Ages 8 & up with an adult. No sewing experience required. You will learn safety and operation of the sewing machine, how to thread the machine, wind a bobbin and more. You will practice sewing while making a project each class. Projects include a decorative pillow case, a reversible tote bag, and pajama pants. This is a great way to spend time together learning a new hobby. You will need to bring your own sewing machine. The supply list for each week’s class will be emailed to you prior to the first class. Only one registration per child/adult pair - Please register just the child attending.Instructor Background: Joan Bogart is a retired educator from Rockford Public Schools. She has taught numerous classes through Rockford Community Services including Facebook, Microsoft Word, Sewing. Knitting and Jewelry Making. Joan is also the moderator for the Community Services Book Club for Adults.

Ages 8 & up with an adult. This class will build on the skills learned in the Learn to Sew Together I beginning class. Knowledge of a sewing machine and some prior sewing experience is required. Students will learn new sewing skills while making a project at each class. Just in time for the holidays and a great way to spend time together. Participants will need to bring their own sewing machine and purchase supplies prior to each class. A supply list will be emailed to you prior to each class. Only one registration per child/adult pair - Please register just the child attending. Instructor Background: Joan Bogart is a retired educator from Rockford Public Schools. She has taught numerous classes through Rockford Community Services including Facebook, Microsoft Word, Sewing. Knitting and Jewelry Making. Joan is also the moderator for the Community Services Book Club for Adults.

Learn to sew as you add new skills each week. There will be a project to practice on each week. Week 1 will cover machine basics and then we will make a decorative pillow case. Week 2 we will make a reversable tote bag. Week 3 we will make pajama pants. You will learn how to read a pattern and many more skills. Please bring your own sewing machine. The supply list for each week’s class will be emailed to you prior to class. Instructor: Joan Bogart is a retired educator from RPS. She has taught numerous classes through Rockford Community Services including Facebook, Microsoft Word, Sewing, Knitting, Jewelry Making. Joan is also the moderator for the Community Services Book Club for Adults.

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills Goal: Feel comfortable in the water and enjoy it safely. Key Skills: Enter/exit water, blow bubbles, submerge eyes/nose/mouth, front and back glides/floats, and alternating arm/leg actions on front and back.

Each month we invite you to join us for lunch and an informative presentation. Our presenters might be authors, historians, story tellers, or something entirely different! Topics and menus will change from month to month, but it is always a good time to meet up with area residents for some interesting information and a tasty lunch. Catering is provided by RPS Food Services. One entree item with side, drink, and dessert is offered. All efforts will be made to accommodate individual dietary needs by substituting with what we have available. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. (Pre-registration is required) F26-5261A- THE RIDGE: Friday, September 18 $10Presented by Jayson Otto. After the Great Panic of 1837, eastern settlers looked west for land. A year earlier, the Treaty of Washington was negotiated, ceding over a third of Michigan’s land mass from the Odawa and Ojibway people. This talk will focus on an important swath of land northwest of Grand Rapids, now known as the Fruit Ridge, or simply “The Ridge,” which was opened for American colonization following these historical turning points. With the help of some newly discovered letters by early settler Adelia Hills, Jayson will add to the fascinating story of this unique ecological and cultural place in Michigan, a space which went from a contested space of poor squatters, dispossessed indigenous farmers, and eastern Yankees to what is now one of the most productive apple regions in the country. F26-5261B- BOMBS AWAY: Friday, October 16 $10Presented by Ric Mixter. The Great Lakes have been home to military installations since 1755, and aircraft have flown from this region nearly since the first engined aircraft took to the sky. Selfridge Air National Guard (ANG) is named for the first casualty in powered flight, a young lieutenant named Thomas Selfridge who crashed while flying with Orville Wright. Selfridge was also home to the Tuskegee Airmen, an elite group of African American pilots who flew in World War II. Bombs Away chronicles the most famous missions of four air bases: Sawyer, Wurtsmith, Selfridge, and Kincheloe, which was home to nuclear-armed B-52s from 1961 to 1977. This base was also among the first in a missile defense network called BOMARC, which once shielded North America from Soviet threats. Ric’s lecture features the Tuskegee Airmen, bomber activity in Vietnam, and long-range missions that quickly ended the war in Iraq. Also highlighted is bomber production in Michigan, where “Rosie the Riveter” assembled B-24 Liberators used in World War II. F26-5261C- LAKE MICHIGAN CIRCLE TOUR: Friday, November 20 $10 Presented by Dianna Stampfler. Vacationers have been looping the lake for generations, but the official “Lake Michigan Circle Tour” route wasn’t established until the 1980s when the Michigan Department of Transportation teamed up with West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) to create the route and its official guidebook. Along the way, find more than 100 lighthouses, countless islands, unique attractions, parks and natural areas, miles of glorious beaches, quaint harbor towns, an internationally-recognized urban center, and one “modern marvel,” the Mackinac Bridge. You are invited to take a virtual tour to some of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour’s well-known destinations and its best-kept secrets with Dianna Stampfler, who worked for 7 years at WMTA as a primary researcher and promoter of the route.

