A series of seven classes ranging from organizing your life, discovering or enhancing your writing skills and how to find out about volunteer opportunities 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 guide students to draw on dreams and visions to uncover the hidden world of writers. The six-week class from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m. begins on March 3 and ends April 21. No classes will be held on March 17 or 31. The cost of the class is $69.

An “Introduction to Faux Finishes,” instructed by Frank Gurule of Compass-Dartez LLC, will offer five hours of hands-on experience using different tools, paints and techniques. The class will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 29 and May 17 and the class fee is $55.

If your home or office space is disorganized and you don’t know where to start, the “Organize Every Area of your Life” class may be for you. Presented by Renee Belise of Clutter Rehab LLC, attendees will learn specific steps to organize space at home and how to organize and manage time and finances more effectively. The class will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon, March 15 and 22, and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 17 and 25. The class fee is $55.

A variety of instructors from the Arizona State University Emeritus College will provide lectures on various topics such as literature, global issues, world relations, languages, and arts and humanities. The “Lifelong Learning Seminars” will be from noon to 1 p.m. March 5, April 2 or May 7 and provide an opportunity for people to network on these important issues. The March 5 seminar, presented by Dave Williams, will discuss “What Have They Done to my Media.” There is no fee for this seminar but registration is required.

If you are interested in learning how your skills and interests might be offered to local community organizations, plan to attend the “Volunteering 101” workshop where you will hear local volunteer coordinators discuss their volunteer needs. Presenters include Eight/KAET-TV, Body Positive, CASA, city of Phoenix Human Services Department, Phoenix Rescue Mission and others. The workshops will be offered from 3 to 4 p.m. March 11 and 25, April 4 and 22, and May 13 and 27. There is no fee for the workshop but registration is required.

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, and staff member 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. April 1 and May 6. There is no fee to attend but registration is required.

Grandparents, who would like to spend two hours of arts and crafts, a featured activity and light refreshments, should plan to attend the “Grandma, Grandpa and Me” workshop for grandparents and their grandchild. The program, most appropriate for children ages 5 and up, will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon March 8, April 12 and May 10. The cost for each class is $5 per person and participants can attend one or all three.

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 or library. For more information or assistance, call 602-534-2011.