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"Defining Manners" is currently booking classes for Winter - Spring 2012
Defining Manners is looking for opportunities with children, teens, adults and business professionals through clubs, organizations, businesses, hospitals, social services, Scouts, church groups, private, public, cyber and home schools, colleges and universities.
If you live in N.E. Pennsylvania, have checked the "Class Offerings" on this page and don't see what you're interested in, send an email with your: 1.) name 2.) contact information including location 3.) age category 4.) topics of interest 5.) day and time of the week that would best suit.
Or, call today to organize a class in your area.
Email: jvkryston@comcast.net
Phone: 570.696.3209
Winter - Spring 2012
"The Etiquette Edge" - Grade 12, MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PA
Having the etiquette advantage sets people apart from their peers and competition and gives them the edge they need to achieve success. Topics in this class include: welcoming behaviors; handshakes, greetings and introductions; first impressions; using first and last names; nonverbal communication; common courtesies; showing proper respect and avoiding rude behaviors; and electronic etiquette. The program includes workbooks.
Monday, January 23 - 1:00 P.M. Snow date, Monday, January 30.
"Business Professionalism" - Adult Open Enrollment
In a series of workshops participants will focus on manners that sell. Starting with a professional image that includes: introductions, hand shakes, verbal and non-verbal communication and attire to communication savvy that addresses conversation, mingling and networking skills. Join us in one or all of the workshops.
Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 16, 22 from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M., Twin Stacks Conference Room, Dallas, PA. Call 570-696-3209 for more information.
"Dining 101" - Penn State Business Club, Lehman Campus
Manners are most on display at the table and employers are prone to test your skills over formal meals. The program includes: table manners, dining skills and polite table behavior using a sample table setting and dining chart. Topics covered are: napkin etiquette, American versus Continental styles of dining, eating unusual foods and identification and proper use of china, glassware and utensils. Students will practice what they've learned over a multi-course meal. This confidence building class will prepare job candidates for the business and professional world.
Thursday, February 23 - 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. For more information contact club president Megan Millo, mam5948@psu.edu
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Winter - Spring 2011
"Le Grand Protocol" - private class for ages 6 to 9, Mountain Top, PA
In this series of four classes, students will work on communication skills including: proper greetings and introductions, telephone etiquette, nonverbal communication, acts of kindness and respect, the use of please, thank you and excuse me; and social skills including: welcoming behaviors, hand shakes using eye contact, making first impressions, turn-taking and including others, showing proper respect and using common courtesies. Two classes will be spent on dining skills including table manners and behavior at the table concluding with practicing over danish and juice.
Mondays, January 24, 31, February 7, 14 - 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
"La Petit and Le Grand Protocol" - private class for ages 4 - 9, Mountain Top, PA
In this series of four classes, students will work on communication skills including: proper greetings and introductions, telephone etiquette, non-verbal communication, acts of kindness and respect, using please, thank you, and excuse me; and social skills including: welcoming behaviors, hand shakes using eye contact, making first impressions, turn-taking and including others, showing proper respect and using common courtesies. Two classes will be spent on dining skills including table manners and behavior at the table concluding with practicing over danish and juice.
Wednesdays, February 16, 23, March 9, 16 - 3:30 to 4:40 P.M.
"Professionalism in the Workplace" - Level 1 Nursing Students, Wilkes-Barre Career & Technical Center
This program is designed to demonstrate how words, actions and appearance make all the difference in the workplace. Areas of focus include: using common courtesies, the use of please, thank you and excuse me, first impressions, body language, respect and consideration, listening skills, interrupting, and identifying rude behaviors and how to avoid them.
Tuesday, March 15, 12:00 noon. For more information contact Rita Carey-Nita at 570-822-6539
"Bullying Versus Showing Kindness and Respect" - Girl Scout Troop #2619, Harvey's Lake, PA
This class is designed to address bullying and strategies to take whether you are the one being bullied or the one who witnesses bullying. Other focuses include: showing acts of kindness and respect, understanding other's differences, the right and wrong way of communicating, body language, interrupting, and handling conflict.
Tuesday, March 15 - 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. For more information contact Elsie Ryan at 570-674-2251
"Bullying Versus Showing Kindness and Respect" - Brownie Troop #169, Dallas, PA
This class is designed to address bullying and strategies to take whether you are the one being bullied or the one who witnesses bullying. Other focuses include: showing acts of kindness and respect, understanding other's differences, the right and wrong way of communicating, body language, interrupting, and handling conflict.
