bock Japanese Language & CultureTuesdays Jan. 13 to Mar. 24 6:30-7:30 pmIf you’d like to learn the basics of the Japanese language, brush up on your Japanese knowledge, or better understand Japanese culture, this class is for you! You will learn Japanese alphabets, practical Japanese expressions for business and daily conversation, and cultural differences and similarities. Instructed by a native Japanese speaker. $55.
Mariko Yamakura Spanish for the Workplace: Espanol en el TrabajoThursdays Feb. 5 to Mar. 19 6:00-7:30 pmIncludes business expressions, letters, conference calls, meetings, and daily expressions in the workplace. Participants will improve communication with Spanish
speakers, coworkers, students, or clients. Some basic knowledge of Spanish required. $35 (textbook: $20).
Maria GomezPowerpoint BasicsThursday March 19 1:00-5:00 pmIn this introductory class, learn the basics of creating presentations using Microsoft Powerpoint. Some knowledge of Microsoft Word required. $30.
Gerald BakerFiction Writing Master Class: Straw Into Gold The Art of Revision*Mondays Feb. 2 to Mar. 30 (no class Feb. 16) 5:30-7:00 pmIn this advanced-level class, we will work with that piece of fiction you want to improve, perhaps an old familiar that isn’t quite right, or one that keeps coming home with a rejection note pinned to its back. We will focus on making a good draft better, examining choices of point of view, point of entry, theme, metaphor, coherence and/or disharmony of element - in short, revision. We will examine the importance of structure and behold the wonder of words. Recommended text: Creating Fiction, ed. Julie Checkoway, Story Press, 1999. Applicants must submit a 6-8 page fiction writing sample by Friday, January 23. The submissions will be juried. Class limit: 10 participants. $150.
Lynn Pruett Poetry PracticeThursdaysFeb. 5 to Mar. 26 5:00-7:00 pm This workshop is for poets of all levels, from those who are just beginning to explore the world of poetry to those who are published and looking for ways to grow and share. Practice in the original composition of poetry, share your work, and discuss the work of others. Be prepared to write your own poems weekly. $80.
Adam Day ScreenwritingWednesdays Jan. 14 to Mar. 18 noon-1:30 pmLearn how screenwriting differs from other forms of writing in technique, format, substance and style. This introductory workshop is part film discussion and part step-by-step instruction on writing for visual media. Participants will discuss film scripts and work on visual narratives, treatments,
and formatting procedures, ultimately writing the first act of their own original screenplay. $100.
Nancy ArcherWriting Practice: EveningMondays Jan. 12 to Mar. 23 (no class Jan. 19 or Feb. 16) 5:30-7:00 pmDesigned as an opportunity to practice creative expression without judgment. Develop your natural story-telling instinct or refresh writing skills from word prompts or personal experiences, and have fun doing it. Recommended reading: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg (not required). Class may be entered on any day it is held; it is not necessary to commit to the entire session. FREE. Daytime sessions still led by Gail Koehler; evening sessions led by
Doug BegleyEssays Anonymous: High School Essay HelpWednesdays Feb. 11 to Mar. 18 5:00-6:00 pmGet essay help in a fun, informal setting. Feel free to bring in assignments. The workshop will include a nuts-and-bolts approach to writing essays, a breakdown on appropriate voice and grammar usage, and additional individual help as needed. If you are planning to attend college or just want extra help, this class is for you! FREE.
Amy McCleese NicholsUsing Literacy with Adoptive Families: a Support GroupMondays Feb. 2 to Mar. 30 (no meeting Feb. 16) 6:00-7:00 pmFor families with adopted children who are now 3-7 years old. Led by a Marriage and Family Therapy intern and prospective adoptive parent, the group will use children’s books and activities to discuss, strengthen, and support the special issues surrounding an adoptive family. FREE.
Esther EdwardsMath for College Entrance Exams: A Prep CourseWednesdays Jan. 21 to Mar. 11 6:00-7:30 pmGearing up for the SAT or ACT? Want to sharpen your math skills? This workshop is designed as preparation for the math component of college entrance exams, but is open to any high school students who need extra help in math. FREE.
Huston CombsYoung Readers Club: Grades 1-2SaturdaysJan. 17 to Mar. 28 (no class Jan. 24) 10:30-11:30 amChildren will increase their reading skills in a fun, hands-on environment as they explore games, crafts, and activities centered around children’s books. We’ll take a look at Caldecott and other honor winners, explore concepts including the elements of story, and more. FREE.
Ashley Hall The Artist’s WayTuesdays Jan. 13 to Mar. 24 5:30-7:00 pmNo time to write? Paint? Finish that song? No matter the medium, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron provides the tools for artists of all walks of life to catalyze and renew their creativity. Built around the concept that everyone
is creative, this class explores those creative impulses. Along with the text, additional prompts will be provided weekly via an email list-serve throughout the 11 weeks. Required text: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Please bring the text and a journal to class. $110.
Bianca SpriggsGrant Writing PracticeTuesdays Feb. 3-24 noon-1:30 pmFrom start to finish, learn how to write a grant through first-hand experience. You’ll explore grant opportunities, create a project budget, and write a narrative—
finishing the course with a complete writing sample. Feel welcome to eat your lunch as you learn. Instructed by an experienced grantwriter. $40.
Jennifer Mattox, Carnegie Center Development DirectorIndependent Film & Contemporary LiteratureThursdays Jan. 15 to Mar. 26 5:30-7:30 pmA film and literature discussion group for young adults—come together with a dynamic group of your peers to watch and discuss awesome independent films and 21st Century authors. Though the format of the group will be self-determined, films may include: City of God, Memento, Requiem for a Dream, The Science of Sleep, Amelie, Barton Fink, Dead Man, and Me and You and Everyone We Know. Authors may include: Miranda July, Junot Diaz, Tao Lin, Dave Eggers, Jonathan Safran Foer, Haruki Murakami, and others. FREE. Facilitated by
Hannah LeGris Reading & Writing Dramatic CharactersTuesdays Jan. 20 to Mar. 24 5:30-7:00 pmThis workshop is for people who want to read scripts aloud, actors and singers both classic and contemporary, and writers who want to learn how to construct characters for plays, screenplays, and narratives. Instructed by lead actress of On the Verge’s sold-out production of The Little Foxes. $100.
Janet ScottPlease let us know if you have any questions.
~warmly~
Katherine
Don't miss this exciting reading and workshop! Here are the details:
"de-stresser" than a great book. Here is what some of the staff are reading. We hope that you get a few ideas of great books to check out.
I am currently reading Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund.
Hannah Legris, Outreach coordinator and VISTA 
member, is reading Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link and Seven Essential Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. 
VISTA member, is also reading A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers, The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa by Patricia and Frederick McKissack and Good Poems by Garrison Keillor. 
Fatimah Shalash, CCLL tutoring coordinator and VISTA member, is reading The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.
Join us at the Carnegie Center tonight for the Eclectic Living Room. This book discussion is free. Here are the details:
