The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center features an array of free and low-cost activities, programs and events each month. Here is a sampling of what’s on tap in August.
Senior Classes, Events
Summer Games
Every Thursday, seniors are invited to bring a friend to play board games like Scrabble, Cribbage and others at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. The center is a nice and cool facility that provides a great break from the heat.
Benefits Enrollment Center
A new service helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities find and apply for benefit programs through the OC Council on Aging. Individual help is offered monthly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Appointments are available for the program, which covers:
• Medicare Part D Extra Help
• Medicare Savings Programs
• CalFresh/Food Stamps
• Medi-Cal with Medicare
• Supplemental Security Income
• Utilities Assistance Program
Time is the Greatest Gift
Do you know someone who would enjoy a visit? Do you have time to brighten the day of a homebound senior? A new Friendly Visitor Program is starting in Mission Viejo. Call 470-3036 for information.
Challenge of Caregiving
Making the Moments Count is a “how to” presentation video for caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s to lighten the load, hearts and spirits of family and friends. This free program takes place at 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. (A caregiver support group immediately follows for those who are interested.)
Green Bingo
Have fun playing Bingo will learning how to live greener. This environmental version of Bingo is fun and includes great “green” prizes. The game begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Cost is $3 at the door.
Fresh & Healthy Nutrition
Dietician Lisa Gibson leads the discussion about the benefits of buying fresh produce at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5. The free program will cover the pros and cons of juicing and smoothies. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Grand Gatherings
Grandparents can enjoy bonding with their grandchildren during the Grand Gatherings parties hosted by the National Charity League Canyon Chapter. The themed parties for grandparents with up to two grandchildren ages 3-7 take place August 6 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register a week in advance to participate by calling 949-470-3062.
August 6 / Outdoor Adventures/Picnic Day
August 13 / Bring Your Pet Day (stuffed animals only)
Broadway Musicals
Broadway Musicals is a free presentation featuring the musical, dance and stage productions featured on PBS.
The program is at 3 p.m. on August 6 and 20.
20th Century World History Club
Local history buff Ryan Fabre will lead group discussions about WWI, the Russian Revolution and the rise in Fascism and WWII. The free program is at 4 p.m. each Thursday August 7 through August 28. The public is invited to share family stories, photos and objects.
MV Lake Cruise & Potluck
On August 8, you are invited to bring your favorite entrée (serving eight) to share after enjoying an early evening cruise around Lake Mission Viejo. Enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers onboard. Cost is $5 for Lake Mission Viejo members and $7 for non-members. Purchase tickets in advance at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3585.
Luau Lunch Party
Wear your muumuu or Hawaiian shirt to enjoy delectable food, music and dancers. The Luau Lunch Party is at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15. Register by August 12 by calling 949-470-3063. For seniors age 60 and older, there is a suggest donation of $4.50 to participate. Cost for others is $6.
Emeritus Classes
The fall session of Saddleback College’s Emeritus classes begins on August 18. Registration is available for the following classes by calling 949-582-4936.
• Art History
• Advanced Creative Writing
• Introduction to Creative Writing
• Film as Literature
• Quilting and Patchwork
• Sequential Stretching
• Aerobic Exercise
• Chair Exercise
• Yoga
• Intro to Opera
• For the Love of Music
• Voice and Rhythms
• Current Issues in Government
• Beginning Practical Spanish
• Intro to Conversational Spanish
Living Well with Diabetes
Local health care professionals present timely information to help diabetics live life to the fullest. On August 21, diabetics will learn about managing medications. This free hour-long program begins at 12:30 p.m. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Evening Line Dance Party
Professional line-dance instructor Mel Branham leads all levels of line dancers in this evening line dance party on Friday, August 22. Instruction for beginners starts at 6:30 p.m. with intermediate instruction following at 8 p.m. Wear your hat and boots for crazy prizes. Cost is $5 at the door.
Nature Walk on Oso Creek Trail
OC Parks naturalist Mike Clayton leads leisurely walks from 9 to 11 a.m. in this wildlife sanctuary noting abundant plants, birds and mammals. Participants can use walking poles to increase endurance and reduce fall risk. Register for the program by calling 949-470-3062.
Community Classes and Events
Breakfast with Gary and Kelly
The livecast begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 9 with special guest saxophonist Najee. The audience is 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. 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 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.)
Turtle Topiary
Learn how to turn your turtle topiary into a statement piece in your garden for years to come with its drought sedums. The topiary is made of a metal frame filled with high-grade sphagnum moss. The program is from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to age 16 and older. Cost is $65 plus a $30 lab fee payable to instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #3571.
The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
