By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Based on the principle that no one is too old to learn, Pitt-Johnstown’s Office of Outreach and Professional Services is offering more than 35 personal enrichment and professional development classes for adults.

There are nearly 10 new titles among the personal enrichment, language, mind and body, computer and professional development programs in the Discover Fall series.

Jeanne Susko, coordinator of outreach and professional services, said classes are designed to be taught in either a beginner or intermediate skill level to help people expand their horizons.

“The classes are not intimidating, and by trying a class, it may be something a person can make an enjoyable part of living,” Susko said.

Classes cost between $19 and $69, depending on the course and materials needed to complete the session.

But Susko has learned that certain courses are in demand year after year.

“Personal-enrichment sessions such as water yoga and digital photography have generated a lot of interest,” she said.

Aside from basic and intermediate digital photography, a new edition features Post Capture – Digital Photography, which focuses on digital photography after the pictures have been taken.

“We will discuss downloading, archiving, storing and printing options,” she said.

“Participants will learn how to enhance images by cropping, removing red eye and increasing color enhancements through Adobe Photoshop,” Susko said.

Cost of the session is $44, and classes meet every Thursday beginning Nov. 6 and continuing through Nov. 20.

People interested in tracing their roots may try ABCs of Genealogy. Instead of doing a lot of legwork running from library to library, participants will use campus computers to discover a variety of new online Web sites to enhance the search of family ancestors.

Likewise, learning conversational Spanish and Polish have gained a lot of interest.

“It’s all about people going back to their roots and trying to regain some of that culture that has been lost,” Susko said.

Each language class costs $69.

One session that is back by popular demand is Life in the Sandwich Generation, which is geared toward caregivers who must meet the needs of an aging parent.

Subjects such as new roles and responsibilities, conflicts and issues, and where to turn for help will be discussed.

Sharon Hartnett, executive director of the Cambria County Senior Center, will present the one-day session from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6.

“We look a this more as a community service,” Susko said.

“Cost is minimally priced at $5 and that only serves as a reminder to those who have signed up for the course to attend.”

Urban Legends: The Cemetery Tour has proven so popular that a second tour has been added to the agenda.

The Oct. 18 tour has been filled, so Susko has added another tour for Saturday.

The historical tours will focus on local folktales, which will make mention of ghost stories and historical facts.

Participants will explore several local cemeteries through gentle walking tours.

The university is partnering with Sherry Lynn’s Ballroom Dance Center, 646 Main St. in downtown Johnstown, to offer off-campus swing, jitterbug and salsa dance classes.

“We usually limit the class to about 16 members, so it’s important for people to sign up early,” Susko said.

Computer classes remain popular.

The fall schedule includes Computers for Seniors, Introduction to Windows, Creative Documents Using Microsoft Word, Introduction to Microsoft Word, Advanced Microsoft Word, Introduction to Excel and Introduction to Access.

“Under professional development, we are offering beginning and advance grant writing, which should be an interest to many people and companies in the area looking for money,” Susko said.

The classes are taught by Leonard Shurin, who has been involved in writing grants at the local, state and federal levels for more than 20 years.

Information: 269-2099.



A better you

What: Personal enrichment and professional development classes for adults, offered by Pitt-Johnstown.

Where: Various venues in the Greater Johnstown region.

Cost: Classes range between $19 and $69.

Information: 269-2099.