Starting over by taking adult ed. courses

January is a time for fresh beginnings -- tackling a hobby you've always wanted to try (tai chi anyone?), perfecting an old one or just learning something new.

Courses in continuing education, sometimes called adult education, begin in the next few months, but now is the time to sign up. Many classes are offered through educational facilities, mostly school districts, but colleges also are a good source to find courses.

While there are plenty of continuing education programs that teach skills for a vocation, many are just for fun, from exercise programs to dance classes.

Not all school districts offer these programs, so check their websites to see if they do. If not, peruse sites of neighboring districts, which may allow nonresidents to join a class after residents have signed up -- though for a slightly higher fee. Colleges do not have residency requirements. Check their websites for information including registration deadlines. Here's a sampling of courses offered at learning institutions on Long Island.

If you think you have a way with words, you might want to check out classes at Hofstra University, where there is a heavy emphasis on writing.

"They are all Long Island-based published authors," said Debbi Honorof, continuing education program head, of the instructors. "We have a wide variety of courses in novel writing, poetry, personal essays, writing for the Web" and others. Most classes run $50 (a one-class course) to $250 (a full semester). Other courses are offered in languages, art, wine tasting and photography.

Hofstra will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 12.

Stony Brook also allows seniors 60 and older to audit regular college courses. Fee is $50.

"I don't know how you can't find a class," says Saul Lerner, director of the district's adult education program about the offerings.

At the Central Islip School District, the robust program includes beginning swimming for adults ($50), martial arts for kids ($50, and $20 for second child), computer skills classes in English and Spanish ($70) and professional voice-overs for extra cash ($15). There are also dance and exercise classes. Deadline for registration is Feb. 7, and nonresidents can enroll for a slightly higher fee.

"Every year, we try to do something a little different," says Elaine Medin, the program's director.

Comsewogue School District also has a comprehensive program, including financial seminars at no cost. Other classes include photography, art, knitting and crocheting that run from $20 for a single-session course to $90 for a full semester. There are SAT prep courses and tennis for kids, too.