NEW SOLAR OBSERVING AND TELESCOPES 101 - Ages 13 and up. Big Oak County Park Pavilion, Big Oak Road, Smyrna. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This one day program will cover solar observing with emphasis placed on understanding the eleven year solar cycle, sunspots, prominences, and discussions on the variation in temperatures of the sun’s layers. Participants will use solar filtered telescopes to view the surface and limb of the sun in white light and the hydrogen alpha spectra. The solar cycle’s effects on the earth will also be discussed. In addition, participants will be shown several different types of telescopes so that each participant can understand which type and size telescope would fit his/her needs. Sources of telescopes, prices, care, and use will also be discussed. Participants may bring their own telescope, if desired, but it is not necessary since there will be several available for use and discussion. Fee is $20. Minimum of 5, maximum of 15. Instructor: Don Surles, President of Delmarva Star Gazers (www.delmarvastargazers.com).

Two Sessions:
3300.01 - May 22 (Rain Date: June 5)
3300.02 - August 21 (Rain Date: August 28)

Cancelled 3301.01 - LADIES ONLY SELF-PROTECTION PROGRAM – Ages 16 and up. Premier Martial Arts, 321-B Independence Blvd., Dover (next to Greentree Shopping Center). Saturdays, 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. beginning June 5 for 6 weeks. Premier Martial Arts incorporates a combination of techniques found in four effective disciplines: Karate, Kickboxing, submission grappling and Kali to provide students with a realistic personal protection system for a modern world. By combining these realistic and effective systems of the martial arts, a student will be better able to defend themselves in any situation. Where most systems of martial arts focus mainly on one area of technique, our mixed martial arts approach allows us to train a well-rounded student of self protection. Fee is $40. Minimum of 10, maximum of 20. Instruction by Premier Martial Arts certified instructors.

3302.01 - INTRODUCTION TO AGILITY FOR DOGS – Ages 16 and up. Animal Inn, 2308 Seeneytown Road, Dover. Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. beginning June 17 for 6 weeks. This class will provide an introduction to agility equipment, including an A-frame, tunnel, dog walk, teeter, and jumps. Agility is a fun activity for dogs and their handlers either for recreation or competition. Fee is $80. Bring proof of shots the first night. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and come to class with a flat collar and a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). Please, no chain or flexi leashes. Minimum of 5, maximum of 15. For more information, call instructor Debbie Eckels at 670-8729.

3303.01 - BASIC DOG OBEDIENCE AND RESPONSIBLE PET CARE – Ages 16 and up. Animal Inn, 2308 Seeneytown Road, Dover. Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning June 17 for 6 weeks. This course will teach you to train your dog using positive and natural methods. It will cover sit, down, stay, come when called, walk on a leash, and basic grooming techniques. Behavior problems such as housebreaking, jumping up, and destructive chewing will also be discussed. Fee is $80. No aggressive dogs permitted. Bring proof of shots the first night. Dogs must attend all classes and be on a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). Please, no chain or flexi leashes. Minimum of 5, maximum of 12. For more information, call instructor Debbie Eckels at 670-8729.

3304.01 - COMPANION DOG 100: PUPPY SOCIALIZATION: Ages 16 and up. Browns Branch County Park, Killens Pond Road, Harrington. Mondays, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. beginning June 7 for 6 weeks. Puppies under one year. This class is geared towards building that relationship between you and your new puppy. Class will provide an opportunity for your puppy to socialize with other dogs. You will be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. If you elect to take the S.T.A.R Puppy Test following class, your puppy can earn a medallion and be registered in the AKC’s log of S.T.A.R Puppies. Fee is $80. All participants will meet without dogs on the first night of class for an orientation. Please bring something to take notes with. Please provide proof of shots and dog license at this time. No aggressive dogs or females in season. Dogs must be on a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). No chain or flexi leashes permitted. Minimum of 4, maximum of 10. For more information, call certified AKC S.T.A.R instructor Gene Thornton at 335-1655.

3305.01 - COMPANION DOG 101: PREPARATIVE OBEDIENCE/RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP – Ages 16 and up. Browns Branch County Park, Killens Pond Road, Harrington. Mondays, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. beginning June 7 for 6 weeks. This class is geared towards beginners who want to train their dog to sit, down, stand, stay, wait, “touch,” “leave it,” and come. Other training techniques will be discussed as participants identify their problems. Depending on class composition, this could include housebreaking, crate training, walking on a loose leash and jumping up. Fee is $80. All participants will meet without dogs on the first night of class for an orientation. Please bring something to take notes with. Please provide proof of shots and dog license at this time. No aggressive dogs or females in season. Dogs must be on a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). No chain or flexi leashes permitted. Minimum of 4, maximum of 10. For more information, call instructor Gene Thornton at 335-1655.

