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New pastimes at Hobby Mania

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Jim Dowd leaves a pile of wood shavings as he carves an intricate spoon with flowers at the Janesville Senior Center.

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Ken Holliday of Janesville lines up a shot after breaking at the pool room at the Janesville Senior Center.

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Marie Tuescher begins to carve a dog out of a block of wood with a wooden shoe she carved in the foreground at the Janesville Senior Center.

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Long time carver Jim Trumpy works on a cowboy caricature at the Janesville Senior Center.

JANESVILLE — If you’ve been contemplating a new way to spend your spare time, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about nearly three dozen hobbies Saturday.

The Janesville Senior Center’s Hobby Mania will feature demonstrations and information by local nonprofits, businesses, individuals and the senior center.

“It’s a free way to give out information on things people can get involved in,” said Pat Tobin, recreation programmer.

“There’s no charge to take part and no charge for people to come in. It’s the best deal in town and open to people of all ages,’’ she said.

Thirty-four vendors will fill 10 rooms on two floors of the senior center.

Visitors will be given maps to help them find what they are interested in, Tobin said.

Vendors will explain what it takes to do their hobby and share information about where to get supplies and how to get started, she said.

The senior center will have details about 14 of its classes from arts and crafts to pool.

“Our center has been a community center for sharing and learning interesting hobbies for years,’’ Tobin said.

Topics covered by community vendors will include cooking, making duck decoys, fly tying, square dancing, music lessons, archery, woodworking and Ukrainian egg decorating, Tobin said.

“It’s not just going to be knitting and crocheting. There will be a lot of neat and interesting things for both men and women,” she said.

“Some hobbies may cost a fair amount, while others will be inexpensive,” Tobin said.

And that’s good, she said.

“With today’s economy, it helps to have something to do that you enjoy while having fun and learning,” Tobin said.

Ralph Honeysett, a member of the senior center’s publicity committee, and a hobby enthusiast, agreed.

“It’s something to occupy time during the winter months,” he said.

Tobin said it’s proven that people are happier and healthier when they have something that fascinates them and enables them to learn and improve their skills and abilities.

“Learning isn’t just for kids,” she said. ‘It’s good for adults, too.’’