Wednesday, March 23 - 3:45 to 4:45 P.M. For more information contact Marie Carver at 570-696-4908
"Bullying Versus Showing Kindness and Respect" - Brownie Troop #4311, Conyngham, PA
This class is designed to address bullying and strategies to take whether you are the one being bullied or the one who witnesses bullying. Other focuses include: showing acts of kindness and respect, understanding other's differences, the right and wrong way of communicating, body language, interrupting, and handling conflict.
Wednesday, April 6 - 4:15 to 5:15 P.M. For more information contact Judy Zenier at 570-788-9899
"Nailing the Job Interview" - Level 4 Nursing Students, Wilkes-Barre Career & Technical Center
In this exit program, students will learn the importance of preparing for and going through the job interview process. They will set themselves apart from the competition by learning the best interview manners, nonverbal communication, dressing for success, answering and asking questions, after the interview follow-up, and building and maintaining relationships in the workplace.
Tuesday, May 10, 12:00 noon. For more information contact Rita Carey-Nita at 570-822-6539
Summer 2011
"Shall We Mingle" - Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club
Whether networking for business or having pleasure, this interactive and confidence building program is designed to teach the fine art of mingling. Discover how you can hone your skills and develop new ones with activities that will increase self-esteem and help put social anxiety to rest. Participants will learn the use of powerful manners and principles to achieve personal success while mingling, networking and exchanging business cards. The program concentrates on strategies for verbal and non-verbal communication, use of body language, effective greetings and introductions, entering and exiting conversations, including others and using "small talk."
Tuesday, June 14, 12:00 noon, Genetti's in Wilkes-Barre.
"Afternoon Tea" at The Lands at Hillside Farms
Defining Manners will make a presentation on "The Ritual of English Tea" during the annual tea at the Cottage. The program is based on an historical perspective dating back to 19 th century England when the ceremony first began. It is packed with facts, information and trivia as well as misnomers and misconceptions about the rituals of afternoon tea. Embracing true English style, the program will focus on tea etiquette, serving traditions, accouterment identification, how to put a tea tray together, and host and guest behaviors. Participants will each receive a hand-out of tea etiquette along with a variety of recipes.
Saturday, June 25 at 12:30 P.M., Shavertown, PA. For more information contact event director, Guy Kroll at 570-262-3507
"Making Valuable First Impressions & Building Relationships" for teen's Servant Leadership Course through High Point Baptist Church, Sweet Valley Church of Christ and New Life Church
Teens learn to make valuable first impressions through a combination of powerful principles and communication skills as they discover how to effectively glide through an interview and build relationships with one another as well as meeting and engaging conversation with new people. In addition, topics of rude behavior, common courtesies, and electronic etiquette will be explored.
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, July 11, 12 & 14 - 2:30 to 4:00 P.M. For more information contact Tim Madeira at 639-1363.
"Dining and Table Manners for Kids" - Private at Glenmaura National Golf Club, Moosic, PA
This confidence and self-esteem building class centers around table manners, behavior at the table and dining skills. Children will learn proper table settings, napkin etiquette, identifying glassware, plates and utensils, proper handling of utensils, the difference between American and Continental styles of dining, eating common and unusual foods, and host and guest skills. After the tutorial, participants will practice their skills during a four-course meal. Reference materials and placemats are included.
Tuesday, August 2, 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. For more information contact Karen Tomaine at 570-510-6834.
"Dining and Table Manners" - Just Us Girls, grades 1 to 5, Trucksville United Methodist Church, Trucksville, PA
This activity based class centers around table manners, behavior at the table, and dining skills. Children develop confidence when they learn proper table settings, napkin etiquette, identifying glassware, plates and utensils, proper handling of utensils, the difference between American and Continental styles of dining, eating common and unusual foods, and host and guest skills. After the tutorial, each child will assemble a place setting, role play, and practice using utensils properly during the course of a spaghetti dinner. Afterwards the girls will work on Thank you note etiquette. Workbooks will be provided along with a personally decorated placemat.
Tuesday, August 16 - 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. For more information contact Carol Hadsall at 570-696-3897.
"American Girl Tea Party" - Private, Hanover Twp., PA
Young "ladies" learn social etiquette as they stylishly dress in hats and gloves to have a tea party with their dolls. "Tea for Ruby," a book about manners by Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is used to teach the importance of using good manners when invited to "Tea with the Queen." Children will learn how to be the perfect host and guest while incorporating dining and social behaviors at the tea table. Camomile tea and "Cambric," a blend of mostly milk and sugar with a little black tea, will be served along with savory and sweet tea treats.
