Boomer Nation classes begin Tuesday
By Jodelle GreinerMARSHALL - Have an interest in painting, computers, dancing or genealogy?
Those are just a few of the things you can learn through Marshall Community Services' Boomer Nation classes, which start Tuesday.
"Boomers 45 to 65 are very highly active," said Doug Goodmund, assistant director of MCS. "They want to continue their education and experience life. There's some great opportunities to learn and meet new people. Get them involved in community events and programs."
Goodmund added that the Boomer Nation classes are open to anyone, regardless of age.
Some classes are free, others have a small fee. Those wishing to attend are asked to sign up before so the instructors know how many are coming and prepare materials accordingly.
Mike Prahl from the Social Security office will be the instructor for "Social Security and You" from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. There is no fee.
Dr. Michael S. Hanson will conduct several classes, the first of which is Healthy Resolutions from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Adult Community Center. Learn about the body, nutrition and weight loss. Fee is $10. Dr. Hanson's next class is acupuncture on Feb. 24.
A beginning genealogy class is set from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Southwest Minnesota State University Regional Research Center with Jan Louwagie, SMSU History Center coordinator as instructor.
"Great topic for our boomers," Goodmund said. "A lot of them want to find out about their genealogy."
Harry and Donna Jones will instruct the swing and waltz dancing classes that run from 7-8:30 p.m. Sundays starting Jan. 31. Fee is $15 per couple.
"I'm always hearing people say they'd like to swing dance or waltz," Goodmund said.
Scrapbooking is a "trendy thing," Goodmund said. "Boomers have a lot of photos. There's a way you can put them on a computer and send them all over the world." The Totally Techniques Scrapbooking class will start Feb. 2, and run from 7-9 p.m. each night at the ACC.
Vince LaPorte will show people how to use Ubuntu Linux, a computer operating system. Classes start Feb. 9, run from 7-9 p.m. and cost $10.
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning with Paul Goode is set from 7-9 p.m. March 11 at the ACC. Fee is $5.
"Planning continues to be popular," Goodmund said. "We've offered it three, four, five times. People say, 'What a great class'."
Beginning Landscape Painting will begin March 13.
"Get it on your calendar, get signed up," Goodmund said. A minimum of five students are needed. Fee is $65, but instructor Loren Terhark will supply all the materials, including the canvas and paints. "You will complete a painting that day," Goodmund said.
If you are interested in any of these classes or what else MCS might offer, or have ideas for future classes, please call 507-537-6767 or visit www.marshallmn.com online.
