Life Long Learning Catalogue - Course Description Spring 2010 Call 842-0543 to enroll
Douglas County Senior Services offers diverse continuing education courses, health and fitness classes, workshops, seminars, tours, and special events for active Douglas County residents age 55 and over.
Call 842-0543 to enroll, suggest a new program, volunteer to teach a class, or be a tour director.
Fill out the registration form and mail it with your check (payable to Douglas County Senior Services) to: Douglas County Senior Services, Leisure and Learning Department, 745 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. Walk-ins are welcome.
Water Color
Mondays, Apr. 5 - 26, 10am - 12pm. Fee: $20. Location: Lawrence Senior Center, MPR. Instructor: Joan Martin. In this course, students will explore the possibilities of basic watercolor techniques applied to realistic subjects and abstract designs. Materials for the class will be discussed first day of class. Beginning and experienced painters will learn transparent and opaque watercolor. Joan Martin is an artist and a teacher with experience in oil, acrylic, pen & ink and water color. She has received recognition for her work.
Computer Basics 101
Fridays, Apr. 9 – May 14, 1 – 3pm Fee $62. Location: Pinnacle Career Institute. Instructor: Janice Olker. In this class we will become familiar with Microsoft office 2007, explore Microsoft Word, Excel and outlook. You will also learn how to mail merge, how to use Excel formulas and functions to manage financial tasks. We will review the basics of sending and receiving, sorting and searching email. Plus we’ll learn to use the calendar feature to create and share your calendar with reoccurring activities, alarms and reminders. On the last day of class we will learn how to get your photos from your camera to the computer. Then we will organize and store them so we’ll be able to retrieve, e-mail and print them.
Stock Market Game
Thursdays, Mar. 11 – Apr. 30, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Fee: Free. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Instructor: Dennis Mattern.
The Stock Market Game Program is a computer assisted classroom simulation of Wall Street trading which involves participants in the investment of $100,000 imaginary money in common stock, preferred stock and mutual funds listed on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ over an 8-week period. It is a rich educational experience that enhances learning about economics, finance, and the American economic system. You will research stocks, learn how the financial markets work, track companies in the news, and make decisions on whether to buy, sell, or hold – all while competing with other teams across the state of Kansas. The object of this game is to increase the value of your portfolio more than any other participant by the end of the 8-week period. You may initially be motivated by making money, but soon learn the advantages of thorough research, careful decision making, and global awareness as you develop your portfolio during the 8-week simulation.
Dennis is a Financial Advisor bringing with him 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Dennis earned the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) certification by meeting rigorous professional standards and passing a comprehensive examination from the College for Financial Planning.
Beginning Conversational Spanish
Mondays, Sept. 14 – June 29, 1-2 p.m. Fee: $15. Location: Studio. This simple conversational course will stress practical vocabulary, everyday sentence formatting, and emphasize words essential for a traveler.
55 Alive Driving Course
Thursday and Friday, June 10 -11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fee: $12 AARP Members and $14 non- Members. Location: Lawrence Senior Center, MPR. This course reviews the rules of the road, and contains safety driving tips for all drivers. Completion of the class entitles students to a discount on their automobile insurance. There is no physical or written test. This refresher course is a pleasant mix of video and instructor presentation.
Lawrence Historic Homes Tour
Wednesday, May 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fee: $15. Location: Lawrence Senior Center. Instructor: Katie Armitage. Let’s take a bus ride through 100 years of Lawrence History. We will look at and learn about two early homes from 1858, the Italianate-style houses of the 1870s and 1880s, the large Victorian houses of the 1890s, the four squares of the 1900s and finally the 1956 hyperbolic parabolic house, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Co-sponsored with Lawrence Parks and Recreation. Call 832-7930 for more information.
Spring Garden Fair “Growing Your Lawn and Garden from Ground Up”
Saturday, Mar. 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Douglas County Fairground, 2110 Harper. Join us anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for answers to your gardening questions and a chance to win free door prizes. We will discuss questions such as: How do I decide what to plant? How do I build a rain barrel or create a rain garden? What can I plant to attract butterflies? How can I tell the difference between a good bug and a bad bug? How can I use the herbs I grow? What are some fun gardening projects? And what can I do with my extra veggies?
