Technology trends come and go faster than most of us can keep up! This is particularly true for the older generation, who are digital immigrants at best. Unlike young adults and children who have never lived in a world without the Internet, those of us in midlife constantly marvel at the latest and greatest gadgets to hit the marketplace that rock our grandchildren's world!

This three-part (Wednesday) daytime series of workshops will give us a glimpse into the world of technology. We'll see various products in person and get a chance to try them out as time permits. We'll learn about their basic features, how they're used, additional (on-going) services required, etc. You'll have an opportunity to ask an expert about the products featured.

Here's what we'll cover:

Session 1 - March 17
iPod iTouch and Blackberry - for mobile computing. Participants will learn how to use these devices for e-mail, Internet, downloading music and books, and sharing pictures. We'll also discuss the features of other smart phones, such as the new "Droid."

Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and Flickr - for social networking. Participants will learn how to access the sites, sign up for an account, and post messages and pictures.

Session 2 - March 24
GPS navigation device. Don't know how to find where you're going? Participants will learn how to use basic features of a portable GPS navigation device.

E-readers. When does a six-pound book weigh only a few ounces? When it's downloaded to an e-reader! These new electronic gadgets allow you to download books, newspapers, pdf files and more into a device weighing a mere fraction of a paper version. In this session, you'll hear about the top competing products: the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble nook. A technical representative from Barnes & Noble will join us today, and you'll be able to test drive one or more products during this session. We'll also discuss the Sony Readers, the new Apple iPad (coming out in March), and Netbooks; you'll learn the differences between products, their basic features, and their cost.

Session 3 - March 31
Nintendo Wii - the latest in interactive gaming. The Wii is revolutionizing the way people play electronically. For the first time, a home game system has been designed to get its players up and moving! This system provides both mental and physical activity and is gaining popularity among people of all ages and in senior citizen facilities in particular.

Workshop Dates and Location

The daytime edition of Technology Talks will be held at the Appalachian State University Center at Hickory on three consecutive Wednesday afternoons, 1 to 4 p.m. Sessions will be held on March 17, 24, and 31, 2010.

Appalachian Center at Hickory is located on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College, 2760 US Hwy 70 SE, in Hickory. The center is two blocks east of the main campus and is situated behind Northern Tool.

Workshop Leader

Ernie Puglisi has more than 20 years of experience with information technology. He holds a master's degree in educational media from Appalachian State University and has held numerous industry positions. Ernie is an instructor with Oriac Technology Partners and Chief Executive Officer of MedCommunities, a company offering web collaboration tools for healthcare professionals. MedCommunities is headquartered in Greensboro, NC.

Workshop Sponsorship

Technology Talks is offered through Prime Life Ed-Ventures, a lifelong learning program of Appalachian State University Center at Hickory, and the Hickory Public Library System. Workshop leadership is made available through Prime Life Ed-Ventures. Technology products are made available through Hickory Public Library and a grant from the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation.

To Register

Registration for Technology Talks (weekday edition) is available to adults 45 and over by phone, mail, or online through March 10. After March 10, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008. Due to the hands-on format of this course, seating is limited to 20, so we encourage you to register early!

NOTE: If you currently own an iPod iTouch, Blackberry, Tom Tom GPS device, or e-reader, you are encouraged to bring your own device to the workshop. This will allow others more time with the demonstration devices provided for the class.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $35 per person for the course. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 10. After March 10, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event of program cancellation, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

Adverse Weather Policy

Winter weather can be unpredictable and may vary from region to region. Our leader for this workshop will travel to Hickory from central North Carolina each week; therefore, if bad weather is forecasted or reported in any portion of the state, it is important to check our messaging system to be sure class is being held each week. Registrants will receive contact information in the workshop confirmation letter.

In the event that one or more sessions is cancelled for the date scheduled, the course will be extended to subsequent weeks. When registering, please be sure to mark one or two additional Wednesday afternoons (April 7 and 14) on your schedule in the event of bad weather. No refunds will be given for missed sessions.

Technology trends come and go faster than most of us can keep up! This is particularly true for the older generation, who are digital immigrants at best. Unlike young adults and children who have never lived in a world without the Internet, those of us in midlife constantly marvel at the latest and greatest gadgets to hit the marketplace that rock our grandchildren's world!

This three-part (Wednesday) evening series of workshops will give us a glimpse into the world of technology. We'll see various products in person and get a chance to try them out as time permits. We'll learn about their basic features, how they're used, additional (on-going) services required, etc. You'll have an opportunity to ask an expert about the products featured.

