TAKE A CLASS THIS SPRING WITH THE CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING IN SUN CITY

By Kathy L. Collins

Walts received her MSW in clinical social work from Boston University. Walts specializes in advocating for and supporting people with dementia, and in working with and educating their families to better understand and communicate efectively with their loved ones. She brings an extensive background in training long-term care staf on person-centered care, as well as educating the public, medical professionals and first responders about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Victoria Sorensen, director of ministry, said, “This is a topic that everyone can relate to regardless of whether you

By Kathy L. Collins

feel comfortable talking about a sensitive and scary topic like dementia. We were hoping that by starting out with a relatable topic (health living), we could then build on that learning/ interest to encourage people to return for the second program, which will focus on the warning signs of dementia versus normal aging.”

Sorensen added, “Our church has offered this ministry for several years in order to help the local community learn more about medical conditions and care applicable to their needs. The health ministry is a vital part of the community and assists people to live their best lives. It is our mission to provide vital information to educate not only our congregation but also the local community in all areas of health and wellness.”

Other events include a lecture by Dr. Jonathan Dychko, from Healthy Home Primary Care in Sun City Center, covering a myriad of topics centered around management of chronic conditions and other geriatric care issues.

The health ministry also hosts OneBlood and its Big Red Bus on Sunday, April 2, June 4, September 3, November 5 and December 31 from 8:30 a.m.-12 Noon.

The church is location at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. For more information, visit www.sccumc.com.

The Center 4Life Learning, located at United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, offers a variety of noncredited courses that will enhance your life. The 2023 spring semester begins on Monday, February 13 and runs through Monday, March 27. View courses and register at www.sccumc.com/4lifelearning.

The Center 4Life Learning operates as an adult education outreach program which serves the entire community and surrounding areas. The courses o f er students the opportunity to benefit from the stimulus of lectures and discussions in an informal and relaxed environment.

Regular courses are $35 for six 90-minute classes. Some courses allow for walk-ins, and the cost for this is $10. Classes run for one week and up to six. All classes are in person.

There are a variety of courses offered. The spring semester features 26 courses provided on various days Monday through Friday. Courses that are offered include Living with ADHD, Music Medicine, U.S. History, Wellness Topics, Managing Life Transitions, Estate Planning, Drawing II and World Religions and more. Classes are available for registration and purchase online, by mail or in person. Classes fill up quickly.

Sue Holter with the Center 4Life Learning said, “All courses are led in person by qualified instructors in an informal and relaxed environment on the campus of United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Many of our classes involve hands-on instruction, and many encourage class participation. We o f er two six-week semesters in the spring and fall.”

Holter added, “Many of our instructors have been presenting for us for several years. Some have approached with new interesting topics. Some we have recruited from the local community. Some are members of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Others are current and retired professors from Hillsborough Community College and from FSU. At the end of each semester, we ask our students to suggest new topics. Based on their suggestions, we are currently looking for instructors in French, Italian, bridge and creative arts.”

The college was established in 1976 as the Community Church College by the United Community Church. In 2019, it was moved to United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, and the name was changed to Center 4Life Learning.

For more information, please call 813-634-2539.