Lady Tenderheart's School of Magic!

I had the opportunity to go and see a Communiversity Class that was held by Kim Oursler and it was a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e! Not to mention fun! The kids got to dress up and learn all about the spirits of the earth. One of my favorite parts was when the kids were asked to call forth the creatures of the earth and some of the responses ranged from "pirates" to " a unicorn with it's mane on fire"!!!

Kim has been great enough to agree to hold the class again for fall, so be on the look out for that. Here are some of the pictures I took.

Activities in Kansas City

Holy Mother! This blogging thing is working! While blogging can be therapeutic to me, I would ultimately like it to be beneficial to Communiversity and it looks like it just might be. Today, I typed in the phrase "stuff to do in Kansas City" into the almighty Google and low and behold.... guess who's number 1? Alright, enough patting myself on the back... onto more important things.

Activities in Kansas City in the next couple of days...

I am personally stoked about the Lady Tenderheart’s School of Magic for Little Witches: Fairy Magic class that is happening tomorrow. One, because it sounds adorable and two, because I'm personally going to go to take pictures! So look for those in the next couple of days. Here's the description of the class:

Fairies delight and entice us with their mysterious ways and magical play. We will dress like the fairies with wings, glitter, and pretty things, learn a little about the World of Fairy, and create an altar for the fairies to invite them in to our homes. This class is for children ages 3 to 10 years. Please bring $5 for materials to class.

How fun is that!

Just Another Manic Monday

Are you humming the ever popular 80's tune? Well, it is a Manic Monday here in the office of Communiversity and there's no time for humming! Our deadline for our fall catalog is quickly approaching (Like this Friday) and we are desperately seeking (Susan- J/K. Another 80's thing) new classes and new volunteer teachers. Our goal is to always stay abreast of what you want to do and see as far as things to do in Kansas City.

One of the hardest and most frustrating parts of our jobs is finding people who sincerely want to serve the community. All of our teachers/conveners are volunteers- they do not get paid. That's a hard pill for some people to swallow now-a-days. "What? I have to give up a couple of hours of my time and not get paid?" Its like we're asking for a kidney! Here are some of the perks to joining the Communiversity Family and teaching classes:

Getting to meet people with similar interests
Developing/working on your public speaking skills
Looks great on a resume
Increases public awareness of your skills and expertise
Helping People in Kansas City
Giving Back
Saving the World one life at a time
Must I go on?

So call us at 816-235-1448 or email us at commu@umkc.edu or visit our website for more info!

Singles in Kansas City

I am not single anymore, but when I was single I found it extremely difficult to meet quality members of the opposite sex. By quality, I mean don't live at home with their parents, have a job and aren't complete tools. Call me crazy, but being single in Kansas City (or any where for that matter!) can be a big old pain in the neck.

Here at Communiversity, we want to help you singles out there! But in order to help you, you must help us! Here in the office we've been kicking around different ideas about how to develop more classes for singles. We thought about trying to find someone to teach a class on the ins and outs and safety tips for Online Dating. Also, what are some things for singles to do in Kansas City? Are there mixers going on around town? What about a class on speed dating in Kansas City?

If you have any great ideas for us or can point us in the right direction that would be great! Call us at 816-235-1448 or visit our website at www.umkc.edu/commu. Have a great weekend!!!!!

Crochet in Kansas City

I am not very domestic. Meaning: I can't really cook all that well (save my meatloaf and grilled chicken). I don't sew. I'm kinda clean, but not really. I'm sure that you get the point. How great would it be though, to learn how to crochet! Kansas City can get kinda cold in the winters and new clothes are expensive, so why not make your own?

Communiversity's upcoming "Learn to Crochet" class could help you do just that. Here are the pertinent details. Call 813-235-1448 or log onto www.umkc.edu/commu to register.

Learn to Crochet

Cozy up with a crochet hook and some yarn and learn all the basic stitches: chain, single, double and treble. From there you can make afghans, scarves, hats, dresses, baby clothes, purses, decorations, boxes, or whatever you can imagine. Bring your own supplies or buy them at class. Nirmal has been crocheting ever since her grandmother taught her how at the age of seven.Convener: Nirmal Kaur Khalsa Class Fee: $14

New Class Ideas in Kansas City!

