Adult classes set at college

MINDEN - Three classes coming up at Western Nevada Community College, Douglas include public speaking, gourd art and water gardening.

-- Many people avoid public speaking due to the anxiety that it causes. WNCC Douglas is offering a workshop that will help students control their fear of public speaking. The class meets on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at WNCC Douglas, Bently Hall.

This course will help students become more comfortable when speaking in public by viewing speeches as communication rather than performance. Students will learn relaxation techniques, organizational strategies and delivery tips, said Deanna Abbott, WNCC Douglas community service coordinator.

Preregister by Monday, Feb. 28, at WNCC Douglas, 1680 Bently Parkway South, Minden.

-- Water gardening is one of the easiest and most rewarding forms of gardening. Waterscapes are more attractive than a lawn and easier to care for than most gardens. Anyone wanting to learn how to create a water garden can now take the Water Gardening/Fish Pond class offered by WNCC Douglas.

This class meets from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at WNCC Douglas. March is the perfect time to start planning and learning about water gardens.

Water gardening is simpler than most people think, and the demand for knowledge regarding this type of gardening is growing and hard to find. Learn how water, air, plants, fish and equipment work together to create an ecosystem that is attractive and easy to care for.

Instruction will include the different types of ponds available and how to design, build and maintain them. Students will learn about site selection, materials, filtration, water quality, fish and plants.

Cost is $45. Register by Monday, March 13, at WNCC Douglas.

-- A gourd art class will meet from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 11 and 18. Prior art experience is not necessary, as every student will be able to create a gourd art piece.

Gourd artwork will introduce wood burning, cutting, sewing and color staining using hard-shelled gourds. Students will design and create a bowl or container. Artist and WNCC art instructor Tina Tyrrell with teach the classes.

The cost for the workshop is $60, which includes gourds and all other needed supplies. Class size is limited and early registration is recommended.

Students must register by Monday, March 6, at WNCC Douglas.

These three non-credit classes are offered through the WNCC Douglas Community Services Division. For more information, call 782-2413.