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

Current Courses

    • January 12, 2026
    • March 02, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • ICL Classroom
    • 8
    Register

    Course Instructor - George Curran

    Course Fee - $30.00


    Would you like to learn the “...most entertaining and intelligent card game the wit of man has so far devised.” (W. Somerset Maugham)?

    Did you play in your youth and think about returning?  Learn the basics of playing bridge.  You will learn to bid and play contract bridge.  The class is part lecture, part card play, and all fun.

    Note: this class is for new or returning players.

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    George Curran is a resident of Union County but has lived in Pennsylvania, California and Florida. He retired to the Blairsville area in 2008. He learned to play Bridge in the 1960s while in college and has played ever since. He has played social Bridge and duplicate Bridge. George is also a Bridge Instructor in Blairsville.


    • January 12, 2026
    • March 02, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 8
    Register

    Course Instructor - Chris Hall

    Course Fee - $30.00


    Course Description: This class will cover tips to improve your game using various strategies for the different stages of the game. We will cover the card, National Mah Jongg League rules, general advice, 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.



    • January 14, 2026
    • March 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!


    • January 14, 2026
    • March 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

    Springboard Pilates is a mat based, low impact class which focuses on controlled, precise movements emphasizing core strength, flexibility, breath and control using springs attached to a wall-mounted board.  This class combines classical Pilates mat exercises with Pilates equipment training and is suitable for all fitness levels.

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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!


    • January 16, 2026
    • February 27, 2026
    • 7 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 22
    Register

    Course Instructor - Teryn Romaine

    Course Fee - $25.00

    We will learn about the important aspects of using native plants in your landscaping, and how to do so along with possible field trips.

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    I am a retired high school biology teacher who has been involved with local chapters of state Native Plant Societies (FL and GA) since 2011.  When we moved here 5 years ago my husband and I started the North Georgia Mountains chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society, with goals including expanding people's understanding of the importance of promoting native plants and including them in garden installations.


    • January 21, 2026
    • March 04, 2026
    • 7 sessions
    • Towns County Old Recreation Center, 900 North Main Street, Hiawassee, GA
    • 3
    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.  Starting on Wednesday, January 21, Intro to pickleball will be offered indoors.  The first session will meet on Wednesdays at 2:00 pm at the Towns County Old Rec Center in Hiawassee.  The class will run for an hour and a half and conclude at 3:30. The session will end on March 4th.  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.  Currently, I have had to recruit people I know to fill in the many gaps we have had all season.  At this new venue, I will not have anyone to fill in for absent people.  Please remember when you don’t attend, it affects everyone in the class.  Can’t wait to get you started on playing this wonderful game.


    Sharon is a Maine native who now lives in Morganton, GA.  She has been playing pickleball for 1 year after decades of playing competitive tennis.  She is an IPTPA(International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) certified instructor.  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 almost 40 years.  She is an active animal rescue supporter and educator who currently shares her life with 4 dogs and 2 cats.  Sharon is looking forward to teaching the amazing game of pickleball to her new students. 


    • January 21, 2026
    • March 04, 2026
    • 7 sessions
    • Old Recreation Center, 900 North Main St., Hiawassee, GA
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor Sharon Harkavy

    Course Fee $30.00

    Okay, you know the basics of pickleball and you know how to play, but now what?  Do you want to get better?  Do you want to learn more than the basic shots?  Do you want to learn strategy?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have found the right class.  Starting on Wednesday, January 21, I will be offering this class inside at the Towns County “Old” rec center in Hiawassee at 3:30pm for an hour and a half concluding at 5pm.  The session will run for 7 weeks through March 4th.  If you have a paddle, please bring it.  I will also have paddles to try and balls.  You need to wear court sneakers such as pickleball or tennis sneakers, 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 about drop shots, drives, the overhead smash, lobs, block volleys, punch volleys as well as strategy for better play.  Past students may repeat a class.  Please note:  The entire class is based on 8 participants at EVERY CLASS.  Currently, I have had to recruit people I know to fill in the gaps, but at this location I will not know anyone to fill in for absent participants.  Please remember when you don’t attend it affects everyone in the class.  Can’t wait to get you started on playing this wonderful game.



    Sharon is a Maine native who now lives in Morganton, GA.  She has been playing pickleball for 1 year after decades of playing competitive tennis.  She is an IPTPA(International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) certified instructor.  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 almost 40 years.  She is an active animal rescue supporter and educator who currently shares her life with 4 dogs and 2 cats.  Sharon is looking forward to teaching the amazing game of pickleball to her new students. 


