Class Location: Computer classes will be taught at the Continuing Education Center, located in the Venus Municipal Building on the 2nd floor.

Directions to the Venus Bldg. = Venus Municipal Building (corner of East Ridge and Governor St.) - Continuing Education Office
From Route 35 (Main Street) in Ridgefield, turn onto Governor Street (There is a traffic light). Take Governor Street a short distance (you will cross East Ridge; the Police Station is on the right). Take a left into the parking lot behind the Venus Municipal Building (signs also say RVNA - Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Assoc.). Turn into the first parking area on the left. Park as close to the two story brick and white building as possible and enter at the door off Governor St., opposite the Police Station. The Continuing Education Center is on the second floor. There are signs posted. A disability ramp to an elevator to the second floor is available at the rear of the building.

Digital Cameras

Digital Cameras & the PC

These courses are taught in the computer lab and focus on the software used to edit and produce digital images and videos.

Prerequisite:
PC Basics Quickstart or comfort level using Windows’ file management. Please call (203) 431-9995 if you have questions.

Your Digital Camera and Your PC: Basics
Prerequisite: PC Basics QuickStart or equivalent experience. For people who are thinking about buying a Digital Camera or who have not used the one they have yet. For people with “consumer type” cameras that have an LCD (liquid crystal display) for viewing. Ready or not, you’ve been blessed with your first digital camera. No film to load, instant previews, point and click. This class will review basics such as equipment care, taking a few pictures, deleting pictures, storing, importing images into a Word document, printing images, and sending images by email. Bring your camera, software cd, and cable. Digital supply sources and sources of detailed information and education will also be covered. Taught by Charles Greenberg. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He has also been involved in computer training for over 12 years.
1 Session $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $27) (+ $ mtls.)
Sat., 6/12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Venus Bldg.

More Digital Cameras
Prerequisite: PC Basics QuickStart and Your Digital Camera and Your PC or equivalent experience. Prerequisite: Some experience using a Digital Camera. If you’ve mastered basics such as downloading and printing, but want to go further, this class will cover scene settings on cameras, image-sharing web sites like Flickr and Google Picasa, tools for creating image web albums, and other intermediate applications. Images as fund raising and gift ideas, digital supply sources, and sources of detailed information and education will also be covered. Taught by Charles Greenberg. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He has also been involved in computer training for over 12 years.
1 Session $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $27) (+ $ mtls.)
Sat., 3/20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon Venus Bldg.
Sat., 6/19 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Venus Bldg.

Photography: Your “Point and Shoot” Camera Exposed ~ Evening
If your camera seems to have a mind of its own; if you get unexpected or disappointing results; if you think you just “can’t take” good pictures, then this two hour session is for you. We’ll demystify the basics of photography so that you, and not your camera, will be in control. You’ll push that button with confidence from then on. Bring your camera, it’s instruction manual, and some of your pictures (including the one’s you’re happiest with and the most dismal failures). We’ll see what happened and understand why. Taught by Mike Serao. Michael Serao has been employed in art and photography for over 20 years. He has taught many photography classes and also teaches design at WCSU.
1 Session $36 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $27) (+ $ mtls.)
Wed., 5/26 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Digital Photography - Day and Evening

Basic Digital 1 - Day
This class will cover the essentials of digital photography for cameras that can be used manually (M). From understanding what a pixel is to learning the best way to use your camera with all of its modes and menus. There will be in class shooting assignments as well as discussions that include: downloading onto a computer, managing photos, e-mailing, printing and basic image adjustments. Taught by Elyse Shapiro. Elyse Shapiro has been a photojournalist and a photography teacher in Connecticut for more than 25 years. She freelances out of her West Redding studio.
4 Sessions $72 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $36)
Thur., 5/13, 20, 27 & 6/3 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Venus Bldg.

