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W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center
at Smith Mountain Lake
Spring 2008
Adult Education/Elderhostel Programs
As part of its commitment to furthering the
educational interests and needs of area adults as well as visitors to
our Lake from across the country, the W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational
Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake is pleased to present its
schedule of Adult Education/Elderhostel Programs for the Spring, 2008
period. In most cases enrollment will be limited and demand is expected
to be high; consequently, early registration is advised:
Adult Education
Programs
Adult Education Program
– 9 AM to 3 PM – February 21 – Are You As Smart As a 5th
Grader About Your Computer? – you’ve
all seen – and perhaps taken – the courses which promise to teach you
how to use your computer. However, there always seem to be topics you
never get to cover. In this comprehensive overview join experienced
instructor and computer troubleshooter, Clay Jackson, as he patiently
guides you through all the latest hardware and software jargon familiar
to a grade schooler. He’ll ensure you’re conversant with terms such as
ISP, GPS, PDA, VOIP and what to look for if you’d like to upgrade your
home computer. If you’re feeling you’re not getting the most out of
your current system this course is for you. Cost of $50 covers all
instruction and lunch. Contact Dennis Crowley at (540)-721-2759, ext.
264 for registration forms and/or more information.
Click here for the
registration form.
Adult Education Program
– 9 AM to 3 PM – March 11 and 12 - Antiquing with “Colonel” Bill
– learn the difference between all those
different types of antiques to include furniture and glassware and how
you can ensure you’re not being “ripped off” when you purchase an
antique “treasure”. Bring your own antique pieces to class and discover
things you never knew about them including value, age, etc. “Colonel”
Bill has all the answers and more. Field trip included. Cost of $55
covers all instruction, snacks and lunch both days. Contact Dennis
Crowley at (540)-721-2759, ext. 264 for registration forms and/or more
information. Click here for the
registration form.
Adult Education Program
– 1 PM to 2 PM – April 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Beginning
Guitar – under the patient guidance of
Judi Britt learn the basics necessary to establish a firm foundation and
understanding of the skills necessary to master and enjoy the guitar.
Emphasis will be placed on Chording, Rhythm and Picking. No musical
experience needed – just bring a desire to learn and have fun – together
with a guitar! Cost of all
eight classes is $50. Contact Dennis Crowley at (540)-721-2759, ext. 264 for a
registration form and/or more information.
Click here for the
registration form.
Adult Education Program
– March 5,12,19 and April 2,9 and 16 - 9AM to Noon –
Beginning/Intermediate Drawing –
Beginning/Intermediate Painting – 1 to 4 PM - presented in
cooperation with Ferrum College award winning Professor, Jane Stogner
will introduce students in her morning class to various drawing media
including pencil, charcoal, ink and mixed media. In the afternoon
Professor Stogner will present contemporary and traditional styles and
techniques of painting through class participation and demonstrations.
Contact Tammy King at Ferrum College at (540)- 483-0179 to register or
for more information.
Adult Education Program
– April 14, 16 and 18 - 9 AM to Noon –
Introduction to Photography – Digital and Film
– offered in cooperation with Ferrum College. Professor Ken McCreedy,
an accomplished local photographer, this course will explain how to
effectively use that digital camera you received for Christmas and
explain the advantages of both digital and film cameras. Discover how
all cameras capture images and how to get the best pictures from each
type of camera. Learn how to control the basics of composition, camera
control and post computer processing utilizing the 4-H center’s state of
the art computer facilities. Bring your equipment and instruction
manuals and your questions for answers to your specific issues and
problems. Contact Tammy King at Ferrum College at (540)-483-0179 to
register or for more information.
Adult Education Program
- April 22 - 9 AM to 3 PM - Just What Is a Blog Anyway
And Why Would I Want To Know In The First Place?
Many of us have a fairly good idea of how to use our computers on a
daily basis but how would you like to gain the knowledge that would
enable you to really maximize the efficiency, knowledge and yes, fun, a
personal computer can provide – with a money back guarantee to boot?!
If this sounds like a deal too good to pass up then plan to attend the
latest in a series of computer courses offered at the W.E. Skelton 4-H
Educational Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake. You’ll have the
opportunity to learn about such computer capabilities as computer
graphics, e-mails with attachments, sharing photos on line, audio files
and all you ever wanted to know about computer blogs. On April 22, 2008
from 9 AM until 3 PM, in a positive, good humored environment, the
instructor, Clay Jackson, will ensure that every student, no matter
where they are on the computer learning curve, leaves with a greater
knowledge and appreciation of the benefits a home based computer can
provide. After participating in the classes if you believe you have not
learned enough to warrant the money you paid your tuition will be
refunded.
