Gary, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of non-credit courses and educational programs that aim to assist people of all ages in gaining skills and enriching their lives as we face today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.
CURE offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Senior University/Senior Planet and Adult Education programs. CURE is now enrolling for the following offerings.
Senior University, Senior Planet and Adult Education courses
For Senior University/Senior Planet and Adult Education courses, register online at the link below or call 219-980-6907 unless otherwise noted.
Adult Ed/Senior U: “Memories of My Grandfather” telenovela
People are also reading…
12:30-1:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
RSVP deadline: Oct. 4
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join us for the screening premiere of “Memories of My Grandfather,” a telenovela series of a multigenerational Hispanic family and the emotional journey after their grandfather’s diagnosis.
Hispanic Americans are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. They are 1.5 times as likely as White Americans to develop the disease and face greater barriers to receiving a timely diagnosis. A Q&A will follow the screening to discuss themes in the telenovela, such as early detection, diagnosis and early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Information, resources and support for individuals and families facing dementia will be provided. This IUN Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) event is presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and the HHM Committee.
All others, call 219-980-6978.
Senior U: Knitting clinic: finishing work
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Jane Whedbee, fiber artist, knitter and designer, for this knitting clinic focusing on finishing work. This will include instruction in edging, blocking and sewing up your project. Participants can bring a project they want to finish, or they can bring knitted sample pieces to work on for practice (or both). Prerequisite: prior knitting experience is required.
Senior U: Intro to email and internet
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 5
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you have a working knowledge of computers (i.e., you can access an email account) and are ready to take the next step, then join Chelsea Whittington for this in-person series. The email component of the series will introduce participants to basic email terms and actions such as forwarding messages, attaching photos and documents and sending messages to multiple parties. The internet component will define basic internet terms and teach participants how to access and surf the internet safely.
Senior Planet: Tech tips for disaster preparedness
12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9
In-person at the Duneland Family YMCA, Chesterton
Registration deadline: Oct. 7
Free and open to adults ages 60+
OR
10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 15
In-person at the Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Oct. 13
Free and open to adults ages 60+
OR
1-2:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5
In-person at the Maria Reiner Center, Hobart
Registration deadline: Nov. 3
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Did you know that technology is an essential part of being prepared for emergencies and natural disasters? In this session, we’ll explain how technology can help you prepare. We’ll discuss and demonstrate useful features of the FEMA and Red Cross apps, including setting alerts. Additionally, we’ll review built-in smartphone features that can come in handy in the event of an emergency and explore how to keep phones and essential devices charged during a prolonged power outage. Finally, we’ll discuss how you can use social media to get emergency and other important information from local and national authorities.
Adult Ed/Senior U: Solving the Medicare puzzle with SHIP
12:15-1:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 8
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Megan Rogers, Northwest Region Supervisor for SHIP (State Health Insurance Program), at IUN or on Zoom to learn about Medicare’s various parts and how SHIP can help you put the pieces together and make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits. This session will discuss Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap and Advantage Plans and will explore the ways in which SHIP empowers, educates and assists Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling and training.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.
Senior Planet: Online shopping
2-3:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Oct. 11
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Online shopping lets you buy products on the internet from your computer and have them shipped to your home or anywhere. Online stores often have larger inventories and lower prices, so you can quickly find the best deal. This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com. You’ll learn how to search for products, make comparisons and add items to an online shopping cart.
Senior Planet: Staying in touch as landlines change
1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14
In-person at the Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Oct. 12
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Telecom companies are in the process of updating copper lines across the country. This lecture will explain why copper lines are being phased out, the benefits of modern technology and what next steps you can expect. Additionally, we will review some alternatives to traditional landlines, including those that allow you to keep your number and phone, as well as mobile phone options and more. Finally, we’ll share important resources to help you understand where to find additional information and what options may be available to you.