Join the Lunch Bunch for a fun afternoon trip around Greater Grand Rapids. We will find a fun place for lunch, an interesting tour, some great shopping, or all three! we travel with a Rockford School bus to various locations. F26-5160A- Heritage Restaurant GRCC Fine Dining Experience: Thursday, September 17 $45The Heritage Restaurant on the GRCC campus is a unique fine dining experience with world-class service. It is staffed by culinary school students under the direct supervision of Chef Professors and Table Service Professors. Truly a 5-star dining experience at an affordable price. You will need to choose your lunch entree at the time of registration. The number of entrée choices is limited to balance entrées across the group. Entrée Choices are: AMISH COQ AU VIN- Chicken, pearl onions, Bordeaux reduction, buttery pancetta polenta. CEDAR PLANKED SALMON (GF)- Butterbeans, shishito peppers, pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, basil pistou. STUFFED QUIAL AL MALTA- Filled with fennel-scented Mediterranean sausage and fresh herbs, sweet potatoes, garden vegetables, Marsala glaze reduction. PORTUGUESE STYLE CAMAROES RECHEADOS- Crab stuffed shrimp, garlic herb sauce, root vegetables, chili flakes, saffron rice. JAPANESE BEEF TERIYAKI- Marinated beef strips, mirin, sake, soy, sesame, stir-fry vegetables. HAUTE STYLE BEEF- Beef tenderloin will be cooked to medium unless a guest requests a different temperature. Transportation provided by RPS. Activity level: MED. F26-5160B- TANGER OUTLETS GR: Tuesday, September 22 $15 Knock out that holiday shopping early or just wander and browse with us for a fun day shopping at Tanger Outlet Grand Rapids. Over 50 outlet stores featuring a wide variety of goods. Lunch is on your own at any of the delicious on-site dining spots. Transportation provided by Rockford Public School Bus. Activity level: HIGH. F26-5160C- EASTERN KILLE DISTILLERY TOUR AND TASTING: Tuesday, September 29 $20Step inside the world of small-batch spirits and discover what goes into every bottle. On this guided distillery tour, you’ll follow the journey from raw ingredients to finished pour—walking through each stage of the production process with the people who craft it. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the techniques, traditions, and creative decisions that shape each spirit. The experience concludes with a thoughtfully guided tasting, where you’ll sample a selection of house-made spirits and learn how to appreciate their distinct character, aroma, and finish. After our tour we will stay for lunch. Each guest will receive 20% off food and cocktails. Transportation provided by Rockford Public School Bus. Activity level: MED. F26-5160D- FRED MEIJER GARDEN CHIHULY EXHIBIT: Wednesday, October 14 $48Join us to visit one of the Midwest's leading cultural destinations right here in West Michigan. Our trip will include a guided tram tour around the Chihuly exhibits in the garden as well as admission to view all the Chihuly Glass installations inside. Lunch is available in the café on your own. Meijer Garden Membership cannot be applied for this trip. Transportation provided by Rockford Public School Bus. Activity level: MEDF26-5160E- FALL COLOR, COVERED BRIDGES< FOOD< AND CIDER TOUR: Friday, October 23 $40 Enjoy the fall color as we wind our way through the beautiful countryside of Eastern Kent County, including stops at the iconic Fallasburg Covered Bridge, a 100-foot-long historic span across the Flat River built in 1871. The Orchards at Red Barn, whose apple orchards include a farm store, ice cream parlor, bakery, and are home to Painted Turtle Hard Cider. We will also stop at Townsend Park in Cannonsburg to view the 1926 stone-and-timber pavilion along the scenic Bear Creek. Along the way, we will enjoy a selection of meats and cheeses, fresh apples, and a boxed lunch. Transportation provided by Rockford Public School Bus. Activity level: MED.F26-5160F- CHRISTKINDLE MARKT AT THE GRAND RAPIDS MARKET: Wednesday, December 16 $15Christkindl Markt is a Christmas village lined with artisan gift and food vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this winter wonderland is filled with unique holiday experiences illuminated with international flair. Adjacent to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, a 138,000 square foot public market with 17 individual merchants featuring dine-in, carry-out, specialty grocery, and retail options from a culinary collective of butchers, bakers, ice cream makers, and more (lunch is at your own expense) Transportation provided by Rockford Public School Bus. Activity level: MED.

