CLASSES

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

The artistic traditions of Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, East India, China, the Pacific Islands and Pre-Columbian America are compared, contrasted and defined in style and cultural contexts in this series of six lectures. First in focus is European realistic art represented by 17^th century Dutch Art. The 2nd lecture will cover African Sub-Saharan abstract arts used for various rituals. The sensual religious art of India and the Imperial Art of China follow in sessions 3 and 4. The arts and rituals of Oceanic Polynesia, Australia and other Pacific islands will be covered before the last session on Pre-Columbian art in North and South America. ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

The study of Greek mythology includes stories of gods, goddesses and heroes that express values and beliefs in tales of temples and ceremonies, labyrinths and monsters and love and loss. Greek mythology includes elements of humanism, individualism, pessimism and competition as its major characteristics. It has been learned from epic literature, such as Homer and Hesiod, dramatists, lyrical poets, Greek travel writers, biographers and Romans. Please join us as we revisit Mount Olympus and all it embodies! ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

Research has proven the benefits of meditation and its impact on our everyday lives, improving mental health, reducing stress, strengthening relationships and even transforming our spiritual lives. Learn about the effectiveness of meditation, its spiritual and philosophical roots and how meditation and mindfulness can support the transformation of your inner and outer life. Weekly lectures are followed by meditation that can become the foundation of a regular practice, including how to develop a habit of meditation that you can stick with. ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

Learn how to prevent crime through better understanding of how criminal predators think – and how increased personal awareness can help you avoid becoming an easy target. This course will also cover security measures you can take at home, in your car and while you travel. Special topics include self-defense, internet usage and active shooter scenarios as they pertain to older adults.

Repeat from Winter 2023 ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]

Before Elvis, Little Richard and Bill Haley and his Comets, there were pioneering women who presented new and unheard of musical styles, attitudes and images showing an emerging musical force – Women in Pop music. This is their story, through the years, of "Finding Her Voice." ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

In the early 20th Century, Adolf Hitler led the National Socialist German Workers' Party to transform Germany into the so-called Third Reich, which then tried to dominate Europe and even the world. We will look at the roots of Nazism, follow its rise to power and its role in World War II and after.

Repeat from Spring 2024 ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

Each week we will learn about different therapeutic meal choices. We will include sample meal plans from each category, recipes and the opportunity to taste teas, herbs and other examples of food used in therapeutic diets. This class will include information about the Taoist philosophy of food combining; the Ayurvedic philosophy of eating based on your Dosha; plant-based and variations of Vegetarian and Vegan diets; Paleo, meat-based and carbohydrate-restrictive plans; Mediterranean and Asian diets. Within each plan, we will discuss specific food and teas that have been used throughout history to remedy specific health issues. ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

This class (second session) will discuss the history of presidential elections from the 1960 election (Kennedy vs. Nixon) through the 2024 election (Harris vs. Trump). We will discuss the biographies of all of the major candidates, including their childhood, schooling, military service, business and governmental experiences and their personal lives too! There will be a presentation of the domestic, economic and international events that occurred since the previous election and a discussion of the major issues that were going on during each election. We will discuss the primaries for each political party, the debates, the general election and the results of each election. A list of interesting facts about the candidates and the elections will be provided to the students and there will be a presentation on how and why people vote (i.e., demographics and trends) over time. ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]

Many people are interested in genealogy, and Ancestry.com makes it look easy. But there's a lot more to discover, and you can become a better family historian by improving your research skills. In this class, you'll learn about evaluating genealogical records and information, online sources and searching techniques, using libraries and archives and the role of DNA testing.

Repeat from Winter 2024 ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

Cyber Security for Seniors is a six-week course designed to teach you the basics of cyber security and to inform you of some of the tricks and schemes used to attempt to trick us out of our hard-earned money or steal our identity to commit fraud.

We will be using videos, PowerPoints, current events, and most of all, your questions to make this as interesting a class as possible.

