Being out of school doesn’t mean your education stops — so pick up a new skill, find a hobby and meet new people in these 29 classes
“Learn as if you were to live forever,” Mahatma Gandhi once advised, and though he might not have specifically meant a class about breaking into standup comedy or effective use of social media, his point nonetheless rings true. Continual learning is an important element of personal growth, career advancement and a fulfilling life. Here’s a diverse array of upcoming learning opportunities to give your existence that value-added feeling.
Lifelong Learning
Breakfast & Brunch
JAN. 27-FEB. 3, TUE 6P-8:30P.
Join Chef Les Kincaid, who has taught cooking and wine-appreciation courses for more than 25 years, to learn how to create easy dishes that help start the day, from classic egg breakfasts to sweet and savory treats. Class code: 151HA1166. $109. Ferguson Enterprises, 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/food-beverage
Build Your Financial Portfolio on $50 a Month
FEB. 26, 6P-9P.
This is the only seminar in the country that teaches this 100-year method of investing. It takes little money, creates passive income, has very low risk and is as easy as writing a check. Grow $50 a month into a retirement fund or nest egg, all without a broker. Class code: 151PF1134. $69. UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Ave., Rm. 511; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/financial-planning
Exploring Wine Sensory
MARCH 18-25, WED 6P-8:30P.
Increase your wine appreciation by identifying aromas and flavors found in wine, and broaden your wine evaluation skills to include all your senses. Participants experience different varietals and a multitude of sensory aromas during this course. Taught by chef Les Kincaid. Class code: 151HA1162. $109; 21 and older. Total Wine & More, 730 S. Rampart Blvd.; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/food-beverage
Maxwell Drake Writing Workshop
JAN. 4-5, FEB. 8-9, MARCH 1-2, SUN 3P; MON 5:30P.
Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake conducts a series of workshops to help you craft a novel people want to read. Free. Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive; 702-507-6107
Outsmarting Investment Fraud
FEB. 25, 6P.
Investment fraud affects thousands of Americans and accounts for billions of dollars in lost savings every year. Learn simple steps to protect your family and finances. Co-sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Southern Nevada. Free. Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive; 702-507-3716
World of Craft Beers
APRIL 16-MAY 14, THU 7:30P-9:30P.
Gain a better understanding of different types of beer and learn the subtle smells, flavors and tastes of various beer styles. You’ll taste different styles, as well as some of the ingredients used to make craft brews. Also included: discussions of food pairings and visits to local breweries. Class code: 151HA1194. $109; 21 and older. U Bottle It, 2230 Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 150, Henderson; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/food-beverage
Vocational
Break Into Stand-Up Comedy
JAN. 21-FEB. 21; APRIL 1-MAY 2; JUNE 24-JULY 25, WED 7P-10P.
An industry expert shares his knowledge on how to be successful — and funny — in the competitive world of stand-up. This course takes you through the writing, delivery, performance and business. The last session will be a showcase held at a famous comedy venue. Class code: 151GI1142A. $229. UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Ave., Rm. 511; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/acting
Business 101: How to Start Your Own Business — Startup Basics
JAN. 22, 6P-8P.
If you’ve considered running your own business but have questions about getting started, representatives from Service Corps of Retired Executives, or SCORE, offer their expertise and knowledge. Free. Jewel Box Theater at Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road; 702-507-3400
Excel Essentials
JAN. 26, JUNE 8, 1P-4P.
In this foundation course, you’ll become oriented to the Excel environment and terminology, learn to enter and edit data, manage workbooks; calculate with basic formulas and use functions, create databases and perform basic formatting. A basic knowledge of Excel is required. Class code: 151CU1100A. $69. UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Ave., Rm. 123; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/microsoft-office
Job Seeking Skills & Beyond
JUNE 4-18, THU 5:30P-7:30P.