    • February 03, 2026
    • March 10, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • ICL Classroom
    • 1
    Register


    Course Instructor Stephan Banakas

    Course Fee $25.00

    Do you ever wonder what all those buttons and dials on your camera do?  Or what all those words and phrases dealing with photography mean?  “Getting to Know Your Camera” is the place for you to start.  This 5-week course will start unlocking these mysteries and many more.  There will also be hands-on photo shooting and discussion of the many ways an image can be shot, as well as which technique might present your images as you imagined they might look.  So, pull down that camera and your owner’s manual, or even your cell phone; charge up the battery and join us.  You’ll begin to see your photos in a much different way.

    The course will meet in the ICL classroom for five Tuesday sessions beginning February 3rd, 1:00 – 3:00 with March 10th set aside as a makeup day because of weather issues.

    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.


    • February 04, 2026
    • February 25, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 11
    Register

    Course Instructor - Heather Welch 

    Course Fee - $25.00

    This course studies the history of feminist movements in the United States, examining the evolution of feminist thought and activism across three key waves: the First, Second, and Third Waves. We'll start with its early focus on women’s suffrage, legal rights, and social reforms, move to the 1960s-1980s that argued the personal is political, and finish up with the third wave through today. Our fourth class will offer a brief survey on Global Feminist movements as we seek to understand the U.S. movements in a global context.

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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.



    • February 10, 2026
    • March 03, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • Zoom - Link will be sent to all who register for the class
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Instructor  - Glenda Beall

    Course Fee - $30.00

    Classes are on Zoom

    Our life stories are a precious legacy. Putting them in writing is a gift to all who know and love us—they can be treasured and enjoyed for generations to come. 

    Facts bring us knowledge, but stories bring us wisdom.

    Come learn specific tools and techniques to retrieve and record family/personal life stories – those significant tales of  transition, love, loss, and triumph, as well as the everyday moments shared with loved ones from the past or the present.

    Using prompts, students will write up to 2,000 words each week and share with the class. 

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    Glenda Beall is a published poet and author of two books. She has taught writing at John C. Campbell Folk School, ICL, Tri-Community College, and in her studio, Writers Circle around the Table. 

    Glenda is a capable, empathic, and insightful writing teacher, who sustains a safe, warm space for students to learn and become successful writers.

    She creates a comfortable setting where students share their writing with others. She firmly believes in encouragement and sensitivity when helping writers improve their work.


    • February 12, 2026
    • March 05, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • Art Studio - 1942 Old Hwy 64 W, Hayesville, NC
    • 7
    Register

    Course Instructor - Billie Shelburn

    Course Fee - $25.00

    Materials Fee - $25.00 per class

    This watercolor class will be an inspiration for all to delve into the wonders of watercolor painting.  Facts and information will be shared to allow you to produce paintings that are exciting and beautiful and demos each week will arm you so you will be able to complete works that inspire and excite the viewers.  You will learn all aspects of composition and use of materials to enable you to produce wonderful paintings.  All materials will be provided weekly for $25 per session along with handouts of pertinent information to take with you.

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    Billie Shelburn is a contemporary studio artist and fine art instructor in painting, drawing and mixed media. Billie’s works are comprised of representational, impressionistic and mixed media styles.  Her paintings have won National, International and Regional awards.  Billie was inducted into the National Organization for Women in Arts in Washington, D.C. and has served on the Executive Boards of Georgia Watercolor Society.  





    • February 20, 2026
    • March 06, 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 1
    Register

    Course Instructor Joyce Clair

    Course Fee $25.00


    Drawing does not require natural talent; drawing is a skill that may be learn thru practice and observing correctly. The first class will address “Drawing Basics”. The topic of the second class is “Drawing Portraits”. The third class will focus on “Drawing Figures.” All skill levels are welcome,   Please attend all classes for maximum benefit.      

    Supplies to bring:  A 6x8 or larger multi-media sketch book, 3 drawing pencils (2B, 4B, and 6B), white charcoal pencil, small pencil sharpener, erasers, blending stumps, tissues, and ruler. All available at Wal-Mart.

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    Joyce Clair is a watercolor artist and retired nurse practitioner who also enjoys drawing and teaching. She regularly teaches at regional art centers. Joyce grew up in Pennsylvania, lived in Maryland and Texas, and retired to Georgia in 2014. She studied drawing at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. Her watercolors are influenced by workshops with Skip Lawrence, Tom Lynch, Zoltan Szabo, Frank Webb, and Morris Green. Joyce’s paintings are displayed at the Murphy Art Center and Blue Ridge Art Center. Visit “Joyce Clair Art” on face book and www.fineartamerica.com to view her art.  

