Current Class Offerings

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]
Gettysburg. Few names invoke such instant recognition throughout the entire world as this one does. Hundreds upon hundreds of books have been published describing every aspect of the battle, but none truly deal with the saddest and most tragic aspect of the battle: its aftermath. This class will look at the disturbing months following the battle and address the death and utter destruction that littered the landscape when the three days of fighting ended. Answering such questions as:  Who would care for the tens of thousands of wounded? What happened to the thousands of dead men, horses and tons of detritus scattered in every direction? How did the civilians cope with their radically changed lives? ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM [IN PERSON]
This class will provide/continue the instruction of paper crafting skills leading to the construction of greeting cards. In most classes, two (2) different designs are presented with the making of two (2) cards per design leading to four (4) cards per class made.  For this session, and by student request, we will revisit a few card techniques as well as introduce some new techniques. At least twenty-four cards will be made from different designs with several bonus card options. Also, by request, every class will have a Christmas card along with a birthday card, sympathy card, anniversary card, and Halloween card. The styles/designs/techniques to be made or revisited are as follows: Note Cards made from cocktail napkins along with making a gift box to contain them, Iris Folding, Acetate Pop-up cards, Shaker cards, and some advanced paper crafting skills. A new class will be introduced in the last class: Studio Cards. In this class, I will provide four (4) challenge card ideas from which you will create at least two (2) cards during our class time, maybe more. While I will provide a wide variety of colored paper, print paper, stamps and die cuts, you may bring in anything you might wish to use as well; more information to come when the class begins. The instructor provides all materials except adhesives. There is a class fee of $55 to cover the cost of materials at the first class. A basic supply list is provided to all new students ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
The class will focus on "What Religion Is and What It Is Not" as well as focusing on several theories of religion, i.e., Sociological, as Alienation, Sacred, Cultural System, etc. ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
JFK, Vietnam, Woodstock, Kent State, Hippies... These are the things we grew up with. Now they are part of the landscape of American history. What were the drivers of this turbulent decade? What can we learn from this era? This course promises to be a fun, energetic and insightful look at what many people call the most important period in American history. We will look at major events and people and we will have time set aside to discuss our own personal experiences throughout the '60s ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
From the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries, many Europeans developed a heightened concern with the phenomenon of witches, believed to be members of a new sect hostile to humanity.  This "Witch Craze" tortured and killed thousands of people for threats that did not empirically exist.  Referencing primary sources in scholarship, literature, and art, this course will explain how these Europeans defined and treated their alleged witches, within the context of political, economic, social and cultural relationships. ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:45 PM [IN PERSON]
This beginner course will teach the Earth's motions and what these cause.  Why we see, what we see, and where we see the sun, moon, stars, and planets. Topics include the position of the sun throughout the year, solstice, equinox, and seasons.  Learn of the moon's motions, phases, and eclipses.  Study the celestial sphere and learn to identify constellations and bright stars in your night sky. Also explore the early views of the Universe and contributions of Kepler, Galileo, and Copernicus ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 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.

Part 2 will include a discussion of medicinal teas that can be used at home, updates and modern innovations in acupuncture techniques. Finally we will end with learning about the 5 element types to determine your own constitutional type and lifestyle methods to balance each. ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
This class will examine perhaps the wildest presidential campaign year in American history -- 1968.  In the middle of the Vietnam War and all the cultural upheaval of the 60’s, this was not a typical campaign year.  We will look at all the unusual things about the campaign: The Eugene McCarthy surge, the dropping out of LBJ, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy right as it seemed he would get the nomination, the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, the riots at the Chicago Democratic Convention, the George Wallace phenomenon…  And then, of course, the extremely close race between Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon, leading to Nixon’s very controversial victory in November.  There was never a dull moment that year!  We will look at it all ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 24, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:30 PM [IN PERSON]

Class will meet on September 19 October 10, 17, 24, 31.