Travel Show
Wednesday, Mar. 10, 10 -11:30 a.m. Join us for a fun and informational travel session with Darla Bass from Group Getaways. She will be talking about the extremely affordable motor coach day and long distant tours we are offering. Find out what’s included and where we’re going. Drawings will be offered at the show! You must be present to win, so RSVP right away to secure a seat.
Basket Weaving
Meets 3rd Saturday afternoon of every month. 1-5 p.m. Contact: Sylvia Martin, 843-2512
Lawrence Community Theatre Dress Rehearsal
Call 842-0543 for more information.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Chair Exercise
Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 -11:30 a.m. Fee: None. Location: Lawrence Senior Center, Multipurpose Room.
Zumba Gold
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mar. 23 - May 13, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Fee: $37. Location: MPR. Instructor: Susan Pomeroy. A completely new program designed for the active senior. Zumba is a fun, effective and simple fitness system that will maximize calorie output, fat burning and total body toning. The explosive Latin rhythm creates a fun atmosphere that delivers results, as well as a “feel happy” workout! You can still enjoy Zumba even if you have limited mobility. Call 832-7930 for more information.
Yoga
Mondays, Mar. 22 – May 10, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Fee: $42. Location: South Park Fode Room. Instructor: Annie Wilsey. A less vigorous beginner's class adapted for older adults. Stretch stiff muscles and learn to correctly align your spine through slow, progressive traction. While using the full capacity of the lungs through correct breath, you will completely oxygenate the body and the brain, improving blood circulation and your sense of well being. Instructor: Annie Wilsey. Call 832-7930 for more information.
Tai Chi
Wednesdays, Mar. 24 – May 12, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Fee: $42. Location: South Park, Instructor: Wendy Griswold. This ancient Chinese movement improves strength, flexibility, concentration and balance by combining gentle physical. Call 832-7930 for more information.
Beginning Senior Strength Training
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 8:05 – 9:00 a.m. Fee: $56. Location: Holcomb Rec. Center, 2700 W. 27th. Instructor: Wilma Elder. Research indicates strength training for seniors is very effective in improving balance (preventing falls), improving strength in major muscle groups, and increasing muscle mass and bone density. Class is designed to include functional movement patterns to enhance daily living activities. A variety of strength training equipment will be utilized including universal machines, free weights, and resistance tubing and bands. Class includes a warm-up and a post-workout stretch component. NOTE: A physician’s release is required prior to beginning of class.
Pilates
Thursdays, Apr. 1 – May 6, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Fee: $35. Location: Holcomb Rec. Center. Instructor: Evan Jorn. Pilates is a modern approach to body conditioning that will keep you on the cutting edge of times. Class will focus on core muscles such as hips, thighs, and abdominals that will strengthen and tone by stretching as they moves. Main principles include following motion, breathing, flexibility, precision, centering and control. This class not only strengthens your body but your mind as well. Call 832-7930 for more information.
Pickleball
Fridays, Jan. 28 – Mar. 4, 10 – 11 a.m. Fee: $35, Location: East Lawrence Center. Instructor: Evan Jorn. Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic baseball, similar to the whiffleball, and wood or composite paddles. It is a combination of tennis and badminton with different rules and equipment. A great game for individuals of all ages that’s easy for beginners to learn, pickleball can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Call 832-7930 for more information.
PATH (Personal Action to Health)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Mar. 23 - Apr. 29, 9 – 11 a.m. Fee: $25, Instructor: Staff. Location: East Lawrence Center. This unique program is designed to help people ages 50 and over develop a healthier lifestyle and retain functions necessary to maintain independence. Learn about the values of healthy eating through low-fat cooking, simple meals and food habits. Participants will sample all meals and have recipes to take home. The exercise portion will work on building strength through group exercise by improving agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and endurance. Call 832-7930 for more information.
Beginning Swing Dance Workshop
Sunday, Mar. 21, 2-5 p.m. Fee: $15. Location: Community Building. Instructor: Mike Salerno. Too busy to commit to a long series of dance classes? Then this is the right venue for you. The first two hours will be instruction with learning basic steps and patterns followed by a one- hour dance to practice. Singles and couples welcome. Call 8332-7930 for more information.
