Toy Making for Kids in Need

When: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. 12 p.m., beginning January 15

Where: Room 10, Wake Center, 300 N. Turnpike Rd.

Cost: Optional fee: $5

Instructor: Charles Hornick

The Lowdown:

You probably know that Adult Ed is on winter break right now, but people are already asking when the winter term schedule is coming out so they can start planning which classes to enroll in come January.

With one foot firmly planted in 2007, ready to enjoy the holiday season, and the other poised to step into the new year, the first class that comes to mind, for me, is “Woodshop: Wood Product Manufacturing Methods.” What makes this class something worth talking about now (and just about any other time of year, for that matter) is that the products students manufacture are toys that will be given to hundreds of local children during the holidays, by way of the Unity Shoppe.

The course is offered in the winter, spring, and fall terms. As a student in the class, you’ll learn the tools, techniques, and quality control methods for meeting the design specifications for a variety of wooden toys; from wheelbarrows to doll beds. You’ll not only be learning a new skill – or perhaps fine tuning skills you’ve already learned – you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge your creative side, meet other people interested in woodworking, and do something nice for a lot of kids who could really use a little extra cheer. All the raw materials needed to manufacture the toys are furnished for the small, optional fee of $5.

This is just one of almost 800 classes to choose from this coming winter term. You can check out the entire list when The Adult Ed Winter 2008 Schedule of Classes becomes available in December.