Saturday, August 27 - 11:30 to 1:00 P.M.
Fall 2011
Irem Country Club Bridal Expo
Defining Manners will participate as an exhibitor at the Bridal Expo which includes a fashion show and door prizes among other wedding planning interests.
Sunday, September 11, 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. - Irem Country Club, 64 Ridgway Drive, Dallas, PA, for more information contact Laurie or Dorothy at 570-675-1134, ext. 100 or 106
"Networking in Today's Environment" - Back Mountain Business Association Lunch
Defining Manners will make a presentation about how effective networking establishes and maintains relationships with people who can help further your personal and/or professional goals.
Thursday, September 15 - 12:00 noon, Fire and Ice on Toby Creek - $12 member, $14 non-member. To register, contact Chip Morgan at 570-714-1509.
"Professionalism in the Workplace" - Level 1 Nursing Students, Wilkes-Barre Career & Technical Center
This program is designed to demonstrate how words, actions and appearance make all the difference in the workplace. Areas of focus include: using common courtesies, the use of please, thank you and excuse me, first impressions, body language, respect and consideration, listening skills, interrupting, and identifying rude behaviors and how to avoid them.
Thursday, September 22, 12:00 noon. For more information contact Rita Carey-Nita at 570-822-6539
"Design a Placemat" - Barnes and Noble, Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA
A free workshop for children to create their very own placemat, learn to set the table and find out why "Knives and spoons are always right and forks are left alone." This workshop is in conjunction with "Book Fair" sponsored by "Friends of the Library" on behalf of the Back Mt. Memorial Library, Dallas. When you use the voucher available at the door the day of the fundraiser, a percentage of your purchase will benefit the library.
Wednesday, November 9 - 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Pick up vouches in advance at the library or call for more information 570-675-1182
"How Not to Gross People Out" - Grade 6, MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PA
Manners are most seen and judged at the dining table. Topics for this class include: table settings; identifying dishes, utensils and glassware; napkin etiquette; American and Continental styles of dining; conversation, behavior and mealtime manners at the table; entering and exiting the table; resting and finished positions; eating unusual and difficult foods; and body language. Students will design their own placemats and after the tutorial, will practice their new skills over Danish and juice. The program includes workbooks.
Monday & Thursday, November 14 & 17 - 2:00 to 3:00 P.M.
"Bullying Versus Showing Kindness and Respect" - Brownie Troop #169, Dallas, PA
This class is designed to address bullying and strategies to take whether you are the one being bullied or the one who witnesses bullying. Other focuses include: showing acts of kindness and respect, understanding other's differences, the right and wrong way of communicating, body language, interrupting, and handling conflict.
Wednesday, December 7- 3:45 to 4:45 P.M. at Wycallis Elementary School, Dallas, PA. For more information contact Marie Carver at 570-696-4908
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Winter - Spring 2010
"The Cutting Edge Interview" - Private class for college-bound student
Tuesday, January 12, 6:00 P.M., Shavertown, PA
"Business Professionalism" - Employees of Kraft Foods North America
Tuesday and Wednesday, January 19, 20, Thursday, January 28 and Friday, February 5, Hanover Industrial Park, Wilkes-Barre, PA
"Common Courtesies and Rude Behaviors"- Laflin Brownie Troop #4958
In this interactive class participants will concentrate on respect and thinking of others. Girls will learn how to give compliments, be helpful and behave politely in public places, in school, on the playground, as a host and guest and when receiving a gift. They will work on identifying rude behaviors such as whispering, interrupting, cutting in line, boasting, teasing, gossiping, burping, bullying and profanity. This is a character building class with a focus on self-contol.
Friday, February 12, 5:45 to 6:45 P.M. - St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin, PA.
For more information call Amy Golden at 570-655-9544.
"The Cutting Edge Interview" - Open enrollment for adults
This workshop is targeted for the student entering the job market and adults who want to shine through the interview process. Topics include: effective resumes and cover letters, pre-interview preparation, best interview attire, entrances and departures, nonverbal communication, interview questions and answers, mock interviews and after interview follow-up. A MUST HAVE for persons who want to stay one step ahead of the competition and be distinguished from the rest of the pack. Participants will take home reference materials.