Course topics include the hidden job market, creating top-notch résumés, self-presentation, interviewing strategies, employment negotiations and how to relax in a stressful work environment. Class code: 152EN1180. $89. The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/entrepreneurship
Social Media & You
JAN. 10-FEB. 14, SAT 11A-12:30P.
Instructor Lou Ragland teaches participants the best way to utilize the technology and various social media platforms, such as apps, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and LinkedIn. $42; 12 and up. W. Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 702-229-4800
25 Hot Home-Based Businesses to Start for Under $1,000
MAY 11, 6:15P-9:15P.
Explore 25 profitable home-based businesses you can start for less than $1,000. Class discussions include startup requirements, market niches and putting together an action plan. You’ll also learn why some businesses will fit you better than others. Class code: 151EN1123. $49. UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Ave., Rm. 107; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/entrepreneurship
Hobby/Artistic
Fiber Arts Workshop
JAN. 20, FEB. 3 AND 17, MARCH 3 AND 17, 10:30A-12:30P.
Fiber artists at any skill level gather, work on projects and learn new skills and techniques in the company of like-minded individuals. Free. Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive, Conference Room; 702-507-3866
Fruit Trees: Care and Selection for Desert Climates
FEB. 8, 2P.
In this class, taught by Don Fabbi — a master gardener with a doctorate in horticulture and 65 years of experience in the cultivation of flowers and fruit trees — you’ll learn about the best fruit tree varieties for this region; timing, location, watering and fertilizing to maximize your production; proper planting and care; and more. Free. W. Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702-507-3964
Mexican Folkloric Dance
JAN. 5-FEB. 14; FEB. 23-MARCH 28; APRIL 13-MAY 23, FRI 6P-8P AND SAT 2:30P-4:30P.
This class blends various dances and a wide range of forms from Mexico’s different states with European heritage, as well as African cultural influences. It’s a 12-week program. $60 for 12 weeks or $5 for drop-ins; 6 and older. Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive, Dance Studio; 702-455-7340
Samurai Sword
JAN. 5-FEB. 14; FEB. 23-MARCH 28; APRIL 13-MAY 23, THU 6P-7P.
This is a martial-art class that uses a wooden sword to simulate practice techniques. The physical nature of this course helps students develop body movement and flexibility. $13; 8 and older. Robert E. “Bob” Price Recreation Center, 2050 Bonnie Lane; 702-455-7600
Sew & Quilt Social
JAN. 5-FEB. 14; FEB. 23-MARCH 28; APRIL 13-MAY 23, SAT 12P-1:30P.
During these six weeks of social sewing, instructor assistance is available, so beginners are encouraged to bring their favorite project and questions. Projects and materials are provided by the instructor, too, and sewing machines are available. Participants are also welcome to bring their own materials and sewing machines. $32. Walnut Recreation Center, 3075 N. Walnut Road; 702-455-8402
Watercolor Classes with Ed Klein
ONGOING, TUE 9A-12P AND 1P-4P; SAT 9A-12P.
Beginners and intermediate watercolor painters will learn the basics or brush up on the many watercolor techniques demonstrated by watercolor artist Ed Klein (702-456-2700; fasteddie1@earthlink.net). $20 each session if supplying your own materials; $25 if using the instructor’s. City Lights Art Gallery #3 E. Army St., Henderson; 702-260-0300
Travel/Activity-Based
The Armchair Traveler Presents
JAN. 4, FEB. 1, 12:30P-2:30P.
The library assists you in your world journeys by giving you ideas of places to visit, as well as presenting travel tips and materials for researching your future adventures. Free; adults-seniors. Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive, Conference Room; 702-507-3866
Desert Survival Skills: Basic
APRIL 19, 9A-3P.
