Personal Enrichment
SMART DRIVER COURSE - AARP
A class designed to help sharpen driving skills, prevent crashes, and keep older drivers on the road longer and more safely. Completion of the course could result in a reduction of your insurance premium. Participants must attend both days. Pre-registration is required by calling (503)435-0407. *Save $5 with AARP Membership.
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Dates:
Mon/Tue, Jan 26/27,9:15a-12:45p
Mon/Tue, Mar 30/31, 9:15a-12:45p
Age: 50+
Fee: $20*/$25
AGE CAFÉ
We are all aging all the time, no matter how much we resist these beautiful transitions. Age Café is based on The World Café (www.theworldcafe.com), program designed for engaging people in conversations that matter.
- Age Café provides an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings about life’s inevitabilities.
- Age Café allows us to listen and learn from the wisdom of others.
- Age Café unites us.
Instructor: Lacey Plasker, Older Adult Behavior Health Specialist
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Tue, Dec 9, Jan 13 & 27, Feb 10 & 17, Mar 10 & 24
Time: 1:00 - 2:30p
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH
This Spanish conversation class focuses on practical conversation skills, vocabulary building, and cultural insights to enhance language proficiency. Each class includes interactive activities, role-playing scenarios, and real-life topics to encourage speaking and listening practice. The facilitator provides guidance and support, ensuring a comfortable environment for learners of all levels to practice their Spanish and gain confidence in their conversational abilities. Register in advance; space is limited.
Instructor: Alanna Beckwith
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Dates: Wed, Jan 7 - 28
Time: 6:30p - 7:30p
Age: 16+
Fee: $20
HANDS ONLY CPR
In this non-certified class, you will learn a Lifesaving Technique by offering Hands-Only CPR to a person in need. You will also learn the importance of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), when they are needed, and how to use one.
Instructor: Eldon Drake
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Dates: Mon, Jan 12
Time: 10:00a - 11:30a
Age: 16+
Fee: $5
END OF LIFE CHOICES
If your health were to significantly worsen, would you prioritize extending your life at all costs, or would you focus on improving your quality of life and minimize suffering? End of Life Choices Oregon is a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate support, education, and advocacy for Oregonians and their families facing end-of-life decisions. We will talk about legal end-of-life options, including Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, hospice, and palliative care. Register in advance; Space is limited.
Instructor: Vicky Davies, End of Life Choices of Oregon
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Dates: Tue, Feb 17
Time: 10:00a - 11:30p
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
TAIWAN BUBBLE MILK TEA
Discover the secret behind the world famous bubble tea! In this fun class, you will learn how to cook chewy tapioca pearls and craft the original version of milk tea. Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble, and you will find out why it became a global favorite! Register in advance; space is limited.
Instructor: Joanne Tamber
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Sat, Dec 13
Time: 10:00a - 11:30p
Age: 12+
Fee: $45
MASTERING BAO: TRADITIONAL & CREATIVE STEAMED BUNS
Bao, baozi or steamed buns, are a beloved dish in many Asian cultures, known for their soft, fluffy texture and delicious fillings. In this hands-on class, you will learn how to make both traditional and creative versions of these tasty buns. We will experiment with unique fillings or colorful dough. Each student will take home a batch of tasty and fresh bao. Register in advance; space is limited.
Instructor: Joanne Tamber
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Sat, Jan 24
Time: 11:00a - 1:00p
Age: 16+
Fee: $55
SWEET TREASURE OF TAIWAN
Explore the sweet side of Taiwanese culture in this hands-on baking class! You’ll learn to make one of Taiwan’s most iconic traditional pastries—known for their delicate layers, buttery crusts, and rich, sweet fillings. You will master authentic techniques and take home your handmade treats along with recipes and tips to recreate them anytime. A perfect class for anyone who loves Asian sweets or wants to experience the unique flavors of Taiwan! Register in advance; space is limited.
Instructor: Joanne Tamber
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Sat, Feb 28
Time: 10:00a - 11:30a
Age: 12+
Fee: $55
ASIAN-STYLE MILK BREAD
Learn how to make soft, fluffy Asian milk bread using the traditional tangzhong method. In this hands-on class, you will master the techniques for creating the perfect loaf—from kneading and shaping to baking. We will also explore fun variations like filled buns and pull-apart loaves. You’ll leave with your own freshly baked bread, recipes, and the skills to recreate it at home. Perfect for beginners and bread lovers alike! Register in advance; space is limited.
Instructor: Joanne Tamber
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Sat, Mar 28
Time: 10:00a - 11:30p
Age: 12+
Fee: $55
JAPANESE BONSAI TECHNIQUES
Discover the beauty and tradition of Japanese bonsai. This presentation will cover the basic bonsai styles, inspired by nature and practiced for hundreds of years. Learn about the horticultural requirements needed to keep bonsai trees healthy—whether starting from a seedling or caring for a tree that is decades old. Examples of bonsai trees will be shared, and there will be time to answer your specific questions. Register in advance; space is limited.
Presenter: Dennis Quenneville, President Yamhill County Master Gardeners
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Sat, Mar 14
Time: 10:00a - 12:00p
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
JAPANESE BONSAI TECHNIQUES PART 2
This is a hands-on workshop to help you hone your Bonsai Tree skills. Bring in your bonsai tree for advice on pruning, wiring, repotting and styling. There will be time for questions too. Register in advance; space is limited.
Presenter: Dennis Quenneville, President Yamhill County Master Gardeners
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Sat, Mar 28
Time: 10:00a - 12:00p
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum Presentations
TOUCHING THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE SUN
The amazing Parker Solar Probe, the fastest man made object ever, has been flying closer and closer to our Sun since 2018, most recently right through its blazing corona just this year! Come find out what we’ve been learning about our nearest star, the Sun.
Instructor: Donn Anderson & John Jennings
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Tues, Dec 9
Time: 10:00a
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
NASA CONTINUES FLYING TO THE MOON AT FAST CLPS
NASA continues utilizing CLPS, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, to deliver scientific instruments to the Moon’s surface in preparation for the proposed Artemis III crew landing. Find out what has worked and what hasn’t so far!
Instructor: Donn Anderson & John Jennings
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Tues, Jan 13
Time: 10:00a
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
INTERSTELLAR OBJECTS FROM OUTSIDE OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
Astronomers have long wondered if anything might show up in their telescopes that wasn’t from our Solar System. Our ability to detect objects flying by has jumped in recent years. We’ve already spotted THREE. What are they? What have we learned about them so far?
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Tues, Feb 10
Time: 10:00a
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
MY ROCKET ENGINES
During my career as a Rocket Engineer I have had the privilege to be directly involved in the development and testing of amazing rocket engines! I’ll tell you about them, then jump to the state of the art rocket engine development going on at SpaceX right now!
Instructor: Donn Anderson & John Jennings
Location: McMinnville Senior Center
Date: Tues, Mar 10
Time: 10:00a
Age: 16+
Fee: FREE!
