To see all of our regular class series, scroll down or jump to a particular type of class by clicking on one of the links below:

writing, reading, & discussion classes and groups

arts & crafts

music lessons

computer classes

exercise & fitness classes

special interest classes and activities

para español

North Seattle Community College also offers classes taught at GSC. Click here for their current offerings at our location.

Special classes and lectures being offered this quarter only can be seen here.

To see a list of our drop-in activities, such as games and movies, Click here.

Special Interest Classes and activities

Exploring Wellbeing - NEW!

There is more to wellness than exercise and nutrition. We’ll explore other important components to feeling our best. Carin Mack will lead the discussion using research, various resources and our own inner knowledge.Free, 4^th Wednesdays, 11am-12pm.

AARP Driving Safety Class

Learn safer driving techniques and possibly even get a break on your insurance rate with this refresher course in defensive driving put on by AARP. Different issues covered each class, call GSC to sign-up in advance. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Please be sure to bring your AARP card or membership number. Thurs & Fri, 9:30am-2:30pm, Sept 23 & 24 or Oct 28 & 29.  Call (206) 297-0875 to register.

Technology for Seniors - prices range from $10-$20 depending on the class and membership status. Call (206) 783-2244 to register for these classes.

Facebook: Wed, Oct 4, 12:30-3:30pm

Want to join Facebook, but concerned about privacy? Already have an account but feel frustrated with its features? Learn about the Wall, managing your Friends list and adjusting privacy settings on your Facebook account so you can feel comfortable using this tool. 

Your Cell Phone: Mon, Nov 1, 1-3pm

In this workshop, you will learn how to navigate your phone’s menu, personalize the appearance of your phone display, enter contacts, and yes, send text messages! Bring your cell phone, charger and phone/address book to enter contacts.

Skype Basics: Mon, Nov 22, 1-3pm

Skype is a free computer program that allows you to make free voice and video calls to other Skype users. Learn the basics of installation and use, see a live demonstration and get your questions answered. ended, but not required: your own laptop, a headset with microphone and web cam.

How to Cut & Paste: Wed, Sept 27, 1-3pm

Learn to move text and images from one document to another using both the keyboard and the mouse. Basic computer and mouse skills required.

Writing, Reading, and Discussion Classes & Groups

Phinney Village Book Group at Green Bean Coffeehouse

The PNA Village is a program concept for aging in place in our neighborhood and a key ingredient in the planning and success is a shared vision of aging.  Let’s begin by exploring some books that allow us to form a positive, inspiring shared ideal of becoming an elder.  From Theodore Roszak’s The Making of an Elder Culture to Studs Terkel’s Coming of Age, get inspired and motivated as we discuss our hopes for our own aging in community. Group is facilitated by Cecile Andrews.  Meets at: Green Bean: 8533 Greenwood Ave. N. Free, 6-7:30 pm, Wed. Sept 8-29. After Sept, the group will meet on the 1st Wed of the month (Oct 6th and Nov 3rd).

Poetry

*The Poetry Group can not accept any new members at this time. Check back to see when space opens up.* Sharon Cumberland facilitates a poetry workshop. Bring your poetry for sharing and critiquing. New members always welcomed to join in this creative environment and friendly group of poets as space permits. Free, contributions appreciated.

Write About Your Life

Join Ariele Huff and this writing group for the purpose of reminiscing, personal growth or creating articles or books. This fun group helps you get stories down on paper for family and friends to enjoy. Some people work on memoirs while others write to be published. Some do both. In meetings, we share our memories, opinions, laughter and caring. If you’ve been looking for a writing group, check this one out!  Register at (206) 361-6733. Cost: $58/10 sessions.                                                                                   Thurs, 1:15-3:15pm, new session runs Sept 30-Dec 9
Tues, 10am-12pm, new session runs Oct 5-Dec 7

Current Events Group

An informal, spontaneous discussion group which meets to discuss current events, politics, nutrition, health developments, and other topics of interest. Free, 2^nd  and 4^th Tuesdays, 1-2pm.

P.S.A.R.A. Senior Voices

Let your voice be heard! Come together with other older adults to discuss pertinent issues affecting older Americans in our own community, as well as around the nation. Bette Reed from the Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans will facilitate this group. We will use the Retiree Advocate newsletter as a jumping off point for discussions each month.  Free, 2nd Thurs, 1-2pm.

Peace Discussion Group

Our world needs a vision on how world peace can be achieved for everyone on earth. Join us for in-depth discussions on war and peace issues. Over the next few months, discussions will focus on The Foundations of Western Civilization. Free, 1st Tuesdays, 1-3pm.

Book Discussion Group

Join us for stimulating discussions on books provided through the Seattle Library’s “Center for the Book” program. Free, 3^rd Thursdays, 1-2pm.  Books this quarter will include:

• Sept 16: Digging to America by Anne Tyler  

• Oct 21: The Family Man by Elanor Lipman

• Nov 18: Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan

Arts & Crafts Classes

Drawing and Watercolor

This is a great class for beginning and intermediate participants who want to learn the basics of drawing and watercolor painting. Bring any art materials you have to class and the instructor, Susan Schneider, can talk you through what else you may need. This is an ongoing class that will teach you the fundamentals as you progress. Cost: $10/members, $12/non-members. Wed, 10am-12pm, ongoing beginning Oct 6.

Acting Class: The Show Must Go On!

Let’s get silly in the world of acting! We’ll try out vocal warm-ups, theatre games, scene study and monologue work. Join us for the final performance on  Tuesday, October 19th at 2pm.  Cost: $5/session. 2nd & 4th Tues, Sept 14-Oct 12, 2-4pm, Finale: Oct 19. Register at (206) 297-0875.