Learn what it takes to survive in the Mojave Desert using hands-on outdoor experiments and by covering topics such as preparation, emergency procedures, water use and shelter. Your instructor is a state-certified environmental educator and planner. Participants must bring a lunch, water and compass, and wear walking shoes, long pants and a hat. Class code: 151EX1232. $95; 14 and older. UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Ave., back parking lot; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/day-trips
Hatha Yoga
JAN. 5-FEB. 14; FEB. 23-MARCH 28; APRIL 13-MAY 23, TUE AND THU 6P-7P.
Hatha yoga blends postures, conscious breathing and mental focus to achieve awareness, strength, balance, flexibility, relaxation and a sense of well-being. The instructor of this six-week program is a registered instructor with the Yoga Alliance. $37 for six weeks or $5 for drop-ins; 18 and older. Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive; 702-455-7340
Synchronized Swim Team
JAN. 5-FEB. 14; FEB. 23-MARCH 28; APRIL 13-MAY 23, TUE AND THU 6P-7P.
Participants learn the fundamentals of synchronized swimming, which blends creative movement and dance in the water. It is highly recommended you complete Level III Swim Lessons prior to enrollment. $45. Desert Breeze Aquatics, 8275 Spring Mountain Road; 702-455-7798
MARCH 28, 8A-4:30P.
Valley of Fire State Park boasts a striking geology, and the first stop is Atlatl Rock to see Indian petroglyphs, followed by stops at a beautiful rock arch and petrified wood; Mouse’s Tank, and the Rainbow Vista viewpoint. Then on to White Domes, where you’ll see an old movie set from The Professionals and a stop at Elephant Rock. Participants should bring water and walking shoes or hiking boots. Class code: 151EX1244. $115 includes round-trip transportation, entrance to Valley of Fire State Park, boxed lunch and two bottles of water per person. UNLV Paradise Campus, 851 E. Tropicana Ave.; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/day-trips
Woof Walk
JAN. 17, 9:30A-11:30A.
Bring your canine companion to a dog-friendly area of Clark County’s largest park, where you can explore the wetland trails alongside the Las Vegas Wash. Proper dog-walking etiquette while on the trail will be discussed. Free. Clark County Wetlands Park, 7050 Wetlands Park Lane; 702-455-7522
Life Skills/Self-Improvement
JAN. 10-FEB. 14, SAT 1P-2P.
In this six-week class, instructor Lou Ragland teaches students how to transfer analog recordings from cassette tapes and records to digital CDs and DVDs. $42; 12 and older. W. Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 702-229-4800
Becoming a Person of Influence
JAN. 21, FEB. 18, 6P-7P.
This workshop, hosted by Cherry Reyes, is for those who wish to develop their leadership skills. The class focuses on the book Becoming a Person of Influence. Free. Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., Multipurpose Room; 702-507-3631
Couponing 101
MARCH 7, 10:30A-12P
Fiona Bartels from Las Vegas Grocery Smarts teaches you how to use coupons productively: how to get started, where to find the best coupons and deals, how to organize your shopping and how to incorporate extreme couponing into your shopping routine. Free; adults-seniors. Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive, Meeting Room; 702-507-6100
Introductory Airplane or Helicopter Flight
JAN. 5-MAY 31, SUN-MON 5:30A-9P.
You’ll take the controls of a Cessna 172 airplane or Robinson R22 helicopter, while flying above Las Vegas. Begin with a one-on-one ground-school briefing from an FAA-certified flight instructor, when you’ll learn about aircraft systems, flight controls and aerodynamics. Once airborne, the instructor will turn over the controls. Class code: 151TP1100. $169. Airworks LLC, 2722 Perimeter Road #103, NLV; 702-895-3394, continuingeducation.unlv.edu/catalog/private-airplane-or-helicopter-pilot
Video Editing
JAN. 5-FEB. 14; FEB. 23-MARCH 28; APRIL 13-MAY 23, TUE 5:30P-7:30P.
In this six-week program, students are taught basic video editing techniques, software selections, system setup, plug-ins, capture techniques and how to stream and burn content. $37; 13 and older. Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 McLeod Drive, Video Editing Room; 702-455-7340