Classes for Older Adults   

This course is designed for people who have completed at least 2 years of Conversational Spanish. A more complex look at Spanish Grammar is a part of this class.  Learn even more about different Spanish cultures throughout the world. Improve your reading and comprehension as well. In this conversation course, you will be given the opportunity to communicate using the Spanish you have been learning through former classes. This practice will enhance your travel, work, and everyday interactions with Spanish-speaking people.

Prerequisite: Completion of "Spanish Intermediate B" is necessary to take this class. You can also enroll with instructor permission. Please reach out to our office to receive instructor permission 925-424-1467.  

Required Text: Advanced Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Advanced Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Advanced Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble) 

Please note that this is a HYBRID course; you can come in-person or Zoom in online from home. 

Age range: 20+

During this class you will learn how to manage pictures on your computer. Also, find out how to name, rename, and move pictures into folders to get organized. We will take a look at using the Photo Gallery and minor editing of pictures, such as cropping and making enhancements. We will use pictures for desktop backgrounds and insert a picture into Microsoft Word to manipulate for flyers, invitations, and other printed materials. This is a great class held over Zoom. (Not for Apple/Mac users.) 

Please note that this is a LIVE REMOTE class, meaning that your class is live online during the date and time listed. You will be sent a zoom meeting link prior to the start of class. The instructor does not record classes. 

Age range: 18+

If you are thinking of doing a bath remodel, this class is for you! You will learn what you should consider before you do a remodel—budget, design considerations, contractor selection, and more! Resources and tips will be given along with how to budget for your new bath.  Most importantly, you will learn about fine tuning the small details in a bath design that can often turn into costly mistakes.

Age range: 18+

If you are thinking of doing a bath remodel, this class is for you! You will learn what you should consider before you do a remodel—budget, design considerations, contractor selection, and more! Resources and tips will be given along with how to budget for your new bath.  Most importantly, you will learn about fine tuning the small details in a bath design that can often turn into costly mistakes.

Age range: 18+

Beginning Conversational Spanish starts with language fundamentals including the alphabet, pronunciation, basic vocabulary and grammar rules. Emphasis is placed on simple conversational situations. Students learn sentences and phrases they need to express themselves in Spanish at work and while traveling.

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 18+

This workshop is for runners of all abilities. Whether you’re a new or seasoned runner, your form can make all the difference in how you feel during and after your workout. Chi Running, based on the principles of Tai Chi is designed to maximize energy and minimize strain, helping you feel energized as you increase your distance and duration. But Chi Running isn’t just about enhancing endurance and speed, it’s also about minimizing impact and reducing the risk of injury. Run smarter, not harder. Learn the essentials of Chi Running —a technique that combines Tai Chi principles with the sport of running. At the workshop, you’ll learn to run in a way that feels natural, protects your joints and builds endurance over time. You will be guided through exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the Chi Running technique feels like in your body. You will learn and practice how to: develop, maintain, and body sense good posture and alignment and how to avoid over-using your legs by engaging the power of your core and moving forward from your center. You’ll also learn focuses and unique tips and visualizations for efficient arm swing, cadence and more to help conserve energy, vary speed and avoid injury. We will not be doing lots of running, so no matter what condition you’re in, have no fear. Learn, improve and have fun. 

 

Location will be either the indoor or outdoor track, depending on weather conditions. 

 

Registration number is limited to ensure personal attention, so register early to guarantee a place in the class. Bonus – Reference materials will be emailed post event. For more information about the class, please view here. 

Age range: 16+

Walking is the most accessible form of exercise. However, how you walk dictates how stress moves through your body while walking. The Chi Walking technique emphasizes walking form—the proper and effective biomechanics of walking and is based on key principles from Tai Chi—shift your workload to the core muscles and move from your center to make walking easier on the body. Most walkers overuse their legs for propulsion, which can lead to fatigue, overuse, impact and injury. Through simple, mindful walking drills and exercises you will learn and practice how to: develop and maintain good posture and use the power of your core for walking and balance, engage efficient arm swing for different walking speeds, breathe more freely and increase endurance. You will also learn how to loosen joints for flexibility, engage your whole body and more. Suitable for individuals of all conditioning and experience levels interested in enhancing the health benefits of walking and avoiding injury. The class will be on the indoor track and classroom. Registration number is limited to ensure personal attention so register early to guarantee a place in the class. Bonus – Reference materials will be emailed post event.

Age range: 18+

Don’t let your computer control you! Find out what you should and should NOT click on. Instructor will discuss scams to know about; frustrating and suspicious popups; advertisements; your haywire computer, e-mail ads, and links. (Not for Apple/Mac users, or tablets.) 