Saturday, February 20 at 11:00 A.M. to 12 noon, Back Mountain Memorial Library Community Room, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas, PA.
For more information and registration call the library at 570-675-1182.
"Great Britain Travel Etiquette" - 4th, 5th and 6th grades
This workshop centers on communication skills, attire, dining and table manners including American and Continental styles of dining. Students will learn how to use respectful behavior and common courtesies with regard to polite greetings, waiting in lines and the use of public transportation, elevators and escalators. They will focus on differences between American English and British English in terms of words, foods, customs and currency.
Tuesday, March 2 from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M., Gladwyne Montessori School, 920 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, PA - snow date is Tuesday, March 9.
For more information call Jo Anne Johns at 610-649-1761.
"Dining and Table Manners for Kids" ages 6 to 12 (private class for club members)
This confidence and self-esteem building class centers around table manners, behavior at the table and dining skills. Children will learn proper table settings, napkin etiquette, identifying glassware, plates and utensils, proper handling of utensils, the difference between American and Continental styles of dining, eating common and unusual foods, and host and guest skills. After the tutorial, participants will practice their skills during a four-course meal. Reference materials are included. Class size limited.
Sunday, March 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M., Sunnybrook Golf Club, Plymouth Meeting, PA.
Sunday, March 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M., Sunnybrook Golf Club, Plymouth Meeting, PA
For more information call Ron Ruffner at 610-828-9617
"Etiquette Sampler" - Sweet Valley Brownie Troop #3682
This class offers children a sampling of social etiquette, communication skills and table manners which include handshakes using eye contact, proper greetings and introductions, including others, and practicing dining skills over danish and juice. These are the first steps in developing confidence and increasing self-esteem in communication and social know-how.
Tuesday, March 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M., Maple Grove United Methodist Church, Sweet Valley, PA.
For more information contact Carol Newell at 570-477-5691.
"The Communication Express" - 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades at Fairview Elementary School
Confidence in social settings begins with good communication skills. This interactive class concentrates on proper handshakes and greetings using eye contact, nonverbal communication, telephone etiquette, acts of kindness and respect, communication at school, the use of please, thank you and excuse me, and communication with people with special needs. When children learn how to create a positive first impression, it will get them noticed and set them apart from the crowd. Reference materials included. Class size limited.
Tuesday, March 23, 3:30 to 4:30 P.M. for grades 5 and 6, Fairview Elementary School, Mountain Top, PA
Thursday, March 25, 3:30 to 4:30 P.M. for grades 3 and 4, Fairview Elementary School, Mountain Top, PA
For more information contact Terry Tokach at 570-466-5613
"Fun with Everyday Manners" - for 2nd grade students at Kennedy Elementary School
In this series of classes students will begin with communication skills including conversation, listening and feedback, nonverbal communication, acts of kindness and respect, the use of "magic words," and communicating with people with special needs. They will move on to social etiquette and learn how to include others, show proper respect, identify common courtesies and rude behaviors, helping behaviors and behavior in public places plus the proper use of escalators, elevators and doors. The students will finish with a complete course of dining, table manners and behavior at the table.
April 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 28 - Kennedy Elementary School, Nanticoke, PA
For more information contact Dr. Mariellen Scott at 570-735-1326
"Tea Party Etiquette" - Girl Scout Service Unit #305
In this presentation, "young ladies" will learn how to be the perfect host and guest while incorporating dining and social behaviors at the tea table. Based on traditional English style, this program is packed with fun facts, historical perspective and trivia concerning the ritual of "Afternoon Tea." Participants will receive a quick reference guide which includes a sampling of traditional tea party recipes.
Sunday, April 11 at 2:00 P.M., Town Hill United Methodist Church, Shickshinny, PA.
For more information contact Heather Dehnel at 570-430-5281
"Pass the Peas, Please" - After-School Enrichment Program, Wyoming Seminary Lower School - Grades 1 and 2
This confidence building program centers around table manners, behavior at the table and dining skills. Children will learn proper table setttings, napkin etiquette, identifying glassware, plates, and utensils, proper handling of utensils, the difference between American and Continental styles of dining, eating common and unusual foods, host and guest skills, and so much more. Interesting antidotes, historical perspective and fun jingles will help children remember their table manners. On the fourth week the students will set the table and practice their new skills over danish and juice. Instructional workbooks included.