Here's what we'll cover:

Session 1 - March 17
iPod iTouch and Blackberry - for mobile computing. Participants will learn how to use these devices for e-mail, Internet, downloading music and books, and sharing pictures. We'll also discuss the features of other smart phones, such as the new "Droid."

Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and Flickr - for social networking. Participants will learn how to access the sites, sign up for an account, and post messages and pictures.

Session 2 - March 24
GPS navigation device. Don't know how to find where you're going? Participants will learn how to use basic features of a portable GPS navigation device.

E-readers. When does a six-pound book weigh only a few ounces? When it's downloaded to an e-reader! These new electronic gadgets allow you to download books, newspapers, pdf files and more into a device weighing a mere fraction of a paper version. In this session, you'll hear about the top competing products: the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble nook. A technical representative from Barnes & Noble will join us today, and you'll be able to test drive one or more products during this session. We'll also discuss the Sony Readers, the new Apple iPad (coming out in March), and Netbooks; you'll learn the differences between products, their basic features, and their cost.

Session 3 - March 31
Nintendo Wii - the latest in interactive gaming. The Wii is revolutionizing the way people play electronically. For the first time, a home game system has been designed to get its players up and moving! This system provides both mental and physical activity and is gaining popularity among people of all ages and in senior citizen facilities in particular.

Workshop Dates and Location

The evening edition of Technology Talks will be held at the Hickory Public Library (Patrick Beaver Memorial Library) on three consecutive Wednesday evenings, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions run on March 17, 24 and 31. Hickory Public Library is located in the SALT Block in downtown Hickory at 375 Third Street NE. Call 828-304-0500 for further directions.

NOTE: A daytime edition of this workshop will be held on the same three dates in March. Location for the daytime edition is Appalachian State University Center at Hickory, located on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College.

Workshop Leader

Ernie Puglisi has more than 20 years of experience with information technology. He holds a master's degree in educational media from Appalachian State University and has held numerous industry positions. Ernie is an instructor for Oriac Technology Partners and Chief Executive Officer of MedCommunities, a company offering web collaboration tools for healthcare professionals. MedCommunities is headquartered in Greensboro, NC.

Workshop Sponsorship

Technology Talks is offered through Prime Life Ed-Ventures, a lifelong learning program of Appalachian State University Center at Hickory, and the Hickory Public Library System. Workshop leadership is made available through Prime Life Ed-Ventures. Technology products are made available through Hickory Public Library and a grant from the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation.

To Register

Registration for Technology Talks (evening edition) is available to adults 45 and over by phone, mail, or online through March 10. After March 10, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008. Due to the hands-on format of this course, seating is limited to 20, so we encourage you to register early!

NOTE: If you currently own an iPod iTouch, Blackberry, Tom Tom GPS device, or e-reader, you are encouraged to bring your own device to the workshop. This will allow others more time with the demonstration devices provided for the class.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $35 per person for the course. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 10. After March 10, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event of program cancellation, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

Adverse Weather Policy

Winter weather can be unpredictable and may vary from region to region. Our leader for this workshop will travel to Hickory from central North Carolina each week; therefore, if bad weather is forecasted or reported in any portion of the state, it is important to check our messaging system to be sure class is being held each week. Registrants will receive contact information in the workshop confirmation letter.

In the event that one or more sessions is cancelled for the date scheduled, the course will be extended to subsequent weeks. When registering, please be sure to mark one to two additional Wednesday evenings on your schedule in the event of bad weather. No refunds will be given for missed sessions.

The piles. The clutter. The junk you just can't throw away. The frustration. The embarrassment. You know the feeling. The sense that you're not in control. Your life is running you and you never seem to get to the important things. If you could just get a handle on things, you'd be better off and more in control. Do you:

• Have a hard time finding space for your stuff?
• Have trouble deciding what to keep and what to throw away?
• Misplace important papers or photos?
• Need help keeping track of your bills?
• Do the "stash and dash" when guests come?
• Have a junk room or several junk drawers?

Recapture control of your life! This class is designed to teach you simple organizing principles and how to incorporate them into your life. You'll learn Nancy's "starfish" approach to organizing to help you get started on your own project and keep up with it. You'll also get tips on what to do with your stuff, including green solutions.

You are encouraged to bring pictures and/or questions of your biggest organizing challenges!

Our Workshop Leader

Nancy Adams started her organizing business four years ago after a 15-year career in hospice. She has worked with a variety of men and women in office and residential settings, helping them develop systems in order to be more efficient.

