50+ Programs

Updated: June 8, 2010

50+ Newsletter (March/April/May 2010 edition) (206 KB)

Healthcare Advance Directives Seminars

You have a right to control your healthcare decisions. A Healthcare Advance Directive is a tool designed to help you:

• appoint another person to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself, and
• leave written instructions so that others can make those decisions based on your wishes and preferences.

In this two-session seminar, a nurse will walk you through the process of completing a Healthcare Advanced Care Directive (formerly called a Living Will). She will also discuss using it as a communication tool to start talking with your loved ones about the tough stuff in life. The first 1½-hour session will include a general explanation of the Five Wishes document and a questions and answers segment. In the second session we will be completing the document, have it notarized, and discuss further communications. Come, do this for yourself and for those you love.

Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in the Tamarack Room
Fee: $8 per person

Age: 50 and older
Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in Valley Creek Room B

Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, March 29 to June 25 (No class on April 23 and May 31)
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Fee: $99*
Activity #: 552001-03

Dates: Wednesdays and Fridays, March 31 to June 26
Time: 9 to 10 a.m.
Fee: $69*
Activity #: 552001-04

Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, July 14 to Oct. 1
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Fee: $99*
Activity #: 552001-05
No class: Monday, Sept. 6

Dates: Wednesdays and Fridays, July 14 to Oct. 1
Time: 9 to 10 a.m.
Fee: $69*
Activity #: 552001-06

Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Oct. 4 to Dec. 31 (No class on Monday, Sept. 6)
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Fee: $99*
Activity #: 552001-07

Dates: Wednesdays and Fridays, Oct. 6 to Dec. 31 (No class on Oct. 27, Nov. 10, Nov. 26 and Dec. 24)
Time: 9 to 10 a.m.
Fee: $69*
Activity #: 552001-08

*UCare for Seniors members can attend at no charge. Please provide membership card at the first class.

Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai Chi is a continuous flow of graceful movements creating a slow meditative dance. Qigong uses postures and simple movements. Both Tai Chi and Qigong direct the flow of energy and help improve the health of mind and body and spirit. These exercises are safe for all ages and most physical conditions and can be accomplished standing or sitting. Instructed by Lisa Schlingerman.

Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Valley Creek Room B

Date: Tuesdays, March 16 to April 27
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $79
Activity #: 552002-02

Drawing I
Introduction to Drawing materials and concepts will be covered including topics such as composition, line, shape and shading. Instructor Jay Wittenberg is a professional artist who has been teaching in adult education since 2002. A complete list of supplies (paper and pencils) needed for the class will be printed on your receipt after you register for the class.

Age: 18 and older
Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in the Tamarack Room
Fee: $72

Dates: Thursdays, May 6 to June 24
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Activity #: 552010-05

Advanced Drawing
Instructor Jay Wittenberg continues to teach and expand on what was taught in the Beginning Drawing class. A complete list of supplies (paper and pencils) needed for the class will be printed on your receipt after you register for the class.

Age: 18 and older
Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in the Tamarack Room
Fee: $72

Dates: Thursdays, May 6 to June 24
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Activity #: 552010-06

Great Decisions Discussion Group
The Great Decisions Discussion Group is designed to encourage debate and discussion about important global issues. The Briefing Book and topics are developed by the Foreign Policy Association. The group discusses a different topic at each meeting and follows the Briefing Book which provides historical background, current U.S. policy and alternate policy options, informative maps, detailed graphs, and suggested readings and resources. Pre-registration is not required. A limited number of Briefing Books will be available for purchase or can be reserved at the Stafford Branch Library.

Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in Valley Creek Room B

Russia and Its Neighbors
Russia's policy of maintaining a “sphere of influence” in former Soviet satellites has been challenged in recent years by movements against pro-Russia regimes. Russia has pushed back by cutting Ukraine's natural gas supply and intervening in Georgia's campaign in South Ossetia. Will Russia regain its traditional leadership role in the region?

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 7, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Persian Gulf
Now more than ever, the Persian Gulf region offers many difficult challenges to U.S. policymakers. How will President Obama's direct appeal to Arabs and Muslims impact U.S. foreign policy in the region? What will the fallout of withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq be? Can the U.S. and its allies prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons?

