City on the River: Fitchburg in the Nineteenth Century
Fitchburg's participation in the industrial revolution will be presented using primary documents and artifacts. Textiles, paper and machine-tool developments will be our focus. We'll consider the importance (or not) of the Sawyers' rattan-splitting machines, Maxim's gas-lighting device, Simonds' ball bearings machine and others. Recommended reading: The City & the River by Doris Kilpatrick (Fitchburg Historical Society). Mondays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; February 4, 11, 25; March 3, 10
Instructor: Frank Morrison
Savoring Tea Clad in Mystery
Tea--black tea, green tea, white tea and oolong--has a long and mystical history to be explored. We'll examine its social impact on world trade and production; we'll cook with tea, pair it with chocolate, and savor delicious treats that enhance tea flavors. A $10/person fee for food is due at the first class. Mondays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; February 4, 11, 25; March 3, 10
Instructor: Danielle Beaudette
T'ai Chi Chi Kung (Classes 1-5)
Developed in ancient China and practiced worldwide, T'ai Chi Chi Kung encourages the free flow of the universal life force (Chi) through the body. Benefits include enhanced immune system, reduced stress, better balance and peace of mind. Taoist philosophy and meditation techniques will be discussed and practiced. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for this beginner's course. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; February 8, 15, 22, 29; March 7
Instructor: Mike Kressy
Location: Liberty Place Fitness Center
T'ai Chi Chuan, Intermediate Level (Classes 1-5)
The ancient Chinese art of T'ai Chi Chuan is often called "the warrior dance," or "meditation in motion." It is a series of 24 individual postures, linked together to form a sequence of 46 slow, graceful motions. It focuses on balance, relaxation and proper rootedness, leading to harmony, peace and enhanced health when routinely practiced. Completion of T'ai Chi Chi Kung (Beginner's level) is recommended. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Either Monday or Tuesday Sessions:
Mondays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; February 4, 11, 25; March 3, 10OR
Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; February 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
Instructor: Mike Kressy
Location: Liberty Place Fitness Center
Fascinating Forensics
This course will explore forensic science and how it is used to solve mysteries. We will discuss crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, forensic anthropology, the forensic autopsy, types of evidence, etc. We will examine some of the science related to the Shroud of Turin, the remains of the Romanov family, and the O.J. Simpson trial. Warning: this course is not for the squeamish, as some of the images may be unpleasant. Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; February 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
Instructor: Rachel Boersma
The 2008 Presidential Election
We begin this course on Super Tuesday, when the major primaries are held across the United States. We will look at the history of presidential nominations and campaigns, and examine the importance of race, religion and gender to candidates and voters. The issues of the election, as well as the influence of the Electoral College, will be addressed. Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; February 5, 12, 19, 26; March 4
Instructors: Rod Christy, Shirley Wagner and Paul Weizer
Fitness for Older Adults I (Classes 1-5)
This is an introductory-level, five-week course. We will review the components of physical fitness, how they relate to health and the impact of aging on our bodies. We will also perform exercises to improve our strength, so be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wednesdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 5
Instructor: Jeffrey Godin
The Challenge of Conflict
Beginning with an introduction to issues of conflict management, we will explore the dynamics of conflict, the major principles of resolution and techniques to manage it. Participants will identify their own style of dealing with conflict, and will consider case studies and real situations for practice. The course will have a lively mix of presentation and exercises. Wednesdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 5
Instructor: Shuneet Thomson
History of American Painting, 1776 - 1920
We will examine the American style of Realism and Impressionism in art that resulted from significant political, religious and social changes. These, in turn, led to a modernity that ignited a world culture. Videos and slides will be presented and discussed. Thursdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6
Instructor: Louis Lorenzen
Contemporary Chinese Culture (Classes 1-5)
The Chinese civilization has over 5,000 years of rich history. Visiting professors from Tianjin Medical University in China will address a number of topics regarding cultural traditions, language, literature and the arts in contemporary China. Thursdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6
Instructors: Visiting Professors
Nineteenth-Century Music: A Thematic Approach
We will explore the spirit of Romanticism in music of the nineteenth-century, as was reflected in themes of nature, heroism, nationalism and poetic longing. Major genres to be surveyed will include short piano pieces, art songs, program symphonies and opera. Fridays, 10:30 - 12 p.m.; February 8, 15, 22, 29; March 7
Instructor: Jane Fiske
Session II: April - May
Local Lore of the Loom
We will explore the history of Mill Towns, Lords of the Loom, Ladies of Leisure, and Men and Women of Work in New England, and discuss how the textile industry influenced immigration, architecture, education and more. Mondays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28
