Lake Tahoe Community College
 ramps up summer with Connect programs

In one of the most innovate private-public education partnerships developed in recent years, Lake Tahoe Community College prepares to launch the summer follow-up of its successful CONNECT program.

Designed as a way for community members to extend their education pursuits, CONNECT offers noncredit classes at Lake Tahoe Community College with a series of life enhancement workshops for people with passions for arts, theater, health and fitness and business marketing.

Summer education and fitness programs for children are also offered. The CONNECT program operates out of the college but it is a self-sustaining venture. It doesn't receive state funding, instead what it charges for classes is what keeps the department going. Whether you live on the California or Nevada side, fees for the classes are the same.

"The concept behind this for us is we want to work with those in the community who are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and who want to share those expertise in a continuing education community," said Megan Waskiewicz, program coordinator.
Classes are offered in a variety of areas. One of the showcase programs is the Community Kitchen, sponsored by Barton Health and Elevate Wellness Center. The program centers on health and nutrition.
"Whether someone wants to lose weight, control diabetes or learn to cook nutritious foods that taste good, we put it all together for anyone who is looking to be healthy. We are making health a lifestyle," said June Denney, instructor of the Community Kitchen program.
 The following is a sample of programs are being offered through CONNECT this summer. Go here for registration information and a summary of classes.

Here's a look at some of the classes offered:
NEW DAY 2 – BEACH BODY:  This 5-week workshop offers nutrition and cooking classes coupled with a 3 day a week functional fitness program that will get you healthy, fit and strong just in time for beach season.  The nutrition and cooking classes focus on power of food and eating for life.  Participants will learn how to make healthy food choices that are easy.  Cooking topics include:  30 minute meals and healthy snacks and appetizers. The exercise program combines functional fitness classes that focus on cardio and core with one day a week  of yoga. Fee:  $199 Dates:  June 4-July 13.


STAYING HEALTHY WITH THE SEASONS: This workshop provides the art of liver health/detoxification using spring herbs and foods to create well being and balance. Learn to identify herbs and foods used in spring and summer for medicine, nutrition, and detoxification. Create colorful recipes for summer. Fee: $50; June 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING 101: Have you ever wanted to learn to make your own herbal medicine? Now you can. Save money and make your own teas, tinctures, electuaries and syrups. Herbal medicines seem shrouded in mystery, but in reality they are simple to make when you can tailor them to meet your specific needs. Fee: $50, Date: June 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.


WOMEN'S WELLNESS HERBS AND NUTRITION: Each phase of a woman's life requires specific nutritional needs. Learn strategies of herbal and nutritional programs to enhance the health and well-being of a woman's
life. Discover recipes and herbal allies to keep you powerful and healthy. Fee: $50, July 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.


STAYING HEALTHY WITH THE SEASONS: Lighten Up. Learn the art of detoxifying your skin using an array of juicy summer foods and herbs. Lighten up your diet and nutrify the system while discovering dry brushing and sweat therapy. Identify and learn about specific summer herbs used for detoxification, nutrition, and medicine. Experience how to prepare foods for summer specific recipes. Fee: $50, July 28, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.


Health/Fitness/Wellness:
IRON GIRL TRIATHLON TRAINING: Get ready for Iron Girl 2012 by training ahead of time. This eight- week training program will give you all the tools necessary for a safe and fun triathlon experience. Workshop series include: Open water swim clinics, interval training, and a regular workout schedule for all disciplines.  Participants should be able to swim at l.east a lap without stopping. Fee: $249, July 23 through Sept. 16.


MASTER SWIMMING: The Masters Swim Program is designed for the lap swimmer looking for a challenge, or a tri athlete looking for a change in pace in their workouts, or a past competitor looking for a way to
stay in shape. The Masters Program is available to all members regardless of age or speed. Fee: $110, June 25 - August 14.


ADULT STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING: This workshop will introduce participants to the amazing sport of Standup Paddle Boarding on the amazing Lake Tahoe.  Instruction will cover board positioning/balance, efficient paddle stroke techniques, and paddle board maneuvering. Fee: $99 + $30 rental board fee, July 11, 18, 25, & August 1. 7am-9am. A women's program is also available.


FITNESS EDUCATION CENTER: These 12 and 6 week programs allows access to the Fitness Education Center. This program is designed to meet students' needs once repeatability has been reached in the designated courses. Design a personalized fitness program with a certified LTCC instructor or just take advantage of the wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment. Orientation is required for first time participants. 12-week and 6-week sessions are available. June through September. Fees are $85 and $42.50


HIGH ALTITUDE GARDENING CALENDAR: Prepare your Lake Tahoe garden and yard for next season. These workshops will provide a comprehensive list of duties, how to work in harmony with nature, and suggest suitable plants for handling adversities and inclement weather. Learn how to have more success and less frustration in your garden. Fee: $20 per workshop: June 30, Sept. 15, Oct. 13.

CONNECT FOR KIDS: programs for children this summer include painting, ceramics, rock climbing, cooking, mountain biking, stand up paddle, science, and sports performance workshops.


LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: programs this summer include unique Spanish classes that blend outdoor activities with Spanish learning; Shakespeare at Sand Harbor, a workshop that will meet once to talk about Shakespeare and how to read his work, and to discuss "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" being performed at Sand Harbor this summer.


CONNECT WITH BUSINESS: Offerings include a marketing class developed to help businesses market their services through Facebook. The July 12 workshop will cover best practices, the Timeline for Businesses, uploading images, and how to engage target audiences.


CONNECT WITH SENIORS:  Program include smart phone workshop and learning the basics of Facebook and Email. This  interactive workshop gives seniors the chance to learn the basics of Facebook, including setting up an account and profile, posting status updates, responding to and initiating "friend" requests, uploading and tagging images, and learning how the Facebook interface works.