Digital 2 (Intermediate/Advanced) - Day
For Students who have a basic knowledge of their camera and want to improve the images they take. Learn about exposure, focus, white balance, lighting & composition thru in class shooting assignments. Images shot in class will be downloaded onto a computer and critiqued. There is more focus on composition and the art of photography. Computer workflow and image manipulation will also be discussed. Suitable for cameras that can be used manually (M). Taught by Elyse Shapiro. Elyse Shapiro has been a photojournalist and a photography teacher in Connecticut for more than 25 years. She freelances out of her West Redding studio.
4 Sessions $72 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $54)
Thur., 3/11, 18, 25 & 4/1 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Photography Projects
Learn how to take better photographs of Sports, Events, Portraits, Landscapes and Still Lifes. We will Discuss equipment, technique and aesthetics as well as students work. Homework assignments will be given. This class is best for people who already know the basics of their SLR’s. Taught by Elyse Shapiro. Elyse Shapiro has been a photojournalist and a photography teacher in Connecticut for more than 25 years. She freelances out of her West Redding studio.
4 Sessions $72 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $54)
Thur., 4/8, 15, 29 & 5/6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Beginning Digital Photography - Evening
Knowing how your camera works and what is necessary to create a good exposure will ensure that you get the kind of pictures you want. We’ll start with the most basic things, assuming no one knows anything, and when we’re done, you’ll totally get it. All you’ll need is a camera which allows some kind of manual control over exposure. An SLR is great, but many pocket cameras offer full control as well. Look for controls labeled “manual”, “aperture priority” or “shutter priority”. Taught by Michael Serao. Michael Serao has been employed in art and photography for over 20 years. He has taught many photography classes and also teaches design at WCSU.
4 Sessions $72 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $36)
Tue., 4/27; 5/4,11 &18 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
Tue., 6/22; 7/6,13 & 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

More Photography - Evening
Creative lighting techniques will be highlighted as one of the primary tools of a good photographic image. We will investigate various ways of using fill flash, reflectors, gobos and scrims. Indoors we will see the effects of multiple studio lighting, bounce techniques and flash mixed with ambient tungsten light. Self-directed projects with in-depth critiques. Taught by Mike Serao. Michael Serao has been employed in art and photography for over 20 years. He has taught many photography classes and also teaches design at WCSU.
4 Sessions $72 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $54)
Tue., 3/9, 16, 23 & 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
Tue., 5/25; 6/1, 8 & 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Making Better Photographs - Evening
Explore the art of making pictures with a focus on the creative and conceptual pre visualization that occurs before releasing the shutter and the exploration of that initial concept through alternative approaches. Please bring photos to the first class. Students will take pictures before each class and discuss what in the image works and what doesn’t. Emphasizes the most interesting way to present the subject visually as well as the means we communicate reaction to it. Taught by Mike Serao. Michael Serao has been employed in art and photography for over 20 years. He has taught many photography classes and also teaches design at WCSU.
2 Sessions $37 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $28)
Tue., 4/6 & 13 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Venus Bldg.
Wed., 6/2 & 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ERMS

Nature Photography - Evening
In the age of the digital camera and computer-generated image manipulation, nature photography is in a period of incredible popularity and tremendous flux. But, in the midst of all this breakneck change, the fundamentals of good outdoor photography remain constant. Join Dan DeVlieg in an exploration of photographic techniques, raw vs. other image systems...and the single most important and difficult aspect of photography of any kind: learning how to really, really SEE. A three-hour class nature photography expedition will follow the conclusion of the classroom work. Taught by Dan de Vlieg. Dan de Vlieg, an experienced woodsman and nature photographer, has been teaching bridge and nature photography for over 13 years.
5 Sessions $94 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $71)
Wed., 5/12, 19, 26 & 6/2 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS and one Saturday to be arranged with the class

Digital ScrapBooking

Digital Scrapbooking
Your family stories are your heritage. From the big life events like weddings and births, to the everyday fun on the soccer field and summer vacations…we all have stories that need to be written and preserved. Tell your family story over and over again with a personalized digital scrapbook, poster or calendar. Learn how to use your computer, your digital images and your shoebox full of old family photos to create heirloom quality items that celebrate your family history. There is no special software to purchase since the program is entirely web based. We will produce an item of your choice in class while learning the skills that you can use on your own computer at home to create other special keepsakes. Taught by Janice Pauly. Janice Pauly is a retired teacher with over 30 years as a database applications specialist and has taught a number of professional development computer applications courses for educators and students. Materials Cost: $5 to $50 depending upon the chosen project. Class limit 6.
4 Sessions $63 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $48)
Thur., 5/20, 27; 6/3 & 10 from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Photo Collections and Family Pictures ~
Creating clever displays and using photos in decorating. This course will reveal decorating secrets for selecting best photos for your home “gallery” and assembling picture displays on walls and tabletops. Please see page 13 for more information. Taught by Olga Adler. Olga Adler, owner of Olga Adler Interiors, LLC of Ridgefield is known for simple forms, pure colors, unique accessories, and life-style driven design.
1 Session $18 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $9)
Wed., 5/12 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; ERMS

