Community Classes
CONTACT US
Anna Cole
Community Education and Workforce Development
Phone: 541-888-7328
Email
Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Take Classes For Fun and Personal Growth!
Southwestern offers a wide range of life-long learning and personal exploration opportunities to enrich your life.
We offer a variety of classes at our beautiful Coos and Curry campuses, and online as well. All of our Community Classes are noncredit, and taught by highly qualified individuals from our local communities.
Winter term classes start Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
To register for a class, call or email:
Coos: 541-888-7352
Email
Curry: 541-813-1667
Email
CONTACT US
Anna Cole
Community Education and Workforce Development
Phone: 541-888-7328
Email
Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Coos Campus In-Person
The Arts
ART 0105 01 TIE DYE FOR BEGINNERS
In this class you will learn all the basics of creating tie dye works including hands-on instruction to demonstrate the process. Gather tips and tricks from a seasoned tie dye artist to achieve intentional patterns on your garment. Participants need to bring a white cotton shirt to complete the tie dye project.
Instructor: Brenda Belongie
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $85
Day: Sat, Sun 2/4-5
Time: Sat 10:00am – 3:00pm, Sun 10:00am – 12:00pm
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ART 0110 01 TIE DYE INTERMEDIATE
In this class you will learn intermediate skills of creating tie dye works including demonstrations of more advanced techniques in design creation. Gather tips and tricks from a seasoned tie dye artist to achieve intentional intricate patterns. Participants need to bring a white cotton shirt.
Instructor: Brenda Belongie
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $85
Day: Sat, Sun 2/11-12
Time: Sat 10:00am – 3:00pm, Sun 10:00am – 12:00pm
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ART 0257 01 CERAMICS BASICS
Explore in a studio setting the art of working in clay. In this course, students are guided to develop skills with hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Perfect for beginning and intermediate potters.
Instructor: Annie Pollard
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $129
Day: Tue
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
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ART 0259 01 ADVANCED CERAMICS
Create works of art through supervised mentoring of advanced techniques for advanced level potters. Course cost does not include clay. Clay is purchased as needed in class through the ceramics department.
Instructor: Sue Scott
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $209
Day: Mon, Wed
Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
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MUS 0101 01 BASICS OF PIANO/KEYBOARD
This course is a perfect introduction to piano and music for those who wish to learn to play piano in a group setting. No experience is required as this course starts with basic training and skills. You will gain an understanding of reading music, chords, harmony and rhythms, while exploring the joys of playing music.
Instructor: Keely Whitney
Location: Sunset 2
Cost: $99
Day: Mon, Wed
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
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MUP 0125 VOCAL TRAINING WORKSHOP
This workshop is an introductory course for singers, experienced or not, in a group setting designed to teach you how to make your voice more powerful, how to use vocal technique to expand your range and expression, and how to become more confident in vocal performances.
Instructor: Keely Whitney
Location: Sunset 2
Cost: $75
MUP 0125 01
Day: Sat 1/21
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
MUP 0125 02
Day: Sat 3/11
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Cooking
CRT 0140 01 SOUP DU JOUR
This class will explore creation of several different soups chosen by one of our chefs.
Instructor: Randy Torres
Location: OCCI 121
Cost: $89
Day: Sat 2/11
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
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CRT 0145 01 THE SECRET’S IN THE SAUCE!
Do you want to learn how to make a killer sauce to compliment any meal? In this course you will learn to make a variety of sauces that the chef has chosen to explore.
Instructor: Randy Torres
Location: OCCI 121
Cost: $89
Day: Sat 1/14
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
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*As a safety precaution all students attending cooking classes must wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Menu items are subject to change up to the day of the class based on availability, costs, and shipping times. Due to this we are unable to provide information on specific dishes.
Fitness & Recreation
PE 0232 01 THE NEXT STEP
This intermediate international folk-dance class involves a group of happy people learning traditional ethnic dances in a circle, line, couple, trio, longways sets or individual formation. The suggested dress is cool, comfortable clothing. This is an intermediate level class for people who have completed PE*0234 Beginning International Folk Dancing.