We are all running around like chicken with our heads cut off around here trying to not only come up with new class ideas, but also to find people to teach those classes. People may not realize that here at Communiversity classes don't just appear out of thin air! There is a lot of work that goes into developing new class ideas and making sure that the enrollment for those new classes is as high as it can be.

One of our main goals here at Communiversity is to always be evolving and staying with the times. So here are some of our ideas to appeal to a new generation of Communiversity participants: (Classes on or about...)

On-line dating
Basic Fashion
Bartending 101
Make-up Classes
All kinds of new Yoga and Pilate's
How to Read Financial Statements

If you have any ideas for stuff/things to do Kansas City, please visit our website at www.umkc.edu/commu or email us at commu@umkc.edu

Peace Out!

What is Doga?

Some of you may have read the article in The Pitch a few weeks ago about our Doga Class- Yoga with your dog. What a great idea. Even though I personally don't own a dog at the moment (call me crazy, but planning a wedding, going to school and working doesn't leave a lot of spare time) , if I did, I would definitely take a Doga Class with my little pooch!

This class has been one of our most popular classes in Communiversity History! Even though we're all booked up for Summer, keep an eye out for Doga with Communiversity in the Fall. Here's a full description:

Learn to relax with your dog! This workshop will give you some techniques to help calm your canine companion, teach him about balance, and build a better bond with you. Meditation (deep breathing), and TTouch (gentle body work and focused movement) are incorporated in with the Doga (yoga posturing). Come and learn to unwind and connect with your four-legged friend. I am an animal behavior and wellness practitioner certified in Tellington TTouch, Reiki, and Dog Training (CPDT). I am a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and Animal Wellness Association. I have worked with a variety of animals and unique cases. Space provided by Pet Connection. Bring $7 for materials and room rental.Convener: Pat Hennessy

Stuff to do in Kansas City

Our beloved leader and boss, Rick, is back from vacation, but he has a headache... he wanted me to put that in here. Speaking of headaches... are you looking for stuff to do in Kansas City? What about taking a Communiversity Class!!!!





Tomorrow we have a great class on meditation, taught by Carol Meyer and then we have another one on Thursday being held by John Flaherty. Here are the class descriptions:

Peace Within: Learning to Meditate

Don't be put off by thinking that meditation is not for you because you can't still your mind. It's easy and enjoyable and produces many benefits: less stress, better health, more wisdom and guidance, feelings of joy and connection, inner strength and more. I will teach you all you need to know to do it successfully, whether for spiritual purposes or simply for relaxation. Carol Meyer, MA in Theology, is a spiritual teacher and counselor with a passion for meditation and sharing this gift with all. Please bring $3 to class for materials.Convener: Carol Meyer



Insight Meditation

Theravada Buddhism is the oldest and most accessible of the three schools of Buddhism. Learn the philosophy and meditation techniques of this ancient path to liberation. We can learn to respond skillfully to the inevitable pain of human life. Conveners have studied and practiced for over 15 years.Convener: John Flaherty

The Pitch & Communiversity

Sooooo, I thought that my 5 hours on end of submitting Communiversity Classes to the Pitch Calendar just might have been in vain, but I was happy to be proved wrong yesterday when we got a call from the Calendar editor. She was super nice and told me that they had already not only entered our classes into their calendar, but had also already written two feature articles about some of our classes. Awesome!!!

Not only can you do an online class search at our website but now you can see us in the Pitch as well. Man, it kind of feels like we're dating!!!

Stuff to Do in Kansas City July 7th!!!

Holy Moly! We have a lot going on with Communiversity this weekend!

