Gibson Woods to offer six-week Birding 101

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Updated: February 14, 2012 1:10PM

Winter has been kind to our feathered friends. While visiting at my sister’s last week, I noticed the bird feeders directly outside her living-room window were packed with tiny finches.

I hope they have a sense that spring is growing closer.

If you’re an armchair bird watcher or one who loves to hike and seek different species, Gibson Woods Nature Preserve (6201 Parrish Ave., Hammond) is sponsoring a Birding 101 series along with the Dunes Calumet Audubon Society.

For those wanting to sharpen their identification skills, this six-week program will cover songbirds, sparrows, finches, waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey, warblers and neotropical migrants. Even if you’re an old hand at birding, there surely will be something new to learn.

Classes will be meet at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. starting March 20. The $30 fee covers all six sessions. Space is limited, so reserve a place; call (219) 844-3188 by March 9.

† Recent times have taught us that teaching children to be responsible with money needs to be done at an early age. Dyer Parks and Recreation will offer the FDIC Monday Smart for Young Adults from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays starting Feb. 28 at the Plum Creek Center, 222 Schulte St.

The program is open to ages 12 to 18 and will cover the basics of money management, including how to build and maintain good relationships with banks and other financial institutions they likely will need to deal with in the future. Building knowledge and confidence today regarding credit and savings can mean wise choices in the future.

The cost is $25 for Dyer residents or $30 for nonresidents. Registration is open through Feb. 24 at the Dyer Town Hall, One Town Center. For more information, call 865-2506.

† Bathing-suit weather is not too far away. Here’s a way to get toned and have fun in the process.

The Dolton (Ill.) Park District will start its next belly-dancing class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Shaw Recreation Center, 715 Engle St. Tone and strengthen those abs and other muscles while learning the basics of this Mediterranean form of dance.

The class is open to people 18 and older. Fees are $35 for this six-week class. Full belly-dancing regalia is not necessary, but form- fitting clothing is suggested. Register by calling (708) 841-2111.

† Many schools are being forced to drop enrichment programs due to budget cuts, but those who know tell us creative arts stimulate children to succeed in other areas of education.

If you are looking for a way to introduce your child to art, Highland Parks and Recreation invites you to Fred’s Art Class for ages 10 to 16. Classes meet for six weeks from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. starting Feb. 24 at the Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St. Students will start with pencils and ink, then move on to acrylics.

The cost is $33 for Highland residents or $38 for nonresidents.