Registration is available for a host of free and low-cost programs and classes available this month at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
Club of Many Languages
If you enjoy speaking another language, then don’t miss the “Club of Many Languages” that gathers at 2 p.m. on the last Monday of the month.
Whether you are a native speaker or just want to practice another language, this club is for anyone who enjoys speaking another language.
Senior mentors sought
Seniors are sought to give an hour of their time helping a Newhart Middle School student with homework. Mentors are sought from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to help jump start a successful school year for a local kid. For more information, call 949-470-3036.
Cell Phone Clinic
If your cell phone functions are a mystery, register for the Cell Phone Clinic that takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. the second Sunday of each month.
You’ll receive step-by-step instruction on the operations of your phone by members of the City’s Student Activity Committee. The service is available by appointment only, and advance registration is required.
Brain Health
This free program, which is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, uses physical movement to promote mental activity while participants have fun with balance activities, partners, language, rhythm and more. It is sponsored by Healthy at Home.
Senior Computer Classes
Learn computer basics and Internet skills in three classes held on Fridays designed to help you navigate the computer and World Wide Web.
The classes are held at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Topics include computer basics (10/14 and 11/4); Introduction to the Internet (10/21 and 9/18); and Internet Shortcuts (10/28). Laptops are provided. Each class is $15 to attend. Pre-registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Ready to Quit Smoking? You Can Do It!
If you are ready to kick your smoking habit, then join Anaheim Regional Medical Center counselors for two 45-minute sessions at 4:00pm on Oct. 4 and Oct. 11 to find encouragement, understanding and tobacco cessation education through a group-sharing process. This free program also includes a 6-week supply of free patches.
Reservations are required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
It’s Your $
Mature adults will gain invaluable advice about investments and more in this free workshop that starts on Friday, Oct. 7.
The “It’s Your $” workshop, moderated by finance expert Peter C. Kote, is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through Oct. 28. The workshop will give folks an objective education about their money, with information about long-term care on Oct. 7; equity investing on Oct. 14; and fixed-income investing on Oct. 21. No products or services will be sold. Reservations are required and are available by calling 949-470-3062.
Throat Changes of Aging with Dr. Verma of UC Irvine Healthcare
Participants in this free program will learn management options for voice, breathing and swallowing along with how to keep their throats healthy. The program is at 12;30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Registration is required and is available by calling 949-470-3062.
If You Drive …You Need to Know
A panel of experts from the California Highway Patrol, California Department of Insurance, Department of Motor Vehicles and others will discuss considerations for the “what ifs” in driving. This free course is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. Refreshments will be served.
Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Balance and Wellness Class
This 10-week series offers personal/individual attention that will help you maintain and improve your balance and will result in visible improvement. Pre and post assessments will validate your progress if you follow your assigned exercise routine. Corrections and changes in your routine behavior can make a difference.
This contract class (# 2478) is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday from Oct. 11 to Dec. 13. It is presented by Balance Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. Cost is $75 per person for the 10-week series. Registration is available by calling 949-470-3062 or online registration.
Osteoporosis Myths and Facts
Nurse Maggie Meyer, a specialist in bone health, will lead this free presentation at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11 that will focus on calcium, weight-bearing exercises and foods that can help prevent osteoporosis. The program is sponsored by Mission Hospital. Reservations are required and are available by calling 949-470-3062.
Get in the “NO”
Learn how to protect you, your home and your family from Elder Abuse in this free program at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. This program will teach you how to say “NO” when you see, hear or experience things you don’t like or you know are wrong. Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Oktoberfest Luncheon
Enjoy a delectable meal of bratwurst, German potato salad, beer (non-alcoholic) and apple crisp while listening to some of your favorite songs performed by Clarence Ulrich.
This Oktoberfest luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. and includes a suggested $4 donation for seniors (60 and over) and a $5.50 general admission donation. Reservations are required by Tuesday, Oct. 11 and can be made by calling 949-470-3063.
Elks Dinner Dance
Community members on Sunday, Oct. 16 are invited to enjoy a no-host bar, dinner, live dance music and prizes sponsored by the local Elks Lodge #2444.
The fun is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $7 and must be purchased in advance at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center by Oct. 14. No tickets sold at the door.
Medicare Advantage Plans
This free program at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18 will help you understand your options for HMO, PPO, and others to make the system work for you. The program will cover the types of plans; comparing plans; advantages and disadvantages; your obligations as a Medicare Advantage member; how to get appropriate medical care; and enrollment rules.
This free program is presented by HICAP of OC Council on Aging. Reservations are required and available at 949-470-3062.
Living Well with Diabetes
People with diabetes can share information and obtain timely information from local health care professionals that will help them to live life to the fullest.
This free program is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Reservations are available by calling 949-470-3062.
Get Mobile: Senior Transportation Workshop
The public is invited to the Senior Transportation Workshop from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21.
The program will help people to “get mobile again” with public resources to support their needs. Presenters from OCTA Access, Agewell, California Yellow Cab, Dayle McIntosh Center; the City’s Dial-A-Taxi and the “Go Local” program will provide information and answer questions.
Reservations are required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Fashionable for Less
On Sunday, Oct. 23, the American Cancer Discovery Shop in Laguna Niguel will demonstrate how people can be fashionable with “thrifty finds” to complete a total look. The 3 p.m. program includes tea and goodies while models of all ages show ensembles that are “too reasonable to be true.”
A $3 advance ticket purchase is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Digital Photography
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to become a better photographer, now’s your chance.
The Digital Photography class with Art Ramirez will teach participants the basics and much more from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays Oct. 24 through Nov. 21.
The class cost $10 per class or $40 for all five sessions. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
Options for Osteoarthritis
In this Options for Osteoarthritis class on October 26, you’ll learn new things to consider before or instead of having joint replacement and much more from the Arthritis Foundation.
The free program starts at 9:30 a.m. Registration is available by calling 949-470-3062.
Vaccine Information for Seniors
Melody Davidson, a Mission Hospital clinical nurse specialist, will provide information at 1 p.m. regarding the benefits and possible side effects of flu, pneumonia and Tdap vaccinations.
Reservations for this free program are required and available at 949-470-3062.
Harvest Moon Line Dance Party
Kick up your heels while sporting your favorite costume to compete for prizes at the Oct. 28 Moon Line Dance Party.
Light refreshments will be served, and young adults are welcome to join the fun. The beginning country line dance kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with the fun for more advance dancers following at 8 p.m.
Cost is $7. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
Halloween Luncheon
The person who wears the best costume to the Halloween luncheon on Oct. 31 will receive a prize.
The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and includes entertainment by the Darden Family Singers.
Reservations are required by Tuesday, Oct. 26 by calling 949-470-3063. There is a suggested $4 donation for seniors (age 60 and over) and $5.50 general admission donation to attend.

What is the date of the Octoberfest luncheon????????????
I friend sent a copy! Please, send info. to us each month. Very helpful! Thank you, Lis and Walter
Thank you, the Behnke’s
Oktoberfest Luncheon at the NPM Center is Friday 10/14/11 served at 11:30am. If you would like to attend, please make a reservation 2 days in advance at 470-3063.
The “Senior Update” monthly calendar is available on the city website. Copies are available at all City facilities. You can also complete a subscription form at the NPM Information Desk with a fee of $8 for monthly mailing to your home.
Will there be any beginning bridge lessons starting in the near future?
The community center will be hosting an Easy Beginners Bridge class in the winter. The class will begin on Tuesday, January 10 and will last for 8 weeks. The cost is $48, plus a $12 material fee payable upon registration. Registration is available by calling 949-470-3062 or online at http://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org