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Mah Jongg is a game of skill, strategy and luck that was developed in China (though American Mah Jongg is very different from the Asian versions.)
If you are already a player or you would like to learn, your opportunity has arrived. The sessions are led by a talented and experienced teacher. In addition to teaching basic play, she can help players improve strategies and defensive moves. She will teach both an introductory class and a supervised play and strategy class.
Pre-registration is required for this class. Call the office at 718.951.5647 and provide your name and phone number.
In-Person Class February 3–April 21 (except April 14) 10–11:15 a.m.—Mah Jongg for Beginners 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.—Mah Jongg for Experienced Players
The art form of the short story offers a unique opportunity to explore how fiction can reflect or imitate life. Participants choose stories that stimulate discussion and thought.
Online Class February 3–May 5 (except February 17, March 31, and April 14) 10:30–11:45 a.m.
This is your opportunity to tap into your creative side and explore your hidden talents, but most of all to have fun! This class has an end-of-term actor’s performance to be held on May 12 at the same time as shown for the class.
Online Class February 3–May 5 (except February 17, March 31, and April 14) May 12—Actor’s Performance 12:30–2:30 p.m.
We will read and discuss:
Online and In-Person Class February 4 and March 4—Online Classes April 1, May 6, and June 3—In-Person Classes 10:30–11:45 a.m.
We will read and discuss The Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James. Published in 1881, this novel tells the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe and becomes entangled in a complicated web of relationships and personal choices. The novel is often considered one of James’ most important and finest works. It is notable for its exploration of themes such as freedom, responsibility, and the role of women in society. It is strongly recommended that the 1908 New York edition revised by James be used for these sessions.
In-Person Class February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, and June 17 10:30–11:45 a.m.
In-Person Class February 25, March 25, April 29, and May 27 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Tai Chi Exercise will focus on balance, flexibility and building lower body strength for stability. Exercises are taken from the basic Tai Chi form. Depending on class size, participants can work in pairs on “push hands.”
In-Person Class February 4 and 18; March 4 and 18; April 8 and 22; May 6 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Diet is being found to influence elements of cognitive function, including memory. This talk will address the topic from a nutrition science (not psychology) perspective. Effects of individual nutrients, as well as particular dietary regiments, will be discussed.
In-Person Class February 25 12:45–2 p.m.
This class will explore the world’s most famous love story (and Shakespeare’s first great tragedy) by focusing on its major themes—love versus lust, male violence, and the generation gap—and its four major characters: Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, and Nurse. Readings from the play will further enhance understanding.
In-Person Class March 25 12:45–2 p.m.
Attendees will be able to share their experiences, offer emotional support to each other, and develop and improve coping skills. This support group will be led by an experienced social worker.
Online Class February 4, 11, 18, and 25; March 4 and 11 1:30–2:30 p.m.
This presentation will trace the history of Key West from it being the center of the wrecking industry in the decades prior to the Civil War through it becoming an island characterized by tourism and part-time residents.
In-Person Class June 3 12:45–2 p.m.
Great things are happening in the world of science today. Read and bring the Tuesday New York Times Science section to class for our informative discussions about the latest breakthroughs.
Online Class February 5–May 7 (except February 12 and April 16) 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Because we are inundated with information, much of it inaccurate or misleading, about important current events, this course will discuss several major events from the local, national, and international news each month. We will try to provide the context needed to understand controversies that affect your lives, our country, and the wider world.
NOTE: These classes will be held on Zoom except for the last session of each month, when they will be held in person by a professor emeritus of political science.
Online Sessions February 5–May 7 (weekly except February 12 and 26; March 26; April 16 and 30) 12:30–2 p.m.
In-Person Sessions February 26, March 26, April 30, and May 28 12:45–2 p.m.
Folk dancing is not only great exercise and lots of fun, it also involves the memory and increases cognitive agility. We will hear lots of wonderful music, learn interesting rhythms, and master unusual dance patterns. Join us on our trip around the world to Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Ukraine, Croatia, Israel, and even a stop in South Africa and the United States. Dances will be in a circle or a line, so you don’t need a partner!
In-Person Class February 5–May 7 (except February 12 and April 16) 2–4 p.m.
Believing context is crucial to understanding Lyndon B. Johnson, Caro describes the history, personal relations, and early experiences that contributed to shaping this complex man. We will read about and discuss the origins of LBJ’s drive, energy and “urge to power.” In this first in a series of books Caro wrote about LBJ, we gain a better understanding of LBJ’s character, illuminating his eventual presidency.
Online Class February 13 and 27; March 13 and 27; April 10 and 24; May 15 and 29; June 12 and 26 10:30 a.m.–noon
We live in one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities in the world. While you may already be somewhat familiar with many of New York’s iconic landmarks and institutions, this class will dive deeper into the compelling stories behind them. Together, we will explore their origins, cover the events that shaped them and examine their lasting impact on the way we live today.
Online Class February 6–27 12:45–2 p.m.
This class will focus on the lives of women in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe. Although we might have preconceived notions about what women’s lives in earlier times were like, this class may overturn such ideas. Some aspects of life in ancient societies would be recognizable to modern women, while others are radically different. We’ll talk about both.
In-Person Class March 6–27 12:45–2 p.m.
The Gaza/Israeli War has put international laws of war and courts that hear violations in the spotlight. We will examine the foundation of the Geneva Convention from 1864 onwards, humanitarian laws, and the formation of, and cases in, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. This topic is an eye-opener.
In-Person Class April 3 12:45–2 p.m.
As we prepare to celebrate 250 years as an independent republic, there are no more striking visuals of our founding events than the paintings of Col. John Trumbull. From courageous militia atop Bunkers Hill, to the moment in 1776 when Thomas Jefferson presented his draft Declaration asserting that “all men are created equal,” to General George Washington resigning the power and glory of a victorious commander-in-chief, Trumbull devoted his professional life to creating realistic works of art that capture our national spirit. This will be an exciting introduction to the American Revolution.
In-Person Class April 10 12:45–2 p.m.
This class will primarily explore the five musical works that Leonard Bernstein composed specifically for a Broadway stage: On the Town, Wonderful Town, Candide, West Side Story, and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Whenever possible, the presenter will let the music make its own case via live performances on video of these works. He will also address the question first raised by Joan Peyser in her Bernstein biography, as to whether Bernstein’s greatest contribution to music might have been as a Broadway composer rather than as a celebrated conductor, music educator, or classical composer.
Online Class February 21–March 28 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The world is heading for disastrous overheating that is incompatible with plant and animal life, but just what is happening? What is it about the temperature that is driving ever more destructive storms, droughts, fires, and floods? If we make our planet uninhabitable, can we just move to another planet? We will discuss various aspects of the science of climate change.
Online Class April 25 2:15–3:15 p.m.
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