That'll Teach Me

A (Not So) Little Hiatus

2011-10-11T13:35:00.002-04:00

As you might have noticed, this blog has been dormant for a few months. My apologies for that. I was out of the country for most of the summer, and now I'm starting a new phase of my education: an MFA program in creative writing.

As much as I love to learn about random stuff, I'm now focusing on a more formal educational goal. So, unfortunately, the blog is going to be quiet for a while. I'll keep it live, and perhaps I'll come back to it during school breaks or after graduation.

In the meantime, I hope you'll continue to seek out learning opportunities wherever you go. You never know which class might ignite a lifelong passion.

Mini University 2011: Day 4

2011-06-23T18:15:00.002-04:00

Like any conference, Mini University sometimes serves up a dud -- a session that doesn't hold my interest and/or doesn't meet my expectations in some way. Today, though, I lucked out with three great sessions in a row (and a Bloomington Bagel lunch in between).

This morning, Jess and I both headed to "Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby and All the Rest: Great Jazz Singers," taught by legendary professor and musician David Baker. Every year this seems to be the best-attended session of the conference, and I always feel sorry for the other presenters in Baker's time slot.

We started by talking about Crosby, who was really the first "pop" star, Baker said, because he appealed to listeners in a wide range of musical genres. The microphone was invented at that time, and Crosby invented the new, more intimate singing style that was quickly copied by everyone else in the industry. The result: 43 No. 1 hits, more than Elvis and the Beatles combined.

We also talked about Armstrong, who styled his voice after the rhythms of his trumpet. Many tried to copy this singing style, too, but no one really succeeded, Baker said. Armstrong also helped transition jazz from an ensemble genre to one that accommodated soloists. As always, Baker played us a number of Armstrong hits, including "Hello, Dolly" and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off."

After lunch, Jess and I headed to "WikiLeaks and the Future of Journalism in America." Professor Hans Ibolt explained Julian Assange's background (including his legendary reputation -- and criminal conviction -- as a hacker), and we discussed the WikiLeaks milestones from its founding in 2006 to its massive recent release of State Department documents.

The journalism community is divided on WikiLeaks, so we weren't sure where our professor would land. He did point out a few questions we should be asking about WikiLeaks before giving it our full support:

What criteria guide WikiLeaks' decision to release specific documents? What weight (if any) is given to concerns of privacy and/or national security?
Who is funding this nonprofit organization and why?
Who are the "accredited" journalists on the WikiLeaks staff, and why do they insist on anonymity?
What process does WikiLeaks use to vet/verify the documents it receives?

Another issue with defining WikiLeaks as a media outlet is its motivation. We typically expect our journalists to be unbiased, but WikiLeaks apparently has a clear anti-establishment bias. Does that affect whether we are willing to call this a journalistic enterprise?

On the other hand, the U.S. government is considering charging Assange with crimes under the Espionage Act of 1917 -- which has never in history been used to prosecute a publisher. Even if you disagree with what WikiLeaks does, you have to admit this is a troubling slippery slope.

End result: I need to think about this one a bit more.

My final class of the day was "'Merchant of Venice' and Early English Antisemitism," with professor Ellen MacKay. I really enjoyed this one, and I'll post a more detailed analysis later today over on the Shakespeare blog. Key takeaway: Shakespeare was working in a culture rampant with antisemitism, and he created a character who reflected some Jewish stereotypes but refuted others. He also allowed Shylock to introduce some biting critiques of society, taking him beyond the usual Jewish caricature.

I can hardly believe it, but tomorrow is graduation day here at Mini University. We have one more session in the morning, followed by our graduation ceremony -- where Jess and I are likely to be the only two people singing the proper ending to the fight song. Oh, well. These 398 retirees already think we're strange.

Mini University 2011: Day 3

2011-06-22T23:48:00.002-04:00

On day three of Mini University, Jessica wins the prize for choosing the best session: An in-depth look at the political situation in Iraq and what role the U.S. continues to play there. We both feel woefully uninformed in this area, so I enjoyed hearing the summary during dinner.

I, meanwhile, was in a session about major Supreme Court decisions in the past 40 years, with an emphasis on how the court has balanced individual liberties and executive/legislative powers. I always attend this professor's lectures at Mini U, and she always shares solid information in an engaging way, but I still wish I'd gone to that Iraq class instead.

After a working lunch, I headed to my first afternoon session: "The Biology of Genetically Modified Organisms." In the past few years, I've accidentally become a composting/recycling/organic-buying/yoga-doing/meditating hippie, but I still feel ambivalent about GMOs, and I hoped this class would clear up my confusion.

I did learn a lot. For example, the vast majority of American corn and soybeans are genetically modified, and one company (Monsanto) has a monopoly on both the GMO seeds and the herbicide that is designed to work with those seeds. That concerns me, as does the fact that the genetic material in these plants can "drift" to native plants and organic farms. GMOs may also contribute to herbicide-resistant weeds and pesticide-resistant bugs, and when we transfer genetic material from one organism to another, we may also be transferring allergens or other potentially harmful materials.

On the flip side, GMOs are cheaper and easier to produce, requiring less herbicide and pesticide and using fewer fossil fuels in farm equipment. Because GMOs require less tilling, these farms have fewer erosion problems. Perhaps most important, GMOs lead to higher and more reliable yields -- a very good thing when we're struggling to feed the world's growing population.

The result: I know more about GMOs than I did before, but I still feel ambivalent. I think I'd prefer to keep them out of my own diet, but beyond that I'm not willing to pick sides (yet).

My final class of the day was "Shakespeare in Performance," taught by a seasoned Shakespearean actress rather than a scholar. It was interesting to think about the Bard's work from that perspective, especially to hear about the types of preparation that go into playing a Shakespearean role. She also encouraged the class to think of their Shakespearean education as a lifetime continuum. "If you are in love with Shakespeare, you'll be in love with him your whole life," she said. "The more you learn, the more there is to learn."

Here, I think, I found a kindred spirit.

Mini University 2011: Days 1 and 2

2011-06-22T00:02:00.004-04:00

Here I am once again at Mini University, and I'm having such a lovely time that I flat out forgot to do my blog post yesterday. So, we'll play a bit of catch-up today, and then I'll be on track for the rest of the week ... assuming I can pry myself away from Irish Lion puffballs, Laughing Planet burritos and Village Deli fries.

So, this is the 40th anniversary of Mini University, and the same 400 people have been coming that whole time. It's almost impossible to get into Mini U, and once you do, you come every year until you die. Three years ago, somebody died, and I got in. Last year, I was able to write in Jessica as my "+1." Sixty years from now, when they give the award to the person who's been coming the longest, I'm sooo going to win.

Unfortunately, the high level of loyalty means that Jess and I are the only attendees younger than 40, and we're among just a handful of students younger than 65. Translation: We have to pick our Mini U sessions very carefully, because we don't want to get stuck in a health-care seminar about reducing our stroke risk or in a tech seminar about Twitter that features confused questions about the tubes that connect the Internets.

So far, we're doing pretty well. I started my day yesterday with a lecture on the search for Earth-like planets in the Milky Way galaxy. We talked about five methods used for detecting planets, and then she shared the results: There are 70 million Earth-like planets in our galaxy alone (not to mention the zillions of other galaxies), and about 1 million of those are in the "sweet spot" in terms of distance from their suns. Statistically speaking, there's no way we're alone here.

My next session yesterday was called "The Political Future of the Death Penalty in America," and it was fascinating. The biggest takeaway: Our current death-penalty system is broken, but no one will take responsibility for fixing it. Those in favor of the death penalty don't want to change it because they perceive reform as "chipping away" at death-penalty statutes. Those who oppose the death penalty don't want to fix it because the more broken it is, the easier it is to make it disappear altogether. No comment.

Next up: "Great American Trials." The key takeaway here: We tend to become captivated by trials that help us address larger issues in our society (e.g., addressing racial tensions via the O.J. Simpson case).

This morning, Jess and I arrived at the Union with mere seconds to spare, Starbucks lattes in hand, and started another full day of learning.

First on my schedule was a fascinating class, "Mexican Immigration to the United States: Rhetoric and Reality." We learned that almost everything politicians claim about immigration is patently false. The reality: Undocumented workers from Mexico actually pay more in taxes than do U.S. citizens in proportion to the government services they use. (They pay sales taxes through purchases, property taxes via their rental rates and income taxes, often via fake Social Security numbers.)

Undocumented Mexican workers are also five times less likely to commit a crime than U.S. citizens. Conservative pundits have been trotting around a statistic that illegal immigrants comprise 25 percent of the federal prison population. That's true, but it's also misleading. Federal prisoners make up only 6 percent of the total prison population, which is primarily controlled by states. And, most of the federal prisoners they're talking about are in prison for immigration violations, not because they committed some other crime. We used to just deport them. Now we stick them in prison and label them criminals.

Another fact: Undocumented workers actually create jobs in the U.S. (beyond the jobs they fill) by buying goods and services and by enabling industries that wouldn't exist without them (especially agriculture). They are doing jobs that Americans aren't willing to do, especially because the U.S. population in general is more highly skilled these days.

Even if these things are true, why don't the Mexican workers just come to the country through legal means? Our immigration quota is so low that the U.S. is just now processing Mexican immigration applications from 1993 -- 18 years ago. If you were struggling to feed your family, would you fill out a bunch of forms and happily wait two decades?

Obviously, this was a fascinating session, and it was nice to get the facts rather than a pile of political rhetoric. As somebody in the class suggested, this professor should testify in Congress.

My afternoon classes were less eventful. A session on the new Indiana Festival Theatre was just a guided tour of the organization's brochure, and we never really got to the meat of the presentation in "Counted Out: Same-Sex Relations and Americans' Definitions of Family."

Coming up later this week are two Shakespeare classes, a lecture by professor David Baker on great jazz singers, and a session about WikiLeaks and its implications for the journalism profession. And, of course, some FarmBloomington fries, Mad Mushroom cheese sticks, and something yummy from Trojan Horse.

Classes at Traders Point Creamery

2011-06-10T16:31:00.002-04:00

This evening, my sister and I will be exploring the Traders Point Creamery farmers market and settling in at the Loft restaurant for dinner. I have a soft spot for TPC, with its fromage blanc, raspberry yogurt and cottage cheese (which is so addictive we call it "crack cottage cheese" at my house).

So, I'm delighted to see that TPC is now offering classes on organic cooking and gardening. Here's a rundown of the upcoming schedule:

How to Eat Organic on a Budget (6-8 p.m., Monday, June 20).
Perfect Picnic (6-8 p.m., Monday, July 11), including recipes for cooler-pressed chicken sandwiches, picnic in a jar chickpea salad, Greek yogurt dill dip and no-bake chewy granola bars.
Pizza from Field to Table (6-8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 1), including recipes for grilled garden pizza, colorful salad, homemade ranch dressing and fresh mint lemonade

Classes are $25 each or $60 for all three. For more information, contact Jen@tpforganics.com.

Summer Class Update

2011-05-09T13:23:00.004-04:00

Wow, I am so far behind here! My excuse: I recently joined the gym, and I've been focusing my educational energies on not breaking my nose during yoga class. (So far, so good.) While I regroup, here are a few updates you might want to check out:

Summer schedules are now available for the Indianapolis Art Center and the IUPUI Community Learning Network. I'm still thinking about taking that hiking class.
ModHomeEc has released its summer schedule of upholstery and home-decor classes, including a pillow workshop that looks fun.
Chef Erin Kem, who previously taught classes at Frasier's Gourmet Foods, is now offering monthly classes at R Bistro, where she is sous chef. Sign up for the restaurant's e-newsletter for the latest details.
Chef Tony Hanslits, of Nicole Taylor's Pasta and Market, is now offering "demo dinners," combining a cooking demonstration and what will surely be a great meal ($50).

I'll be back with more fun updates soon!

PMC Class with Washington Township

2011-03-03T14:26:00.004-05:00

For weeks, I've been looking forward to the intermediate PMC class offered by Washington Township's Community and Continuing Education program. But, on Tuesday afternoon, just a few hours before the first class, my Spidey sense was tingling. I realized I hadn't received any confirmations or reminders, and I didn't have the supply list that's usual for this kind of class. So, I called the office to confirm the class, and the program director assured me -- mere hours before the class was to start -- that the class would run as scheduled.

You can already see where this is going, can't you? You can already picture me wandering around North Central High School, searching desperately for an unlocked door. Standing in front of a dark, locked classroom by myself. Frantically calling the CCE program office to double-check the class time and location, only to find that it had closed at 4:30. Finally cornering a beleaguered secretary and begging for her help.

