Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC's free winter lectures offer lunch-hour lift

Photos and story by James Hill

PORTLAND, Ore. – Downtown workers: don’t spend another lunch hour in the company of your computer. Instead, use it to get a mental tune-up with Portland Community College’s free lunch-and-learn series held at the library. Bring your lunch and join PCC for a slate of six free lectures held from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday, Jan. 13 through Feb. 17, at the Multnomah County Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave. The non-credit Downtown Lecture Series includes the following topics:’ Meaningful Work (Jan. 13). Are you in a work transition, seeking a new career or wanting more balance between life and work? Speaker Pam Brown will put you in touch with who you really are and what you really want to do.’ Six Seconds that Could Change Your Life (Jan. 20). Speaker Mike Smith will show you how to transform impulsive reactions into effective responses using "emotional intelligence" techniques.’ Negotiating Skills for Business and Personal Success (Jan. 27). Practice techniques to reach resolution, not just settlement. Speaker Sam Imperati will explain how to disagree without being disagreeable, and to fix problems without fixing blame.’ Listening on Purpose (Feb. 3). We are taught to read, write and speak, but not how to listen well. Speaker Rob Russell will explore how to be an active listener by recognizing five different listening purposes and avoiding certain pitfalls.’ Riding the Waves of Change (Feb. 10). Change is simply the event but transition is the psychological process of adjusting to that change. Speaker Karen Howells will show how to shift your strategy to keep your balance.’ Dream it, Plan it, Do it (Feb. 17). Speaker Frank Mungeam will explain practical techniques for getting the courage to dream, taking the first step, and what achievers can do to overcome obstacles that stop others. For more information, contact PCC Community Education at 503-614-7308.