PCC Community Education Blog

The truth about true Olive Oils

2011-12-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Maybe you heard this story on NPR's Fresh Air last week:

Are you curious to learn and taste the difference? Check out our new non-credit class:

Vibrant Italian Flavors: Oil and Vinegar

The class is taught January 28th at Fanucchi Oils in Newberg.

Click here to get more information or to sign up.

Tuition Bucks Gift Certificates

2011-12-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season?

These gift certificates make a great gift and can be used for any credit or non-credit PCC class. Certificates are sold in $10, $25, and $100 amounts in an attractive presentation folder. They are a great gift idea for parents, grandparents, family friends, aunts and uncles. Order by calling 971-722-4234.

Sign up today!

2011-11-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

Registration for the 1,200 winter 2012 Community Education classes opened a little less than an hour ago!

Check out our complete class schedule by clicking here. Know what classes you want to take? Great! Click the button below to get signed up!

Keep an eye on your mailbox

2011-11-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Look for the new Winter 2012 issue of PCC Communities with the winter Community Education class schedule in your mailbox next week!

You can also find the schedule at PCC campuses, centers, community sites, libraries and businesses.

Moments in Community Education History

2011-11-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

We made this slideshow to highlight some of PCC Community Education's history for PCC's 50th Anniversary. We found some unique classes and fun catalogs from the past 40 years. Enjoy!

Winter is just around the corner!

2011-10-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

The winter 2012 term PCC Community Education schedule is online now! You can see the nearly 1,200 classes we are offering this winter by clicking here.

Register for these classes beginning on Wednesday, November 23rd. Check out the PCC Academic Calendar here.

Extended Learning Campus 50th Kickoff

2011-10-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was "Party Day" at the PCC SE Center. The Extended Learning Campus, which includes Community Education, held it's 50th Anniversary Kickoff event. Here's a look at the party:

Double Rainbow All the Way Across the Sky

2011-10-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

The rain sure came down yesterday afternoon. Fortunately, it was one of those 15 minute storms that pass with sunshine to follow (at least for a little while). We saw this from our office overlooking the Willamette River right around 5pm yesterday and we had to share.

Fall term starts today!

2011-09-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

And there is still plenty of time to register! Here are some helpful links to get you started in a Community Education class this fall:

Search the schedule to find the perfect class for you.

Register online, over the phone, in person, by fax or in the mail.

Find your class location. Parking permits are required at PCC campuses and centers.

Enjoy your class and let us know how it was.

Instructor In-Service

2011-09-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was Community Education's annual Instructor In-Service. We had over 70 instructors attend to hear about Community Ed's goals for the upcoming year, participate in breakout sessions and mingle with fellow instructors.

Ceramics Guest Artist Workshop

2011-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Community Education is offering a first-of-its-kind ceramics workshop with fall term:

Ceramics Guest Artist Workshop: Color, Symbol and Process

This is a workshop held on two consecutive Saturday afternoons that will examine exquisite ceramics both contemporary and historical with attention to surface decoration.

Saturday October 22nd: image lecture and throwing demonstration. This day will have conversation on the creative process and examine how personal ideas develop and take visual shape and character.

Saturday October 29th: The second afternoon will demonstrate cutting and forming clay after it has stiffened. Topics for discourse will include design, tools for play and critique, symbol, narrative and meaning.

Chris Baskin, Guest Artist

Click here for more information and to register!

Go Global with PCC!

2011-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2011 PCC Travel Fair is fast approaching!

Join PCC travel staff and our travel operators for a free information session detailing the travel opportunities we willpresent in the coming year.

If you want to learn about a specific culture, study a language while living with a local host family, or use your skills to participatein community service projects, PCC Community Education Travel offers the perfect opportunity for you to expand your experiences.

Come travel the world with us!
Click here for more information!

Get active this fall!

2011-08-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

The days are getting shorter and the rain is sure to come. Don't let SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) set in this fall! Get active in a great Recreation and Wellness class!

Find the right class for you by clicking here.

Look for the fall schedule this week!

2011-08-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Look this week for your commemorative 50th anniversary issue of PCC Communities. You can also find a copy at PCC locations, community centers, businesses and libraries.

Inside, the PCC Community Education course schedule shares the hundreds of non-credit classes offered across the metro area and online!

From kayaking to career planning to wine appreciation, explore the possibilities this fall!

You can request a copy by clicking here.

New in Newberg

2011-07-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Justin in our office recently went on a tour of the new PCC Newberg Education Center which will start serving students in Yamhill county this fall!

Click here for more info on the Newberg Center construction.

You can also click here to search for fall Community Education classes in Newberg.

Excel: Fantasy Football Edition

2011-07-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's about that time!

Get ready for this fall's season of Fantasy Football in the new Community Education class this summer:

Excel: Level II Fantasy Football Edition

Gain valuable job skills while enhancing your NFL fantasy football draft! Have fun learning to use Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP and other MS Excel features, and get ready to triumph in your league. Must have basic experience with MS Excel.

The class starts July 25th at the PCC Willow Creek Center.

Click here for more info or to register.

It's Not Too Late!

2011-07-11T11:45:00.001-07:00

Although the summer 2011 PCC Community Education term started a few weeks ago, don't worry! You can still register for the hundreds of Community Ed classes that have yet to start.

Click here for a list of classes yet to start this summer!

Instructor Spotlight: Del Leu

2011-07-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Name: Del Leu

Trip: Build a School in Belize

About: Del has traveled to Belize four times since 2008, twice as PCC's group leader, and he lives in Tigard. He is following in the footsteps of his late father, an educator who designed several schools in Latin America. Reflecting his love of travel, Del is a mapping specialist for an international planning and engineering firm.