Nancy knows how the principles of organizing can enhance people's lives in many ways. Her goal is not only to help people get organized, but to learn how to stay that way. Nancy promotes the idea that organizing can save you time, money and frustration. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers.

Workshop Date and Location

This 3-hour workshop will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Location is the Appalachian Center at Hickory, located on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College, 2760 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory. The Center is behind Northern Tool.

To Register

Registration for Spring into Organizing! is available to adults by phone, mail, or online through March 19. After March 19, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost is only $25 per person, or $20 per person when 2 or more register together as a group. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal Account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 19. After March 19, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event that the program is cancelled for any reason, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

As a whole, nationwide crime is down. Still, the crime that is committed puts citizens in a state of perpetual fear. These crimes are very real, and we must observe and track trends within our own community. The perfect place for this to begin is within your own home and then work your way outward.

This two-hour seminar will help you develop an understanding of the Community Watch System and its importance for you and your neighbors. You'll also identify strategies to implement (or re-vitalize) a program within your community.

Our Leader

Sergeant Ericka Heath began work for the Hickory Police Department in 2002. She worked as a patrol officer for four years in ADAM Pact (NW Hickory). She later transferred to the Community Services PACT as a school resource officer. Today, Sgt. Heath is supervisor of Community Services with Hickory Police Department. She holds a number of certifications.

To Register

Registration for Community Watch: How's Your Neighborhood? is available to all adults 18 and over by phone, mail or online through March 19. After March 19, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Your registration fee of $10 includes the seminar, plus hors d'oeuvres and beverages. These are provided for your convenience by Prime Life Ed-Ventures.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 19. After March 19, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If a program is cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be made.

Additional Questions?

Still have questions? Call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

It's never too late to start playing an instrument. Catawba Valley New Horizons Band provides an entry point to music making for adults 50 and over.

If you've always wanted to play in a band, or used to play an instrument in school, then you're welcome to join us for the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band to explore the fun and rewards of music making as a mature adult. No previous musical experience is required! The program is appropriate for absolute beginners, although previous instrumental experience or ability to read music is acceptable as well. The program welcomes any mature adult with a desire to play an instrument and a willingness to give it their best.

NOTE: An information session will be held at the Western Piedmont Symphony rehearsal hall, SALT Block, downtown Hickory, on Tuesday, March 23, at 9 a.m. Interested parties may attend to learn more about the band, try out instruments, and get acquainted with other members. If you are interested in participating in this free session, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Band rehearsals begin on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at 9 a.m. and will continue for 10 weeks through Wednesday, June 2. Group lessons will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. each week. Light refreshments will be served from 10 to 10:30, and the whole group (ensemble) practices together from 10:30 to 11:30.

Rehearsals are held in the Western Piedmont Symphony rehearsal hall at the SALT Block in downtown Hickory. The address is 243 Third Avenue NE. Participants may enter a rear door directly into the rehearsal hall.

Without an instrument? No worries. We're partnering with The Music Center to determine which instrument may be right for you. An easy rental plan, with ability to rent-to-own, is available. Ask for Brent in the Hickory store at 828-322-4366. Store hours are 9-6 M-F and 9-5 Sa. The store is closed on Sunday.

Experienced musician? If you are currently playing an instrument and would like to join the group, please call to discuss your options.

Our Leader

Leonard "Len" Allman is conductor of the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band. Len has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Calvin College and a Master of Music in Brass Pedagogy from Western Michigan University.

Len has taught band and orchestra in Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina. He has performed locally with the Western Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, the Unifour Brass Ensemble and the Lenoir-Rhyne University Wind Ensemble. Len is the brass instructor at Catawba Valley Community College.

To Register

Registration for the Catawba Valley New Horizons Band is available to adults 50 and over by phone, mail, or online through March 23. After March 23, please call for availability.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $100 per person for the ten-week semester. (This does not include music, about $10-20, or instrument rental or purchase.) Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Ensemble only? If you are an experienced musician with no need for one-hour group lessons, please call to register at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008. Do not register online.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 23. After March 23, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event that the program is cancelled in progress, a prorated refund of the unexpired registration fee will be made.

Additional Questions?

Still have questions? Call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

This three-hour seminar (with dinner included) addresses an issue that has captivated the attention of "the other 99%" of Americans in recent years: the dramatic increase in executive compensation in the United States.

We'll address the "numbers" associated with executive compensation, how executive pay in the United States compares to other nations, and how it has reached such dramatic heights. Through interactive discussion with participants, the presenter will address proposed solutions to the "problem" of executive compensation (if indeed it is a problem), including whether government intervention is necessary.

Our Leader

A native of Burke County, Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Penley earned a bachelor's degree in economics and political science and a law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He practiced insurance defense law for a large law firm in Charlotte before joining the faculty at Catawba Valley Community College.

Penley teaches business administration and serves as a lecturer for CVCC's Small Business Center. He has served in numerous leadership roles at the college, and in 2007 he received the Catawba Valley Community College Excellence in Teaching Award.

A member of the North Carolina State Bar, he serves as an adjunct faculty member for Gardner-Webb University's Goal Program and Masters of Business Administration Program. He received the Gardner-Webb University Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award in 2002.

To Register

Registration for the Executive Compensation seminar is open to all adults by phone, mail or online through March 29. After March 29, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $25 per person, including a dinner meal on arrival. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 29. After March 29, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this event in the case of unforeseen circumstances. If the program is cancelled for any reason, a full refund of the registration fee will be given.

Where is your money? Is it being managed, or is it just being invested? If you're putting money in a 401k at work, or even buying an occasional stock just to test the waters, you need a good understanding of how to look after those investments. And make no mistake, no one has as much at stake as you do.

This series of two Saturday seminars wil provide an overview of the financial markets and the types of investments used in each market. In down-to-earth discussions, we'll take the mystery out of investing, and you'll have a solid understanding of the basics.

Here's what you can expect:

Saturday, April 10, 2010
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Overview:

• Understand the ABCs of investing and the financial markets
• Know why you should have an investment program
• Learn the factors that affect financial decisions (safety, risk and liquidity)
• Discuss how asset allocation and investment alternatives affect your plan
• Recognize your personal role in your investment program

Investing in Stocks:

• Identify the differences in common and preferred stocks
• Learn how to evaluate stock investments
• Fundamental analysis
• Technical analysis
• Describe the way stocks are bought and sold
• Discuss long-term and short-term strategies

Saturday, April 24, 2010
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Investing in Bonds:

• Discuss reasons for corporate and government bonds
• Describe characteristics of bonds
• Explore reasons for investing in bonds
• Review methods of evaluating bond alternatives

Investing in Mutual Funds and Other Assets (Real Estate and Metals):

• Learn characteristics of mutual funds
• Discuss different types of mutual funds
• Discuss various types of alternative investments
• Analyze the risks and rewards of these investments

Our Seminar Leaders

Tony Mifsud is the business administration department head of Catawba Valley Community College. He has over 30 years of executive management and entrepreneurial experience in various industries. His areas of expertise include financial and investment management, as well as business acquisitions. Tony holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and is currently completing a doctorate in business administration.

R. Gary Muller has over 25 years of executive management experience in a variety of industries. He is a business administration instructor at Catawba Valley Community College and also co-owner of an investment management business. He is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA degree from Wake Forest University.

Seminar Dates and Location

Participants will meet on Saturdays, April 10 and 24, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both sessions will be held at the Appalachian State University Center at Hickory. The Center is located on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College, 2760 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, behind Northern Tool.

To Register

Registration is available to adults by phone, mail, or online through April 1. After April 1, please register by telephone only.

Click a payment option below to register online or to print out a registration form. To register by phone, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost for this event is only $65 per person and is payable by credit card, check, or PayPal account. Payment is due at the time of registration. Groups of 2 or more registering together will receive a discount of $5 each. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 1, 2010. After April 1, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. If a course is cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be made.

We are all bombarded daily by numerous sources of media. When given a choice between media and some other activity, many of us turn to media, whether for entertainment, information or communication. It's a common belief that these choices are benign and that they do not impact our everyday lives and attitudes. Not so, says social psychologist Dr. Karen Dill.

In two insightful, informative sessions, Dill will draw on extensive research to show us how media influence us - and why we resist believing they do. She'll discuss issues of race and gender, social identity, violence and politics.

She'll also assess how "new media," like blogging, texting and other social media tools are affecting the way we communicate. Dill will highlight the importance of learning media literacy skills and managing our own consumption in a media-saturated world. Finally, she'll discuss new and emerging technologies that are widening the digital divide between children and adults.

Our Leader

Dr. Karen Dill is a long-time Hickory resident and social psychologist. She has given expert testimony before the United States Congress, has lectured internationally and has been interviewed by news outlets worldwide. She is the author of the single-most-cited study on the effects of video-game violence and is currently Director of the Media Psychology Doctoral Program at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California.

