Monday Session 1   

The origins of film are actually in theater! This course will cover the origins of theater from ancient rituals to Shakespeare, including select prominent time periods and developments in the Eastern and Western world, such as ancient Greece, medieval Japan, and European Renaissance, among others. We will consider sample plays from the periods, connecting what we read and watch to the traditions we discussed and the theater and film trends we see in present day.

The class will use Project Gutenberg and online videos.

PLEASE NOTE: the days and times for this course have changed. It will now meet four (4) times on Mondays 6 - 7:30 p.m. beginning August 31.

This course is geared for those new to yoga, those interested in a slower and more gentle practice, or those recovering from illness or injury. It includes a combination of meditation, breath work, and flowing movement intended for all abilities. Participants will move from seated on the floor (or a chair) to standing and then will return to mats. Participants will experiment with balance, strength, flexibility, and stillness while practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques. 

NOTE: The Gentle Yoga A and B classes are companion courses. Members can just register for both or just one. 

The Battle of Saratoga, as it is known to history, was actually 10 battles; the end of a 20 year succession of conflicts among British, French, Colonists, and indigenous Native tribes. We will look at vicious wilderness combat, fresh-water naval engagements, and countless acts of bravery and endurance that remain incredible centuries later. The outcome changed the World – and the trajectory of the American Revolution – and created America’s first generation of military heroes.

This course will explore the human side of money—how emotions, values, and experiences influence every financial decision. The course does not cover investment strategies. Instead, members will examine the qualitative aspects of money, focusing on the cognitive factors that shape how people view and manage our financial ecosystems. Guided conversations will broach common relationships with money, and members are encouraged to engage at their comfort level. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how feelings about money evolve through the lenses of behavioral finance and psychology.

This course offers an introduction to the rich and fascinating cultures of the Balkan peninsula. Through an interdisciplinary approach, members will explore the region’s complex history, varied geography, and vibrant cultural traditions. We will dive into the stories behind Yugoslavia’s rise and subsequent breakup, sample regional flavors, listen to iconic sounds from folk to pop, and unpack the roles of language, religion, and identity in everyday life. Emphasizing shared heritage and local distinctiveness, the course will deepen learners understanding of Southeast Europe through discussion, multimedia materials, and practical cultural insights.

This gentle form of yoga is practiced using a chair as a prop/stabilizer for support during standing poses or adapted for sitting on a chair. It is especially beneficial for people concerned with balance or coordination issues or those who have felt they are unable to participate in other yoga experiences. The class includes poses for strength training, mobility in the joints, and more relaxing poses to help steady the mind. Modifications will be offered throughout the course so that participants learn to adapt to their personal situations and comfort as well as challenge themselves. The course is appropriate for all levels.  

 

This course provides an introduction into Eastern European literature. We will explore the area from Austria to western parts of Russia. Discussions will include a look at key historical events, genre types, common motifs, and literary movements.

Whether you are writing a memoir or fictional novel, experienced or a novice, there are certain elements that must be considered as necessary for an effective presentation of the written word. In this course, those elements of good writing will be revealed, and you will have an opportunity to purge your fear of the blank page and write. With exercises during each class that will inspire, you will have the opportunity to improve your writing as you learn to eliminate even the most subtle issues that writers face and will help you at every stage take your writing to a higher -- and more successful -- level.

Far too often in our history, Americans have taken their citizenship for granted. As United States citizens, you have a choice: make the most of your rights and responsibilities or leave others to decide for you. Civic apathy now has well documented consequences, many resulting in unexpected and often dangerous outcomes to our democratic form of government. This course seeks to explore this history but with a focus on current consequential events including challenges to voting rights, immigration policies' effect on our economy, a growing distrust of government institutions, a decrease in civics education in our schools, and much more.

Yi Jin Jing is a traditional Chinese qigong practice known for improving flexibility, balance, posture, and mind-body coordination. In this course, members will learn the history and health principles of Yi Jin Jing while practicing a gentle, structured sequence of movements suitable for most adults. Each session will include guided warm-up, movement instruction, breathing coordination, and repeated practice. The course is designed for beginners as well as returning learners who want to build a stronger foundation in this classic qigong form.