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Archived on May 19, 2026
Highland Community College Lifelong Learning September classes include Hand-Built Pottery Tray, Beginner Pickleball, Delightful Decoupage Décor, Microsoft Excel Fundamentals, and New France. To register online and view the complete Lifelong Learning schedule, visit highland.edu/lifelong. For more information about Lifelong Learning and to find out the latest course offerings, call 815 599-3403.
Hand-Built Pottery Tray
Location: Highland Community College, Ferguson Fine Art Center (Building F), room F-053, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd., Freeport
Registration Deadline: Sept. 4
Class: Sept. 11 and Sept. 18; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fee: $59
Instructor: Dana Russell-Brown
Create a one-of-a-kind ceramic tray of any shape or size to decorate a table, serve appetizers or gift to a friend. In the first session, attendees will learn how to use a slab of clay to design and build a tray as well as add a foot and decoration. In the second session, attendees will learn basic glazing techniques and choose colors. No tools or experience needed.
Beginner Pickleball
Location: Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Registration Deadline: Sept. 12
Class: Sept. 19, 21, 26, and 28; 3 – 4 p.m.
Fee: $49
Instructor: Terry Heflin
Pickleball, a cross between badminton and tennis, is the fastest-growing sport among baby boomers in America! Learn to play pickleball, rules, and equipment, and have fun during this introductory course!
Delightful Decoupage Décor
Location: Highland Community College, Dorothy and RC Clock Technology Center (Building T), room T-122, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd., Freeport
Registration Deadline: Sept. 13
Class: Sept. 20; 6 – 8 p.m.
Fee: $29
Instructor: Cindy Bielefeldt
Learn how to decoupage beautiful designs by making two different projects. The first is a 4” seashell, perfect for holding jewelry or other small objects. The shell can be trimmed with gold or silver paint for a finishing touch. The second project is a 6”x 6” wooden picture frame. All supplies are included.
Microsoft Excel Fundamentals
Location: Highland Community College, Dorothy and RC Clock Technology Center (Building T), room T-159, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd., Freeport
Registration Deadline: Sept. 14
Class: Sept. 21
Fee: $29
Instructor: Jeremy Monigold
Get started with Microsoft Excel. The class includes an overview of the Excel workspace and the creation of a basic inventory spreadsheet where attendees will apply formatting and calculations using formulas and functions.
New France
Location: Galena Public Library, 601 S. Bench St. Galena
Registration Deadline: Sept. 20
Class: Sept. 27
Fee: $25
Instructor: Mark Peterson
Learn about the years (1524-1763) when the French explored and settled in Wisconsin (Wis-kon-sa) and Illinois (Il-len-noh-wa). Native American tribes and relations, British arrival and French sites including Fort De Chartes are covered.
Other Courses Include:
• Assassination of Lincoln – Faith Community Church, Davis
• Intermediate Pickleball – Krape Park, Freeport
• Macrame Wall Hanging with Potted Plant – Higher Grounds Coffee, Freeport
• Card Making A and B – HCC, Freeport
• Basics of Bridge – HCC, Freeport
• DIY Stuffed Pumpkin Workshop — This is it Eatery, Freeport
• Microsoft PowerPoint Fundamentals – HCC, Freeport
• Bison Safari – Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Grove
• Introduction to Voiceovers – Zoom™
• Metal Detecting Basics – Taylor Park, Freeport