All You Need is Love

Lifelong Ed students talk about loving many things about the program: dedicated instructors, interesting classmates, convenient location, reasonable prices, friendly challenges for their mind and bodies, and endless options for learning something new.

Come enjoy real people...learning real things.

For questions, call us at (925) 937-1530, or email us at lifelonged@mdusd.org. To register for any class, click the registration link in this newsletter or point your web browser to our website.

All classes held at Pleasant Hill Adult Education Center

(One Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill)

unless otherwise indicated.

Arroz Caldo is the ultimate comfort food. This Filipino-style rice congee is hearty, tasty, and filled with chicken and flavored broth. The dish will be served with all the trimmings.

Tuesday, February 4, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Rhona Gomez

$45 • Register

A flavorful dish that combines the rich, spicy elements of Cajun cuisine with pasta. Learn a simple recipe to make this unusual and sumptuous dish.

Wednesday, February 12, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Tryphena Jefferson

$45 • Register

Filipino spaghetti has great cultural significance for Filipinos as a comfort food. It is easy to make, which is part of the reason for its popularity. Learn to make this sweet style spaghetti with tomatoes.

Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Rhona Gomez

$45 • Register

Pork menudo is number one on the list of Filipino comfort foods, showing up at almost every fiesta or family gathering! Learn to make Menudo using pork and potatoes cooked in tomato sauce.

Tuesday, February 11, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Rhona Gomez

$45 • Register

Filipino noodles sauteed with vegetables. This authentic Filipino dish uses simple ingredients to impart tons of flavor, and is super easy to prepare.

Tuesday, February 18, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Rhona Gomez

$45 • Register

A creamy and delicious classic appetizer perfect for parties or game day!

Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Tryphena Jefferson

$48 • Register

Combine the richness of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of honey to create a cake with a tender crumb infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Yummy for your hunny!

Wednesday, February 5, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Tryphena Jefferson

$45 • Register

Come experience the energy and expertise of new Lifelong Ed instructor, Rhona Gomez. Selections of side dishes accompany her authentic Filipino entrees - all for just $45!

At left: Students prepare Longganisa with instructor Rhona Gomez. Below: A sampling of Filipino dishes.

Learn how to make your own scented candle - a beautiful gift for friends and family, or a wonderful way to make your home smell just right for each season. Leave with an 8-ounce candle and the know-how to make more!

Tuesday, Feb 25, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Katie Naso Onofrio

$32 • Register

Gain beading confidence from the encouragement of others, or work on independent bead projects with the help of a knowledgeable instructor.

Wednesdays, Feb 26-Mar 26, 4:00-6:00 PM

Fridays, Feb 28-Mar 28, 1:00-3:00 PM

Instructor: Joyce Trowbridge

$56 • Register

Creating decorative headpins, jump rings, and simple clasps by adding soldering to your jewelry making toolbox.

Wednesdays, Feb 26-Mar 26, 6:30-9:00 PM

Instructor: Joyce Trowbridge

$80 • Register

After mastering the basic knit and purl stitches, learn variations to knit beautiful items for yourself, your home, or for gifts.

Wednesdays, Feb 19-Mar 26, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Thursdays, Feb 20-Mar 27, 6:30-8:30 PM

Instructor: Dinah Holmes

$67 • Register

Use all-natural ingredients to make your own lip balm! Combine yummy flavors and creative labels for the perfect gift or treat. Leave with 4 lip balms and a recipe.

¡Usa ingredientes totalmente naturales para hacer tu propio bálsamo labial! Combina sabores deliciosos y creativos para el regalo perfecto. Vas a salir de la clase con 4 bálsamos labiales y una receta.

Thursday, Feb 6, 7:00-8:30 PM

Instructor: Julie Gilbert

$18 • Register

Sharpen quilting skills and learn new ones with an emphasis on precision skill building. Participate in class project or bring your own. Both sessions are necessary.

Tuesdays, Feb 18-Mar 25, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM • $101

Instructor: Cynthia Sloneker

$101 • Register

Learn the craft of Tunisian crochet, often described as a cross between knitting and crochet. You'll use a crochet hook and make a small project or continue working on any existing projects.

Wednesdays, Feb 12-Mar 12, 6:00-8:00 PM

Instructor: Jessica Striebich

$70 • Register

For those new to Medicare, this free class presented by the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) in Contra Costa County covers aspects of Medicare Health Insurance. Do you have questions? HICAP has the answers.

