Seniors
Social connection is a crucial component of health and well-being at any age, but especially as we get older. For retirees, it is important to replace the social connections of work with new friendships, new interests and new opportunities to make a positive difference. The fun part is, we get to decide what those connections will be!
If you would like to apply for financial assistance for any of our programs, please click here.
Classes & Workshops
Classes & Workshops
Exercise for EveryBody
Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 8:30 –9:30 am | $3 | SCH GYM
Please Note: No Class on Monday September 7, Friday September 11 or Friday September 18
Keep the body strong in this all-level exercise class, the longest running class at SCH! Whether you’re new to exercise or a longtime fitness enthusiast, this class has a place for you, and is a great place to form new community connections and friendships..
Alignment Based Yoga for Healthy Aging
Tuesdays & thursdays | 9:00–10:00 am | $25/DROP-IN or $100 for a 5-class punch pass | SCH Gym
This yoga class is taught in a workshop format, making it perfect for active seniors who love to learn and expect real results. Each session combines anatomy education with an alignment based approach to yoga poses and their much needed modifications. Rather than just following along with poses, you will actively participate in breaking down proper biomechanics.
We focus on the precise alignment and muscular engagement required to maintain the best form and ensure safety.
Expect an educational environment where questions are welcome, progress is measured, and every breakthrough keeps you moving powerfully through life.
Creative Club
Wednesdays, beginning september 9 | 10:15 am –12:00 pm | 10/DROP-IN or $40 for a 5-class punch card | SCH meeting room
There will be no Creative Club on November 11
Explore your creative self in this fun, engaging, low-stress weekly series led by local artists and storytellers! See below for details of each month’s projects.
October Creative Club: Intuitive Collage Landscapes
October marks Ami Maki''s first month as creative club leader! Ami (pronounced Amy) is a life-long artist who values play as the main criterion for creativity. She is excited to offer her guidance and expertise in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and fun environment. You can find more on Ami at amimakiaratist.com.
This month's project will be Intuitive Collage Landscapes. We'll work with natural materials, a pile of magazines, some scissors, and a little curiosity about what happens when you stop overthinking and start making.
You will create a whimsical, make-believe landscape from found natural materials and images that inspire you, regardless of whether they are from nature. After a short introduction we'll go on a mini scavenger hunt (weather permitting) for leaves, sticks, rocks or anything else that strikes your fancy. We'll focus on a color theme, incorporating interesting textures.
Bring anything that inspires you if you have it. A photo, a scrap of something you love, a magazine from your coffee table. Or bring nothing at all. I have a large selection of magazines and images to peruse.
We meet once a week for four weeks, two hours per session. By the end of the month you will have a finished piece to take home. Something you made with your own hands that did not exist before you walked in the door. Or for those who work faster, more than one piece.
This will be pure play! No pressure, no plan. Just show up and see what wants to happen. We cannot wait to make a mess with you!
Let’s Talk: Conversations on Aging
Second Mondays through december | 10:15-11:30 AM | free, drop-in | SCH MEETING ROOM
Each session in the “Let’s Talk”series is an informal, interactive discussion with peers, facilitated by Conversations on Aging volunteers. A different topic is chosen for each month, and cookies, tea & coffee are provided.
Dates & Topics:
September 14: Non-Death Losses
October 12: Regrets
November 9: Thanksgiving and Gratitude
December 14: Holiday Memories
ClayPlay Workshop for Seniors
Two classes, november 2 & 16 | 10:30 am -12:30 pm | $50, register here | SCH MEETING ROOM
Shape and build your own clay ornaments in a relaxed, hands-on session at Sellwood Community House with instructor Tracey Cronin.Using a template especially designed by Tracey, we will create angel ornaments using the slab building method, and then play with different textures to add a special touch. These sweet little creations can be hung from a tree, or simply displayed somewhere you’d like to show them off.
We’ll provide clay, tools, and guidance as you create pieces to keep or share. The ornaments will be created over two sessions, and will be available to pick up approximately one week after the second session at Sellwood Community House.
About Tracey:
Tracey is a generational potter. She considers it her life’s honor to carry on her grandmother’s love of ceramic art. Engaging with clay is a life-long practice of hers—a sort of moving meditation that directs mindfulness. When she teaches clay art to others, her favorite thing to do is simply watch people’s faces light up as they create something that is both beautiful and personally meaningful.
Need financial support for our Adult & Senior programs?
Apply for our scholarship program!