From poetry to quilling, park districts have it all

Seniors will find a plethora of interesting fall classes with reasonable fees at local park districts in DuPage County.

The College of DuPage Older Adult Institute and the Lombard Park District are offering Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that promotes health through calm, gentle movements.

This class, which is especially recommended for those suffering with arthritis, will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 28 to Oct. 9 and Oct. 20 to Dec. 11, at Lombard Park District's Sunset Knolls Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard.

The fee for ages 65 and older is $21, made payable to College of DuPage, or $42 for those younger than 65.

Senior Ceramics is also offered at the center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 19 to Oct 24 or Oct. 31 to Dec. 12. The fee is $41 for residents, $44 for others. For details, visit www.lombardparks.com or call Patti Doell at (630) 620-7311.

Seniors who want more creative pursuits may sign up for Poetry for Beginners through the Lisle Park District at the Woodridge Community Center, 2600 Canter Drive, Woodridge.

Participants will learn how to get started with free verse, imagery and sound. This adult cultural arts program includes time to read original works in class.

The program, offered in cooperation with the Woodridge Park District, will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6. The fee is $16 for residents and $24 for others. The deadline to register is Sept. 29.

If poetry isn't your thing, how about Hunting & Fishing 101? This new class, also offered with the Woodridge Park District, will include information on area hunting and fishing spots, the equipment needed to get started and regulations and required Illinois permits.

Scott Hamilton, an avid hunter and fisherman and facilitator and ground supervisor with the Lisle Park District, will share his knowledge from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Meadows Center, 5801 Westview Lane, Lisle.

The fee is $12 for residents and $18 for others, which is due Sept. 13. For details, visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org or call (630) 964-3410.

Have you ever heard of quilling? It is the art of rolling narrow strips of paper and then shaping them to make beautiful designs.

This particular Quilling Workshop will teach how to make a one-of-a-kind holiday ornament from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Clauss Recreation Center, 555 Bryn Mawr, Roselle. All supplies and tools are included in the fee of $24 for residents, $36 for others.

Another class at the Roselle Park District's recreation center is private and semi-private ballroom dance lessons. The cost is $40 for residents and $55 for others per lesson. The day and time will be determined on an individual basis. For details, visit www.roselleparkdistrict.com or call (630) 894-4200.

Seniors who love to paint can join instructor Wayne Atkinson for Watercolors With Wayne offered through the Wheaton Park District Adult Education Division.

With his 40-plus years of experience and studies at the American Academy of Arts in Chicago, Atkinson presents a great approach to art. His paintings are in notable private collections including Oprah Winfrey, Pat Sajak and Joel Daly.

His classes will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays, Sept. 24 to Nov. 12, at the Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard, Wheaton. The fee is $59 for residents and $89 for others, with a discounted VIP member resident fee of $30 for those older than 60 or $45 for nonresidents.

Katie Mitchell, Wheaton Park District adult education coordinator, said Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates are among programs offered at the park district, well as dance classes.

"We offer a little bit of everything," Mitchell said.

Since the Wheaton Park District has cooperative programming with the District 200 schools, classes are offered at various locations, including Wheaton North, Wheaton Warrenville South and elementary schools.

The Computer Basics -- Level 1 will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 12 to Oct. 17, and Thursdays, Sept. 13 to Oct. 18, at Wheaton North High School, 701 W. Thomas Road, Wheaton.

Some basic computer knowledge is required, allowing participants to explore Microsoft Word and learn how to create, edit and format documents, as well as art programs, Internet, e-mail and search engines. The fee is $64 for residents and $96 for others; $32/VIP resident or $48/VIP nonresident.

All computer classes are taught by Bob Zitello. For details, visit www.wheatonparkdistrict.com or call (630) 690-4880.