Kick start July by registering for a host of free and low-cost programs and events at the Norman P. Murray and Senior Center.
Senior Activities, Classes and Events
The Challenge of Caregiving
“Making the Moments Count” is a new video presentation for caregivers of loved ones suffering from dementia. Prepared and presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, this “how to” presentation by Patty Mouton can lighten the load, hearts and spirits of family and friends. The film will be shown on July 5 and August 2 at 4 p.m.
Travel Emergency Savvy
On July 10, Jan Brown, City excursion chaperone and professional tour coordinator, will discuss how to best prepare for emergencies in both domestic and international travel in this free class from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10. Handouts will be available and refreshments will be served. Registration is required by calling 949-470-3062.
Quit Smoking
If you are seeking help to stop smoking, register today for the five free 45-minute sessions by the Anaheim Regional Medical Center. The sessions are on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. from July 10 through August 7. Registration is required by calling 949-470-3062.
Grand Gatherings
The National Charity League (Canyon Chapter) moms and daughters will plan exciting theme parties for grandparents with grandchildren ages 3-7 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays from July 11 through August 18. Register for this free program a week in advance by calling 949-470-3062.
July 11 – Western Day
July 18 – Circus Day
July 25 – Princesses and Pirates Dress Up Day
August 1 – Hawaiian Luau
August 8 – Outdoor Adventures/Picnic Day
August 15 – Bring Your Pet Day
Amazing Experience
Better know and appreciate the people who volunteer and spend time at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center when you hear their life experiences. Stop by at 4:00 p.m. each Wednesday to hear presentations by folks who may share similar experiences. On July 11, Doreen Durand from England will present, followed by Shirley Greenes from Bronx N.Y. on July 18 and Julie Wu from China on July 25.
Mission Viejo Lake Cruise & Potluck July 13
Bring your favorite entree (serving eight) to share after enjoying an early evening cruise around Lake Mission Viejo. The cruise starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Complimentary wine and appetizers will be served onboard.
Cost is $5 for Lake Mission Viejo members and $7 general admission. An advance ticket purchase is required. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2838.
Summer Senior Sunday
Enjoy the “Old Summertime” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 15. Sponsored by Park Terrace Senior Living, this Summer Senior Sunday includes refreshments, entertainment and Bingo all for $3. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2834.
AARP Driver Safety Program – Refresher Course
AARP provides classroom training designed for people 50 and older. Auto insurance rates could be reduced for those who successfully complete this 4-hour refresher course. To be eligible for the course, you must have completed the full 8-hour course within the past 3 years. Register at the Information Desk with a check made out to AARP. Cost is $12/AARP members and $14/non-members.
Living Well with Diabetes
Local health care professionals present timely information to help diabetics live life to the fullest.
On July 19 at 12:30 p.m., Dr. Niraj Desai of Atlantis Eye Care will discuss eye complications and diabetics. The program is free and registration is available by calling 949-470-3062.
Foot Care
Arshia Roohian, DPM, will discuss general foot care and Neuropathy in this free class at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 19. Find out what’s causing that pain, tingling, weakness or loss of feeling in your legs, feet or toes and what you can do about it.
Registration for the free class is available by calling 949-470-3062.
Tea @ Three Concert Featuring Cellists
Enjoy this annual summer tea party at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 26. Hosted by the National Charity League Canyon Chapter, the concert features advanced student cellists from Pioneer School of Music.
A $3 advance ticket purchase is required and tickets are available at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2836.
Community Classes and Events
Breakfast with Gary and Kelly Saturday, July 14
Enjoy “Breakfast with Gary and Kelly” livecast featuring jazz great David Benoit on Saturday, July 14. The livecast will begin at 9 a.m. The audience will be admitted for the 10 a.m. to noon portion, and the final hour will be videotaped for later broadcast on the city’s MVTV Channel 30 and Saddleback College Channel 39 on the Cox Cable system. Admission is free but seating is limited. For more information on the Radio on TV monthly series and how to become part of the audience for the July 14 show, tune to 88.5 KSBR or visit www.KSBR.org. (Please note that while the name of the show is “Breakfast with Gary and Kelly,” it really is just the name of the show, and the only food being served is coffee and perhaps some muffins.)
Shoot Better Digital Photos Workshop
Confused by all the information in your owner’s manual? Explore the potential of your digital camera in this hands-on workshop Saturday, July 21 and learn how to use your camera’s settings to turn your snapshots into high-quality photographs. Bring your camera and manual to the class that takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s open to ages 16 and older. Cost is $45 and registration is available at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2831.
Cake Decorating for Beginners
Learn to decorate a cake with roses, leaves, floral sprays, grapes, shells, borders, stars and more. Bring a 3” high 8” round Duncan Hines white cake on a 10” cake board to the class that takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. The class is open to age 10 and older. Cost is $29 plus a $30 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2875.
Photo II: Landscape & Travel Photography
Learn about shutter speeds, depth-of-field and perspective on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 23 through August 27. Seeing light, composition, color and creating moods are all presented. Bring your camera and manual. The class is for folks age 16 and older. Cost is $78 and registration is available at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2830.
Introduction to Photoshop
Bring your laptop computer with any version of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements on it and learn how to enhance and retouch your digital photographs. In this popular class that takes place on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 26 to August 30, the focus begins with retouching tools, selections and layers, and then moves into using them together. Ages 16 and older are invited to participate. Cost is $97 and registration is available at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2848.
Youth Classes
Cartoon Drawing facilitated by Young Rembrandts
This fun-filled program combines hands-on teaching with light-hearted subject matter engaging children, their sense of humor and imaginations. The program takes place on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 3-31. Cost is $63 and registration is available at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2828.
Move to the Beat of Your Heart
This dance program is designed to give children with special needs the opportunity to express themselves through the art of dance and build confidence for everyday life. The class is from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 and July 25. Participants range in age from 11 to 14 but the class is flexible. Cost is $5 and registration is available at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2812.
Summer Sewing Camp
Don’t miss this Summer Sewing Camp July 23-26. Students will design and create their own fashions using a sewing machine while learning about fabric selection and how to follow a variety of patterns. No experience is necessary for the camp that runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday for ages 8 – 17. Cost is $175 plus a $25 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2861.
American Doll Fashion Sewing Camp
Design, plan and create your very own doll fashions in this special camp that takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Wednesday July 23-25. Students will select fabrics and learn to follow a pattern while mastering basic sewing skills and will work on a complete outfit. The program caters to ages 8-14. Cost is $125 plus a $20 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2682.
American Doll Nighty Night
Design and create a one-of-a-kind quilt and pillow set while learning to sew on Friday, July 27 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sewing basics are taught along with various sewing stitches. No experience is necessary. The class is for ages 8-14. Cost is $65 plus a $20 lab fee payable to instructor. Register at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2690.
The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, call 949-470-3062.