I'm still not clear about what happened. The secretary's schedule showed the class on Wednesdays, but the course catalog clearly showed it on Tuesdays, which is when I had it on my schedule. The secretary called the director, who told us not to worry about the schedule discrepancy, because the class had been canceled due to low enrollment. This is, mind you, the same woman I had spoken to just hours earlier.

Apparently the problems in Washington Township's CCE program go deeper than just one class. The secretary rolled her eyes at the course catalog, telling me not even to bother checking it because it was riddled with errors. She also asked me--very nicely--not to scream at her the way the last four or five people that evening had done (I didn't scream at all, I promise). I think somewhere in there she also threatened to hang herself if one more person showed up at her desk with class issues. (If you're reading this, nice secretary lady, please don't.)

So, lessons learned this week: One, trust your Spidey sense. Two, find some other place to take classes, because this venue sure doesn't look promising.

Healthy Cooking

2011-02-17T09:52:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to the Going Local blog for this tip on new cooking classes: Becky's Healthy Kitchen offers healthy cooking classes, one-on-one lessons and group cooking parties. Her specialty is revamping old recipes, such as Mom's macaroni and cheese, to create healthier versions.

Upcoming classes include:

Recipe Makeover -- 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19 (focus on macaroni and cheese)
Great Grains -- 1-3 p.m., Saturday, March 19 (incorporating whole grains)
Mama Mia Lite Italian Nite -- 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 30 (healthy pastas)

Classes are $30/person and are held at Indy's Kitchen, 2442 N. Central Ave.

Valentine's Day Cooking Class

2011-01-30T19:19:00.004-05:00

Who says education can't be sexy? This Valentine's Day, treat your special someone to a night at the city's best hotel -- and a fun cooking class.

The Conrad Indianapolis is offering a behind-the-scenes, couples-only cooking class, called Cooking by Candlelight. You'll help prepare an aphrodisiac-laced meal, sip wine, share an intimate candlelit dinner with your sweetie and then spend the night at the Conrad (at a discounted rate).

Cost is $160 per couple. The class begins at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13. Reservations are required; call (317) 524-2574.

Modern Home Ec

2011-01-27T11:26:00.004-05:00

Shelly Leer has been a busy gal lately. She just revamped her website, ModHomeEc, and opened a new studio on 54th Street, just off the Monon. Now, she's offering a wide range of sewing and upholstery classes -- from sewing 101 to advanced upholstery skills.

Here's a quick look at upcoming classes:

Feb. 3 -- Sewing Machine Basics
Feb. 3 or 10 -- Pillow Workshop
Feb. 11 -- Intro to Upholstery: Creating a Tufted Ottoman
Feb. 12 -- Couples' Ottoman Building Class (with light appetizers)

Can't make it to the studio? She also offers online tutorials, where you'll learn how to replace sofa foam or how to make a play kitchen for the kiddos. What a great resource!

Cooking Class: Fermenti Artisan

2011-01-18T10:47:00.003-05:00

Interested in cooking classes with a healthy focus? Check out my article about Fermenti Artisan in this week's Metromix, a publication of the Indianapolis Star. The class was hands-on and fun, and I learned a notebook-full of new things about food preparation and nutrition. (Guess what? Real butter is good for you!)

Kiss Z Cook Groupon

2011-01-18T10:43:00.004-05:00

In case you missed it (which I almost did), the secondary Groupon offer today is for $35 classes at Kiss Z Cook -- a $40 discount! These classes are informative, fun and hands-on, so snatch up your coupon today and start cooking.

Green Thumb?

2011-01-11T11:21:00.001-05:00

Baby, it's cold outside, but it's time to start thinking about this spring's gardening plans. Green Piece Indy has a great post today on upcoming gardening classes, whether you're a "backyardless beginner," "proficient planter" or "horticultural hero." Enjoy!

2010 Best of Indy Awards

2010-12-31T13:33:00.004-05:00

This has been an up-and-down year for adult continuing education in Indianapolis. I had lots of great class experiences (see below), but I also had a lot of duds, such as no-show instructors, over-priced classes and closed venues.

This coming year, I resolve to take even more classes -- such as that blacksmithing class I've been putting off -- and to keep learning new things.

And now, the winners of the 2010 That'll Teach Me "Best of Indy" awards:

Best class -- Hands down, this award goes to the new Wine and Canvas. The nomadic painting class, which meets at restaurants and its new studio, is a fun, low-commitment outing. Instructors walk through the painting process step by step, making the classes perfect for all skill levels (even my kindergarten-level art skills).

Best continuing education venue -- For the second year in a row, this award goes to IU's Mini University, a week-long "summer camp" of classes for adults. I had another phenomenal experience this past June, learning about such topics as stem-cell research, Bob Dylan and the exploration of Mars. With the thriving Bloomington restaurant scene and the beautiful campus, I can't think of a better way to spend a week.

Best instructor -- As it turns out, playing the blues harmonica isn't really my thing. But instructor Allen Stratyner, who teaches the class through the IUPUI Community Learning Network and the JCC, was a methodical and patient instructor. He set clear goals for each class, gave us useful homework assignments and -- most important -- communicated his passion for the blues.

As always, let's take a moment to mourn our losses this year: chiefly, the cooking classes at Frasier's Gourmet Foods. We wish the owners a wonderful retirement!

A Farewell to Frasier's

2010-12-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

When Joy and Byron Frasier lock the doors at Frasier's Gourmet Foods today, it will be for the last time. After decades of serving the Fishers foodie community, the Frasiers are retiring, with plans to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren.

I'm happy for the Frasiers, but I'm also mourning the loss of a great class venue. Over the years, I've taken perhaps a dozen classes at Frasier's, with great chefs like Erin Kem and the late Joseph Allford. I've explored the canning process, learned cake decorating, discovered the wonders of ingredients like quinoa and vanilla, and tasted lots of delicious food along the way.

For foodies in the Fishers area, a new shop called Tasteful Times will fill the need for gourmet groceries. That shop doesn't offer classes, though, so the educational void remains.

Best wishes to the Frasiers, and thanks for the outstanding learning opportunities! And, to everyone, happy holidays!

IUPUI Releases New Catalog

2010-12-20T10:28:00.002-05:00

For the first time in several semesters, I'm excited about the new schedule at the IUPUI Community Learning Network. There's a whole new section of cooking classes, and all of my favorites are there: flower arranging with Sara Thompson, blues harmonica with Allen Stratyner and more.

One class that sounds especially intriguing is "A History of Jazz," which includes field trips to the Chatterbox on Mass Ave. Students watch the performance and then chat with the musicians afterward, so they get real-world experience to boost classroom discussions. What a fun model for a class!

The same is true of "How to Hike the Appalachian Trail," which includes day hikes and one overnight trip. I've just finished Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, so of course now I have this feverish notion of hiking the trail, too. This class could get me started -- or, more likely, it would demonstrate that hiking 2,000 miles isn't really something I want to do. Lesson learned.

As usual, you'll also find a broad mix of dance and fitness classes, musical training, photography, languages, and professional-development opportunities, including lots of new business-oriented classes. It's such a cliche, but there really is something for everyone.

Art Center Announces Spring Schedule

2010-11-21T11:40:00.004-05:00

Usually, the Indianapolis Art Center posts its schedule online a few days (or weeks) before the printed catalog is sent. So, I was surprised when the catalog arrived in the mail yesterday. There's still no mention of the spring schedule on the center's home page, which seems odd, since registration opens Dec. 1.

In the catalog, you'll find the usual mix of classes in ceramics, glass, sculpture, drawing and painting, jewelry, photography and more. If you're looking for serious artistic study, the Art Center is still the best option in town.

And yet, I confess that I'm disappointed in the schedule (and have been for the previous few semesters, too). Perhaps my impression is incorrect, but the Art Center seems to offer fewer weekend workshops and "light" class options these days -- the very things that might attract a new student. I used to circle a class on every page and have to make hard choices about which classes to take. The number of classes I want to take next spring = zero.

Perhaps the Art Center is choosing to focus on more serious, long-term students. Obviously, the center is doing a great job with that population. But, when it comes to classes, I'm usually neither serious nor long-term. I need to find a new place for random learning experiences that don't require investing in a studio full of equipment.

Another complaint: I detest the way the catalog is organized. Classes are listed based on the day they are offered (Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.). So, if you want to find a 15-week intermediate drawing class, for example, you have to read the entire section. Why not organize classes by length (seven weeks vs. 15 weeks) or by skill level within each category? I do not say, "I want to take a class on Tuesdays." I say, "I want to take an intermediate class on PMC." Oh, look, there it is on Wednesdays. If there were a 15-week class on the same topic, it might be listed on an entirely different page. That makes absolutely no sense.

As it stands, I'll be handing off the catalog to a friend of mine, who is very much enjoying her seven-week painting class this semester. She is serious about improving her painting skills, so I'm sure she'll find something in the spring catalog to interest her. Meanwhile, I'll be searching for other options.

Wine and Canvas Opens Studio

2010-11-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote a story for the Indianapolis Star about Wine and Canvas, the nomadic painting class that sets up shop in restaurants and bars all over the city.

Now, W&C has some more exciting news: a studio of its own, where it can offer programs on weekends (when restaurant space is hard to find) and art classes for children (called Cookies and Canvas).

The grand opening of the Wine and Canvas Studio, 3600 E. 86th St., is Nov. 12, and sessions that weekend are discounted to just $25 from the regular $35-40. Stop by to check out the new space, sign up for a class and get ready for a fun girls' night out!

Spirit and Place Kicks Off Today

2010-11-05T00:32:00.004-04:00

The 15th annual Spirit and Place Festival begins today, with 40 events in 10 days related to the theme of "Food for Thought." As a bonus, most of the events are free. For festival highlights, check out my story in this week's Metromix or visit the festival website.

Upcoming Jewelry Classes

2010-11-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Fountain Square saga continues. Jari Sheese, the former owner of Boca Loca Beads, has re-named her year-old glass studio, formerly known as Fuego Loco. The new incarnation, Indy Flame Art, celebrates its grand opening during the upcoming First Friday Art Walk, 6-9 p.m., Nov. 5, at the Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside, Suite C15. Stop by to see glass artists in action, and sign up for one of the many upcoming classes in bead-making, marble-making and more.

Meanwhile, the former home of Boca Loca -- now called Heirloom Classics -- is offering classes in wire-working, beading and silver-smithing. I look an introductory beading class at the former Boca Loca, so I'm interested in seeing how his class compares. Has anyone taken a class here? If so, let us know how it went!

Follow the North Star is Back!

2010-10-30T14:03:00.003-04:00

This outstanding program at Conner Prairie puts you in the shoes of a runaway slave on the Underground Railroad. It is an emotional challenge but memorable and immensely educational, and I walked away with a new understanding of the slavery experience.

This year's program runs 6:30-8:30 p.m., the first three weekends in November, with groups starting every 15 minutes. (The program lasts 90 minutes.) Tickets are $20 for non-members or $17 for members. Reservations are required; call (317) 776-6006.

Although the program is outstanding, it's not for everyone. Take a look at the museum's disclaimer: "Follow the North Star is not for everyone. This program takes place outdoors in all weather conditions, and participants walk approximately one mile on rough terrain. The emotional effect of the program is intense, as participants are treated as slaves, being told to keep their eyes down and not to speak unless spoken to." Participants must be at least 12.

Photo courtesy Conner Prairie.

Closing: Frasier's Gourmet Foods

2010-10-25T10:50:00.002-04:00

I stopped by Frasier's Gourmet Foods this weekend, in search of little chocolate cups for our annual Halloween party. The shelves seemed more bare than usual, and there were "30 percent off" signs on the cookware. It seemed ominous.

"Um, Joyce, why is everything 30 percent off?" I asked.

"Because we're retiring at Christmas," she replied.

[Insert one of those drawn-out movie screams of "Nooooooooooooooooo!" Next, in an intrigued voice, "Wait, so the Le Creuset stuff is 30 percent off? Excuse me while I shop."]

So, that's that. I'm losing the gourmet food store just minutes from my house, and we're losing one of the best adult education venues in the city. I'm taking a desserts class at Frasier's this evening, so maybe I'll get more details. Fingers crossed that someone will buy the store and keep things going.

Blues Harmonica Class at the JCC

2010-10-19T09:22:00.003-04:00

Tonight, I'm attending the second of six blues harmonica classes taught by local musician Allen Stratyner. Regular readers know that I've been trying to schedule this class for about a year, ever since I wrote about it for Indianapolis Monthly. I'm thrilled to finally make the schedule work.