Dr. Dill published her new book, How Fantasy Becomes Reality: Seeing Through Media Influence, in September 2009, through Oxford University Press. The book is available through Oxford University Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble booksellers. Reviews are available online.

For a complete biography, please visit Dill's website at www.drkarendill.com.

To Register

Seminar registration for How Fantasy Becomes Reality: Seeing Through Media Influence is available to adults by phone, mail or online through April 6, 2010. After April 6, please call Karen Summey at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost includes lunch for both sessions. Cost is only $40 per person, or $35 per person for 2 or more registering as a group. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 6. After April 6, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If an event is cancelled for any reason, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

We will be traveling in the morning to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, NC. Named one of the nation's 20 Great Gardens in HGTV's popular book, Flower Gardening, the Garden sits on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie.

Part nature preserve, part showcase for the best of Southern horticulture, the Garden is in the process of implementing an ambitious 50-year master plan. Currently there are over 110 acres in cultivation for guests to enjoy. We will take a guided tour, visit the Garden Store, and allow for individual time to stroll the grounds.

Then, we will head to the Gaston County Museum for a tour of its many exhibits, including the textile exhibit. You'll also be able to visit the museum gift shop while we're on-site.

This trip is offered in cooperation with Appalachian State University's Institute for Senior Scholars. Bus transportation is provided by Appalachian, and we will be joined by a number of participants from the Boone area.

Participants should bring a bag lunch and plenty of snacks to last the day. Lunch will be enjoyed before leaving Stowe Botanical Gardens.

Itinerary:

• 9:00 - Arrive at Appalachian Center at Hickory to await bus
• 9:30 - Depart Hickory for Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont
• 10:30 - Arrive at Gardens
• 11:00 - Garden Tour
• 12:30 - 2:30 - Bag lunch, visit Garden Store, free walk
• 2:30 - Depart for Gaston County Museum
• 3:00 - Guided tour
• 4:30 - Gift shop, textile exhibit
• 4:45 - Depart museum
• 5:30 - Arrive in Hickory

Times are approximate and may vary slightly based on traffic conditions.

To Register

Registration for the spring day trip to Stowe Botanical Gardens and Gaston County Museum is available to adults of all ages by phone, mail, or online through March 10. After March 10, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008, for availability.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $35 per person. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account. (Each person should bring a bag lunch and snacks for personal use throughout the day.)

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 10. After March 10, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event that the program is cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be made.

Contrary to popular belief among mature adults, social media isn't just for children - and it isn't all fun and games. Social media tools are powerful platforms for communicating in new ways with large numbers of people for a variety of purposes.

Social media is created using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies. It is a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. Social media represents a democratization of information and transforms people from content readers into publishers.

This workshop will focus specifically on three of the most popular social media tools: Linked in, Facebook, and Twitter. In two sessions, we'll explore the various aspects of these tools and give you an opportunity to explore them hands-on.

Here's what you'll learn:

• What social media is (and is not) and why you should care
• How social media has evolved
• The rules of social media participation
• Four primary ways to engage with social media:
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Education
  • Entertainment
• How to set up an account and get started on Linked in, Facebook, and Twitter
• Basic features and terminology for each of these three platforms

Our Workshop Leader

Ernie Puglisi has been involved in Information Technology for over 20 years. His successful corporate career included increasing responsibilities in corporate technology, culminating with the senior position of Vice President - Technology & Information Services Director for a NYSE-traded company.

Mr. Puglisi is a co-founder of MedCommunities, LLC, a startup involved in the development of web-based collaboration platforms for healthcare professionals. MedCommunities is a Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship associate. Currently, Mr. Puglisi is also an adjunct instructor in Computer Information Technology at Surry Community College and does I.T. consulting and training through his consulting practice, Oriac Technology Partners.

To Register

Registration for Get Connected is available to adults of all ages by phone, mail or online through April 12. After April 12, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008, to check availability.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $25 per person for the two-session workshop. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

NOTE: If you own your own wifi-enabled laptop computer, you are encouraged to bring it to these sessions. This will allow us to extend the number of participants for the course. Seating is limited, so we encourage you to register early. Please mention your laptop when registering so that we are aware of your intent to use it.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 12. After April 12, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event of program cancellation, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

A quick search for "reliable health information" on the Internet will return more than 25 million hits. But do these sites really live up to their claims?

In this 90-minute seminar, you'll learn five key criteria for evaluating the health information you find online. You'll receive a checklist with specific questions to ask about each site to determine its validity. You'll also receive a list of the top recommended medical information sites. Lunch is provided by Northwest AHEC.

