Thursday   

Great Decisions uses material from the American Foreign Policy Association to highlight key foreign policy issues facing the United States at this time. Class sessions include videos from the FPA to provide background, and the whole course revolves around non-partisan discussion. Expert speakers provide rich information for every session. Topics for 2026 include: US tariffs in historical perspective, US-China relations, the third nuclear age, Ukraine, multilateral institutions in a changing world order, engagement with Africa, and the future of human rights and international law. Threads expected to run throughout all topics include the economy, artificial intelligence, critical media literacy, and the need for civil discourse in a time of partisan rancor.

Great Decisions Schedule:

Sept. 24 - Dr. Josh Landry - Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation 

Oct. 1- Dr. Randy Kluver - US China Relations in New Trump Era  

Oct. 8 - Meredith Woodruff - Ukraine and the Future of European Security 

Oct. 15 - Catherine Seagraves - America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy

Oct. 22 - Dr. John Shoeneman and Dr. Martin Brienen - Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order 

Oct. 29 - Nelda Villines - U.S. of Engagement of Africa 

Nov. 5 - Dr. Aleks Schaefer - Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy  

Nov. 12 - Catherine Seagraves - Human Rights and International Law 

The origami course introduces participants to the relaxing and creative art of paper folding while supporting hand coordination and cognitive engagement. The course is scheduled to last 4 weeks, with 1 session per week.

Session 1: Participants learn basic folds and simple models such as hearts, tulips, and boats to build confidence and familiarity with folding techniques.

 Session 2: Focuses on classic origami figures, including the traditional crane, butterfly, puppy, pistol..., helping participants practice step-by-step instructions and develop spatial thinking.

 Session 3: Learners explore decorative and practical designs such as lilies, small boxes, and envelopes, allowing them to create useful and aesthetically pleasing objects.

Session 4: Encourages creativity through modular and collaborative projects, such as simple stars or group displays. By the end of the program, participants will have developed basic origami skills and produced a collection of handmade paper creations.

Discover the relaxing and creative art of crochet in this fun, hands-on class! Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, this class will guide you through the basics of crochet, including how to hold your hook, create foundational stitches, read simple patterns, and start your first project. Participants will learn at a comfortable pace in a supportive and encouraging environment. By the end of the class, you’ll have the confidence and skills to continue crocheting on your own and creating beautiful handmade items like scarves, coasters, and small accessories. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity and excitement to learn!

Whether you are hoping to learn the fundamentals of American Mah Jongg with confidence and clarity or just coming back for more fun with American Mah Jongg, this class is for you. New players will gain a step-by-step understanding of how the game is played — from setting up to calling “Mah Jongg!”

• Start with the END Goal in Mind: Learn what a winning hand looks like.

• Tiles: Recognize and name the various types of tiles and what they mean.

• The Card: Learn to read the National Mah Jongg League card to avoid a ‘Faux Jongg’.

• Building the Wall and Dealing: Understand how the wall works and dealing the tiles correctly to each player.

• The “Journey” to Finding a Fine Line: Develop your hand thoughtfully—balancing luck and logic.

• The Charleston: Practice the all-important tile exchange that sets up your game.

• Pausing and Calling for a Tile: Learn the rules for calling and how to make exposures strategically.

• Maintaining the Pace of Play: Keep the game fun, respectful, and moving forward.

This class is designed to help you step back into the past and spend time recreating those family stories that are in danger of being lost. You will collect stories from your past, either from your own memory or the memories of others you may contact.  We will work in pairs (sign up with a friend or family member and treat the course like Story Corps of NPR fame with people signIficant to one another having a conversation -- or just bring yourself and we'll pair/group you with others to delve into the past together) to recreate and read these stories.  This is not a performance class, but it will offer an opportunity to record -- and if desired share -- and pay tribute to the family stories we all have.