For the Republican 

Rush County Lifelong Learning, one of the two partners that comprise The Rush County Learning Center, has announced it’s July lineup of classes. The focus of theses classes is to help area residents develop some skills that will help them cope with these tough financial times. The other partner, College Cooperative Southeast, has some important dates coming up as well.

Rush County Lifelong Learning’s non-credit classes are open to anyone in our area. The first class, “Using Computers (Safely!) To Find Employment” runs on July 2 and 7. Priced at just $5, it is intended to help job-seekers find and use Internet job search sites, create and polish resumes, and much more. A main focus of the class will be how to “surf” the Internet safely and not end up with a mailbox full of spam.

“Beginning Knitting” will give participants a new skill that can be the source of really inexpensive but beautiful Christmas and birthday presents for years to come! Instructor Shelle Cain will teach the basic knitting stitches that will help you create all kinds of wonderful things, from scarves to afghans.

Give your resume a boost by taking “Beginning Spanish.” This class will present basic vocabulary and pronunciation that will prepare you for additional Spanish classes in the fall. This class also would be great for a family to take together, because children take great delight in outshining their parents when it comes to remembering Spanish words. This and the knitting class are $35 each.

The last opportunity is available on a donation basis, which means you pay what you can afford. From 4 until 6 p.m. each Thursday in July, local computer instructor Ron Shields will be making his services available as a resource person at “Open Computer Labs.” Whether you’re a beginner needing to practice keyboard or someone who wants to brush up on their Word and Excel skills, Ron will be on hand to help. Take advantage of the Learning Center’s 28 computers which can be used free of charge any time the Center is open.

Anyone interested in any of these classes or the Open Computer Labs should call the Learning Center at 932-7191 to make a reservation. All the classes have minimum numbers for the class to be a go, so call a buddy and see if they’d like to attend with you.

That same phone number will work if you’re thinking about becoming a college student this fall. Classes in most colleges start during late August or early September, so now’s the time to get started. College Cooperative Southeast Coordinator Mary Roller can help you find a school, a course of study, financing, and learn more about how much adding a certificate or degree can help you become a more qualified, competitive worker.