Community college just the place to meet new people
If your New Year's resolution can be thrown under the "self-improvement" heading, do not sweat it.
Meet Mr. or Ms. Right while filling your NYR requirements. Take some fun classes at your local community college. Who knows what you will learn, or whom you might meet. (Hint: Men take classes where there will be women, and women vice versa.)
Harper College
Cooking quick meals for couples and singles
Treat yourself to more than a burger or heated leftovers for dinner. Go stove-to-stove with Chef Edward, learn to create appetizing meals tailor-made for one or two persons with a preparation time of less than half an hour. Discover the enjoyment of dining in preparing meals with easily found ingredients with succulent flavor and wondrous smells.
Registration dates: through Jan. 29
Class dates: Wednesday, Jan 28, to Wednesday, Feb 4
Tuition/fees: $30/$85
Initiation to wine
I think the title says it all, no?
Registration dates: through Feb. 18
Class dates: Feb. 17 to March 10
Tuition/fees: $179/$10
Salsa for beginners
Learn the most popular of Latin dances - salsa. Get ready to dance the night away! A nightclub outing to try out your new moves may be arranged as part of the class - it is suggested that you be at least 21 to enroll. Singles and couples are welcome.
Note: I have a friend who took salsa dancing - the women love it!
Registration dates: through Jan. 24
Class dates: Friday, Jan. 23, to March 13
Tuition/fees: $85
For more information, go to: harpercollege.edu and click on continuing education.
Oakton Community College
CSI - The real thing
Are you fascinated with "CSI" and its spinoff TV shows? Have you ever wondered how real crime scene investigations are conducted? The instructor, a Chicago homicide/sex crime detective, will provide insight into real-life, behind-the-scenes police work and a variety of contemporary investigative processes. You will learn how forensic science, informants, and plain luck come together to identify, apprehend and convict criminals. Real criminal cases will be discussed. Class size is limited.
Registration dates: through Feb. 9
Class dates: Feb. 10-17
Tuition/fees: $39
Black-and-white photo lab
Experience art in the darkroom. Savor the magic of developing and printing black-and-white photographs. Each is a unique work of art. Learn to print using traditional methods. Create beautiful enlargements as you control light and time, and print using different papers. Enhance your prints with sepia, selenium, silver toning and other effects.
Assistance with 35 mm camera provided. All creative minds are welcome.
Registration dates: through Jan. 26
Class dates: Tuesday, Jan. 27, to March 17
Tuition/fees: $169
Texas Hold'em poker
Texas Hold'em Poker is the hottest game in the country, thanks to TV's "World Series of Poker." Its popularity continues to grow, with good reason - it is fun! Also a game of skill, playing well depends on more than just a good hand or hiding emotion. This class combines lecture and plenty of actual play. You will learn rules, betting, odds, etiquette and how to play each stage of the hand. Instructor provides cards and chips.
Registration dates: through Jan. 26
Class dates: Tuesday, Jan. 27, to Feb. 17
Tuition/fees: $39
For more information go to: oakton.edu/cont_ed/all
College of DuPage
Boating smart
Learn the "rules of the road" for boat safety. Focus on navigation aids and elementary seamanship, including personal watercraft operations. Presented by DuPage Power Squadron. Exam fee included.
Class dates: April 15 to May 13
Tuition/fees: $19/$40
Golf: Basics and more with a pro
Learn the basics or become reacquainted with the game of golf taught by a pro at Arrowhead Golf Course. Time will be spent on rules, etiquette, equipment selection and mechanics. Take your new skills to Arrowhead for the final class.
Class dates: May 7-28
Tuition/fees: $99
Acting for nonactors
Boost your self-confidence in social situations by learning the skills that actors use. Through a variety of acting exercises and improvisations, develop expressiveness, concentration and powers of observation.
Class dates: Feb. 11 to March 18
Tuition/fees: $99
For more information, go to: cod.edu/conted
<p class="breakhead">Dance it up</p> <p class="News">Dance your winter blues away Friday, Jan. 16, at Willowbrook Ballroom's winter dance party, featuring a tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper that includes a re-enactment of their final concert tour in 1959. Cost is $20-$25. See more info at <a href="http://www.willowbrookballroom.com" target="new">willowbrookballroom.com</a>. Other dances this month include country and western on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and salsa on Wednesday, Jan. 14.</p> <p class="breakhead">Makin' a move</p> <p class="News">The Baby Boomer Singles Club, for singles over age 40, is moving its Sunday dances to Sideouts Bar & Eatery, 4018 Roberts Road in Island Lake. Dances will be held Sunday, Jan. 11, and Jan. 25. Cost is $10 (you're on your own for food and drink). DJs play songs from '50s through the '70s and the evening is geared toward group dancing so you don't have to worry about being a wallflower. For more info, see <a href="http://www.BabyBoomerSinglesClub.com" target="new">BabyBoomerSinglesClub.com</a>.</p> <p class="breakhead">Single scene</p> <p class="News"><b>Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago:</b> Meet for pizza at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Giordano's, 10410 W. Cermak Road in Westchester. Stick around for a movie or show afterward. Call Marlene at (708) 450-8280 for reservations. More info at <a href="http://www.caci.org/chicago.html" target="new">caci.org/chicago.html</a>.</p> <p class="News"><b>New Beginnings: </b>DJ Paul will spin tunes from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Hughes Center, St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, at New Beginning's Winter Wonderland Dance. Tickets are $10 at the door and include nonalcoholic refreshments and snacks. For info, call Joan at (847) 397-9643.</p>