As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby or refine a skill you’ve always wanted to explore. Edgecombe Community College and Nash Community College offer affordable and engaging courses for hobbyists of all levels. Whether you’re interested in crafting, technology, culinary arts, or even learning a new language, these community colleges have something for you.

Crafts and DIY

-Crochet for Beginners (Edgecombe Community College)

Learn the basics of crochet in this relaxing class that meets one evening per week for two hours.

-Upholstery (Edgecombe Community College)

Transform old furniture into beautiful, functional pieces in this popular course offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Classes meet once a week for three hours.

-Stained Glass (Nash Community College) | $75 | Thursdays, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Dive into the artistry of stained glass as you learn design, glass cutting, copper foiling, and soldering techniques. Perfect for beginners or returning students looking to refine their skills.

Culinary Arts and Wine Appreciation

-Culinary Boot Camp I (Nash Community College) | $76.25 | Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sharpen your kitchen skills with expert guidance from Chef Frank. From beginners to seasoned cooks, this course is a fantastic way to level up your culinary expertise.

-Wine Tasting (Nash Community College) | $60 | Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Explore the world of wine through guided tastings and learn how to distinguish different types, from reds to sparkling wines, like a pro.

Technology and Languages

-Creating Mobile Apps with HTML5 (Nash Community College) | $75 | Online

Learn to build cross-platform mobile apps using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and more. A must for anyone interested in diving into the world of app development.

-Speed Spanish I (Nash Community College) | $75 | Online

Master the basics of conversational Spanish through six easy “recipes” that make sentence construction a breeze.

-ASL for Beginners (Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf) | Free

A fun (and free!) opportunity to learn sign language with this class geared towards beginners. Classes start January 28th, and are every Tuesday from 6-7pm in Massey Hall. Reach out to Rich Magazzine, the instructor, at (252) 640-1062 or rich.magazzine@encsd.k12.nc.us if interested in register for this course.

Specialized Skills

-Gunsmithing (Edgecombe Community College)

Sharpen your technical skills in this hands-on class, meeting two evenings per week for three hours.

If you’re interested in courses at Edgecombe Community College, call 252-823-5166 ext. 6660 to inquire about class dates, length, costs, and registration.

For more information on classes at Nash Community College, visit their website or contact their Continuing Education department at (252) 451-8216, or by email coned@nashcc.edu.

The New Year is the perfect time to invest in yourself and explore a new passion. These courses offer opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others who share your interests. Which hobby will you choose to start in 2025?