Eight courses are available for the new session of Horizons, the lifelong educational program that has sign-ups today and Saturday, with classes beginning the week of March 18.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Horizons offers a variety of formats with non-credit courses of both academic and non-academic nature. It is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Putnam County Public Library, Kiwanis and several local churches.

A contribution of $20 for the first course, plus $15 for each additional course, is requested. Additional fees, specified in some course descriptions -- may be required for some courses. Registration for spring sessions is from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 8 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 10 at the Putnam County Public Library.

Courses for the upcoming program are:

-- Computer: Microsoft Word. Technology trainers Janice Heavin and Vicky Krider offer a course beginning with basics and employing their knowledge and experience to provide help with more advanced computer skills.

-- Geography of Indiana. Explore Indiana from bedrock to flowing streams, and from farm land to tenebrous caverns. Instructor Terry Noble will focus on the physical geography and environment for the first three classes and on the human geography of the Hoosier state for the first class.

-- Knitting 102. Cathy Walton, a champion knitter, uses her expertise to teach all phases of basic knitting and simple pattern stitches. Students should already know how to to the knit and purl stitches.

-- Line up for drawing and painting. Classes will meet at the library, and will also try outdoor sketching, weather permitting. No previous experience is necessary. Under the guidance of Barbara Bates, a retired art teacher with a master's degree from Rockford College, pupils of all levels of experience and ability will have the opportunity to learn the basics of drawing and sketching. Students should bring a medium-size sketch book and a variety of pens and pencils. Supplies are available at Bright Futures.

-- The Magic of Opera. Explore the world of opera, to learn how opera in combining the arts of music, storytelling, staging and dance, explores the deepest desires of the human heart and soul. No musical background is necessary. The instructor is Jeffery Hollander, associate professor of music at DePauw.

-- Meaningful Movies. Gordon Walters, who has taught film at DePauw University and is a freelance film essayist for area newspapers, will lead the class in discussing three films that focus on questions of morality, faith and good/evil. The instructor will choose the first two films 9from such films as "Places of the Heart," "The Shawshank Redemption," "Tender Mercies" and "Breaker Morant." Class members will choose a film.

-- Walking Through The Old Testament: Genesis 1-12. A historical view of Chapters 1-12 of the book of Genesis as seen through the Christian faith, looking at how divergent groups from similar heritages affirmed their stories. The class will also explore how editors have emphasized particular teachings over the span of time. Instructor is P.T. Wilson, senior pastor at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church and University Chaplain at DePauw.

-- Watercolor Basics. Instructor Bill Lorton will guide beginning and intermediate watercolorists in the techniques of planning, drawing, composition, mixing colors and brushworks. Students will need paints, brushes and paper. Those who do not have supplies are encouraged to call Lorton at 653-5590 before investing.

More details on the courses and the instructors, as well as registration instructors, are available at Putnam County Public Library.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: