The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, and provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over the world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. (For more information about the art form visit Zentangle.com)

Like movies? Interested in aging and how society looks at it? Got some questions and quandaries of your own about aging that you’d like fresh insight on? Join this ongoing series to view and discuss films that raise some useful and interesting issues and even some critiques on the usual portrayals of aging. This trimester explore what wisdom some “Golden Oldies” films still have to offer, and how they reveal our society’s changing ideas and attitudes. January 19: Ikuru February 16: Tokyo Story March 16: Wild Strawberries April 20: Harold and Maude

Join our Oasis book group! This ongoing group meets monthly. Share and discuss your opinions with others. Books should be read prior to the meeting date. Books selected for this trimester are January 19 American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins February 16: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen March 16: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett April 13: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See Note: Class meets 1/19, 2/16, 3/16 & 4/13. Bring suggestions for next trimester's titles to the first meeting. ​

A Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and journalist, Hersey is credited with “New Journalism,” fusing storytelling devices with non-fiction reportage. Born in China to missionary parents, he came to the United States when he was ten. A Yale University graduate, he served as a foreign correspondent for Time and Life magazines. Known for masterpieces such as Hiroshima and A Bell for Adano, Hersey often wrote about the horrors of war from a very human perspective. His writings later encompassed a wide variety of subjects, including the Warsaw ghetto, fishing, and an updated version of the Faust legend. His many works include The Marmot Drive, Too Far to Walk, Under the Eye of the Storm, The Conspiracy, and The Walnut Door, as well as short stories. With informal lectures and class discussions, we will examine five novels (in order of publication): A Bell for Adano, Hiroshima, The Child Buyer, A Single Pebble, and Antonietta. (While the public library has copies, they can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Thrifttbooks or Abebooks.com.) Note: Please read A Bell For Adano for the first class.

The impulse to write is often triggered by the desire to shine light into a dark place. While writing cannot/should not take the place of therapy, it can help us address the hard stuff of our past. We'll create a supportive, non-judgmental space in which to write, release and let go. Expect weekly writing assignments and a chance to read your work in class.


 

In this class we will be learning not only basics but some deeper levels of meditation through advanced techniques. Discover the insight, clarity and lasting peace that comes from practicing these deep meditative states. We will learn ways to open our hearts to love and divine guidance and experience and practice healing using healing energy with other people. Feel the joy and satisfaction of being an instrument as well as a receiver of spiritual insight and healing. This class requires only a notebook, a pen, love, compassion and kindness.

This course will introduce students to the nature of religion itself and its study in academic contexts, and then to several of the world’s religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and others. In doing so we will stress foundational texts, practices, beliefs and sacred stories; we will also attend to major historical developments, but will not be ‘surveying' any religion’s whole history.

This recent encyclical, “To All Brothers and Sisters,” and subtitled “On Fraternity and Social Friendship,” presents a unique vision and challenge to think about the world differently based upon a greater sense of sisterhood and brotherhood. It is a complementary encyclical to “Laudato Si” as it addresses political and sociological realities and was written as the pandemic was shaking the world order. It is not only a religious document, however, but an analysis from a uniquely international perspective that can help change our outlook and see our commitment to a more expansive world view. It is not necessary to buy a copy as PowerPoint slides will be used for summary in the discussions.