Wednesday   

Throughout history scientific progress has often advanced in dramatic bursts following long periods of dormancy. This class examines the revolutionary discoveries that transformed our understanding across the major branches of science: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology. Topics include the rise of the Copernican universe, atomic theory, plate tectonics, Darwin's theory of evolution, and Newton's laws of motion and gravity. The emphasis is on historical perspective: why did these breakthroughs happen when and where they did? This class is for scientists and non-scientists alike.

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Your body will thank you!

This watercolor class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. All materials are provided.

Join us for our Wednesday morning park walks! If you want to start a walking habit, add to your daily step count, spend a morning with old and new friends, or just enjoy beautiful Lower Park, lace up your shoes and join us. Each week, you have the opportunity to choose a 1-mile route looping at Hwy 99 or a 2.8-mile route looping at the 2nd bridge (Cedar Grove).

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Your body will thank you!

The place: a grim Indian urban slum, overshadowed by luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. The time: 2008-2010. The real-life characters: slum residents with aspirations and energy. The plot: how they struggle and face tensions over religion, caste, sex, power, and economic envy, yet emerge with abiding hope. Using the learning through conversation format, we will discuss equity and inclusion, set in a contemporary international context.

It was a time of radical change, a time of violence. England was under siege internally and externally. Being on the wrong side, politically or religiously, could result in torture and death. Into this confusing and disordered world strode a young married man who had left his home of Stratford-upon-Avon to attempt his hand at playwriting for the London stage. His name was William Shakespeare. Join us for a discussion of the TV show Will, described as "Shakespeare on sex, drugs, and rock and roll."

An herbarium is a collection of preserved plant specimens. This class offers a unique hands-on learning experience as an introduction to the art and science of mounting plants. The class will cover how herbarium specimens are mounted, handled, processed, stored, displayed, and repaired. It is useful, but not necessary, to have visited an herbarium before.

In this class we will look at what research in neuroscience is teaching us about how the brain and mind work. We will also learn about using that knowledge to provide better care for patients. The role of AI, brain imaging, immunology, and genetics will be included. Selected topics on health, medicine and biotechnology may also be discussed.

This class uses a group study of the book Complete Spanish Step by Step, Premium 2nd Edition, by Barbara Bregstein, beginning with chapter 13.

This acrylic class is for the absolute beginner as well as more experienced painters. We will follow step-by-step instructions to create our paintings while also learning why and what we are doing. Paintings will be completed over several class sessions. All materials are provided.

When did France become France? Using maps, this class will examine the changing boundaries and structures within the territory now known as France from the fall of the western Roman Empire circa 450 CE to the French Revolution in 1789. Key events and personalities will punctuate the story of the origins of the France we know today.

This class will explore the works of science fiction and fantasy authors. We will discuss the differences and similarities between the two genres, and note the many crossover authors who write in both realms. We are in for a fun ride with authors who have crafted characters and worlds which will carry us to worlds of adventure far, far away.

This writer's workshop serves a community of writers interested in sharing their writing and responding to other writers' work. We will focus on fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, stories for children, and other types of writing. Following a workshop format, this class will be an opportunity for students to receive feedback for their written work and provide meaningful support to fellow writers.

Join a friendly, sociable and helpful group to play games in a fun environment. We have a literal wagon full of games, from the well-known to the obscure, and if you don't know the game, we'll teach you! You can also bring your own game to share.

Improv is all about being spontaneous and not overthinking, so it's a great exercise for the brain. Plus, it's a lot more interactive than doing crosswords or sudoku, because we play it together. Come stretch your brain and have a lot of fun doing it!

Want to hear some interesting stories? Each class session will feature someone telling their life story. Through listening and honoring each other's journeys, we can connect profoundly. Plus it's just fun to share and learn about one another. There is an option to be recorded and receive a flash drive to pass onto your family or friends. You will be supplied with a list of possible topics to address when giving your talk. Everyone has a story to tell. Come and share yours!

This class covers writing and conversation in Spanish. The class will be conducted mostly in Spanish; English may be used for support. Participants will have the opportunity to speak and to write short compositions for review and discussion. The class may have native speakers and professional Spanish educators as guest speakers. There is nothing like having a professional Spanish educator to help learn Spanish conversation.

Fredrik Backman's novella And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer is an ongoing conversation between an elderly man and his young grandson, poignantly relayed in the poetic voice of Grandpa. As the conversation progresses, the reader is intimately drawn into Grandpa's inner world as he meanders into the hazy twilight of dementia. Reading in advance is optional. We will listen to an excellent reading of the book on CD together as a springboard for discussion.

This class features a wide range of topics, from the classics of European art to American landscapes. Please join us for this exciting series, as we learn about the lives and works of four fascinating artists.