Senior Travel Club Tours
One of a Kind” in Kansas City
Wednesday, Mar. 31, Fee: $69. Join us for a great day trip of special places that only the Kansas City area offers! We’ll start our morning at the Harry Truman Library in Independence. This is one of the best presidential libraries in the country. The major issues and events of Harry Truman’s Presidency are highlighted, as well as the personal side of the life of Harry and his family. We will enjoy lunch at the award winning barbeque restaurant Winslow’s. Our next tour is the Arabia Steamboat Museum, home to a frontier life in the 1800’s. The Arabia was headed up the Missouri River in the fall of 1856 when she struck a tree snag and sank just north of Kansas City along with 200 tons of cargo. In 1988 a group of modern-day adventurers uncovered the lost Arabia and her magnificent cargo. They were amazed to find dishware, clothing, even bottled food all preserved in remarkable condition. Our last tour of the day is the National World War I Museum. The only museum of its kind in the country. The museum collections and exhibitions tell more than an American story. They cover the entire war from the first shots in 1914 to the last attempts at peace in 1919.
Chicken-n-Pickin’ Ranch Duling Family Dinner Theater
Saturday, Mar. 27, Fee: $69 (reserve by February 23). Come for the chicken but stay for the pickin! Join us for a great day trip to Walnut, KS for some of the best fried chicken with all the fixin’s you’ll ever have. After a hearty lunch, sit back, relax and be prepared for 2 hours of superb entertainment. This will be a foot stompin’ and hand clappin’ day of fun.
75th Anniversary- Pella Tulip Time Festival
Thursday and Friday, May 6-7, Fee: $219 double occupancy; $303 single occupancy. This tour is spent entirely at the festival with a hotel stay at Pella. Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of the Netherlands as you stroll down the brick streets visiting the Dutch storybook storefronts, the Molengracht canal and the authentic 1850s working windmill. Visit Pella historic Village Complex, explore the 22 room mansion and garden ( Scholte House). Enjoy a one day pass on the golf car shuttles. Reserved seating at the Afternoon Grandstand Show and Parade is included on the next day. All reservations must be received by March 24.
Jamesport, Mo
Monday, May 17, Fee: $49. Step back in time and enjoy a slow paced day in this fast paced world as we make our way to the Amish community of Jamesport, MO, the largest Old Order Amish Settlement west of the Mississippi. Our journey includes a guided tour through an Amish home and farm by an Amish farmer who will explain how and why they live as they do without modern conveniences. We will stop at Amish country stores and also visit area shops downtown. Reservation must be received by April 1.
Powell Gardens & Cockrell Mercantile
Monday, May 24, Fee: $59. Come explore the new Heartland Harvest Garden, 2-acre Island Garden features a three pool water garden with cascading waterfalls and a grand display of water plants. The 3-acre garden displays 1,200perennials. See The Rock and waterfall Garden, shop at the Cockrell Mercantile, and get some home décor at the Cockrell Cottage, the Morton House, the Fiesta Cottage and the Cockrell Annex. We will enjoy lunch in Café Thyme and much more. Reservation must be received by April 8.
Colorado and the Rocky Mountains
Depart, May 30 and return on June 5. Cost: $539 per person for double occupancy, and $734 per person for single occupancy. $75 deposit upon signing and final payment on March/24/ 2010. This incredible Motorcoach trip includes, 6 nights lodging including 4 consecutive nights in scenic Colorado, 10 meals, Tour of the Garden of The Gods and see the Colorado’s “Natural Wonder” – the Royal Gorge. Visit Historic Manitou Springs at the foot of famous Pikes Peak and pay a visit to the United States Air Force Academy. Pick up brochures at the Senior Center.
Upcoming trips in 2010:
June 7– Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo- $60
June 19- Abilene- $59
June 24 – 25- The bridges of Madison County & Duke- $139 double occupancy
August 2-6– South Dakota - $549 double occupancy
September 1-9– Washington, DC - $1299 double occupancy
The Leisure and Learning Department welcomes suggestions for trips and classes. Call DCSS (785) 842-0543.