Instructor: Joyce Ayadi Hinckley
The Kingdom of the Cults
In the 1800s, four major religious faith groups emerged in the Northeast United States: Mormonism, Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Seventh-Day Adventists. We will examine their rise and development through materials drawn from original sources. Effort will be made to view these often-misunderstood groups from "inside" their perspectives. Recommended reading: The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin. Mondays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28
Instructor: Richard Trott
Herbs in the Landscape and on Your Plate
We'll dabble in the ancient origins and history of herbal gardening then focus on the elements of kitchen garden design and the incorporation of herbs into your landscape. We'll discuss wild and domesticated herbs and how to use them to compliment your cooking. Herbal blasts to your taste buds will be provided at each session. A $10/person fee for supplies is due at the first class. Mondays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; March 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28
Instructor: Sandra Lawson
T'ai Chi Chi Kung (Classes 6-10)
Developed in ancient China and practiced worldwide, T'ai Chi Chi Kung encourages the free flow of the universal life force (Chi) through the body. Benefits include enhanced immune system, reduced stress, better balance and peace of mind. Taoist philosophy and meditation techniques will be discussed and practiced. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended for this course. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; March 28; April 4, 11, 25; May 2
Instructor: Mike Kressy
Location: Liberty Place Fitness Center
T'ai Chi Chuan (Classes 6-10)
The ancient Chinese art of T'ai Chi Chuan is often called "the warrior dance," or "meditation in motion." It is a series of 24 individual postures linked together to form a sequence of 46 slow, graceful motions. It focuses on balance, relaxation and proper rootedness leading to harmony, peace and enhanced health when routinely practiced. Completion of T'ai Chi Chi Kung (Beginner level) is recommended. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Either Monday or Tuesday Sessions:
Mondays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; March 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28 OR
Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22
Instructor: Mike Kressy
Location: Liberty Place Fitness Center
Ethical Principles Governing Healthcare
This course will explore principles of ethics from the early philosophies of the Greeks and Romans, through the Enlightenment to the present. Through this historical perspective, we will examine some of the ethical challenges faced in healthcare today, including: organ harvesting and transplantation, medical care rationing, withdrawal of life support, cloning, stem cell research, etc. We will also explore some of the ethical dilemmas during dark periods of history, including the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, Nazi doctors and nurses during the Holocaust and healthcare staff at Guantanamo Bay. Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22
Instructor: Rachel Boersma
Fitness for Older Adults II (Classes 6-10)
This intermediate-level, five-week course on physical fitness is a continuation of Fitness for Older Adults I. We will perform exercises to improve our strength and flexibility, and develop a supervised exercise routine at each session. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wednesdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23
Instructor: Jeffrey Godin
Drawing II
We will continue drawing with an introduction to a variety of media and the use of color. Required materials: Art paper/tablet for a variety of mediums; art pencils; erasers. Other supplies will be defined by the instructor as needed. Wednesdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23
Instructor: DeAnne Thorn
Southern Indian Vegetarian Cooking
We'll be working in a gourmet kitchen, cooking, tasting and enjoying delicious Indian recipes, including rice dishes that accompany breakfasts and dinners, appetizers, curries and desserts complimented by Indian tea. There will be an overview of various Indian herbs, spices and grains, where to purchase them and how to cook with them. A materials fee of $20/person is due at the first class. Wednesdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; March 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23
Instructor: Viji Patil
Location: Fitchburg High School, Home Economics Room
History of American Painting, 1920 - 1956
In this course, we will witness the influence of the previous Western world culture (1776 - 1920), along with the impacts of immigrant, refugee and modernity through World War II on the visual arts. These factors created revolutionary techniques for an unfamiliar aesthetic experience in visual communication. Videos and slides will be presented and discussed. Thursdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 27; April 3, 10, 24; May 1
Instructor: Louis Lorenzen
Introduction to Financial Planning & Mutual Funds
This introductory course will focus on the basics of financial planning, understanding individual financial needs, budgeting and retirement planning. An overview of general investing, as well as how mutual funds operate, is included. Thursdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.; March 27; April 3, 10, 24; May 1
Instructor: Michael Leamy
Contemporary Chinese Culture (Classes 6-10)
The Chinese civilization has over 5,000 years of rich history. Visiting professors from Tianjin Medical University in China will address a number of topics regarding cultural traditions, language, literature and the arts in contemporary China. Thursdays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.; March 27; April 3, 10, 24; May 1
Instructors: Visiting Professors
