Fox Chapel Area Adult Education is back with crochet, cocktails and chair yoga

From crochet to pickleball and pottery to guitar, a world of learning opportunities is opening in Fox Chapel — and for these classes, children aren’t the ones headed back to class.

Fox Chapel Area Adult Education opened registration on a slew of unique, quirky and traditional courses that will run September through November.

There are multi-week courses that begin now and several one-offs that take place later this fall.

“There are more than 50 opportunities to learn, discover and thrive,” said Sue Goodwin, executive director.

Highlights of the schedule include new offerings such as “Watercolor Painting Through the Seasons,” “Visible Mending: The Art of Sashiko” and “The Founding Fathers: Lives That Shaped a Nation.”

Returning sold-out spring classes include “Better iPhone Photos for Beginners,” “Buddhist Meditation,” and “Guitar Basics and Music Theory.”

Founded in 1962, FCAAE is an outreach program that provides classes to adults at low tuition. One-night and multi-week classes are offered.

The program is open to residents outside of the district.

“FCAAE exists to provide adults with access to the district, the pool being a major one,” Goodwin said. “Whether you are looking for family fun in the pool, lap swimming or aqua exercise classes — both deep water high intensity as well as fitness in the shallow end — FCAAE offers it.”

The program receives facility support from the district but operates solely through student tuition.

For the athletically inclined, there are exercise and strength training courses, and team sports like “Basketball for Adults,” which offers weekly, no-pressure pick-up games for players of all skill levels.

There are pickleball lessons as well as round-robin games – some of which are solely for beginners.

Goodwin said the fitness classes are much-sought after because there’s something for everyone.

“You can stay fit in the privacy of your own home with Zoom classes that include chair TriYoga,” she said. “Or, you can try a wide variety of in-person workouts that include exercising with osteoporosis, line dancing and Zumba.”

For the crafty type, “Sewing Basics: Create A Zippered Tote,” starts Sept. 29 and lasts three weeks. “Crochet: Learn the Basics” begins Oct. 7 and runs through Oct. 21.

Students can even learn to “Build An Adirondack Chair” through a five-week class that kicks off Sept. 16.

Outdoor enthusiasts can learn about native birds and plants and ecopsychology.

Dozens of options are rounded out with cooking, history and music.

To register or for more information, visit fcaae.org.