This class, taught by a certified elder law attorney, will cover a thorough description of key estate planning documents. Moving beyond just descriptions, the course will focus on the practical applications of using documents such as power of attorney documents, trusts and wills. We will discuss when each document applies and the responsibility of the person authorized by the documents.  Discussions may include various tax aspects of estate planning. Stories, vignettes and other devices will be utilized to showcase the importance of the documents ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
9/12 Memory Loss is Preventable - Some research suggests that 90% of Alzheimer's cases are preventable. Huge changes are happening in the science of brain health. Learn some of the latest evidence and tips to stay as "brain healthy" as possible at any age!

9/19 Eating for the Mind - Understand how food can make or break your health, the best foods for your brain and body, and the key brain nutrients you might be missing.

9/26 Training Your Mind and Body - Understand what happens to our brains when we move and exercise. Explore different types of movement and exercise for our brain and body.

10/3 Your Brain and Stress - Understand how stress impacts your brain and body, the neurophysiology of the gut-heart-brain connection, and techniques to manage your stress more effectively.

10/10 Are All Supplements Created Equally? - Information on why you need to supplement, how to know if your supplement is dangerous, and critical supplements for brain health and other underlying issues.

10/17 The Impact of Sleep on Brain and Mood - It is not cool to be the person who sleeps the least amount of hours anymore! Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day. Understand what happens while you are sleeping and learn tips on how to have a better night’s sleep ... [ more ]

Mondays, September 12 - October 17, 2022 | 06:30 PM - 07:40 PM [VIA ZOOM]
In one of the biggest turnarounds in history, Paul went from Christianity’s main persecutor to its most zealous champion. He almost single-handedly spread this ‘new’ religion across the Eastern Roman Empire. What does it take to change the hearts and minds of people? In today’s divided political and cultural climate, that might be a question worth exploring ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
We will look at the 1995, 1997 and 2016 Cleveland Indians, the 2016 Cleveland Cavs and Lake Erie Monsters and much more. We will also look at soccer, golf, bowling, track and field and marathons.  We will view rare video footage and share stories and memories.  I plan on bringing in a few retired Cleveland athletes and some sports authors. Prizes and a few surprises!

Taking Part 1 of this class IS NOT REQUIRED! ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Hundreds of studios have come and gone since the first one was founded in Hollywood back in 1911.  In this class we'll be looking at the story of Hollywood through some of the iconic studios (Warner Bros., MGM and Paramount) as well as a few forgotten ones that nevertheless made an impact on the industry ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
The class will explore the history of the automobile in the United States, the influence of the car on our American culture, economy and lifestyle, with particular attention to the impact of the manufacture of cars in the early 20^th century in the Cleveland, Ohio region ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Science, religion, and philosophy have all tried to define reality; none convincingly. Let’s move beyond the dualities (male and female, light and dark) and surface paradoxes (matter and energy, body and soul) to grasp beyond typical perception the true nature of reality and our place within it ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
This class will present the history of Cleveland, including the general chronological timeline of that history, and interesting facts of our city. Details will include discussion related to: 1) Notable Clevelanders; 2) The geography, climate, demographics; 3) The Suburbs; 4) Cleveland culture, neighborhoods and nationalities; 5) Cleveland TV and radio personalities; 6) Famous retail stores, restaurants and tourism in Cleveland ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
Meteorology can be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone since it describes what is for us a daily series of experiences. This introductory course will describe the Earth's position in the solar system and the structure of the Earth's atmosphere. It will then focus on surface weather phenomena including weather zones, prevailing winds, high- and low-pressure systems, fronts, jet streams and storms such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes and their formation and detection. Some popular weather lore will also be introduced to enable "backyard" weather predictions.  ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
This class will begin with the French and Indian War and conclude with the Monroe presidency. We will look at events that started our country and how those events created the United States of America. The class will focus on the diverse men who were able to work together, through compromise, to make a nation ... [ more ]

