Classes and activities held at The Carmel Foundation are as varied and interesting as the members who attend them.
Independent, certified instructors, including many from Monterey Peninsula College and Carmel Adult Education, teach classes in personal fitness, literature, art and music appreciation to name a few.
Qualified volunteers lead activities such as bridge, a men's discussion group, wood carving, needlecraft and photography, amongst others. Over 50 fun things to do are available to our members each week. A class schedule is available on line and published in the monthly newsletter. See below.
Collage Art/Papercraft Class
Time: 10:00am -12:00pm, Wed 12/11: Snowflake Mandalas
Location: Seideneck Room
Instructor: Lisa Handley
plumeriapapercraft@gmail.com
Fee: $15.00 per class (materials included), payable to instructor at class
Description: Experience the fun of creative expression through collage art and papercraft!
Artist Lisa Handley will provide plenty of inspiration and guidance for completing your own unique creations. You’ll explore a variety of designs and mediums (assorted papers, handmade collage fodder, upcycled ephemera and embellishments). Lisa will offer different projects for you to enjoy each month such as vision boards, artwork, notecards and gifts.
Creativity, Camaraderie...Coloring
Time: 10:00am -11:30am, 2nd & 4th Tues
Location: Craft Room
Instructor: Lisa Handley
plumeriapapercraft@gmail.com
Fee: $5.00 per class, payable to instructor at class
Description: Coloring for adults began as a trend, but this activity has had staying power with its many benefits for mind, body and spirit. Coloring is relaxing and meditative, enhances focus, reduces stress, and improves eye-hand coordination and hand strength. Treat yourself to creativity, camaraderie and the joy of coloring! A wide assortment of materials await you including coloring pages, books, cards and posters, colored pencils, gel pens, markers, crayons and more. Facilitator Lisa offers coloring inspiration and tips and provides guidance when needed. Drop in and join us, and you'll receive a warm, colorful welcome!
Fine Arts Lab
Time: 1:30pm-4:00pm, Tues
Location: Seideneck Room
Leaders: Carol Harrison, Darlene Berry
Fee: No fee, register w/Carol or Darlene at class
Description: Join members for an open lab session and paint with acrylics. Bring your table top easel and supplies and imagination.
Needlecraft Group
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm; Tues
Location: Craft Room
Leader: Connie Georis
Fee: No fee and drop-ins are welcome
Description: Meet fellow knitters and enjoy the art of needle craft with this long-standing Foundation volunteer group.
Photography, Darkroom
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm, Mon-Sat
Location: Darkroom
Leaders: Self Managed
Fee: No fee
Description: Full-service darkroom available to Foundation members.
Photography Group
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm, Thurs
Location: Seideneck Room
Leader: Joyce Tarter Rideout
Fee: $12/annual. Register at class, guests welcome.
Description: Sharing/Guest Speakers. Group meets once a week to view local photographers works together and discusses the art of photography. www.cfphotographers.org.
SoulCollage®
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm, Wed, 12/4: Winter Animal Guides
Instuctor: Lisa Handley
Location: Seideneck Room
Fee: $30 per individual class. Register with Lisa, 512.9063 plumeriapapercraft@gmail.com.
Description: Step into the flow of SoulCollage®, and immerse yourself in mindful self-expression! Join Lisa Handley, SoulCollage® facilitator and artist, as she gently inspires and guides participants through each 2.5-hour class and helps you tap into your imagination and intuition to gather images, collage personally meaningful cards, contemplate their significance and consult with them as springboards to your own inner wisdom. Join us for creativity and camaraderie! Both new and experienced are welcomed. All materials are provided.
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Wood Carving
Time: 8:30am-11:30am, Tues & Thurs
Leader: Joe Suprenant
Location: Seideneck Room
Fee: No fee, drop-ins welcome
Greek Dance Class
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm, Tue
Location: Diment Hall
Instructors: Janet Tezak, Rick McCarthy
Fee: No fee, register at class
Description: Janet Tezak and Rick McCarthy will teach basic Greek dancing steps from 3:30pm-4:50pm on Tuesday afternoon and then from 5:00pm-5:30pm, they will run through all the Greek dances. Darold Skerritt has taught Greek dancing for more than twenty years, and Janet and Lois are a product of his wonderful teaching techniques. They have also been part of the Greek Village dancers at many events around the Peninsula.
