Friday AM   

Mr. Holmes is a 2015 movie, directed by Bill Condon, and starring Ian McKellen as Sherlock Holmes and Laura Linney as his caretaker. Holmes is retired and living in Sussex where he occupies himself as a beekeeper. At this point of his life, he is on the onset of dementia and is haunted by a past memory which he is unable to remember clearly. It is a bitter-sweet movie which takes place just after World War II. The movie runs about two hours and will be followed by discussion about the film and all things Sherlockian. New remote workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and film.

The Virtual Book Exchange SIG at OLLI meets on Zoom. This workshop is an in-person version. Come to the workshop with actual books or your experience of books that you’ve enjoyed. Each participant will share something about the book, and others may chime in with opinions. The facilitator will take notes and create a book list to send to participants after the workshop. Book chatter, casual chatter, and camaraderie! New in-person workshop. Format includes discussion.

Every cemetery is filled with stories. Come discover the tales, true and perhaps fabricated, of some of the people in the Stroudwater Burying Ground. A mast agent, a doctor, a Civil War nurse, and a social reformer are just a few of the stories waiting to be heard. New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture and movement.

Discover how to cultivate awareness, calm stress, and support your body9s natural healing through meditation, breathwork, and yoga. In this immersive two-hour workshop, you9ll explore the physical and psychological benefits of these practices while learning practical mindfulness and breathwork techniques you can use anytime 4 at home, at work, or whenever you need more peace. You9ll also participate in a gentle, healing yoga session designed to highlight how mindful movement can support both your mind and body. Whether you're new to these practices or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will provide valuable tools to bring more balance into your daily life.

Repeat in-person workshop. Format includes movement.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Yoga mat; please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an extra layer for warmth.
OPTIONAL MATERIALS: Yoga blocks

We will begin with an introduction to the principles of geology, including plate tectonics, the processes of formation (and different types) of rocks, and the impact of erosion and deposition on landscape formation — basically Geology 101. The geology of the American Southwest is characterized by a diverse array of rock formations spanning billions of years, primarily shaped by ancient seabeds, tectonic shifts, and erosion from wind and water, resulting in iconic landscapes there. We’ll take a closer look at the geology of Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. The region is a “geologist’s dream” with well-
exposed rock layers showcasing various geological processes throughout Earth’s history.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture.

“The best camera is the one that’s with you.”— Chase Jarvis. For many of us, that camera is the iPhone we carry in our pocket every day. This course will cover setting up your iPhone for shooting better photos, focusing and composition techniques, editing on your iPhone (or iPad if you have fat fingers like me), and how to find your way to shooting in black & white on the streets of Maine. Join the international iPhone photography community. Repeat workshop. Format includes lecture, discussion, and hands-on.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: You will need a relatively up-to-date iPhone and the Snapseed app (free in the app store).

Mike Nickerson co-founded the Institute for the Study of Cultural Evolution in 1971. He coordinated activity on the Canada Well-Being Measurement Act, drawing attention to the advantages of a Genuine Progress Index (GPI). Along with the Guideposts for a Sustainable Future video, numerous articles, pamphlets, and speaking engagements, he has written three books on sustainability. He says anyone can help by aspiring to more fun, less stuff. Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture and discussion.

Have you ever wanted to know what it is like to talk to a serial killer or a mass murderer? Do you find yourself wondering how someone can take a life? Join us as we analyze the instructor’s personal collection of artwork and correspondences from over one hundred infamous killers from around the world. The author of two books on serial killers, the instructor will answer the questions of what goes through a crazed killer’s mind and what in their background and childhood could be a mitigating factor that may have led them to murder.

New in-person workshop. Format includes lecture.

This workshop will examine how individuals and couples can plan for a sustainable income in retirement. We will examine how households can coordinate income from different sources, including pensions, Social Security, and retirement savings to develop a plan for navigating retirement. We’ll look at academic concepts in a practical manner and work through a case study that ties it all together. Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture.

We will watch a one-hour version of this short story, starring Jeremy Brett, which will be followed by a discussion of the film and other Holmesian material. New remote workshop. Format includes film and discussion.

This workshop will cover key considerations for planning for taxes in retirement. We will cover topics such as how various types of income are taxed in retirement, how to avoid Social Security and Medicare tax traps, how to take distributions from retirement accounts in a tax-efficient manner, and charitable giving in retirement. We will consider tax planning strategies from the perspectives of both those who are already in retirement and those who are still working toward retirement. Repeat remote workshop. Format includes lecture.

Are you having difficulty communicating with adult children, other family members, or certain friends? Would you like to be a more helpful support to others? Active Listening is an effective communication tool used by trained coaches and therapists to enhance positive interaction, build trust, connection, and improve relationships. You can learn to use it in your own life in this highly interactive workshop by practicing four essentials of Active Listening: Being Present and Attentive, Appropriate Questioning, Reflection, and Neutrality. As you begin to listen more fully and mindfully, you will discover greater value in all your relationships.

New remote workshop. Format will include lecture and hands on learning.

Thomas Nagels’ paper of this title is one on the most influential philosophical papers ever written on the nature of consciousness. His distinguishing feature of a conscious process is the internal feeling of “what is it like to be me?” Depending on who you ask, the paper is both loved and hated in philosophical circles. Repeat remote workshop. Format will include lecture and discussion.