Current Class Offerings

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
The Gypsy Tea Kettle. Polly’s Cheerio Tea Room. The Mad Hatter. The Blue Lantern Inn. These are just a few of the many tea rooms -- most owned and operated by women -- that popped up across America at the turn of the last century, and exploded into a full-blown craze by the 1920’s. This class will take you back to the exciting days when countless women dreamed of opening their own tearoom - and many did. From the Bohemian streets of New York’s Greenwich Village to the high-society tea rooms of Chicago’s poshest hotels, from the Colonial roadside tea houses of New England to the welcoming bungalows of California, this class will trace the social, artistic and culinary changes the tearoom helped bring about. So, join us and return to the days when women celebrated independence, artistic expression and the American spirit - all in a humble cup of tea. Tea and cookies will be served of course! ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
The presentation will discuss six topics (international rule of law, South China Sea, Taiwan, world reserve currency, intellectual property, human rights). The approach is "topical" rather than "historical" and focuses on specific current events ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
In the early 15^th Century, certain pressures in Italy led to a resurgence of interest in classical Greco-Roman Art.  This “Renaissance”, as they named it, occurred first among writers such as Petrarch and Boccaccio who viewed the millennia between their time and classical times as a “Middle Age”; an age of darkness and barbarism.  This rebirth of classical antiquity began in two different places, Italy and Flanders.  Both regions offered variations in style.  Italy, with its ties to the Roman world, created a style of idealism, balance and proportion such as can be seen in the work of Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael.  In Flanders, however, artists, such as Jan van Eyck, turned to nature for their inspiration.  This six week course covers art from the 15^th through the 17^th Centuries ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Become a better family historian by improving your research skills. Learn about evaluating records and information, online sources and searching techniques, using libraries and archives and the role of DNA testing ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
For six weeks starting in January, Carl Fernstrum will be performing and telling stories about the great songs written by some of the great songwriters of the 1960's and 1970's.  The songwriters include: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel, Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon.

Come be entertained and learn a few things as well! ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Stories from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome have been the inspiration for countless artists over the centuries despite (or because of) issues of sex and violence among gods, monsters and humans. We will retell some classic tales, discuss their cultural significance and view how diverse perspectives of painters and sculptors have tried to capture a moment of plot, beauty or horror ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
This class will start with the history and important texts that led to the development of traditional Chinese medicine as it is practiced today. We will begin with the earliest examples of treatment tools used to perform acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and herbal medicine. Next, we will discuss the history of China and how each dynasty influenced medical practice from antiquity through the cultural revolution. We will review some of the most important and influential doctors and texts that are still being used today in the practice of acupuncture and traditional herbal medicine. ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
The course will consist of a broad overview of the world of commercial aviation.  We will include sessions on the history and development of the aviation community.  These will include aircraft theory, air traffic control systems, weather effects, lessons learned and future concepts.  In all, a brief but content dense answer to the idiom, "If people were meant to fly..." ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - January 22, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
This course is an exploration of the boat-building history related to the Sandusky Bay Region.  The area around the Bay had an abundance of natural resources, and the lumber industry of the area supported local boat builders.  In the 19^th and 20^th Centuries, boat-building companies such as Lyman, Matthews and Russell Boats (later Sandusky Boats) opened their doors.  Learn how they changed their production methods, adding assembly lines and in some instances expanding into non-wooden boat types.  Discussion of how the area boat builders contributed to both World Wars and weathered the Great Depression will be included. Images will include examples from the Maritime Museum of Sandusky’s archive and object collections ... [ more ]

Mondays, January 8 - February 12, 2024 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Philosophers, Theologians, even Physicists have grappled with the idea of free will.  Some conclude we have it, but don’t use it very well.  Others deny its existence at all.  If we do have it, what’s the best use of it?  Stephen Hawking, Richard Muller and Gerald Schroeder all sought an answer through science.  Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Spinoza and Immanuel Kant have all weighed in on the subject as well.  Let’s explore and discuss their conclusions ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
This course will take a somewhat in depth look at American generals both famous and infamous. Part One will examine generals from the American Revolution thru the Civil War. The course will look at both their military lives and their personal lives, delving into their successes and failures ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]
The early days of Hollywood are marked by technological breakthroughs and staggering artistic achievements. It was also an unprecedented era of hedonism, crimes and cover-ups. In each class, we'll take a look at different case files from the early days of Hollywood ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - January 30, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Lake Erie was abuzz during Prohibition as a major route of smuggled outlawed alcohol. This course will explore the “who, what and where” of the lake’s and its shoreline’s involvement in the Prohibition years of 1920-1933. The four sessions will be “The Road to Prohibition,” “Rebellion and Opportunity,” “the Birth of the Rum Runner,” and “Rise of Organized Crime and End of the 'Great Experiment.'” Learn about secret coves, speeding Dart Boats, Coast Guard chases and the notorious Purple Gang ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Religious history is often preserved by the winners of ideological debates.  Most of what we understand about the development of Christianity is promoted by a male hierarchy that suppresses the participation of women from the historical structure of the Church.  Come and explore the stories of remarkable women who in the face of overwhelming misogyny exhibited assertiveness and resilience and got results.  From Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to Hildegard of Bingen, Mother Theresa and others, these women made significant contributions and shaped history ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Although the two words are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between spirituality and religion.  Spirituality is what brings meaning and purpose to our lives.  It is about connections and relationships with others and with God (Higher Power or Mystery).  Religion, on the other hand, refers to a faith tradition: Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc.  As we grow older, we are presented with unique opportunities to become more spiritually engaged. It is not age per se that seems to inspire spiritual growth but the challenges, diminishments and losses that aging brings with it that motivate spiritual development.  ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Come explore the versatility and enjoyment of creating artworks with mixed-media applications.  A variety of ideas and techniques will be demonstrated each week using a wide selection of materials: pencils, pens, markers, color pencils, collage materials, oil pastels and printmaking.

