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Whether you’re new to ICL or a returning member, we’re so glad you’re here!

For a quick introduction to the Fall Session, please click the link below. It’s less than two minutes and includes helpful information about ICL.

Thank you for being part of our ICL community. We hope you enjoy your classes!

Happy Learning!

2026 Fall Session

YHC campus map highlighting location of the ICL classroom and Goolsby center.   YHC-Campus-Map.pdf

Current Courses

    • September 14, 2026
    • November 02, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 17
    Register

    Course Instructor - Heather Welch 

    Course Fee - $25.00

    Have you ever wanted to take a refresher course on U.S. History? In this class, we'll explore from the colonies to the more recent past with a new angle: public history. We'll look to the monuments, memorials, archives, and museums in the U.S. to understand the connection between memory and history. 

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    Heather Welch holds a PhD in History from Georgia State University and has taught at University of North Georgia, Georgia State University, and Kennesaw State University. She has lived in Towns County for 18 years. Currently, she works at the Mountain Regional Library System. Heather considers herself a lifelong learner and feels very passionate about helping others find enjoyment in learning.



    • September 16, 2026
    • November 04, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • ICL Classroom, 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 12
    Register

    Course Instructor - Angela Ridley

    Course Fee - $30.00

    Can We Hear Isaiah’s Voice Today?

    Let’s Go Back in Time…

    Travel back to the 8th century BC and discover the world of the prophet Isaiah. This non-denominational Christian teaching and Bible history course will explore Isaiah’s life and times, the role of the biblical prophet, and the historical events surrounding Israel and the Babylonian Exile.

    Most importantly, we’ll consider a fascinating question: Does Isaiah’s message still speak to us today?

    All videos and written materials will be provided.

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    Angela has taught Sunday School and Bible studies for more than 25 years and currently writes as a guest columnist for the local newspaper.  With a lifelong passion for Scripture, she enjoys sharing what the Bible reveals about God, history, and our relationship with Him. She welcomes Christians, non-Christians, and anyone curious to learn more.




    • September 16, 2026
    • November 04, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • Inspire Fitness Studio - 108 Brasstown Creek Rd, Young Harris, Georgia
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor - Shauna Belt

    Course Fee - $50.00

    Piloga is the perfect fusion of Pilates precision and yoga flow. This class is designed to build core strength, improve flexibility, and enhance mind-body connection through a seamless blend of dynamic Pilates movements and grounding yoga postures.

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    Shauna Belt 200 HR YTT Yoga Renew Certification,  Pilates Instructor ISSA Certified, Group Fitness Instructor Issa Certified.  Shauna is a true believer in the benefits of Yoga and Pilates.  She is very passionate about teaching people how to be more flexible and balanced.  Come join her on the mat!


    • September 16, 2026
    • November 04, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • Icl Classroom, 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 12
    Register

    Course Leader - Rev. Dr. Adam Daniels

    Course Fee - $25.00

    This course offers an in-depth examination of the life, radical vision, and enduring intellectual contribution of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beyond his celebrated status as a civil rights leader, Dr. King was a rigorous theologian, philosopher, and social critic. Through primary source readings, historical analysis, and contextual study, students will trace Dr. King’s intellectual evolution from his roots in the Black Church and personalist theology to his global critique of militarism and poverty.

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    The Rev. Dr. Adam Daniels is the Chaplain, Director of Religious Life, Director of Service & Community Engagement, and Instructor of Religion at Young Harris College. He is passionate about learning, good conversations, the NBA, Premier League Soccer, and service. He is married to Dr. Jessie Daniels who teaches at UGA and they are the parents of Teddy, who just started 1st grade, and is now saying "Actually, dad..." a lot. 


    • September 17, 2026
    • November 05, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor - Chris Hall

    Course Fee - $25.00


    This class will cover tips to improve your game using various strategies for the different stages of the game. This class will also go into detail on quickly learning the new card.  We will cover card strategies, National Mah Jongg League rules, general advice, statistics and strategies on the Charleston, early-game, mid-game and end-of-game play. It is advisable to be experienced in the game before attending this class - this class is not for beginners.


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    Chris moved to Murphy, NC full-time in 2016 after retiring from the US Army.  She learned the game that year and has enjoyed playing regularly ever since learning the game.



    • September 21, 2026
    • November 09, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Instructor - Ann Powell

    Course Fee - $25.00

    Mah-Jongg is a game that originated in China and is similar to the Western card game rummy. It is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. Three or four players play the game using numbered tiles. During those first years after its introduction a real craze developed around Mah-Jongg, but like all fashions it came and went. However, recently a growing number of people are realizing the intellectual challenge Mah-Jongg possesses and the beauty and excitement of the game itself. This class will lead you step by step into the wonderful world of Mah-Jongg.  Come learn and play.


    After living in various places: Pittsburgh, PA; Spartanburg, SC; Upper Saddle River, NJ; Chicago, IL; Charleston, SC and Franklin, NC, Ann made the retirement decision to live in Blairsville, GA in 2017. Ann learned how to play Mahjongg 12 years ago. While growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Ann did see and hear the tiles “clickity, clickity” on the tables while her friend’s parents played Mah-jongg. Never did she ever think she would one day learn to play and teach Mahjongg.


