OASIS Senior Center
OASIS Senior Center is offering a variety of happenings, as well as online and in-person classes. Check the website to view their monthly newsletter. Their classes are also available in the city's quarterly Newport Navigator magazine. Registration for all OASIS classes and programs is required. Visit www.newportbeachca.gov/OASIS or call 949.644.3244 for assistance. OASIS Senior Center is located at 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar.

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Courtesy of OASIS Senior Center
HAPPENINGS
Winter Coat Drive
OASIS is collecting new and gently used coats for adults and children to be distributed to the homeless through Orange County. If you can help, there is collection box at the OASIS front entrance through February.
Shopping Trips
OASIS is offering two shopping trips in February. On Thursday, Feb. 9 to the 99 Cent Store and Thursday, Feb. 23 to Target. Call 949.644.3244 to reserve your spot.
OASIS Bunco
Friday, Feb. 10 from 3-4:15 p.m. Join in a game of Bunco with the National League of Young Men. Event is limited to 12 participants. Takes place in OASIS Room 2. RSVP by calling 949.644.3244.
Movie Talk
Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. Join Theo Siegel, when you’ll talk about the making of A Letter to Three Wives. This 1949 film tells the story of a woman who mails a letter to three women telling them that she has left town with the husband of one of them. Each of the couples in the film represent a different side of marriage. The screenwriter and director of the film was Joseph Mankiewicz. He won the Oscar for the script and his direction and the very next year repeated that accomplishment, winning the Oscars for directing and writing the film All About Eve. Celeste Holm has the uncredited role of Addie Ross, the woman who has written the letters and is only heard in voiceover. The film was shot in upstate New York and skewers suburbia, marriage, advertising and radio. Learn about these interesting facts and many more from the movie guy as you talk about the film starring Jeanne Crain, Linda Darnell, Ann Sothern and Kirk Douglas and then enjoy the movie.
Takes place in the Evelyn Hart Event Center.
Caring for the Caregiver
Thursday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. Learn about surviving vs. thriving methods for coping with depression support groups and adult day care self-care that really helps. Presenter: Beth N. Otterbein, BSN, RN, Faith Community Nursing. Takes place in OASIS Room 2.
Veterans Social Group
Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a presentation by Vic Real on “Korea, the Forgotten War.” Veterans of all ages are welcome. Pizza, coffee and water will be provided. RSVP at 949.644.3244. Takes place in the Evelyn Hart Event Center.
Managing Symptoms of Depression As You Age
Thursday, Feb. 23 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Ruth Morin, Ph.D. for an informative presentation on how to deal with symptoms of depression in our later years. You will learn how to identify signs and symptoms, how to help bolster mood, and what type of treatment options are available to manage distress and improve long-term health. Presented by Hoag Community Health. RSVP to 949.644.3244, or [email protected].
Healthy Communications Group
Mondays, Feb. 27 through March 27 from 2-4 p.m. This free five-week group focuses on enhancing communication skills. RSVP is required, so reserve your spot at 949.644.3244. Due to grant funding, a registration packet will need to be completed prior to starting. For more information, contact Mieka Bledsoe, LMFT at 949.557.5101.
AARP Driver Safety
Two-day course: Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16 from 1-5 p.m. Refresh your knowledge on the basics of safe driving and potentially receive a discount on your auto insurance. Cost: $20 AARP Member; $25 Non-member. Fee is due to the instructor on the first day. RSVP to 949.644.3244. Takes place in OASIS Room 2.
Make New Connections
Every Thursday at 2 p.m. Fall more deeply into connection with yourself and others through the art of listening to what stirs your heart. Takes place in OASIS Room 5. Facilitated by Joyce Swaving from Shanti OC.
Let’s Do Lunch
Monday-Friday from 12-12:30 p.m. Presented by Age Well. Reserve your spot at OASIS by calling 949.718.1820, as reservations are required. A contribution of $5.50 is greatly appreciated but not required to dine. See the newsletter for the monthly menu.
CLASSES
Enrichment
OASIS Players
Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Do you like to perform? Act, sing, dance? Join this new theater group – OASIS Players. Takes place in OASIS Room 2A.
A Different Kind of Book Group
Join this book group on the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. You all read a different book based on the topic of the month, so you go home with a list of interesting reads. Free and no RSVP is required. Takes place in OASIS Room 5.
Short Story Discussion
Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. Join Doug Brown to discuss different 6-20 page short stories each week. Members are expected to read the story before class, but the story will be read in sections out loud in class to facilitate discussion. Contact instructor for more information. Free and no RSVP is required.
Current Events Discussion
Mondays from 3-5 p.m. Join this group to openly discuss current events in a friendly setting. Topics will include news, magazines and movies. Participants are asked to bring an article to share with the group. From time to time, a speaker may present a special topic. Free. RSVP is not required. Takes place in the OASIS Library. Presenter is Dave Larue.