Our first class, held last Tuesday, consisted mostly of housekeeping: introductions, care instructions for our new harmonicas, and a short history of blues harmonica. Finally, at the end of the class, we got to "break in" our harmonicas and learned how to hold them properly (which was actually the most difficult part). Then we learned to mimic the sounds of a train, which we were supposed to practice as homework.

The class is held at the JCC and offered in conjunction with the IUPUI Community Learning Network. Our class has about 10 students, which is perfect -- small enough for individual attention but large enough to feel comfortable in the group.

During the class, we're going to learn how to play scales and individual notes, how to perform simple songs, and how to develop our individual harmonica styles. Perhaps, if I feel confident enough by the end of the class series, I'll post an audio file of my harmonica skills!

Irvington Skill Share Feastival

2010-09-30T11:26:00.002-04:00

The Irvington Skill Share Feastival is coming up Nov. 7, promising "down to earth skills from garden to kitchen." Locals will share their experiences with canning, beekeeping, bread-baking, composting -- everything you need to know to have your own little urban homestead.

The event, which is part of the Spirit and Place Festival (more on that later), will be held from 1-5 p.m., Nov. 7, at Irvington United Methodist Church. I just put it on my Google calendar, so I'll see you there!

Hoosier Harvest at Indiana State Museum

2010-09-28T10:05:00.003-04:00

The harvest season is upon us, and the Indiana State Museum is celebrating with a variety of classes and activities.

Oct. 2-3 = Harvest Jubilee. Workshops include making gourd birdhouses, extending the growing season, and finding local food in Indianapolis. Don't miss the Hoosier Farmer's Breakfast at 9 a.m. Oct. 2 ($17).
Oct. 9-10 = Crocked, Sauced and Pickled. Learn how to make your own refrigerator pickles or create a fall wreath. Afterward, snack of local jams, jellies and preserves at the Farmer's High Tea, at 3 p.m. Oct. 9 ($12).
Oct. 16-17 = Urban Fresh. Workshops include composting 101, DIY rain barrels and spring garden planning. Celebrate with the Farmer's Chic Buffet, at 11 a.m. Oct. 16 ($17).

Review: Fondant Class at Frasier's Gourmet Foods

2010-09-27T23:35:00.003-04:00

Cake decorating is not my thing. For one thing, I can't stand the taste of cake. If forced to choose between eating a cake or licking a tire, I would gratefully choose the tire.

Still, I signed up for today's fondant class at Frasier's Gourmet Foods because I wanted to learn something new, and because I'm enjoying the classes taught by chef Justin Miller. I'm starting to see a lot of the same people in each of his classes, and we're developing a nice camaraderie.

Today's class was limited to just eight people, which allowed for a hands-on lesson. It was a bit more expensive ($45 instead of the usual $35), but for a topic like this one, the practice was invaluable. Miller explained how to do a crumb coat, how to use butter-cream icing and fondant, and how to pipe a few basic designs.

I admit, a blind-folded monkey could probably beat me in a cake-decorating contest. But I had a good time tonight, even though I ate enough icing to make myself ill (or maybe because I ate that much icing).

Upcoming Upholstery Classes

2010-09-13T11:13:00.004-04:00

These days, everything old is new again. I just received a note from Shelly Leer about upcoming upholstery classes at ModHomeEc -- a great way to reinvigorate a tired piece of furniture. Here's the info:

Intro to Upholstery Workshop: This is a two night class in which you will learn the very beginnings and basics about upholstery tools, measuring your furniture to determine fabric yardage, tear down, re-padding and upholstering a SIMPLE piece with fabric.

Suggested pieces: flat benches, slip seats or an easy side chair. Pre-approval needed.
I will show you how to tear down your piece, re-pad it or fluff up the old padding, cut new fabric, plan the layout of the fabric and upholstering your piece. We will do as much as we can during these two 2 ½ hour sessions. If you bring more chair seats than we can complete, you’ll know how to complete the rest of them at home.
New foam and fabric not included. Tools are available for you to use.

This class will give you the confidence to move on to a more detailed piece of furniture.
$90.00

Monday September 13 and 20 7:00-9:30
Thursday September 16 and 23 7:00-9:30
Saturday September 25 and October 2 10:00-12:30

Monday October 4 and 11 7:00-9:30
Saturday October 23 and 30 10:00-12:30

Build Your Own Custom Ottoman: This is it! You will learn the basics of building a piece from the ground up in this one day, four hour class. We will be webbing a pre-made frame, cutting foam, applying the top layer of dacron padding and upholstering the ottoman with fabric. We will also be making welt cord to add to the bottom edge of the ottoman. You will need to purchase wood furniture legs to attach to your ottoman. (you can either bring your own or purchase a variety of legs from me.
Class: $90.00. Tools are available for you to use.
Kit (wood frame, webbing, foam and dacron) $30.00

Saturday September 18 1:00-4:00
Saturday October 16 1:00-4:00

Intermediate Upholstery: This is the next level for students who have learned the basics and are ready to tackle a more detailed piece of furniture. In this 6 week class we will hit the ground running to get your small upholstered chair completed in the 6 week time period. No wing chairs, lazy boys, big lounge chairs. You can learn all you need to know on a small upholstered piece. The skills you learn will translate to larger pieces.
Foam and fabric not included. We will work hard during the 2 ½ hour class in order to complete your projects. Tools are available for you to use. $175.00

Wednesday September 22 – October 27 7:00-9:30 SOLD OUT
Monday October 18 – October 22 7:00-9:30

Art Center Holds Open House

2010-09-07T13:22:00.002-04:00

Stop by the Indianapolis Art Center this Friday, 6-8 p.m., for the fall open house. Taste free samples from Yats, Qdoba and the Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station, and listen to a steel-drum performance by Tom Berich.

Even better, the classrooms will be packed with demonstrations and hands-on activities, including pottery-making, jewelry-making (fusing and forging metal) and print-making. You can even create your own watercolor painting with the help of an Art Center instructor.

Don't want to make your own art? Buy unique pieces at the gift shop sidewalk sale and browse creations by Art Center students and faculty members. Whatever you buy, the proceeds will support local artists and one of the city's best venues for lifelong artistic education.

September Cooking Classes

2010-08-31T14:47:00.003-04:00

Whew! After whirlwind trips to England and Canada, I'm back at home and ready to take some classes. The first priority, of course, is food, so here's a look at cooking classes on the September schedule.

Kiss Z Cook is launching another round of its Foundation Series I, an eight-week class covering knife skills, garde manger, sauces/stocks, soups, starches and proteins. The class is held on consecutive Thursday evenings starting Sept. 2. At $480, it's pricey but worthwhile. Also on the September schedule: pasta, Italian bread, prep cooking, creative vegetarian and more.
Chef JJ's is offering hearty grilling classes focused on pizza, steak, desserts and breads, and fish. Has anyone been to one of Chef JJ's classes? I really need to get over there!
Clark's Appliance has classes on tailgating (including a recipe for "the ultimate cheese ball") and the cuisine of Northern Italy.

I usually include Frasier's Gourmet Foods on this list, but all of its September classes are already sold out, including Cooking 101 and a class on rolled fondant. Sign up now for October classes on vegan cooking and party desserts.

While we're talking about food, keep in mind that it all starts with the farmers. Kelly Funk, owner of Seldom Seen Farm, was struck by lightening in July while working in her fields, and her recovery is expected to be long and slow. Slow Food Indy is collecting donations to help the family cover her many expenses. If you'd like to contribute, donate here.

Review: Pie Class at Frasier's Gourmet Foods

2010-07-30T09:57:00.004-04:00

On Monday evening, I met up with a friend for a pie-baking class at Frasier's Gourmet Foods, and what a delicious evening we had. Chef Justin Miller, a culinary instructor at the Art Institute of Indianapolis, made an apple pie and a fruit tart, and he shared lots of great tips along the way.

Miller started the class with his recipe for vodka pie dough. (As the vodka evaporates during baking, it helps create those scrumptious flaky layers.) He wowed the crowd with a great shortcut: a pie top that looks like a tedious lattice but requires just a few quick knife slices. He also demonstrated a sweet tart dough, a more mealy and cookie-like dough for wetter fillings.

Into the tart crust Miller put a rich pastry cream topped with fresh fruit, which we were in charge of peeling and coring. Into the pie crust went a cinnamony apple mixture, which tasted fantastic with a small dash of orange juice.

My friend and I juiced a seemingly endless pile of lemons, but Miller ran out of time before demonstrating the promised lemon curd. He also had to skip the chocolate cream pie. Fortunately, we quickly got over our disappointment -- as soon as we bit into that heavenly apple pie.

These classes always have a friendly, chatty atmosphere, but one student was a complete mess. Her boyfriend's parents had given her the class as a gift, but she had to "repay" them by baking them a pie. She was frantic about doing a good job, and I could have done without her constant murmurs of alarm. It stressed me out, too! At the end of the class, we all promised to send happy baking thoughts her way: Stressed-out baking girl, wherever you are, I hope your pie was fabulous.

Art Center Releases Fall Calendar

2010-07-25T17:42:00.005-04:00

The Indianapolis Art Center has released its fall calendar, this time in a fancy digital version. I'm not sold on the format; the class descriptions are accessible only via separate links, which makes the catalog very difficult to scan.

Another flaw: The weekend workshops are listed only within their categories, not in a separate section organized by date -- which used to be a great way to identify a class to take on a weekend you had free. That listing would only require one additional page, so I don't see why it would be omitted.

In terms of class offerings, you'll find all of the usual topics, with classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced students in everything from printmaking to steel sculpture. The depth of the schedule is impressive, even if most of the topics are ones we've seen before. Hey, these are tough times, and we can't fault the Art Center for sticking to tried-and-true classes that sell well.

On a personal note, I'm glad to see precious metal clay back on the schedule, for both a long-term class and a weekend workshop. Sign me up!

The catalog also includes listings for community events, such as the "Clay and Cocktails" events on several Friday evenings and "Community Nights at the Arts Center," the second Wednesday evening of each month. Topics include sugar skulls, animal clay sculptures, a powwow demonstration and sand painting, and fused glass.

I do think the Art Center is the best place in town to get good, solid artistic instruction, and I think it's doing the best it can in tough economic times. For the future, however, I hope for tweaks in the catalog design -- and a few new, unexpected class topics, too.

IUPUI Releases Fall Calendar

2010-07-20T10:43:00.004-04:00

The Indianapolis Art Center is usually the first to announce its schedule each season, but this time the IUPUI Community Learning Network is one step ahead. Its fall catalog is available online now and will appear in the Indianapolis Star Aug. 1.

Professional development classes abound, such as the free "Blueprint for Action" class for job seekers and a variety of classes in computers, health care and business.

What's new for personal development? Among others, there are classes on line editing for writers and editors, the uses of wild plants, tango and belly dancing, and finger-picking a folk guitar. Oldies but goodies include flower arranging, photography, and Allen Stratyner's blues harmonica class -- which I am finally, finally going to be able to take.

Review: Sailing Lesson

2010-07-06T08:28:00.003-04:00

Behold, the power of the Groupon. The Indianapolis Sailing Club recently offered a 61 percent off coupon for a three-hour introductory sailing lesson ($39 instead of $100), expecting about 50 participants. Instead it got 500 -- my husband and me included.

We registered for our session online, a fairly simple process, and soon afterward received an e-mail listing the items we should bring to our session (e.g., sunglasses, towels, changes of clothes). The part about bringing dry clothes sounded ominous, as did the waiver we had to sign when we arrived, promising not to "intentionally" bash the boat into something.

Once the paperwork was completed, we got a quick, fairly incomprehensible sailing overview, then hopped into the boat with our instructor, Zach. Once we got in the boat, the complicated sailing terms (e.g., tack, jib) became a bit more concrete. Zach started us off easy, giving us the job of managing the jib sail. (That's the little one in front.) Once we had mastered that, we took turns with just the tiller, and finally we were able to handle both the tiller and main sail at once.

The most difficult part of the lesson was tacking -- turning around. This requires some complicated maneuvering of the tiller and the rope controlling the main sail, and the boat tends to lean into the turn. If you drop the tiller (as I did once), you might panic and accidentally clothesline yourself with the line to the main sail. But, good news: These boats are remarkably hard to tip over.

Even if we had fallen into the water, the nearby safety boat would have rescued us. The Indianapolis Sailing Club conducts summer camps for kids and regularly offers lessons, so it takes all the right precautions.