Line Dancing
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm, Thurs
Location: Diment Hall
Instructor: Belle James
Fee: $5/class, sign-up at class
Description: Come learn to Line Dance- it's FUN! Line dancing originated from European Folk dances and gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s especially after the creation of the "Tush Push" and "Electric Slide" in the 70s. Finally in the 1980s, dozens of line dances were choreographed for specific songs and a line dance craze ensued that continues today with thousands of different line dances to every kind of music you can imagine.
Gratitude and Empathy Group
Time: 3:00pm-4:15pm, Thurs
Location: Blanchard A
Leader: Ted Hill
Fee: No fee, email tedsup@gmx.com to join meeting
Description: The Gratitude and Communication Group happens with a special emphasis on appreciation. In these troubling times, it's important to look for things that we can be grateful for. Hope you can join us in this enlvinening group.
Men's Discussion Group
Time: 10:30am-11:45am, Mon
Location: Seideneck Room
Leader: Lou Aldana
Fee: No fee, drop-ins welcome
Description: A friendly group of the Foundation's men meet for an enjoyable morning of varied discussions. Sometimes it's an open discussion of current events, or a presentation by one of our members, or perhaps a guest speaker. We make an effort to invite speakers that cover subjects of local interest. Come by and meet your fellow Foundation members! Q & A's, comments and opinions are always welcome and well-received. If you have an interesting background or expertise, stop by and we will schedule you for presentation.
Men's & Women's Discussion Group
Time: 2:30pm-4:00pm, Tue
Location: Blanchard A
Facilitator: Self-led
Fee: No fee, sign up at discussion group
Description: Join us as we will offer fresh topics to discuss in a personal and lively manner. Meaningful and harmonious discussion is encouraged.
Women Sharing with Women
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fri
Location: Blanchard A
Facilitator: Self-led
Fee: No fee, sign up at discussion group
Description: Come and connect with other women in this safe and supportive environment. Group is limited to 12 members. No fee. Drop-ins welcome.
AARP Safe Driving
Time: returns in March 2025
Location: Seideneck Room
Instructor: Curt Tipton
Fee: Brush up on your driving knowledge, save on insurance
624.1588
American Mohjong (experienced players only)
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm, Wed
Location: Craft Room
Fee: No fee; drop-in welcome.
Description: Open to teaching beginners!
Bridge, Duplicate
Time: 12:00pm-4:30pm, Fri
Location: Craft Room
Leader: Susan Lea and Pat Canada
Fee: $2/per session, open room, register at classSusan 869.8280 or Pat 747.673
Description: This is a social game and tries to adhere to ACBL rules. It is not an ACBL sanctioned game, so players do not receive "master points" for their participation. There is a wide range of experience levels in our players. Players who wish to join should have a partner, although once familiar with the group, the facilitator can assist in matching up players with someone in the group who needs a partner for a day. Each player contributes $2 each day that they play, and small money prizes are given to the top 3 teams, both N/S and E/W. Players are not required to know how to score the Traveler forms, although we do need players with that knowledge. We use the standard bid boxes. A signup sheet is on hand to sign up for the following 2 weeks, but players can call to sign up or cancel.
Canasta, Intermediate
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Mon
Location: Craft Room B
Leader:Vicki Torcolini
Fee: No fee
Description: Playa Canasta with fellow Foundation members.
Chess
Time: 1:00pm-4:30pm, Thurs
Location:Field Cafe or Garden Courtyard
Fee: No fee Drop-ins welcome
Cribbage
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Wed, 12/4 & 18, 1/8 & 22
Location:Craft Room
Leader: Anton Prange
Fee: No fee, register with Anton, 293.8305, antonprange@comcast.net
Description: Creativity! Calculation! Confirming! "C" is for Cribbage.
