American heritage

COEUR d'ALENE - Robert Singletary retired four years ago from instructing at North Idaho College, but he never stopped teaching.

The local historian, writer and musician was asked to give lectures. He played in concerts, and continued giving living history lessons, wearing the garb of historical figures.

"I realized I don't want to retire," he said.

His latest endeavor, Heritage Academy, offers a series of "affordable life enrichment classes" in the areas Singletary is passionate about: history, music, the arts and wellness.

Heritage is defined as something handed down or passed on, such as a tradition, characteristic or culture. Singletary's academy, with its focus on providing "affordable community education," is all about sharing those things.

"I feel like it's giving back, and I get to teach again, the classes I love to teach," he said.

Registration is open through Monday.

Private music lessons are available at the beginning and intermediate levels. Classes for all band and orchestra instruments, piano, folk and classical guitar are available. The cost per class is $10.

There are special interest classes that will run for six weeks, with one session per week. The cost for six sessions is $60, with classes offered from 7 to 9 p.m. for each of the six weeks.

The Monday evening session will explore the History of Kootenai County. Tuesday's class is Beginning Drawing. "Our Greek Heritage" is the name of Wednesday's class. Thursday night's class, "Thriving 101, The Art of Living," will teach effective strategies for balancing the "basic elements of living: physical, career, financial, social, community and spiritual," Singletary said.

Acoustic guitar lessons are available in six-week sessions also. The guitar classes are offered at three levels - adult, high school and middle school.

Singletary will be teaching "YogaCise" on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. Those courses are $10 per class. The class is aimed at baby boomers, and offers beginning yoga mixed with stretching exercises.

"It's a way to get eased into it," Singletary said. "All of this is geared toward living an active life, both mentally and physically."

Initially, Singletary will teach most of the classes himself. Other experts will be added as needed.

The academy is not set up to make a profit, he said. The class fees will cover promotional costs and the cost of the facilities where the classes will be held, 213 W. Appleway Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

Classes begin next week. Visit the academy's website, www.heritageunlimited.net, or call (208)755-1308 to register or for additional information.