Of course, the Sailing Club is hoping that we'll fall madly in love with sailing and purchase a club membership, about $140 per quarter, which includes rental of the smaller boats. They're also hoping we'll enroll in the 22-hour certification class. I don't think that's in our future, but it was an interesting way to spend an afternoon (and a better workout than we anticipated). It could be fun, once every few months, to take another short lesson and get out on the water ... always making sure the safety boat is nearby.

July Cooking Classes

2010-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

July is a time of farmers' market bounty, so you'll find many classes this month on using, grilling and preserving farm-to-table foods. And, for some reason, there are lots of dessert classes this month, too!

At Frasier's Gourmet Foods, you'll find two intriguing classes. On July 26, chef Justin Miller offers "Pies and Tarts." Recipes on the agenda include apple pie, chocolate cream pie, key lime tart, and fresh fruit tart. Miller will also share his secrets for vodka pie dough and sweet tart dough. Needless to say, I'm already signed up.

Next, on July 27, R Bistro sous chef Erin Kem will offer "Quebec Classics," such as meat pies and pudding chomeur. Kem often does classes inspired by her travels, and this is a type of ethnic food we don't usually consider.

Cooking Greek seems to have scaled back its schedule for the summer, but on most Sundays you'll still find classes on traditional Greek foods. (If you bought the Groupon a few weeks back, you must apply it to a special Groupon-only class on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.)

Chef JJ's in Broad Ripple, which has a well-designed new website, is offering two classes on backyard entertaining and one class on grilling "for ladies." (I bet $5 that the class focuses on chicken and low-calorie marinades.) This month's pizza class and a ribs class in August have already sold out, so make your reservations for other classes well in advance.

The class schedule is full at Kiss Z Cook, which continues its Friday date-night series and "girls' night out" classes and adds a "guys' night out" series. Some interesting one-shot classes on the schedule include "French Cuisine," "Grilling Ribs and Chops," "Breakfast for Dinner" and "Cooking with Chocolate."

You can also stop by Williams-Sonoma for free demonstration classes. Topics include "Farm to Table," about using fresh fruits, veggies and herbs (July 11); "Summer Sauces" (July 18); and "Saving Summer," about basic food preservation techniques (July 25). The classes are free, but reservations are required: (317) 816-4422.

Review: Canning Class at Frasier's Gourmet Foods

2010-06-30T14:08:00.003-04:00

To me, canning has always seemed like mysterious alchemy. Using boiling water and a host of strange-looking tools, grandmothers everywhere monitor pectin levels and fend off evils like salmonella and botulism. With so much at stake, it's no surprise that I've never attempted the process.

Justin Miller's canning class has changed all that, demystifying the practice and establishing my canning confidence. After three hours in the Frasier's Gourmet Foods demonstration kitchen, I now understand the difference between jelly, jam, preserves and compote, and I can tell you which pectin to use for which purpose.

I also know that all of those fancy canning tools are completely unnecessary. All you really need is jars, lids, a pot for boiling water, and some tongs. Yep, that's it. For some reason I thought there was an autoclave involved.

At the end of the class, we took home a pile of instructions and four types of canned food: orange marmalade, three-berry preserves, rhubarb and strawberry compote, and hot pepper compote. They'll keep in my pantry for 12 to 18 months, but I guarantee they won't be around that long.

Interested in learning more about home food preservation? Miller recommends Pick Your Own, which has a section called "How to Can Anything."

Wine and Canvas Posts July Schedule

2010-06-29T11:48:00.005-04:00

Wine and Canvas is enjoying quite a vogue in my social circle, and my friends are all aflutter about the new July schedule, which introduces two new venues: Barcelona Tapas and Santorini Greek Kitchen. W&C has also filled in its schedule, with classes offered every night from Monday through Thursday, all month long.

The difficulty now is choosing a class. Should you paint the Beatles homage "Abbey Road" at Mass Ave Wine Shoppe, the minimalist "Cup of Joe" at Muldoon's, or the "Wine and Flowers" still life at La Mie Emilie?

Whatever you do, be sure to sign up for the W&C newsletter, which includes a $5 coupon for your next class.

Mini University: Day 6

2010-06-26T01:45:00.003-04:00

Do I really have to wait a whole year until another Mini University? Although there were a few bumps along the way, I had another wonderful "nerd vacation" this week, and I look forward to reading more throughout the year about the subjects that grabbed my interest.

We had one final class this morning, and I headed to a session on the gnostic gospel of Judas. It was a fascinating look at early Christian history, and a reminder that the Christianity we know today is just one of many viewpoints circulating in the early church. Our instructor was a great presenter, and it was a perfect capstone to a busy week.

Afterward, we convened for the commencement ceremony, complete with diplomas, the IU fight song and "Hail to Old IU." Sadly, Jessica lost the Green Beanie award to an enthusiastic freshman we call Pantsuit Jan.

If I have one criticism of Mini University, it's that the program focuses so heavily on retirees -- which, to be fair, make up the vast majority of participants. So many of the classes focused on issues of aging, and we weren't always successful in weeding out those sessions in our own schedules. I'd love to see Mini University put some effort -- and some marketing dollars -- into reinvigorating this program with young professionals. I still had a wonderful time, but I hate being the only 20-something in the room. When I'm still showing up in 30 years, will I be the only person in the room?

Mini University: Day 5

2010-06-24T18:35:00.003-04:00

We kept busy last night by devouring Irish Lion puffballs, drinking a beer at Bluebird, waiting an hour for an incorrect delivery of fresh-baked cookies from Baked, and waiting another hour for a correct delivery, but this morning we were up bright and early for our last full day of classes.

I started the morning with a class on the blues, taught by legendary professor David Baker. I was thrilled, because his classes are so popular at IU that, as a student, I always got wait-listed. He talked about the origins and evolution of the blues, and he played us lots of examples.

Funny story: He doesn't have any fancy PowerPoint with audio files. Oh, no. His wife came with him and sat at a stereo, inserting CDs on command. This guy really needs a student assistant, who could probably digitize his music collection in 43 seconds flat.

Despite that, the class was interesting, and it was a good jumping-off point for more in-depth research on the genre. I now have a list of songs and artists to explore more deeply, and I have a better understanding of how the blues influenced other genres of music, from jazz to rap.

After a vegetarian eggs Benedict at Runcible Spoon, Jessica and I started the afternoon with a class called "Robots as Helpers and Companions: Social Challenges in Technology Design." We all got to play with Paro, a robotic seal used in pet therapy when children have allergies to real pets, and he was definitely the star of the show. But we also learned about current research in robotic design, and we talked about the potential ethical challenges of replacing real, human social interactions with robotic interactions. Unfortunately, it sounds like Rosie the housekeeper robot is still a few decades away.

My final class of the day was "Artists' Courtships and Early Marriages: A Time of Creative Inspiration," which discussed painters' portraits of their lovers. We discussed the context in which these were made, plus lots of romantic gossip about some of history's most famous artists. The paintings were beautiful, but the session was a tad bit dry.

Can you believe we have only one more class? I start tomorrow morning with "The Gospel of Judas: Introducing a New Discovery," but then it's time for our commencement ceremony (and the answer to this week's most pressing question: Will Jessica be named outstanding freshman and win the green beanie?).

Mini University: Day 4

2010-06-23T18:58:00.003-04:00

We finally got around to playing Sink the Biz at Nick's last night, but I swear I was totally alert when classes started at 9 a.m. today. And I'm glad I was, because my morning class was about the fall of Communism in Europe, a potentially dry subject that was presented in a fascinating way.

Our instructor discussed the ingredients that caused the Communist collapse of 1989, such as economic breakdown, human rights pressures from the West, changing consumer expectations, and Pope John Paul II's visit to Poland. He also discussed key events in the Communist downfall, such as the 1989 Polish elections (which took place on the same day as the Tienanmen Square massacre) and the Velvet Revolution in Prague.

Most interestingly, however, he addressed the question of why some former Soviet republics have succeeded as democracies while others are still struggling. The answer, he said, is that democratic traditions must be built over many years; in Poland, for example, the Solidarity movement practiced democratic principles such as election and compromise during its decade as a subversive, underground organization. When Communism fell, Solidarity members already knew how to run an organization. To really succeed, therefore, a new democracy needs a history of democratic grassroots activism -- not a good sign for fledgling democracies in places like Iraq.

My second class focused on the future of book publishing, but it was a real dud. Taught by Janet Rabinowitch, who runs Indiana University Press, the lecture focused entirely on university-based publishers. Rabinowitch had no information on commercial publishing, which meant she had to answer question after question with "I don't know." I wish she had done some background research or perhaps had a co-presenter from the commercial publishing industry.

My final class of the day was taught by Amy Cook, an assistant professor whose research is focused on why theater-goers react the way they do. Why do we cry when Cordelia is hanged, when we know perfectly well that it's all a performance? Cook's lecture today focused on the theory that performances activate something called mirror neurons, which fire when we perform an action but also when we watch that action being done by someone else. The lecture was a strange combination of scientific details and Hamlet clips, but it was interesting nonetheless.

Mini University: Day 3

2010-06-22T16:36:00.003-04:00

After a late night at Bear's Place (where I enjoyed Comedy Caravan but skipped the Hairy Bear) and a post-midnight order of Mad Mushroom cheese sticks, I might have been a bit sleepy when I strolled into my first class this morning, "Newspapers in a Paperless World." While it was engaging -- we watched a few journalism-related video clips and did a group activity -- the class wasn't what I had expected. As a freelance writer, I wanted to hear about the future of the newspaper industry; instead, we spent most of the session talking about the past.

To be fair, it wasn't really the presenter's fault. The primary population at Mini University is retirees, and almost all of them still hold subscriptions to their local papers. Many of them don't get their news online, and at least one class participant actively resents "online only" content. (She wanted to know whether such content is legal, since she pays for a subscription but doesn't receive 100 percent of the content that's produced.)

Obviously, this would have been a very different session had the primary audience been young professional freelancers with journalism degrees who are concerned about job security. While there were a few interesting historical nuggets, this session didn't really meet my needs, and I was disappointed.

My educational experience improved this afternoon. My first session was about jury selection in capital cases -- what criteria are used to select them, what biases and influences they have, etc. The presenter is working on the Capital Jury Project, which conducts surveys and in-depth interviews with former capital jurors, with many interesting results.

Fun fact of the day: In a capital case with a black defendant and a white victim, when there are no black men on the jury, the chance of the jury choosing the death penalty is 71.9 percent. But when just one black man is included on the jury, the likelihood of choosing the death penalty falls to 37.5 percent. So, about that whole racial bias thing ...

My last class of the day was a visit to the Kinsey Institute, where we heard an overview of current research projects and then toured the current gallery exhibition, a collection of erotica donated by a single collector. This class was more interesting than it was educational, but it's a good reminder of yet another world-class resource that calls IU home.

If I can crawl out of bed tomorrow after a few rounds of Sink the Biz, I will be starting the day with a class on the fall on Communism in Europe, then head to classes on the future of book publishing and the use of cognitive science in interpreting Shakespeare. One of the things I love about Mini University is that it engages so many different subjects and parts of my brain. We are having a wonderful nerd vacation!

Mini University: Day 2

2010-06-21T19:15:00.002-04:00

Today I remembered why I love Mini University. In one day, I learned about embryonic stem-cell research, the cross-influence of Bob Dylan and the Beatles, and the ethical and technical ramifications of Mars exploration. Plus, I got to wander around Bloomington, and later we're going to the Comedy Caravan at Mother Bear's. Really. Awesome. Day.

First off, embryonic stem cells: Our professor discussed the difference between embryonic stem cells and iPS stem cells, which are adapted from adult cells. (Summary: The iPS stem cells are not a good replacement for embryonic stem cells, even if they do solve some ethical dilemmas.) We also discussed whether stem cells will soon be used to cure diseases in humans. The answer: Although we're doing lots of basic research, we don't yet know how to integrate these cells into existing human tissues -- in other words, we can create the cells, but we don't know how to use them to cure disease.

After lunch, Jessica and I headed to Ballantine Hall for a class on the cross-influence of Bob Dylan and the Beatles. It was taught by legendary professor Glenn Gass, and I could have listened to him for a few more hours -- completely fascinating. Fun fact of the day: The Beatles named themselves in honor of Buddy Holly's band the Crickets. They wanted to be bugs, too.

