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.
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 Denizens
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri
Location: Darkroom
Leaders: Manager Peter Moppert 414.310.9622
Fee: No fee
Description: Full-service darkroom available to Foundation members. Call Arabella or Jack to learn more about supplies and times available.
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, 5/10, Maiden, Mother, Crone Archetypes
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.
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.
Current Events Discussion Group
Time: 10:00am-11:30am, 1st & 3rd Tues
Location: Craft Room
Leader: Maria Litka Bennet
Fee: No fee, drop-ins welcome
Description: Join fellow members as we discuss hot topics in the news!
Gratitude and Empathy Group
Time: 3:00pm-4:15pm, Thurs
Location: Garden Courtyard (weather permitting) or 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.
Great Minds Online (edX & TED Talks)
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm, 2nd & 4th Wed
Location: ZOOM
Leader: Joan Beller
Fee: No fee, register with Joan, 238.2087
Description: Topic: varies
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.
Golden Rule Discussion Group CO/ED (full to capcity)
Time: 2:30pm-4:15pm, Tue
Location: Craft Room
Facilitator: Walt Notley
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.
AARP Safe Driving
Time: date to be determined
Location: Seideneck Room
Instructor: Curt Tipton
Fee: Brush up on your driving knowledge, save on insurance
624.1588
Bridge, Duplicate
Time: 12:30pm-4:30pm, Fri
Location: Craft Room
Leader: Barbara Wells
Fee: $2/per session, open room, register at class 624.5461
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, Third Monday Canasta - Full to Capacity
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Mon 5/15
Location: Craft Room B
Leader:Vicki Torcolini
Fee: No fee
Description: Playa Canasta with fellow Foundation members.
Chess
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Thurs
Location:Field Cafe or Garden Courtyard
Fee: No fee Drop-ins welcome
Cribbage
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Wed, 2nd & 4th/mo
Location:Craft Room
Leader: Larry Parrish
Fee: No fee, register with Larry, 622.7455, lparrish@toast.net
Description: Creativity! Calculation! Confirming! "C" is for Cribbage.
Cribbage Lessons
Time: By appointment
Instructor: Larry Parrish
Fee: No fee, register with Larry, 622.7455, lparrish@toast.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...
Scrabble
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Thur
Location: Meet in Field Café for location
Leader: > Mary Grace
Fee: No fee, open game
Description: Meet in the Field Café and play as many games as you like. Feel free to come when you want, and leave when you want.
Texas Hold'em - Full to capacity
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Thurs
Location: Craft Room
Facilitator:: Micky Lawler
Texas Hold'em/First Monday - Full to capacity
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, 1st Mon/mo
Location: Craft Room
Facilitator:: Vicki Torcolini
Adaptive Movement Qigong
Time: 10:00am-11:15pm, Mon
Location: Blanchard A
Instructor: Dale Mirmow
Fee: 5/1 class free! there after: $10/class, drop-in, payable to instructor at class
Description: Using gentle movements, breathing, and consciousness to direct energy for healing and wellbeing. Participation can be done seated as well as standing. All movements can be adjusted to accommodate your individual condition. Learn easy movements to release tension, relax, improve mental clarity, build physical strength and stamina, and strengthen internal organs.
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: >Blanchard A
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(full to capacity)
Location: >Blanchard A
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: Blanchard A
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
Location: Blanchard A
Leader: Majo Spencer
Fee: $150/10 wk session. 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: 5/5: Update:Russo/Ukraine War & American Afghanistan Withdrawl; 5/12: Post-Humanism; 5/19: The Crusades; 5/26: colonialism
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!
The Carmel Foundation Book Club
Time: 1:30pm-3:00pm, last Fri/mo
Location: Blanchard A
Facilitator: Carleen Whittelsey
Fee: No fee, drop-ins welcome
Description: Next book for discussion is "The Lincoln Highway"
Harp Cafe
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm, Tues, 5/30
Location: Field Cafe
Facilitators Certified Clincial Musican Viv Sarubbi
Fee: free
Description: Let’s heal together through the enchanting sounds of the harp! The vibrational sounds from the plucked strings of the harp cradles you and relaxes muscles, instills a sense of hope and mental calm. It naturally increases endorphins to reduce pain and provides a sense of JOY and emotional balance! Join Certified Clinical Musician Viv Sarubbi and be transported!!
Music Appreciation
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm, Fridays
Location: Blanchard A
Instructor Elise Rotchford
Fee: Free
Description: A for a fun filled and enriching journey through music of all ages and genres. Explore the evolution of music from ancient times to current trends. Opera, Musical Theatre, Chamber Music, Piano, Guitar, Classical, and Popular Musics featuring guest artists and field trips to local venues. Elise Rotchford is the Personal Music Librarian for Luciano Pavarotti and The Three Tenors Concerts, performing flutist, vocalist, and current Marketing Coordinator for Monterey County Pops!
Piano Lessons with Pam Lawrence
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm, Tuesdays by appointment
Location: Blanchard B
Instructor Pam Lawrence
Fee: 30 minute lesson/$35. 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: The Short Story
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm, Fri,
Instructor: Lawrence Harris, Seideneck Room
Fee: $10/1 class, sign-up at class
Description: This class will introduce the student to the basics of short story writing specifically "flash fiction", or the short, short story or the very short story. This is a type of story that is about 1500 words or less. Students will learn the basic elements of the story, such as character, setting, plot, P.O.V. (point of view), and others. Students will practice the craft of writing in class. Students will read from several short stories. And several historical and contemporary writers will be read and studied to enhance the students understanding of short story writing.
Handouts: Lesson Plans and copies of several short, short stories will be handed out in class
Lawrence Harris holds a B.A. in Art, and Certificates in the Great Books and Creative Writing. He also has an M.S. in Political Science. He currently teaches at local colleges.
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 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.
Back to Balance Workshops, Dr. Ann Marie Tschanz
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm, Monday, June 5 & 12, Wedensday, June 21
Location: Blanchard A
Facilitator Dr. Ann Marie Tschanz
Fee: $25/session (includes assesment)
Description: Don't let balance and back issues keep you from enjoying life. The workshops will focus on building core strength which is vital for both balance and back stabilization. Dr. Ann Marie Tschanz, Physical Therapist, will guide you through exercises and techniques to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling. Before attending the class, it is required to schedule a 15-minute prerequisite functional assessment to ensure you are ready to participate in the exercises. Call Dr Tschanz’ team at Kinect Physical Therapy to schedule your assesment and workshop date. Kinect Physical Therapy: 831.250.0005.
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