Click here to see Del's trip as well as the complete list of PCC Travel opportunities offered this year!

Project:YOU - Sheryl Stewart

2011-07-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen on the back cover of the Summer 2011 issue of PCC Communities, our Project:YOU student is Sheryl Stewart of 105.1 "The Buzz." Sheryl has taken many classes from Community Ed and has talked about them on the radio. Click here to hear about several of her classes.

Sheryl recently took the Hardwood Floor classes with her husband and learned how to install and repair their hardwood flooring. Click here for more info on the Hardwood Floor installation and repair classes.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

PCC and Community Education will be closed Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. The college is open Saturday, July 2nd and Sunday, July 3rd, but please check with your instructor to see if your class is being held. You can also check your class by clicking here.

Have a fun and safe Independence Day!

It's Summertime!

2011-06-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

That's right! The summer 2011 term starts today, and Community Education has hundreds and hundreds of awesome classes you can still register for!

From biking to kayaking, languages to art history, painting to photography, cooking to gardening, taking a class online or learning about computers in a lab, we have it all!

Click here to see the complete summer schedule or check out the summer issue of PCC Communities!

Instructor Spotlight: Shannon Gee

2011-06-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

Name: Shannon Gee

Class: Pole Dancing for Beginners

About: Shannon has been an aerialist for over 9 years, and currently instructs and owns a pole dance studio. She also teaches Hip Hop dance. She loves dance and feels it is a great expression for the mind and body. Shannon enjoys sharing her excitement for dance with students from all backgrounds, at all levels.

Click here to see Shannon's class as well as the complete list of dance classes offered this summer!

Instructor Spotlight: Lina Boyer

2011-06-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Name: Lina Boyer

Class: Italian Conversation, Italian: Keeping Up Your Skills

About: Lina is Italian native. She studied at the Conservatory of Music in the city of Parma where she grew up. She has being teaching Italian at PCC since 2001 and is very enthusiast sharing the language and culture of her country with her students. Lina lives in Portland with her husband and their two children.

Click here to see Lina's classes as well as the complete list of language classes offered this summer!

Instructor Spotlight: Robin Brauer

2011-05-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

Name: Robin Brauer

Class: Grill Crazy!

About: Robin Brauer is a classically-trained French cook and Portland-based professional caterer. Just in time for all your summer entertaining, Robin will be
teaching “Grill Crazy!” In the fall, watch for her popular “You and Julia Child” series covering the culinary techniques and recipes of France as well as the lighthearted “European Soul Food” and “Seduced by Bacon” classes.

Click here to see Robin's classes as well as the complete list of food and drink classes offered this summer!

Instructor Spotlight: Illa Guttman

2011-05-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Name: Illa Guttman

Class: Drawing Fundamentals, Create Big Paintings, Dynamic Abstract Painting, Studio Painting with Oils, Artist’s Open Studio, Collage, Eco-Printmaking

About: Illa has been painting and creating art from a very young age. She never imagined herself to be anything other than an artist. Illa creates, educates and inspires passion for art in her students. The diversity of her fine art experience brings a welcome variety to her classes. She is an active artist exhibiting around Europe, Asia and the United States.

Click here to see Illa's classes as well as the complete list of creative arts classes offered this summer!

Motorcycle Rider Training at PCC

2011-04-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Drive around the PCC Sylvania Campus or the Capital Center in Washington County any given weekend and you've probably seen many motorcyclists driving around the parking lots.

They're not lost, or in a bike gang (that we know of)...they are improving their rider safety and skills.

Check out this cool video profile of the program done by a PCC Media student:

For more information on the PCC Community Education/Team Oregon partnership and the Motorcycle Rider Courses taught at PCC, visit http://www.pcc.edu/community/drive/motorcycle.html

PCC's 50th Anniversary

2011-04-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen from the banner at the top of this blog, PCC will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary later this year. Community Ed's Justin Eslinger is a member of the 50th Anniversary Committee and provided the Planning Snapshot this month:

Instructor Spotlight: David Gabbe

2011-04-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Name: David Gabbe

Class: David's Vegan Cooking Series, Part I and II

About: David has been teaching vegetarian cooking and nutrition classes and been a speaker at numerous health conferences and seminars since 1990. All of his classes are vegan, as well as gluten-free and without refined ingredients. He is the author of several vegetarian cookbooks, with his latest book released in the Spring of this year.

Welding and Metal Working

2011-04-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

PCC Community Education welding instructor Shona Yardley is highlighted on the cover of the Spring 2011 PCC Communities and profiled in an article on page 71.

Read the article by clicking here.

If you'd like to learn more about Community Education's Welding and Metal Working section, click here!

Instructor Spotlight: Kent Slack

2011-04-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Name: Kent Slack

Class: Tennis: Beginning Level I, Tennis: Beginning Level II

About: Kent is married with two children. Although he is an 8th grade social studies teacher, he has taught mostly adults over his 20 years as a tennis instructor. He especially enjoys introducing the sport to new students and guiding them as they grow in skill and enthusiasm.

Click here to see Kent's tennis classes as well as the complete list of Sports and Rec classes offered this spring!

Spring time in Portland

2011-03-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

It's here! Today is the first day of the spring 2011 term. Mother Nature continues to offers up a hefty dose of Portland spring weather so it's the perfect time of year to learn something new inside.

If you haven't registered for a class yet, it's not too late!

Call 971-722-6266 and choose option "2" from the menu to register over the phone or click here to register online.