Community Garden: Invasive species: From awareness to action in your landscape
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21
Zoom meeting
Registration deadline: Oct. 20
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Jean Bernius, co-chair of the Lake County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), for a deeper exploration of invasive species and their impact on urban and suburban environments. Building on the introductory session presented by AJ Popovic in June, this presentation will focus on why invasive species are problematic in urban and suburban gardens and landscaping. We will cover the human and pet risks associated with invasives, how invasives hide or crowd out native and other plants and suggestions for alternative plantings that promote beauty and habitat and pose less risk to our pets, our trees and ourselves.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.
Senior Planet: AI and disinformation
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22
In-person at the St. John Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Oct. 20
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Disinformation refers to false information created to mislead people and it’s nothing new. But today’s AI-powered tools and social media have made it easier and faster to create and spread disinformation. In this lecture, we’ll explore how AI is used to create convincing deepfakes and clone voices, making it challenging to distinguish between real and fake content. We’ll also review best practices for evaluating information and explore tech tools that can help identify content created with AI.
Senior Planet: Using Facebook Marketplace
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Oct. 21
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Did you know your Facebook account includes access to the largest peer-to-peer online marketplace in the nation? Facebook Marketplace makes it easy for you to buy and sell almost anything directly to other users. This workshop will show you how to browse the marketplace for that item you’ve always wanted and how to create listings to sell the items you no longer need. We’ll show you how to filter the search results, check out the seller’s information, save items you like, manage your listings and more. Prerequisite: You must already have a Facebook account for this workshop. Please come prepared with a mobile device and your Facebook username and password.
Senior U: Chase Money Skills: Ways to help protect your finances as you age
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 22
Free and open to adults ages 55+
In this workshop, you’ll learn simple tips to help protect your accounts and finances and how to plan for the future, including creating a financial care plan. The session will be led by Tammi Davis, Chase community manager. Note: This presentation will not be recorded.
Senior U: Knitting clinic: pattern stitches
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 25
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Jane Whedbee, fiber artist, knitter and designer, for this knitting clinic focusing on understanding and trying out pattern stitches. In this session, participants will learn to read and follow the written abbreviations for stitches and processes and to make the more advanced stitches that create cables, openwork and texture in knitting. Basic knitting supplies will be provided (needles and yarn). Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Prerequisite: prior knitting experience is required.
Adult Ed/Senior U: 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s
12:20-1:20 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 27
Free and open to adults of all ages
Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior changes that interfere with daily living. Join Katelynn Krick, Alzheimer’s Association community educator, to learn about common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and what symptoms to look for in yourself and others, as well as tips to approach someone who is experiencing changes in their memory, the benefits of early detection and diagnosis and more.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.
Community Garden: Fruit tree pruning workshop
3-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5
In-person at the IUN Community Garden
Registration deadline: Nov. 3
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Oakley Molinaro, master naturalist, and Dolly Foster, Purdue Extension horticulture program assistant, at the IUN Community Garden and learn pruning techniques for fruiting trees. Annual pruning helps maintain tree health, improves fruit quality and quantity and promotes strong structural growth. This workshop will include demonstrations of pruning techniques, which participants will have a chance to practice. In the event of inclement weather, the session will be rescheduled for Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.
Senior U: Microsoft Word basics
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Nov. 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+
New to Microsoft Word or in need of a refresher? Then join us at IU Northwest for this in-person series. In these sessions, Chelsea Whittington will review the terminology and steps for creating a standard document. Participants will then learn how to develop more advanced creations, including flyers and resumes. We will also cover shortcuts that make using Microsoft Word easy and fun.
Senior Planet: Cloud storage
1-2:15 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6
In-person at the Banta Center, Valparaiso
Registration deadline: Nov. 5
Free and open to adults ages 60+
In this lecture, you’ll learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images and other media files remotely while giving you greater accessibility, reliability and protection for your important data. We’ll discuss what it is, why it’s the future of data storage and demonstrate a few of the most popular services currently available to consumers.