I ended the day in a class about the technical and ethical implications of Mars exploration. We spent about fifteen minutes on upcoming Mars expeditions, including the Mars Science Lab rover that launches in 2011. Unfortunately, there are two main ethical issues with such projects. One, which I've considered, is the wisdom of spending so much money on Mars exploration when we haven't even cataloged all life on Earth. The other issue I never considered: If there is life on Mars, we are possibly contaminating the planet's ecosystem every time we conduct another mission. In other words, we're possibly damaging Martian life without realizing it. Of course, the professor felt that the potential value of the research outweighs those considerations -- but it's something important to think about.

Tomorrow is another big day: "Newspapers in a Paperless World," "Capital Jurors: Who Serves and How Do They Decide?" and "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex" (this one at the Kinsey Institute). Oh, how I [heart] Mini University.

Mini University: Day 1

2010-06-20T23:03:00.002-04:00

Last year, IU's Mini University received our Best of Indy award for best educational experience of the year -- so it's no surprise that I'm here again in Bloomington for another round. This time, rather than coming solo, I've brought my friends Stephanie and Jessica, who are equally excited about our summer "nerd vacation."

This afternoon, we attended an information session and then faced the most difficult task of the week: choosing our classes. Several of the time slots offered obvious choices; of course I'm going to take the classes about Shakespeare, the state of the newspaper industry, and the future of book publishing. In other time slots, however, I really struggled to choose: for the Monday morning time slot, should I take a class on Ernie Pyle, stem-cell research and human cloning, or dark matter in the universe? I finally settled on the cloning class, but I'm not sure I made the right choice.

The nice part about coming with friends is that we can divide and conquer, which means I can actually learn much more (and hopefully have some great discussions along the way). On the flip side, there's much more temptation to sneak away with the girls for a game of Sink the Biz at Nick's.

Mini University officially gets underway tomorrow morning and continues through the graduation ceremony Friday morning. Check back all week for updates on our nerdy adventures!

Today's Groupon: Cooking Greek

2010-06-17T14:02:00.004-04:00

A few days ago, I mentioned Groupon, a daily e-mail coupon that often offers discounts on adult education opportunities. Lo and behold, today's Groupon offers a 50 percent discount at Cooking Greek, the new cooking school in Carmel. If you're interested, sign up now; the coupon expires at midnight tonight.

A Green Education

2010-06-17T13:48:00.004-04:00

Many thanks to Green Piece Indy for this tip: The Indiana Sustainable Living Fair takes place this Saturday at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Meets eco-friendly vendors, sit it on sustainability seminars and round-table discussions, and watch a variety of demonstrations -- all with the goal of reducing your carbon footprint.

(How big is your carbon footprint? Try this calculator developed by the Nature Conservancy.)

Demonstration topics include oil-seed pressing, sheep shearing, worm composting, cooking with solar ovens, preserving food (canning and freezing), identifying plants and weeds, building your own chicken coop, and making art from found objects.

In addition, here's the seminar schedule:

9:30 -- Why Biodiversity Matters
10:40 -- The ABCs of Producing Your Own Food
10:40 -- The Benefits of Raw Milk
1:30 -- Sustainability from the Ground Up
2:30 -- Who Should Control Our Food System?
2:30 -- Nourishing Our Children
3:30 -- Choices in Natural Healing
3:30 -- Unity Community Gardens
4:30 -- Cancer, Nutrition and Healing

Admission is $10/person at the gate; children younger than 12 are free (cash only).

Art Center Gift Shop Closes for Remodeling

2010-06-13T20:22:00.003-04:00

The Indianapolis Art Center's gift shop is set to close June 26 for remodeling, so now's a great time to snap up sale-priced treasures and support both local artists and a superb adult-education venue. You'll find funky jewelry, colored-glass vases, thought-provoking paintings and much, much more.

Once the shop is closed, don't despair: You can still support local artists on Etsy, probably the best online source for handmade goods. To search for Indy artists, click the "buy" tab, then choose "shop local." At the moment, you'll find everything from personalized bookplates to hand-stitched throw pillows.

Update: Wine and Canvas

2010-06-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I reviewed Wine and Canvas, a great program that offers fun, relaxing painting classes in restaurants across the city. At that first class, about eight people showed up at Muldoon's, and we had a lovely time.

When I went again this week, this time to the Chateau Thomas Winery tasting room in Fishers, there were about 30 participants, and another W&T event that evening, at the Mass Ave Wine Shop, had sold out completely. Obviously the program has struck a chord, and I look forward to seeing how W&T handles its success. (Did you know they also do private events for bridal showers, baby showers, etc.?)

Pictured is the painting we did that evening. It was supposed to be painted in earth tones, but I rebelled. (Look, I'm becoming more artistic already! Now if only the "O" weren't so crooked.) I'm going again next week to a class at El Torito Grill; the painting is a Picasso-esque Cubist landscape. Wish me luck!

Get Your Groupon

2010-06-11T10:45:00.004-04:00

Have you signed up for Groupon? If not, do it now! You'll get a daily e-mail with a fantastic local bargain, such as restaurant coupons, massage deals, and entertainment specials.

About once a week, Groupon offers discounts on local classes. A few weeks ago, for example, they offered a discounted class at Kiss Z Cook ($35 instead of the normal $75), and another day they offered a discount on painting classes with Wine and Canvas. Today, the deal is 50 percent off flying lessons with Freedom Helicopters.

There is, of course, a catch: You have to commit to the deal right away, usually within 24 or 48 hours, and pay up front. In theory, the coupon doesn't activate until a certain number of people sign up (thus the name of the service), but I've never known that to be a problem.

And, if you decide to take those helicopter lessons, let me know! I'd love to hear how it goes.

Introduction to Meditation

2010-06-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

This month, the Dromtonpa Buddhist Center is partnering with Indy Parks & Recreation to offer "Introduction to Meditation," a six-week course with teacher Kathy Ryan. The class runs on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., from June 16 to July 21, at the Broad Ripple Parks and Family Center. To register, call (317) 327-7161 or send an e-mail.

IMA Offers Artists' Forum

2010-06-09T13:28:00.004-04:00

The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park opens June 20, and the IMA has scheduled a bazillion grand-opening events to celebrate the 100-acre project. Among them is the 100 Acres Artists' Forum, featuring the eight artists who created outdoor art installations for the park.

At 11 a.m., Saturday, June 19, the artists will discuss their work with the museum's CEO, curators of contemporary art, and other IMA staff involved in the park's development. The forum is free, but tickets are required.

City Market Cooking Classes

2010-06-06T21:02:00.004-04:00

If you work downtown, you can get an education fix during your lunch hour: City Market is offering demonstration-style cooking classes each Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m., now through the end of October. The classes are free and no reservation is required, and each class is repeated every week of the month -- so, if that conference call runs longer than expected, no worries!

Here's the schedule of this year's topics:

June -- Food allergies: gluten-free grains and baking
July -- Heart disease: high-soluble fiber, low-sodium and low-fat options
August -- Vegan and vegetarian cuisine
September -- Diabetes: cooking with whole grains and legumes, healthy snacks and omega-3s
October -- Cancer: cooking with colors (natural plant pigments), organic and soy options, using herbs and spices

June Cooking Classes

2010-05-30T08:00:00.004-04:00

Just when I was starting to get the summer education blues, I noticed a new cooking school offering classes in Carmel: Cooking Greek, which specializes in (obviously) Greek cuisine. Four-hour classes are offered at 2:30 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday at Alice's Catering in Carmel, but the menu varies each weekend.

Here are a few examples:

June 5-6 -- Greek salad, pastitsio (Greek lasagna) with green beans, and loukoumades (Green honey dough balls) ($80)
June 12-13 -- Saganaki (flaming cheese), mousaka with horiatiki salata (country salad), and almond rolls ($90)

It sounds delicious, but it seems a bit pricey. Included are recipes, take-home containers and all the food you make, which Cooking Greek claims is enough for two to three people.

In other news, Chef JJ's is offering classes this month on vegetarian grilling, steak and East Coast seafood, all starting at 6:15 on Tuesday evenings. And Frasier's Gourmet Foods is offering "Cooking with Lavender," a unique topic from R Bistro sous chef Erin Kem (June 22).

Finally, stop by Maggiano's Little Italy at 10 a.m., June 5, for a class on Texas BBQ ($25). What this has to do with Italian food, I really couldn't say.

Review: Wine and Canvas

2010-05-18T10:10:00.004-04:00

As much as I'd love to be artistic, my drawing and painting skills are on par with your average kindergartner's. Nevertheless, I had a great time last night at Wine and Canvas, a painting class held in restaurants and wine shops around town.

Last night's event was held at Muldoon's, where we had a quiet corner to ourselves. When we arrived, our easels, canvases, brushes and paint palettes were already set up, and we put on aprons to keep the paint off of our work clothes.

Once we were settled (and had ordered our drinks, of course), the instructor led us through the steps to create our "Cosmo" paintings. She explained the basics, but she also suggested changes we could make to individualize our work -- such as the curvy, slightly crooked stem on my glass.

My painting isn't museum quality, but I like it anyway. I learned a few things about how to paint, and I had a great time doing it. Even better, Wine and Canvas handles all the clean-up. What a relaxing way to wrap up a busy day!

Wine and Canvas has three to five events per week, most on weekday evenings. Locations include El Torito Grill, Chateau Thomas Winery's tasting room in Fishers, Muldoon's and Mass Ave Wine Shop. You can pick the location that works best for you, or you can choose the painting you like best. All classes cost $35-40.

Upcoming Classes: Indy Parks

2010-05-16T22:49:00.005-04:00

Indy Parks has released its summer calendar, which covers June through September. For some reason, I have a bee in my bonnet about the Eagle Creek Park marina: Should I try a $75 sailing class or maybe one of the late-night canoe trips on the night of a full moon? Sometime during my crazy summer Shakespeare schedule, I'm hoping to do both.

As always, there are plenty of dance, fitness, arts and horticulture classes, concentrated at Broad Ripple Park, Garfield Park, Eagle Creek Park and Holliday Park.

Garfield Park Conservatory, for example, has classes such as All About Herbs (July 10 and Aug. 14), Beekeeping Basics (Aug. 1) and Butterfly Gardening (June 26). And, the arts center there has classes on jewelry-making, painting, print-making, poetry, drawing and more.

I've said this before, but I really hate the way the catalog is organized. Classes are listed by location, not topic or age group. So, if you want to find, say, an adult pottery class, you have to look through every darn page in the catalog, including page after page of toddler swimming classes. Are you listening, parks people?

Cooking Classes at Joseph Decuis

2010-05-12T12:13:00.005-04:00

One of Indiana's best restaurants, Joseph Decuis, is offering a series of cooking classes based on James Beard Award-winning chefs and their cookbooks. The restaurant is located in Roanoke, near Fort Wayne, so it's a bit of a drive from Indy -- but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Classes are $65 per person and take place at 1 p.m. Saturdays (and I strongly suggest staying afterward for dinner). Here's the schedule for the rest of the year:

May 15: The Sweet Spot by Pichet Ong
June 12: Burger Bar by Hubert Keller
July 10: Italian Grill by Mario Batali
Aug. 21: American Cookery by James Beard
Sept. 18: In the Greet Kitchen by Alice Waters
Oct. 23: Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child
Nov. 13: Bouchon by Thomas Keller
Dec. 4: Cooking by James Peterson

New Project: Shakespeare in a Year

2010-05-10T10:44:00.007-04:00

Along with adult education, I have three other passions: travel, cheese, and the works of William Shakespeare. So, today, I'm launching a new project: the Shakespeare in a Year Challenge. The new blog will cover my effort to read all 38 Shakespeare plays within a year -- and see as many of them performed as my budget and husband will allow.

Rest assured, the That'll Teach Me blog will continue as usual. But reading is an educational experience of its own, so I hope you'll stop by the new blog and participate in the debate (e.g., Falstaff: Love him or hate him? Personally, I hate him.).

I'll also be posting updates from my Shakespeare-related travels to Stratford, Ontario; England; and many of the Midwest's best Shakespeare experiences. (And, if I eat some cheese while I'm there, I'll be enjoying all of my passions at once. Talk about overload!)

As I wrote on the other blog, this project is going to challenge both my intellect and my schedule, but it's going to be an incredible journey. I hope you'll join me.

Shakespeare on the Sea

2010-05-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Looking for a summer vacation option? I just came across Insight Cruises, which offers intriguing continuing-education classes in between glamorous ports of call. All of the cruises are themed: space exploration, chess, quilting, Shakespeare, etc. See you on the next Shakespeare cruise!

