The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center offers expert-led classes designed to support older adults, caregivers, and anyone navigating life’s transitions. Whether you’re managing stress, caring for a loved one, or planning for your future, our programs provide real-world tools and reliable guidance. Each program is led by trusted professionals and focuses on practical solutions—from financial planning and communication skills to wellness strategies and caregiver support. These classes are a valuable resource for improving daily life and building resilience at any stage.

Class Schedule

Planning & Protection Series

Understand, prepare, and safeguard your healthcare choices and benefits.

Fee: Resident $5 / Non-Resident $7 per class
Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
Registration Required: (503) 635-3758

Medicare 101

Tuesday, January 13 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33199

A beginner-friendly overview of Medicare Parts A–D, supplemental (Medigap) plans, enrollment timelines, and coverage details. SHIBA counselors provide guidance to help you make informed healthcare decisions.

SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance)
https://shiba.oregon.gov

Introduction to Advance Directives

Wednesday, February 4 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33197
Instructor: Dr. Eriko Onishi

Learn the purpose of advance directives, how they differ from a POLST, and why documenting your healthcare wishes matters. Understand powers of attorney, living wills, and steps to ensure your choices are honored.

Dr. Eriko Onishi, MD (OHSU)
https://www.ohsu.edu/people/eriko-onishi-md

Medicare Fraud Prevention

Tuesday, March 10 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33200

Learn how to identify Medicare scams, protect your personal information, recognize fraudulent bills, and report concerns. SHIBA counselors share essential tools to safeguard your benefits.

SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance)
https://shiba.oregon.gov

Understanding POLST

Wednesday, April 8 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33198
Instructor: Dr. Eriko Onishi

Understand how a POLST (Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) differs from an advance directive and how it ensures your end-of-life treatment preferences are followed during emergencies.

Dr. Eriko Onishi, MD (OHSU)
https://www.ohsu.edu/people/eriko-onishi-md

Stress-Busting Chronic Illness Program

Thursday, January 8 – March 12 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33366
Fee: FREE (Resident & Non-Resident)

This 10-week in-person program supports caregivers of loved ones with chronic illnesses. Learn practical, research-backed stress management techniques, improve coping skills, and strengthen emotional well-being. All materials are provided.

Stress-Busting Program
https://www.wellmedcharitablefoundation.org/caregiver-support/caregiver-stress-busters/

Legal & Financial Planning Series

Practical classes to help you secure your financial and legal future.Led by financial expert Nelson Rutherford, CPA/PFS, CFP, and attorney Elizabeth Munns.

Fee: Resident $5 / Non-Resident $7 per class
Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
Registration Required: (503) 635-3758

About the Instructors

Nelson Rutherford, CPA/PFS, CFP

A certified public accountant and financial planner with 30+ years of experience specializing in retirement planning, estate tax strategy, long-term financial planning, and wealth preservation.

Websites:

• multnomahgroup.com

Elizabeth Munns, Attorney at Law

An experienced estate planning attorney focusing on wills, trusts, incapacity planning, probate avoidance, and charitable gift strategies. Known for making complex topics approachable.

Estate Planning 101: Build a Plan That Works

Wednesday, January 21 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33193

Learn the essential components of an effective estate plan, including wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and tax-efficient strategies. Ensure your wishes are documented and your assets protected.

Avoiding Probate: Simplifying Administration

Wednesday, February 18 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33194

Probate can be slow and costly. Discover ways to simplify estate administration, reduce probate involvement, and use practical tools such as trusts and transfer-on-death options.

Planning for Incapacity: Powers of Attorney & Health Directives

Wednesday, March 18 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33195

Explore legal tools that protect your decision-making if you become unable to communicate. Learn about types of powers of attorney, advance directives, and selecting trusted decision-makers.

Charitable Giving & Legacy Planning: Create a Lasting Impact

Wednesday, April 15 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 33196

Learn how to structure charitable giving in ways that reflect your values and maximize tax benefits. Explore charitable trusts, bequests, donor-advised funds, and legacy planning strategies.