Grown-ups can benefit from some schooling

While you’re in back-to-school mode with the kids, consider a class for yourself.

Winemaking, beer brewing and natural cleaning classes are on the schedule for Spokane Parks and Recreation this fall.

The Institute for Extended Learning also has courses on local foods, Italian cooking and the art of cooking weeknight meals.

Register for Parks and Recreation classes online at spokaneparks.org or call (509) 625-6200. The entire catalog is online.

Here are a few of the offerings:

•Oct. 5: Nontoxic Lifestyle – Learn sustainable living and cleaning practices, 6-8 p.m., Sinto Senior Activity Center, 1124 W. Sinto Ave., $14.

•Oct. 7-8: Micro Brew at Home – Instructors will demonstrate basic skills for using malt extracts, grains and hops to produce pilsners, dunkels, wheat beers and pale ales, 7-9 p.m., Jim’s Home Brew, 2619 N. Division St., $33.

•Oct. 14: Winemaking for Beginners – Learn basics for fruit and grape wines. 6:30-9 p.m., Jim’s Home Brew, 2619 N. Division St., $17.

Other classes include water bath canning, doughnut making and bread baking. There are several Italian cooking classes with Tullia Barbanti on the schedule.

The Institute for Extended Learning fall schedule can be found online at www.iel.spokane.edu/. Click on “Take classes for fun.” Registrations are taken until three days before the class.

Here are a few of the planned classes:

•Oct. 5: Farmers Markets and Great Local Food – Learn about Pastor Craig Goodwin’s experience in 2008 as he and his family ate only foods that were locally grown and processed, 6:30-9 p.m., Centennial Middle School, Room 30, 915 E. Ella Road, $25.

•Oct. 5 and Nov. 2: Italian Feast – Learn how the Italians use squashes, tomatoes and late harvest vegetables for salads, risottos and other dishes with chef Jeff Busch of Bella Sera Catering, 6:30-9:30 p.m., North Central High School, Room 118, 1600 N. Howard St., $38.

•Oct. 28: Art of Cooking Weeknight Meals – For those who are new to the kitchen, learn to prepare home-cooked meals. 6:30-9:30 p.m., North Central High School, Room 118, 1600 N. Howard St., $29.