Instructor Spotlight: Valoree Hummel

2011-03-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Name: Valoree Hummel

Class: Better Bones and Balance

About: In 1975, with Psychology and Teaching degrees in hand, Valoree began a journey that ardent students and gifted teachers travel. Today, her teaching focuses on adult exercise to strengthen bones, balance, and muscles, and studies include all things health-related. She believes in a lifestyle of health and revels in equipping others to do so.

Click here to see Valoree's Better Bones classes as well as the complete list of "Work Out" classes offered this spring!

Instructor Spotlight: Lucia Torres

2011-03-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Name: Lucia Torres (with Mitzy)

Class: Conversational Spanish

About: Lucia is a native of Colombia, South America and has lived in Oregon for 28 years. She has taught Spanish at PCC for 18 years. Lucia has a strong commitment to sharing her native language and culture with her students and does so with lively enthusiasm.

Click here to see Lucia's Spanish Conversation classes as well as the complete list of Language classes offered this spring!

Spring Registration Starts Today!

2011-03-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

Today! Today! It starts today!

Beginning today you can register for the more than 1,000 Community Education classes being held this Spring!

Click here to see the complete spring schedule and sign up today!

Spring PCC Communities out now!

2011-03-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

That's right! The Spring 2011 issue of PCC Communities, complete with the spring schedule of Community Education non-credit classes is out and available right now!

You can pick one up today at any PCC campus or center, at most libraries and community centers in the metro area, as well as dozens of businesses and community partners.

They are also being mailed out to thousands of homes this week. If you don't get one, not to worry. Click here to request one be mailed to you for free.

Finally, you can find the complete course schedule online by clicking here.

Winter Term Starts Today!

2011-01-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and a new term here at PCC Community Education! I has already been super busy this morning with students registering and getting ready for their fun classes this winter.

In case you haven't registered for a class yet, it is not too late! Click here to register online or call 503-788-6266 today!

Happy Holidays from PCC Community Ed!

2010-12-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

Portland Community College and Community Education will be closed the following days for the Christmas holiday:

Friday , December 24
Monday, December 27
Tuesday, December 28

The college will also shut down for New Year’s Day (Friday, December 31).

Even though the college is closed, you can still look up and register for classes online at www.pcc.edu/community.

Holiday Ceramics Sale

2010-12-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

December 8–9 | 9am–4:30pm
PCC SE Center | Great Hall

All hand-made and one-of-a-kind pottery by Community Education students and instructors will be on sale in Mt. Tabor Great Hall. There will also be a demonstration of throwing clay. Find a beautiful one-of-a-kind holiday gift for your friends and family!

For more information: 971-722-6266
Cash or checks only.

Give the gift of learning!

2010-12-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Tuition Bucks Gift Certificates

These gift certificates make a great gift and can be used for any credit or non-credit PCC class.

Sold in $10, $25, and $100 amounts in an attractive presentation folder

A great gift idea for parents, grandparents, family friends, aunts and uncles

Order by calling 971-722-4234.

Register for winter classes today!

2010-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yipee! You can now register for the more than 1,000 Community Education classes being held this winter! Double Yipee!

Click here to see the complete winter schedule and sign up today!

Winter is just around the corner...

2010-11-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

The winter 2011 term PCC Community Education schedule is online now! You can see the nearly 1,200 classes we are offering this winter by clicking here.

Register for these classes beginning on Wednesday, November 24th. Check out the PCC Academic Calendar here.

Green in Washington County

2010-09-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

From the Hillsboro Argus and The Oregonian:

Partners for a Sustainable Washington County offers PCC class
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Hillsboro Argus
Partners for a Sustainable Washington County Community is teaching a Portland Community College Community Education class on Wednesday nights this fall called "Our Green Washington County."

The class will be a sustainability education course with discussion and site visits to partner locations.

Participants will learn more about the scientific basis for engaging in sustainable practices. Sustainability experts from agencies like Tualatin Valley Water District, Clean Water Services and Washington County's Land Use and Transportation will show how these practices are being implemented around the county.

For more information on the curriculum and to register, see www.pcc.edu/schedule; type "Our Green Washington County" in the keywords field; then click on "Show Me Classes."

Partners for a Sustainable Washington County Community is a coalition of 11 Washington County governments that formed in 2007 to work together on sustainability. The agency researches sustainable practices for partners, facilitates collaboration between partner organizations and develops sustainability education and training for the partners and the Washington County community at large.

Click here for more information on this cool new "Green Living" class.

PCC on Design

2010-09-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

Check out this cool post from the Portland Mercury blog: MOD "Mercury on Design":

How to Maintain A Successful Fashion Line in Portland, OR by Marjorie Skinner

The post is about Community Ed class:

Business/Marketing Planning for Apparel Product Development,

part of the Fashion Design program. Click here for more info!

Water, Water, Water!

2010-09-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Become an expert in rainwater use and collection with an awesome and insightful course from PCC Community Education, "Water, Water, Water!"

Avoid property and environmental pitfalls by learning correct methods for rain barrels/cisterns, swales, composting toilets, grey water, ecoroofs, 'greenstreets' soil and landscaping.

Check out the cool video about plastic pollution in rivers and oceans with instructor Chris Runyard.

You can get more information about this great class by clicking here.

Goodbye summer, HELLO FALL!

2010-09-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Mother nature is sure excited for fall to begin. In fact, she seems to think that fall has already started...

(this radar image is from Saturday)

Guess what, at PCC, it has!

In addition to being the next to last full day of summer this year, today is the first day of the Fall 2010 term here at PCC Community Education.

There is still time to register for most of our classes. Click the button below to get signed up!

200+ non-credit Community Ed classes begin this week! You can see our complete fall 2010 schedule by clicking here.

I Heart Chocolate

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love chocolate? Nobody!