Repeat from Spring 2023 ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 6 - February 10, 2025 | 06:30 PM - 07:50 PM [VIA ZOOM]

There is a recurring belief throughout time and across cultures about something we call ‘soul.’ What is its purpose? Why does this belief persist? How does it connect this life to the afterlife? What about reincarnation and karma? What did Ancient people understand about it that we have forgotten? Has technology distracted us from it today, or is science on the brink of a profound discovery about soul and consciousness? ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

This course is for:


     You who have had a significant loss (“significant” is personally defined by the griever);

     You who know someone grieving;

     You who want to know about the grief journey.

Come to understand, learn and heal.

The journey called grief is not one we would choose, nor is it one we can skip. The journey of grief never ends. It is not something we “get over.” Learning about grief is key in finding ways to cope and live with it.”

(Rev. Dr. Debra May Cerra)

1. The subject of grief: Defining grief, what it is and what it isn’t
2. The initial journey of grief: the primary punch and how to take the first steps forward
3. Grief as a process: coping tricks – the “how's” and “whys”
4. The loneliness of grief: how others can help and how best to accept that help and how we can help ourselves
5. Helping others: what works best and what doesn’t
6. Looking back, moving forward and living the “new normal" ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

This class will break down the vast array of crime literature and its various guises from noir, pulp, police procedural and more into a practical guide that will help delineate characters and recognizable themes while exploring some of crime’s greatest authors. 

In addition to standard crime writers such as Elmore Leonard, George Pellecanos, Dashiel Hammet and James Lee Burke, sidebars will include Shakespeare, Faulkner and great moviemakers. 

The movie, Key Largo, will be shown and critical thought encouraged to enhance the understanding of this film in the crime genre. 

Students will be encouraged to read excerpts from novels and examine a short story from Elmore Leonard out of his When The Women Come Out To Dance collection of short stories. The story is called "Sparks". The plan is to examine the story in detail, compare the plot to crime novels in general, use the characters in a study of characterization and use the other structures of the story to examine archetypes, stereotypes, plot twists and other aspects of the genre. 

Students should have a knowledge of crime fiction or have an interest in developing a knowledge of crime fiction. ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

More Comedy in the 20^th Century: The influencers – a more in depth look at the people that make us laugh.

1. The birth of modern comedy on film with sound: Taking a closer look. W.C. Fields, the Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Hope and Crosby

2. Your Show of Shows/Caesar’s Hour, the birthplace of comedy, Larry Gelbart (M.A.S.H.), Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen and Neil Simon

3. The Comedy Acting Hall of Fame Part 1: Robin Williams, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin and Peter Sellers

4. The Comedy Acting Hall of Fame Part 2: Leslie Nielsen, Jim Carrey, Ben Stiller, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Gene Wilder, Melissa McCarthy, Sacha Baron Cohen

5. The greatest Comedy Directors: Mel Brooks, Woody Allen and Judd Apatow

6. Getting to the Couch: Johnny Carson, the launchpad for comedy, featuring early works of Seinfeld, Leno, Shandling, Wright, Martin, Murphy ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

This course provides a broad introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering its history, key concepts and major applications. The course emphasizes practical understanding through case studies and real-world examples, while also addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI technologies. Designed for students from diverse backgrounds, this course requires no prior experience in AI or programming.

Repeat from Fall 2024 ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]

In this course we learn of the amazing order, structure and simplicity of basic chemistry. Topics include atoms and molecules, elements and compounds, bonding, nuclear power, radioactivity and the wonder of the periodic table. We will also learn the role the atom plays in generating electricity, warming oceans and in spectroscopy. The course aims to simplify basic chemistry.

