ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES - FITNESS, LEISURE & SPORTS

MEDITATION AND THE SECRET ~ This class offers a way to integrate and work with traditional meditation and the law of attraction as presented in the movie “The Secret”.  Learn approaches to mental well being for the individual and for the whole society to better deal with today’s complex and fast paced world. Two powerful tools are available, both of which are timeless and effective. The course is designed to shed light on how to use and understand these two approaches.  The class will include lecture, discussion, meditation, and exercises. Several film clips will also be shown.  For people who have taken the instructor’s other courses, this will be a continuation of the work. The course is also appropriate for newcomers.  (Instructor, Mark Currie)  Mark Curri is a psychotherapist and meditation teacher. He has over 30 years experience with meditation techniques and self-help approaches and has worked for 15 years as a therapist with individuals, couples, families and groups. He has a deep belief in and understanding of the power available in groups of like-minded people. #292    Begins June 30         Mondays        11:00 am-12:50 pm   6 sessions     $75     SHS

ASTRONOMY ~ Journey through our Solar System to the edge of the known Universe.  Rediscover the constellations and the stories behind their names.  Tour the planets with highlights from the space probes and landers of the last two decades.  Track results from the Hubble Space Telescope to explore the life and death of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the fate of the Universe.  Explore the growing list of extra-solar planets and the possibility of life outside of our Solar System.  At least one evening will be spent using the telescopes at the Westport Rolnick Observatory.  (Instructor, Dr. Nicholas Morgan)

Dr. Nicholas Morgan was a professional astronomer before joining the science faculty at Staples High School in 2007.  After earning his Ph.D. from MIT, he worked as an astrophysicist at the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics and The Ohio State University Astronomy Department.  His research focused on the matter density and expansion rate of the Universe, and on identifying rare optical mirages in deep space (known as lensed quasars).  He currently teaches in the Staples Physics Department and Authentic Science Research program, and manages the school's research telescopes at the Rolnick Observatory.
#291    Begins June 30         Monday          7:00-9:00 pm            6 sessions     $85     SHS

GOING TO THE DOGS – DOG OBEDIENCE ~ (for dogs at least 4 months old) ~ Designed to teach the owner how to train his/her dog to be a well-mannered and obedient pet. Topics: understanding your dog and communicating effectively; basic obedience commands- sit, down, stay, stand, come, and leash walking; behavior modification- digging, jumping, chewing, barking, etc. Dogs must have a collar and a 6 foot leash. Bring your dog to the first class. Limit 10. No class on days of inclement weather. (Instructor, Heather Witt)
#290      Begins June 30   Mondays          6:30-7:30 pm     6 sessions        $119     SHS
#290X   Begins June 30   Mondays          7:30-8:30 pm      6 sessions        $119     SHS   new session added!

BEGINNER/ADVANCED BEGINNER BRIDGE ~ This is the perfect opportunity for people who want to begin to learn the fascinating game of bridge or to brush up on those long forgotten rules and conventions. This class will introduce the language of bidding, scoring, guidelines for play, hand valuation, and some simple bridge conventions. Each class lesson will be followed by supervised play of preset hands. Limit 16. (Instructor, Jackie Fuchs)
#194 Begins July 10       Thursdays          7:00-9:00 pm     6 Sessions        $99       SHS

ANGER MANAGEMENT ~ This structured program is based on the concepts in Alice Katz’s book, “It’s Not Personal! A Guide to Anger Management.” It includes charts, questionnaires, and discussion for expressing anger effectively and feeling less hurt or angry when people at home, on the road, at work, or in the community are uncooperative, manipulative, critical, rejecting, hostile, deceptive, or incompetent. (Instructor, Alice Katz)
#295     Begins June 30          Mondays        7:00-9:00 pm               6 Sessions     $99      SHS

YOGA ~ Learn to revitalize your body and achieve inner peace. Learn techniques to loosen muscles that are causing tension and eliminate weaknesses that are causing pain. Leave every class feeling refreshed and at peace. All levels are welcome. Please bring a mat. (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk)
#145     Begins June 30          Mondays        6:30-7:45 pm               6 sessions   $109       SHS

YOGA ~  Through physical postures, breathing, and relaxation techniques you will come to realize the many gifts of this ancient practice: increased flexibility, strength, clarity, serenity, weight loss, better concentration, stress reduction, overall good health, and a good workout. All levels welcome. Please bring your own mat and a throw blanket. (Instructor, Maria Vailakis-Wippick, RYT)
#998     Begins June 26    8 sessions       Thursdays        7:00 -8:15 pm     $139             Westport Sr. Center

DANCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS AND FUN ~ Do you like to dance or want to learn?  In this energetic class, you’ll develop style, balance and a better understanding and feel of music and dance.  Learn the different rhythms and basic dance moves to music ranging from African and Spanish melodies to rock and roll to classical waltz.  Get a great aerobic workout while having fun.  No partner required.  (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk)
#277     Begins June 30  Mondays    6 sessions       7:45-9:00 pm             $109    SHS

TAP DANCING ~ Are you looking for a fun way to get some great exercise?  Have you always wanted to take dance lessons but never had the chance?  Did you dance when you were younger and would like to pick it up again?  Are you just looking to do something new and different?  Then these are the classes for you!  Beginner through intermediate levels welcome.  You will get a great workout while learning one of the most beautiful performing arts - DANCE. (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk) 
#955     Begins July 10   Thursdays     6 sessions           6:30-7:30 pm               $49       SHS

BADMINTON  ~  Co-ed:  Looking for a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time?  Beginning players as well as experienced players - this is the place to be.  Meet and play with new friends.  You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the sport of real badminton.  Sneakers and badminton racquet required.  Racquets available, if needed. (Instructor, Peter Bartush)
#175      Begins June 23    Mondays          7:30-9:30 pm     10 sessions       $99       SHS

#068 Kara Wolters' Basketball Clinic for Women
A one-day fun and instructional camp for women over 40!  Featuring: Kara Wolters, UCONN Great and Olympic Gold Medalist.  In April 2008 she will be inducted into the Connecticut Basketball Hall of Fame. 
Additional information (PDF flyer)  Learn more about Kara on her website. 
June 28    8:30 check in   9:00-4:00 pm     $95     canceled
Register before 5/21 and pay only $89

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
(Ages 18 & up) ~ Come join us for a fun filled evening with lots of exercise and enjoyable competition.
#210 Begins June 24    Tuesdays        9 sessions          7:30-9:30 pm     $39       SHS

ADULT TENNIS
TENNIS FOR ADULTS  (Instructor, Connie Goodman, 226-4664)

TRACK & FIELD CLUB (ALL ages):  Emphasis is on proper running, jumping, and throwing techniques and on improving strength, flexibility, endurance and performance. Safety, good sportsmanship, and a healthy work ethic are also emphasized. T-shirt included. (Instructor, Jesse McCray) 
 
Beginners will be introduced to sprinting, distance running, and throwing events. Attendance at meets is optional.
#425a Beginners:  T & W          Begins July 1   5:00-7:30 pm
11 Sessions      $89       SHS

For the athlete wishing to compete on a team, events in addition to those above include long jumping and hurdles. The fee includes a singlet and a USTA membership.
#425b Competitive: M, T, W     Begins June 30               5:00-7:30 pm
16 Sessions      $139     SH

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