The following classes are offered in July and August at the Polk Campus of Isothermal Community College, located on Hwy. 108 in Columbus.
• Dog Training. Instructor Kayla Parris uses multi-purpose training techniques to help you make your dog an integral, well-behaved part of your family
Adult dog (6 months+) Sat., 3 – 4 p.m. July 9 – Aug. 27; Puppy (under 6 months) Sat, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. July 9 – Aug. 13
• Herbal Medicines 102. Instructor, June Ellen Bradley.  From simple salves, tea, oils and vinegars to herbal elixirs, this class teaches you to create healing herbal remedies from your kitchen. Mon., 1:30–3:30 p.m., July 11 – Aug. 15.
• Computing for the Workplace 2. Instructor, Mike Kleiner. Further the skills you need to use your computer at work. Mon./Wed., 2:30 – 5 p.m., July 11 – Aug. 3.
• From Water Media to Multimedia. Instructor, June Ellen Bradley. Learn everything paint can do when combined with glazes, salt and other media. All levels welcome. Mon., 3:30–5:30 p.m., July 11 – Aug. 8.
• PC Maintenance and Security. Instructor Mike Kleiner guides you through straightforward, nontechnical solutions to improve performance and keep your computer safe. Mon./Wed, 6 – 8:30 p.m., July 11 – Aug. 3.
• American Sign Language. Instructor, Dr. Darla Kleiner. This course is designed to work with the beginning signer to give a basic understanding of American Sign Language (ASL). Tues./ Thurs., 2 – 4 p.m., July 12 – Aug. 11.
• Interior Design. Learn to decorate your own space with the help of noted interior designer Gillian Drummond. Each student will pick a room in their home that they would like to make functional, comfortable and beautiful. Tues., 2 – 4:30 p.m., July 12 – Aug. 30.
• Seniors Compute I. Instructor, Mike Kleiner. Get comfortable using email, the World Wide Web, word processing and tracking your finances. Tues../Thurs.., 2:30 – 5 p.m., July 12 – Aug. 4.
• Publisher. Instructor, Mike Kleiner. Learn to create and personalize professional-quality newletters, brochures and more.  Tues../Thurs., 6 – 8:30 p.m., July 12 – 21.
• Smart Choices in Retirement. Edward Jones financial advisor Jay Geddings shows you how to achieve a stable, steady income so you can live the kind of retirement lifestyle you desire.  Wed., 10 a.m.- 12  p.m., July 13.
• Conversational Spanish II. Instructor, Doug Morris. This eight-week refresher course incorporates an episode of Spanish language TV soap opera “Destinos” into each class. Thurs., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., July l4 – Sept. 1.
• Fiberarts. Explore paperarts, bookmaking, papermaking, feltmaking, textile printing on fabric and unusual surfaces using a variety of media with nationally and locally known textile artist Christine Mariotti. Mon., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., July 18 – Sept. 12.
• Beginning Yoga. Instructor, Jennifer Woods. Basic aspects of Iyengar Yoga, including breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and postures that build strength and flexibility. Wed., 9-10 a.m., July 27 – Aug. 31.
• Stretch & Breathe. Instructor, Jo Rytter. Stretch your body while focusing on your breath, all done to beautiful music. Wed., 4 – 5 p.m., July 27 – Aug. 31.
• A Year in Paris: Living and Learning the City of Lights. Instructor: Mary Jo Padgett. Hear from a recent Paris resident about “real life” behind the sidewalk cafes and tourist destinations.  Tues., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Aug. 2- 23.
• American History in Paris: Our Founding Fathers. Instructor, Mary Jo Padgett. A Powerpoint walking guide for the American patriot and tourist taking students throughout Paris to places that are connected to the American Revolution and French involvement in that struggle. Tues., 1 – 3 p.m., Aug. 2- 16.
• Multimedia Drawing. Instructor, Don Blackwell. Explore the various media available for artists today. Previous basic drawing skills and knowledge required. Thurs., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Aug. 18 – Oct 6 or Fri. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Aug. 19 – Oct 7.
• Beginning Drawing. Instructor, Don Blackwell. This course will teach you not only the basic skills needed to draw well – but to also tap into your natural artistic abilities and creativity. Class size is limited. Wed., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Aug. 24 – Oct. 12.
• N.C. Handgun Concealed-Carry Certification. Instructor, Darrell Bailey, Det.Sergeant, Polk County Sheriff’s Department. This eight-hour class provides the training and certification needed to apply for a concealed-carry handgun permit at any Sheriff’s Department in North Carolina. You must be at least 21 years old and a North Carolina resident to take this class. Thurs., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Aug. 25.
Summer class brochures are available at ICC Polk Center in Columbus, area post offices and select locations throughout Polk County.
Call 828-894-3092 for more details or to register for classes.
– article submitted by Kate Barkschat