    • February 21, 2026
    • March 07, 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • ICL Classroom - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor Joyce Clair

    Course Fee $25.00


    Drawing does not require natural talent; drawing is a skill that may be learn thru practice and observing correctly. The first class will address “Drawing Basics”. The topic of the second class is “Drawing Portraits”. The third class will focus on “Drawing Figures.” All skill levels are welcome,   Please attend all classes for maximum benefit.      

    Supplies to bring:  A 6x8 or larger multi-media sketch book, 3 drawing pencils (2B, 4B, and 6B), white charcoal pencil, small pencil sharpener, erasers, blending stumps, tissues, and ruler. All available at Wal-Mart.

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    Joyce Clair is a watercolor artist and retired nurse practitioner who also enjoys drawing and teaching. She regularly teaches at regional art centers. Joyce grew up in Pennsylvania, lived in Maryland and Texas, and retired to Georgia in 2014. She studied drawing at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. Her watercolors are influenced by workshops with Skip Lawrence, Tom Lynch, Zoltan Szabo, Frank Webb, and Morris Green. Joyce’s paintings are displayed at the Murphy Art Center and Blue Ridge Art Center. Visit “Joyce Clair Art” on face book and www.fineartamerica.com to view her art.  



    • February 27, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • ICL Classroom C - 862 Main Street, Young Harris
    • 1
    Register

    Instructor - Denise Taranto

    Course Fee - $20.00

    Materials Fee - $45.00

    Intermediate Level 2

    Basic plaiting knowledge, foot treadle experience, and moderate hand strength are necessary for this class.

    Plaiting skills from Intermediate Level 1 class will be used to plait on a stick. Using a long wooden handle, broomcorn with stalks, and nylon twine make a Cobweb Broom for your home or porch.

    Materials: Sharp utility knife, scissors, and an old towel – all other supplies provided by the 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 and Treasured Creations in Blairsville, GA and demonstrating broom making at the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee, GA.


    • March 02, 2026
    • 12:30 PM
    • March 05, 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Gun Range - Meet at Ingles in Hayesville at
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor - George Gaines

    Course Fee - $35.00

    Materials Fee - $150.00 

    All 4 days will be at the range, so students should meet at the Ingles in Hayesville (US 64 E) at the parking area in front of the Ingles gas station.  Meetup time is 12:30 pm, class begins 1:00 pm.

    “Safe Pistol Handling & Defensive Shooting Tactics,” is now being taught over four (4) consecutive days.  This format more nearly resembles that used by Dr. Gaines and the late Haim Geri in training students in the Israeli Shooting Method. Geri was the chief firearms instructor at Israel’s IMI Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training.  In Israel he trained thousands of Israeli Security Officers.  As a team in the US, Gaines and Geri trained thousands of civilians and law enforcement officers to handle firearms safely and protect themselves and innocent civilians from life-threatening attacks. We shall be prepared for the worst and pray that we will never have to use a firearm in self-defense. This course is dedicated to the late Haim Geri.  Memory eternal.

    There are no special prerequisites to this class.  Previous students are encouraged to enroll and refresh their skills.  Repetition is the mother of mastery!

    Although the range shooting area is covered and protects from precipitation while loading/unloading pistols, our shooting will be outdoors, so bring rain gear just in case.  No open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed.  Wear shirts with a reasonably high collar to avoid hot shell casings.  Range etiquette will be discussed during the first day’s class. There are two offerings of this class:

    Range sessions will be held at a nearby private range and may last a bit longer than two (2) hours, if required. Since our time at the range is reserved, no spectators are allowed on the property.

    At the range, the instructor will provide students with 9mm semiautomatic pistols and ammo.  Students may bring personal pistols to the range, but it will be up to the instructor to determine if/when student guns may be used.

    This course relies heavily on live demonstrations, and students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform same at the range.  A Gaines Tactical Training Certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.

    A fee of $150 covers the cost of materials, water, firearms use, gun cleaning, ammo, targets, and insurance. This is payable by cash/check on first day of class. Students will be asked to sign a customary release, much like that used in public/private commercial ranges. At the range, students are required to wear safety glasses and hearing protection.  Howard Light electronic headgear is what I use, and it runs around $35 to $60.  This type of gear allows you to hear range commands while cutting out the loud retort from firing.