Writing Roundtable
Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. This class is dedicated to improving writing skills by presenting readings, then receiving critiques. Authors may bring prepared material, double spaced, with a copy for each attendee. Content may include short stories, personal essays, a magazine article or poem. Reading time depends upon class attendance. This is free. RSVP is required, so contact the group leader. Takes place in OASIS Room 5. Presenter is Jos Vloet, [email protected].
Fine Arts
Freehand Drawing
Wednesdays, Feb. 15-March 15 from 9-11 a.m. Led by Nancy Wahamaki’s Art World. Join in this fun drawing class; the instructor will lead you every step of the way. Beginner to advanced, working in graphite pencil, pen & ink and charcoal. Learn tips to capture and sketch the world around you, keep an artist’s journal and awaken to really “seeing.” This type of “seeing” creates beautiful drawings and a new awareness of your surroundings. Bring supplies to class; a material list will print on receipt. Cost: $120/5. Additional fee: $10 for materials. Takes place in OASIS Room 2A.
Oil Painting – Intermediate to Advanced
Mondays, Feb. 13-March 13 from 1-3:30 p.m. Led by Jim Ellsberry. Students work on their own projects or from photos supplied by instructor. Focus is on Still life and Landscape painting. Drawing, color mixing, color value and edge are stressed. The instructor works in traditional oil, but all media are acceptable. No class 1/16, 2/20. A material list will print on receipt. Cost: $185/4. Additional fee: $15 for materials. Takes place in the OASIS Art Center.
Watercolor Intermediate
Wednesday, Feb. 8-March 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Led by Chris Sullivan. This fun class focuses on designing interesting and effective compositions with an emphasis on the dark and light values. Learn how to paint different subjects such as landscapes, seascapes, people, still life and other subjects. Demonstrations, individual assistance, and group critiques are included. Material list will print out on receipt. Prerequisite: Good control and understanding of basic watercolor techniques. Cost: $146/6. Takes place in OASIS Art Center.
Watercolor Advanced
Wednesday, Feb. 8-March 15 from 1 -4 p.m. Led by Chris Sullivan. Learn to paint more expressive and creative watercolors. In this exciting experimental watercolor class, you will explore various design concepts and use of other media to develop emotional content in your paintings. Creative and expressive interpretation of your subject matter will be the focus. Demonstrations and group critiques included. Material list will print out on receipt. Prerequisite: Good control and understanding of basic watercolor techniques. Cost: $146/6. Takes place in OASIS Art Center.
Woodcarvers and Crafters Workshop
Thursdays from 8-11 a.m. Led by Ray Morrow. This social group works on individual projects and welcomes all levels of crafters. All crafters provide their own patterns and materials. Wood crafts include different types of carving, intarsia, marquetry, scrolling. Other crafts are open to one’s imagination including model building, pyrography, creating games and puzzles and gourd art. Members assist other members to help develop skills. Members may have an occasional minimal fee for class tool and machine maintenance. RSVP is not required. Takes place in the OASIS Art Center. [email protected]
Fitness
NEW! Vernal Equinox Event
Led by Stephanie von Meetren, this is accessible to all. Welcome Spring! In this special class on Saturday, March 18 from 9-10 a.m., you will be honoring the seasonal change of Spring and the growth it brings in your life on all five layers of your human system. You can expect a guided meditation and more. Ready to feel relaxed, nourished and joyful? Any questions, feel free to contact instructor. Bring a yoga mat. Cost $20/1. Takes place in the OASIS Dance Room.
Better Life Boxing (In person)
Led by Andrew Deming, this class provides seniors with fun, challenging and safe boxing workouts they can use to keep their bodies and brains healthy. All welcome. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Boxing gloves are required. Purchase these on your own (12 oz. size gloves). Email [email protected] if you have any questions. Check the newsletter for dates, times and costs.
Iyengar Yoga (In Person)
Instructor: Carolyn Matsuda. Yoga is for everyone and every body type. This gentle class will help you to become stronger and more flexible. Iyengar Yoga focuses on building a foundation from the ground up and aligning our arms, legs and spine to the yoga pose. You will use props and modify poses so everyone can join in. Instructor is a Jr. Intermediate Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Bring a sticky mat and three firm blankets. Students generally spend $45-$60 on these items. More details will be given on the first day of class. Check the newsletter for dates, times and costs. Email [email protected].
Barre Stretch & Strength
Presented by CS Dance Factory. Live longer, get stronger! Standing at the barre for the whole class, you will be led through easy-to-follow, head-to-toe exercises that are effective and fun. The barre provides stability while you strengthen muscles to improve your balance, mobility and circulation. Stretch to increase flexibility and range of motion and reduce muscle tension. Check the newsletter for dates, times and costs.
