In an assortment of noncredit classes at Ventura College, one can learn to use Microsoft Excel, become a notary public or start speaking Italian.

The Community Education Program's course offerings also include more specialized fare — from a five-week study of ghosts and haunted houses to a four-hour seminar touting "No More Bad Hair Days."

Karen Gorback, Ventura College's assistant dean for community and economic development, said that for more than 25 years, the program has offered various classes tailored to community needs. She keeps an eye on the local newspaper and an ear to local goings-on to discover topics in which Venturans and the community have taken interest.

"There are so many things to learn in the world, we could never run out of ideas," Gorback said. For instance, after reading about a meeting of an African violet club, Gorback wondered if there might be demand for a class on the exotic plant.

There is the occasional swing and miss, when a class has to be canceled for lack of demand. But for the most part, Gorback is able to fill classes ranging in size from 10 to 35 students on topics such as "Never Throw Away Another Lipstick" and "Introduction to Fly Fishing."

During the summer, children get in on the learning as well, with summer camps and classes. The rest of the year, the ideal of "lifelong learning opportunities" draws mostly working and senior adults, Gorback said.

"It allows adults to try things that maybe they've always wanted to try in their life."

A new violin class had 18 registrants a week before it started, Gorback said. "When I talk to people on the phone who are enrolling in this class, they say, You know, I haven't picked up a violin in 30 years. Do you think I could do it?' I say, Of course. That's what the class is for.'"

Dave Lister, 57, of Camarillo had taken a class in the Chinese exercise form qigong at the college and decided to sign up for the violin class.

"I've always loved the violin. My grandfather played old-time fiddle music when I was a kid," he said. "I always heard that unless you start when you're a kid, you can't really do it."

But he found the class description encouraging and signed up anyway. After two classes, he said, he's overcoming a handicap of being left-handed and is picking up the skill.

"I feel pretty good about it," he said. "It's a real supportive group of people, and the teacher's very good."

Lister said he's always been interested in acquiring new skills. He's also signed up for a harmonica class. He and his wife, Joyce, also plan to take a class called "Mental Fitness through Brain Gym," which teaches about the connections between brain and body.

Frank Waldron, 81, of Ventura said he was the oldest student in the "Dating, Relating and Romance in Ventura County" class. He found the class fascinating and noted that some of the younger participants "took copious notes."

He also has taken a photography class through the Community Education Program. For one assignment, he was required to photograph himself depicted as a woman. He dressed up in a witch's costume once owned by his late wife and used dry ice to give the image a smoky feel. "They're fun classes, and they're instructive, also," he said.

And for taxpayers wondering if their tax dollars are helping people hone dating skills, Gorback said the program is self-sustaining through fees charged for each class. The fees range from $35 to $290 for most offerings.

For a fee of $49, Julie Ferman teaches her dating class students about "navigating the romantic marketplace" in Ventura County. The class, consisting of one nighttime session, has been offered for about six years, and, Ferman said, her clients range from 20-year-olds to older adults, some looking for love a second time in life.

Ferman, owner of Cupid's Coach dating service, said the class covers making connections with people in everyday situations, putting the online dating circuit to work and choosing a traditional dating service. "It's a lot about how to be your own matchmaker," she said.

Ferman said Community Education classes are ideal for older people who want to expand their minds. "There are so many baby boomers, and some of them are retired and say, Hey, let's take some classes. Let's see what's available.'"

For more information about Ventura College's Community Education classes, call 654-6459 or visit http://www.communityed.venturacollege.edu.