Fall 2010 Classes

Fall 2010 term: October 12 - November 18, 2010

Anacortes’ Recreational Marine Industry

Learn why Anacortes is a major center in the recreational marine industry. We’ll hear presentations about yacht design and manufacture, our small boat center, marine surveying and documentation, the charter business, wooden boat restoration and maintenance, our Port and Chamber’s vision for the future of Anacortes’ marine industry…and so much more!

Instructors are marine experts and civic leaders including: Bob Hyde, Port of Anacortes Executive Director; American Tug and Janicki Industries; Small Boat Center, Pacific Rim Marine Surveyors, and Marine Documentation Center, Inc.; ABC Yacht Sales; Emerald Marine and others; Mark Bunzel, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. Full instructor list (PDF). Class meets Thursdays @ 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Animation before Computers

Our talented animator will talk about his experiences with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Mr. Magoo, Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, and other cartoon characters. He will illustrate how animation was done before computers and share his experiences working in the fast moving and challenging entertainment industry.

Instructor:  Bob Abrams’ credits include Hanna Barbera, Walt Disney, and Warner Brothers. Among his TV commercials are “Charlie the Tuna” and the “Keebler Cookie Elves.” His stone litho for the International Museum of Twentieth Century Art hangs at the United Nations. Class meets Thursdays @ 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Criminal Justice

The objective of this course is to give a realistic look at the criminal justice system from the initial call to 911 to the trial verdict. Although we will be presented with a fictional scenario from which the speakers will work, their presenta tions will reflect what would happen in the real world. The expected presenters are professionals in their areas of the criminal justice system and include the Skagit County Prosecutor, a District Court Judge, a former Senior Public Defender, a 911 operator, an Anacortes Detective Sergeant, and other professionals in the area of forensics and autopsies. This is neither a mock trial nor is it “CSI” or “Law and Order.” Students attending this class will have the opportunity to learn about how and why our criminal justice system works, and perhaps, dispel their misconceptions.

Instructors: Several criminal justice professionals. Class meets Tuesdays @ 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Dances of Political Economy

Learn about policy making games and how they affect our market economy. Elements of the class include structural basics of the US government, politics and policy, economic systems, relative virtues and weakness of a free-market economy, and roles of government in our economy.

Instructor: Michael Newbrough, PhD holds a Bachelors degree in French and a Masters degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada, and a PhD in political science from the University of California-Santa Barbara along with being a Fullbright Scholar (graduate study in international relations) at the L’Universite de Paris. He was professor in the department of economics, history, and political science at Palomar College, San Marcos,CA. for 30 years. Class meets Thursdays @ 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Enrich Your Aging

You’ll be amazed how changes in mental attitude can improve the quality of your “Senior” life. Students are encouraged to participate in interactive discussions, the sharing of ideas, and the mental exercises that the instructor has compiled over the years.

Instructor: Arthur Solomon, PhD is a retired professor of Communications & Human Relations at Western Washington University, now living in La Conner. Class meets Tuesdays @ 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Health Issues

Let’s take this opportunity to educate ourselves about the health issues often faced by Seniors, including: A Matter of Fat – the good, the bad, the ugly; Vitamin D – the wonder vitamin; Blood Pressure - what is it? What should it be? Cholesterol – what is it, anyway? The ABC’s of Diabetes; Herbs and Supplements – are they safe? Food and Cancer – what foods promote cancer? What foods prevent cancer?

Instructor: Patricia Downing, MN, RN is a registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator with extensive experience in health education.  She received her Masters Degree from the University of Washington. Class meets Tuesdays @ 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

The Solar System, the Milky Way and the Universe

Our astronomy enthusiast will present an updated 6 part series featuring the largest images from space and up to date scientific conclusions about our universe, covering the following: The inner solar system; The outer solar system; Galaxies: island universes; Stars: nuclear furnaces of the cosmos; Monsters: the big bang and the end of time; Nebulae: birthing and recycling places of the stars.

Instructor: Tom Churchill was educated in electrical engineering, plasma physics, and mathematics and received a Masters Degree from Oregon State University. Class meets Tuesdays @ 3:30 - 5:30pm.

Tulips and Blueberries in the Skagit Valley

Take this opportunity to learn first hand about the history of tulips in the Skagit Valley and Roozengaarde, the largest tulip bulb grower in the United States. Enjoy the unique experience of touring 16 acres of Washington Bulb Company greenhouses, a privilege rarely available to the public. Hear the fascinating story of the evolution of Sakuma Brothers’ multi-faceted blueberry and small fruit businesses, now in their 4th generation in the Skagit Valley.

Instructors: Brent Roozen and Steve Sakuma. Class meets Tuesday, Nov. 2, 9 & 16 @ 3:30 - 5:30pm.