As do-it-yourself projects continue being popular, Rend Lake College is offering the chance for locals to learn more about four exciting and money-saving hobbies. Check out herbal usage and infusion, homesteading, poultry husbandry, and taxidermy during five workshops.
Begin by learning about homesteading from Instructor Ann May. In her 60 years, May has used techniques from her Homestead Thriftworkshop to save money and live more self-sufficiently. The goal of the class is to learn basics in the art of thrifting. The class costs $15 and meets from 6 – 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 in the Academic Building, Room 215, on the Ina campus.
Instructor May will also teach a Poultry Husbandry 101 workshop the following week to look into the different aspects of owning chickens, ducks, turkeys, guineas, and quail. In her seminar, she will cover disease control, breed selection, housing, growing feeds, and winter preparation. The class costs $15 and meets from 6 – 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 in the Science Building, Room 117, on the Ina campus.
Next, work on adding herbs to your daily life with two workshops with Instructor Verlinda Newton. Herbal Infusion & Tinctures will teach participants how to make their own herbal-infused oil and tinctures for a fraction of the cost to purchase. This lecture-only presentation addresses the process and choices of products used to make infused oils and tinctures. Additional topics include aromatherapy and the benefits of bath salts.
Newton will provide samples of infused oil and handmade soap, along with DIY handouts. Attendees must be over the age of 21. The class costs $10, plus a $10 supply fee, and meets from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Murphy-Wall Campus, Room 101, in Pinckneyville.
Later in the month, Newton will show animal-lovers how to utilize herbs and essential oils on their favorite, furry pets at Herb & Essential Oil Usage for Animals. Participants will learn what herbs and oils can be used on dogs, cats, and other animals, with special attention to the animal’s conditions, species, uses, preparation, and precautions.
Take home handouts and an oil guide will be provided after the lecture-only workshop. Attendees must be over the age of 21. The class costs $10, plus a $5 supply fee, and meets from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 in the Historic Schoolhouse on the Ina campus.
The final workshop, Taxidermy, will give even the novice experience in the art of preserving, mounting, and displaying animal skins. This workshop with Instructor Fred Lawrence provides hands-on experience in mounting a bird, deer, or other small animal – fish are not recommended. Supplies for the first session include the species to mount and a scalpel or sharp knife. Added costs for other supplies will be determined at the first session, depending on the species. A projected supply list will be mailed at the time of your registration.
The workshop costs $119, plus supplies, and meets from 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays next spring, starting Thursday, Jan. 5 through Jan. 31, all located in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 151, on the Ina campus.
To register or learn more about the personal enrichment classes, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.
