Instructor Jean Richie teaches grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary to interested residents whose first language is not English. The class members converse with each other in order to become more comfortable speaking English, and Jean makes suggestions to correct any grammatical mistakes regarding pronouns, plurals, and pronunciation. In a recent class, Jean wrote down words such as “scarf” on the white board, since one of the residents and Jean were both wearing scarves. New words stay on the white board until everyone has used them in a sentence.
~ Elizabeth Sampson, Regional Programs Director
Let’s start the New Year with 
Marcy Cottrell Houle is a biologist and award-winning author of four books and numerous articles for national magazines. Her work has received the Christopher Award, New York City Library Best Books, Oregon Book Award, and has been selected as New York Times Notable Reading. Following the death of her parents, she sought to share the insights she learned to help others going through similar experiences, culminating in The Gift of Caring.
Elizabeth Eckstrom is Associate Professor and Director of Geriatrics in the Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics at Oregon Health and Science University. She sees patients and their families and teaches students, resident physicians, and practicing clinicians, focusing on promoting a healthy lifestyle in seniors and in educating all health professionals to be competent in the care of older adults. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, her research includes improving education for teams in health care, falls prevention, and tai chi to improve health in older adults. She directs the Oregon Geriatric Education Center and co-directs Oregon Health and Science University’s Healthy Aging Alliance.