PCC Community Education has just the class for your sweet tooth, our In Love with Chocolate Series.

Chocolate enthusiast and creator of Portland Chocolate Walking and Tasting Tours, Savina Darzes, will take you on a weekly arm chair journey to explore different facets of the world of chocolate. A selection of bar chocolates will be tasted and rated to discover your favorites, concluding with a sampling of a choice confection from one of the top Portland Metro chocolatiers. This series is guaranteed to make your next piece of chocolate more intellectually and gastronomically more rewarding! The three classes included with the series are:

Tree to Taste Buds
From the New World and Back Again, and
Exciting Times for Cacao

Click here for more information!

Community Ed on the Radio

2010-09-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the new radio endorsements by by Sheryl Stewart of 105.1 fm "The Buzz" and Dana Jeffries of 103.3 fm "K103" about the cool Community Education classes they've taken recently:

Sheryl Stewart | 105.1 fm "The Buzz"

Dana Jeffries | 103.3 fm "K103"

Check out Dana's blog (including a post about her Portland 101 walking tour class) by clicking here.

Go Global with PCC!

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Below is a brochure for the 2010 Travel Fair.

Travel Fair 2010 | PCC Community Education

You can also click here for more information about our upcoming trips, tours and language study opportunities.

The fall PCC Communities is here!

2010-08-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah! The fall 2010 issue of PCC Communities is out!

On the cover is Rick Horton, Grant Manager for the Oregon Zoo Foundation and Community Education grant writing instructor. Click here for more information on Rick's fall term Grant Writing classes.

Be sure to watch for the fall issue of PCC Communities on campus starting today and in your mailboxes beginning Monday! If you'd like one mailed to you, please click here to request a schedule.

Check out the photo shoot for the cover by clicking here.

Photos at the zoo...

2010-08-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

As you already know from the post:

Just another day at the office...

we were at the Oregon Zoo recently for the photo shoot of the fall PCC Communities magazine cover. On the cover is Rick Horton, Grant Manager for the Oregon Zoo Foundation and Community Education grant writing instructor.

Click here for more information on Rick's fall term Grant Writing classes.

Be sure to watch for the fall issue of PCC Communities on campus starting Friday and in your mailboxes beginning Monday! If you'd like one mailed to you, please click here to request a schedule.

Fun at the Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo!

2010-08-09T09:14:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo this past Saturday. Lots of people came by to get info on upcoming classes and talk about the classes they've already taken and loved.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

See us at the Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo

2010-08-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

PCC Community Education is participating in the 2010 Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo this Saturday.

You can get information about classes this fall, meet Community Education staff and enjoy a day outside. Here is the what/where/when:

Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo
Oregon Square
NE Holladay St and Seventh Ave
Adjacent to the NE Seventh Avenue Max stop, within the Free Rail Zone
Saturday, Aug. 7
9am - 4pm

See you there!

Start your engines!

2010-08-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

PCC Community Education's Driver Education program is featured on the PCC homepage this week.

Here's a highlight from the article:

For years teens and their parents have turned to PCC’s Community Education program to learn the rules of the road and also practice safe driving on Portland streets.

This summer the number of driver education classes offered through PCC increased significantly as Community Education recently took over classes for Portland Public Schools. Driver education will continue to be offered at Portland high schools as well as the Southeast Center but the instructors are now part of Community Education.

“By offering these classes we’re being true to our mission as a public entity in that we care about educating students as effectively as we can,” said Dawn Davis, a Community Education program coordinator for Work and Life Balance classes.

You can find the complete listing of fall term Driver Education classes for teens and adults by clicking here.

Fall Schedule Online! Register Today!

2010-08-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's here! It's time! Yippee!

The fall 2010 schedule is online TODAY!

That's not all, fall Community Education registration opened this morning.

We have over 1,000 classes this fall. Find the perfect one (or more) for you by clicking here.

Discover Portland

2010-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Discover what makes Portland unique in a new "class" from PCC Community Education:

Portland 101

See Portland the way it was meant to be seen, on your feet. This tour has been voted the "Best Way to Fake Being a Native." Our Resident Experts (aka "guides") will keep you entertained as you discover what makes Portland such a unique place to live. After taking this tour you'll be able to "wow" and impress your friends with fun facts, interesting history, little known insider secrets, and much much more. This hill-free walk takes place downtown.

All ages and activity levels are encouraged to attend. The tour will cover a leisurely 1.5 miles in about 2.5 hours. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and to dress for the Oregon weather. This tour is accessible by all ADA mobility devices. We promise you'll have so much fun you'll forget you're actually learning something!

Click here for more information!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Just another day at the office...

2010-07-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Why are Justin and Daniel hanging out with Oregon Zoo star Chendra?

Check back later this month!

[UPDATE | 8/12/10]
Click here to see a video of the photo shoot!

Get your grape on this summer!

2010-07-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Community Education is offering a new class this weekend:

Summer Sippers of Oregon

Wine lovers celebrate summer! Enjoy bubbly, white, rose and reds over a book on the deck or gourmet dinner on the grill. No worries, we have you covered as you watch friends guzzle beer and margaritas: you can still get your grape on!

Click here for more information!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Evening Rides with PCC

2010-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Click below for information on the individual tours:

Evening Rides with PCC
Join PCC and Portland Bicycle Tours, and explore our great city! We provide the bicycle, helmet and the guide on these three hour tours. Space is limited, so sign up right away!

Bridge History Tour
Explore the bridges, history, public art, and the esplanade bike way that lines the Willamette. Learn about the remodel that changed the landscape of our Waterfront Park and what is in store for our waterways.

