Free Brain-Teasing Classes To Be Held At Susi Q: What To Know

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Are you looking to sharpen your mind and let loose creativity in Laguna Beach? The Susi Q Center is hosting three classes this fall, and here's a run down on what residents can expect.

First, the Susi Q will be offering a two-part Brain Bootcamp designed to stimulate your brain and strengthen your memory. Ben Allen, Education Specialist at Alzheimer's Orange County, will lead the two free 90-minute Brain Bootcamp sessions in November.

The sessions will be filled with interactive memory enhancement strategies and healthy brain lifestyle tips.

According to organizers, the course is not intended for people living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

“Wordle enthusiasts, crossword puzzlers, and bridge and mahjong players will no doubt enjoy a competitive advantage after learning new memory techniques and the use of visual images in this class,” Director of Programming and Communications Jo Ann Ekblad told Patch. “On a more serious note, participants may well feel comforted to learn the difference between normal age-related memory changes and symptoms of serious problems such as Alzheimer’s.”

The two sessions are slotted for Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Susi Q Center. Residents who wish to participate in the free classes were asked to register in advance.

In addition, the Susi Q will present Still Life Painting in Pastel: The Basics, led by instructor Gianne de Genevraye, an acclaimed international artist.

The classes are non-competitive, Genevraye said, and are designed to emphasize the joy of making art, not on individual prowess.

The class is made up of three sessions, which take place on consecutive days: Tuesday, Nov. 7, Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursday, Nov. 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents were asked to register via Susi Q's website.