Registration for LLL classes is Tuesday, September 17 from 9:30am - 11:00am in person at COA.
The Poet Laureates with Rich Hansen
Mondays 11:00AM - 12:00PM (5 sessions)
Sept 30, Oct 7, 21, 28 and Nov 4
Since 1993 there have been 18 Poet Laureates in the United States. This class will examine their work, their lives, and the influence they have had on American culture. We will begin with Rita Dove and end with Amanda Gorman. Along the way we meet some colorful characters and powerful poems. Min 5/Max 10 Cost: $25
Joy of Singing! with Jennifer Pearl from South Shore Music Conservatory
Tuesdays 1:00PM - 2:00PM (6 sessions) Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5
Join Jennifer Pearl from the South Shore Music Conservatory and the class will start with a vocal warm-up and you will learn some basic vocal techniques and then together develop a song book of several popular selections to sing through the course. At the last session there will be a recital for friends and family. The last class will start with a 30-minute warm up and then a 1:30pm performance on Nov. 5. Min 8 Cost: $30
Bonjour French! with Barbara AlmsteaWednesdays 10:30AM - 11:45AM (six sessions 75 minutes each)
Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov 6
Come and learn basic conversational phrases in French plus fun facts about France and the French. Barbara is a long time French teacher, having studied and worked in France. Little or no experience necessary. A bientôt! See you soon! Max 15 Cost: $30
Early Colonial Democracy with Norm Shacochis
Wednesdays 1:00PM - 2:00PM (5 sessions) Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Norm Shacochis taught history for 54 years now he brings his knowledge and love of history to topics of interest. In this class he will examine early Colonial History. We always picture the United States being based on democratic principles, but it was not quite that direct and that simple. Using primary sources and historical investigation and discussion, we will look at several aspects of early colonial life and the democratic principles that evolved – or didn’t – in the pre-revolutionary period. Max 30 Cost: $25
The Ultimate Weapon: A Brief History of the Atomic Bomb with Dr. John Sullivan
Thursdays 10:30AM - 12:00PM (six sessions 90 minutes each) Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Nov 7
This is a six-week course which will explore the atomic bomb from the development to the dangers of the Cuban Missile Crisis. We will explore the principal founders of the atomic age. Text required: Hiroshima by John Hersey. Books will be available from the Ventress Library. Cost: $30
Memoir Writing with Michael Bradley
Thursday 1:00PM - 2:30PM (6 sessions 90 minutes each) Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Nov 6
Reflect – Remember - Reconnect. A memoir is a written memory in story form. We all have stories to tell and using photographs is one way to focus on a story. Browse through your old photo albums to find stories which you would like to write. Join facilitator Michael Bradly to tell your own story. Min 6 / Max 10 Cost: $30
How to Write Poetry with Laura Leventhal
Fridays 10:00AM - 11:00AM (6 Sessions) Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1 and 8
Poetry is a life-cherishing force! (Mary Oliver, contemporary poet) This six-week series taps into that force in each of us to create the poetry of our lives. We will analyze and practice techniques of poetry, sampling poets from antiquity to the present. Topics will include metered and unmetered forms, imagery, simile and metaphor, voice, point of view, diction, and revision. We will write every week and there will be homework! All levels are welcome. I mean it! Max 10 Cost: $30
Exploring US Policy in the Middle East with Focus on Israel and Palestine with Junaid Yasin
Tuesdays 10:00AM - 11:30AM (4 sessions) Oct 15, 22, 29 and Nov 5
Junaid Yasin has led multiple classes at Senior Centers including Introduction to Islam. In this class, ‘Exploring Contemporary Issues in the Middle East’, there will be a presentation in the first half of the class and the second half of each session will include a thoughtful, considered discussion covering many points of view and experiences emphasizing respectful dialogue. Suggested reading for the class is Palestine Peace not Apartheid by President Jimmy Carter. Min 8/Max 15 Cost: $20
Fall Outdoor Almanac with Mass Audubon’s Doug Lowry
Wednesdays once a month 1:00PM - 2:30PM (3 sessions over 3 months) Offsite Oct 16, Nov 20 and Dec 18
Mass Audubon for decades has published a monthly Outdoor Almanac at the start of each month. The calendar highlights the phenology (the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life) that each month offers us to observe and study. We will use this Almanac as our guide to discover the appropriate phenomena present at our North River Wildlife Sanctuary. We will spend part of the time in the classroom and then hit the trail on shorter walks to find real-time evidence of these natural jewels. Max 40 Cost: $20
Exploration of Korean “K-dramas” with Marilee Comerford
Fridays 12:30PM – 2:00PM (5 sessions 90 minutes each) October 18, 25, Nov 1, No class Nov 8, 15 and 22
In this class we will discuss the recent surge in popularity of Korean dramas, both movies and tv series, and the cultural phenomenon of ‘Hallyu’ or ‘Korean wave’. We will touch on the factors for the surge in popularity including pop music, fashion and innovation. We will view episodes of Korean dramas and see for ourselves reasons that Korean drama fans are popping up everywhere and that there is a k-drama for everyone. Max 25 Cost: $25
Fireside Folktales with Beth Cameron Kilbridge
Tuesdays 1:00PM - 2:30PM (4 sessions 90 minutes each) Nov 5, 12, 19 and 26
In November, with a chill in the air, there are no better tales to tell by the fireside, than those from places of howling winds and fantastic creatures. Learn the history and stories of trolls, fairies, spirits and old gods, from Ireland to Iceland and Norway to Sweden, in preparation for the upcoming winter solstice, as told by literary researcher and performing artist, Beth Cameron-Kilbridge. Min 8 /Max 14 Cost: $20
Field Trip to Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton MA
On Thursday, October 3rd Bus departs COA at 9:30 am. Tour begins at 10:30 am.
The Fuller Craft Museum is an arts and crafts museum founded in 1946 in the town of Brockton, MA. The museum offers expansive opportunities to discover the world of contemporary craft by exploring the leading edge of craft through exhibitions, collections, education, and public programs. This guided tour with experienced docents will stop at each exhibit and give a detailed description of the collection and you will also have time to walk around at your leisure. It is the only craft museum in New England. Lunch reservation TBD. Max: 14 Cost $30 includes transportation. (Please bring your own lunch money)
Field Trip to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Thursday, October 24th Bus departs COA at 9:15 am. Tour begins at 10:30 am.
This guided bus tour will be given by one of their wonderful docents who will take you through the 281-acre landscape that features over 15,000 accessioned plants and share Arboretum history, collections information, seasonal highlights, and more. There will also be 1-2 spots where participants can get off the bus during the tour. Lunch Reservation TBD Limit: 14 Cost: $30 includes transportation. (Please bring your own lunch money)