3306.01 - COMPANION DOG 102: CANINE GOOD CITIZEN/THERAPY DOG TEST PREPARATION – Ages 16 and up. Browns Branch County Park, Killens Pond Road, Harrington. Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. beginning June 9 for 6 weeks. Companion Dog 101 or proof of successful completion of an obedience class taken elsewhere, or approval from instructor is required. Prepare to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen and/or the Therapy Dog International Certification test with confidence. Your dog will learn “community manners” and excellent socialization skills. Skills taught include accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking through a crowd on a loose leash, coming when called, staying in place, meeting another dog, “leave it” and ignoring distractions such as wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches. Please Note: While this class is designed to assist you and your dog in preparing for an exam by one of the many agencies that offer certification, taking it is not a requirement for certification. Fee is $80. Proof of shots and dog license required at first class. No aggressive dogs or females in season. Dogs must be on a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). No chain or flexi leashes permitted. Minimum of 4, maximum of 10. For more information, call instructor Gene Thornton at 335-1655.

3307.01 - COMPANION DOG 201: INTRODUCTION TO RALLY-O – Ages 16 and up. Browns Branch County Park, Killens Pond Road, Harrington. Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. beginning June 8 for 6 weeks. Companion Dog 101, 102 or proof of successful completion of an obedience class taken elsewhere, or approval from instructor is required. The next step in obedience with a fun and playful twist. Learn the exercises performed in AKC and APDT Rally events, with a mock trial during the last week (family and friends invited). Dogs need not be purebred to compete in Rally trials. Even if you don’t want to compete with your dog, these exercises will teach wonderful “life skills” that every dog should have and help you further deepen your relationship. Fee is $80. Proof of shots and dog license required at first class. No aggressive dogs or females in season. Dogs must be on a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). No chain or flexi leashes permitted. Minimum of 4, maximum of 10. For more information, call instructor Gene Thornton at 335-1655.

3308.01 - COMPANION DOG 202: COMPETITION RALLY-O – Ages 16 and up. Browns Branch County Park, Killens Pond Road, Harrington. Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. beginning June 8 for 6 weeks. Companion Dog 201 or proof of successful completion of an obedience class taken elsewhere, or approval from instructor is required. This class is for dog and handler teams that know the signs and want to practice negotiating the courses with the goal of perfecting performance. Class is progressive; teams working at Novice, Advance, or Excellent will be accommodated. Fee is $80. Proof of shots and dog license required at first class. No aggressive dogs or females in season. Dogs must be on a 6’ long leash (nylon or leather). No chain or flexi leashes permitted. Minimum of 4, maximum of 10. For more information, call instructor Gene Thornton at 335-1655.

3309.01 - ALL OCCASION HAND-STAMPED GREETING CARDS – Ages 16 and up. Kent County Administrative Complex, Conference Room 221, 555 Bay Road, Dover. Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning May 19 for 4 weeks. Participants will make an assortment of cards for various occasions using rubber stamps, papers and inks. Participants will make 6 cards plus one bonus item each week. Occasions include, but not limited to: birthday, thank you, sympathy, and get well. Fee is $55 and includes all class supplies. Minimum of 5, maximum of 10. Instructor: Brandi Diaz, with over 5 years teaching experience.

NEW 3310.01 - CREATIVE TECHNIQUES HAND-STAMPED GREETING CARDS – Ages 16 and up. Kent County Administrative Complex, Conference Room 221, 555 Bay Road, Dover. Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning July 28 for 4 weeks. Each week participants will create 6 hand-stamped greeting cards using several advanced techniques. Prior stamping knowledge is helpful but not required. Fee is $60 and includes all class supplies. Minimum of 5, maximum of 10. Instructor: Brandi Diaz, with over 5 years teaching experience.

3311.01 - BEGINNER QUILTING – Ages 16 and up. Delaware Sewing Center, Rodney Village Shopping Center, Dover. Saturdays, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. beginning June 5 for 5 weeks. (No class July 3.) The first class, you will pick materials needed for your quilt. Participants will learn freezer paper appliqué by hand, and basic machine pieced nine-patch. Then add a border or two and you will have a quilt top. You will finish your quilt top using basic machine quilting, and last but not least, binding. Fee is $65. Minimum of 5, maximum of 10. For more information and a list of supplies, call instructor Crystal Sweeney at 674-9030.