Emphasis will be on artistic discernment as you experiment with the combination of different medias and how they enhance each other.   The use of colors and textures while applying a layered effect calls for an adventurous spirit in your art making.  The elements of design and composition will be reviewed as you develop your own unique creative style.  Bring a 9”x 12” sketch or drawing pad and any art materials you already have to the first class ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
This class provides a low impact exercise opportunity for seniors. Irish Dance offers many health benefits including but not limited to improving balance, sharpening the memory and strengthening muscles around the joints to assist with arthritis and overall fitness. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. The class will cover various styles of Irish Dance from “old style” to “Irish Ceili” (social dance) and basic steps of traditional Irish step dance that are used in Ceili Dance. ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
The Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) will present a class on each of the following topics: ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Monastic life has fascinated and formed Christian spirituality and religious practice from the beginning. Desert hermits evolved to cloistered monks and nuns. St. Ignatius Loyola broke the mold with missionaries educated in science, as well as theology.  At each transition, the laity tried to imitate monastic practices, often missing the evolving spirituality. Join a former Jesuit priest in tracing the pioneering lives and learn their secrets for a more spiritual (vs. religious) life ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 2024 | 06:30 PM - 07:50 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Some define the Great American Songbook as a canon of the most influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th Century that have stood the test of time in their legacy. This class will review many of the American composers who crafted these  popular musical works along with the great performers who presented them. Some of the composers will include Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Richard Rogers and Burt Bacharach to name a few ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]
Delve into the exciting adventures of Peter the Great, Ivan the Great, Catherine the Great and Other Tsars/Tsarinas. You are the judge and jury as we evaluate the evidence and answer the question "Who Was the Greatest of Them All?" ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Research has proven the benefits of meditation and its impact on our everyday lives, improving mental health, reducing stress, strengthening relationships and even transforming our spiritual lives.  Learn about the effectiveness of meditation, its spiritual and philosophical roots and how meditation and mindfulness can support the transformation of your inner and outer life.  Weekly lectures are followed by meditation that can become the foundation of a regular practice, including how to develop a habit of meditation that you can stick with ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM [VIA ZOOM]
Our Winter course will review the book, Accidental Presidents by Jared Cohen.  We will look at the circumstances that thrust each man from Vice President to the Presidency, and what this new leader brings to the office and its influence on the country during that term of time.  There are eight of these situations in our history and while we will meet for the Winter session only six times, we will continue to finish the book in the Spring session and add the reading of Bag Man by Rachael Maddow to complete our look at the presidency under the trying times of the untimely end to the elected official and his replacement. As always, each session stands independently for your convenience ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Landmark cases, their backgrounds and their effects. Additionally, biographical information on several of the Chief Justices will be ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
1:  Women's and Men's Health
2:  Heart Health Food Choices
3:  Brain Health
4:  Diabetes Prevention
5:  Portion Distortion in Our Food
6:  Smart Snacking ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM [IN PERSON]
Learn the basics of estate planning and elder law in this unique hands-on course.  Discover how to efficiently pass on your assets to your children or heirs through probate avoidance and asset protection strategies.  The instructor uses real-life examples to explain basic wills, trusts, asset protection strategies, charitable gifting, powers of attorney, advanced directives and other estate planning tools ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
This course will cover Western Europe in the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance and Age of Exploration.  Topics will include the end of the Roman Empire and the barbarian invasions, the decentralization of government, the power of the Roman Catholic Church, the industry and agriculture of the age, daily life for most people, the developments in science and medicine, the rise of monarchs and the early Renaissance ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Holidays brighten our calendars, connect us to our history and unite us with family and friends.  Deepen your appreciation of holidays by delving into their surprising origins and examining celebration traditions from around the world.  We will tour the year to experience religious, seasonal and patriotic holidays ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. Navy had already been fighting an undeclared war in the Atlantic Ocean for two years.