    • September 22, 2026
    • November 03, 2026
    • 7 sessions
    • Pickleball Courts - 67 Chase Drive, Blairsville, GA
    • 1
    Register

    Course Instructor - Sharon Harkavy

    Course Fee $30.00

    If you want to learn how to play pickleball in a fun and friendly class with beginners, then this is the class for you.  I will provide paddles and balls.  YOU need to come wearing court sneakers, either pickleball or tennis.  This is important because running and walking sneakers do not allow for proper lateral motion, and I don’t want anyone tripping because of their footwear.  You should also wear eyeglasses or protective eyewear and comfortable clothing such as shorts, leggings, sweatpants, shorts, etc. We will be getting sweaty.  Please bring a full water bottle as well.  You will learn everything needed to become a player of this fun game.  Past players who are still not feeling comfortable with the rules or their skills may repeat a class.   Please note:  this class is very popular.  The entire class is based on having 8 participants at EVERY CLASS.  I expect you to check your calendar for all class dates.  If you can’t attend all the classes please do not sign up.  Please remember when you don’t attend, it affects everyone in the class and we can’t form 2 groups of four for play.   Can’t wait to get you started on playing this wonderful game.

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    Sharon is a Maine native who now lives in Morganton, GA.  She is an IPTPA(International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) certified instructor as well as a USA Pickleball Ambassador.  Sharon has been certified in many areas and has taught dance aerobics, fitness classes, stretching, STEP classes, water aerobics, deep water exercise, water walking, water STEP, and private swim lessons for both adults and children.  She has been teaching for over 2 decades. She is active in the Blairsville Pickleball Club and also plays with the Fannin Pickleball club.  Sharon loves teaching active classes for all ages especially adults.  She is a mother of three, including a set of twins, grandmother of one, and is married to Jeff for over 40 years.  She is an active animal rescue supporter and educator who currently shares her life with 4 dogs and 1 cat.  Sharon is looking forward to teaching the amazing game of pickleball to her new students. 



    • September 24, 2026
    • November 05, 2026
    • 7 sessions
    • Clegg Fine Arts Center, Room 103
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Course Instructor - Richard Knepp 

    Course Fee - $30.00


    A study of the history and evolution of rock music from its origins to the present day. Highlights of the course include rock music’s emergence within the context of the history of American music and the social, political, cultural, technological, and economic forces that shaped the music. Issues of race, gender, and class as they relate to various styles will also be discussed. We will begin with an introduction to listening and musical fundamentals, and will gradually develop a vocabulary with which to discuss and experience selected works from the history of rock and roll.  No prior familiarity with music is necessary or assumed.

    Dr. Richard Knepp is a guitarist with over 30 years of experience teaching private lessons and in group settings. He has been teaching music at Young Harris College since 1999. Dr. Knepp holds a DMA from the University of Georgia where he studied under the direction of acclaimed guitar instructor John Sutherland. He also holds a MM in Classical Guitar Performance from Georgia State University and a BMA from Georgia College and State University in Instrumental Performance. Dr. Knepp has performed in ensembles and as a soloist throughout the United States. As a classical guitarist, he is a regular feature on the concert stage and has been a strong advocate for classical guitar education within the state of Georgia. Many of Dr. Knepp’s students have gone on to pursue college level studies and have also had successful careers as performing artists.


    • October 05, 2026
    • November 02, 2026
    • 5 sessions
    • ICL Classroom, 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructors - Marian Tillotson, Ph.D, Teresa Heavner, MD, 

    Cathy Duke, LPC, Suzanne Carter

    Course Fee - $25.00


    Come listen and ask questions!

    Is talking about death okay or taboo in your world?

    What do you wonder or worry about?

    Are prior experiences influencing your thoughts about death?

    The goal of this class is to help you clarify your ideas and decisions concerning the end of your life with both facts and ideas to explore with yourself and your loved ones.

    Course Outcomes:

    Reduce fear and avoidance around discussing death.

    Communicate wishes to your loved ones: Health care proxy

    Identify and complete core end-of-life documents: Advance directive

    Discuss options beyond traditional burial and cremation, including green burial and sustainable options.

    Create a personal end-of-life plan, including hospice and palliative care.

    Resource list.

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    Instructors:

    Marian Tillotson, Ph.D., is a retired educator with 36 years in the classroom and as a Central Office Academic Coordinator.  She has had an interest in death education and end-of-life issues for over 15 years.  She has attended and/or led Death Cafes, on-line programs, and in-person conferences during that time.

    Teresa Heavner, MD, is a NC native and a graduate of Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She retired from Chatuge Family Practice after 35 years. She served as  hospice medical director with Good Shepherd Hospice for 29 years.

    Cathy Duke, LPC, is a semi-retired psychotherapist in practice 35+ years.  She has a strong interest in death education and regularly participates in opportunities to expand her knowledge through reading, conferences, on-line workshops, and networking.