Thursdays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20 - 3:30 to 4:30 P.M., 1516 Wyoming Avenue, Forty-Fort, PA
For more information contact Sharon Conway at 570-718-6631, ext. 5116
"Table Manners" - Girl Scout Troops #2645 and #454
This confidence and self-esteem building class centers around table manners, behavior at the table and dining skills. Children will learn proper table settings, napkin etiquette, indentifying and proper handling of utensils, host and guest skills, eating common foods, and resting and finished positions. After the tutorial the girls will practice their new dining skills over danish and juice. Take-home reference materials included.
Saturday, May 1 - 10:00 to 11:30 A.M., Shavertown United Methodist Church, Shavertown, PA
For more information contact Kristen Angelicola at 570-696-4894
Summer 2010
"Le Grand Protocol" - private class for ages 8 and 9 in Exeter, PA
In this series of four classes, students will work on communication skills including: proper greetings and introductions, conversation, listening and feedback, nonverbal communication, acts of kindness and respect, the use of please, thank you and excuse me; and social skills including: welcoming behaviors, hand shakes using eye contact, making first impressions, turn-taking and including others, showing proper respect and using common courtesies. Two classes will be spent on dining skills including table manners and behavior at the table concluding practicing over danish and juice.
Mondays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M.
Summer Camp Programs 2010
"Kids at Kings" Summer Camp Programs
"Hats Off to Manners" - grades 3 and 4
Did you ever wonder why we take our hats off indoors? In this fun-filled class you will learn the historical answer to this question plus a whole lot more. Host and guest behaviors, showing proper respect, practicing common courtesies, avoiding rude behaviors, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and table manners are just some of the many important manners you'll learn through role play and interactive activities. The week ends with a Continental breakfast so you'll get a chance to practice your new dining skills. Take-home reference materials are included.
June 21 - 25, 9:30 A.M. to 12 noon - King's College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
For more information call Bonny Lanski at 570-208-6052
"Manners are Fun!" - grades 1 and 2
Discover exciting ways in which manners can become your best friend by helping you to master important social skills early on. Whether you are a host or guest, on the playground, in public places or at the table, you will learn lots of new manners and courteous behaviors through a variety of fun activities, role play, games and jingles. Best of all, you get to practive your new dining skills over a Continental breakfast. This interactive and hands-on class is designed to build confidence and increase self-esteem. Take-home reference materials included.
July 12 - 16, 1:00 to 3:30 P.M. - King's College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
For more information call Bonny Lanski at 570-208-6052
Penn State Wilkes-Barre Summer Youth Program
"Manners are Cool" grades 4 through 6
Elbows on the table, handshakes, and first impressions - how are your kids doing when it comes to social graces? Learn the basics of proper etiquette with fun filled interactive activities, stories, and games sprinkled with an historic perspective. Topics will include social etiquette, communication skills, and table manners. Practice your table manners over a special luncheon on Friday. Take home materials provided by The International School of Protocol.
July 26 - 30, 12:30 to 3:30 P.M. - Penn State Wilkes-Barre Campus, Lehman, PA
For more imformation call Ellen Gregorio at 570-675-9220
Fall 2010
"Fun With Everyday Manners" - grades 1 through 4, for students of Wyoming Seminary Lower School
In this series of classes students will begin with communication skills including conversation, listening and feedback, nonverbal communication, acts of kindness and respect, the use of "magic words," and communicating with people with special needs. They will move on to social etiquette and learn how to include others, show proper respect, identify common courtesies and rude behaviors, helping behaviors and behavior in public places plus the proper use of escalators, elevators and doors. The students will finish with a complete course of dining, table manners and behavior at the table.
September 13 thru October 8 - Wyoming Seminary Lower School, Forty-Fort, PA
"Table Manners Workshops" - Jewish Community Center, 50 South River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA
These activity based classes center around table manners, behavior at the table, and dining skills. Children will develop confidence when they learn proper table settings, napkin etiquette, identifying glassware, plates and utensils, proper handling of utensils, the difference between American and Continental styles of dining, eating common and unusual foods, and host and guest skills. After the tutorial, each child will assemble a place setting, role play, and practice using utensils properly. Age appropriate workbooks will be provided along with a placemat.
Sunday, December 12, 1:00 to 2:30 P.M., Pass the Peas, Please - grades K - 2
Sunday, December 12, 3:00 to 4:30 P.M., Knives and Spoons are Always Right - grades 3 - 6
For registration and more information call Gina Malsky at 824-4646, ext. 244