Pilates
This Pilates beginning/intermediate class is taught with strength, alignment and flexibility in mind. Participants are taught proper functional movement so their bodies can be maintained and injuries prevented. Taught by a nurse who specializes in injury prevention and injury management. Bring a mat, beach-size towel, a light and a heavy resistance band and if you want, light 1.5 lb. ankle weights. Instructor: Kathryn Rollins. Email: [email protected]lance.com. Call 949.422.9834. Check the newsletter for dates, times and costs.
Melt Method
Yvette Casal is the instructor. This class should not be taken unless you have previous MELT experience. This class will combine hydrating length techniques and stabilizing strength techniques to address the weak links that damage joints and inhibit your body’s ability to function optimally. Information to join the Zoom meeting will be sent by the instructor once online registration is completed. Please bring a mat and water to drink. Please contact the instructor for a list of equipment needed, [email protected]. Check the newsletter for dates, times and costs. Also available via Zoom for virtual attendance.
Lawn Bowling
This game is open to all ages and is fun, sociable and competitive. The lessons are free and all equipment is provided. The greens are open seven days a week; weather permitting. There are potlucks, both day and evening bowling, along with social and competitive bowling. Beginners to experienced bowlers welcomed. Come try it; you will like it. Annual membership is $250. Takes place at the Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club, located at 1550 Crown Drive (the corner of San Joaquin Hills Road and Crown Drive North), Corona del Mar. For more information, visit the Club website at www.NHLBC.com.
Foreign Language
Languages (In Person)
Beginning French 1 and 2 and Beginning Italian 1 and 2; and Beginning Spanish 1. Classes are taught via Zoom and in person.
Emphasis is given to listening and interpretation. A material fee may be assessed. Beginning Level 2 classes are a continuation for those who have completed Level 1. For more information, dates and fees, check out the newsletter or call 714.979.1655.
French Intermediate (Online)
Instructor: Leo Vortouni. Emphasis is on French conversation, composing current day topics in French and reading them to the class. Group meets on Zoom. For more information on how to join, contact Leo Vortouni at 949.607.9104. Email: [email protected].
German - Advanced (Online)
Instructor: Robert H. Friis, Ph.D. Emphasis is on grammar, conversation and translation for the advanced student. Exercises are provided to participants. To RSVP or find out more information about joining this group, email Dr. Friis at [email protected].
ONGOING
Duplicate Bridge
Tuesdays/Fridays from 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $1. Bring your own partner to play. Reservations are required. Contact Terry and Gene Casavant at [email protected] or call 949.854.8138.
Mah Jongg
Mondays/Fridays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Group returns Monday, July 19. Free. Experienced players meet to play. Led by Doris Melnick and Dave Margolis. RSVP not required. Takes place in OASIS Room 3. For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].
Ukulele Strummers and Singers
Mondays from 1-2:30 p.m. Presented by Mike Ekinaka. Ukulele strumming, singing and hula dancing activities are socially oriented to have fun, learn and self improve. Four strings of lifetime fun. Geared for beginners or those with music experience, or who like to perform and entertain. Free and no RSVP is required. Takes place in OASIS Room 2.
Hootenanny
Fridays from 1-3 p.m. Presented by Glen Jansma. Group singing of American Standard tunes. Acoustic instruments optional. Free and no RSVP is required. Takes place OASIS Room 5.
Virtual Drumming with Lee Kix
Come make some sounds with Lee Kix. Play along on a virtual Zoom Drum Circle. Discover your own inner rhythm playing with some other fun seniors.
Second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. Visit the website for more information, meeting ID and password.
Knitting
This group, led by Golda, is comprised of experienced needleworkers who meet weekly on Wednesdays from 12-3 p.m. in OASIS Room 3. RSVP is not required. Free. Call 949.673.7553.
Travel Shows with Nino
Enjoy an in-depth sightseeing experience of some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Narrated by travel expert and photographer Nino Mohan. Slideshows include photos, videos and personal narration by Mohan. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in OASIS Room 1. Free.
Golf
Led by Greg Nelson, all games take place at Costa Mesa Golf Course on both courses, and this is ongoing on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays. Schedule: Monday at Los Lagos, which is a long and challenging par 72. Time: 9 a.m., cost $36. Wednesday at Mesa Linda, which is a par 70. Time: 9 a.m., cost $29. Friday at Mesa Linda, which is a par 70. Time: 9 a.m., cost $34. Carts may be rented for an additional fee. For more information, call 949.413.2712. RSVP is required.
