Spring community education classes start next week.

The College of the Canyons Community Education Department is offering several non-credit classes for older adults starting the week of Feb. 4, 2008.The classes include Gardening as Self Expression, Life-Long Learning through Basic Spanish, Computer Resources: Computer and You II.

“Community Education classes are fun and held in a relaxed environment,” says Jennifer Brezina, the interim dean of noncredit and community education. “These factors make the classes all the more enjoyable.”

Gardening as Self Expression teaches students how to select, plan, nurture, and group flowers and plants for either indoor or outdoor gardens. The class is held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Valley Oak Village in Newhall and on Thursdays at Fountain Glen Valley in Valencia.

Adults can learn the skills necessary to communicate with Spanish speaking individuals in the community by taking Life-Long Learning Through Basic Spanish. The class is designed for individuals who have little or no background in Spanish. Two sections are available from 11 a.m. to 12p.m. on Saturdays at Canyon Country Senior Apartments and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.

Computer Resources: Computers and You II helps older adults learn the hands-on skills to become informed and prudent users of computer technology. Students will learn how to safely use the Internet, email and web-based services such as online information services in the areas of medicine, law and finance. One section of the class is held 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the college’s Canyon Country campus.

Those interested in taking classes through the Community Education can register online at www.canyons.communityext.net or by calling 661-362-3300.

For more information about registration or classes through the College
Of the Canyons Community Education Department, please visit the college’s website at www.canyons.edu .