Registration is now available for a host of free and low-cost classes and programs available at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in March.
Community Classes and Events
Family Music
Through activities that bridge the natural connection between music and movement, your child’s musical aptitude and listening abilities are enhanced and further developed. This Family Music class is every Monday March 30 through May 18. It caters to youth age 15 months to 3.5 years. Two morning sessions are available. Cost is $80. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing either course #3810 or 3811.
New! Beginning Spanish
In the Beginning Spanish program, students learn simple conversation and vocabulary for everyday use.
By the end of the course, students 18 and older will be able to express themselves in the present tense and irregular verbs. The class is Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 16 through April 20. Cost is $144 plus a $10 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing either course #3771.
Baby Boot Camp
Classes are packed with cardiovascular interval drills, circuit training and strength exercises. This is a total-body workout you can do with the comfort of your child safely in the stroller next to you. Morning classes take place in March, April and May. Cost is $55. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3784, course #3785 or course #3786.
New! Zumba
Zumba features exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! This fun-filled morning class at 9 a.m., which caters to all fitness levels, takes place in two sessions from March 24 through April 21 and again from April 28 to May 26. Cost is $12 per class or $50 per session. Senior will receive a 10 percent discount. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3782, course #3785 or course #3783.
New! Women’s Self Defense
Designed specifically for women and busy moms, this class covers easy defense, verbal boundaries, emotions and adrenaline, defense stances and strikes and fitness for defense and health. The hour-long class is open to age 16 and older and takes place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. March 25 through May 20. Cost is $99. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3773.
New! Pet Portraits
Learn how to paint an 8×10 portrait of your beloved pet using watercolor. Bring a 5×7 headshot to this new class that takes place from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday March 19 to April 23. A list of supplies is available upon registration. The course is open to age 18 and older. Cost is $60. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3792.
How to Paint your Easter Eggs with Creative Designs
Bring your imagination and learn how to decorate your Easter eggs in unique ways during this fun class from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Eggs and art supplies are provided. The course is open to age 8 and older. Cost is $15. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3802.
Succulent Wreath
This class will provide hands-on learning to create and care for your own long-lasting living wreath. Wreaths provided are 11” galvanized metal frame, filled with a high-quality sphagnum moss. Assortments of pre-cut succulent cuttings are provided. Students can choose from a circle, heart or cross wreath. The class, which is open to age 16 and older, is from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. Cost is $59 plus a $35 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3823.
Chair Yoga
Students will receive the health and fitness benefits of yoga, improving their flexibility and strength and creating a calm mind and peaceful spirit. The Chair Yoga class takes place in two sessions on Tuesday at 10 a.m. March 24 through April 21 and April 28 through May 26. Cost is $12 per class or $50 for five classes. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3774 or course #3775.
Senior Classes and Events
Second Time Around Jewelry/Accessories
The Norman P. Murray Community Center is seeking gently used jewelry and accessories for the annual Second Time Around sale in May that benefits the American Cancer Society. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
Free help in filing federal and state income tax returns for low-to-moderate income taxpayers of all ages is available by appointment between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday March 3 through April 9. AARP Taxaide volunteers have been trained and certified by the IRS for preparation of both federal and California state tax returns. All returns will be E-filed.
DMV Update
On March 5, you will meet the local DMV senior driver ombudsman – the “go-between” – to ensure senior drivers are treated fairly, consistent with laws, regulation, dignity and respect. Learn about new 2015 DMV testing procedures. The program is at 1 p.m. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Hearing Loss Association
Linda Daily, a senior field technology specialist for Starkey Hearing Technologies, will discuss the new advance in wireless technology available to the hearing impaired at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 9.
Get in Their Bucket: Helping Friends Grieve
Learn how to offer a bereaved friend meaningful support. Expert Becky Lomaka will lead this interactive presentation that will cover what to say and how to help during times of crisis. This free presentation is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Diabetes/Chronic Conditions Speakers & Support Group
Sponsored by Monarch Health Care and American Diabetes Association, the free program is at 12:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
3/19 Healthy Meal Planning
4/16 Eating Out – How to Order
5/21 Arthritis – Both Kinds
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
Wear green and celebrate with friends on the day when everyone is Irish! Entertainer Clarence Ulrich will sing your favorite tunes during this fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 17. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now. There is a $4.50 suggested donation for seniors. Cost for non-seniors is $6. Reservations are available by calling 949-470-3063.
Medicine and the Law
Learn more about the liability release forms you must complete to receive medical care. The Orange County Bar Association will help you understand what is included on these forms. This free program is at 1 p.m. on March 17. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
The Affordable Care Act & Medicare
Learn the ways that Obamacare has impacted Medicare and people over 65. Presented by HICAP, the free presentation is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Oso Creek Trail Nature Walks
Enjoy a leisurely 2-hour nature walk each month with naturalist Mike Clayton along the Oso Creek Trial. The walk, which starts at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, will give you a chance to observe the seasonal changes of local nature. It takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Register for this free program by calling 949-470-3062.
Numbness, Tingling, Pricking or Weakness?
Twenty million people in the U.S. have some form of Peripheral Neuropathy – interference with transmitting data between the central nervous system and body parts. Learn about this condition and what you can do from Maziar Zamani, MD., of Monarch Health Care. The program is at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. Register for this free program by calling 949-470-3062.
Annual Newhart Middle School Concert
Join parents and the community in enjoying the amazing talents of Newhart Middle School musicians performing spring concerts at the community center. The fun begins at 11 a.m. on March 27.
Put Dance into Your Spring
Kick up your heels and enjoy spring! On March 29, high school students will display their “new moves” while you enjoy ballroom classics. This intergenerational dance event, which takes place from 2 to 4 p.m., has something for all music lovers and has become an annual “must-do” with refreshments and lots of participation. Register for this free program by calling 949-470-3062.
Adventure in Travel
Experience the wonders of Peru without leaving Mission Viejo. Community center local Jan Brown will narrate her slideshow of pictures from her recent adventures in Peru. This free program is at 6 p.m. on March 31. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Senior Biography Day Interviews
Calling all seniors interested in receiving a free personal biography written by a middle school student. The program is from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 1. Seniors and students will reunite in June for the biography presentation and a pizza lunch. To participate in this great program, call 470-3036.
The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, call 949-470-3062.