Instructor: Stacy Rose
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $69
Day: Thur
Time: 7:00pm – 8:45pm
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PE 0234 01 INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE (BEGINNING)
Tour the world one dance step at a time in this beginner-level class for people 12 years of age and older. Dancers will learn dances from Eastern Europe, Israel, Turkey, Portugal, and various other countries. The suggested dress is cool, comfortable clothing.
Instructor: Stacy Rose
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $69
Day: Wed
Time: 7:00pm – 8:45pm
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PE 0503 02 PILATES® EXERCISE
Pilates® is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility and muscle strength. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core, as well as improving coordination and balance.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Tue, Thur
Time: 12:00pm – 12:50pm
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PE 0507 01 YOGA FOR HEALTH – BEGINNER
Restorative, therapeutic yoga practice safe and comfortable. Improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility and stress reduction while calming and quieting the mind. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center Room 121
Cost: $75
Day: Mon
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
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PE 0506 01 YOGA FOR HEALTH – INTERMEDIATE
A more challenging Yoga practice with restorative and therapeutic benefits. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $75
Day: Wed
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
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PE 0509 01 Zumba®
Zumba® Fitness is a global brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an addictive dance-fitness class. Zumba® utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning.
Instructor: Tina Creamer
Location: Rec Center 131
Cost: $95
Days: Mon, Thur
Time: 5:15pm – 6:05pm
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PE 0517 01 JUDO
This course is designed to guide students through basic skill development in the fundamentals all the way through the advanced skills and techniques of Judo.
Instructor: Clayton Willett
Location: Prosper Hall Mat Room 3
Cost: $75
Days: Tue, Thur
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
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PE 0505 01 TURBO KICK
Turbo Kick is a combination of intense kickboxing moves, as well as a unique blend of intense interval strength and endurance training all perfectly choreographed to high energy and motivating music. Turbo Kick requires no previous kickboxing experience or equipment.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Mon, Wed
Time: 5:30pm – 6:20pm
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PE 0522 FITNESS FOR RECOVERY
Fitness for Recovery provides a sober active community to individuals who have suffered from a substance use disorder and to those who choose a sober life. This is about rising up together to meet the challenges of recovery and living life to its full potential. Using a peer support model, members heal and rebuild their lives. For more information, please contact Jennifer Stephens at 541-404-6438.
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PE 0535 01 DANCE FITNESS
Dance Fitness fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an addictive dance-fitness class. The course utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Mon, Wed
Time: 12:00pm – 12:50pm
Languages
Special Interest
CE 0505 01 PERFUMERY
Discover the art and practice of perfumery! Learn the history of the perfume industry and development of the natural perfume niche. Create a custom blend, a bespoke signature scent to bring home and enjoy.
Instructor: Abigail Houston
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $40
Day: Sat, 1/14
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
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DRIV 0620 01 AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE
This course offers you an important opportunity to learn how to drive more efficiently and safely. The course contains up-to-date information about changes over time in ourselves, our vehicles, and our roads. For more information and to pre-register call 541-305-6454.
Location: Newmark 207
Cost: AARP members $20, non-members $25, check or cash is payable to AARP at the class.
Day: Thur 1/19
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
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DRIV 0622 01 MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING
From Team Oregon, Basic Rider Training is a 15-hour (3 days) course for novice riders to build fundamental street-riding skills and strategies. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. For individuals with no riding experience, this is the recommended course. Registration must take place prior to the date of the class at https://team-oregon.org/.
Instructor: Michael Heinen
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $229
Days: Fri, Sat, Sun 3/3 – 3/5
Time: Fri 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Sat 8:00am – 3:15pm
Sun 8:00am – 3:15pm
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DRIV 0623 01 INTERMEDIATE MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING
Intermediate Rider Training is an eight-hour (1 day) course for riders who already know how to get underway, turn, shift and stop a motorcycle or scooter and strengthens fundamental street-riding skills. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. Registration must take place prior to the date of the class at https://team-oregon.org/.
Instructor: Michael Heinen
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $199
Day: Sat 3/4
Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
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G 025CB 01 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – CAPE BLANCO FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the southern Oregon Coast with stops focused between Cape Blanco and Brookings.
Instructor: Ron Metzger
Location: To be determined and sent via Email
Cost: $60
Date: Sat 1/28
Time: TBD
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G 025DU 01 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – DUNES FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast with stops focused between Coos Bay and Yachats.
Instructor: Nadia McLaughlin
Location: To be determined and sent via Email
Cost: $60
Date: Sun 2/5
Time: TBD
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HD 0964 INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
This is a 16-week program supported by The SAFE Project for Coos County. This program provides men and women with information on how to build healthy relationships with significant others, children, friends, co-workers and others. Registration is by appointment only. A fee of $50 is due at the appointment time. The fee covers registration, a workbook and class materials. A fee of $15 per class is due at each class. To schedule an appointment contact Chuck Stepping at 541-808-7436. Prices are subject to change and are paid directly to ATV program reps.
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IND 0905 MARINE SAFETY
This is an Oregon State Marine Board approved course that will provide the instruction (with prior study) to pass the Oregon Boater Education Card test. Pre-registration is required and is completed by calling 541-267-6152.
Instructor: George Tinker
Location: Columbia Pacific Maritime
Cost: $15
Day: March TBA
Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Curry Campus In-Person
Special Interest
Fitness
PE 0504 01 TAI CHI
This course in Tai Chi is a gentle, relaxed, non-sweat, personal exercise (translated as the “Grand Ultimate”) for any age. The ‘Yang Form’ will be taught along with ‘Chi Gwa’ (circulating breath) and ‘Silk Cocoon Chen’ (fine intertwining energy). This course is noncompetitive and will start with the basics, and then individuals will progress at their own rate.
Instructor: Deane McConnell
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tues
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
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PE 0570 01 LOW-IMPACT AEROBICS
This class uses easy to follow dance steps and rhythmic movements that are choreographed to upbeat music. This is a fun way to get you moving while improving your cardiovascular system, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, while boosting your overall fitness level. This is a great class for active seniors no matter your level of fitness. Bring a mat for the floor exercises.
Instructor: Mary Whitaker
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tue, Thur
Time: 8:30am – 9:45am

Online Community Classes
After registering, log into myLakerLink and click on eLearning Courses under Quick Links for access to your class.
Special Interest
G 025CB 02 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – CAPE BLANCO FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the southern Oregon Coast with stops focused between Cape Blanco and Brookings. The course consists of a virtual field trip.
Instructor: Ron Metzger
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $60
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G 025DU 02 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – DUNES FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast with stops focused between Coos Bay and Yachats. The course consists of a virtual field trip.
Instructor: Nadia McLaughlin
Location: Online-On Demand
Cost: $60
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WR 0100 01 WRITING YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Who better to tell your story than YOU? Come and learn how to put together all of your stories into a book. Your autobiography is sure to be something cherished. This course will introduce you to the techniques of writing an autobiography.
Instructor: Sally Harrold
Location: Live Online Zoom
Cost: $105
Day: Mon
Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Take classes “on the go!” with ed2go.
Classes
Online classes start every month and are typically six-weeks long. With 24-hour access to your class, you choose the right time to be engaged. Check out the variety of courses to choose from and complete registration here.
Teach A Class
Our vision at Southwestern is to lead and inspire lifelong learning. Do you have a skill, hobby or interest that you would like to share with others? Do you want to offer a course that is going to harness inspiration and give others an opportunity to learn? Does it support personal enrichment, enhance a life skill, or meet a need in our local workforce? Community Classes are taught by people in our community, for our community.
We are always looking for enthusiastic people who want to combine an interest in serving the community with the benefit of supplementing their income. Depending on the class, certification and/or formal education may not be required. The first step is filling out the Community Education/Workforce Development Instructor application which you can find here.