Senior Center Classes

Call the Center at 503-588-6303 for more information on these exciting class offerings.

• Archeology
• Arts and Crafts
• Computer Classes
• Driver Safety
• Fitness Classes
• Hypertufa
• Introduction to Archeology
• Introduction to Hypertufa
• Older Adult Development
• Spanish
• Writing Classes:

• Writing Poetry
• Improving Your Writing
• Writing Your Life Story

Driver Safety Program

This is a two-session class sponsored by AARP to improve your driving skills. Upon completion of this course, your auto insurance premium may be reduced. Call the Senior Center at 503-588-6303 to register for one of these 2-session classes:

• May 6 and 8, 12:00 pm
• June 10 and 12, 12:00 pm
• June 17 and 19, 4:00 pm

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Older Adult Development : Challenges and Opportunities

time and date to be determined

A presentation/discussion group on topics related to older adult development will be offered by Maribeth Kallemeyn, Ph.D., at the Senior Center. At this time, we are taking names of those interested in participating in this discussion group. The time and date will be determined once a group of six or more has been formed.

In this six-week series, we will consider themes related to older adult development and discuss how these are experienced in our daily lives. Sharing indivdiual perspectives through facilitated discussion will be a part of each group. Topics will include:

• Introduction to older adult development
• Personality and aging
• Life narratives
• Transitions
• Spirituality and meaning
• Wisdom

There is no cost for the group, but reservations are required. To register, call 503-588-6303 or stop by the Center's front desk.

Dr. Kallemeyn is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Salem. Her prior experience includes working in a hospital setting in geriatrics and teaching courses in gerontology at Marylhurst University.

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Spanish

Learn Spanish or polish skills you already have. Would you like to pronounce Spanish well, or be able to engage in everyday conversation, and read simple Spanish text? Are you planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country? Would you like to be able to speak with Spanish-speaking people you meet in the United States? Whatever your level, we have the Spanish class for you.

All are welcome! Fran Friesen teaches five different levels of Spanish and has more than 20 years of experience teaching for Chemeketa Community College. She has traveled widely in Spain, Mexico, Costa Rico, and Peru.

Each class meets once a week for 8 weeks and consists of 2 hours instruction time. Cost is $80. Books are an additional charge. Classes are listed below in order from beginning to advanced. Classes start March 31

For location of classes and to find out which class meets your needs, call the instructor, Fran Friesen, at 503-393-1121.

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Writing Classes

Writing Poetry

Wednesdays

9:00-10:00 am

Learn to write poetry. Put your thoughts on paper--anyone can do it. The leader, LaVerne Miles, is the author of Do-It-Yourself Poetry. Cost: $1 per session.

Improving Your Writing

Wednesdays

10:00 am-12:00 noon

Instructor LaVerne Miles

This course is for those who wish to improve aspects of their writing. Students read aloud their own essays, stories, poems, or articles, and discuss ways to improve them. Many students are working on their life stories, but all varieties of writing are welcomed. Cost: $1 per session.

Writing Your Life Story

Wednesdays

1:00-3:00 pm

This class offers students the opportunity to read their stories to an uncritical and empathetic audience. Most of the students concentrate on writing their life experiences. Come to this class and discover a new world of knowledge about yourself. Find out how easy it is to write about something you know.  Cost: $1 per session.

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Introduction to Archeology

Thursdays

July 3-July 31

9:00 am-11:00am

Instructor: Dr. Leland Gilsen

Discovering the fascinating process archeologists follow to uncover the past. Discuss the problems, methods, and reasons why archeology is a vital discipline for understanding our common human past. Develop a working vocabulary and a sensitivity for determining authentic resources for further study. Learn the difference between misleading material and scientific research. This series concludes with a session devoted to our own beautiful state, which will include the following: Oregon ecology/human adaptations; Paleo-Indian; Early, Middle, and Late Archaic; Contact Period; and Historic Period. Cost: $40 for five 2-hour sessions.

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Introduction to Hypertufa

Saturdays

May 31-June 28

10:00am-12:30pm

Instructor: Stephen Butler

Hypertufa is perfect for making long-lasting garden troughs, planters, fake rocks and boulders, and stepping stones. Learn how to put together a formula for creating hypertufa. A basic formula includes horticultural perlite, peat moss, and Portland cement. You wil leave the class with a garden art treasure and an enthusiasm for creating more such as fountains and wonderfully whimsical garden gnomes and "grots".  Cost: $15/session.

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