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Highland Lifelong Learning offers new courses in October and November
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FREEPORT — Highland Community College Lifelong Learning October and November classes include Fall Centerpiece, Painting and Embellishing Furniture, Mini Holiday Cheesecakes, Skin Care Basics, and Watercolor for Beginners. To register online and view the complete Lifelong Learning schedule, visit highland.edu/lifelong. 


Fall Centerpiece

Location: Lena Brewing Company, 9416 W. Wagner Road, Lena, Ill.

Registration Deadline: Oct. 28 

Class: Nov. 2; 1-2:30 p.m. 

Fee: $39 

Instructor: Jessica Leonard 

Attend for a fun-filled, creative flower-arranging workshop. Attendees will create an 11” fall-themed centerpiece, sure to bring a Thanksgiving table to life. It is beautiful enough to keep for oneself or bring as a hostess gift. Wood flowers, greenery, and professional, step-by-step instructions are provided (candle not included).


Painting and Embellishing Furniture 

Location: Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Building T, Room 122 Freeport, Ill.

Registration Deadline: Oct. 22 

Class: Oct. 29 and 30; 6-8 p.m. 

Fee: $54 

Instructor: Cindy Bielefeldt 

Seen on Pinterest, HGTV, and in magazines, explore the world of painting furniture, learn best practices and gain hands-on experience using chalk and milk paint, waxes, and gilding. Attendees will use transfers, stamps, molded embellishments, stencils, or decoupage to add something special to each piece. Bring a small, easy-to-transport furniture piece. Take home a one-of-a-kind creation. No prior experience is needed.


Mini Holiday Cheesecakes

Location: Generations Brewing Company, 1400 S. Adams Avenue, Freeport, Ill.

Registration Deadline: Oct. 29 

Class: Nov. 5; 6-8 p.m. 

Fee: $39

Instructor: Lynn Kaufman 

Who loves Cheesecake? Cheesecake is perfect for the holidays. Individual ones make it more fun too! Learn to make pumpkin and peppermint. Take home for you and your family to enjoy. Guaranteed to be a delicious dessert! Each person will need to bring a medium mixing bowl, rolling pin, hand mixer, 9” springform pan or deep 9-inch cake pan, rubber spatula and a damp towel in a plastic bag for cleanup.


Skin Care Basics

Location: Highland Community College, Building T Room 133 Salon, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, Ill.

Registration Deadline: Oct. 30

Class: Nov. 6; 5-7 p.m.

Fee: $10

Instructor: Tasha Marini

Designed especially for pre-teens and teens or anyone who is just starting a skincare regimen. This workshop covers the essentials and teaches attendees how to bring out the best. Participants will learn how to give themselves a facial using a cleanser, a micro exfoliant scrub, a hydrating mask, and a moisturizer.


Watercolor for Beginners

Location: Elizabeth Business Hub, 131 N. Main Street, Elizabeth, Ill.

Registration Deadline: Nov. 6

Class: Nov. 13; 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $39

Instructor: Brian Engle

Dive into the world of watercolors with this accessible and enjoyable course designed for beginners. Attendees will learn the essential techniques of watercolor painting, including washes, wet-on-wet, and dry brushing. Whether you’re a complete novice or just starting your watercolor journey, this class will provide the skills and confidence to express your creativity through this versatile and expressive medium. A set of watercolors, brush and paper will be provided for each student and can be taken home at the end of class.


Other courses Include:

■ World War II in Europe Overview — Lena Community District Library, Lena

■ Honey Tasting Experience — Lena Brewing Company, Lena

■ Working with Color: Mixing and Blending in Watercolor — Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center, Mt. Morris 

■ Civilian Conservation Corps — White Pines Lodge, Mt. Morris

■ Zentangled Inspired Art — Elizabeth Business Hub, Elizabeth

■ Walk and Stretch Fall II — Mt. Morris Senior and Community Center, Mt. Morris

■ Covered Bridge in the Fall — Higher Grounds, Freeport

■ Korean War — Mount Carroll Public Library, Mount Carroll

■ Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People — Zoom/Online

■ Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People — Zoom/Online