Institute for Continuing Learning upcoming events

Advanced Defensive Pistol Shooting Tactics (May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Instructor - George Gaines

Course Fee - $35.00

Materials Fee - $195.00

It is mandatory that students have taken a previous ICL course from

Dr. Gaines that had a live shooting component.

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All four days, students will meet in the parking area next to the gas station of the Hayesville Ingles grocery store on US 64 E. It is recommended that you arrive around 8:30 AM in order for us to drive to the range at 8:45 AM.

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This class is taught over four (4) consecutive days, which means you will experience four full days of shooting. This format closely 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.

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 is one offering of this class this term.

Range sessions will be held at a nearby private range, which is only a short drive away, 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 $195 covers the cost of materials, water, firearms use, gun cleaning, ammo, targets, and insurance for four full days of shooting. 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.

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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.

Advanced Defensive Pistol Shooting Tactics (May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Instructor - George Gaines

Course Fee - $35.00

Materials Fee - $195.00

It is mandatory that students have taken a previous ICL course from

Dr. Gaines that had a live shooting component.

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Piloga - Yoga (May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:15:00 GMT

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!

Advanced Defensive Pistol Shooting Tactics (May 21, 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Instructor - George Gaines

Course Fee - $35.00

Materials Fee - $195.00

It is mandatory that students have taken a previous ICL course from

Dr. Gaines that had a live shooting component.

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Pen and Ink Wash with Watercolor (May 21, 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Course Instructor - Billie Shelburn

Course Fee - $30.00

Materials Fee - $20.00 per class

There are many ways to use pen and ink, micron pens, and other forms of markers with watercolor paintings. Incorporating the two basic elements can be suggestive and complete an idea you are trying to achieve. Specifically embellishing certain areas to make them more important, or just using marks in certain areas can complete and enhance your painting. Come and enjoy learning to use the two forms together to express your ideas. All materials needed will be provided for $20 per class paid weekly to insure similar results.

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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.