Portland City Tour
Take a ride with us as we cruise to some sights in downtown Portland and share a bit of the Portlandia story. Find out why Portland is "the city that works" while learning about our urban growth boundary.

Portland Park Tour
Portland is a city that blooms all year round! Visit a dormant volcano with an amazing variety of plant species, a community garden teeming with life, and enjoy the calm riding streets we call Bike Boulevards.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Summer is just getting started!

2010-07-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

It is finally feeling like summer outside...

People staying cool in the Salmon Springs Fountain near the PCC Downtown Center.

Although the summer term started the week of June 21st, there are still hundreds of non-credit Community Education classes yet to start!

Click here to check out the summer schedule and find the perfect class for you!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Front page of The Oregonian last Saturday

2010-07-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Community Education "Longboarding 101" instructor Robin McGuirk was featured in a front page Oregonian article Saturday and mentioned his non-credit class, which begins tomorrow, July 7th.

Click here to read the article.

Click here for more information on the class "Longboarding 101."

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Welcome to Summer!

2010-06-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

That's right! The summer 2010 term starts today, and Community Education has hundreds and hundreds of awesome classes you can still register for!

From biking to kayaking, languages to art history, painting to photography, cooking to gardening, taking a class online or learning about computers in a lab, we have it all!

Click here to see the complete summer schedule or check out the summer issue of PCC Communities!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Feeling like summer despite the weather

2010-05-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick message from Justin on his way to work about the summer 2010 PCC Communities schedule. You can find it online at by clicking here!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

LAST chance for a Spring class!

2010-05-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Discover. Write. Play. Dance. Golf. Mix.

This spring, bring a new verb into your life with a Community Education class at Portland Community College. The spring term began March 17, but there's still time to register for dozens of Community Education classes that have yet to start!

Classes are starting all the time and many of them start next week or later. Check out the classes by clicking here or see the online schedule of noncredit courses to browse all of our Community Education classes.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

2010-05-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

From PCC News and James Hill:

PCC non-credit program gets trendy
Photos and Story by James Hill

In a tough economy, it’s a hard sell to have the public sign up for fun non-credit classes at the local community college. But at Portland Community College, leaders have made its program trend what the community wants while keeping the fun.

From the fun (surfing classes on the Oregon coast) to courses on aging and networking for a successful career to dog training and beer making, zeroing in on what the community wants rather than guessing has energized PCC’s Community Education program. They even offer travel tours to Costa Rica and Italy as well as offer language classes for Swahili or specialized education courses for the Portland Winterhawks.
Doug Duncan works with a Great Dane pup during a recent Saturday training session. His class is trendy thanks to the Community Education program at PCC.
One of the largest of its kind in the United States, Community Education employs 365 part-time instructors that teach more than 30,000 students every year. To put that in perspective that enrollment is greater than any of the state’s four-year universities. In addition to trending the latest fads, it has cultivated 80 local partnerships with businesses, community centers, schools and libraries and offers 1,100 courses per term at more than 100 locations.

Director Tonya Booker said her non-credit program has responded to help people in the downturned economy by offering many classes for under $50. They have also partnered with libraries to offer free lunchtime classes and with a local company to offer personal enrichment classes to their employees to boost morale. She said Community Education is able to develop and offer new classes within a fairly short time frame and has recently seen good community response to new cooking, green living and meditation classes.

"Our staff is very creative and they pay close attention to trends," Booker said. "Along with our hardworking staff, our success is greatly due to hundreds of passionate instructors that are excited to engage community members in learning."

Doug Duncan, owner of Northeast Portland’s Doggy Business, is one of those talents that have been recruited by PCC. He’s the instructor of the class “Canine Good Citizen,” where people learn how to train their pooches to behave in any situation. He has become a popular instructor because he said that he makes them fun for the dogs and the people, and teaches the dog owners how to effectively change their dog’s behavior for the better, even after the class is over.

“Public demand certainly was a part of the interest by PCC,” Duncan said. “The classes fill up every quarter and we do typically have a waiting list. The PCC classes are a big mix of everybody. Ages range from people in their twenties to those into their 60s. That’s one thing I really like about teaching people to train their dogs. All ages love dogs.”
Duncan uses a water dish -- which he'll drop to the floor -- to test the owners' dogs ability to deal with loud noises.
On a cloudy Saturday afternoon, neighborhood dog owners convened in front of his business on Northeast 42nd Avenue to wait for their class to begin. It was a diverse mix of canines, from Great Danes to Labradors to smaller toy dogs. Inside, Duncan, always with a smile, directed them through training exercises, from having their dog behave when approached by a stranger to keeping them still as the owner walked away, were just a few.

Before he could move on, though, an issue arose when one of the labs had a barking problem. Duncan quickly addressed it by advising the owner to ignore the barks, while moving a wood barrier in between the offending lab and the neighboring Great Dane.

His startup business and techniques caught the eye of Community Education manager Carol Martin, who had heard about his fun style and effective techniques from the owners of Green Dog Pet Supply. Martin had been looking to have her area offer dog training classes that promoted positive, fun techniques, which people had asked for – a trend in preference by the community.

“The owner there said that there was this great new doggy day care training center nearby,” she said. “So I followed up with the lead. The reason he’s so good is that his class is positive-based training, very supportive and shows students a lot of tricks. When I first talked to Doug he was real positive and wonderful. As a result, we had a lot of success with his classes. They are always full with wait lists.”

Community Education is also making a push into promoting itself at local events with booths at the Washington County Fair or the Senior Resources Fair in Scappoose. The program has developed a dynamic online presence with regular video blog updates at http://www.pcccommunityed.blogspot.com, YouTube and Facebook.