Games: Open Game
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm, Wed; 1:00pm-4:00pm, Thur
Location:Craft Room
Leader: No leader
Fee: No fee, open room
Description: Meet with fellow members for a fun afternoon of bridge, mah jongg...
Hand & Foot
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Mon
Location:Craft Room B
Leader: Susan Sailow
Fee: No fee
Description: “Hand & Foot” is a North American game related to canasta. Each player is dealt two sets of cards using one as the “hand” and one as the “foot. There are numerous variations of the game and no “standard” rules. You can either play as individuals or as teams. No fee. Drop-ins welcome.
Rummicube
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm, Tue
Location:Field Cafe
Leader: Kristen Ramsden
Fee: No fee
Description: Meet with fellow members for a fun afternoon of Rummicube
Texas Hold'em - Full to capacity
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Thurs
Location: Craft Room
Facilitator:: Micky Lawler
Texas Hold'em/Saturdays
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm, Sat
Location: Craft Room
No facilitator::Drop ins welcome
Personal Fitness, Lo-Impact
Time: 9:00am-10:00am, Mon, Weds, Fri
Location: Diment Hall
Instructor: MaryAnn Rousseau
Fee: $5/class or $50/mo suggested donation, register at class
Description: Enjoy a fun and relaxing work-out for strength and flexibility with a focus on balance and core work. Class includes warm up, low impact aerobics, muscle toning, cool down and stretching to great music and laughter! For men and women.
Walking Group
Time: 1:30pm-3:00pm, Wed
Location: local paths, beaches & parks
Coordinator: Member Services
Fee: No fee; register w/member services, 624.1588
Description: Are you looking for a little adventure & outdoor exercise? Join us Tuesday afternoons for our Weekly Walking Group. We have been exploring all that this breathtaking Peninsula has to offer, while enjoying each other's company. Past adventures have included walks at Stillwater Cove, Bird Rock to Indian Village, Scenic Drive & Point Lobos State Natural Preserve.
Yoga, Chair
Time: 8:30am-9:30am, Thurs
Location: Wellness Center
Instructor: Jody Emerson Quintana
Fee: $8 per class, register at class
Description: Gentle chair yoga. Balance, stretch, move, relax and renew.
Yoga, Gentle with Kathleen Karachale
Time: 10:00am-11:00am, Tue & Thurs
Location: >Tech/Wellness Room
Instructor: Kathleen Karchale
Fee: $5 per class, call member services to be waitlisted 624.1588
Description: Yoga is a great practice to help improve strength, balance, flexibilty and enhance lung capacity. Through mindful breathing techniques and meditation, yoga offers a greater sense of peace and focus on the present moment.
Yuan Qigong Class Series
Time: 10:00am-11:15am, Weds
*
Location: Tech/Wellness Room
Instructor: Dale Mirmow, Certified Master Teacher
Fee: $10 drop-in, register at class
Description: The Qigong class will give you the fundamental tools and practices of Qigong that will aid with the prevention of illness, increased balance and flexibility, and improvement in one's overall health and well-being. Qigong can be done while sitting, standing, or moving, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Qigong is easy to incorporate into your daily life, and regular practitioners enjoy more energy, good health and well-being, and are better able to deal with issues of stress, anxiety, and pain.
Spanish, Conversational
Time: 9:30am-10:30am, Tue, 12/3 & 10
Location: Blanchard A
Leader: Majo Spencer
Fee: $20/class. Email instructor at majospencer@yahoo.com or call 801.560.8437 to register
Description: Classes are held in Spanish with a variety of themes, topics, current events and in-depth conversation.
History and Philosophy Lectures
Time: 10:00am-11:30am, Fri: 12/6: Proofs for God; 12/13: Paradise Lost by John Milton
Instructor: Lawrence Harris
Location: Seideneck Room
Fee: $10/class, register w/instructor at class
Description: These series of classes will explore several themes in Western history, politics, and culture.