The cost for the class is $55, which includes lunch and snacks. Now,
what are you waiting for – contact Dennis Crowley at 721-2759, ext. 264
or at
dcrowley@vt.edu for more information and/or a registration form – you have nothing to lose and unlimited
knowledge to gain.
Click here for the
registration form.
Elderhostel Programs
Elderhostel Programs
conducted on the 4-H Center Campus – for Smith Mountain Lake and Roanoke
area residents contact Dennis Crowley at (540)-721-2759, ext. 264.
Residents outside the Lake/Roanoke area should contact Elderhostel, Inc.
at 1-877-426-8056.
Elderhostel Program
Short Course– March 10-13, 2008 –
Appomattox: An End and a Beginning –
His army surrounded, his men weak and exhausted, General Robert E. Lee
realized there was little choice but to consider the surrender of his
army to General Ulysses S. Grant. The two leaders agreed to meet on
April 9, 1865 at the house of Wilmer McLean in the little village of
Appomattox Court House, VA. At the conclusion of the short meeting the
bloodiest conflict in the nation’s history neared its end. The terms
arranged were instrumental in reuniting the Union and set the stage for
Reconstruction and the rise of regional differences which exist today.
Through lecture, little known anecdotes and a special tour of the
Appomattox site learn the historical, social and political significance
of the Confederate surrender in April, 1865.
Elderhostel Program
– March 16-21, 2008 – Trails Across America/Kings and Queens of
England/Comedy in Film – a) America
has a tremendous network of scenic and historic trails. Trace well
known routes such as the Appalachian Trail, the Oregon Trail, the Pony
Express Trail and lesser known ones like the Trail of Tears and the
North Country Trail. Learn how and why they were created, b) the English
monarchy has always fascinated us. Learn how rulers such as William the
Conqueror, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I built their empires on intrigue,
war, lust and violent death. History could not have presented us with
better drama, c) spend a rollicking time with some of American film’s
greatest comedians from the crazy world of Mack Sennett, comedy clowns,
(Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd, Hope, Skelton) teams (Laurel and Hardy, Martin
and Lewis) down to memorable early TV comics like Milton Berle, Jackie
Gleason and Lucille Ball.
Elderhostel Program
Short Course – April 7-10, 2008 -
Walt Disney: An American Icon - the
name Walt Disney conjures images of flying elephants, orphan deer,
diamond-mining dwarves and Old Yeller, but with these come a few darker
connotations – House Un-American Activities Committee, union opponent,
accused racist. Approach from all sides the life and legacy of arguably
the most influential entertainment giant of the 20th
century. From his early efforts to establish himself in Hollywood to
the controversies surrounding his name in the 1940’s and ‘50’s and the
lasting resonance of his societal portrayals, examine the life of this
influential American figure. Along the way, explore such nearby
cultural landmarks as Booker T. Washington’s birthplace, the Peaks of
Otter, the Appalachian Trail and the National D-Day Memorial.
Elderhostel Program
– April 13-18, 2008 – Comedy in Film/Thomas Jefferson/Great Feuds of
the Southern Appalachians – a) spend a
rollicking time with some of American film’s greatest comedians from the
crazy world of Mack Sennett, comedy clowns (Chaplin, Lloyd, Keaton,
Hope, Skelton), teams (Laurel and Hardy, Marx Brothers, Martin and
Lewis) down to memorable early TV comics like Milton Berle, Jackie
Gleason and Lucille Ball. b) journey to the private side of Thomas
Jefferson’s life. His accomplishments as an author, statesman and
President are well known; however, his private life is as interesting
and controversial as his public image, c) discover the folklore and
little known facts of some of the most famous feuds of the Southern
Appalachian Mountains, inspect specific motives behind well known feuds
like the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s and explore showdowns like the Matewan
Massacre.
Elderhostel Program
Short Course – April 20-23, 2008
The Appalachian Trail: 2100 Miles of Diverse Delights
– join us as veteran hiker/author, Leonard Adkins, leads a fascinating
exploration of “life on the Trail”. We begin with an overview of the
route’s history. Discussions include how to plan and successfully
complete a journey on the Trail. A comparison of equipment will help
determine what to bring and each student will be able to construct a
personal backpacking stove which weighs less than two ounces. One
afternoon we will hike the Trail close to the famous Peaks of Otter on
the blue Ridge Parkway, An easy half mile walk to a typical Trail
shelter will let students experience the pathway firsthand and listen to
more Trail stories. A multimedia presentation, “The Wildflowers of the
Appalachian Trail”, will illustrate the beauty of the woods.
