Registration now open for District 214 Community Ed's classes, shows, trips starting in August

After he lost his wife, Dennis Depcik was looking for an outlet to express the strong and conflicting emotions he was feeling.

Depcik, who is an author of a book about his wife, took District 214 Community Education classes, Surviving Grief and Writing to Heal, and says both classes have had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.

"I had a really good experience," shared Depcik, who signed up for the classes after his wife passed away in 2010 in order to continue the healing process. "It got me going in a direction that has given me a whole different purpose in life."

Like the life-changing classes that Depcik took, District 214 Community Education (CE) is offering many meaningful classes as well as new and free classes this fall. Registration for the fall semester is now open and classes will start Monday, August 19.

Several free classes starting August 19 through August 26 are Pickle Ball (3011F and 3287F), Yoga (3106F, 3107F and 3108F), Zumba Gold (3612F), Zumba Gold Toning (3614F), Meditation Drumming (0440F), Belly Dancing (1204F) and Vinyasa Flow Yoga (1079F). Classes with Gold Card discounts are also available.

There are so many new classes this fall. Some of the fun and unique classes are:

• Wine and Tapas (8/7)

• Acute A Capella (9/5)

• D214 Pickle Ball Round Robin League (9/5)

• Magic of Chickpeas (9/5)

• Art Studio-All Mediums-All Levels (9/5)

• Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention (9/9)

• Latin Dance Intermediate (9/9)

• Sugar Blues 101: Understanding Your Sugar Cravings (9/9)

• Mixed Media 101/All Levels (9/10)

• Craft Your Own Herb Blends (9/10)

• Ukulele Intermediate (9/10)

A variety of fitness and health classes are offered, including the popular yoga and Zumba classes, as well as language classes including Polish, Chinese, French, German, Italian and a new class, Hindi Beginning.

We are also offering new culinary classes like the seasonal Halloween Candy and Vino (10/14) and Halloween Decorated Sugar Cookies (10/24). A one-day class on Oct. 10, DIY Fall Favorites, will teach you how to make your own pumpkin spice latte, cranberry salsa appetizer and luscious apple crisp with cinnamon whipped cream.

Aside from classes, mark your calendars for Piano Man: Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute on Sunday, September 15 at 3 p.m. Piano Man Mike Sigman of Carpentersville, a local favorite, will bring the music of Bill Joel and Elton John to life.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, Community Education will present Close to You: The Music of The Carpenters, a moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her band will perform some wonderful hit songs, such as "We've Only Just Begun" and "Close to You."

Both shows will take place at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights. Tickets are $18 (Advance), $15 (Gold Card) and $20 (Door).

If you are ready to go on an unforgettable adventure, District 214 Community Education Travel (CET) is offering four river cruises in 2020, exciting Day Trips and Extended Air packages. CET's next Travel Talks!, where Day Trips will be announced, will be Thursday, September 19, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Forest View. Save the date!

Register for classes, trips and shows by visiting ce.d214.org or by calling (847) 718-7700. Discover all the fun we have lined up for you this fall!