Job Search

How to Land the Perfect Job
This course is a candidate based approach that provides an in-depth overview as well as “insider tips” on the job search process.  Participants will be able to apply practical applications necessary in order to land the perfect job.  In this three part session, students will explore all aspects of the job search process such as networking, strategies to navigate a job search and interview process, varying interview styles, current market place challenges, technology (the dangers and benefits), resume & cover letter building and lastly an interactive approach to help those prepare for their interview experience.  This workshop will enable participants to walk away with the following tools needed for being successful in today’s current and competitive job market. This course is taught by Lisa Vara. Lisa Vara has over 10 years of Human Resources experience. Her specialty resides in Staffing and Recruitment with UBS, Citigroup, Pfizer and Heineken. She has a degree from WCSU and is also certified in employment law training and behavioral based interviews.
3 Sessions $48 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $24) + $ mtls.
Fri., 7/17, 24, 31 &1 tba 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Venus Bldg.

Writing, Publishing

The Art of Creative Writing - Day
Have you always wanted to write? Do you have a novel, poem(s) or memoir somewhere inside you? This course will introduce you to techniques and exercises designed to open you up to your creative self. We will explore the wide-open worlds of fiction, poetry and personal essay/memoir, and find ways to better express our creative ideas through metaphor, mood and tone. Each session will consist of spontaneous writing exercises followed by (non-mandatory) sharing and constructive, encouraging comments. Participants will also be assigned take-home exercises, with the option of working on their own personal writing projects. This course is intended to inspire you to keep writing long after the final session is over. Beginners and more experienced writers are invited. Bring a notebook and a pen and the desire to write! Taught by Chris Belden. Chris Belden is the author of the novel, Squirt, co-author of the feature film Amnesia, and numerous plays. His CD, Songs About Anything was released in 2004. His second CD, Camouflage, will be released in Spring 2008. He has taught many writing workshops.
4 Sessions $64 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $32)
Wed., 8/5,12, 26 & 9/2; 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Writing Magazine Articles for Publication
Magazine articles cover a wide range of “hot to” for parents, women, children, seniors, cooks, gardeners, collectors, and sports enthusiastis to name only a few. They can also be interviews, pofiles, travel experiences and health and fitness insights. Essays offer the opportunity to express a myriad of thoughts and feeling, from intimacy and humor to personal musings and insights. This course will show you how to put your articles together, identify what a magazine is looking for and get your submission noticed and ready. Handouts will be given on each topic covered. Please bring a 3 ring binder and a writing tablet to each class. $mtls. Taught by Priscilla Whitley. Priscilla Whitley has been a freelance writer for most of her life. She attended the U of Missouri School of Journalism and Fordham U and worked at Simon & Shuster. She has won awards for her publications in various magazines and newspapers and is a member of the Antioch Writer’s Workshop.
6 Sessions $102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $51) + $ mtls.
Wed., 4/29; 5/6,13,20,27 & 6/3; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS

Writers Workshop
Do you have a story to tell? An article you want to submit? A memoir you’re working on or an opinion you’d like to publish? No matter if you’re a beginner or all ready have a piece you’ve worked on before, being able to share your work with other writers is an enriching experience. Here, in a supportive atmosphere, we will read and comment on each other’s writing. Being able to constructively critique another’s work is a wonderful tool in being able to look objectively within your own. This workshop will be all about the writing, with an emphasis on craft. Members will be able to develop their particular narrative or try out new ones to form their piece with the clarity it needs to be engaging, informative and interesting. All writing will be done prior to each workshop meeting, for having a weekly deadline in order to progress with the work, is a motivating force to keep on writing. Which is what it is all about. Bring work which is no longer than 900 words, double spaced, for each participant. $mtls. Taught by Priscilla Whitley.
6 Sessions $102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $51) + $ mtls.
Mon., 4/27; 5/4,11,18; 6/1 & 8; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; ERMS

You Wrote a Book, Now What?
Explore the inside world of book publishing from manuscript to printed book. Whether you are an unpublished author, or interested in book publishing, this course provides an overview of the inside world of book publishing. This course will help you write a book proposal, find a good literary agent, work with an editor, and make sense of the complex and puzzling clauses within a publishing agreement. Marketing, Subsidiary Rights, Publicity, and Developing a sound print and internet marketing platform is explored in this intense course. Taught by Jan Kardys.
6 Sessions $102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $51) + $ mtls.
Thur., 4/30; 5/7, 14, 21, 28 & 6/4; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Veterans Park

Archaeology

Archaeology of Meso America
Before pyramids appeared in Egypt, they were being built in Mexico, by people who had no written language, and used only stone tools. One by one civilizations in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize rose and fell. They were the Olmecs, the people of Teotihuacán, the Zapotecs, the Mayans, and the Aztecs. They all spoke different languages, but produced the same wonderful art, played the same ballgame, established extensive trade routes, built monumental cultural centers, practiced human sacrifice, and had similar pantheons of gods. This course will introduce you to the people who came before these civilizations and the ones who built them. They were artistic, passionate, fierce people, who will stir your admiration, and fire your imagination. Taught by Lynn-Marie Wieland. Lynn-Marie Wieland is an archaeologist specializing in southern New England prehistory with a special interest in the Ridgefield to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation area. Her recent Mid Atlantic Archaeological Journal article covers her conclusions about the Indians living here from 6000 BC to 1743 AD.
3 Sessions $48 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $24)
Thur., 5/14, 21 & 28; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Venus Bldg.

Philosophy

Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self
Based on contemporary Buddhist bestseller The Buddha in Your Mirror (www.middlewaypress.com), this class will introduce a simple daily ritual that you can apply to relationships, career, health, and the unique environments you encounter in normal life. Unlike monastic traditions, this 700-year old Buddhist philosophy and technique can be practiced anywhere (not recommended while driving!) and can be completely integrated into your daily life (without redecorating, investing in a new wardrobe, or leaving for long weekends). Instruction will take place in English. Team taught by Charles Greenberg and a guest speaker. Charles Greenberg is head reference librarian at Yale Medical School Library. He team-teaches Practical Buddhism.
1 Session $19 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. 10)
Please call (203) 431-9995 for SPring 2009 date ; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ; Venus Building