SENIOR SERIES   

Class Overview

As humans prepare to return to the Moon, and continue the exploration of Mars, new missions will be launched to study the other “inner worlds” of our solar system. The Webb Telescope is busy investigating Earth-like planets around other stars, sending back mind-blowing amounts of data. 
You can learn about these awe-inspiring topics in this class, focused on the geology of planets.

In this fascinating exploration, find out what has been learned from the field of geological sciences on Earth that contributes to our knowledge of other planets, and what is being learned about the universe to understand our own planet. Expand your understanding of our earthly existence and feel empowered by this mind expanding learning experience.

This course is part of our Senior Series, classes designed for older students, offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain knowledge about the geology of earth 
• Understand what is known about earth-like planets in our solar system and universe
• Participate in the excitement of discovery in our corner of the universe
• Critically read news and scientific reports on new discoveries in the space sciences
• Discover opportunities to participate as citizen scientists and educated public citizens in ongoing exploration
   

Who Should Take This Class?

• Lifelong learners
• Natural born explorers
• Anyone curious about our neighborhood in the galaxy and what we are learning about it
• Seniors interested in daytime learning opportunities (all ages are welcome!)
• No experience needed; everyone is welcome

Class Overview

You can stop apologizing that your photos are just from your phone camera. The key to good photography is mostly due to rather straight-forward principles of composition, and you can easily learn them! It’s also important to know how to apply these principles, when to apply them, and, believe it or not, when not to.  

In this class, explore the powerful principles of composition while looking at many photographs, including your own, with the guidance of a professional photographer.  

By the time the class is over, we assure you that your phone photographs will be more compelling, evocative, and memorable. Whether your subjects are family and friends, pets and wildlife, nearby or far away, you will be able to capture better images of  what you see in front of your lens.

Class will meet online via Zoom. Everyone will complete three photo assignments of subjects we all agree on, shooting new images and/or harvesting from existing work. Then we will share our results on flickr.com for feedback in and outside of our Zooms.  

This course is part of our Senior Series, classes designed for older students, offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.

Learning Objectives

• Know and understand the core principles of composition used in all visual art mediums, including photography with any camera, as well as painting
• Decide when to apply those principles, but also when not to
• Better evaluate any photograph for what makes it compelling
• Make photographs like you never have before 
• Compose your own photographs that will turn your friend’s and family’s heads

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Anyone using a phone camera for photos
• Everyone who likes photographing family, friends, grandkids and more
• Practiced photographers or a complete newbies, everyone is welcome

Class Overview

As people age, most of us become less active and less mobile, and we sit tend to more. This is normal, and as a result, our bodies stiffen up. In this rewarding workshop, learn the power of breathing and how you can improve the quality of your breathing and have better movement as a result.

Did you know that the diaphragm is the primary muscle we use for respiration and it also becomes flabby and weak? If you want to move better in your daily life, or perform at your highest level when you exercise, practicing better breathing is the key. 

Learn to breath optimally and to strengthen your diaphragm by doing exercises that feel good. Enjoy the freedom and sense of well-being that comes from feeling better overall, increasing your looseness and mobility, and sending oxygen more fully to all parts of your body. 

Please wear comfortable clothes when you attend this online workshop. No prior knowledge of biology and related subject required. This course is part of our Senior Series, courses designed for older students offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome!

Learning Outcomes

During/by the end of the workshop, students will: 

• understand the basic knowledge about the diaphragmatic muscle and the intercostal muscles 
• learn about B (breath), R (relax), A (joint alignment), I (isolation), N (nurturing movement ability)
• practice techniques of maintaining natural alignment of the spine through postural breathing techniques
• maximize safety and effectiveness by exhaling on the movement involving exertion and inhale on the return movement

Who Should Take This Class?

• Anyone who wishes to improve body movement
• Those who wish to learn better breathing to get rid of mental stress and body stiffness
• Everyone who would like to learn how breathing connects to body movements in general
• People who are interested in safe and effective increase in mobility through relaxation in limited space and time
• This course is part of our Senior Series, courses designed for older students offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome!

Class Overview

Almost everyone knows the name, Ansel Adams. He is an icon of 20th century photography. Most Americans have seen, and might even recognize his work. But do you really know much about the legacy of Ansel Adams? Discover the fascinating history of this iconic artist in this engaging class.

Explore the unexpected twists and turns of Ansel Adam’s career. Find out how his approach was  trend-setting and helped transform the field of photography. Discover his impact on national parks and conservation. Find out about his role in the introduction of digital editing to photography. 

Join this compelling class to discuss his early technique and his personal revolution in technique and results and how it helped photographers nationally and even internationally. Learn why Adams called the negative the score for his music, and the darkroom his performance.  

Enjoy seeing and discussing his best and least known works. This class is for anyone interested in the history of photography, and also making your own photography better.

This course is part of our Senior Series, classes designed for older students, offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.

Learning Outcomes

• Recognize the range of Ansel Adams’ photographs
• Know the story behind many of his best known works
• Understand the major 20th century revolution in photography
• Appreciate the power of photography
• Gain insights into the roots of digitally editing (and the controversy around it) 
• Improve your own photography, no matter what camera you are using, phone to mirrorless

Who Should Take This Class?

• Anyone with an interest in the history of photography 
• Photographers with an interest in making their own photography even better
• No experience needed; everyone is welcome!

Class Overview

Tai Chi is a health sustaining exercise and a tool for improved body awareness. Practiced by the elderly for balance and circulation and the young for relaxation and martial arts, it is a wonderful holistic activity for all ages.

During this class, you'll learn:

• the Yang Tai Chi short form, which is comprised of 35 individual movements
• Chi Kung, a warm-up exercise and relaxation activity with 18 movements
• elements of Chinese Medical Philosophy, such as Yin/Yang theory and Five Elements transformation
• the basics of Taoist philosophy

We'll focus on learning the entire Yang short form, and you'll receive guidance in developing your own regular practice at home.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

• learn basic warm-up stretches to improve your overall movement
• discover the Yang-style short form of Tai Chi
• practice the Yang-style under the direction of an expert instructor
• gain knowledge about the history and background of Tai Chi

Who Should Take this Class?

• Individuals seeking a low-impact exercise routine
• Anyone interested in improving their coordination and balance
• People interested in developing their focus, relaxation and overall wellness