Tuesday, February 11, 7:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Shari Safianoff

Free • Register

Make your offer stand out! Learn the entire home buying process: loan qualification and low down payments, first time buyer programs, tax saving, purchase contracts, disclosures, inspections, and buyer obligations. Feel confident, able, and ready to buy a home!

Tuesdays, Feb 11-18, 6:30-8:30 PM

Instructor: Simone St. Clare

$43 • Register

Designed to help improve control of diabetes by gently increasing physical activities, cellular uptake of glucose and relaxation. Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes (sandals not recommended).

Wednesdays, Feb 12-Mar 5, 9:30-10:30 AM

Instructor: Eileen Ladarre

$30 • Register

Learn how your home electrical system works and how to safely replace electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, extension cords, and lamp cords. This is a hands-on class where you will learn to make home electrical repairs in a safe manner. The proper tools and testing equipment will be reviewed. Come with all your electrical questions and get answers from a retired contractor.

Tuesdays, Feb 25-Mar 4, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Kevin Hennessy

$63 • Register

Have you thought about solar for your home? We'll cover how solar panels work, a cost benefit analysis, sizing a home system, locating the panels to be the most effective, and how solar systems affect your utility bill.

Tuesday, February 4, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Kevin Hennessy

$22 • Register

Too much stuff but can’t let go? Buried in sentimental things? This class is for you! Examine how things creep into your life. Learn strategies to prioritize and let go of excess. Instructor is an experienced professional organizer.

Tuesday, February 18, 7:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Gloria Bullock

$22 • Register

Clutter getting out of control? Can't find anything? Overwhelmed? Want to get organized but don't know where to start? This is your class! Learn a simple strategy to get organized and then maintain it. Instructor is an experienced professional organizer.

Tuesday, Feb 4, 6:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Gloria Bullock

$22 • Register

Saturday, Feb 8, 1:00-3:00 PM at Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Avenue, Concord

Instructor: Karen Baldauff

$22 • Register

In one session, receive an introduction to self-hypnosis, information on hypnosis for weight, pain, and stress management, a group hypnosis session, and a recording for after class work. Michelle is a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

Tuesday, Feb 4, 6:30-8:00 PM

Instructor: Michelle Walters

$22 • Register

Explore the intersection of these concepts focused on integrating emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, and personal well-being into leadership practices. Perfect for anyone who wants to explore deeper, more meaningful approaches to leading with purpose and integrity. Michelle is a Clinical Hypnotherapist.

Tuesday, February 11, 6:30-8:00 PM

Instructor: Michelle Walters

$22 • Register

Writers of all levels will learn storytelling tools to weave personal experiences into the shape of a memoir. Class includes writing exercises, readings, and sharing of written work.

Tuesdays, Feb 18-Mar 25, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Instructor: Janice De Jesus

$85 • Register

Learn the elements of novel and short story writing including how to develop characters, plot, and dialogue. Engage in writing exercises, readings, and sharing student work.

Thursdays, Feb 20-Mar 27, 7:00-9:00 PM

Instructor: Janice De Jesus

$85 • Register

Tired of carrying around a bulky wallet? With Apple Pay and the Wallet app on your iPhone, you'll not only travel lighter, you'll be more secure.

Tuesday, Feb 11, 1:30-3:30 PM

Instructor: Mike Matthews

$25 • Register

Master the basics and make computers your friend! Perfect for adults with little or no computer experience. Learn how to search for information, communicate with family and friends, and manage your work without a flash drive.

Wednesdays, Feb 19-Mar 26, 1:30-3:30 PM at Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave, Concord

Instructor: Eunyoung Cho

$84 • Register

Here's your chance to learn about password managers - which can simplify your life even as it gets more complex - putting password pain behind you.

Thursday, Feb 13, 1:30-3:30 PM

Instructor: Mike Matthews

$25 • Register

The beauty of the iPad is that it can become whatever you need it to be. In fact, iPad might be all the computer you need. Bring your iPad and learn how to get more out of this magical device.

Mon-Thu, Feb 10-13, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Instructor: Mike Matthews

$96 • Register

Your iPhone can truly become your iPhone. We'll tinker with home screens, add folders and widgets, and rearrange app icons so they are just the way you like them.

Tuesday, Feb 4, 1:30-3:30 PM

Instructor: Mike Matthews

$25 • Register

Do you have lots of scraps of paper in your wallet, or on your desk, on post-it notes scattered throughout the house? Can't find the packing list that you know was in the desk drawer? And who's got the grocery list? Bring your Apple devices, updated to latest version of their operating systems, and we'll show you how Apple's Reminders app can help eliminate all the flying paper.

Thursday, Feb 20, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Instructor: Mike Matthews

$25 • Register

Power carving uses a Dremel-type tool with a rotating burr that grinds away wood quickly. This course will introduce students to the proper use and techniques to carve in relief and three dimensions. Demonstration with individualized instruction.

Wednesdays, Feb 19-Mar 26, 1:00-4:00 PM

Instructor: Charles Noack

$123 • Register

For beginning bowl turners who wish to continue to expand their skills. Learn to explore alternative mounting techniques, thinner wall turning, and classical shape and form and improving tool usage techniques. Prerequisite: Woodturning 201 – Basic Bowl Turning at PHEC.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb 18-Mar 6, 1:00-4:00 PM

Instructor: Larry Batti

$188 • Register

A vast selection of tools and accessories will allow you to undertake most projects under the guidance of expert coaches. Prerequisite: Woodturning 101– Introduction to Woodturning at PHEC.

Fridays, Feb 7-28, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM • Instructor: Anna Duncan

Friday, Feb 14-28, 1:00-4:00 PM • Instructor: Richard Dietrich

$15 per session • Register

Our well-equipped shop, complete with a wide selection of tools and accessories, allows you to undertake most projects with the expert assistant of knowledgeable woodworking staff. Prerequisite: Woodworking I and II at PHEC, no exceptions.

Fridays, Feb 21-Mar 31, 1:00-4:00 PM

Instructor: Wayne Stolte

$75 • Register

Cooking

Arroz Caldo

Cajun Pasta

Chicken Adobo

Filipino Spaghetti

Liempo Estofado

Mechado

Menudo

Pansit

Spinach Artichoke Dip and Stuffed Mushroom

Sweet Delight: Honey Bun Cake

Vegan Lumpiang Shanghai

Crafts

Body Butter Making

Candle Making

Creative Floral Design!

Jewelry - Friendly Beading

Jewelry – Silver Soldering for the Kitchen Table Jeweler

Knitting Class

Lip Balm Making

Quilting - Intermediate

Tunisian Crochet

Finance

Community Based Instructor - Would you like to join our instructional team?

Welcome to Medicare

Home & More

Organize – Roadblocks to Organizing

Personal Enrichment

Geology and Plate Tectonic Setting of Mt. Diablo

How to Manifest What You Want

Hypnosis for Personal Management

Improv - Intermediate

Serenity Sleep School

Woodturning

Woodturning Independent Projects Open Shop

Woodworking

Woodworking - Sharpening Woodworking Planes and Chisels

Feb. 1: Change your Password Day

Feb. 2: Groundhog Day

Feb. 5: National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Feb. 14: Valentine's Day

Feb. 17: Presidents' Day

Feb. 25: National Clam Chowder Day

Do you have a skill that you'd like to share with others? You could be a perfect candidate to join our staff as an instructor.

We are currently seeking instructors for French, gardening, and watercolor painting, and are open to what you have in mind!

If you're interested in joining our team, contact Jan Schmitz at schmitzj@mdusd.org or (925) 937-1530 for more information.

We are also holding a free session on March 19 at 7:00 p.m. where you can learn more.

Many people—people just like you—are taking advantage of a slate of classes in arts, crafts, finance, fitness, Apple classes, woodworking, cooking, and a myriad of other subjects.

New classes are added regularly. Check our website for updates and register for classes. You can also call us at (925) 937-1530 or email us at lifelonged@mdusd.org.

From our website...

1. Click on the Programs button then click Lifelong Education.

2. Click a Quick Links class category.

3. Click the blue Register Now box for the class you're interested in.

If you are a returning student, enter your email and password and click log in.

If you are a new student, click Create an Account.

And let your friends know about our array of classes via your social media account. A simple tweet or Facebook post will do.

Don't miss out! Don't be left behind! Enroll today! It's easier than ever to add a new skill, refine an old one, or just learn something new!

Need to access our catalog online? Just click the image below.