Course Description: A slow and gentle workout that focuses on increasing mobility, flexibility and relieving pain and joint stiffness. This routine concludes with 12 minutes of floor work. Essentrics®️ is seen on PBS as Classical Stretch.

Class Leader Bio(s): Diane Poff is a Level 1 Certified Essentrics®️ Aging Backwards®️ instructor and has been teaching for over two years. She enjoys helping others experience the benefits of this highly effective exercise program. Diane’s hobbies include kayaking, bicycling, watercolor painting, and traveling.

Notes: Please bring an exercise mat approximately 3/8” thick and a beach towel. This routine concludes with floor work. As with any exercise program, please check with your Healthcare provider before beginning.

Course Description: We will look at all the problems arising from the period of African enslavement, 1619-1865. Afterward came the Jim Crow Laws and the Black Codes. I will give you information you never learned in a public school.

Class Leader Bio(s): Steven Duke has a BA and MA from UWF. After retiring from Allstate Insurance, he began working for the largest law firm in Fort Walton Beach. He enjoys writing, photography, and doting on his grandchildren.

Notes: Room 108-109 Crosspoint Church 214 Partin Drive S Community Life Center, Room 809 Niceville, FL

Course Description: There is so much more to knitting than just Knit 1 and Purl 2. Come join us to learn the basic knit stitch and purl stitch and expand those skills to include casting on, increases, and decreases. Once you learn these building blocks, you can make scarves, sweaters, shawls, blankets, and so much more. This is a 7-week class starting September 12, skipping October 24.

Class Leader Bio(s): Kristine Matthews initially learned to knit in a junior high school home economics class and she picked it back up when she was pregnant with her second child. That was 22 years ago and today she’s rarely without a pretty yarn and needles somewhere close by.

Notes: This is a 7-week class starting September 12, skipping October 24. The class requires around 200 yards of worsted weight yarn (not cotton) and a pair of size 8 straight or circular needles. You have the option of purchasing these supplies from me on the first day of class for $15.

Course Description: Flexibility and balance are two on-going challenges for older adults. This class concentrates on stretching routines to improve flexibility, and on balancing techniques. Students proceed at their individual paces and are encouraged to practice outside of class.

Class Leader Bio(s): Jean Lee-Jackson, a Registered Physical Therapist, is now a consultant who specializes in home health care. From years of experience, she sees the detrimental effects from a lack of exercise.

Notes: Bring a mat or blanket for floor exercise.

Course Description: Intermediate Knitting picks up where Beginning Knitting left off. We will use our knowledge of the knit stitch and purl stitch and learn to read patterns, knit in the round, and make cables, stripes, and lace. You must know how to knit and purl to take this class.

Class Leader Bio(s): Kristine Matthews initially learned to knit in a junior high school home economics class and she picked it back up when she was pregnant with her second child. That was 23 years ago and today she’s rarely without a pretty yarn and needles somewhere close by.

Notes: This is a 7-week class, skipping October 24. The class requires around 600 yards of worsted weight yarn (not cotton) in two or more colors, a pair of size 7 16”circular needles and a pair of size 7 32” circular needles. You have the option of purchasing these supplies from me on the first day of class for $25.

Course Description: This course offers essential financial guidance for navigating life after the loss of a loved one, including key steps for managing estates, accounts, and legal documents. Participants will learn how to safeguard personal information, prevent identity theft, and recognize common scams targeting older adults. Designed for retirees, this session empowers attendees with the tools to protect their finances and peace of mind. This is a 4-week class meeting October 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Class Leader Bio(s): Thedna Yellow Bear-Baskin is a Financial Education Specialist at Eglin FCU. She is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and retired Air Force veteran. Talluya McKinnie, is a Claims Representative III at Eglin Federal Credit Union.  She assists with Deceased Account Settlement Consumer Loan Products.  Robby Wilcox is Eglin FCU’s AVP Fraud. He has been a fraud fighter at Eglin FCU for over 20 years. He holds an MBA from UWF as well as CFE and CFCI Fraud certifications.

Notes: Retire Smart and Protecting What Matters meeting October 1, 8, 15, and 22. This engaging four-part series provides vital financial guidance for retirees and older adults. Three sessions will walk participants through the essential financial steps to take after the loss of a loved one, from managing accounts to handling legal documents. The final session will empower attendees to protect themselves from identity theft, fraud, and scams commonly targeting their age group.

Course Description: This exclusive tour with the staff of NBSTCC will begin with Sweet Pea, the resident green sea turtle and continue in the Shanna Litterist Education portion of the center to meet other aquatic marine species, terrestrial and aquatic reptiles, and learn more about the unique natural resources of the Florida panhandle. This one-time tour will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 9:00 to 11:00.

Class Leader Bio(s): Cristen Weaver is the Outreach Coordinator for NBSTCC. Darby is the Volunteer Support Team member who will conduct the tour.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 9:00 to 11:00. Participants are to arrive no later than 8:30 at: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center 8740 Gulf Blvd Navarre, FL

Course Description: This one-time class will meet on October 23rd at UWF. Ashley Bailey from the Crime Prevention Unit will discuss how AI is currently being used in frauds and scams and ways to prevent being a victim.

Class Leader Bio(s): Ashley Bailey is the Crime Prevention Manager with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. She has been working for the Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years educating citizens, business owners, and tourists in Okaloosa County. In addition, she started and continues to manage numerous programs and services for residents.

Notes: This one-time class will meet on Thursday, October 23, at 1:00 at UWF.