Repeat from Fall 2024 (different title) ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

Religious history is often preserved by the winners of ideological debates. Most of what we understand about the development of Christianity is promoted by a male hierarchy that suppresses the participation of women from the historical structure of the Church. Come and explore the stories of remarkable women, who in the face of overwhelming misogyny, exhibited assertiveness and resilience and got results. From Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to Hildegard of Bingen, Mother Teresa and others, these women made significant contributions and shaped history. ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

Oil pastels are a wonderful, versatile medium in stick form that are applied directly to paper, board or canvas. They have a very creamy texture that can be manipulated in a variety of ways. The use of line, shape and texture will be developed while understanding the basics of good composition. This class is designed to encourage individual creative expression through the exploration of imaginative imagery and the natural environment as our inspiration. Please bring to first class:

• Box of 12-24 colors of oil pastels, oil or water based. not chalk-based pastels

• Smooth Bristol board or heavy weight drawing pad of paper at least 9” x 12” or 14” x 17“

• Container of pop-up hand wipes or paper towels

• Roll of 1” wide masking tape or painter’s tape

• Personal photos, calendar or magazine images of landscapes for ideas/inspiration ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

CANCELED

Conflict in relationships is a normal and natural part of life, but how we manage it is influenced by our experiences, perspectives and attitudes. Mindful communication is an approach to conflict management that involves becoming aware of how our beliefs and thoughts underlie what we say and how we say it. This course is tailored for seniors and draws upon the wisdom that emerges from life experiences as a catalyst for communicating mindfully. It includes explanations of how engaged listening, nonverbal communication and Emotional Intelligence lead to healthy conflict management. The course also includes an introduction to the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and digital messaging methods such as Facebook, Artificial Intelligence, Twitter and more. ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

This course is for adults who are interested in learning about the world's major religions and some minor ones too. We will cover those religions of India: Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Those religions originating in China: Taoism and Confucianism and Japan: Shintoism. Members will explore each religion and the answers that each of them has for mankind's most persistent questions.

Repeat of Spring 2023 (Religions Originating in Asia)  ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

Monastic life has fascinated and formed Christian spirituality and religious practice from the beginning. Desert hermits evolved to cloistered monks and nuns. St. Ignatius Loyola broke the mold with missionaries educated in science, as well as theology. At each transition, the laity tried to imitate monastic practices, often missing the evolving spirituality. That struggle changed the course of Western civilization. Join a former Jesuit priest in tracing the pioneering lives and learn their secrets for a more spiritual (vs. religious) life.

Repeat from Winter 2024 ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

This course is the first part of a two part series on the history of the Christian religion. The second part will be in the spring 2025 session. The courses will cover the entire history of Christianity from the time of Jesus Christ into the 21st century. All time periods and all the varieties and denominations (at least the major ones!) will be covered. Both the glorious and not so glorious aspects of Christian history will be gone over.

The course this winter session will cover, among many other topics: The early centuries of Roman persecution, growth leading to becoming the main faith in much of the ancient world, doctrinal struggles and doctrinal development, the monastic movement, the medieval Church - both East and West, the disagreements leading to the Great Schism in 1054 A.D. resulting in separate Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches and the later years of the Middle Ages. In the spring session we will begin with the Protestant Reformation in 1517 and move on to look at the 3 main parts of Christianity -- Catholicism, Protestantism and Orthodoxy – in the 500 years since then. ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2025 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

This class provides a low impact exercise opportunity for seniors. Irish Dance offers many health benefits, including but not limited to improving balance, sharpening the memory and strengthening muscles around the joints to assist with arthritis and overall fitness. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. The class will cover various styles of Irish Dance from “old style” to “Irish Ceili” (social dance) and basic steps of traditional Irish step dance that are used in Ceili Dance.

Sean Nos (Old Style) Irish Dance
Sean Nos is the oldest form of Irish Step dance characterized by a relaxed upper body and steps danced close to the floor. It is very different from modern style Irish Dance. In Sean Nos, arms move freely with the natural rhythm of the dance steps and the steps are typically confined to a small space. The steps interpret the music. There are many similarities to tap dance and clogging.