For more information on the Community Education program, visit its Web site.

Click here for more info on Doug Duncan's dog training classes this summer.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mother's Day Ceramics Sale

2010-05-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

How many of you have yet to get your mother, grandmother, wife, sister or friend a Mother's Day gift? Raise your hands...

Well guess what, that's ok! You can find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift at the Community Education Annual Mother's Day Ceramics Sale! Here are the details:

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

10:00am - 4:00pm

SE Center - Mt. Tabor Great Hall

Below is a video of last year's Mother's Day Ceramics Sale:

Richard Brandt (as seen in the video) is one of our tremendous ceramics instructors and Community Ed's . Click here to see the ceramics classes you can take this summer!

Have a great Mother's Day!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Summer 2010 schedule online now!

2010-05-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Great news! Although it is really feeling like winter this week, what with the cold, rain, hail and wind, the summer term Community Education class schedule is online right now! Click below to check out some of our exciting offerings that will enrich your summer:

Summer 2010 Non-Credit PCC Schedule

Non-Credit student registration begins Wednesday, May 12th. Please peruse the schedule and register early so you can be sure to get into your favorite class!

Summer is just around the corner!

Monday, May 3, 2010

What a day for an earth fair!

2010-04-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday was the Willow Creek Earth Fair at the new LEED Platinum PCC Willow Creek Center and boy was it a lot of fun.!

There was music, crafts, food for the Beaverton Farmer's Market, tours of Willow Creek, information about PCC sustainability programs, Sea Turtle Voluntourism Travel opportunities and to top it all off, Community Ed was there too!

Justin and Tonya have fun at the free photo booth. If you visit Willow Creek, you can see a public art piece with all the photos taken at the fair!

Thanks to everyone who came out!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Cool New $100 Bill

2010-04-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Some cool news out of Washington D.C. today. The US Treasury unveiled the new $100 note today featuring some new security features and color.

Click the bills above for more information from the Treasury Department or check out this video of the new features:

Want to know how better to manage the C-Notes you already have? Take a Money Matters class from PCC Community Education. Click here to see the nearly three dozen classes focusing on retirement planning, financial management, investing, real estate, home buying and living on a fixed income.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Skype 101

2010-04-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this great free resource called Skype but don't know how to get started? Or have you downloaded Skype but are having trouble completing a successful conversation? Learn from an expert how to make it work for you and those you call.

Click here for more details on the cool new class!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Willow Creek Earth Fair!

2010-04-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Community Education will be there with demos of several classes and information on our great programs in Washington County. Click here for more information!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Social Media and you!

2010-04-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, you've heard of them, (and hopefully you've visited our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages) but how do you use them to your best advantage? Guess what, PCC Community Ed has a class for you!

Utilizing Social Media

This class will teach you how to create a profile; learn useful tips and tricks for these increasingly important tools for communicating with friends, family, and coworkers.

Click here for more information on this class. See you around the web!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Get Your Goat on!

2010-04-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

I never thought I, nor anyone else for that matter, would ask the following question...ever. What's the deal with local goats and public transit?

First (as we showed you last November), two goats tried to board a C-TRAN bus near Vancouver.

Now, someone caught this scene along TriMet bus line 50 out in Washington County:

Goats are obviously where it's at!

This Saturday, you can learn about raising goats of your own by taking "Goats in the City!" with Community Education! Click here for more information or to register.

Plus, this summer, we will have two new classes about city goats: "Goats are the New Chickens!" and "Get Your Goat On! Intro to Dairy Goat Care." Check back in May for more info on these cool classes.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Willow Creek, the place to be when feeling GREEN!

2010-04-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

It's official! The new PCC Willow Creek Center is LEED Platinum Certified -- the highest given -- by the U.S. Green Building Council!

The Willow Creek Center is now the most sustainable and green building in Washington County. You can click here to read the Oregonian story about the certification.

You can check out the building while taking a Community Ed class. We have well over 100 classes at the Willow Creek Center this spring term including:

Guide to Novel Writing
Writer's Workshop: Children's Literature
Freeing Fiction: The Wild Mind
Mystery Shopping 101
Computer Fundamentals: Level I
Computer Fundamentals: Level II
Computer Fundamentals: Level III
Fundamentals of Excel: Level I
Internet Fundamentals
PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting
My PC: Getting Started with Windows 7
Fundamentals of Word: Level I
Intensive One Day Colored Pencil Workshop
Drawing with Colored Pencils
Painting Abstract: Introduction
Australian Dot Painting
Painting: Creating from Chaos
Painting: Acrylics and Oils
Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Painting Oil Sepia
Acrylics Artists Group
Selling Your Art as Notecards
Ukrainian Jewel Box Workshop
Wind Energy: This Class Will Blow You Away!
Meditation: Letting Go of Our Bad Habits
Astronomy: Beginning
Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging
Annuals, Perennials, and Bulbs
Growing Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs
Home Gardening Series
Insects and Diseases
Landscape Design
Lawn Care
Pruning
Trees, Shrubs, and Roses
Watering and Irrigation
Garden Design for the Small Yard
Chinese Conversation: Beginning Term I (Mandarin)
French Conversation: Beginning Term I
French Conversation: Beginning Term II
German Conversation: Beginning Term I
German Continuing
Italian Conversation: Beginning Term I
Japanese Conversation: Beginning Term I
Japanese Conversation: Beginning Term II
Spanish Conversation: Beginning Term II
Survival English: Level I
Survival English: Level II
Accent Reduction: Consonants
Accent Reduction: Intonation
Accent Reduction: Vowels
Tai Chi: Beginning
Yoga: Level I
Yoga: For Busy People
Retirement Planning Today (TM)
Investing for Beginners with NAIC
Wise Investing: A Guide for Women
Complete Financial Management
Roth IRA Conversion: Is it Right for You?
Flash Photography
Digital Photography: Getting the most out of your Camera
Photography Beyond Basics: Flowers in Landscape
Photography Landscape
Driver Education PCC: Adult +17
Driver Education PCC: Teen
Zumba!

