Get started on your New Year’s resolutions right away by enrolling in one of the interesting and affordable non-credit public spring classes offered by the Division of Continuing Education at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR.

To register for the following classes, simply email Caroline Waller at carolinewaller@saumag.edu, call (870) 235-4006, visit SAU Business 111, or register online at http://web.saumag.edu/ce/register-online/. Class reservations are not final until the fee has been paid.

Adult classes being offered include “Get Fit With Aquacize,” “Scuba Diving for Beginners,” “Learn to Swim,” “Beginning Crochet,” “Tai Chi: Medicine in Motion,” “Learn to Swim,” “Beginners Cake Decorating,” and “Basic Cookie Decorating – Valentine’s Day Theme.” For children this spring will be “Lego Day at SAU.”

“Get Fit With Aquacize” is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 17 – May 4 at the SAU Aquatic Center. Everett Green will be offering a wide variety of low-impact water exercises that will enhance flexibility, muscle balance, and cardiovascular fitness. The class is ideal for all fitness levels. Fee is $65.

“Scuba Diving for Beginners” will be meeting from 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays from January 23 – May 1. Students will obtain the knowledge and skills required to become a certified instructor through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (P.A.D.I.), the largest and most recognized training program in the world. The course consists of classroom, pool sessions, and open water checkouts at Lake DeGray. Minimum age is 10, and the class is limited to six. It will meet at the SAU Aquatic Center, and is being taught by Clay Rayburn. Fee for the course is $300, and includes all the needed equipment.

“Tai Chi: Medicine in Motion” will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Mondays from March 6 – April 10 in room 108 of the Magale Library at SAU. This course is free for adults 60 and older. Nancy Bailey is the instructor. Students will learn the Sun style Tai Chi, which was chosen because of its Qigong, a unique healing component that improves relaxation and vital energy. Tai Chi also has the ability to improve mobility and balance. The program contains a carefully constructed set of warming-up and cooling-down exercises, Qigong breathing exercises, basic core movements, advanced extension movements, and adaptations of the movements for older adults. This is an American Osteopathic Association approved Tier III evidence-based health promotion program.

“Learn to Swim” will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays from January 18 – May 3 at the SAU Aquatic Center. Elizabeth Ray is the teacher, and the fee is $50. Even the most fearful non-swimmers will learn how to swim for fitness and for fun. Instruction will include the strokes and skills to help water vacations be more safe and enjoyable, and allow students to swim with family or for fitness. The class will set a strong foundation for years to come.

“Beginners Cake Decorating” will meet from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from April 6 – May 11 in the Science Center Conference Room at SAU. This beginners class will help define your decorating style and master the basic decorating skills: planning and designing your cake, lining your tines, working with marzipan and other fillings, using royal icing, how to use a piping bag, and so much more. The instructor, Dorothy Henry, has a passion for cake decorating and has won three gold medals and one silver medal in the Australian Wedding Cake Competition. You will walk away from this fun class with confidence and skills. Fee for this course is $50.

“Basic Cookie Decorating – Valentine’s Day Theme” is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Science Center Conference Room at SAU. This course is an introduction to the basic art of decorative cookies. The instructor, Amanda Blanchard of Cookie Doughmain, will explain the basic cookie decorating tools, bags, and tips. She will demonstrate how to properly outline, flood, and decorative piping, and participants will get to practice these skills. The $50 fee includes 1 dozen cookies, take home icing, and an icing recipe. Class size is limited to 12.

“Lego Day at SAU” is set for 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, at room 205 of the SAU Business Building. Lennon Parker, Lego Master Builder, is teaching the class. Fee is $65. If your your child enjoys building cars, trucks, landmarks or creating something of their own with Lego, this is the place where “everything is AWESOME!” Participants will receive tips for building Lego kits, learn Lego trivia, and will have chances to win Lego prizes. They will build and keep their own Lego kit with Lego Minifigures. Participants will also be exposed to the basic steps in making a Lego movie using licensed Lego software. Parents are encouraged to participate as this is a family-friendly event. Class size is limited to 15.

More From Kicker 102.5