Passport program helps seniors reach resolutions

Improve your card game by learning how to remember what's been played.

What's your New Year's resolution this year? Would you like to finally become computer literate? Improve your financial future? Learn French? Do the cha-cha? Redecorate your bedroom?

Super Senior Passport classes offered through the school system's Office of Adult Continuing Education will help you reach those goals and more. The program recently released its winter/spring lineup, including classes in computers, finance, dance, decorating, foreign language and more.

Below is just a sampling of the many classes offered for seniors at reduced rates (some courses are on a space-available basis as noted). To view a complete schedule of courses, visit www.chesterfield.k12.va.us or pick up a copy of the latest winter/spring program guide at any county library.

Mouse 101, Feb. 5-7 or Mar. 4-6, 3-5 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. This introductory course will help familiarize you with the mouse, keyboard, Microsoft Windows and valuable shortcuts. Passport fee: $10.

Improving Memory: How to Remember Bible Verses, Feb. 12, 3-5 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. Memory expert Paul Mellor will demonstrate a system to remember any Bible verse, locate any passage and remember more of what you read. Passport fee: $15.

Retirement Income Strategies, Feb. 13, 3-5:30 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. 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. Passport fee: $10.

eBay Buying and Selling Workshop, Feb. 25, 3-6 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. 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 class. Because of time limits and school Internet regulations, this class will not involve hands-on use of a computer. Passport fee: $10.

Mutual Fund Concepts, Feb. 27, 3-5:30 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. Learn mutual fund fundamentals, basic analysis, risk, distributions and securities laws and explore alternatives you can tailor to meet your specific goals. Passport fee: $10.

Improving Memory: How to Remember Cards, Mar. 4, 3-5 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. Learn how to remember which card was played and which ones were not. This class is a must for anyone who enjoys winning at cards. Passport fee: $15.

Cha-Cha, Tuesdays, Mar. 4-Apr. 15, 7- 8:15 p.m., Lloyd C. Bird High School, 10301 Courthouse Rd. Stir things up with this exciting Cuban-American influenced dance filled with rocks, pops and turns. Passport fee: $35 on a space available basis.

Interior Design, Wednesdays, Mar. 5-Apr. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monacan High School, 11501 Smoketree Dr. Bring photos of a particular room or rooms to class and pick up designer tips to help you achieve the look you seek. This four-part class covers how to work with what you already own, balance and harmonize rooms, tap into your own creative instinct and accessorizing. Passport fee: $18 on a space available basis.

Traditional Scrapbooking, Thursdays, Mar. 6-Apr. 17, Lloyd C. Bird High School, 10301 Courthouse Rd. Students will learn scrapbooking basics including sorting, cropping, layouts, adhering and journaling. On the first night, bring at least one container about the size of shoe box filled with pictures. Essential supplies are included. Passport fee: $63 on a space available basis.

Caring for Your Loved One the Right Way, Mar. 10 and 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monacan High School, 11501 Smoketree Dr. Become a caregiver who really cares and understands your loved one's daily needs. Passport fee: $15 on a space available basis.

Understanding Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Part D, Mar. 13, 3-5 p.m., Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Rd. This class covers traditional Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Advantage Part C and Prescription Drug Coverage Part D. Understand what Medicare does and does not cover and how to choose a plan for your individual needs. Passport fee: $5.

How to register

Step 1: You must have a Super Senior Passport to receive discounted course fees. The passport is available to any county resident ages 60 and older. Call 748-1405 to apply.

Step 2: Complete a registration form for the course you'd like to take. Registration forms are available online at www.chesterfield.k12.va.us or inside the winter/spring program guide, available for free pick up at all county libraries.

Step 3: Mail your registration form, a copy of your passport card and any fees to Adult Continuing Education, 10101 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832.

For more information, call 768-6140.