Tuesdays, September 13 - October 18, 2022 | 06:45 PM - 08:05 PM [VIA ZOOM]
From Agatha Christie’s Poirot, the public has had an unending fascination with mystery and crime. In this course we’ll meet the greatest detectives of all time and the men and women who created them. Who wrote the first mystery? What mystery characters are based on real-life people and why? What are the time periods for the mystery genre? What are the different categories of mysteries? These “mysteries” and more will be “solved” in this program ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Learn, understand and practice various techniques of relaxation including deep breathing, progressive relaxation, meditation, visualization, movement to relax, yoga and fine motor relaxation. Recognize and know how one might achieve higher levels of relaxation using the various techniques introduced. Participants will be encouraged to develop a positive attitude toward learning relaxation techniques and its relationship to increasing levels of peace in one’s life during times of stress and to proactively manage stressors more effectively ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]
Look around you... their ghosts and offspring are there. Discover their loves and lives and judge for yourself the impact of their actions upon us. Napoleon Bonaparte was a voracious lover and fierce military leader. Yet, his superstition and love for women, particularly Josephine, was part of his downfall. For 15 years, his brother lived in the USA and "spawned" while his cousin, Napoleon III supported the Impressionist artists, made Paris into the "City of Light" and unknowingly impacted cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Chicago, Washington D.C. and others ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 26, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM [VIA ZOOM]
Who we pick as candidates and elected officials is often decided by the most significant campaigns.  How those campaigns are financed continues to be decided by legislation and also by Supreme Court cases about free speech, political lobbying and personal wealth.  Our class will look at the history of campaign finance from all directions and the conflicts facing American voters as they pick their candidates ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM [IN PERSON]
Beginning Students will learn to draw accurate, proportional images, then learn how to shade to create realistic images.  This class is a foundation class that builds on 2D shapes.  It provides proportional measuring and value shading which results in an accurate drawing of all subject areas.  Focus Areas will be: Accuracy, Basic Shading, Tone and Value Control and Using an Artistic Eye.  Homework will be given for each week.

Previous Students will have a choice of learning still life, botanical, abstract or surrealism.  You will also have a choice or continue working on portraits without the aid of the proportional divider ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
Let’s make an Autumn Leaves quilt.  The course requires basic sewing supplies and rotary equipment. Prior to the first class, participants will receive a list any additional necessary sewing supplies.  We will work with scraps and "fat quarters" in Autumn colors (reds, oranges, yellow, tan and greens) and a background fabric. Students will have a choice of layouts and finished product: quilt, wall hanging or table runner.  In the first class, we will choose layout and discuss fabric requirements.  Most of the sewing will be completed in class. The only prerequisite is some sewing experience and the desire to learn to make a quilt.  The last class will include hand quilting instruction ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Topic of each week:

     1) Women's and Men's Health
     2) Heart Health Food Choices
     3) Brain Health
     4) Diabetes Prevention
     5) Portion Distortion with Our Food
     6) Smart Snacking ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
No other decade in American history has been as definitive in terms of economics, politics, entertainment, communications, sports, crime, literature and overall culture than the 1920s. It’s also known as ”The Jazz Age” and by some writers – “The Anything Goes Age.” In this class we’ll time travel through those very exciting transforming years - focusing on the interesting people (The Sultan of Swat, Lucky Lindy, Al Capone, Amelia Earhart, Ernest Hemingway, Clarence Darrow, etc.) and stories (Women’s Suffrage, Prohibition, Jazz, Radio, Scandals, Monkey Trial, Black Friday, etc.) that made the decade ROAR! ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]
These sessions will be a thorough introduction to grief literacy. What has been learned since the insights that made Elizabeth Kubler-Ross famous by more contemporary researchers who work with the grieving? How can I recognize and support family and friends who may be caught in anticipatory grief because they are caregivers to someone seriously ill or who has dementia? What is ambiguous loss? How do I know what to say (and not say) in the face of illness or death? Poet Gregory Orr starts one of his best known works with this first line: "Grief will come to you"-- and though most of us know this to be true, we are woefully unprepared to meet it because we live in a grief averse society. *This class is not a support group.* *It's not a substitute for doing good work with a grief therapist.* It IS a rich exploration of coping strategies, online resources, supportive readings as well as the work of experts in the field of grief. This class has been well received by past participants who have described it as empowering, informative and even uplifting ... [ more ]