Age range: 18+

Discover the vibrant rhythms and dynamic movements of Salsa Cubana! Whether new to salsa or looking to refine your skills, this class is perfect for you. This course is designed to teach you the fundamental steps and techniques of Cuban Salsa, ensuring you build a solid foundation. No partner or prior experience is required – just bring your enthusiasm and energy. By the end of this course, you’ll feel confident on the dance floor and ready to shine.

Age range: 18+

 In what could be the most enlightening webinar you’ve ever taken, our instructor and professional voice coach will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead!  Age range: 18+

 In what could be the most enlightening webinar you’ve ever taken, our instructor and professional voice coach will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead!  Age range: 18+

 In what could be the most enlightening webinar you’ve ever taken, our instructor and professional voice coach will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. Most people go about it the wrong way. In this introductory class, you will learn about a unique, outside the box way to break into this creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative industry. Voice-overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead!  Age range: 18+

Join Jennifer Thaete, Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, as she reviews and discusses the primary legal documents most commonly used in creating an estate plan including: Trusts, Wills, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney; She will cover the Pros and Cons of these options; and a general overview of Probate and Conservatorship will be discussed in concert with the above.  All information is in plain English, and handouts will be provided. 

Age range: 18+

Join Jennifer Thaete, Estate Planning and Probate Attorney, as she reviews and discusses the primary legal documents most commonly used in creating an estate plan including: Trusts, Wills, Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney; She will cover the Pros and Cons of these options; and a general overview of Probate and Conservatorship will be discussed in concert with the above.  All information is in plain English, and handouts will be provided. 

Age range: 18+

You’ve paid into the Social Security program for over 30 years, and doesn’t it make sense to learn how to get the maximum Social Security Benefits you’re entitled to? There are four major mistakes that you don’t want to make when you file for Social Security Benefits.

• Mistake of Taking Retirement Social Security Benefits Early
• Not planning for Widow’s Social Security Survivor Benefits
• Divorced Spousal Survivor Benefits
• Factors to Consider When Applying for Social Security Benefits

The good news is that they are all easy to avoid with a little preplanning. Don’t wait until the last minute to discover your benefits options.

Age range:18+

Please note: Community Education and Las Positas College to not offer or endorse financial advice. Please consult your financial and/or investment advisor regarding changes to your financial planning situation.

You’ve paid into the Social Security program for over 30 years, and doesn’t it make sense to learn how to get the maximum Social Security Benefits you’re entitled to? There are four major mistakes that you don’t want to make when you file for Social Security Benefits.

• Mistake of Taking Retirement Social Security Benefits Early
• Not planning for Widow’s Social Security Survivor Benefits
• Divorced Spousal Survivor Benefits
• Factors to Consider When Applying for Social Security Benefits

The good news is that they are all easy to avoid with a little preplanning. Don’t wait until the last minute to discover your benefits options.

Age range:18+

Please note: Community Education and Las Positas College to not offer or endorse financial advice. Please consult your financial and/or investment advisor regarding changes to your financial planning situation.

You’ve paid into the Social Security program for over 30 years, and doesn’t it make sense to learn how to get the maximum Social Security Benefits you’re entitled to? There are four major mistakes that you don’t want to make when you file for Social Security Benefits.

• Mistake of Taking Retirement Social Security Benefits Early
• Not planning for Widow’s Social Security Survivor Benefits
• Divorced Spousal Survivor Benefits
• Factors to Consider When Applying for Social Security Benefits

The good news is that they are all easy to avoid with a little preplanning. Don’t wait until the last minute to discover your benefits options.

Age range:18+

Please note: Community Education and Las Positas College to not offer or endorse financial advice. Please consult your financial and/or investment advisor regarding changes to your financial planning situation.

Class continues after Beginning Conversational Spanish series. Students build upon their prior knowledge to develop the foundational vocabulary necessary to carry on basic conversations such as greetings, farewells, addresses, phone numbers, directions, and interaction with other Spanish speakers. Students also learn more about how Spanish culture differs in various Spanish speaking countries throughout the world. Students' conversation and reading abilities will improve with this intermediate series. 

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 18+

Class continues after Beginning Conversational Spanish and Intermediate Spanish A. Students build upon their prior knowledge to develop the foundational vocabulary necessary to carry on basic conversations such as greetings, farewells, addresses, phone numbers, directions, and interaction with other Spanish speakers. Students also learn more about how Spanish culture differs in various Spanish speaking countries throughout the world. Students' conversation and reading abilities will improve with this intermediate series. 

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 18+

This carefully designed introductory course provides students with the foundational skills to speak, read, and type Mandarin Chinese at a basic level. The course emphasizes the use of the Pinyin Romanization system to support accurate pronunciation and effective language learning. Students will also begin working with simplified Chinese characters, learning how to recognize and type them using Pinyin-based input methods.

Designed for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of the Chinese language, this course offers a supportive environment for developing essential communication skills. In addition to language instruction, students will explore key elements of Chinese culture, enriching their understanding of the language in context.

