Back-to-School at Watchung Hills Adult School

Back-to-school isn't just for kids this September, it's also for adults seeking to expand their knowledge, hobbies or career skills.

From boating to voiceover classes to learning Italian, the Watchung Hills Adult School is now accepting registrations for the fall semester. People can choose a traditional course at the adult school in Warren (some are at other locations as well) or sign up for an online class. Online classes start monthly:  Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 9, and Dec. 14.

The more popular classes also tend to be the more unusual ones.

Sandy Hockridge, the adult school's director, said the "Getting Paid to Talk: Voice-overs as a Profession" class tends to fill up. John Gallogly, a Creative Voice Development Group producer conducts the one-day class (the next one is Sept. 27) to give people an overview of the business and students' potential.

"He pretty much tells them if there's any hope for them," Hockridge said.

"How to Bring Your Ideas to Market: How to Write a Patent Application and File with US Patent Office" is a two-day class, next session Oct. 11 and 18, is another one that tends to fill up lately. Patent attorney Robert S. Salzman shows students how to  promote their idea and navigate the patent process and avoid pitfalls.

"It's hard to find a class like that," said Hockridge, who added the course after being approached by Salzman.

The school's boating safety course is another popular offering because people need to take a safety course to get a license to operate watercraft including a jet ski, said Hockridge.

Other courses that always seem to be popular, said Hockridge, include Zumba, digital photography, computers and dance instruction. Foreign language courses, which people usually take for business or travel, have also remained popular to Hockridge's surprise.

"I didn't think people were traveling that much but I guess they are," she said.

Other uncommon classes offered at the adult school include "Tunisian Crochet," a 3-day course for new and experienced crochet students, and "Insights Into Past Lives," a one-night session where psychic consultant Christina Lynn Whited guides students through the process of recalling two of their past lives.

Classes designed for teens include Co-Ed Tennis for grades 5-8, Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training and PSAT/SAT Prep Courses.

For those wishing to learn from the comfort of home, the adult school offers an array of online subjects. Students can learn a foreign language, master digital photography, discover ways to go green at home or even learn to write their life story.

People seeking career advancement or a new job can choose from a variety of classes including: "Start and Operate Your Own Home-Based Business, Learn to Buy and Sell on Ebay" and "Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search." For parents, online classes include: "Homeschool with Success, Empowering Students with Disabilities" and "Understanding Adolescents."

Prospective students can register by mail, in-person or online or by calling 908-647-4800, ext. 4820. People can also join the e-mail list to hear about new offerings.