Aug 18, 2016

Serving more than 1,100 students, the College of the Mainland 50 Plus Program is expanding with new classes offered in days and evenings. Courses are $15 for a semester for those over age 50, but any student over 18 may join.

Students can register at the Continuing Education Office at 1200 Amburn Rd., Texas City, the Technical-Vocational Building, Room 1475 or by calling 409-933-8586.

Basket Weaving

This is a satisfying and peaceful craft whose origins and use span across time and all civilizations. Students will use rope and yarn to create simple baskets. Sept. 15 – Dec. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Beaded Fashion Jewelry

Have a single earring after losing the other or retro jewelry? Give it a makeover. Students will explore wire wrapping and can even make jewelry for children. Sept. 12 – Nov. 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Creative Greeting Cards

Students will make beautiful personalized cards. Sept. 12 – Nov. 28, 1-4 p.m.

Cake Decorating: Buttercream Icing Skills

Students will discover how to decorate cakes and treats with basic buttercream techniques and six simple flowers that transform ordinary cakes into extraordinary results. A certified Wilton-method instructor will help students create modern and traditional cake designs. Participants will also discover how to transfer images to a cake. Sept. 15 – Oct. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cake Decorating: Royal Icing Skills

A certified Wilton-method instructor will teach students how to make detailed patterns, such as lace and basket-weave designs. Participants will create seven types of flowers and learn royal icing appliqués and decorative borders. Note: Students must complete course one prior to taking this course. Oct. 13 - Nov. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cake Decorating: Fondant Icing Skills

A certified Wilton-method instructor will help students each step of the way as they learn to prepare and color fondant icing. They will create different types of bows and flowers, including the calla lily, rose and carnation. Note: Students must complete course one and two prior to taking this course. Nov. 10 – Dec. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Origami

This class will cover standard origami bases, animals, useful items and decorative forms. Students will also make greeting cards. Sept. 12 – Nov. 28, 1-4 p.m.

Safe and Fun Art Creations with Your Grandchild

Arts and crafts should be expressive, not expensive! Learn how to safely use recyclables and create arts and crafts with your grandchildren. Sept. 14 – Nov. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Computer Applications for Beginners

This class will introduce Microsoft Office applications that students can use to create letters, reports, presentations, worksheets and databases. Sept. 13 – Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m.

Using Word to Create a Newsletter

Discover fun tricks with desktop publishing in Microsoft Word. Learn to create a two-page, two-column newsletter for your family, church or organization complete with images, banner and page numbering. Sept. 13 – Nov. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Spanish II

Topics include constructing sentences, advanced verbs and increasing vocabulary. Sept. 16 – Dec. 9, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Country Western Dance

Students will be introduced to different styles of country western (partner) dance styles, including the two-step, polka, waltz, East Coast swing and West Coast swing. Sept.12 – Nov. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dance for Health

This class will blend dance, music and exercise to benefit overall health and physical fitness. Sept.12 – Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to noon

Texas Two-Step

The country western (partner) dance style is easy and fun to learn. Students will learn leading/following skills and turns, pivots, wraps, promenades and spins. Sept. 12 – Nov. 28, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

Latin Social Dancing

This course covers the cha-cha, salsa and bachata. Students will learn steps, lead and follow, as well as how to put steps together to dance socially. Sept. 14 – Dec. 7, 7:45-8:45 p.m.

Swing Dance

This course will cover jitterbug, triple swing (East Coast swing) and West Coast swing. Students will learn steps, leading and following, and how to dance socially. Sept. 14 – Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Yoga and Pilates

Students will learn to properly and safely stretch, warm up, and perform abdominal and upper and lower-body exercises. They will reap cardiovascular benefits while doing fun, low-impact dance aerobics. Sept. 12 – Nov. 30, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Zumba

Zumba fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of kind fitness program that will tone and sculpt your body while burning unwanted fat. Sept. 3 – Dec. 8, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

In addition to leisure learning classes, the college offers career preparation and professional development continuing education courses.

For more information, visit www.com.edu/ce or call 409-933-8586.