Here are some of the classes we are offering this weekend:

#1018A Knotting Between Beads

Knotting between beads can insure longer life for your beaded jewelry. Learn the art of knot tying between beads and to repair and restring existing items. Go home with a finished item. Tools will be furnished and for sale. Bring $15 to class for supplies.Convener: Juanita Collins Class Fee: $9Number of Sessions: 1Meets: 7/7/2007; 10:30:00 AM - 12:30:00 PMNortheast Library, Commons Area6000 Wilson Rd., KCMOLimit: 6

#4302B Falun Dafa

After a brief introduction of Falun Dafa you will learn 5 sets of exercises.Convener: Brian J. Kuang Class Fee: $9Number of Sessions: 1Meets: 7/7/2007; 1:00:00 PM - 3:00:00 PMWestport Roanoke Community Center3601 Roanoke, KCMOWest on 39th Street, Roanoke is 1 light past SW Trafficway, take a right on Roanoke, go 3 blocks, after 2 blocks road turns to brick, Community Center is on the rightLimit: 20

#6306A Stones & Other Oracles

Among the most ancient arts, the reading of oracles has always held a fashion for men. Learn to tap the awareness of your inner mind and the universe. Choosing stones will be covered as well as actual practice in the techniques of reading them. Tape are recorders welcome. Bring $2 material fee to class.Convener: Michael White Class Fee: $9Number of Sessions: 1Meets: 7/7/2007; 2:00:00 PM - 4:00:00 PMWhite, J701 Pawnee Ln., Belton, MO30 minutes from midtown KC or Overland ParkLimit: 15

#7104B Introduction to Horsemanship

Always wanted to learn to ride? Learn about the safe handling of the horse covering grooming, saddling, history and behavior. This is not a trail ride! You will actually learn something about horses in this fun-filled class, located on 300 acres north of the river. Ages 5 years and up, welcome. Participants will be eligible to sign up for additional riding lessons, separate from Communiversity. Call Communiversity for a map to the farm. Please bring carrots for the horses and $15 to class for horse and equipment rental and refreshments. Jeri has an Animal Science and Veterinary Industry degree and has taught horsemanship for over 20 years.Convener: Jeri Lee Yagello Class Fee: $9Number of Sessions: 1Meets: 7/7/2007; 1:00:00 PM - 3:00:00 PMWind in the Willows Farmnear KCI Airport (contact Communiversity for map), KCMOLimit: 15

#4001A Kundalini Yoga for all Levels

It has been said that yoga enhances spiritual awareness and understanding as well as physical performance. Come join us and learn techniques of breath control, physical exercises, as well as mental focusing and meditation. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. This is a yoga class you can do!Convener: The Yoga ManClass Fee: $9Number of Sessions: 1Meets: 7/7/2007; 1:30:00 PM - 3:00:00 PMWestport Roanoke Community Center3601 Roanoke, KCMOWest on 39th Street, Roanoke is 1 light past SW Trafficway, take a right on Roanoke, go 3 blocks, after 2 blocks road turns to brick, Community Center is on the rightLimit: 20

So, if you are interested in taking any of the classes, you'd better hurry up and call us at 813-235-1448. I (Layna) won't be in here tomorrow, but April or Julie could set you up.

Communiversity... making dreams come true. Well, maybe not, but at least we're giving you something to do in Kansas City!

Baby's First Blog!

Welcome to the very first post for Communiversity and our brand new Blog!!! What the "h" is Communiversity, you may be asking yourself... and we would be happy to tell you!

Communiversity is a branch of the University of Missouri Kansas City. We are a nonforprofit organization that is dedicated to creating a "Free University." Okay, so what does that mean?

Let me put it like this: Have you ever wanted to learn how to Hula Hoop with the best of them? What about improving your Mexican cooking skills? Want a better a understanding of Mutual Funds and Financial Statements? Then, come one and come all to Communiversity!!!! And trust me, the list goes on and on!!!

My name is Layna (That's me on the left, with my fiance Joel- so back off, I'm taken). I'm the new Work Study, a.k.a., "low woman on the totem pole" here for Communiversity and I will do my best everyday to write a little about some of the classes we offer for free to UMKC students and for a nominal fee for members of the community, because I'm sick and tired of people saying, "There is nothing to do in Kansas City!" You could fill up a summer with stuff to do just by picking up a Communiversity Catalog or going to our website! Ta Ta for now!