Ceili Dance (Social Dance)
Ceili dances can be danced with partners or in small groups in an informal setting, such as a party or social gathering. Ceili dance uses very basic Irish dance steps, allowing all to participate. Everyone can do it!

The NEW LOCATION will be at the Old Oak Center in a large space with a wooden floor. ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM [VIA ZOOM]

Our right to freedom of speech comes from the First Amendment. But like all of our rights, none are absolute and without some restrictions. Our session will focus on the right to free speech and its limitations, each depending on the place (public or private), speaker (private citizen or well-known individual), time (wartime, domestic or international crisis, peacetime) and manner of speech (words used and their acceptance). Topics of mainstream media and social media, defamation, the press and personal responsibility will be covered. Our foundations will include current and landmark Supreme Court decisions and connected legislation.


Part 1 was taught Fall 2024 ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

How do you serve your tea? Do you simply brew a cup? Or do you serve it from a teapot? Whether it is for two people or six, teapots have been around for centuries. They enhance the enjoyment of tea and turn the act of brewing into an art. The history of teapot design is a fascinating journey through time, spanning centuries and continents, as it reflects the cultural influences, technological advancements and design trends that have shaped teapot design. So, whatever your ritual is of making tea, swirling water in your granny’s favorite pot or using one of the new elegant glass teapots, put the kettle on, put your feet up and enjoy a nice cup of tea. As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, “A day without tea is a day without joy.” Tea and cookies, of course, will be served. ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]

Delve into the reality of the women who tempted both fate and the ire of King Henry for the title of Queen. Which one was the sexy one, the ugly one, the “air-head”, the smart one, the most devious? Discover how history has labeled them, then view them through 21st century eyes. Judge for yourself: were some just ahead of their time, living in the wrong period of history and doomed to lose their queen-hood and perhaps their heads?

Repeat from Fall 2021 ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 12:15 PM - 01:35 PM [IN PERSON]

Having a basic will does not avoid probate. Relying solely on a basic will is just one element of the many estate planning components every family should have in place. The instructor uses real-life examples and takes a hands-on approach about the following foundational estate planning tools: last will, healthcare POA, financial POA, guardianship, living trust, HIPAA, living will and executorship. You will also discover how to efficiently pass on your assets to your children or heirs through probate avoidance and asset protection strategies using revocable and irrevocable trusts.

Repeat from Winter 2024 ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

The class will begin with an examination of the events that led to the causes of the war. In each succeeding class we will look at each year of the war 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865. The class will delve into the political, military and social issues of the war. ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

From December 1941 until the middle of 1943, the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy fought on equal terms in the Pacific. Later, the products of America’s massive wartime shipbuilding program overwhelmed the outclassed Japanese Navy with a flood of modern aircraft carriers, surface ships, aircraft and submarines. This course will focus on the prewar American Navy, how it was built, staffed, organized and trained and how it succeeded in turning the course of the war in the pivotal 1942 battles at Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal. ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]

CANCELED

(1)  Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes - What is it?
(2)  Healthy diet patterns for Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes
(3)  Glycemic index and how it affects blood sugars
(4)  Physical activity - Get back in your lane
(5)  Sleep - It's more important than you think
(6)  Stress management - Take control, it does affect blood glucose

Repeat from Spring 2024 ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

Big Pharma is an expert at promoting fear of disease just so they can sell us hope. In this class we look behind the scenes to discover the disturbing truth about Big Pharma. We’ll examine conflicts of interest, deceptive ghostwritten articles in prestigious medical journals, “me too” drugs and fear-based media ads. Drugs in search of an illness, drug promotion meetings disguised as education programs, minimizing reports of side effects and disposal of negative studies. We’ll also examine how too many drugs, body scans and over-diagnoses can cause more harm than good.