Whew! As you can tell, we like offering classes in Washington County and at Willow Creek.

There is another way you can check out the building. You can attend the Willow Creek Earth Fair on April 24th from 11am - 3pm. Community Education (along with other PCC departments) will be on hand with class info and demonstrations. Click here for more information.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Hula Hooping for Fitness!

2010-04-02T09:58:00.001-07:00

Erika Fey, one of the instructors of Hula Hooping for Fitness, is the "Mayor of Hooperville."

Click here for more information on this term's Hula Hooping for Fitness classes, or to sign up!

Mediation Training

2010-03-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Have some issues that need mediating? Learn fundamental skills of mediation to help solve work and personal conflicts with PCC Community Education's Mediation Training class.

The class will help you enhance all aspects of your interpersonal communication for business, home, and community.

After finishing this five day course, students will receive award of completion and may receive 3.20 CEU credits.

Click here for more information on Mediation Training.

Have you already taken Mediation Training? Click here for information on Advanced Mediation Training.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Enjoy your classes!

2010-03-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's here! Today is the first day of the spring 2010 term. And, right on que, Mother Nature offers up a hefty dose of Portland spring weather:

If you haven't registered for a class yet, it's not too late. Call 503-788-6266 and choose option "2" from the menu to register over the phone or click here to register online.

Monday, March 29, 2010

See it on the quarter...experience it with PCC

2010-03-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard, Mt. Hood will be featured later this year on the first set of "America the Beautiful" quarters from the US Mint:

The quarter is pretty cool (and a lot better than Arkansas and their Hot Springs...sorry Arkansas)!

Did you know that PCC Community Education offers on the slopes of Mt. Hood? You betcha we do! In two weeks you can learn how to mountaineer at "Alpine Mountaineering Training." This all-levels class will teach you snow climbing techniques, including ice ax use, roped snow travel, self-arrest, glissading, anchors and belays, clothing and equipment.

Click here for more information and to register!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

One week 'til spring!

2010-03-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

True, Spring did start for real last Saturday.

The spring I refer to is the PCC Spring term of classes, and is it a good season to take classes! Community Education has over 1,100 classes to choose from, both inside and outside, active and contemplative, for fun and for work.

Click here to check them out...it's not too late to register!

Monday, March 22, 2010

25 years of .com

2010-03-15T11:18:00.001-07:00

It was 25 years ago today that the first ".com" web address was registered: symbolics.com. You can read more about the world-changing event from March 15, 1985 by clicking here:

Now, a quarter of a century later, the internet has revolutionized the the planet and the way we live.

Wish you could know more about the internet, web pages and social networking? Community Ed has several classes that are right up your ally. Click here to check them out.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Bike to class...and now find your way!

2010-03-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

The days are getting longer and with Daylight Savings starting this Sunday, the sun will be out after 7pm! Are you planing on biking to your Community Ed class this spring? Google has a great new tool to help you out!

Click here to see Google's Portland metro area biking map!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Heard it on the FM Radio

2010-03-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

Check out the new spots by Sheryl Stewart of 105.1 fm "The Buzz" about the cool Community Education classes she's taken recently:

Friday, March 5, 2010

Register today!

2010-03-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

Yipee! You can now register for the more than 1,200 Community Educatio classes being held this spring! Double Yipee!

Click here to see the complete spring schedule and sign up today!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Spring 2010 PCC Communities Available!

2010-03-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

That's right! The Spring 2010 issue of PCC Communities, complete with the spring schedule of Community Education non-credit classes is out and available right now!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Spring 2010 Project:YOU

2010-02-24T08:50:00.001-08:00

We're Downtown!

2010-02-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

What a whirl of wind these past 8 days...

It's been a little less than two weeks since our office at the PCC Central Portland Workforce Training Center moved to the new PCC Downtown Center, and we are happy to give you the first public look inside the building and the Community Education office. Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Check out our spring term online today!

2010-02-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Day! The sun is shining, the crocus are blooming and the spring 2010 term PCC Community Education schedule is online now!

You can peruse the nearly 1,200 classes we are offering this spring by clicking here.

Don't try registering yet, you won't be able to until March 3rd. Have a question about a class? Let us know by calling 503-788-6266 or fill out the "Contact Us" form here.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Head First into Wine

2010-02-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder if you're "doing it right" when it comes to wine etiquette?

The PCC Community Education has the class for you:

Head First Into Wine

In this NEW class, you will laugh as you sip and swirl, using all the latest words to identify what you most enjoy in wines!

Click here for more information about this fun new class (you must be 21 years old or older to participate in classes serving alcohol).

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Moving Day!

2010-02-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

We’re moving! That’s right, as we first told you last August, our office at Central is moving to the new PCC Downtown Center this Friday and will be open for business at our new digs downtown next week! In the mean time, our current office is a full of boxes and half-moved cubicles. We don’t look as carefree as the people in this photo (from the moving company), but we are excited.

Our new office address will be:

PCC Downtown Center, Room 115
722 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204

Below are a few pictures from a trip to the then-uncompleted building a few weeks ago:

Monday, February 1, 2010

Traveling to Europe?

2010-01-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

Do you dream of traveling to Europe but you don't know how to plan it, if you can afford it or you worry about the language?

