General Interest

Culinary

Basic Rider Safety Program - Motorcycle

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed for the student with little or no motorcycle experience, as well as for re-entry riders who have not ridden in a long time. Persons interested in attending a BRC must be 16 years of age or older. Students under the age of 18 must have the written consent of a parent or guardian. Motorcycles are provided by the college, however the student is responsible for the protective gear required to participate in this course. Courses are held March through November each year.

3-Wheel Motorcycle

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC) is a basic, entry-level, learn-to-ride 3-wheel motorcycle training and education course. It provides the same fundamental skills as the MSF Basic RiderCourse, but on 3-wheel, 3-track motorcycle (not sidecars). Our program has a limited number of 3-wheel motorcycles available for use during class that are reserved at the time of your registration. Please let us know if you will be using our motorcycle or your own. Students may provide their own trike BUT must show proof of insurance and registration. A student’s 3-wheel motorcycle must pass a T-CLOCKS inspection by the Rider Coach. To see if your 3-wheel motorcycle meets the definition of “3-Wheel Motorcycle”, go to the MSF website at: http://msf-usa.org.

Experienced Motorcycle Safety Course

Offered on demand, the Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is an 8-hour course designed for riders who have successfully completed the BRC or who possess basic riding skills and who would like to sharpen their current riding safety skills. It’s a great way to learn more about your riding abilities as well as the capabilities of your motorcycle. Students must possess a valid motorcycle license/endorsement. A motorcycle learner’s permit is also acceptable. It is recommended that you have at least 6 months or 3,000 miles riding experience. You must provide a street legal, properly licensed motorcycle for the range exercise and must show proof of insurance. Your bike must also pass a visual safety inspection at the beginning of the course. Passengers may participate. Protective gear is also required.

Advanced Motorcycle Safety Course

The Advanced Rider Course is a one-day course intended for motorcyclists who have completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course or have a similar experience level.

The classroom segment focuses on the behavioral aspects of riding such as attitude and personal risk assessment, and includes discussions about braking proficiency, cornering techniques, traction management, and specific characteristics unique to sport bikes. The goal is to provide riders with a way to further develop personal riding strategies to minimize risk, with particular emphasis on the Search-Evaluate-Execute (SEESM) strategy used in all MSF curricula. A knowledge test is given at the end of the classroom portion.

The range session builds on these topics by providing riders the opportunity to develop and improve skills in braking, cornering and swerving. Included is a demonstration of the components of total stopping distance and practice in obstacle avoidance and evasive maneuvers.

Alive at 25! Defensive Driving Course

This course goes hand-in-hand with the defensive driving program; however, this young driver intervention program zeroes in on drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 – the group most likely to be involved in fatal collisions. This highly interactive four-hour course teaches young drivers how to take control of situations by taking responsibility for their own driving behavior.

Defensive Driving Course

Those charged with certain traffic violations, such as speeding, unsafe movement, etc., in any county that recognizes the NC Safety and Health Council program may have their charges reduced by the District Attorney by taking this 4-hour course. Violations will be reduced to improper equipment and points will not appear on your driver’s license or your insurance. The course is offered weekly.

Introduction to Beekeeping

Basics of beekeeping is offered to persons interested in hobby beekeeping. Topics covered include: types of bees, basic beehive and frame construction and placement, and beekeeping tools. The class also discusses topics such as installing hive management and briefly discusses honey production.

Introduction to Bluegrass

Students will learn the basics of playing Bluegrass on the five string banjo. Some of the basic skills and techniques students should expect to learn are:

Acoustic Guitar

  • How to correctly hold the acoustic guitar
  • The names of the different parts of the instrument
  • How to tune your instrument
  • Learn how to play standard guitar chords
  • Basics on how to play bluegrass rhythm guitar and flatpicking
  • Learn how to play the standards of bluegrass music
  • Explore some basic rhythms on the guitar such as bluegrass, folk and country

Banjo (five string)

  • How to correctly hold the banjo
  • The names of the different parts of the instrument
  • How to tune your instrument
  • Three finger picking technique
  • Learn how to play the standards of bluegrass music
  • Explore the basic rhythms on the bluegrass banjo

Intro Bluegrass Fiddle

In this six week class, students will learn the basics of playing Bluegrass on the fiddle. Some of the basic skills and techniques students should expect to learn are:

  • How to correctly hold the fiddle and bow
  • The names of the different parts of the instrument
  • How to tune your instrument
  • How to create a pleasant sound with the instrument
  • Proper finger placement for first position
  • How to play the standards of bluegrass music
  • Explore the basic rhythms on the bluegrass fiddle

Conversational Spanish I

Learn real-world, relevant language skills to communicate with Spanish speakers in the community. Discover tricks and tips for picking up Spanish fast! Emphasis is on learning useful phrases and vocabulary, which is practiced in class through small groups and engaging exercises to develop ability and confidence. No previous Spanish language instruction necessary.

Conversational Spanish II

This course is designed for students who have at least a small foundation of Spanish study. You will increase your skills to have more in-depth and complex conversations. Working with vocabulary and phrases necessary for all kinds of situations, students will expand their abilities to engage in real world conversations that would occur while traveling, while interacting with clients, employees or simply chatting with a Spanish-speaking neighbor.

Spanish for Health Care Providers

Geared specifically for health care professionals, students will learn relevant vocabulary, practice essential phrases, as well as develop the confidence to inform, assist and gather information from Spanish-speaking clients and patients. Cultural issues related to health care are also covered. Previous basic Spanish experience/training is helpful but not required.

Conversational French I

Through film, music, literature and language, we explore the wide, fascinating world of Francophone (French-speaking) cultures. We learn and practice basic conversation used in everyday settings as well as travel situations. If you’ve studied a bit of French, or always wanted to, this is the best place to be to enjoy Conversational French! A basic familiarity with the French language is helpful but not required.

Intro to Sign Language

This is an introductory course to American Sign Language - the predominate sign language for the Deaf community. This course is designed for students who want to start or are currently working with the Deaf community, and for those who want to learn how to communicate to a deaf family member and/or friends.

Introduction to Mixology

Learn the basics of the art of mixing alcoholic beverages in order to make today’s most popular drinks, and managing a bar efficiently and effectively. Learn about the laws from Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) and proper procedures. Also develop and utilize customer service skills and learn how to increase tips by providing a superior bar experience for customers.

Craft Brewing 101

Learn the Basics processes involved with brewing beer in small quantities for non-commercial use. Topics covered include but not limited to:

  • Fundamentals of Beer and the Brewing Process
  • Basic Brewing Ingredients
  • Fermentation Basics
  • Basic Storage Processes
  • Basic Sanitation & Cleaning Methods
  • Tasting and Critique

*Must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for this course