Photoshop Elements

All Adobe courses are taught on IBM Compatible PC’s

Adobe Photoshop Elements on PC: Basics
Prerequisite: Good computer skills. Using images provided in class, your own shots, or stock imagery, complete a series of small assignments that aid learning of important selection tools, image editing and color correction, layering operations, and blending in Photoshop Elements. Learn how to enhance your photographs using basic selection tools, cut and paste, resizing, rotation, scaling, zoom, color, and paint brush to modify photographs and create a photo montage and small poster or card. The class will use a variety of filters to enhance text and images.
5 hours $90 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $68) (+ $ mtls.)
4/1 & 8 from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
Sun., 5/2 & 9 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
5/24 & 26 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.
7/19 & 21 from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m.; Venus Bldg.

InDesign

Adobe InDesign on the PC: Intro
For people with strong word processing skills. This course provides some of the basics of visual communication, color space, and digital design for print, as employed in the layout of posters, brochures, and newsletters. Learn to use the basic tools and techniques to lay out pages and enhance text. Includes using headlines, columns, fonts, lines, and color; changing margin, paragraph and character settings; using drawing tools and typing on a path.
5 hours $90 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $68) (+ $ mtls.)
5/11 & 18 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Web Page Design

HTML Overview & Web Site Basics
Prerequisite: Good Internet, word processing and file management skills. Students will gain a useful background into the structure of web pages by learning to use some basic HTML code (HyperText Markup Language) to create, preview, and edit several web pages. We also review how to obtain a domain name, locate web hosting space, and use ftp (file transfer protocol) to transfer your files to the Internet. Taught by Peggy Bruno.
2 1/2 hours
$45 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $34) (+ $ mtls.)
4/15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Bruno; Venus Bldg. (Date change from 4/8 to 4/15)
4/27 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.; Bruno; Venus Bldg.
7/7 from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Bruno; Venus Bldg.

Dreamweaver CS4 for Windows: Intro.
Prerequisite: Good Internet, word processing and file management skills. Create a small, multi-page web site. Add images, pictures, tables, and links to other pages and sites to your site. Format text (font, color, size, etc.); change the page background; create tables; add links; add head properties; resize and reposition images; create rollover images; work with layers; add a movement timeline to an image; and change site design.
5 hours $90 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $68) (+ $5-7 mtls.)
5/3 & 4 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.; Bruno; Venus Bldg.
7/12 & 14 from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m.; Bruno; Venus Bldg.

Advanced HTML/Dreamweaver II – Make Your Website Stand Out
Prerequisite: Dreamweaver for Windows: Intro. Learn how to make your website easier to maintain and stand out from the crowd. We cover the use of CSS to better manage and stylize your pages; how to find and use Javascript to create popup menus and other effects; and how to check your site to make sure it’s compatible with the latest HTML standards. Taught by Lance Whitney.
Taught by Lance Whitney.
5 hours $90 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $68) (+ $ mtls.)
5/10 & 17 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint 2007 is taught in class. PowerPoint 2003 is available as a tutorial.

PowerPoint 2007 - Fast Paced
Prerequisite: Competent word processing skills. A quick and comprehensive course that will enable you to become a PowerPoint pro. Create slide presentations using templates, and “from scratch.” Change text, color schemes, background color, fonts, and slide order. Import images from the Internet. Insert and modify clip art and pictures. Use sounds, spreadsheets, charts, tables, and organization charts in slides. Add animation and transition movement to the presentation. Create subliminal or disappearing messages. Learn to create digital photo album pages (printable). Taught by Peggy Bruno or Charles Greenberg.
4 hours $72 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $54) (+ $4-6 mtls.)
5/10 & 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Bruno; Venus Bldg.
Sat., 7/17 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Greenberg; Venus Bldg.

Publisher

Microsoft Publisher for Windows
Use templates and wizards to create newsletters, brochures, flyers, business cards, greeting cards, stationary, invitations, and posters. Import photos and images into Publisher and edit them. Arrange text, images, and artwork into a finished, professional layout. Taught by Liz Doty.
5 hours $90 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $68) (+ $5-7 mtls.)
5/25 & 6/1 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.; Venus Bldg.