By Pete Kendall/reporter@trcle.com
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Maybe you had a few other irons in the fire, such as spring cleaning or planting a new hibiscus, and let one of the more popular Cleburne ISD community education classes of all time slip your mind.
You have a second chance.
Master naturalist Billy Teels of Hood County will be teaching another section on our feathered friends — this one called “Backyard Birding” — this fall. The class is scheduled Nov. 11 and 13 and will include an introduction to the more common fall and winter residential birds of Johnson County and a field trip to a nearby location.
The course consists of a three-hour lecture at Cleburne High by Teels, a Texas bird expert, and the field trip, possibly to the locally renowned Acton Nature Center, where Teels can often be found.
Last year’s birding class filled quickly, so Community Education Director Sally Nolen advises prospective students to register early. While they’re at it, they may want to check out other morsels on the community ed list.
“We have lots of new classes this year,” Nolen said.
Other classes include “How to Invest in the Stock Market,” Sept. 13-27 and Oct. 25-Nov. 8; “Parenting to the Core,” Sept. 14-Oct. 12; “Elementary Art,” Sept. 14-Oct. 5 and Oct. 12-Nov. 2; “Successful Gardening” with Master gardener Ben Oefinger, Oct. 5-26; “Movie Maker — Home Videos,” Oct. 14-Nov. 4; Dog Obedience, Oct. 12-Nov. 16; AARP Driver Safety Program, Nov. 12, along with creative classes in scrapbooking, cake decorating beginner and intermediate, gift bow making, beginning guitar, tamale making, a variety of classes related to interior design, elementary art and beginning ballet.
“We have two new classes in the stock market,” Nolen said. “One is about how to invest in the market, and the other is how to protect your stock investments and generate income. Dave Austin is the teacher. He teaches the same courses in Burleson community education. Stacy Lowe, teaching holiday breads and Christmas cookies, is a Cleburne High graduate who has studied culinary arts in New York and been a pastry chef.
Need to bone up on which knife, fork and gravy spoon you’ll be using at Christmas dinner? Register for “Yes, It Matters,” a manners course taught by DeBorah Simpson, Sept. 13 through Oct. 4.
According to Simpson, confidence in etiquette stems from being knowledgeable. Using proper etiquette, she advises, has nothing to do with social status, education or profession. Everyone, she says, can enjoy the benefits of good manners, such as the offer of a second helping of mashed potatoes from the host.
“It’s about etiquette, good manners, good conversation skills, protocol,” Nolen said. “It should be a lot of fun.”
Knowing which utensil to use will aid the novice chef when it comes to “cake making, which is always popular,” Nolen said. Interior classes have filled early in the past and should again.
Class costs vary. The cost of the scrapbooking class includes the album, paper, stamps, embellishments, door prizes and more.
According to scrapbooking instructor Judy Reed, you will walk away with more than you spend in products and a complete album of the four seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Students are asked to supply paper cutter, scissors, adhesives, ruler, pencil and a desire to learn.
“I guarantee you will fall in love with the quality, learn so many new techniques and have a great time,” Reed said. “You can complete the year or your choice in family pictures in just five short weeks.”
According to community services director Lisa Magers: “We’ve been doing dog obedience classes continually for over 20 years. It’s really good. Your dog is not made to feel stupid, nor are you.”
Covered in dog classes are the controlled walk, sit, stay, come when called and a few tricks. Dog owners are required to provide a leash, pinch collar and current shot record. Space is limited to 12 dogs.”
Feeling athletic? Arguably one of the more challenging classes will be beginning ballet with Camille Valerio this month. Students will learn basic dance steps and movements. At the end of the 10-week class, they will have an opportunity to demonstrate what they’ve learned. Students are asked to supply a solid black leotard, pink tights and pink shoes.
Fun for all? There’s “Parents Night Out,” with gym and dance activities provided for students in grades 3 through 8 while their parents enjoy more adult activities such as birding and gardening. “Parents Night Out” will be every Saturday night from 7-11 p.m. at Smith Middle School.
For detailed schedules, costs and requirements, contact Nolen at 817-202-1181 or e-mail cleburnecommedreg.com.