“TOOTHBRUSH RUG” - Ages 16 and up. Delaware Sewing Center, Rodney Village Shopping Center, Dover. The “Toothbrush Rug” is made from torn strips of fabric and a modified toothbrush. These rugs are quick to make and require no sewing. All projects are machine washable, dryable and last for years! Making rugs is fast, easy and fun. Many handmade rugs are hard on your hands, but our rug making method is relaxing. The stitch we use is similar to a blanket or button-hole stitch. Fee is $30 and includes the pattern and tools. Minimum of 5, maximum of 10. For more information and a list of supplies, call instructor Crystal Sweeney at 674-9030.

Two sessions:

3312.01 - Saturday, June 19, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

3312.02 - Sunday, June 27, 1:00 -5:00 p.m. 

NEW 3313.01 - T-SHIRT QUILTING – Ages 16 and up. Delaware Sewing Center, Rodney Village Shopping Center, Dover. Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., July 7, 21 & 28. If you are like most people, you have a pile of treasured old T-shirts you just can't bear to throw away. This class is geared to turning your old clothes into lasting memories. Just think of a graduation gift, a lasting memory of a great vacation, or all those years of sports. The $40 fee includes pattern and handouts. Minimum of 6, maximum of 10. For more information and a list of supplies, call instructor Crystal Sweeney at 674-9030.

3314.01 - SEWING MADE EASY AND FUN – Ages 13 and up. Kent County Administrative Complex, Conference Room 126A, 555 Bay Road, Dover. Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. beginning July 12 for 4 weeks. Participants will learn how to thread their machine, wind a bobbin and place properly in the machine, and adjust stitch. You will connect fabric and sew it together in a straight stitch. Participants will also learn how to sew on a button the proper way, and make a button hole (if your machine has the attachment for one). The class will cover how to hem a skirt, pants, shorts, dress, tunnel elastic, make a tie belt, or repair a garment. Fee is $50 and includes all class supplies; however, participants will need to bring their machine. Minimum of 5, maximum of 12. Instructor: Mary Cantrell of the Knit & Stitch Club.

3315.01 - BEGINNER AND ADVANCED HAND CROCHET OR KNITTING DESIGN – Ages 13 and up. Kent County Administrative Complex, Room 126A, 555 Bay Road, Dover. Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning July 13 for 3 weeks. The beginner class will learn how to make a scarf and pot holders. The advanced class will learn how to design their own projects. Fee is $50. (Please indicate on registration form whether you are a crocheter or knitter, beginner or advanced.) Minimum of 5, maximum of 15. Instructor: Manh Nguyen, with over 40 years of teaching experience. For a list of class supplies, please call Manh at 632-3095.

3316.01 - MORE SATISFYING PHOTOS – Ages 16 and up. Kent County Public Library, The Centre at Longacre Village, 497 South Red Haven Lane, Dover. Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. beginning July 10 for 4 weeks. The first 2 weeks will go in-depth in learning and exploring camera settings, shooting modes, flash, exposure compensation, white balance and more. The third week will cover rules of composition and what makes a good photo. The last week, we will show several ways of getting photos from the camera to the computer and what to do with them once you have gotten them there. Participants will need to bring their camera. Fee is $50 and includes all necessary materials. Minimum of 7, maximum of 20. Instructor: Jeffrey Kontur, author of Photography Basics, A Reference for Taking Better Photographs.

BEGINNER GOLF CLINICS - Ages 15 and up. Garrison’s Lake Golf Course, Smyrna. (Four classes at range, 1 class on the golf course). Learn basic fundamental skills necessary to complete a round of golf. Classes will cover the full swing, chipping, putting, and on course play. An introduction to both the rules and the etiquette of the game is included. Clubs and other equipment will be provided. Fee is $85 for each 5-week session. Minimum of 8, maximum of 20. Instructor: Barry Dear, PGA member.

Six sessions:
3317.01 - Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., July 6 – August 3
3317.02 - Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., July 8 – August 5
3317.03 - Saturdays, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., July 10 – August 7
3317.04 - Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., August 17 – September 14
3317.05 - Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30p.m., August 19 – September 16
3317.06 - Saturdays, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., August 21 – September 25
(No class September 4)