Wednesdays, September 14 - October 19, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
This is a continuation of our exploration of plants, both familiar and exotic.  We will identify distinctive botanical traits of each species, as well as examine links between the plant, human history and the modern world.  Attendance in prior sessions is not a prerequisite ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Tai Chi and Qigong 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 Beijing 24 Tai Chi form and several Qigong forms ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [IN PERSON]
Most of us have heard the music of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. If the names aren't familiar, the music is. There are a number of composers who produced beautiful, accessible music, were even influential in their day, yet history seems to have forgotten them. Some were innovators of orchestral music, reinvigorating the form. Others reflected the ever-changing times of their era. Let's re-discover their music and its place in history ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 10:15 AM - 11:35 AM [VIA ZOOM]
The 1960s were one of the most explosive and turbulent decades in modern history. A new and creative expression was seen in the arts, music, culture and social norms. We will explore this transformation in areas of Television, Film, Culture, Music and epic events during the decade ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
Is your passport up to date? Are you ready to add new stamps? Whether you're a tea-novice or a longtime sipper, get ready to take an exotic journey to thirteen different tea-producing countries. We will start with the tea plant itself and then journey along the tea trail from the lush forest of China, where tea cultivation first flourished, to the Buddhist temples of Japan, to the vast tea gardens of India and beyond.  Sample carefully chosen tea selections from each country and become a world traveler who is "steeped" in tea!  Passports and stamps will be provided ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
You own it…you rent it…you use it…you invest in it…but how much do you actually know about it?  This class will provide some of the basics about something we all need and use: Land…Real Estate…Real Property.  We will cover title, ownership, rights and interests, its role in everyone’s life and the benefits of the private property system we are afforded here in the United States and how it is used for our basic necessities and as an investment vehicle.  We’ll cover the role of the market in buying and selling, supply and demand, financing and even touch upon the world of a real estate salesperson/broker.  We strongly encourage attendee participation and will provide a forum for personal situations and topics that will directly impact those attending ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM [IN PERSON]
In his seminal research book, ‘Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection’, Dr. John Cacioppo writes, “… loneliness itself is not a disease; feeling lonely from time to time is like feeling hungry or thirsty from time to time. It is part of being human. The trick is to heed these signals in ways that bring long-term satisfaction.”... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [IN PERSON]
The assassination of John F. Kennedy was more than a tragic event – it irrevocably altered U.S. history. Powerful forces determined that his vision and policies represented a real threat to their interests and world view. They concluded that there was only one solution to this dilemma. These unconscionable individuals planned his assassination, then cleverly emboldened others who would also benefit from his death, to aid in the execution and cover-up. Through close examination of the evidence, this class will provide a reasoned response to the basic question: Who killed JFK – and why? ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 02:40 PM - 04:00 PM [VIA ZOOM]
"If you were given five minutes with an ancestor, who would it be and what would you talk about?”  @Teach Me Genealogy. The class will focus on telling the story of your family utilizing the online world of genealogy. We will explore free vs. subscription sites, unknown sources and how to create either a webpage or blog to share your findings with your family. If you are a beginner to the world of genealogy or if you have been doing research for some time, we all can be life-long learners. There is always something new to learn ... [ more ]

Thursdays, September 15 - October 20, 2022 | 02:40 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 ]

Thursdays, September 22 - October 6, 2022 | 06:30 PM - 09:10 PM [IN PERSON]
Hitchcock continues his celebrated career in 1966 with “Torn Curtain,” a Cold War thriller starring Paul Newman and Julie Andrews. For week two, the master has London in a “Frenzy” as the necktie killer is on the loose and Scotland Yard is after the wrong man. The series (and Hitchcock’s career) concludes with “Family Plot” starring Bruce Dern and Barbara Harris as a pair of con artists who are hired to find the long-lost nephew of their wealthy client. Each film will be introduced with an original video followed by audience reaction and discussion ... [ more ]