Take a class at the San Juan Center!

Inside SVC’s San Juan Center – Contributed photo

Fall weather is here . . . A perfect time to take a personal enrichment class at the San Juan Center of Skagit Valley College. Most classes begin the week of Sept. 19th, so sign up now. Call 378-3220 for more infomation.

Energy and Society
Join Dr. Michael Balise for an exploration of the scientific basis for our conventional energy resources (fossil fuels, nuclear, hydro) and for renewable/sustainable energy resources (solar, wind, biomass etc.). Surveys the political, social, economic and environmental context of how our culture uses energy and the barriers to large-scale renewable energy implementation. Field trip planned to mainland hydro power plant. Meets Mondays and Wednesdays; September19 – December 7, 11:30AM – 2:00PM. Cost $90.00

Our American Government
A Presidential election year…perfect timing to take a course about how our government works. Join engaging expert Ralph Hahn to uncover the structure of power in the United States and the functions, sources, and uses of power in American Politics. Rediscover the mechanisms and outcomes of the policy making process in a pluralistic society. Meets Tues & Thurs, September 20 – December 8, 11:30AM – 1:45PM. Cost $90.00

The Tiny House: DOWNSIZING the American Dream
There is a resounding trend in house building and design occurring that declares that “smaller is better, more manageable, more environmentally friendly and less of a personal financial burden.” For the young who may be accustomed to retreating into a space the size of a private bedroom or student apartment, and for the senior who is looking to shed a lifetime of collected baggage, “tiny houses” have an appeal that begs for consideration. This seminar is a comprehensive discussion of the “what and how” of tiny houses. Whether the structure is built on wheels, skids or on a conventional foundation or as a core house, keen planning is required to be a success. Some sample structural and floor plans will be available for illustration. This is a time for thoughtful planning of practical application combined with ingenuity and imagination. Applicable building codes if any and other legal aspects will be discussed. A structure completely self-contained and “off the grid” will be discussed. Sat., October 8, 9:00AM – 4:00PM. Cost: $65.00

Building Codes Toolkit
Attend a one-day workshop, endorsed by San Juan County Building Advisory Council, that will help you put you in alignment with current IRC building codes into practice in San Juan County. Current codes have a new emphasis on building performance. Traditionally, structural integrity was the preoccupation of prior building codes. Durability, Efficiency, Safety, Health, Comfort, & Sustainability are now the criteria requirements. This one-day seminar is designed to familiarize the experienced contractor and carpenter, the Do-It-Yourselfer and others of interest with “the put into practice” demands of the new code. A comparison of the former codes and the new code shall be made with the focus. Sat., October 22, 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM. Cost: $65.00

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