Non-Fiction Reading Discussion
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm, Thurs
Location: Blanchard A
Leader: Jim Emery
Foundation Reading and Discussion Group
Time: 10:00am-11:30pm; Weds
Location: Blanchard B
Leader: Bill Richards
Fee: No fee, drop-ins welcome
Description: Meet weekly to read and discuss books with new friends!
Mindful Drumming Circle
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm, 2nd & 4th Mon/mo
Location: Seideneck Room
Instructor Linda Sweet
Fee: No fee
Description: Find your inner rhythm and discover the benefits of drumming!
Bring your own drum/percussion instrument.
Private Voice and Flute Lessons
Time: 9:00am- 12:00pm, Wed by appointment
Location: Blanchard A
Instructor Elise Rotchford
Fee: contact Elise 831.521.0420 or eliserotchford@gmail.com.
Description: Instructor Elise Rotchford M.A. is a performing artist, music director, educator, and archivist for Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck. She has also served as the personal music librarian for Luciano Pavarotti and The Three Tenors. A skilled flutist and vocalist, Elise is currently the Marketing Coordinator for Monterey County Pops!
Piano Lessons with Pam Lawrence
Time: 9:30am-11:00am, Sat by appointment
Location: Diment Hall
Instructor Pam Lawrence
Fee: $100/mo. Call Pam for scheduling 831.277.7638.
Description: Lessons are personally tailored to your needs. A keyboard will be available for use during lessons, but the student will need their own keyboard or piano at home for practice. Pam Lawrence holds an M.A. in Music with an emphasis on piano-organ-harpsichord. She taught for 13 years at Gavilan College and also has maintained a private teaching studio, Monterey Bay Music, for 40 years
Singing Class
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm, Fri
Location: Diment Hall
Instructor Nancy Bennett, M.A. member-National Association Teachers of Singing
Fee: $12, payable to instructor at class
Description: Learn breathing for singing, expand your range, improve musicianship plus receive tools for better singing! All this while sharing the joy of singing with others in a suppportive atmosphere. Music will be provided and geared to your taste.
Creative Writing: Poetry Writing
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm, Fri,
Instructor: Lawrence Harris, Seideneck Room
Fee: $10/per class, sign-up at class
Description: Join the Creative Writing instructor for an engaging poetry writing class. Participants will explore the fundamentals of poetry, learn various poetic forms, and listen to inspiring poems online. Each class includes detailed lesson plans, and homework prompts will be assigned for reading and discussion in the following session. Tuition is $10.00 per person, per 2-hour class. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Lawrence Harris at 415.828.9748.
Writing Memoirs Writing
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm, Mon
Time: 9:30am-11:30am, Weds
Location: Craft Room
Instructor: Illia Thompson
Fee: $50/monthly suggested donation, register w/Thompson 236.1118 or i.thompson33@me.com
The Listening Place Reader's Theater Proudly Presents "Yuletide Jewels"
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm (doors open 12:30pm), Saturday, 12/7
Location: Diment Hall
Facilitator The Listening Place Reader's Theater
Fee: Free, no reservations required
Description: Join us for a heartwarming afternoon as The Listening Place Readers Theater presents their annual Yuletide Jewels program. Directed by Linda Hancock, this festive event will feature a delightful collection of holiday stories, including Capote's Christmas Memory, The Fruitcake, The 12 Days of Christmas, and more! Admission is free, and no registration is required. Gather your friends and celebrate the season with these timeless tales.
• Poetry Readings
• Monterey County Theater Alliance
• The Listening Place Reader's Theater
• Film School
The Carmel Foundation hosts one day workshops. These workshops cover a wide array of topics and are presented by people with expertise in the area being discussed.
Lectures and entertaining programs are held Wednesday afternoons at 2:30pm in Diment Hall. A variety of slide presentations, lectures, and musical entertainment is offered. At the conclusion of each program, refreshments are served by a committee of volunteers. These programs are given as a community service and are open to the public without charge.
Wednesday Programs Schedule