East Bridgewater Senior Center   

“Despite the outpouring of books, movies, museums, and courses, a coherent explanation of the why such ghastly carnage erupted in the heart of civilized Europe in the twentieth century still seems elusive.” This a quote from Peter Hayes book, “Explaining the Holocaust.” This is the inspiration for this seminar which examines many of the questions dealing with the Holocaust. Why the Jews? Why the Germans? Why a transition from murder to genocide? Could more have been done to prevent the Holocaust? Why was Jewish resistance ineffectual? Why such limited help from the outside? Finally, we conclude with the legacy of the Holocaust and its lessons for us today. Understanding the rise of Hitler and the Holocaust is more relevant today than ever.

Often called “Indicator Species,” bats serve as a vital pulse for the health of our environment. This course offers an in-depth exploration of the nine bat species native to Massachusetts and the critical roles they play in our local ecosystem.  We will address the modern challenges facing these mammals, including the impact of White-Nose-Syndrome - a fungal disease that has claimed the lives of millions of bats - and the common misconceptions regarding Covid-19. Drawing from years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and my time spent with Batty, the Big Brown Bat, my educational ambassador, I will share unique, firsthand insights into their complex social behaviors, (such as purring when content). I look forward to leading you on this educational adventure to uncover the wonders of the misunderstood bats and the vital conservation efforts needed to save them!

Take a musical journey through the songs, stories, and cultural impact of The Beatles in this fun and engaging six-week ukulele class. Designed for beginner to intermediate players, this course combines hands-on music instruction with an exploration of how the Beatles transformed popular music, songwriting, recording techniques, and global culture.

Each week, students will learn a new Beatles song arranged for ukulele while examining a different era of the band’s evolution—from early rock-and-roll influences and Beatlemania to experimental studio innovation and enduring musical legacy. Along the way, participants will build core ukulele skills including chord transitions, rhythm patterns, strumming techniques, riffs and licks, and group performance.

This class is ideal for anyone with basic ukulele knowledge who enjoys classic rock music, group learning, and musical storytelling. Come discover why the music of the Beatles continues to inspire musicians around the world—and have fun making that music yourself.

Discover the timeless beauty and surprising modern influence of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D in this unique six-week ukulele ensemble course. Participants will learn how a simple and elegant chord progression became one of the most recognizable foundations in Western music—and how it continues to shape countless contemporary songs today.

Throughout the course, students will learn and rehearse four different musical parts of Pachelbel’s Canon, arranged in C for varying skill levels from beginner to advanced. Whether you are new to ukulele or an experienced player looking for an ensemble experience, each participant will have an important role in bringing the piece to life.

As the weeks progress, the class will combine these individual parts into a layered group performance, exploring melody, harmony, rhythm, and accompaniment. Students will also examine the famous Canon chord progression and discover its influence on modern pop and rock music.

This course is open to adventurous beginners through advanced ukulele players. Participants should know a few basic chords and be excited to collaborate in a supportive group setting. Come experience how a 17th-century composition and one of the most iconic pieces in classical music continues to echo through today’s music—and become part of the sound yourself.