This refresher (intermediate) class is designed for those who will be turning 65 within the next year or who are newly eligible due to a loss of group health coverage or Social Security disability. This entry level class is designed for those who will be turning 65 within the next year or who are newly eligible due to a loss of group health coverage or Social Security disability. These topics are presented and discussed in language and terms that are easy to understand: Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, Eligibility and enrollment (avoid penalty) Medicare costs and coverage Working past age 65 Supplemental options: Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage Differences between Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medigap Plan Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage Minimizing the Part D coverage gap (donut-hole) Healthcare costs in retirement Preventative and value-added services (dental, vision, hearing) Making the right choices, particularly when you are first eligible, could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Attending this class will help you start the Medicare planning process with the basic knowledge you will need to make right choices. NOTE: This class does NOT cover how Medicare works with Federal Employee Benefits, VA, Tricare or Medicaid. Instructor Background: Kristin Rocheleau and Amy Orr help people choose the right individual health insurance plans. They specialize in helping people with the Medicare planning process and their choice of supplemental plans. They are both independent health insurance advisors.

This entry level class is designed for those who will be turning 65 within the next year or who are newly eligible due to a loss of group health coverage or Social Security disability. These topics are presented and discussed in language and terms that are easy to understand: Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, Eligibility and enrollment (avoid penalty) Medicare costs and coverage Working past age 65 Supplemental options: Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage Differences between Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medigap Plan Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage Minimizing the Part D coverage gap (donut-hole) Healthcare costs in retirement Preventative and value-added services (dental, vision, hearing) Making the right choices, particularly when you are first eligible, could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Attending this class will help you start the Medicare planning process with the basic knowledge you will need to make right choices. NOTE: This class does NOT cover how Medicare works with Federal Employee Benefits, VA, Tricare or Medicaid. Instructor Background: Kristin Rocheleau and Amy Orr help people choose the right individual health insurance plans. They specialize in helping people with the Medicare planning process and their choice of supplemental plans. They are both independent health insurance advisors.

Participants will learn how to identify the common evergreen trees of Michigan, along with interesting facts differentiating the various species.Instructor: Emeritus Professor Ray "Gator" Gates Is a retired biology professor from Cornerstone University. Prior to his 41 years teaching biology, botany, zoology, and ornithology at Cornerstone, Gator was a Park Ranger Naturalist for Gallatin National Forest West Yellowstone, Nature Director at Lake Ann Camp and Camp Brookwoods, adjunct professor at Kuyper College and Spring Arbor College, and taught in the Master Naturalist Program with the Kent/Michigan State University Extension. Ray believes that the best instructors are those that love their subject matter and enjoy sharing with others.

Capture the beauty of a Michigan sunset before the summer days are over! This canvas paint is open to all, but children must be accompanied by an adult.Instructor: Elly Cruz is a Spanish-Immersion teacher at Northpointe Christian School and the owner of Creador Art Studio in Rockford.

6th - 8th Grade. Remember the show Who's Line is it Anyway? Well, that's exactly what this class is about: learning and playing improv games every week! Improvisation helps us think on our feet and most importantly, makes us laugh! As a group, we will pick our favorite games and perform them at the end of class for family and friends. Instructors: Sam Prince majored in English & Theatre at the University of Michigan and has done many plays and films over the years. He started Samber Productions in 2020 and has done several performances and shows as well as many acting classes for children, teens and adults. Sam loves to see actors shine on stage! Jesse Lee has a background in education and acting. He has worked in the U.S, Asia, and most recently with Samber Productions on various projects and summer acting camps.

This workshop is for 8th - 12th grade students. One-time three-hour workshop available for students to learn about the content and structure of the PSAT/SAT test. They will learn and implement test strategies to increase accuracy and improve time management for both the math and reading sections. Students will leave the workshop with a free study plan to help them continue to prepare. Students will need to bring paper, a writing utensil, a computer, and their login information for www.collegeboard.org and www.khanacademy.org. If you do not have an account, please create one before the day of the workshop.Instructor Background: Allison Sanders is currently a certified teacher in the math department at Rockford High School. She has a bachelor's degree in Math Education plus a master's in Teaching and Curriculum with a Literacy Specialization—perfect combo for test prep. She has 18 years of classroom/tutoring experience, and loves helping kids feel confident and prepared for test day!

Come experience a morning of Pioneer activities: crafting, games, and cooking! Parents, this is a great opportunity to get some Black Friday shopping done!

Plastics, Everywhere? explores the impact of plastics on modern life, highlighting their benefits, challenges, and future role in society through insights from GVSU organic chemistry professor Matt Hart and a few of his students. Discover exciting developments in plastic recycling, such as GVSU's upcoming program to recycle PLA cups into a cleaning product. Throughout this class, we'll explore: What types of plastics are the hardest to recycle and why? What exactly are microplastics? Are some types of plastics more prone to becoming microplastics? Are there any good solutions on the horizon like plastic-eating microbes or new biodegradable plastics? Walk away with an understanding of how to avoid unnecessary plastics, make sustainable purchasing decisions, and engage with recent innovations in plastic recycling.Instructor: Matt Hart is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at GVSU. In addition to his research on organic synthesis to make novel molecules, his collaboration with GVSU Chemistry Club investigates a program to recycle PLA cups into a "green" cleaning product for the University Community, thereby reducing the University's overall budget. The program will increase the lifecycle of lactic acid in the PLA cups already being used on campus and provide a useful cleaning product for students and staff to use.