Materials: All course materials are provided free of charge and shared via Google Classroom.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Use the Pinyin Romanization system as a pronunciation guide for Mandarin Chinese

• Recognize and type simplified Chinese characters using Pinyin input methods

• Develop basic skills in speaking, reading, and typing Mandarin Chinese

• Gain an introductory understanding of Chinese culture and traditions

Age range: 16+

Are you interested in taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), living or studying in Japan, or working in the animation and gaming industry? This class is for the academically inclined individual not afraid to take a deep dive into the complicated world of Japanese grammar, reading, and writing. We will cover both hiragana, katakana, and an introduction to Kanji. Let’s study Japanese!    

Instructor Belardino: The instructor is half Japanese, lived in Japan for almost twenty years, is credentialed, and is a certificated language teacher. She is also a member of the American Association of Teachers Japanese and the California Association of Japanese Language Teachers.    

Required Book: GENKI 1 Textbook and Workbook 3rd Edition 

The textbook introduces the Japanese language in a manner that is extremely easy to understand. If you have any sort of disability, please let the instructor know, and she will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

Age range: 16+

Please note: This is a live remote class. You will meet on zoom during the scheduled days and times. The instructor will email the zoom link and important information before the first class meeting. Any sort of recording, either via Zoom or third party software, is strictly prohibited for this course. Thank you for your understanding. Her goal is to transform the “remote” environment into a safe, engaging, space where students can freely ask questions, and have an enjoyable learning experience. She does request that all students who sign up for her classes turn their cameras on to optimize the virtual learning experience.

Are you interested in taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), living or studying in Japan, or working in the animation and gaming industry? This class is for the academically inclined individual not afraid to take a deep dive into the complicated world of Japanese grammar, reading, and writing. We will cover both hiragana, katakana, and an introduction to Kanji. Let’s study Japanese!    

Instructor Belardino: The instructor is half Japanese, lived in Japan for almost twenty years, is credentialed, and is a certificated language teacher. She is also a member of the American Association of Teachers Japanese and the California Association of Japanese Language Teachers.    

Required Book: GENKI 1 Textbook and Workbook 3rd Edition 

The textbook introduces the Japanese language in a manner that is extremely easy to understand. If you have any sort of disability, please let the instructor know, and she will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

Age range: 16+

Please note: This is a live remote class. You will meet on zoom during the scheduled days and times. The instructor will email the zoom link and important information before the first class meeting. Any sort of recording, either via Zoom or third party software, is strictly prohibited for this course. Thank you for your understanding. Her goal is to transform the “remote” environment into a safe, engaging, space where students can freely ask questions, and have an enjoyable learning experience. She does request that all students who sign up for her classes turn their cameras on to optimize the virtual learning experience.

If you are thinking of doing a kitchen remodel, this class is for you! You will learn what you should consider before you do a remodel—budget, design considerations, contractor selection, and much more. Resources and tips will be given along with how to budget for your new kitchen.  Most importantly, you will learn about fine tuning the small details in a kitchen design that can often turn into costly mistakes.

Age range: 18+

This engaging session explores how quality sleep is a cornerstone of stress recovery, emotional regulation, and overall wellness. You will learn evidence-based sleep hygiene strategies, assess their current habits, and leave with a personalized wind-down plan to enhance rest and resilience.

By the end of the workshop, you will 

• Understand the science behind sleep and its relationship with stress and cortisol regulation.
• Identify personal barriers to quality sleep.
• Apply practical sleep hygiene strategies in daily life.
• Design a personalized, calming wind-down routine to improve sleep consistency and quality.

Age range: 16+

This engaging session explores how quality sleep is a cornerstone of stress recovery, emotional regulation, and overall wellness. You will learn evidence-based sleep hygiene strategies, assess their current habits, and leave with a personalized wind-down plan to enhance rest and resilience.

By the end of the workshop, you will 

• Understand the science behind sleep and its relationship with stress and cortisol regulation.
• Identify personal barriers to quality sleep.
• Apply practical sleep hygiene strategies in daily life.
• Design a personalized, calming wind-down routine to improve sleep consistency and quality.

Age range: 16+

We will venture to Oakland Harbor Shoreline Park, a 38-acre park with a bay side tidal mudflat, to study and observe the spring shorebirds as they transition into breeding plumage prior to commencing spring migration to northern breeding grounds. This study is ideal for all levels of birding. Beginning birders: come and build your birding skills!

Age Range: These classes are designed for those 11+ (parents can accompany their children) and seniors.

Location: This course is held in-person, offsite at Middle Harbor Shoreline, Oakland CA. Specific meeting location information will be distributed to attendees prior to the start of class. Rain cancels the trip. No pets allowed.

