A series of nine classes ranging from hand-built ceramics and holiday card making to a Laughter Club, organizing your life and craft classes for grandparents and grandchildren will be offered by the city of Phoenix at the Paradise Valley Community Center, 17402 N. 40^th St.

Stella Pope Duarte, award-winning author will present a class “How to Paint Pictures with Words,” showing how to blend poetry, prose and images to paint the pictures of your life. The class will be from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 20, 27 and Nov. 3. The cost is $55 per person.

Caring for an aging parent or loved one, or being responsible for raising grandchildren can be a difficult task. “Coffee and Conversation,” facilitated by Donna Heppermann, MSW, from the Beatitudes Center D.O.A.R., will offer a relaxing space to share ideas, make new friends and discuss the joys and challenges of caregiving. The class is offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays,

Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. There is no fee to attend but registration is required.

Join an instructor from the Arizona State University Emeritus College for “Lifelong Learning Seminars,” from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 22, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. The workshops will cover topics such as cinema, literature, global issues, languages, world religions, arts and humanities. There is no fee for the seminar but registration is required.

Grandparents who would like to spend two hours doing seasonal arts and crafts with a grandchild should plan to attend “Grandma, Grandpa and Me.” The program, most appropriate for children ages 5 and up, is offered from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11. The cost for the class is $5 per person.

If you want to learn how to craft hand-built ceramics such as bowls, vases or decorative pieces, plan to attend a four-week class presented by Jared Dartez. Students will paint, fire and glaze their customized works of art. The class is offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 5. The class fee is $60 and includes clay, paint, glaze and firing.

Do you need help escaping the chaos of your home or office space? Learn how to organize any space by following a MAGIC Formula with instructor Renee Belisle of Clutter Rehab LLC. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 14 and 21. The class cost is $49 per person and includes supplies, handouts and a handbook.

Laughter can strengthen the heart and boost immunity. Join Dr. Jerry M. Eisen in this fun-filled laughter session from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, to experience the benefits of laughter and its positive effects on the human body. There is no fee to attend but registration is required.

Volunteer coordinators from different Valley organizations will discuss how to best use your skills, abilities and interests as a volunteer. “Volunteering 101,” a workshop on getting started volunteering, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17. There is no fee for the workshop but registration is required.

Are you interested in creating unique and personalized cards for the holidays? The “Holiday Card Making” workshop, from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, will offer various design and card-making techniques. The cost for the class is $19 per person and includes all supplies.

Registration ends the day prior to each class start date. Visit phoenix.gov/parks and select the Classes and Programs link. Search by course title, number or location and register with any major credit card from any computer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Registration also is available in person at any city of Phoenix community center. For more information or assistance, call 602-534-2011 or visit phoenix.gov/humanservices/pvsccc08.pdf.