Fall SoulCollage® Workshop

Come and experience collage in a totally new way! Use your intuition and images to create a beautiful SoulCollage^® each week. In addition to exploring your artistic side, you’ll tap into your higher wisdom. Instructor is a trained facilitator. Mon, Sept 13-Oct 4, 2-4pm. Cost: $40/members, $48/non-members, $12/drop-in.

Holiday Card Making Workshop

Get creative this holiday season! Make your own handmade cards at this fun, crafty workshop. Learn stamping, embossing, cutouts and a variety of card making techniques. No experience necessary. Cost: $4/members, $6/non-members for materials. Thurs, Oct 14, 1-3pm.

Holiday Jewelry Workshop

Make something fun for the holidays! Learn to create your own beautiful jewelry. Bead a necklace, make eyeglass chains or string a bracelet. Use gems, glass beads, shells and metal materials. No experience necessary. Cost: $15 class fee, includes all supplies. Tues, Nov 9, 2-4pm.

Open Studio

Engage in sewing, stamping, cards, knitting, crochet, & embroidery. This is an informal group; instruction can be arranged by calling the GSC and leaving a message for Esther Dean. Free, Thursdays, 1-3pm.

Watercolor

Join instructor Glen Oberg and a great group of students learning to paint.  Some experience is necessary; bring your own supplies. Fee is due for each class. Cost is $15/members and $18/non-members, Wednesdays, 1-4pm.

Make Your Own Yarn

Make handspun yarns without the use of a spinning wheel. We’ll discuss the anatomy of spindles, the purpose of different fibers, how to hold and spin a spindle and more! This low-impact craft is easy on the hands and very fun to do. The spindle will be yours to keep. Fri Oct 15, 2-4 pm. Cost: $20 material fee.

Music Programs

Piano Lessons

Make music and have fun in this beginning piano class. Cecilia Manalili has been teaching music to adults for decades. Materials will be provided, but if you have a small portable keyboard, bring it along. Cost: $100/8 week class, $12.50 drop in. Mon, Sept 13-Nov 1, 1-3pm.

Beginning & Intermediate Guitar

Offered through North Seattle Community College. For information, click here.

Computer Classes

GSC offers computer classes in cooperation with the Phinney Neighborhood Association in our Community Technology Center.

Individual Computer Mentoring

Whether you need to learn to type before you take the basics class, want an introduction to the things you can do on the web, or want suggestions on setting up your home computer, our computer "gurus" can help you learn at your own pace. Free, by appointment only. Days/times vary. Suggested Donation: $3. Call GSC at (206-297-0875) for an appointment.

Drop-In Computer Use: FREE!
 

PNA and GSC Members can always use our computers when a class is not is session. We have Microsoft Office, Photoshop elements, Internet access, a scanner and printer! Just ask at the front desk for more information.

Microsoft Office, Seattle Public Library

¡Aprenda los conceptos de Microsoft Office! El Phinney Neighborhood Association le ofrece clases en español que están diseñadas para ayudarle a usar los programas de Microsoft Office de manera más eficiente. Pida de antemano sobre el cuidado de los niños. Word, Excel y PowerPoint. Cost: Free/Gratis, jueves, 7pm, ongoing. Call/llame (206) 297-0875 to register/para registrarse.

Apple Laptop Mentoring
 

Got a Mac laptop and want some help figuring out how to use it? Get help with your questions or learn about some of the features and applications on your Mac. Schedule an hour-long appointment for one-on-one help. Please bring a Mac laptop and power cord. Days/times vary,  call (206) 297-0875 to register. Cost: $5/members, $7.50/non-members
 

Clases de Computación Básica
 

¡Aprenda conceptos básicos de computación! El GSC le ofrece clases que están diseñadas para ayudarle a usar la computadora de manera más eficiente: Uso genérico de la computadora, como crear y usar el correo electrónico, como usar y navegar el Internet. Todos los Lunes a las 7-8 pm. Cost: Gratis. Todos los Lunes a las 7-8 pm.
 

Computer Basics

Learn to use the computer and mouse, access the internet and write emails. Class is for seniors with little to no computer experience. Enjoy learning in a relaxed, non-intimidating environment. Students must attend both classes within the session. Taught by Shirley Lyshol & Sara Mockett. Cost: $10/members, $15/non-members. Tues & Thurs, Sept 7-9, Oct 5-7 or Nov 2-4, 10am-3pm. Call Patti at (206) 684-0639 to register.

Basics Plus! Seniors Teaching Seniors

You already know the computer basics, and want to advance your knowledge. You want to s t r e t c h and gain new skills. Learn to understand attachments, send/receive pictures, create folders so things don’t get lost and much more. Taught by Shirley Lyshol. Cost: $10/members, $15/non-members. Mon, Sept 20, Oct 18 or Nov 15, 10am-3pm. Call Patti at (206) 684-0639 to register.

Photo Editing with Adobe

A four-day class to learn to repair, sharpen or improve photos, plus the basics of cropping and adjusting color. Then focus on separating and combining images to create personal projects. Good memory retention skills and ability to use mouse and windows are necessary to enroll. Adobe Elements 6 or 7 must be installed on your home computer. Taught by Lynn Mickelson. Cost: $20/members, $30/non-members Tues-Wed, 9/21, 22, 28 & 29 or 10/19, 20, 26 & 27 or 11/9, 10, 16 & 17, 10am-3pm. Call Patti at (206) 684-0639 to register.

Evening Computer Classes include:

Excel with Excel: Tues, Oct 19-26 or Nov 9-16, 6-7:30pm.

Power of PowerPoint: Wed, Oct 20, 6-8pm.

Photoshop Essentials: Tues, Oct 5-12, 6:30-8pm.

Please call (206) 783-2244 to register for evening computer classes.