Spring 2024 Course Offerings

The Eyes Have It

In addition to being the “window to the soul,” the visual system provides valuable medical clues to our general well-being. Let Dr. Charles Walvoord, retired ophthalmologist, show you how this system works. See real-life examples of conditions revealed in the eye, learn about cataract surgery and other medical topics. Learn what Willie Mays has to do with the topic and how an egotistical English eye surgeon delayed Western cultural development by many decades.

Gymnastics: Defying Gravity

Just in time for the summer Olympics, let Rev. Scott Efird, Ashland UMC, convince you that Artistic Gymnastics is the greatest sport. He will explain the history of, and the physics behind, the events involved in modern Olympic gymnastics. Armed with what you learn from this former SC state champion gymnast, you will be equipped to watch the competition of this summer's Olympics with a deeper appreciation of what you are seeing.

Vaudeville Ain't Dead and Elvis Still Lives: Our Entertainment Journey

Why do we love to be entertained? Because our brains are wired to crave entertainment. It’s sort of a Big Mac or banana split for the brain. In our country, forms of entertainment have evolved. In these eight weeks we’ll take a look at two of them: Vaudeville and early Rock n’ Roll under the guidance of popular teacher Bob Borom, who can himself croon a pretty smooth lyric.

Living Longer and Loving It

Growing older is certain, but slowly declining and failing are not. People and communities who age successfully even into their 90s and past 100 have shown us the best ways to live and thrive. Dr. Ken Armstrong, retired pathologist, will show us what science tells us about aging and how we can achieve our best success and fulfillment as we add birthdays.

Down My Favorite Rabbit Hole*

Just as Alice was drawn to follow the White Rabbit and ended up in Wonderland, our teachers often find themselves pursuing something totally unexpected and we all discover a world of wonders we never knew about. Join some of our most popular teachers as they move from yearning to learning. Find out about the disturbing history of sugar, secrets from the Soviet space program that have been hidden for the past 40 years, how animals think--and much more. Coordinated by Diane Kuhn and Carol McGinnis Kay.

Making History A Story*

In this interactive class, participants will explore the historical-fiction writing process with author and retired archeologist Tom Kuhn. Focusing on his 5-star novel, The Artist of Aveyron, individual classes will take detailed looks at the four distinct time periods covered in the novel as class members explore the process of integrating historical research into a fictional format. We'll learn about pitfalls and rewards as Tom takes the reader and class on a journey from the Ice Age to the present.

Around Town*

Wonder what's coming with those flyovers going up at Malfunction Junction? Or what's opening next at local theaters? Or why Michelin Tires is making tires so large that two of them fill a flatbed truck? Speakers are still being lined up at the time of going to press, but Carol McGinnis Kay, coordinator, promises engaging presenters from a variety of local museums, theaters, agencies, and companies who will give you the chance to know the latest exciting cultural and commercial happenings around our town. Learn all you need to plan your next outing.

Art: Perfecting Your Skills in Watercolor

This all-morning workshop allows students to work on their own projects at their own pace. They must supply their own materials, including water containers and paper towels. Experienced artist Dee Hansen joins at 10:00 to offer advice on techniques and materials. Open to students of all levels. Class size limit 15.