Senior Planet: Shopping on Amazon
2-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Nov. 8
Free and open to adults ages 60+
This hands-on workshop will provide a general introduction to shopping on the popular website Amazon.com. You’ll learn how to search for products, compare prices and evaluate product reviews. You’ll also learn about Amazon’s shipping options, as well as its app for your smartphone or tablet. Participants should bring a mobile device to the session (an Amazon account is not required).
Senior Planet: MyChart
1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11
In-person at the Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Nov. 9
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Has your doctor or healthcare provider ever mentioned MyChart? Come learn about this electronic health-record portal that works both in a web browser and app. We’ll go over how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers and have a virtual visit. You’ll also learn about the portal’s privacy and security features.
Senior Planet: Passwords, passkeys and more
12:30-1:45 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16
In-person at the Duneland Family YMCA, Chesterton
Registration deadline: Nov. 15
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Protecting your online accounts starts with strong password practices. In this lecture, we’ll review password basics before exploring options like single sign-on, passkeys, multi-factor authentication and password managers. Learn why these password alternatives are safe ways to simplify your digital life and keep your personal information secure.
Adult Ed/Senior U: Cyber safety for everyday life: How to spot and stop scams
12:20-1:20 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Nov. 15
Free and open to adults of all ages
Scammers often use fear, urgency and convincing messages to pressure people into acting quickly. Led by Ray Rayburn, this informative and interactive session will teach participants how to recognize tech-support scams, fake virus warnings, suspicious websites, gift card payment demands, phishing messages and other common online threats. Participants will also learn practical ways to protect their passwords, personal information, financial accounts and devices. The session will use clear examples, audience participation and simple steps that anyone can follow — no advanced computer knowledge is required.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.
Senior Planet: Finding money-saving programs online
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18
In-person at Whiting City Hall
Registration deadline: Nov. 16
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Did you know that billions of dollars’ worth of benefits and reduced-cost resources go unclaimed each year? In this lecture, we’ll explore three useful tools that can help you find benefits and other money-saving programs for yourself or others. We’ll demonstrate how to search on usa.gov, benefitscheckup.org and findhelp.org. We’ll also briefly discuss potential savings from Medicare Advantage Plans, utility rebates and internet companies.
Senior Planet: Digital tools for brain health
10 to 11:15 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 19
In-person at the Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Nov. 17
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Stay sharp with technology. In this lecture, we’ll explore digital tools to support habits that can help you stay sharp, including wearable devices, engaging websites and informative podcasts. Discover practical resources to keep your mind active and enhance your cognitive well-being in today’s digital world.
Senior Planet: AI all around
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Nov. 18
Free and open to adults ages 60+
If it seems like AI is showing up everywhere, it’s not just you. From searching the web to attending a Zoom meeting, AI tools are now available to help with most online tasks. In this lecture, we’ll explore many of the digital platforms and websites where generative AI is now available. We’ll discuss how the tools try to make tasks easier and go over privacy considerations to keep in mind when using them.
Adult Education: Fundamental courses
24/7 access; all classes start new every month
Cost varies; courses for adults and young adults or teens
Online fundamental courses are informative, fun and convenient. Fundamental courses include instructor-led courses and self-paced tutorials. Instructor-led courses run for six weeks with monthly start dates and feature an instructor-moderated discussion board allowing you to interact with your classmates. Self-paced tutorials are designed for completely independent learning, without instructor moderation, and can be started at any time. Complete any course entirely from home, at any time of the day or night. Popular courses include Speed Spanish, Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Excel and A to Z Grant Writing.
Adult Education: Career Training Programs
24/7 access; start at any time
Costs vary; courses for adults
The online, open-enrollment Career Training Programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations. The programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective web-based learning programs. Instructors and mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns and encouraging and motivating you to succeed.
These online Career Track programs offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of professions, from the arts to healthcare to web development. All programs are available in a self-paced format and offer opportunities for national certification, externship placement and career support.