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 21, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Peace Building and Conflict Resolution
U.S. campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that military force alone cannot ensure peace in all conflicts. How can the U.S. successfully integrate the tools of peace building into its statecraft? At what point do poverty, disease and climate change threaten national security? What role can non-governmental actors play in supporting government led efforts?

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 5, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Bridge and 500
Come to Central Park and play Bridge or 500 with your friends, or meet some friends! The group will meet in the Valley Creek Room at Central Park every Thursday and Friday.

Age: 50 and older
Date: Every Thursday and Friday
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Valley Creek Room A

Bridge Lessons
Are you interested in learning how to play bridge or bush up on your bridge playing? A group meets every Monday for lessons and playing time. Lessons are free but there is a small charge for material costs. For more information, or if you plan to attend for the first time, call Fran Langevin at (651) 739-7834.

Dates: Every Monday
Times: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Valley Creek Room A

Duplicate Bridge
To sign up to play, call Clark Crum at (651) 414-0799.

Dates: Every Monday, except Jan. 18 and Feb. 15
Time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in Valley Creek Room A

50+ Exercise Classes
All three classes are held at Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in Valley Creek Room B and meet on an ongoing/drop-in basis. $4 per time, or purchase a 10-visit punch card for $38. Pay at the class.

Interval Training on Mondays
Class consists of alternating intervals of aerobic and weight training exercises; both seated and standing.

Date/Time: Every Monday from 9:15 to 10 a.m. (No class Monday, May 31)

Stretch and Flex on Tuesdays
Using bands and light hand weights learn techniques to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.

Date/Time: Every Tuesday from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

50+ Yoga/Chair Yoga on Thursdays
Focus is on mind-body connection while developing strength and flexibility. Stretching and yoga poses are done with or without the aid of a chair. Class begins and ends with relaxation and breathing.

Date/Time: Every Thursday from 9:15 to 10 a.m. (No class Thursday, April 22)

Pickleball
Similar to the game of tennis, pickleball is played on a condensed tennis court with a few varied rules.

Free Demo: How to Play Pickleball
An experienced player will teach you the game and rules. Bring water and wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. All ages are welcome. Equipment will be provided. If plan to participate, please call Woodbury Parks and Recreation at (651) 714-3583 - so we know how many to expect.

Date: Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 17 and 19
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Tennis/pickleball courts at Pioneer Park, 2670 Wimbledon Drive
Activity No.: 552006-01

Pickleball
Once you learn how to play, you will have the opportunity to register to play and learn pickleball on a regular basis. More information will be distributed at the demonstration in August.

Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 24 to Sept. 22
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Tennis/pickleball courts at Pioneer Park, 2670 Wimbledon Drive

Driver Improvement Program

Program is coordinated by the St. Cloud State University, Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center. A Minnesota Highway Safety certified instructor teaches the class. Driver safety, confidence and comfort are enhanced by utilizing the most up-to-date research in the field. According to Minnesota law, persons age 55 and older, who complete the course, qualify for a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years. First time participants must complete two four-hour sessions. Repeat participants are required to take a four-hour refresher course.

4-Hour Refresher Class
Monday, April 12, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m.
Monday, June 14, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday, July 12, from noon to 4 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 16, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

8-Hour First-Time Class
Monday and Tuesday, April 12 and 13, from noon to 4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday, May 10 and 11, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday, June 14 and 15, from noon to 4 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday, July 12 and 13, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 16 and 17, from noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, in Valley Creek Room B
Fee: $20 for the four-hour refresher course, $24 for the eight-hour program.

Call the Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center toll free at 1-888-234-1294 for registration or more information.

Adult Trips and Tours
Senior programs are offered to all adults in cooperation with the South Washington County Senior Center.

Mail-in or walk-in registrations at:

• South Washington County Senior Center
• Community Education, District Program Center, 8400 E. Pt. Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove

For further information, contact the Senior Center at (651) 458-6650.

Bus schedules include stops at:

• South Washington County Senior Center
• Newport Lutheran Church, 900 15th Street, Newport
• Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury