As the summer starts to wind down, thoughts turn back to the classroom; but it’s not just children who are going back to school. Adults of all ages have a variety of options to continue learning. Seniors can take college level courses for a reduced cost or even free.
Our area has a unique variety of classes for anyone wanting to learn new skills, build their resumes, keep their minds sharp or just have fun.
Lourdes University
6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, 1-800-878-3210, lourdes.edu
The Lifelong Learning Program at Lourdes University is open to all area residents who want to pursue ongoing learning. Yearly membership fees are charged. There are classes in a wide variety of academic subjects, day trips, monthly lectures and current event lunches. Some interesting programs coming up include A History of Piracy on the Great Lakes, Dishing About Cooking Shows, RX for Laughter and How Healthy is Your Family Tree. Call 1-800-878-3210 or visit http://www.lourdes.edu/about-lourdes/outreach/lifelong-learning-program for more information and to register.
Owens Community College
30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, 567-661-6000, owens.edu
Owens Community College offers a wide variety of classes for all aspects of life. From furthering a career, to pursuing a new outlet of life, or even finding new ways to prepare food for yourself, Owens has many options. Examples of class subjects: Ghost Hunting, Culinary Classes, Fitness Classes, Self-Defense, Sound Engineering, Truck Driving and much more. For more information or to register, call 567-661-6000 or visit owens.edu/workforce_cs/continuing_ed.html.
Sylvania Senior Center
7140 Sylvania Ave., 419-885-3913. scsonline.org/seniorcenter.
Find classes, support groups, and plenty of educational opportunities at the Sylvania Senior Center, a program of Sylvania Community Services, including a state-of-the-art, ADA accessible facility open to anyone age 55 and older. Explore woodworking in the woodshop, break a sweat in Jazzercise or yoga classes, and even pick up some tech skills— like finally learning how to use your iPad or iPhone— during computer classes. Times, prices, and the class schedules vary. For more information, call 419-885-3913 or visit scsonline.org/seniorcenter.
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
325 Michigan St. , 419-259-5200, toledolibrary.org
The Library is not just a place to get books. All of the Lucas County locations are your go-to community hubs for computer and technology classes, one-on-one device help, E-media resources, social media and email setup, computer basics, digital learning, senior citizen resources and tutorials. Go to the library’s online calendar for specific classes and times. The best thing is – the classes are free. For more information, call 419-259-5200 or visit toledolibrary.org.
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419-255-8000, toledomuseum.org
Opportunities include classes and workshops, tours, visual literacy, gallery experiences, lectures, art and glass classes. The community gallery is a great place to explore and the reference library is a rich resource. For more information, call 419-255-8000 or visit toledomuseum.org.
University of Toledo
2801 Bancroft St., 419-530-3142, utoledo.edu/uc/program60
UT’s Program 60 waives tuition costs for those who wish to audit (register and attend, but not earn credit) college courses. Residents of Ohio who are 60 years of age or older and have resided in Ohio for the last 12 consecutive months may audit credit courses on a space-available basis. Students must apply for admission and register for courses through University College. There are hundreds of classes offered, all available to Program 60 participants, except for some of the studio courses like art and music. All Program 60 participants are responsible for any additional course fees which may include: the cost of textbooks, lab fees, technology fees, facility fees and parking. For more information, call 419-530-3142 or visit utoledo.edu/uc/program60.
Extra credit
If you don’t want to take a formal class but still want to get out and do something fun, there are lots of options in the area.
The 577 Foundation
Front St., Perrysburg, 419-874-4174, 577foundation.org
Classes are offered for a variety of interests. Some examples include: pottery, cooking, clay tile building and gardening. For more information: 577foundation.org/takeaclass.asp
Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio
2155 Arlington Ave, Toledo, 419-382-0624, areaofficeonaging.com
There are programs that focus on healthy aging, preserving independence, dignity and leisure activities. Programs of interest include Family Caregiver Support, Grandparent and Relatives Raising Children, tax aide and computer basics like Managing Your PC, Microsoft Publisher and Excel, Iphone and Ipad Basics. For more information, call 419-382-0624.
Foodology
2059 Laskey Road, Toledo, 567-970-7100, foodologytoledo.com
Learn to cook or become better in the kitchen from a chef with 20 years of experience.
Forte Music School
3208 W. Sylvania Ave., 419-471-2100, info@ForteMusic419.com
Music lessons are not just for kids. Studies have shown that music stimulates the brain and enhances memory. Forte Music School offers lessons for all ages in instruments, voice, stage presence and musical theatre. For more information, call 419-471-2100.
Neighborhood Health Association
313 Jefferson Ave., 419-255-6206, nhainc.org
Free arts and crafts and computer technology classes are offered for seniors at the J. Frank Troy Senior Center, 545 Indiana Ave., Toledo. For more information, call 419-255-6206.
Perrysburg Tennis Center
1750 Progress Drive, Perrysburg, 419-873-6123
If you are looking for a great workout and to get some good cardio then the Perrysburg Tennis Center is looking for players of all levels to join their adult tennis programs. They offer Cardio Tennis, Drills, and Adult Tennis 101 classes for beginners. Come and join in on the fun and learn new skills. For more information you can visit the website at perrysburgtenniscenter.com/adult-program.
Team Super Fitness Senior Citizens Program
343 Newtowne Square Dr. Toledo, 419-476-6018
It is never too late to get active and exercise. Team Super Fitness offers fitness programs for senior citizens who would like to keep moving and focus on their own health and wellbeing. The programs offer safe low impact exercise classes that cater to older adults and their needs, health status, and objectives. There are many benefits to these classes as well as staying active and healthy. For more information about the classes or to check out additional programs you can visit their website at superfitnesstoledo.com/senior-citizen-programs.
Toledo Ballroom
6365 Monroe St. Sylvania, 419-690-3897
Looking for more ways to dance the night away, then boogie on down to the Toledo Ballroom. They offer classes in ballroom and latin dancing which is a great way to stay active, express yourself, and have fun. Classes are offered to everyone whether you are a single or couple looking to dance. There are many opportunities for you from private lessons, group dance, and even dance parties where you can really put those skills to the test. For more information you can check out their website at toledoballroom.com.
Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Drive, 419-407-9710, artvillage419.org
Attend classes, demos and events at Toledo Botanical Garden. Try your hand at making stained glass, shaping pottery or taking nature photographs. Green thumbs can come to the garden to learn about annuals and perennials as they explore the 60 acres of display gardens and plant collections. For more information, call 419-407-9710.
Toledo Met
6416 River Crossings, Sylvania, 419-913-8476 toledomet.com/adult-classes
If you wanna take a step into the art of dance or dust off those old dancing shoes then the Toledo Met has got you covered. They offer Adult dance classes such as Tap, Ballet, and Contemporary for both beginner dancers and experienced. For more information and to register for the summer or fall classes you can visit their website at toledomet.com/adult-classes.
