40 SEPTEMBER 2020 By Melissa Hirschl It might be hard to believe, but COVID-19 can have an upside. The pandemic has ushered in a new paradigm for learning. There are now countless ways for people, and specifically seniors, to keep their neurons firing with just the click of a button. Here are some ideas to help stretch the mind, discover foreign lands and learn a new skill. AARP VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES Promoting health and well-being for older Americans for more than 60 years, AARP provides a goldmine of stimulating classes and fun activities. Examples are trivia nights, Arizona virtual tours with the Hip Historian Marshall Shore, Fitness Boot Camp, music and voice jams and university lecture series. For more: local.aarp.org/ phoenix-az/events COVIA COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS Covia provides online and telephone classes for seniors, with over 70 groups meeting each week. The classes are made up of participating staff, facilitators, presenters and other volunteers. Some of the classes offered include TED Talks, Open Mic, Exploring New Zealand, New England Summer Road Trips and Netflix movie talks. For more: seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org MARTIN PEAR JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER (JCC), SCOTTSDALE According to Melissa Markovsky, chief marketing officer of the Martin Pear JCC, “The JCC exists to build connections in a setting that enriches physical, mental and spiritual growth. Though we have pivoted to currently supporting those connections mainly in a virtual manner, supporting Scottsdale seniors continues to be a vitally important part of our mission.” JCC’s online program, J at Home, offers classes such as flower arrangements, learning about Parkinson’s disease, brain games and a book club. For more: vosjcc.org/j-at-home PHOENIX LIBRARIES With a Phoenix library card, you can open the window to a wealth of enriching self-guided classes. Knitting, clutter control, photography, calligraphy, cake decorating and gourmet cooking are just some examples. Some classes have assignments where participants send in pictures, and there are practice sessions as well. Library cards can be obtained online. For more: phoenixpubliclibrary.org SCOTTSDALE PARKS AND RECREATION Dozens of classes can be accessed through the parks and recreation website. Examples include racquetball, ballroom dance, guitar, Spanish, adult Aikido and much more. Fees are listed with a class description. For more: scottsdaleaz.gov/parks SCOTTSDALE SOCIAL SERVICES/ CASE MANAGEMENT The City of Scottsdale provides social services to senior adults and their families. Social workers are available for in-person or telephone appointments every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. free of charge. Examples of topics they cover include low vision, Alzheimer’s support, chronic pain and other senior issues. Services are offered at: Granite Reef Senior Center 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale (480) 312-1700 Via Linda Senior Center 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale (480) 312-5810 In-person senior classes will be offered at Granite Reef Senior Center and Via Linda Senior Center starting Sept. 14. For more: anc.apm. activecommunities.com/scottsdale Resources for seniors to keep busy during quarantine Arizona recently passed a new law to help victims of child sexual abuse. Are you a victim of sexual abuse? Contact our offi ce to learn more. Robert E. Pastor Tiffani E. Lucero 3200 N. Central Ave., Ste. 2550 Phoenix, Arizona 85012 602-279-8969 www.arizonasexualabuselawyer.com • www.mjpattorneys.com Victims have until December 30, 2020 to fi le a lawsuit, seek justice and expose the truth. ENJOYING A NEW SHOWER IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK *Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchase. Minimum spend amount applies. Financing subject to third party credit approval. Some financing options cannot be combined with other offers and may require minimum monthly payments. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See AmericanStandardShowers.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY: 55431H;NYC:HIC 2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY. NEW SHOWER DESIGN ENJOYING A FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL TODAY 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE newshowerdeal.com/arcadia | 844-739-2891

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