Preview: Mini University

2010-05-07T14:09:00.002-04:00

After last year's incredible experience, I eagerly enrolled in this year's Mini University, a program of the IU Alumni Association. I got my registration packet a few days ago, and already I'm drooling about the classes I'll be taking. Here are my top five picks:

Why Do People Spy? Motivations of Some of the Greatest Spies of the 20th Century
Newspapers in a Paperless World
Shakespeare: Theater and Cognitive Science
The Blues (with music professor David Baker)
Artists' Courtships and Early Marriages: A Time of Creative Inspiration
The Sustainable Table (with foodie, author and professor Christine Barbour)

What's that you say? I was supposed to choose my top five, but there are six classes on the list? Well, I couldn't choose. Which one sounds most interesting to you?

Upcoming IMA Lectures

2010-05-06T08:00:00.004-04:00

During the summer doldrums, when other educational venues slow down, the Indianapolis Museum of Art gears up for a busy season. The big news, of course, is the hundred-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, which opens June 20. (Isn't it too bad they didn't name it the Hundred Acre Wood?) In the meantime, the museum has several upcoming events.

Next week, landscape architect Richard Bisgrove will discuss Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson, two English garden designers who were active in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The event is free, but registration is required (7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 13).

The following week, architect and author Sarah Susanka will discuss urban architecture -- essentially, the idea that larger houses are not only enlarging our carbon footprints and also weakening our families (7 p.m., May 20, $7). Click here to buy tickets.

And, although it's not really educational, don't forget the museum's wonderful Summer Nights film series, featuring movies on the terrace each Friday evening. Highlights include "Rebel Without a Cause," "A Fish Called Wanda," "The Muppets Take Manhattan" and two midnight shows, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

Drool-worthy Class: The Oxford Experience

2010-05-04T08:00:00.003-04:00

I'm always searching for summer camp programs for adults, but I've finally discovered the most tempting summer educational program on earth: The Oxford Experience. From early July to early August, participants move into Christ Church, Oxford, dorm rooms and take weekly classes such as "Riot and Rebellion in Shakespeare's London" and "History of the English Language."

As Liz Lemon would say (with a dazed expression), "I want to go to there."

Of course, it's not cheap: about 800 pounds per week, which is about $1,200. But I can't think of a better way to soak up knowledge about English literature, architecture, history and more. Someday ...

Jo-Ann Offers May/June Classes

2010-05-03T10:19:00.003-04:00

Jo-Ann Fabrics has a new-and-improved website, thank goodness, so it's much easier to find the schedule for local classes. In May and June, the Castleton location is offering classes on sewing, quilting, cake decorating and scrapbooking.

A good friend of mine took the Wilton cake decorating series, and now she can make cute little gum paste animals for her kids' birthday cakes. The first course, Discover Cake Decorating, starts tomorrow, so sign up now if you're interested: (317) 585-9150.

May Cooking Classes

2010-04-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for a serious culinary education? Kiss Z Cook has several long-term classes starting this month, including the scrumptious "Let's Bake" series, an outdoor grilling series, and level two of its foundation series for basic skills. Each series meets once per week for six or eight weeks.

The Carmel venue also has some great one-shot classes scheduled this month, such as "Cooking with Cheese" and "Outstanding Soups."

I'd sign up for "Let's Bake" in a heartbeat if it didn't conflict with several short trips I have planned ... and if my husband wouldn't kill me for spending $360 at once.

On the less expensive side, R Bistro chef Erin Kem continues her culinary wandering with a class on Middle Eastern cuisine at Frasier's Gourmet Foods ($35). Also on the schedule: a spring farm-market cooking class with chef Brad Kline.

At Chef JJ's in Broad Ripple, you'll find classes on sausages, pizza and ribs ... apparently they're working from a list of my husband's favorite foods.

Finally, if you took April's Sushi 101 at the Chef's Academy, continue your education with Sushi 102, taking place May 8.

IUPUI Announces Summer Schedule

2010-04-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

The IUPUI Community Learning Network has posted its summer schedule, and -- as we've come to expect -- it's heavy on the professional-development options. But there are some fun personal-development options, too, including the usual offerings in writing, languages, music, floral design and photography.

I'm especially excited about the range of fitness classes being offered this summer, including a Saturday-morning fitness sampler and a hiking club (both $99 for six weekly sessions). Not your style? Try belly dancing, golf, tai chi, zumba, pilates and more.

And here's a fun tidbit: That'll Teach Me got a mention in the catalog. It includes our award for 2009 Class of the Year, which went to the outstanding Immersion Spanish Institute. It was an intense but fun class, and it prepared me well for three months in Peru!

Singing the Blues

2010-04-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's back! Sign up quickly for Allen Stratyner's popular class, How to Play Blues Harmonica, offered at the JCC. In six one-hour sessions on Tuesday evenings (July 6-Aug. 10), he'll teach you both traditional and country harmonica styles, and he'll tell you what he knows about the history of blues ... which is a lot. Cost is $79; call the JCC at 251-9467 to register.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

2010-04-26T15:38:00.004-04:00

The spring planting season is just beginning, but already it's time to consider what you'll actually do with those piles of tomatoes and zucchini. (Hey, you can only make so much pasta sauce.) Enter the ever-useful Purdue University Extension Office, which is offering several upcoming classes in its Master Food Preserving Program.

Classes include:

Food safety and freezing food (June 2)
Boiling water process (June 11)
Pressure canning (June 17)
Pickling and drying foods (June 21)
Jams and jellies (June 23)

Classes run 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Scott Hall on the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Cost is $150 (or $125 through May 3); the registration deadline is May 24. Individual classes are $30 each, but only if space is available after full-course registrations.

Boca Loca Closes, Fuego Loco Opens

2010-04-09T10:15:00.006-04:00

While I was gone, the big news in Indy adult education was the closing of Boca Loca Beads. Owner Jari Sheese walked away from her Fountain Square institution and, along with several other creative women, opened Fuego Loco Studio -- where the focus is on classes rather than retail sales.

At the moment, Fuego Loco is offering several lampworking classes, including a $60 "Intro to Lampworking" option. I assume that co-owner Bonnie Ramirez, aka The Torch Queen, will also be offering welding classes, but I don't see them listed on the site yet.

Meanwhile, the former Boca Loca site is now Heirloom Classics, which will continue to focus on jewelry and beads. You can even take some basic jewelry-making classes, starting at $20, such as "Wire Working 101" and "Jewelry Making 101."

So, now we have two educational venues instead of one, which is good. On the other hand, Jari's bead shop is gone, which is bad. But don't despair: You can still buy her beautiful work on Etsy, possibly the Web's best home for independent artisans.

Register for Summer Art Classes

2010-04-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Registration is now open for the Indianapolis Art Center's summer classes.

On the plus side, you can try out the center's fancy-dancy new online registration system. On the negative side, the summer class offerings are ... shall we say, uninspired? If you want a basic class in painting, glassblowing and the like, you'll find it. If you're looking for something new and different, however, you'll have to cross your fingers for a better fall schedule.

On a personal note, I'm quite disappointed by the absence of PMC classes. I love playing with precious metal clay, and now that I have a little kiln at home, I want to refresh my skills. Oh, well -- crossing my fingers for a better fall schedule.

In the meantime, pick up tickets to the 40th anniversary Broad Ripple Art Fair, to be held May 15-16. Through next Friday, tickets are four for $40 (a savings of $20).

It's Back: Follow the North Star

2010-04-07T09:02:00.003-04:00

It's time once again for Conner Prairie's Follow the North Star program, which immerses participants in the experience of fugitive slaves on the Underground Railroad. I've reviewed the program before -- it's not exactly fun, but it's incredibly powerful. For more information, watch Conner Prairie's promotional video, which still gives me chills.

Starting April 9, the program runs on Friday and Saturday evenings in April, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The program lasts 90 minutes, and groups start every 15 minutes. Tickets are $19; make reservations at (317) 776-6006.

And, We're Back!

2010-04-04T11:02:00.003-04:00

After three incredible months in Peru, I'm back home in Indy -- and already plotting this year's educational adventures. Over the next few days, look for updates on April cooking classes, the new venture from Jari Sheese (former owner of Boca Loca Beads), and much more. It's great to be home!

A Brief Hiatus

2010-01-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Readers, it's time for another adventure. I'm leaving today for Peru, where I'll be spending three months in the Sacred Valley region near Cusco. I'll be teaching English with an organization called Projects Abroad, and I'll also be working on my Spanish skills.

I return home March 30, but in the interim this blog will be on hiatus. If you want to follow my adventures, stop by my other blog, Wandering Ashley. In the meantime, keep learning! I look forward to jumping back into things as soon as I return.

Spring Schedule: IUPUI Community Learning Network

2010-01-03T13:17:00.003-05:00

In today's Indianapolis Star, you'll find the catalog of spring classes at the IUPUI Community Learning Network. As in recent semesters, there's a heavy concentration of career-planning and professional-development classes. But, the network also has some interesting new classes to try.

As promised, you'll find lots of new green/sustainability classes. Among them are Landscaping with Native Plants, Sustainable Economics, Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits and a green remodeling workshop.

Another intriguing addition is the IUPUI Music Academy, which offers classes in guitar, piano and voice. The six-week and eight-week classes meet all over the city, from Carmel to downtown to Greenwood, so there's a convenient option for everyone.

And, of course, I highly recommend both the floral design classes and the Spanish Immersion Institute, both of which have taken home this blog's Best of Indy awards. Happy learning!

Upcoming Classes: Conner Prairie

2010-01-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

If you think of Conner Prairie as a warm-weather destination, think again. The museum offers activities all year round, including a handful of January classes:

Basket-making -- Learn traditional techniques from Conner Prairie's basket expert, Louise Hoover, and make a basket to take home (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 9, $75).

Leather-working -- Learn about leather-working tools and techniques and make your own Haversack, a single-strapped shoulder bag (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 16-17, $300).

Pottery Basics -- Get hands-on experience with wheel-thrown pottery and traditional glazing techniques (Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Jan. 19-Feb. 23, $170).

Or, for an interesting night out, try the museum's Hearthside Suppers, where you'll help prepare a multi-course meal the old-fashioned way. This year's menu includes cheese and crackers, pork roast, chicken fricassee, skillet cranberries, hearth bread, bread-and-butter pudding and more.

All classes and events require registration; call (317) 776-6006.

Happy New You!

2010-01-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

What's your educational resolution for 2010? Whatever it is, you'll find guidance in the January issue of Indianapolis Monthly, which has a great story about the best adult classes in Indy (written by yours truly and Alicia Garceau!).

You'll learn how to dice an onion, scuba dive, play a drum, quilt, and much, much more. The article also features profiles of some of Indy's best teachers, such as Erin Kem (cooking classes at Frasier's Gourmet) and Bonnie Ramirez (welding classes at Boca Loca Beads).

Also check out my contributor bio at the front of the magazine. Alas, the plug for That'll Teach Me got cut, but at least my hair looks fabulous!

Best of Indy Awards 2009

2009-12-31T16:19:00.005-05:00

Yes, my friends, it's time once again to recognize our city's best classes, best educational venues and best teachers. The envelope, please ...

Best class -- The IUPUI Community Learning Network offers scads of great classes, but my favorite this year was the Immersion Spanish Institute, taught by Amy Bomke-Keating. The class, which runs for a full week, offers almost 40 hours of intense Spanish instruction, and yet it manages to be fun and engaging. Now, I can finally hold a conversation in Spanish, instead of just asking where the bathroom is.

Best continuing education venue -- This year's undisputed winner is the IU Mini University program, hands down one of the best educational experiences of my life. In a single week, I learned about piracy, Shakespeare, great hoaxes, the history of puzzles and so much more. It's summer camp for grown-ups, and I can't wait until next year!

Best instructor -- Instead of honoring an individual teacher, this year's award goes to the entire "cast" of Conner Prairie's annual Conner Prairie by Candlelight event. As participants travel from house to house in the pioneer village, these actors tell stories of their families' holiday traditions. They're always ready with answers to guests' questions, and they do a wonderful job of fostering holiday spirit. This year, my husband and I stood out in the cold on purpose, just to sing a few more carols with these skilled "pioneers."

Strangest class topic -- The Eiteljorg Museum wins again, this time for a birch-biting workshop with artist-in-residence Kelly Church. The gist of the class: Create designs (such as turtles, butterflies and dragonflies) in birch bark ... with your teeth. It may be an artistic tradition, but to me it sounds pretty unsanitary.

