Winter brings new enrichment classes to Royal Oak

 

By Jennifer Sakey

C & G Staff Writer

     Royal Oak Neighborhood Schools is offering residents a chance to fight the winter blues by learning a new hobby or skill.

     The district’s winter season of adult enrichment classes is underway and features several new additions to its lengthy lineup.

     Ferndale resident Bethany Mooradian, for example, will teach a class that may help students make a little extra cash. In “Become a Mystery Shopper,” Mooradian will cover the basic steps involved in evaluating businesses and customer service as a mystery shopper. She’ll also provide information on tax reporting, writing good reports on businesses and what companies currently are hiring mystery shoppers.

     “In my real life, I’m actually a puppeteer,” said Mooradian. “I’ve done everything and anything to supplement my income.”

     Currently, Mooradian dedicates most of her spare time to teaching, but when she was actively mystery shopping, she would take 40 to 100 assignments each month, which added up to $300 to $600 in extra income.

     Mooradian stresses that although students shouldn’t expect to get rich, it is possible to earn as much as $1,500 per month.

     “It’s a great way to make a decent part-time income,” she said.

     Mooradian has taught the class in other communities and she said the response from students has been “extremely favorable.”

     “I keep in contact with a lot of my students,” she said.

     Two separate sessions will be held from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and March 16 at Kimball High School.

     For local outdoor enthusiasts wanting to enhance their fly fishing skills, John Vincent, owner of Flymart Fly Shop in Royal Oak, will offer “Basic Fly Tying.” The class will teach students about the materials and tools used to create simple and effective patterns that will help catch fish. According to Vincent, anyone — including those without any experience — will leave the class with knowledge of both basic and more creative fly tying techniques.

     Vincent also holds the class at his store, but said he decided to broaden his base of students by offering it through the school district.

     “It’s our way of giving back to the cities that we serve,” said Vincent.

     Although the first class was held Jan. 12, Vincent said it’s not too late to enroll for the remaining classes, which will be held on the next three Mondays from 7-9 p.m. at Kimball High School.

     Classes covering topics such as home theater assembly, Portuguese cooking, wedding planning, menopause, home selling and developing ESP are also new this season. According to enrichment coordinator Lori Ferris, some of the most popular classes include “Bead Stringing,” “Floral Design,” “Beginning Knitting,” and “Sewing.” Cooking, craft, hobby and travel classes offered by instructor Anton Anderssen are also a favorite among students.

     Ferris said she is often contacted by people who have ideas for new classes and adds that she is always looking for new instructors who are willing to share their talents. New classes will be selected based on the instructors’ qualifications and on how the class will appeal to the community.

     Interested instructors can contact Ferris at (248) 588-5050, ext. 226. For more information on winter classes or to register, call (248) 588-5050. Information also can be found online at www.rosd.k12.mi.us/schools/churchill/winterbrochure.htm.

     You can reach Jennifer Sakey at jsakey@candgnews.com