Continuing education courses offered at Brunswick Community College

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department at Brunswick Community College offers short-term programs and classes for self-improvement, cultural enrichment and academic achievement geared towards adults seeking intellectual stimulation, community involvement and social interaction, according to Karen Ladley, public information officer.

Many business courses are free due funding from a Small Business Center grant.

Seniors, 65 and older, can also take many classes free of charge.

For a full schedule of classes, including online courses, go to: www.brunswickcc.edu.

Call 755-7380 to register.

The following are upcoming Continuing Education courses and seminars:

Lifelong Learning

River Heritage Tour: A trip is planned to Conway, S.C. The trip includes a river tour in an enclosed heated/air conditioned boat followed by a walking tour of historic homes and lunch at the Side Wheeler Restaurant. Bus departs from the BCC Supply campus (Odell Williamson Auditorium) at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, and returns at 6 p.m. Cost is $60. Call 755-7413 to register.

Bird Watching in North Carolina: Do you like birds but want to know more? This course will begin with a two-hour introductory class on Saturday, followed by an explorative journey around the campus. Five field trips to local sites such as Sunset Beach, Fort Fisher and other Brunswick County sites will be discussed and planned during the first class. Supply campus, from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, March 8-April 26. Cost is $35.

Geocaching: This high-tech hobby combines Global Positional Satellites (GPS) technology with the thrill of treasure hunting. Geocaching is the challenge of finding various hidden caches (containers or, in some cases, something virtual) using a hand-held GPS device. Supply campus, 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, March 10, Wednesday, March 12; and 8 a.m. to noon, Friday, March 14. Call 755-7380 to register. Cost is $35.

Oil Painting for Beginners: Are you interested in beginning or developing your skill in oil painting? Leland campus, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays, March 12 and 13 and March 19 and 20.

Small Business and Workforce Development

Off-Season Survival Tactics for Retailers: One of the biggest struggles faced by many tourist-based businesses is the “off-season.” This workshop will cover topics ranging from product offerings to customer relationships; exploring what will work best for you and your situation. Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Thursday, March 6. This class is free.

Biotech Opportunities for New Business: Learn the latest on novel products in agriculture, biotechnology, biofuels, marine biotechnology and natural health products. Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Tuesday, March 11. This class is free.

How to Successfully Sell Your Herbal Products to Retailers: Focus on the issues small natural products businesses face when marketing and selling their products. Supply campus, Thursday, March 13, 6–8 p.m. This class is free.

Forklift-Operations Safety: This course is to certify the forklift operator to be in compliance with OSHA regulations and provide safety awareness. Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, March 10-19. Cost is $55 plus materials.

Computer Classes

Microsoft Excel for Small Business: Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Tuesday, March 11. This class is free.

QuickBooks Pro for Small Business-Getting Started: By the end of the first session, participants will have a business checking account and budget ready to use. Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Monday, March 10. This class is free.

QuickBooks Pro for Small Business-Payroll: This is a hands-on program that will have you up and running with the premiere small business payroll system. Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Monday, March 17. This class is free.

Adobe Photoshop Elements Digital Software: This software will be used for image creation, correction and enhancement. Supply campus, 6–9 p.m., Wednesdays, March 5-April 2. Cost is $55.