Our Leader

Karen Lee Martinez, MLS, is outreach librarian at Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and part of the NC AHEC program, located on the campus of Catawba Valley Medical Center.

To Register

Registration for Finding Reliable Online Health Information is open to adults 18 and over by phone, mail or online through April 15. After April 15, please call Karen Summey at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost is only $10, which includes lunch. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 15. After April 15, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event that a program is cancelled, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

Many adults have never been exposed to golf and do not understand the attraction to the game. Join us to learn the rules of play, the appropriate behaviors for playing and watching the game, terminology used, etc.

In two three-hour sessions, you'll learn a brief history of golf, how it is played, golf course terminology, scoring terminology, equipment used, the USGA Rules of Golf, the etiquette as a player and a spectator, tournaments to watch live and on television, the players, and the tours. You'll receive a handbook that offers recommended website links, books, magazines and other information.

Our Leader

Allen Burton is the Director of Instruction for the Rock Barn Golf Academy. He has served as the Director of Instruction for Nike Golf Learning Centers of Charlotte, Director of Player Development for Leatherman Golf Learning Center of Charlotte, and Assistant Golf Professional at Catawba Country Club in Newton. He has been featured on WBTV and News 14 Carolina as the Golf Guru doing golf tips and analysis. He has been featured on a panel of golf experts called "Ask the Pro" on the Charlotte.com website. Allen has a passion for the game and loves to see those around him enjoy it as well.

Event Dates and Location

This is the weekday edition of Golf - for Spectators! It will be held on Tuesday, April 27, and Wednesday, April 28, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Golf - for Spectators! will be held at the Rock Barn Golf Academy, located on Clubhouse Drive at Rock Barn Golf and Spa, Conover, NC.

To Register

Registration for Golf - for Spectators! (weekday edition) is open to adults by phone, mail, or online through April 19, 2010. After April 19, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost is only $45 per person for the two sessions. Each session will include approximately 1 hour of outdoor activity (weather permitting) and 2 hours of classroom presentation of the curriculum. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 19, 2010. After April 19, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. If the program is cancelled for any reason, a full refund of the registration fee will be made.

Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park, located in Connelly Springs, NC, is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the Piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet, and more than 40 miles of trails.

We'll gather at the Appalachian State University Center at Hickory to await our bus transportation from Boone, where we'll be joined by members of the Institute for Senior Scholars.

At the park, we'll take part in a naturalist program and then have time in the afternoon for hiking. We'll break into two groups: one group will take a two-mile hike to a waterfall, and both groups will enjoy a one-mile, handicap-accessible trail to view the wildflowers.

Participants should eat a hearty breakfast prior to departure; each person also should bring a lunch, as well as plenty of water and snacks to last the day. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather; hiking boots, hiking stick, hat and sunblock are advised.

This activity involves moderate to strenuous physical activity. Due to the nature of this event, participants will be asked to sign an agreement assuming full responsibility for risk of personal injury/death, or damage/loss of property.

Here's what to expect:

9:15 Arrive at Appalachian State University Center at Hickory

9:30 Depart Hickory for Park

10:30 Arrive at South Mountains State Park - Visitor Center: restrooms, self-guided exhibits, 15-minute movie

11:15 Naturalist program: "Skins and Skulls" - Animals found in the park, their hides and skulls, habitats and behaviors

12:00 Lunch - Bagged lunch on your own; no food or beverages available on site

1:00 Divide into two groups! Group A will have mild to moderate physical activity. Group B should be prepared for strenuous physical activity.

Group A
1:00 Guided hike, one mile, paved, handicap-accessible: "Hemlock Trail and Wildflowers"
2:00 Naturalist program - TBD

Group B
1:00 Waterfall hike, two miles (1.5 hours), strenuous
2:30 Guided hike, one mile, paved, handicap-accessible: "Hemlock Trail and Wildflowers"

3:45 Board bus for trip home

4:45 Arrive at Appalachian Center at Hickory; say goodbye to new friends from Boone

Our Leaders

The state park service will provide leadership for the day's programs at the park. You also will be accompanied by representatives from the Appalachian State University Institute for Senior Scholars and Prime Life Ed-Ventures.

To Register

Registration for the South Mountains State Park day trip is available to adults 18 and over by phone, mail, or online through March 18, 2010. After March 18, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008, for availability.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001.

Cost is only $20 per person. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 18. After March 18, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If the event is cancelled for any reason, a full refund of the registration fee will be made.