Rend Lake College is bringing an exciting line-up of Community Education classes to Mt. Vernon this fall.

Students will experience the joy of learning to make their own crocheted items in "Learn to Crochet." Instructor Theresa Burgess will show students how to make snowflakes and a simple hat. This class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, September 10 and 17, at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 343. Students are asked to bring yarn and a crochet hook, size J or H, and a second hook, size D or 5. Registration is $20.

Students will learn how to take the ACT test with confidence in "ACT Prep." This course is designed to teach the reading, English, science and math skills students will need to do well on the ACT test. Instructors Connie Birkner and Bonnie Payne will emphasize test-taking skills. This class will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from September 12 to October 17 at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 344. Registration is $89. Students also will need to purchase Barron's ACT 2009 text, which will be available for $20.27 at the first session.

Communication with the deaf through sign language is a rewarding skill for the hearing and creates wider contacts for the deaf. In "Sign Language," Amy Richards will instruct students as they learn basic American Sign Language, sign exact English, and acquire an understanding of the culture of the hearing impaired. This course is worth 0.5 credit hours (7.5 CPDUs) and is great for teachers to learn the alphabet, colors, numbers and common items in the classroom. This class will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays from September 14 through October 5 at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 344. Registration is $39.50.

An expert will teach students about the process of blacksmithing in "Blacksmithing Basics." Instructor Wilbur Haley will show students an old-fashioned coal fire being built in a forge. Participants will transform a glowing piece of metal into a simple "S" hook. This course is for ages 14 and up (students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). The class will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 19, at the Jefferson County Historical Village. Registration is $15.

Students can put away their carving knives and learn to paint a pumpkin instead in "Me & My Buddy: Pumpkin Painting." Theresa Burgess will supply the paint and brushes and will instruct students on the basics to painting funny faces. Adults will bring their second- through eighth-grader and two pumpkins to paint. This class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 2, at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 336. Registration is $12, which covers both child and adult.

Students will learn how to braid hair just in time for the holiday festivities in "Me & My Buddy: Hair Braiding." Instructor Daphne Mitchell will show different braiding techniques, as family members or friends practice on their child's hair. French braiding, fishbone, corn rolls, and a variety of other techniques will be taught. This class will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 5, at Studio RLC. Registration is $10 with a supply fee of $5 payable to the instructor in class.

No special talent or experience is required in "Cake Decorating for Fun." Students will learn from Beth Mandrell's demonstrations and from hands-on experience. Participants will discover tips on baking, making icing and types of decorating equipment to use for edging, drawing and flowers. Students will decorate a cake with a fall theme. All supplies, including the cake that each student will take home, will be furnished for a supply fee of $8 payable to the instructor at the start of class. This class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 354A. Registration is $12.

Crafters and painters of all levels will paint their own gourds in "Gourd Painting for the Holiday Season." Instructor Pam Bird will share interesting facts and tidbits about the different types of gourds and some of their uses throughout history while students paint their gourds. Students pay a $15 supply fee to instructor at class. This course will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 22, at the Cedarhurst Art Center. Registration is $15.

Students will learn a fun and relaxing hobby in "Sketching for Beginners." Participants will discover the basics of shading, highlighting and perspective from instructor, Virginia McCann. Participants need to bring a drawing tablet of any size, a set of colored pencils, a No. 2 pencil, a soft eraser, and a photo or prop (vase, candle, flowers, etc.) to sketch. This course will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays from November 2 through 16 at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 344. Registration is $45.

Students will learn how to make a smooth mild soap using vegetable oils and scent it with essential oils in "Homemade Lye Soap." Students will find out the basics of quality soap as well as tips on how to formulate a recipe for good quality soap from Instructor Susan Johnson. A supply fee of $8 payable to the instructor covers all materials. Students will take home approximately one pound of soap each. This class will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, at Cedarhurst Art Center. Registration is $12.

Participants will learn insurance basics from licensed insurance agent Matthew Lappin in "Insurance 101." Students will find out how to find the best policy for themselves and will learn more about different kinds of coverage. This class is not a sales pitch but an informative session on insurance. The class will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 336. Registration is $10.

For more information or to register, call Lori or Kristina at Rend Lake College's Community Education Department, (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1367 / 1267, or call toll-free (in-district only) at 800-369-5321 Ext. 1367 / 1267.