Choose from a wide range of classes this week in Central Oregon

Published 10:30 am Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Start out the New Year with a new hobby or interest by taking one of the variety of classes this week in Central Oregon.

Learn about 3D printing, numismatics and creating Dungeons & Dragons characters. Meditate or sound bathe. Or get tips to save some money on your next heating bill.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Lower Heating Bills

Learn strategies to reduce your energy costs and keep your home comfortable through this virtual program. The course will go over optimal thermostat temperature settings for different times of day, tips for maintaining and improving heating system and practical methods to reduce energy consumption.

Sunday 6-6:30 p.m.; free; Bend; sites.google.com/view/hvac-energy-efficiency-tips.

Sound Bath & Reiki

Lisa Swisher, Donna Benjamin and other guest musicians will lead and perform on Sunday evenings for this self-care experience. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfy clothing, bring a mat, pillow and blanket and soak in the sounds and vibrations of the crystal bowls, flute and chimes. All are welcome.

Sunday 6-7:15 p.m.; $15-$25 sliding scale; Unity Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend; unitycentraloregon.org or 541-388-1569.

All Ages Painting Class

Instructors will guide you through the painting process step-by-step to create a “super hip polar bear.” Join for an evening of relaxation and fun. No experience is necessary. All ages welcome with an adult!

Monday 6-8 p.m.; $45; Modern Games, 550 SW Industrial, #150, Bend; letspaintclasses.art.

Bend Zen Meditation Group

Join Bend Zen for silent meditation sessions on Monday evenings in Brooks Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church. There will be two 25-minute sits, walking meditation, and a member-led dharma discussion. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start.

Monday 6:45-8:30 p.m.; free; Brooks Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 469 NW Wall St., Bend; bendzen.net.

Intro to 3D Printing

This is an adult beginner’s course for 3D printing and design in Tinkercad. See the 3D printers at DIYcave and learn how they work. The class will cover how a 3D printer works to create and print out custom designs. It will use Tinkercad, a free web app. All materials and tools included. Ages 18 and older welcome. No experience needed.

Monday 6-8:30 p.m.; $139, 20% discount for DIYcave members; DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St., Bend; diycave.com.

D&D Teen Workshop — Character Creation

This workshop will explore how to use and apply the new 5.5e Player Handbook, which contains rules for character creation and advancements in the roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. All skill levels are welcome, beginners to veterans. All materials will be provided, including handbooks.

Tuesday 4 p.m.; Sisters Public Library, 110 N. Cedar St., Sisters; facebook.com/events/1080147903574791 or 541-312-1070.

Treasures in Your Pocket — An Intro to Numismatics

Numismatist Eric Holcomb, a collector for over 50 years, will lead the presentation on numismatics, the study or collection of coins, paper currency and medals. Following the approximately 45-minute presentation, there will be time for questions. All are welcome to attend monthly club meetings in Bend to learn more and share the hobby with other collectors.

Holcomb has specialized in medals, such as those commemorating the space program, but his experience spans U.S. and world coins, paper money, tokens and other facets of the hobby. He has served several local coin clubs, most recently as president and webmaster of the Bend Coin Club of Central Oregon. He is editor and webmaster of the Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association (PNNA), and editor of the club representative newsletter MintMark for the American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Wednesday 4-5 p.m.; free; East Bend Public Library, 62080 Dean Swift Road, Bend; dpl.libnet.info or 541-330-3760.