District 214 Community Education

Pickleball is a court sport played with a whiffle ball, net, and paddle. It’s slower paced than tennis and played on a smaller court the size of a doubles badminton court and it’s lots of fun! No experience required! This class is only open to beginners and will focus on learning the rules and skills necessary to play. There will be some paddles available to use or bring your own. Due to the popularity of our pickleball classes, all refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.

This Pickleball class is for all levels. For those who have no experience, join the instructor to learn the fastest growing game around and for those of you with experience, play independently with others. Players will rotate during the round robin type play. Limited paddles available to borrow or bring your own paddles. Due to the popularity of our pickleball classes, all refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.

This class is designed for players who already have knowledge of the game, understand the rules and have previously played Pickleball. The instructor will facilitate rotating players on the courts. Must be at skill level 2.5 or higher to participate. Due to the popularity of our pickleball classes, all refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.

This is an independent play Pickleball program for high level Intermediate and advanced players only at skill level 3.5 or above. Formal instruction is not included in Independent Play, but individualized attention is available from the instructor to players on an as-needed basis. Due to the popularity of our pickleball classes, all refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.

Unlock the beauty of watercolor painting in this hands-on class for beginners. You will get familiar with watercolor tools and basic principles, and learn how to sketch a light pencil underdrawing. While exploring several essential watercolor techniques, you will discover how to create light, volume and subtle transitions in color. After completing a series of short studies, the class will culminate withe the creation of one final piece. The cost of the class includes high quality brushes and paints for you to keep, as well as specialty paper and supplies to be used in class.

Quilting is creative, rewarding, relaxing and fun. Less experienced quilters will work on basic quilting patterns, measuring and cutting fabric and piecing (must have basic sewing skills and knowledge of using a sewing machine). Experienced quilters will work on current projects, any unfinished projects or start a new one. Our class creates a space for sharing ideas, fun facts, and new and old methods and tips. Bernina machines are available or bring your own if desired.

This course focuses on issues and financial concepts important to pre-retirees. You'll learn how to plan for retirement, organize your finances and develop a personalized plan that empowers you to reach your long-term goals. Prepare for the future by discovering how to save money on taxes, manage investment risks and protect your assets from potential long-term health care expenses.

Celebrate the holidays on one of CET’s most popular tours - a special event at Place de la Musique, the spectacular Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills. We begin our day with an elegant catered holiday meal in the Estate’s Carousel Building. We’ll dine next to the “Eden Palais'' carousel, the only complete European salon carousel in the world. The spectacular 89-foot wide and 42-foot tall-carved façade has life-size carved horses, giant art glass butterflies and an 89-key gavioli band organ. You will see and hear this masterpiece in its full glory while learning about the estate's amazing collection. Following lunch, visit the Sanfilippo residence for a 90-minute Wurlitzer Theatre holiday organ concert performed by Dave Wickerham, one of the finest theater organists in the world. The afternoon concludes with a self-guided exploration of the mansion where docents will explain and demonstrate some of the world’s greatest collections of restored antique music machines. This elegant afternoon will help you ring in the holidays!

Embrace the comforting flavors of fall with our savory stuffed butternut squash. This delectable dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the bold, savory notes of Italian sausage and melted cheese. Enhanced by a blend of spices and the subtle tartness of dried cranberries, each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors. Aromatics like garlic and onion infuse the stuffing with a rich aroma, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch to the finished dish.

The sewing machine and sewing supplies will be introduced in this 6-week sewing class for beginners. The first project will be a pair of polar fleece knit pajama/lounge pants using the Simplicity pattern S9202. Students will learn the basics of reading and using a commercial pattern; fabric choice, pattern layout, fabric cutting and construction technique will be taught. Choices for a second project will be discussed in class. Bernina sewing machines are available in the classroom, or you are welcome to bring your own. In addition to basic sewing supplies, students will be asked to provide fabric and thread for the projects. Students can purchase the Simplicity pattern for themselves, or borrow one to use during class.

Learn the essentials of sign language including the alphabet, numbers and basic vocabulary that will enable you to carry on simple conversations, understand paragraphs and accurately produce signs at a beginning level. Bring a three-ring binder with 10 dividers to class.

Welcome to the Intermediate Spanish Class! In this course students will focus on improving Spanish language listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. This class will review regular, stem-changing and irregular verbs in the present tense, including reflexive verbs during the first two classes. The last ten weeks will focus on a review of commands, learning indirect and direct object pronouns, regular and irregular verbs in thh preterite (past) and in the imperfect (past) tenses as well as the future tense. Thematic vocabulary will cover/review daily routine, travel, places in the city, a visit to the doctor, technology and the world of work among others. To enroll in the class, students should have completed Beginning Spanish 2 or have knowledge of the present tense of regular -ar, -er and -ir verbs, stem-changing verbs (o-ue, e-ie, e-i boot verbs) and these irregular verbs (ser, estar, dar, ver, ir, hacer, tener, poner, saber/conocer) in the present tense.