SAILING
OASIS Sailing Club makes recreational sailing available to members and their guests and provides instruction in sailing to those members who wish to learn how to handle a sailboat. Enjoy year-round sailing in our beautiful Catalina 34 MKII sloops, OASIS-V and OASIS-VI. Both are in excellent condition and ready for all-weather operations. Sailing is sometimes tranquil, often challenging and always enjoyable. The friendly club members welcome both experienced and new sailors. There is a $50 monthly dues fee. Sailing is free. (Google “oasis sailing club” for their website). Call Membership Chair Dorothy Ables at 949.400.6177 or email [email protected] for membership details. OASIS Sailing Club membership requires a Friends of OASIS membership which is $15/year individual or $25/couple.
Apple iPhone for Beginners
Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 1-3 p.m. and Wednesday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Led by Carole Kamper. The class is designed for new and not so new users of iPhones. Instruction will cover the basics of making and receiving calls, setting up voicemail, sending and receiving text messages and other general topics of use to beginning smartphone users. Contact the instructor if you have any questions regarding the version/model of your Apple iPhone for this class. Each session is $42/1. Takes place in the OASIS Computer Lab.
A Sampling of Apps
Tuesday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Led by Carole Kamper. Explore just a sampling of the many Apps that are available on your iPhone/Smartphone or iPad/tablet including Uber and Lyft, Travel, Currency Exchange and Maps, eBooks including Kindle and free eBooks that can be downloaded from the Newport Beach Library, photo sharing including Instagram. Contact the instructor if you have any questions regarding the version of your device for this class. You will be contacted by the instructor prior to the class with instructions on how to download the apps to your device. Each session is $42/1. Takes place in the OASIS
Computer Classes
In 2023, classes are being offered in Computer Basics, Digital Photo Editing, eBay 2, Intro to Word, Intro to Excel, Excel Refresher, Introduction to PowerPoint, Intro to Facebook & Social Media, iPhone Most Useful Secrets, Making a Shutterfly & Awesome Box and iPad Basics. See the OASIS monthly newsletter for class dates, times, descriptions and costs.
TRAVEL
Helpful Information:
–The second listed cost is the non-member price. Join the Friends of OASIS and save.
–Bus boarding is determined by your sign-up date.
–All trips depart and return to the larger parking lot across the street from OASIS.
–Cancellation Policy: A full refund less a $10 fee will be given on trips cancelled more than 10 days prior to the trip date. Less than 10 days, refunds ae given only if a wait list substitution is made. No refunds one day prior to the trip date or the day of the trip.
–Gambling Trips: Your Casino Rewards card number (if you have one), legal name and date of birth must be provided when signing up for a gambling trip. Always bring identification with you. No refunds on gambling trips.
–For additional information, email [email protected]. The OASIS Travel office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Day Trips
Rancho Bernardo Winery/Canine Companions
Wednesday, Feb. 15. By popular request, the Rancho Bernardo Winery is rescheduled. You will get three 3 oz. pours of your choice of red or white wines. There will be time for shopping and browsing in their village shops. Canine Companions pair disabled people with highly trained dogs at no cost. You will hear and learn how volunteers, puppy raisers and trainers come together to train these service dogs to assist the deaf, wounded vets, PTSD victims and others. On your own at a nearby shopping center with several options. Cost: $111/$116. Departs 9 a.m.; Return 5:30 p.m.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Thursday, Feb. 23. The Petersen Museum houses more than 150 cars from classics to hot rods in its permanent galleries. You can tour all three floors of the museum. Your ticket includes the vault featuring more than 250 vehicles from around the world. They are some of the most iconic and rare cars, motorcycles and trucks spanning more than 120 years of automotive history. You will see turn-of-the-20th century cars, heads-of-state cars, American classics, Hollywood stars’ cars, award-winning hot rods and many other surprises. Cost: $95/$100. Departs 9 a.m.; Return 4:30 p.m.
Luck O’ The Irish
Friday, March 17. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day enjoying an Irish luncheon and musical revue. You will be entertained by Irish songs such as “Danny Boy,” “My Irish Rose,” and “Irish Eyes Are Smiling” as well as Broadway selections from Finian’s Rainbow and Brigadoon. The show is lively and colorful with costumes, music, dance and comedy. Feast on traditional corned beef and cabbage or roast chicken. Lunch is served with salad, rolls and wine, coffee or tea and an Irish ice cream sundae. Cost: $117/$122. Departs 9:45 a.m.; Return 5:30 p.m.
Laughlin Spring Getaway
March 21-23. Enjoy a two-night getaway at the beautiful Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino along the banks of the Colorado River. The resort features some of the hottest gaming action in Laughlin including slot and video poker machines, table games and live keno, and a complete race and sports book. You will have several options for dining including Claim Jumper and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. as well as casual dining. Stroll along the Riverwalk, which offers views of the majestic Nevada desert scenery and Colorado River. Cost: $250 for double occupancy, $329 for single occupancy. All prices are per person. Departs 8:30 a.m.; Return 6 p.m.
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For more information on classes and happenings, call OASIS Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit
www.newportbeachca.gov/OASIS.