-Courses in Valley   

"Mind-Body-Gut Synergy" refers to the harmonious interaction and interconnectedness between the mental / emotional mind, the physiological body, and the gastrointestinal system (gut). When this synchronized system is affected by inflammation, it can have a major impact on our overall health and well-being. Join us on this journey of discovery to uncover the hidden effects of inflammation on this Synergy and empower yourself with the knowledge to foster a healthier mindbody-gut connection. This interactive course is designed for those seeking to increase their understanding of the multifaceted role of inflammation in the intricate collaboration between the mind, body, and gut.

Explore original research on topics such as the development from Rockfish Gap to Waynesboro, the role of surveyors in Augusta County, and Albemarle’s intriguing mysteries— including the lost town of New York, missing Civil War gold, and Swiss artist Frank Buchser’s visit. Learn about Monticello during the Civil War, the Levy family’s ownership, and the lives of free and enslaved people. The series concludes with the ten largest emancipations in Albemarle. This course offers a rare opportunity to uncover stories that shaped our region between 1790 and 1900.

A great deal of the material available at the Internet Archive (archive.org) has been assembled by people with an interest in a certain topic. So, UFO records and community television can be found, along with institutional files. This class shows how to establish a presence at the Internet Archive and create a digital collection of materials significant for a particular group. This could be the Red Wing Music Festival or a Staunton Knitting Club. We will discuss how all communities deserve to be remembered and how adding material to the Internet Archive can be part of making that happen.

As a citizen of the Renaissance Shakespeare copies Aristotle in the belief that humans fulfill their potential only within a civilized society. With this, human error often results from an excess in either eros—the sensual appetites—or thumos, the noble anger that manifests as arrogance. Within this worldview, Shakespeare likes to remind us that age and wisdom are often not the best of friends. We will examine this idea with three older characters: Sir John Falstaff (from Henry IV Parts One and Two), King Lear, and Prospero (from The Tempest). Though reading the plays will enhance understanding and discussion, it is not required, as the instructor will provide thorough background and many excerpts during class time.