Repeat from Winter 2020 ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]

For America to achieve victory in World War II, every citizen was needed. Women who had been relegated to the background, especially during the Depression, came to the forefront: War correspondent. Cartographer. Pilot. More than six million women took wartime jobs in factories, three million volunteered with the Red Cross, and over 200,000 served in the military: Steel mill operator. Railroad mechanic. Gunnery officer. Meet women from all walks of life, from Eleanor Roosevelt to the girl next door, as we explore the diverse ways in which women contributed to success in WWII. ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

Do you seek the many benefits of yoga but have limitations that prevent you from getting on and off the floor? Chair Yoga applies practices of traditional yoga while using chairs, blocks and straps to ensure support while moving safely. Discover how to Move with the body that you have today to maintain range of motion, flexibility, strength, balance and so important Muscle Mass. We will infuse the importance of movement while learning about specific muscle groups, body systems, body awareness, breathing techniques and Brain Breaks. This class is for anyone who can sit in a chair. Working and learning with the body that you have today with limitations will allow you to build confidence, resilience and thrive. This is your invitation for discovery and fun! ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 2025 | 06:30 PM - 07:50 PM [VIA ZOOM]

In 1936, Will Hays introduced The Production Code. It was a set of guidelines meant to rein in the excesses of the day that were being portrayed on screen. All the major studios bought into The Code and the content of films going into the 1940's became much tamer. In this class, we'll be watching the films that inspired The Code. These are the Pre-Code films that made the major studios so worried about government censorship that they abided by The Production Code for the next three decades. ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

Why do we suffer? Is there a use or point to it or a terrible aspect of life? Philosophers and Spiritualists have suggested answers that seem untenable as few can follow the solutions; or perhaps humanity likes to suffer? Job appears to challenge God on the subject, experiencing hell on earth without losing his faith. The journey takes him to the depths of his consciousness, confronting and finally reconciling the rejected aspects of his soul. ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

We will look at several Northeast Ohio places that no longer physically exist but have fond memories.

Week #1 Richfield Coliseum (1974 – 1994). The Cleveland Cavs, Cleveland Cavalettes, Cleveland Force, rock & roll concerts and more!

Week #2 Cleveland Municipal Stadium (1931 – 1993). The Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians, World Series of Rock and more!

Week #3 League Park (1891 – 1947). The Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Buckeyes and more! We will relive game #5 of the 1920 World Series!

Week #4  Front Row Theater (1974 – 1993). This theater in the round featured numerous musical acts, comedians, high school graduations and more!

Week #5 Cleveland Arena (1933 – 1973). The original Cleveland Barons, the first home court to the Cleveland Cavs, Roller Derby, Wrestling and more!

Week #6 A few more places: The Musicarnival, The original Cleveland Agora, The Corral, the Mad Hatter, The Roxy Theater and much more! ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are ancient Chinese exercises using the mind, the breath and gentle movements to create a meditation in motion which enhances overall physical health. These practices have been scientifically proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, relieve osteoarthritis, increase energy, aid in managing stress and enhance one’s overall sense of well-being. In this class you will learn the Yang 10 Tai Chi form and several Qi Gong forms. ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

As the sun goes down on Cleveland, the shadows of the city lengthen and reach into the darkness. From that Plutonian darkness emerge the most bone-chilling tales the city has to offer. Rediscover the cemeteries of yesterday, which we unknowingly walk over daily, but now lie hidden by the modern world around us. Delve into some of Northern Ohio’s creepiest urban legends and lore, including the true tale of the infamous Franklin Castle. Witness the tales of terror and tragedy that lie hidden in Downtown and along the Flats of the Cuyahoga River. Haunted houses, urban legends, grim phantasms, grisly murders, lost cemeteries and blood-curdling ghostly tales – some forgotten for over a century – will be shared. Join local author and investigative historian William G. Krejci as we follow the footsteps of history and rediscover the Forest City’s spooky past.

