Classes offer passport to learning

Are you ready to become part of the computer generation? What about learning strategies to increase your retirement income? Or, do you want to know more about the new Medicare prescription drug plans? These are just a few of the many topics covered by this fall's Super Senior Passport classes offered by Chesterfield County Public Schools' Office of Adult Continuing Education.

The Super Senior Passport Program allows seniors age 60 and older to take courses for a nominal fee. The following courses are being offered to seniors this fall:

Mouse 101 This introductory course will not only get you comfortable using the mouse but will explain the keyboard, introduce Microsoft Windows and show you valuable shortcuts. Sept. 10, 12 and 17, 3-5 p.m. Fee: $10

Computer Concepts for Seniors This class begins with an introduction of computer hardware, software and basic Windows commands. You will also be introduced to concepts and techniques used in word processing. Section A: Oct. 8, 10 and 15, 3-5 p.m. Section B: Nov. 12, 14 and 19, 3-5 p.m. Fee: $10

eBay Buying and Selling Workshop eBay can be fun and a way to make a little money. This session will use lecture, handouts and overheads to demonstrate the basics of buying and selling on eBay. A book about eBay will be available for use during the class. Learn to find items you want, make a bid and complete the transaction. Learn to sell items, write descriptions, set prices, receive payment, deal with buyers and ship. Due to time limits and school Internet regulations, this class will not involve hands-on use of the computer. Sept. 25, 3-6 p.m. Fee: $10

Retirement Income Strategies This seminar introduces the fundamentals of investing for income. It includes types of investments, safety factors, rating, trading markets, research, the Federal Reserve role and portfolio laddering. Sept. 19, 3-5:30 p.m. Fee: $10

Mutual Funds Concepts You will learn mutual fund fundamentals, basic analysis, risk, distributions and securities laws, and explore alternatives you can tailor to meet your specific goals. Oct. 3, 3-5:30 p.m. Fee: $10

How to Remember Bible Verses Memory expert Paul Mellor will demonstrate a fun, fascinating system to remember any Bible verse, locate any passage and remember more of what you read. You will be able to quickly recall the books of the Bible within minutes. Oct. 2, 3-5 p.m. Fee: $15

How to Remember Cards Wouldn't it be nice to remember if the seven of diamonds or the six of spades was played? Memory expert Paul Mellor, who can remember a deck of cards in fewer than five minutes, will show you how to remember which card was played and which ones were not. This class is a must for anyone who enjoys winning at cards. You may not want to tell your friends that you signed up! Oct. 16, 3-5 p.m. Fee: $15

Understanding Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Part D If you are a Medicare recipient, about to become one, or have a family member or friend who needs help understanding Medicare, this course is for you. Provided by Certified Medicare Advantage Agent Linda Tsironis Caruthers, CSA, LTCP, this class covers traditional Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Advantage Part C and Prescription Drug Coverage Part D. After this course, you will understand what Medicare does and does not cover, how to choose a plan for your individual needs, how to choose coverage to fill in the gaps and how to choose an insurance company from which to buy Medicare products. Oct. 18, 3-5 p.m. Fee: $5

Understanding Annuities This class provides a complete view of fixed and variable annuities, including state and local TSA contracts. It will cover annuity terminology, costs, benefits, tax implications and current conceptions of annuities vs. similar investments. Upon completion of this course, you will know the difference between fixed annuities vs. similar investments, taxation of withdrawals and taxation if left to an estate. Oct. 17 and 24, 3-5 p.m. Fee: $15

All Super Senior Passport classes will be held at the Chesterfield Technical Center, located at 10101 Courthouse Rd. For registration information, call 768-6140 or visit www.chesterfield.k12.va.us and click on "Community" and then "Adult Learning."

Knitting, French, natural health, Microsoft and more In addition to the Super Senior Passport classes, the Office of Continuing Education off ers a complete schedule of courses on topics including knitting, cooking, home repair, foreign language and many others. Seniors can often take these courses at a reduced rate on a space available basis. For a complete schedule of courses, visit www.chesterfield.k12.va.us and click on "Community" and then "Adult Learning" or pick up a copy of the latest program guide available at all county libraries.