    Content outline:

    Self-Defense Firearm Basics

    Defensive Shooting Fundamentals

    Shooting Equipment

    Basic and Advanced 

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    George grew up in Pensacola, Florida and has lived and worked throughout the United States and Europe.  He graduated from The University of Alabama and later earned his doctorate at the University of Georgia (1971).  His early career was spent teaching in the Louisiana State University System. 

     In 1980 he began working in the private sector in marketing research for major corporations such as Southern Company, The Gallup Organization, Research International, and IPSOS.  During this time, he served as the International Accounts Director for Pratt & Whitney, UPS, Pepsico, and later for The Coca-Cola Company. 

    His last corporate assignment was Director of Consumer Insights for Outback Steakhouse International, where his duties included extensive marketing communication research in Latin America, Asia, and Europe. 

     Following his retirement in 2013, George pursues his lifelong commitment to teaching firearms safety.  He is an NRA Certified Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer as well as a USCCA Training Counselor.  He presently is Director of Open Enrollment for the US Branch of Israel’s IMI (Israel Military Industries) Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training.


    • March 09, 2026
    • March 12, 2026
    • 4 sessions
    • Gun Range - Meet at Ingles in Hayesville at
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Course Instructor - George Gaines

    Course Fee - $35.00

    Materials Fee - $150.00 

    All 4 days will be at the range, so students should meet at the Ingles in Hayesville (US 64 E) at the parking area in front of the Ingles gas station.  Meetup time is 12:30 pm, class begins 1:00 pm.

    “Safe Pistol Handling & Defensive Shooting Tactics,” is now being taught over four (4) consecutive days.  This format more nearly resembles that used by Dr. Gaines and the late Haim Geri in training students in the Israeli Shooting Method. Geri was the chief firearms instructor at Israel’s IMI Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training.  In Israel he trained thousands of Israeli Security Officers.  As a team in the US, Gaines and Geri trained thousands of civilians and law enforcement officers to handle firearms safely and protect themselves and innocent civilians from life-threatening attacks. We shall be prepared for the worst and pray that we will never have to use a firearm in self-defense. This course is dedicated to the late Haim Geri.  Memory eternal.

    There are no special prerequisites to this class.  Previous students are encouraged to enroll and refresh their skills.  Repetition is the mother of mastery!

    Although the range shooting area is covered and protects from precipitation while loading/unloading pistols, our shooting will be outdoors, so bring rain gear just in case.  No open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed.  Wear shirts with a reasonably high collar to avoid hot shell casings.  Range etiquette will be discussed during the first day’s class. There are two offerings of this class:

    Range sessions will be held at a nearby private range and may last a bit longer than two (2) hours, if required. Since our time at the range is reserved, no spectators are allowed on the property.

    At the range, the instructor will provide students with 9mm semiautomatic pistols and ammo.  Students may bring personal pistols to the range, but it will be up to the instructor to determine if/when student guns may be used.

    This course relies heavily on live demonstrations, and students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform same at the range.  A Gaines Tactical Training Certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.

    A fee of $150 covers the cost of materials, water, firearms use, gun cleaning, ammo, targets, and insurance. This is payable by cash/check on first day of class. Students will be asked to sign a customary release, much like that used in public/private commercial ranges. At the range, students are required to wear safety glasses and hearing protection.  Howard Light electronic headgear is what I use, and it runs around $35 to $60.  This type of gear allows you to hear range commands while cutting out the loud retort from firing.

    Content outline:

    Self-Defense Firearm Basics

    Defensive Shooting Fundamentals

    Shooting Equipment

    Basic and Advanced 

    ◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

    George grew up in Pensacola, Florida and has lived and worked throughout the United States and Europe.  He graduated from The University of Alabama and later earned his doctorate at the University of Georgia (1971).  His early career was spent teaching in the Louisiana State University System. 

     In 1980 he began working in the private sector in marketing research for major corporations such as Southern Company, The Gallup Organization, Research International, and IPSOS.  During this time, he served as the International Accounts Director for Pratt & Whitney, UPS, Pepsico, and later for The Coca-Cola Company. 

    His last corporate assignment was Director of Consumer Insights for Outback Steakhouse International, where his duties included extensive marketing communication research in Latin America, Asia, and Europe. 

     Following his retirement in 2013, George pursues his lifelong commitment to teaching firearms safety.  He is an NRA Certified Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer as well as a USCCA Training Counselor.  He presently is Director of Open Enrollment for the US Branch of Israel’s IMI (Israel Military Industries) Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training.


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