The Glendale branch of the Indianapolis OASIS will be closing its doors soon. Not to worry; newer, better doors await on the other side of Glendale Mall. Just in time for their May 8th, 2007, registration, OASIS at Glendale Mall will open its new facility beside the Glendale Branch of the Marion County Public Library.

OASIS, a national not-for-profit education and volunteer service program for mature adults, has over 25,000 members in the Indianapolis area. Mary Dorney, Program Coordinator at the Glendale OASIS center, is looking forward to the fast-approaching move. At its current location, just one level below Macy's, OASIS programs have helped make significant differences in people's lives. Just recently, Indianapolis OASIS was named one of five nationwide 2007-2008 Centers of Excellence. For good reason, Dorney looks forward to residing next to the library. "We are looking forward to a great partnership with the library. I'm sure we'll be really good neighbors."

Kite Construction is staying true to OASIS' purpose - allowing for a 9,000 square foot floor plan, to include a room for dance instruction, a computer lab, and a video-conferencing center. As one of four Indianapolis OASIS locations, the Glendale center alone offers over 250 classes, including art, computer, and language courses. OASIS not only enriches minds, it also plays a big part in the well-being of Broad Ripple's citizens. Classes like "Cooking with Heart", "10 Keys to Longevity", and even yoga encourage healthy and active lives in our community.

You won't want to miss the special Summer programs. OASIS has partnered with many of Indianapolis' community staples such as the Urban League, the Museum of Art, Conner Prairie and more to bring new "OASIS in the Community" programs to its members this year. On-site museum classes, walks in Holliday Park with a naturalist, Tea at the IMA, and various day trips are among the regular favorites. Featured this year are special intergenerational classes, including genealogy workshops and "Grandparents & Me."

Over 900 volunteers in the city contribute to administrative duties and database entry, volunteer as instructors, speak and perform at OASIS Indianapolis. Sponsored by Macy's and Clarian Health, Glendale OASIS hosts about 250 classes at its location alone each trimester, and is one of only two centers in Indianapolis that has a computer lab. There are computer classes three times a week. Day trips, national excursions and International adventures, and classes in Arts & Humanities, HealthStages, and Personal, Practical & Fun in are part of the curriculum each year.

Go online to OASIS' website to get a full listing of the upcoming classes. At www.oasisnet.org or www.clarian.org/oasis, you will find membership and class schedule information. Membership is free, and a large percent of the classes are free. Just stop by any of the four Indianapolis Centers (Glendale, South - Greenwood, Washington Square, West - Speedway).