Week 1 – Lost Cemeteries of Cuyahoga County

Week 2 – Ghosts and Legends of Northern Ohio

Week 3 – A Ghostly Stroll Through Downtown Cleveland

Week 4 – Ghosts and Legends of the Franklin Castle

Week 5 – Specters and Slaughter on the Cuyahoga River

Week 6 – Lost Ghost Stories of Cleveland ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

No knowledge of the Latin language is required for this class. We’ll examine English words and trace their Latin origins -- words like “amateur,” “tenacious,” “astronaut,” “recalcitrant” -- all having interesting derivations.  Don’t be a persona non grata -- we’ll cover phrases, mottos and abbreviations coming from Latin. Of course we’ll discuss “i. e.” and “e. g.” -- frequently misused. And what about all the (sic)’s used in newspapers and Google searches? What are the four quotable quotes uttered by Caesar? What’s the explanation of the Ides of March? What was the relationship between the fall of Troy and the founding of Rome?  All questions will be answered. The course finishes with excerpts and explanatory material from three classics: “Ben Hur,” “Cleopatra” and “Spartacus.”

Repeat from Fall 2023 ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]

CANCELED

We will be discussing a variety of estate planning and elder law topics including power of attorney documents, trusts, wills and living wills. I will be highlighting the pitfalls that various celebrities have encountered during life and at death concerning their estate plans or lack thereof. Celebrities from a variety of eras will be covered. Each class will highlight a different document or topic. I encourage discussion in class about what is being taught, however direct legal advice will not be given. ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]

All of us talk about the "Good Old Days." So, let's look back and remember them! This class looks back on events, fads, movies, books, music, hobbies, school life, fashion and much more from the Fabulous Forties, the Fun Fifties and the Swinging Sixties. There's nothing like fond memories to make you smile. There will be tons of pictures to help you remember those great days of growing up. You'll get a memory booklet, some recipes from the period and lots more too! The last class will feature Berea and the Cleveland area. Join me and let the good times roll! ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]

The George Spangler Farm in Gettysburg is truly a place of reverence on hallowed ground. In July 1863, their farm was nearly destroyed when the Union 11th Corps medical staffers took control of it, transforming the property into a field hospital for more than 1,900 wounded soldiers during and after the battle. This class will tell the heartbreaking and devastating story of the Spanglers and how their farm played a pivotal role in the battle: as a hospital, transportation hub, staging area and those who labored to save lives and those who suffered and died there. Other farms were the sites of more combat than the Spangler Farm, and some were literally destroyed, but no single farm played a more strategic and important role during the battle than the Spangler Farm. ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - February 13, 2025 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]

Did you ever wonder what the big deal is about bourbon? Customers line up in parking lots hours before deliveries of bourbon arrive at liquor stores, bourbon tastings and flights are all the rage and prices have skyrocketed, especially on the secondary market. This course will provide an overview of the basics of bourbon, its history and how to begin your own bourbon journey. One important thing to remember: there is no right or wrong way to enjoy bourbon. Along with the historical background and essential information about bourbon, the presenters will provide stories from their visits to several Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries:  Louisville, Bardstown (home of the annual Bourbon Festival) and Lexington. We will include suggestions for planning your own visit to Kentucky. The last class will focus on enjoying bourbon in both cooking and cocktails. An optional bourbon event will be scheduled after the last class on January 30th. (Details provided during week one).

Note: 4 week class ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 9 - January 23, 2025 | 06:30 PM - 09:10 PM [IN PERSON]

The Master of Suspense continues his remarkable journey through the fifties with three fascinating films starring Grace Kelly. In Dial M for Murder, Kelly is married to Ray Milland, but is having an affair with Robert Cummings. In Rear Window, she is the high society girlfriend of James Stewart, who likes to spy on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village apartment. In To Catch a Thief, the future princess finds herself on the French Riviera with jewel thief Cary Grant. Each film will be introduced with an original video presentation, followed by audience reaction and discussion. ... [ more ]