Check out the great class this Saturday (1/30): 10 Tips for A Great Trip to Europe

This class will give you ideas of places to go, how to organize, figure costs and secrets for finding great values. Click here for more information!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Snowshoeing...by moonlight!

2010-01-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Snowshoeing is amazing. Snowshoeing in the moonlight is magical.

Moonlight Snowshoeing covers trip logistics, technique, equipment and clothing to keep you warm and comfortable. The course concludes with a three mile nighttime trip on a moderate trail on Mt. Hood. Plus, it comes with hot drinks and snacks!

Click here for more information and to sign up for this incredible experience.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

"Best. Class. Ever!"

2010-01-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

Graphic Novels and Comics are not just for Jeff Albertson (aka "Comic Book Guy") anymore! Indeed, millions of American read graphic novels each year and many have become blockbuster movies and television shows. (yes, that was probably the "Worst. Segway. Ever!")

Have you ever wanted to write a graphic novel or comic book but didn't know where to start or how to develop your characters? Well PCC Community Ed has a great class for you: Character Narrative in the Graphic Novel and Comic

This course will help you with examining and developing character-driven narrative in visual storytelling. This class focuses more on the individual narrative and not the mainstream-genre or superhero comic. Students need some basic foundation in drawing/visual art because you will work on your novel or comic!

Click here for more information on this class.

Monday, January 18, 2010

By golly...what a week

2010-01-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

By golly...what a week. Nearly everyone in the department was at yesterday's all-day proofing session for the spring schedule...and I can tell you it has some great...and I mean GREAT classes.

On top of the spring schedule, our administrative office at the PCC Central location is moving to the new PCC Downtown Center in two weeks...and no one has started to pack yet. Gulp. More info on that to come.

Finally, PCC will be closed on Monday, January 18th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no Community Education classes on Monday. Enjoy the long weekend!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Utilizing Social Media

2010-01-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Utilizing Social Media

Friday, January 8, 2010

Rejuvenate that old house of yours!

2010-01-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Have an old house (and who doesn't if you live in Portland) and want to rejuvenate it to its previous glory? Well, it is not too late to register for:

"Old-House Rejuvenation Series: 1870-1970",

This is a a new series of classes this winter in partnership with Rejuvenation, a local company that is "America's largest manufacturer and leading direct marketer of classic American lighting and house parts."

Explore your vintage home’s history and discover creative inspiration with access to Rejuvenation’s archive of nearly 2,000 rare books and original trade catalogs with Bo Sullivan, Rejuvenation historian and owner of Arcalus Period Design Consulting.

You can also see a video tour of Rejuvenation and catch a glimpse of their incredible library of resources (which you will use in the class) below:

Interested? Click here for more information on this series.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Take the Blue Line to class...but be safe

2010-01-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of Community Ed students will be taking classes at the new Willow Creek Center starting this week. In case you missed Justin's profile of PCC's newest building, click here!

One of the great things about the Willow Creek Center is its close...very close... proximity to the TriMet MAX Blue Line. Taking the Blue Line to your Willow Creek class is a convenient, affordable and sustainable way to go. Just don't horse around on the MAX platform...please...seriously.

MAX camera captures man falling in front of train

The guys above were horsing around on the Sunset Transit Center MAX platform and one of them kicked their friend who then fell onto the tracks right as the MAX train was leaving the station. Luckily, the unlucky man survived. You can read the full story at The Oregonian by clicking here.

Be safe and see you in class!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Winter 2010 Term Starts Today!

2010-01-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and a new term here at PCC Community Education! I has already been super busy this morning with students registering and getting ready for their fun classes this winter.

In case you haven't registered for a class yet, it is not too late! Click here to register online or call 503-788-6266 today!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Closed for the holidays

2009-12-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Portland Community College and Community Education will be closed the following days for the Christmas holiday:

Thursday, December 24
Friday, December 25
Monday, December 28

The college will also shut down for New Year’s Day (Friday, January 1).

Even though the college is closed, you can still look up and register for classes online at www.pcc.edu/community.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Checking out the new Willow Creek Center

2009-12-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to PCC's newest facility, the Willow Creek Center!

It is a brand new (and by brand new, I mean it's been open less than a month) and highly sustainable center right on the MAX Blue Line at the Willow Creek Transit Center at NE 185th and Baseline.

The Willow Creek Center replaces the old Capital Center at NW 185th and Walker Rd. Check out the video below for a quick tour of the new facility and what it means for Community Education:

We are very excited to offer classes at the Willow Creek Center and to have an office in the building. Below, you can see Pam, Carol and Daphne in their new digs (they are still unpacking).

Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays from Community Ed!

2009-12-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon we had our office white elephant party and was it fun! You can see us below with the "gifts" we "won."

Are you still looking for the perfect affordable gift this holiday? Why not give the gift of creativity, the gift of knowledge, the gift of health or the gift of experience.

Give a Community Education class this holiday! Call 503-977-8888 today!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Rain, and what to do with it...

2009-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

So, first it was the winter storm that never happened, and now it is the rain, rain and more rain. After raining all yesterday afternoon, evening and night, this is what the doppler looked like this morning:

from KATU.com

No don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love the rain and all the wet stuff that our beautiful Pacific Northwest weather can bring. And I know I'm not alone. In fact, Community Ed has a new class this winter term that can teach you how to take full advantage of weather like todays:

Building Rain Barrels and Rain Water Systems!

The class will help students learn how to build their own rain barrel. The class will be taught by rain water harvesting expert Brad Crowley of "Harvest the Sky." He will share inside tips on the best methods for rain barrels and larger storage systems.

Click here for more information on this new course.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009