Just as they do at the Academy Awards, let's take a moment to remember the losses in our educational family this year. The most difficult is the death of Joseph Allford, who taught at Frasier's Gourmet Foods and took home last year's award for best class. I think of him every time I scrape a vanilla bean or make raspberry fool with his recipe.

The other loss is the closing of Lawrence Township Community Education, where I learned to read tarot cards, make mosaics, and cook the world's best biscuits. I'm going to miss this venue's eclectic mix of inexpensive classes.

Finally, I owe a thank you to the thousands of readers who have made this blog so successful. Here's to another exciting, educational year!

DIY Upholstery Classes

2009-12-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Sure, you'd like to re-use Grandma's favorite chair, but the brown-and-mustard plaid upholstery just doesn't work with your decor. Or, maybe you want to refurbish that unique thrift-store find. Either way, Shelly Leer, owner of Flipt Studio, has a class for you.

Start with "Beginning Upholstery for the DIY-er," where you'll focus on a side chair. Cost is $150, including materials (but not fabric or foam). Here's the schedule:

Mondays: Jan. 11 - Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m.
Tuesdays: Jan. 12 - Feb. 23, 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays: Jan. 13 - Feb. 24, 7-9 p.m.
Thursdays: Jan. 14 - Feb. 25, 1-3 p.m.

Or, try a one-day workshop on sewing basics (Jan. 16) or pillow-making (Jan. 30). Classes run from 10 a.m. to noon and cost $45.

E-mail Shelly to register for any of these classes, and you'll learn to make something new from something old. Grandma would approve.

Quick Updates

2009-12-13T10:25:00.002-05:00

Whew! Thanks to my giant pile of end-of-semester grading, I'm a bit behind on posts. Here's a quick round-up of some tidbits I've missed:

The December issue of Indianapolis Monthly includes an article on Joseph Allford, the pastry chef and cooking teacher who died earlier this year. One of Allford's classes at Frasier's Gourmet Foods took home our Best of Indy award last year, and I had looked forward to taking many more of his classes.

Last night we enjoyed another wonderful experience at Conner Prairie by Candlelight. In 1836 Prairietown, we learned about historical holiday traditions, sang carols, and snacked on cookies and hot chocolate. It's truly a magical experience, and it's the perfect reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

I just read a great article in Travel + Leisure about the School of Artisan Food in Nottinghamshire, U.K. One-day courses include "Artisan Cheesemaking Fundamentals," "Artisan Chocolate Making" and "Artisan French Baking." Pardon me while I drool ...

Lecture: Offensive Art

2009-12-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

The virgin Mary decorated with elephant dung. Crucifixes submerged in jars of urine. This Sunday, a lecture at the IMA will explore the power -- and cultural impact -- of such blasphemous art.

The lecturer is S. Brent Rodriguez Plate, author of Blasphemy: Art That Offends. The book includes images of the most notorious blasphemous art of our time -- probably not your best choice for a holiday stocking stuffer.

The lecture takes place at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is free, but registration is required.

Sale: Boca Loca Lampworking Class

2009-12-02T09:10:00.002-05:00

Black Friday may be over, but Boca Loca Beads is still offering discounts! The introductory crash course in lampworking, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Sunday, will cost you just $100. You'll learn about safety procedures and lampworking tools before getting started on your own projects. Boca Loca bills it as "a perfect way to get started in the magical world of melting glass."

Boca Loca is also holding a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday. You'll find demonstrations, make-it-take-it projects and some yummy holiday goodies.

December Cooking Classes

2009-11-29T10:00:00.003-05:00

Soups, roasts, holiday cookies: This month's cooking classes are all about comfort foods and holiday fun. Here's a quick look at the highlights:

Clark's Appliance is offering a Culinary Foundations class on soups and stews. In the two-hour class, you'll make a basic stock from scratch, then transition to French onion soup, New England clam chowder, and beef and Guinness stew.

As always, Kiss Z Cook has a huge variety of classes on offer, from "Updated Traditions" to "Holiday Brunch" to "Party Planning for the New Year." For a fun family activity, try the bake-and-take cookie class Dec. 12; for a decidedly non-family activity, try the "Girls' Night Out - Holiday Style" class Dec. 9.

Oddly, the only December class at the Chef's Academy is knife skills. Doesn't that seem kind of Grinchy? Well, maybe you'll be able to make cocktail-party canapes more quickly.

At Chef JJ's in Broad Ripple, classes include holiday appetizers and side dishes, soups, ribs, and special holiday proteins.

To The Last Drop is offering classes on soups, dips and (oddly) sushi. I have an unfortunate history with this venue, as many of you know, so enroll at your own risk.

Before you ask, I didn't forget Frasier's Gourmet Foods. The shop does a metric ton of holiday gift-basket business in December, so the classroom space gets co-opted. Don't worry: Good things are coming next year!

Eiteljorg Welcomes Artist in Residence

2009-11-20T13:00:00.002-05:00

The Eiteljorg's current artist in residence is Kelly Church, a member of the Grand Traverse band of Ottawa Chippewa Indians. Church is a fifth-generation basket weaver, and she's made baskets out of everything from copper to vinyl blinds.

Church is also a birch bark biter ... which is exactly what it sounds like. At a workshop Nov. 27 ($10), she'll demonstrate how to create turtle, butterfly and dragonfly designs on the bark, and then let you try it for yourself. She'll also discuss the history of birch biting and some background about her tribe. (Ladies and gentlemen, presenting a strong contender for the annual Strangest Class Topic award.)

For something slightly less bizarre, try Church's classes on basket weaving (this Saturday, $40) and bookmark-making (Nov. 28, $10). To register, call (317) 636-9378.

Reminder: Conner Prairie by Candlelight

2009-11-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

Have you signed up yet for Conner Prairie by Candlelight? It runs the first three weekends in December, and it is -- hands down -- my favorite holiday activity in Indianapolis. Even better, it's educational! To order tickets ($12), check the Web site or call (317) 776-6006.

Back to School: Spring Schedule

2009-11-19T13:30:00.006-05:00

Target and Macy's may be ready for Christmas, but here at That'll Teach Me we're in back-to-school mode. Yes, dear readers, it's time to sign up for spring classes!

First out of the gate, as always, is the Indianapolis Art Center, where registration begins Dec. 2. My first impression of the schedule: It's the usual mix of great classes in a wide variety of media, with a few new topics thrown in to keep things interesting.

One (somewhat bizarre) addition this season is a series of willow workshops. Working with artisan Bim Willow (yes, really), you'll construct garden benches, trellises, bent willow chairs or "sassy chairs."

A few other new options this spring:

Retro-Clay-O: A seven-week course focusing on vintage-inspired pottery forms and techniques.
Jewelry Smorgasbord: A feast of options for those who can't commit to one set of jewelry-making techniques.
GarageBand Hero 1.0 or Laptop Hero 1.0: A weekend workshop on turning your Mac or PC into a portable recording studio.

The Friday night "Clay & Cocktails" classes will be held Feb. 26, March 26 and April 16. If you're interested, sign up soon, as these have a tendency to sell out.

My only disappointment this season is the absence of a weekend PMC (precious metal clay) workshop; I like to take one every now and then to refresh my skills -- especially since I've finally decided to set up a home PMC studio. (That reminds me: If you're buying me a Christmas present, I really need a kiln. And a tumbler. And some burnishers. And ...)

Review: Immersion Spanish Institute

2009-11-09T20:25:00.005-05:00

Lately, the classes in which I enroll are more likely to be canceled than to actually run. Folks aren't signing up for classes these days; when they do, they often have to cancel because of H1N1 or other illnesses.

So, I wasn't surprised a few weeks ago to get an e-mail from Nancy Ciskowski, director of IUPUI Community Learning Network's continuing education program, informing me that a class I planned to take was in danger of being canceled. (Several people had backed out at the last minute.)

The Immersion Spanish Institute runs for a full week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Obviously, some students make special arrangements or take vacation time in order to attend. It's not the kind of class you want to cancel at the last minute.

Fortunately, Nancy didn't want to cancel the class. Instead, she suggested a revised schedule: meeting from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. for four days. We'd still get through the material, she said, because the conversation practice wouldn't take as long with fewer students. She gave us a choice: accept the revised schedule, or get a full refund and take the class later.

All three of us accepted the revised schedule, and the class proceeded just as Nancy had promised. We got through all of the material, had a great sense of camaraderie and learned a lot. By the end of the week, I was actually thinking in Spanish (to the chagrin of the students in my evening English classes).

I've already enrolled in the level-three class, so obviously I found the experience worthwhile. More than that, however, I appreciated IUPUI's flexibility. All of us had our reasons for wanting to learn Spanish now rather than later, and I'm grateful that Nancy understands -- and respects -- the needs of her students.

Moving on Up

2009-11-09T17:26:00.002-05:00

The That'll Teach Me blog is moving! We now have our very own Web address, www.thatllteachme.com. If you subscribe via e-mail or an RSS reader, no worries. You'll automatically be switched to the new address.

Day 1: Immersion Spanish Institute

2009-11-02T16:26:00.004-05:00

In January, I'm headed to Peru for three months, where I'll be teaching English with Projects Abroad. Naturally, I have quite a few things on my to-do list: getting vaccinations, booking my flights and -- perhaps most important -- dusting off my Spanish skills.

This week, I'm participating in the Immersion Spanish Institute offered by the IUPUI Community Learning Network. Each of the three levels offers a full week of intense, Spanish-only language instruction, with lots of conversation practice along the way.

Because I took Spanish in high school and college, I signed up for level two. I was nervous about that decision, but it was definitely the right choice. We focused today on common present-tense verbs, both regular and irregular, and learned a metric ton of vocabulary. (I see flashcards in my future.) But the instructor was easy to understand, and we had plenty of opportunities to practice using the vocabulary.

After day one, my impression is overwhelmingly positive. I expected to feel burnt out after a full day of Spanish immersion, but the day flew by. I'm eager to go back tomorrow and to keep practicing what I've learned. Que sorpresa!

Birthday Wishes

2009-10-29T17:05:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday to me! Today is my golden birthday: 29 on Oct. 29. In honor of the occasion, I've been making a wish list of classes I'd love to see offered in Indy.

First: a series of Shakespeare workshops and/or discussion groups. I just can't get enough of the Bard, and I really miss those undergraduate English classes. But, short of actually auditing a class, I don't have many options.

Second: cool circus-act classes, such as trapeze artistry and tight-rope walking. Doesn't that sound like so much fun? These types of classes are offered elsewhere in the country, but not here. Ditto for classes on flying hot-air balloons, which I've been thinking about ever since the Balloon Boy incident.

Third: a cheese 101 class. The recent Cafe Patachou cheese boot camp sold out in about four nanoseconds, and I can't find anything else. I'd really like to know the difference between Stilton and Munster.

Finally: grown-up summer camp. IU's Mini University comes close, but I'm talking about sleeping in cabins, making s'mores and going on hikes. Now, picture all of that, combined with a great mix of classes on art, crafts, literature, history, the sciences, personal development, music and more. I'm practically drooling just thinking about it.

That's my list. Anything you'd like to add?

November Cooking Classes

2009-10-23T11:55:00.003-04:00

It's lunchtime, and -- as Pooh would say -- I have a rumbly in my tumbly. Of course, I'd rather drool over cooking classes than actually make myself lunch, so here's a look at what's coming up in November.

Frasier's Gourmet Foods has several great classes scheduled, including another round of the celebrated Cooking 101 series. You'll also find classes on knife skills, make-ahead entrees and party desserts. And, chef Erin Kem of R Bistro will teach you how to cook with great Hoosier microbrews, from breweries such as Three Floyds and Barley Island.

Kiss Z Cook is continuing its popular Friday-evening date-night series, with classes on kicked-up Thanksgiving, couples' entertaining and bistro tasting menus. November's Girls' Night Out theme is sushi, and the Chef Study is Wolfgang Puck. Other random options: vegetarian cooking; roasting and braising; poaching and steaming; party favorites; and healthy food for kids.

The Chef's Academy has two Saturday classes (Nov. 7 and 21) focused on Thanksgiving meals. Likewise, Chef JJ's is offering a class on grilled turkey and unusual side dishes (plus classes on vegetarian grilling and steak and chili).

Finally, To the Last Drop in Zionsville is offering several classes focused on Thanksgiving prep, but enroll at your own risk.

Well, that's that, but I'm still hungry. Off to Rabbit's for a pot of honey ...

A Roller Derby Crash Course

2009-10-22T12:01:00.002-04:00

The Naptown Roller Girls are gearing up for Nov. 15 tryouts, and Touretta Lynn is once again offering her pre-tryout School of Hard Knocks. It's a complimentary, two-hour lesson focusing on the rules and strategies of roller derby.

