I don’t know about you,
but regardless of how long I have been away from formal education, my year
always begins when school starts. As one of those who actually liked school, I
always looked forward to the first day with a combination of excitement (I get
to see all my friends and catch up) and an attack of nerves (will I like my
classes and teachers).
The elective courses were
especially exciting. My parents always let me choose one completely by myself,
and it made me feel grown up and in charge. I agonized over the choice; mostly I
picked something artsy and nonacademic like theater or music. Of course, in
college, I got to pick all my own classes, but most were “required” so the
thrill of choosing the electives remained the same.
And I still pick some sort
of class each fall — of course, now they are all electives and some are not even
at formal colleges or universities. I’ve taken massage therapy... gemology,
computer software, writing, editing, ballet, foreign languages, and cooking
(hey, I AM Italian — it’s genetic), among others. Not all were stellar, but all
added something special to my life.
While researching local
education offerings for this issue, I found that there were a number of local
opportunities to explore various aspects of my Italian heritage. Italian
language lessons, wine tasting classes, Italian cooking seminars, Renaissance
art appreciation, ballet (yup, that’s Italian) — it’s all out there. Some are
physical classes where you have to go to school; others are offered online. For
some you have to commit to an entire term or series; others are only one or two
sessions. (See below for a few selected examples.)
So hit the back-to-school
sales and load up on pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, and all sorts of office
supplies — for yourself. You DO use all these things in your home or office, and
at this time of year they ARE on sale, so…go for it!
CLASSES: A Brief
Sampling
University of
Nevada Las Vegas:
Classes start 9/23 in
Beginning Conversational Italian and wine tasting/appreciation. For class
information, go to http://edoutreach. unlv.edu/ or call 702.895.3394
College of
Southern Nevada:
Classes start Aug. 25 in
Italian language from Conversational through second year. For class information,
go to http://www.csn. edu/admissions/catalog.asp or call 702.651.3030.
National
Italian American Foundation (NIAF):
The Universality of
Italian Heritage
curriculum. Although
designed for grades K–12, the 28-lesson plan covers a wide array of topics
including Cicero, Renaissance Art, Aida, and Romulus and Remus. Fun to do by
yourself, with a youth group, or with your children or grandchildren. For more
information, go to http://njiiahc.rutgers.edu/gateway. php or call Melissa
Wells, Program Manager, 732.932.0670 x13-PH
Metro Pizza:
Pizza-making
seminar 2nd Tuesday of each month (Green Valley 702.458.4769); last Tuesday of
the month (East Tropicana; 702.736.1944).
Creative
Cooking School of Las Vegas:
International Basics,
Italian; Friday, Sept. 26. For information and reservations, go to http://
creativecookingschool.com or call 702.562.3900.
Valley Cheese
and Wine: The
wines of Piedmont and Tuscany, Thursday, Oct. 2. Call 702.341.8191 for
reservations.
Academy of
Nevada Ballet Theatre:
Adult ballet classes; fall
classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 2. For class schedule and enrollment, call
702.243.2623