Elderhostel Program
Short Course – April 28-May 1, 2008 –
A Virginia Sampler: Exploring Blue Ridge Mountain History –
venture into this multi-faceted program
and discover many aspects of the Appalachian Trail from a trail veteran
and author through a walk on the actual Trail itself and take a trip to
the famed Peaks of Otter. Spend time with a Jefferson scholar
discussing Thomas Jefferson’s personal and private lives, complemented
by a visit to his private retreat, Poplar Forest and a guided tour of
Booker T. Washington’s birthplace. Explore the National D-Day Memorial
and study the 20th century’s pivotal event. Combine class
work led by academic experts with on-site experiences in the Blue Ridge
Mountains at an especially beautiful time of year.
Elderhostel Program
– May 11-16, 2008 – Virginia Sampler
– join this multi-faceted program and learn about the many aspects of
the Appalachian Trail from a veteran hiker and author followed by a trip
to the famed Peaks of Otter and a short walk on the Trail itself –
become a Trail “veteran”. Spend some time with a Jefferson scholar
discussing the many aspects of Thomas Jefferson’s public and private
lives complemented by a visit to his personal retreat home, Poplar
Forest. We’ll hear the fascinating story of Booker T. Washington’s rise
from slavery to the leadership of the African American community in the
early 20th century. A special guided tour of Booker T.
Washington’s birthplace will conclude the day. We’ll study the impact
of the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 to the fate of the world and also
on the little town of Bedford, VA which, proportionally, lost more men
in the invasion than any other location in the U.S. We’ll visit the
National D-Day Memorial for a moving and emotional tour. The final day
is devoted to a review of the Southern Appalachian Mountains’ legendary
feuds such as the Hatfields-McCoys’, Rowan County Wars, the Hillsville
Massacre, etc. Combine class work led by academic experts with on-site
experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains at an especially beautiful time
of year.
Elderhostel Program
– May 25-30, 2008 – Shape Note Singing/Teddy Roosevelt/Folk Song
History – a) through expert
instruction and practice you’ll discover origins of the “American Folk
Hymn” and trace the marriage of English and Southern Appalachian music
and heritage which produced the oral tradition highlighted in the movie
“Cold Mountain”, b) Teddy Roosevelt was one of the most colorful figures
in American history. His presidential activities were unprecedented and
are still influential today. Review this true Renaissance Man’s
fascinating life through a multi-media presentation, c) take a
historical journey of our country through American folk songs. Discover
the significance of music from the times of colonialism, independence,
exploration, seafaring, railroads, cowboys, the Civil War and the dust
bowl days of Woody Guthrie.
Elderhostel Program
Short Course – June 2-5, 2008 –
Great Trials of the 20th Century: Justice in the Blue Ridge
Mountains – the courtroom is the site
of drama: confrontations of right and wrong, good and evil, weakness and
power. This program explores three famous cases, each of them called
the “trial of the century” and each allows us to explore issues of
justice and law, the role of the media and the ultimate rightness of the
outcome. Study the Sam Shepherd murder case and the Lindbergh
kidnapping case that captivated the nation for months just as the O.J.
Simpson trial occupied the public in the 1990’s. Examine the dominant
themes of the role of celebrity in influencing the outcome of a trial,
issues of police procedures and race, ethnicity and social class that
run through all cases. Determine whether justice was truly attained.
Other Adult Education Programs
– the W. E. Skelton 4-H Center at Smith Mountain Lake is planning to
offer a number of courses designed specifically for area adults this
year. Firm dates have not yet been established; however, the courses
under consideration are: 1)Intro/Advanced Computers, 2)
Creating Your Own Web-site, 3) Cooking, 4)Music
Lessons/Instrument Building, and a number of others
We have
special individual and group pricing plans in place for local residents
in order to bring the cost of these unique educational programs within
the reach of everyone; consequently, please consider attending with your
group, club or family. The programs noted above represent only some of
the courses planned for the entire year. Please watch for further
information concerning these courses and other Adult Education programs
sponsored by the 4-H Center. For a registration form for Spring courses
and/or a complete schedule of events, please contact Dennis Crowley at
721-2759, ext. 264 or by e-mail at
dcrowley@vt.edu
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