The Right Type

Call it the Debbie Chavez Wilton Typing School for Men.

Chavez teaches 12 courses for Wilton Continuing Education, but her lunchtime typing class may be one of her most popular. Her classes are among the more than 170 classes available - from computers to cooking, and from nutrition to knitting.

"Mostly, up until last spring I had Moms," Chavez said. "But last spring men were coming to my class in increasing numbers. Men who were laid off, men who were mid-level managers by the time computers were plunked down on people's desks."

But because they had staff they didn't need to learn their way around a keyboard. Now they do. The problem is most don't know how to type.

"I have 40-, and 50-, and 60-year-old men in my touch typing class. Then they go on to take word and then power point classes," Chavez said. "By the end of the semester we're all good friends. I guess what we do more than anything is boost confidence."

Increased morale is just one benefit of continuing education, according to experts in education. Taking more classes or getting a higher degree can also translate into bigger paychecks, job promotions and new careers.

Sometimes knowledge for knowledge's sake is the goal, such as taking a foreign language for fun.

Edda Gusman has taught Italian for a number of years in Wilton and surrounding towns.

"I take special pride to be able to teach the elderly as I think I make a difference in their everyday lives by bringing new energy, vitality and good stimulation for the those who struggle with memory issues," said Gusman, whose pupils include business people, artists, television stars and moms.

Still, there are some stubborn myths about continuing education. Some think only academics attend. Some think it's only for Moms and younger. Not so. Increasingly teachers see students in their 70s and 80s.

In "Restyle Your Lifestyle: Healthy Weight Loss Through Comprehensive Nutrition" Loryn Galardi, a registered nutritionist, introduces people to healthy habits.

Her classes, of up to eight people, range from teens to those in their late 60s.

"They're really there to start the weight loss process," Galardi said. "I give them grocery tips and teach them to be as healthy as they can. "I really have everybody strive for balance."

Wilton Continuing Education classes are held at the Wilton Public School locations or in local businesses in the Wilton, Ridgefield, and Norwalk. Register on-line at www.wiltoncontinuingedu.org

"Make new friends, share your enthusiasms, and bolster your expertise," said Dolores Tufariello, Coordinator for Wilton Continuing Education. "We'd love to see you!"