From the desperate fight against German U-boats through the ever-larger amphibious landings at North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Normandy, the U.S. Navy joined with U.S. Army forces and allied nations to conduct an unrelenting naval campaign that was critical to final victory over Nazi Germany.

This course will trace the strategic, operational, technological and tactical course of the Atlantic war and will explain why the Navy’s success in the Atlantic has been the model for U.S. military operations since 1945 ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, January 10 - February 14, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Do you seek the many benefits of traditional yoga, but have limitations that may prevent you from doing so? Adaptive Yoga applies the same practices of traditional yoga while using chairs, blocks, blankets and straps to meet the practitioner where they are. In a safe and supported environment, attendees will discover how they can reduce their risk of falling with techniques designed to improve balance and proprioception.  Practitioners will gain knowledge and understanding of the full spectrum of yoga while building strength, stability, flexibility. Breath practices will increase energy levels, reduce stress and provide relaxation for improved sleep. This class will allow students to build confidence in movement, feel more joyful and have fun ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, February 7 - February 7, 2024 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Cleveland and Berea are in the path of totality for the TOTAL solar eclipse of 2024. Learn about solar eclipses in general and specifically our upcoming eclipse on April 8, 2024. Learn the how and why of eclipses, what an almost 4 minute totality means and how and where to safely observe the eclipse ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
We will look at several different Ohio destinations that no longer exist: Euclid Beach Park, Chippewa Lake Park, Geauga Lake Park, Dover Lake Park, Richfield Coliseum, Front Row Theater. We will also look at defunct retail stores, restaurants and the like. Prizes and a few surprises! ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Both science and spirituality converge to tackle the questions of time. Why are we moving through the flow of time? Why forward and not back? What would existence be without it? What has science discovered about the true nature of time versus our human perception of it? Recent scientific discoveries give us insight into why we should consider this precious commodity to be one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 2024 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are ancient Chinese exercises using the Mind, the breath and gentle movements to create a meditation in motion which enhances overall physical health. These practices have been scientifically proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, relieve osteoarthritis, increase energy, aid in managing stress and enhance one’s overall sense of well-being. In this class you will learn the Yang 10 Tai Chi form and several Qi Gong forms ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
From sticks and marbles to Teddy and Mickey, toys have developed alongside technological and human advances - though some have stayed remarkably faithful to their roots.  But… just think about it - what was your best-loved childhood toy?  Together, we’ll discover noteworthy toys, games and inventions that in some cases impacted the course of history.  From ancient Egypt to the Industrial Revolution, to the space race and beyond, toys are proof of societal changes, trends and fashions, design styles, manufacturing and industrial developments that have occurred over time.  No matter when you grew up, or what types of play ignited your imagination,  Toy Time, will take you on a nostalgic trip, back to those childhood days as you remember those magical, memorable moments, as you played with your favorite toy ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Join me for the ultimate road trip--a trip along Rt. 66. We'll "see" the interesting historical and quirky sights.  There will be loads of pictures, some history, lots of fun tales and even some diner recipes!  We'll also look at the history of car travel in the U.S., the cars of the road, and some other famous roads. Nobody's going to ask--"Are we there yet???" We'll be standin' on the corner in Winslow, Arizona as we get our kicks on Rt. 66.  Who can resist seeing the world's largest fork, a 70 oz. steak or the Barbed Wire Museum?  It's a trip of one's lifetime. If you've traveled it, let's reminisce. If you haven't, let's see it together. It's a FUN ride ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 2024 | 02:45 PM - 04:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Cleveland Metroparks Historical Interpreter Doug Kusak takes a light-hearted look at some weighty historical topics.  Perfect for those who love to learn but never much cared for history class when they were in school.
There will be lots of images and no tests!  Topics include: ... [ more ]

Thursdays, February 8 - February 8, 2024 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]
Cleveland and Berea are in the path of totality for the TOTAL solar eclipse of 2024. Learn about solar eclipses in general and specifically our upcoming eclipse on April 8, 2024. Learn the how and why of eclipses, what an almost 4 minute totality means and how and where to safely observe the eclipse ... [ more ]

Thursdays, January 11 - January 25, 2024 | 06:30 PM - 09:10 PM [IN PERSON]
Alfred Hitchcock came to the U.S. in 1939 when Britain was about to go to war with Germany.  Although he was too old to serve, he still wanted to do his part to support the war effort.  He returned to London in 1940 to film Foreign Correspondent, our first film screening.  Joseph Goebbels grudgingly called it a “masterpiece of propaganda.”  After the U.S. entered the war, Hitchcock returned to the U.S. and filmed our next two films, Saboteur and Lifeboat.  Each film will be introduced with a short behind-the-scenes video.  After each screening, we will share our reactions. ... [ more ]