    Suzanne Carter moved to Towns County in 2004 after a 25-year career as a public librarian in Madison, GA. She has served on boards of various groups over the years, including Friends of the Libraries of Towns County, and manages ICL’s on-line store. She has recently developed an interest in learning about and planning for end of life, including attending Death Cafes in Blairsville and death education seminars.   

      


    • October 15, 2026
    • November 05, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 18
    Register

    Course Instructor - Jim Crabtree

    Course Fee - $25.00

     

    Explore the science and intricacies of beekeeping and the creation and harvesting of “the nectar of the gods,” honey.  Learn the value of bees to our daily lives and the threat modern chemicals pose to their very existence.  How are hives constructed and what it takes to create a productive apiary.  Learn all this and more in this enjoyable and fascinating dive into the magical world of beekeeping.


    Jim Crabtree is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of G’s Bees Apiary since 2016. Jim and his wife, G, maintain 40-50 bee hives in Blairsville/Young Harris, GA.  Their Bee Keeping journey started in 2013 and turned into a business in 2016.  In 2019 Jim and his wife became “Certified Beekeepers” through the UGA Bee Institute Master Beekeeper Program. Along with their formal education they have a mountain man in Blairsville as their mentor since 2015.  Jim and G make specialty honey products, while harvesting local honey twice a year, spring (Wildflower) and summer (Sourwood).  Through their business, G’s Bees Apiary, have taught several classes and provided educational tours/experiences at their farm.  Jim and G have worked with the Union County Ag program for middle and high school FFA students, presented classes to Master Gardener groups, and given educational tours to home schooled kids, church groups and families.




    • October 22, 2026
    • November 05, 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • Outdoors at Various Locations
    • 4
    Register

    Course Instructor - Virginia Tinsley

    Course Fee - $25.00

    Plein Air Painting with Watercolors will meet at various locations in the area to paint the beautiful scenes around us.  Virginia will email the location of the first class and the supply lists to registrants before the first class.  Everyone should bring a portable lawn chair or a portable watercolor easel when we meet outdoors.




    Virginia Uhl Tinsley has been painting with watercolors for as long as she can remember. She majored in art at Agnes Scott College and has started painting more intently since her retirement. Some of her recent work is on display at Cable’s Gallery. 


    • November 04, 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Good Shepherd Church - 495 Herbert Hills Dr, Hayesville, NC
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor - Norma Berkman

    Course Fee $20.00

    Materials Fee $5.00

    The participants will learn to make real bagels, not the round bread that is commonly sold in supermarkets and restaurants. Each participant will go home with half a dozen delicious bagels, and the best, easiest recipe to make them. There will be a $5 charge for supplies payable at the door.  Each student should bring the following items to class: Spatula, slotted spoon, cooling rack, dish towel, cutting board to knead on, measuring cup and measuring spoon.

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    Norma retired to North Georgia in 2010 following a thirty-year career as a CPA in South Florida.  She lives in Young Harris with her husband Michael. She loves cooking and baking and sharing time honored recipes.

    • November 10, 2026
    • December 08, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • Zoom
    • 8
    Register

    Course Instructor - Stephan Banakas

    Course Fee - $25.00

    No Class on November 24th - Enjoy Thanksgiving Week!


    Participants will be required to have the latest version of PhotoShop available.  And to follow the content of the class it is recommended that participants have a sound internet connection. For follow-up after class, it is further suggested that students have one screen to follow the recorded Zoom session and a second screen to work on the RAW image that will be provided along with the recorded version of the classes.  ALL CLASSES WILL BE RECORDED.   

    The focus of the class will be to introduce you to the basic and essential suite utilized to process your photographs known as Adobe Camera Raw, which is found within PhotoShop.  All classwork will begin with RAW images that will be provided and there will also be ‘homework’ assignments.

    The course is very basic and is intended to provide a solid foundation for further image processing in PhotoShop.  We will not be using Lightroom or any other editing applications.


    Stephan Banakas is an avid fly fisherman and wildflower/landscape photographer.  He is originally from Pensacola, FL. where he worked as a police officer until he retired in 1999.  He now lives in Hayesville with his wife, Diane, and their two cats Gordon and Maggie.


    • November 13, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Instructor - Denise Taranto

    Course Fee - $20.00

    Materials Fee - $45.00

    Continue to explore the traditional Appalachian craft of broom making with a contemporary twist. Using a foot treadle, nylon twine, and broomcorn, combine the Hawk Tail and Hen’s Wing weaving patterns to create a Flying Finch Whisk.

    Those having no experience using a foot treadle, please come to class at 12:00pm for a practice session before class begins. Moderate hand strength is needed.

    Materials: All supplies provided by instructor.


    Denise, a serial crafter, has been making baskets since 2014 and in 2022, became a broom maker after attending classes at Olive’s Porch and John C. Campbell Folk School. Since retiring  from education, broom making and crafting have now become activities that feed her creativity and provide an opportunity to give back to the community. She enjoys teaching classes at Oasis, holding private lessons, and demonstrating broom making at the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee, GA.


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