A series of seven classes ranging from writing that heals, hand-built ceramics and creating a scrapbook to the Laughter Club and craft classes for grandparents and grandchildren will be offered by the city of Phoenix at the Paradise Valley Community Center, 17402 N. 40th St.

Stella Pope Duarte, award-winning author, will help participants explore ways to use their writing to heal society’s wounds at a workshop titled “We Cannot Look Away: Exploring a Social Conscience through Writing,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28. The cost of the class is $25.

“Scrapbooking for Any Occasion,” instructed by Yessie Salas, will offer a four-week hands-on experience for attendees to create a personalized scrapbook. Participants will learn how to select photos and work with various fabrics and embellishments. The class will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28 and the class fee is $45.

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. Tuesday, June 3. 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 Saturdays, June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9. The cost for each class is $5 per person and participants can attend one or all three.

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 will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 17, 24 and 31. The class fee is $60 and includes clay, paint, glaze and firing.

Laughter can strengthen the heart and boost immunity. Join Dr. Jerry M. Eisen to learn about the many benefits of laughter and how it can have positive effects on the human body. The Laughter Club will be from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. There is no fee to attend but registration is required.

Dr. Lou-ellen Finter, an instructor from the Arizona State University Emeritus College, will discuss “An Overview of Ancestral Puebloans” at the Lifelong Learning Seminar, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. The workshop will cover major Puebloan sites in the Southwest, the reason for the name change from Anasazi to Puebloan and their connection to the Hopi people. There is no fee for this seminar but registration is required.

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 phoenix.gov/humanservices/pvsccc08.pdf.