About your guide: Rich Cimino was on the conservation chair for Ohlone Audubon and a past member of the California State stakeholder committee on permitting the Altamont Pass Wind Turbine Resource area. He also volunteered for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory for twelve years. Moreover, Rich is the creator of the Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count and the owner and field trip leader of Yellowbilledtours.com

Step into the calm strength of Tai Chi through the selected movements from the widely practiced Tai Chi 24-Forms, a simplified, graceful routine. This course is designed for adults seeking to improve balance, flexibility, mental clarity, and overall wellness in a supportive, non-competitive environment.You will learn the selected movements from 24 standardized movements at a comfortable pace, with attention to posture, breath, body alignment, and the gentle coordination of mind and movement. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, support healthy aging, or cultivate a moving meditation practice, this class provides the perfect foundation.

What you’ll gain:

• Improved balance and body awareness
• Stress relief and inner calm
• Enhanced coordination, flexibility, and circulation
• A structured introduction to one of the world’s most practiced Tai Chi forms

Classes include warm-ups, step-by-step form instruction, and opportunities to revisit and refine movements over time. No special equipment needed—just wear comfortable clothing and bring your curiosity. Join us to explore the timeless flow of Tai Chi and leave each session feeling grounded, energized, and at ease.

Age range: all ages welcome

Discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of the East Bay Hills and Mount Diablo Range in this California Naturalist course. Through a blend of online classes with guest lectures, and in-person field trips, participants explore the region’s diverse habitats—from oak woodlands and chaparral to serpentine grasslands—while learning about its geology, ecology, and deep cultural significance to Indigenous peoples. Participants who complete the course are certified as UC California Naturalists and are eligible for 4 undergraduate units through UC Davis.   

Within the framework of the UC Environmental Stewards, this course combines science, service and place-based learning.

You will engage in:

• Science curriculum exploring the geology, soils, hydrology, vegetation communities and wildlife of the East Bay Hills and Mount Diablo;

• Field trips and hands-on investigation at local natural areas in the East Bay hills and Mount Diablo to directly observe and document ecological patterns;

• Guest lectures and community science projects that link you to ongoing conservation, restoration and citizen-science efforts in the region;

• Project-based learning that empowers you to design or participate in stewardship activities—whether monitoring a sensitive species, mapping habitat change, or assisting a local land-trust initiative.
   

By the end of the course, you will not only have gained a strong foundation in the natural history and ecology of this unique California landscape, but you will also be prepared to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and restoration.

Age range: 14+

Have you thought about watercolor painting but do not know where to start? This course if for beginners, or those who would like to refresh their basic watercolor skills. With the guidance of local artist Thomasin Dewhurst, you will practice the art of watercolor painting, the techniques, materials to use, composition, plus aspects of both realism and more expressive painting. Your instructor will include demonstration as you learn. Students completing this course will have the skills to better paint on their own, or even participate in more advanced workshops and art events, such as Paint Livermore.

The materials fee of $10 includes all of the tools and supplies that you will need during the course. This is due to the instructor the first day of class. Cash only. 

Age range: 16+

This is an adult-friendly Windows 11 class! See how to use the desktop and the new taskbar. We’ll also explore the start menu and related features. In addition, you will learn about the new design, the use of widgets, and how Windows 11 is organized. (Not for Apple/Mac users.) 

Please note that this is a LIVE REMOTE class, meaning that your class is live online during the date and time listed. You will be sent a zoom meeting link prior to the start of class. The instructor does not record classes. 

Age range: 18+

The instructor will show you how to save files with Microsoft Word and your free installed Windows 10 and 11 word processors. We will also cover how to create a PDF file and why we would use them. You will see how to view, organize, and find your documents, as well as place them on flash drives, external drives, and the cloud. We’ll explore features to preview documents without opening them and attach documents to your e-mail for sending. 

Age range: 18+

The World Migratory Bird Day is held on the second Saturday in May of every year and inspires the community to celebrate and help protect our amazing birds. Celebrate this day with Rich at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton; he will do a real-time, on-site tutorial of the eBird App by Cornell Lab; it is an easy and free way to record your field findings and allows the community to contribute to Cornell University’s annual species population survey. Also, Rich will help enter you observations in real-time into your eBird account so that you can contribute your findings on this important day.

What to Bring: Download the free eBird App in advance, binoculars, hat, layered clothing, comfortable shoes, insect repellant, sunscreen, and water.

• Apple eBird App Download Information
• Android eBird App Download Information

Age Range: These classes are designed for young adults 11 and over (parents can accompany their children) and seniors.    

Location: Shadow Cliffs East Bay Regional Park, Pleasanton CA. Parking lot directly behind the entry pay booth. Entry Fee for Shadow Cliffs is $6.00. Students are responsible for this fee. Specific meeting location to the field site will be distributed to attendees.