Lifelong Learning

Learn for the love of it! Discover something new, plan your next trip, or an amazing meal. A variety of interesting classes are offered throughout the year for adults who enjoy the fun and excitement of learning new things. We offer classes in diverse areas such as history, science, nature, music, current events and places of interest in the Big Bend region.

Our affordable programs are open to anyone 18 years and older. Schedule virtual family time together with your adult children and grandchildren, even if they live out of town. With virtual classes, people can participate from any location with internet access. 

We offer some classes on Zoom. If you would like to learn how to use Zoom, please call 850-891-4000 and Senior Center staff will set you up with a volunteer who can help you over the phone or computer. Or click here for our Zoom guide.

For more information, email Maureen.Haberfeld@talgov.com

Kayak on the Wacissa
Wed. Oct. 12, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.

The Big Bend area has great waterways for kayaking. There will be volunteers from the local Paddle Club to teach basic paddling techniques and how to maneuver the kayak. We will visit springs and explore the flora and fauna of the scenic Wacissa River. Expect to be on the river 2 – 3 hours and then enjoy a picnic lunch. Wear quick drying clothing, sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Fee $47 includes kayak rental, lunch, and transportation from TSC. Limited space available.

Register here

Life Review: Voices of the Heart
Thu., Oct. 13, 1:30 – 3:00 pm at TSC

What is the greatest gift one generation can give to another?  Money?  Property?  A family business?  Any of these is a treasure to be sure, but of equal importance are the life stories that mark our individual time on earth.  Each person has his or her own unique story that only he or she can tell. That’s the idea behind Big Bend Hospice’s Voices of the Heart Life Review journal – to aid in helping people tell their own life stories and to help create a personal living legacy for future generations. Join Lisa Sellers and Katie Mandell from Big Bend Hospice as they walk through the life review process together so that you will be prepared to write your story or help a cherished loved one leave a legacy from their point of view.  Each participate will receive a copy of the Voices of the Heart journal to take home from the event.
This is the perfect class to take before Writing Your Family History which is offered the next 2 weeks 10/20 and 10/27 at the TSC.
In person at TSC. Fee $5.

Register here

Our Amazing Body
Tue., Oct. 18, 1:30 – 2:30 pm on Zoom.

Our amazing body. We too often take it for granted. What a time we are having. Sometimes it seems like endless worry. So maybe it is time to take a break and have gratitude for what we do have!
Instructor Dr. Karen Glendenning, a retired professor of neuroscience, notes, “I ventured into new territory for me by reading books about our body. I wanted to share facts that I found interesting, and I thought in some cases great fun. For example, did you know that most all the chemicals in your body can be bought in the drugstore? The cost would be $151,578.46 not counting labor and sales tax!  Or that your lungs would cover a tennis court and the airways within them would stretch from coast to coast?  So come with me on our trip of gratitude.”
Virtual class on Zoom. Fee $5.

Register Here

Writing Your Family History
Thu. Oct. 20 and 27, 1:30 – 3:00 pm at TSC

Writing a Family History, a two-session class with Mary Sterner Lawson, will help participants capture personal memories that are important to them and to the history of their families. In an approach that is user-friendly, Lawson will walk individuals through the process of collecting, organizing, and writing down reminiscences. In the first session, handouts and a PowerPoint will demonstrate the process.  Armed with a viable approach to recording what is and has been important in their lives, inspired participants in the second session will be able to share their experiences in writing down a reminiscence. The perfect follow up to Life Review on 10/13.
In-person at TSC; 2 sessions. Fee $5 per session.

Register Here 

Spain: Off the Beaten Path
Tue. Oct. 25, 4 – 5:30 pm on Zoom

When you think of Spain, what comes to mind? For many people, it may be bulls and matadors, sangria, and flamenco. Those people wouldn’t be wrong, but when I think of Spain I think of lush greenery, crisp cider, bagpipes, and… home. My name is Lilli Reilly and I’m a Philadelphia native who has been living and working in the north of Spain for the last 3 years. The north is a place rarely visited by international tourists, often overlooked in favor of more well-known destinations but it is a fascinating region with a unique history, climate, and culture-distinct from what you will find in other parts of the country. In this class, I hope to share some of Spain’s hidden treasures with all of you. Madrid and Barcelona are amazing places, and certainly worth the visit but I encourage you to join me as we leave the beaten path and explore the wonders that await us in the lesser-known parts of this incredible country.
Virtual class on Zoom. Fee $5

Register Here

Deck-tinis and More
Thu., Nov. 3, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Our popular Deck-tini pre-holiday party is back this year with a twist. Mixologists extraordinaire, Eric Pounders, of Madison Social, along with Michael Spellman, of Sniffen and Spellman, will share their secrets for martini making in person at the Tallahassee Senior Center. They will create four specialty martinis, including one that will be featured at our Deck the Halls event on December 2.

Attendees will sample each of the four drinks along with some light appetizers and select their favorite martini for a full serving. The popular drink kit option will still be available for pre-order for those who cannot attend the event or who would like to take one home after the event.
The optional Drink Kit will include all ingredients and liquor to make four different martinis.
A link to drink recipes and a video on how to mix the drinks will be sent to all who registered for the event or the drink kits.
This event is sponsored by Madison Social and Sniffen & Spellman.
Pick-up for the drink kit pre-orders (for those not attending the event): Thurs. Nov. 3, 3:30 – 5 pm at the Tallahassee Senior Center.
Fee $30 for in person event (includes tasting of each drink and one full size martini plus appetizers) and / or $25 for each optional pre-ordered drink kit.

Register Here 

Lunch with an Artist
Wed., Nov. 9, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm at Gadsden Arts Center

Known for employing quick and essential lines to reveal the spirit and vitality of her subjects, Mary Sterner Lawson brings to Gadsden Arts Center a unique selection of autographed celebrity sketches. Lawson was at the right place at the right time to chronicle with line drawings renowned sixties musical groups, iconic performing artists, writers, actors, and activists. Her pen, graphite, and watercolor works in this collection are the products of close observation and interpretation that capture the inner spirit, features, expressions, and demeanor of her subjects.

Visit the Gadsden Arts Center and listen to Mary discuss her exhibit of autographed celebrity sketches and entertain us with stories of how they were obtained. She will join the group for lunch at the museum to continue the conversation. We will also view the exhibit Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross.
Fee $21 includes lunch, optional transportation from the TSC, and museum admission.

Register here