If you go, go armed with skates and safety equipment, including knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, a mouth guard and a helmet. It's the most fun you'll ever have in head-to-toe safety gear.

I Need Your Help!

2009-10-21T10:38:00.005-04:00

Show your support for That'll Teach Me! Nominate us for Indiana's Top 50 Blogs, a contest engineered by several local marketing agencies. Let's make sure the thinkers and learners of the city are represented on that list!

The nomination process takes 30 seconds, and here's all you need to know:

Name of blog: That'll Teach Me
URL: http://teachmeindy.blogspot.com
Why this blog deserves to be on the Top 50 list: [insert your own glowing comments here]

Thanks in advance for your support! You guys are the best readers ever.

Day of the Dead Workshops

2009-10-17T08:00:00.003-04:00

While you're buying pumpkins and orange mums for Halloween, folks in Mexico are making sugar skulls and decorating altars to celebrate the Day of the Dead, which takes place Nov. 1. Locally, the Indianapolis Art Center will celebrate El Dia de los Muertos with a variety of activities, including art workshops, cooking demonstrations and gallery exhibits.

For example, chef Othono Angel (of Adobo) is offering a one-time class on Mexican cuisine, 6 p.m., Oct. 29 ($50/one or $75/two). After the demonstration, you'll get to enjoy dinner and margaritas.

Likewise, the Art Center is offering workshops on sugar skulls, amate picado (art using paper cut-outs) and artist Frida Kahlo, although the latter class is for teens only.

The Art Center takes this holiday very seriously (I don't quite understand why), and it's developed a dedicated micro-site with a full schedule of activities. Check the site for more details about the Day of the Dead Party (noon to 5 p.m., Nov. 1), presentations and more.

Update: To the Last Drop

2009-10-16T11:15:00.004-04:00

For those of you who read yesterday's rant, here's an update: To the Last Drop owner Claudia Pierson called me back yesterday. Apparently, several students canceled at the last minute due to illness, and -- not having her class list at home -- she thought that everyone had canceled. That's why she didn't show up for class or call me about the cancellation.

She offered me a prompt refund, and she offered to let me bring a friend, at no charge, to the Nov. 5 class on dips and salsas, in which I was already enrolled. That seemed fair, and I was satisfied: I got a refund and a genuine apology, and I only had to wait a few more weeks to deliver a real review about this venue.

But a few minutes later, I got an e-mail from Claudia saying that the Nov. 5 class has been ... wait for it ... canceled. (Don't worry; she's refunding my full $100.) So, if you're keeping score, I have enrolled in four classes at To the Last Drop, all four of which have been canceled (only three of them with advance notice).

At this point, I can't recommend taking a class here. We have schedules. We make plans. In our very busy lives, we carve out two or three hours to take a class, where we hope to learn something new or build an existing skill. When you enroll in a class at To the Last Drop, however, it seems you're more likely to end up with a hole in your schedule.

Review: To the Last Drop

2009-10-15T11:09:00.004-04:00

So, I think my class reviews are pretty generous. Even when I think a class is horrible (which is rare), I try to find something nice to say. And I have never gone on a full-blown rant -- until now.

For about a year, I've been trying to schedule a class at To The Last Drop in Zionsville. I know how you guys love cooking classes, and I wanted to give you a peek at this venue. But it just never seemed to work out. The classes are only offered on Thursdays, so I often had scheduling conflicts. And, when I did enroll in a class, it was canceled due to low enrollment -- twice.

Finally, this morning, I was scheduled to attend the "Veggies!" cooking class. I enrolled back in September and prepaid the $50 by check (which was cashed Sept. 11). I exchanged e-mails with Claudia Pierson, who responded with a breezy "See you in October!"

Today, I showed up promptly at 10 a.m., only to find the building locked and deserted. No people. No lights. Nothing.

At first, I assumed I had made a mistake. I pulled out my trusty iPhone (whose name is Gigi) and double-checked the online schedule. I checked my old e-mails, to make sure I had actually signed up for the class. I triple-checked the online schedule. I called To the Last Drop's phone number. I banged on the door. I quadruple-checked the online schedule.

Nothing.

I am more than a little bit irritated. If a venue cancels a class, it has a responsibility to inform the students enrolled in that class -- especially when those students have already paid. I shouldn't have to ask To The Last Drop for a refund after showing up at an empty building; the refund should have been offered to me as soon as the class was canceled.

I'm honestly wondering how this place stays in business. I've been actively trying to take a class there for a year now, and it still hasn't worked out.

I have left both e-mail and phone messages for Claudia, asking whether the class was canceled without my knowledge (and asking for a refund). When I hear from her, I'll be sure to give you an update. And if I don't hear from her, I'll really be giving you an update.

Chef JJ's Grilling Classes

2009-10-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Think grilling season is over? Think again. At Chef JJ's Backyard in Broad Ripple, you can enroll in a wide range of grilling classes, from "South American Favorites" to "Desserts and the Grill."

These are some of the most interesting grilling classes I've seen, and they're reasonably priced at only $25-40 per class (which includes drinks and lots of samples).

Classes are taught by chef J.J. Boston, who serves local, sustainable foods and is passionate about the idea of outdoor living. His goal: Helping you create the perfect outdoor kitchen, and then teaching you how to use it.

That'll Teach Me Ethics Policy

2009-10-06T10:37:00.003-04:00

A few recent e-mails have reminded me that it's time to formally post my ethics policy for this blog. I am a trained journalist at heart, and I approach this blog with a desire for journalistic accuracy and integrity. So:

I do not accept free or discounted classes. This is one of the oldest rules in the journalism book -- no freebies. It probably wouldn't influence my review, but it would create an appearance or possibility of influence, and I want to deliver the most accurate, fair class reviews possible.
I only take classes that are available to anyone -- no one-shot preview classes designed just for the media. An important element of any class is the classroom dynamics, and I can only observe that by taking a real class.

I think that clears up the major issues; I may add to this policy over time. In the meantime, I'll keep bringing you news and reviews of all the great educational opportunities Indy has to offer!

Reserve Now: Follow the North Star

2009-09-28T13:50:00.003-04:00

Make your reservations now for Follow the North Star, Conner Prairie's outstanding program that simulates the journey of runaway slaves. Upcoming dates are Nov. 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21.

I reviewed the program last April; it's not exactly a fun way to spend the evening, but it is certainly eye-opening and worthwhile. You'll experience shame, uncertainty and fear, but you'll also meet friendly people who are willing to help you on your way. Will your group successfully escape, or will you be returned to the harsh slave traders from whom you fled? You'll have to go to find out.

(Photo provided by Conner Prairie. Thanks!)

More Shakespeare: American Players Theatre

2009-09-15T10:58:00.005-04:00

One of these days, I'm going to start a separate blog about Shakespeare-related road trips. After all, this blog is supposed to be about classes in Indianapolis, not theater gems like the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. For the moment, however, please bear with me.

This past weekend, I checked another theater company off of my list: the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This is a unique outdoor venue, situated on top of a heavily wooded hill in the Wisconsin River Valley. Here, you can watch Shakespeare under the stars while listening to the crickets and sipping hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps.

Even better, each weekend you can catch a lecture in the Bard Talks series, which is all about understanding, acting and directing Shakespeare's work.

I saw all three of the company's Shakespeare plays for the season: "A Winter's Tale," "Henry V" and "Comedy of Errors." All three were very well done, although I must admit that I prefer the "Comedy of Errors" done in Stratford two seasons ago.

Spring Green truly has something for everyone, from outdoor activities like canoeing to one of the world's craziest tourist traps. The area is also home to architectural gems like Taliesen, the home of Frank Lloyd Wright. Or, you can tour one of the dozens of dairies and wineries in the area, such as the Wollersheim Winery near Prairie du Sac. My husband killed some time at the local batting cages, and he's planning to play some golf on our next visit.

The APT attracts a lot of repeat business, and it was difficult to find a hotel room on short notice. So, I'm planning ahead for next year, and I'll be making a hotel reservation as soon as the 2010 season schedule is announced. Spring Green isn't as enchanting as Stratford; it lacks the cute boutiques and incredible restaurants. But the theater itself is worth the drive, and I'm looking forward to being there again.

WTHR Teacher Profile

2009-09-15T10:53:00.002-04:00

WTHR is running a profile about Bonnie Ramirez, the welding instructor at Boca Loca Beads. It seems that her interest in welding was sparked by a community-education class, so she's one of us! Learn more about the self-proclaimed "Torch Queen" on her Web site, or visit Boca Loca for a schedule of upcoming welding classes.

Open House: Boca Loca Beads

2009-09-08T06:00:00.003-04:00

I promised you an update on Boca Loca's 20th anniversary party, and here it is. I'm going to let owner Jari Sheese tell you about the event in her own words:

I opened Boca Loca Beads in the summer of 1989. My daughter, Bianca, was two months old. There is something to be said for being young and not knowing any better. Luckily I had the cutest baby in the world and didn't mind asking my customers, "Do you mind holding my baby so I can count your beads?" Now my baby is 20 years old and so is Boca Loca Beads.

You are warmly invited to celebrate this momentous occasion on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Share in the festivities with good food, drink and fellowship. The teaching studios will be open, the torches will be fired up with local lampworkers. This special night will feature a bead bazaar highlighting the talent of the many local lampworkers. Come and shop for these one of a kind art glass beads.

In addition, come and meet our wonderful instructors, Jerry Day, our talented silversmithing teacher, and Bonnie Ramirez, our wild and crazy welder instructor. Bonnie is to be featured on Channel 13 WTHR's special program, "Women You Should Know." It is to air on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 5:30 p.m.

I have met so many wonderful people over the last 20 years, many of whom have become my dear friends. I have traveled to more than 20 different countries in search of unique treasure for my special customers. I have tried very hard to offer unique beads over these last 20 years. Times are hard, and I am glad to have made it this long. Please come, I want to tell you all how much I have appreciated you and your support.

Much love,

Jari

Art Center Open House

2009-09-07T06:00:00.002-04:00

When I'm in Wisconsin this weekend, I'll be missing what might be the busiest weekend ever for Indy's arts scene.

Among the events I'm missing is the Indianapolis Arts Center's open house, which sounds like an incredible event. From 6-8 p.m. Friday, the center's classrooms will be abuzz with demonstrations and opportunities for hands-on projects.

Among the activities: creating a print in the print-making studio, painting with watercolors, fusing and forging a piece of jewelry, and making a ceramic piece in the pottery studio.

Of course, if you don't want to make art, you can buy it instead. Student-made ceramic bowls (filled with fresh Yats chili) will be sold for just $5 (or $10 for faculty-made bowls). You can also order a custom purse, purchase a variety of student and faculty artwork, and browse discounted items in the center's gift shop.

I'm pretty excited about seeing some Shakespeare at the American Players Theatre in Wisconsin, but missing this event is a heavy price to pay. If you go, please send a comment and let us know what you thought!

Washington Township Community Education

2009-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Since the recent demise of Lawrence Township Community Education, I've been looking more closely at Washington Township's adult-education program. The fall 2009/spring 2010 catalog is now available, and it contains a wide range of classes.

In the arts category, you can choose classes on precious metal clay, painting, drawing, photography, knitting and jewelry making. You'll also find a wide range of fitness and aquatics classes, and the usual offerings in the computers and business categories.

I'm sure that some of these classes are worthwhile, but none of them are unique. The beauty of Lawrence Township Community Education in its heyday was that it offered classes no one else in town offered (like that tarot-card reading class). In contrast, every class on Washington Township's list is also offered somewhere else in town, and in most cases I'd prefer the alternative. (If I want to learn to knit, for example, I'll head to the Knit Stop or Mass Ave Knit Shop.)

On the plus side, if you live in Washington Township, you're probably closer to the J. Everett Light Career Center than to alternative venues. At the moment, that's the only argument I can muster in favor of Washington Township's program.

It's true that I'm probably being too hard on the program. I'm in mourning for LCTE, and I expect the surviving school-district programs to fill the gap of vibrant, ever-changing, always-surprising programming. So far, Washington Township isn't doing it.

A That'll Teach Me Milestone

2009-09-02T11:24:00.003-04:00

Big news! A few weeks ago, when I wasn't paying attention, That'll Teach Me found its 5,000th reader. Thanks to all of you who continue to send tips, ask questions, post comments and otherwise make this blog so successful. I'm having tons of fun, and I hope you are, too!