Fall 2026 Classes

The Golden Age of Broadway Musicals: Broadway musicals throughout history have contributed to the development of society. The abundance of musical theatre trailblazers, (way too many to list here) ignited what is now known as the Golden Age of Broadway Musicals. The musicals of the 1940s-60s offered audiences a new perspective on the changing world they were living in and redefined the theatre community. Join us to listen and watch clips from some of your favorites and maybe even a few that will be new for you.

French Conversations: This is a French conversation course for those who would like to brush up on their rusty conversational skills, become more fluent and improve their pronunciation. It is a great opportunity to practice what you have learned in the past. THIS IS NOT A GRAMMAR COURSE OR A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS.

Chekhov: The Man and His Stories (Part 1): Chekhov rose from poverty to become a renowned master of the short story. His stories offer scenes of daily life in Russia, with characters ranging from aristocrats to serfs. His boundless compassion is evident in his writing, as well as his career as a doctor. Elements of his biography will elucidate the stories. Part 1 includes stories about childhood and young adulthood. (One text will be used for Chekhov Parts 1 and 2.) Text is Anton Chekhov's Short Stories (Norton Critical Editions) (ISBN  0393925307). NOTE: This text has very small print. If that's a problem, links to online PDFs will be provided (to download or print).

I Want to Eat Healthier, But Where Do I Start? We know that research consistently shows that diets centered around whole plant foods support better long-term health. However, knowledge doesn't always translate into daily habits. This course covers the implementation of a whole food, plant-based approach to practical meals, efficient meal prep, pantry staples, smart shopping, simple cooking methods, "building a bowl", and sustainable strategies so healthy eating becomes your new normal.

How We Arrive at Our Moral Decisions: An Intro to Philosophical Ethics: Ethics is the study of values and how those values influence our moral choices. Over centuries, ethicists have identified the 7 values at the root of all our moral choices. This class will examine each, and the moral theories of right and wrong built on them.

Back to the Future? In 1985, Ronald Reagan met with Mikhail Gorbachev for the first time and Coca Cola decided to change its original formula. Join us as we look back at six films released that same year: 28 Up, After Hours, Brazil, My Life as a Dog, Police Story, and The Purple Rose of Cairo. While our focus will be an exploration of these six films, we will also take time to reflect on world, American, and cinematic events of 1985.

Managing Your Finances in Retirement: Managing Your Finances in Retirement is a practical, engaging, and must-attend 6-week course designed specifically for retirees and near-retirees who want to navigate their financial life with clarity and confidence. Over six structured sessions, you'll learn how to organize your financial world, understand cash flow and taxes, make informed Social Security decisions, invest wisely, protect yourself from risks and scams, and prepare your estate and legacy. Whether you manage things on your own or partner with an advisor, this course gives you the tools and strategies to stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and create peace of mind. Live well. Spend smart. Be prepared.

US Presidential History, Part 1: Part 1 will have talks on 1) Presidential Great Speeches; 2) Post Presidencies; 3) Nicknames and Hobbies of our Presidents; 4) Our Founding Fathers; 5) Presidential Key Advisors; and 6) Presidents and Catholics. 

Shakespeare, Part 1:  Shakespeare is the greatest writer of all time because his plays are exciting, powerful, moving, and magical. We'll cover three of his greatest works: A Midsummer Night's Dream (comedy); Hamlet (tragedy); and Henry the Fourth, Part 1 (history). The point of this course is not dry analysis but appreciation, even delight. The play's the thing! We'll use the Folger Shakespeare Library paperback editions of the plays. They're available at Amazon or directly from the Folger Shakespeare Library (https://shop.folger.edu/shop.html?location_id=74724&storeid=74724&category_id=47). A Midsummer Night's Dream: ISBN 978-1501146213; Hamlet: ISBN 978-1451669411; Henry the Fourth, Part 1: ISBN 978-1982122515

The Intersection of The Market and Values: How can we build an economy that works for everyone? What happens when our goal is to add fairness to the marketplace? We'll pull back the curtain on global systems to discover what is being hidden behind the headlines and explore practical ways to create a more equitable future.

Drones 101: Learn about drones for recreational, commercial, military usage in an ever changing world. 

What Do You Want Government To Do? This is class is about more than just politics. We'll cover what you want government to do about the important matters that really affect your life, like healthcare, cost of gas & groceries, safety for you & your family, taxes, housing, freedom & democracy, as well as guns, abortion, climate change, immigration, religion and ....  What will the leaders of our government do in the near future about these important issues and what can we do about it? We will review what the experts have to say and share the opinions of everyone in the class.

Decision '26--the Midterm Elections: A Legal and Political Science Analysis: This interactive course will examine the November federal elections for Congress from both an election law and political science perspective. Topics will include: Election Law and Judicial Decisions—Federal v State Law Voting Requirements and the US Constitution's Elections Clause; Congressional district "gerrymandering"—legal and political considerations; The disproportionate power of rural/low population states in the Senate; Examination of Midterm Election Results including the "why: behind winning and losing; What constituted the winning party platform and how were "messaging wars" fought and won; Polling Science and its accuracy in predicting results; and Consequences of Midterm Election Results for Congress and Executive Branch going forward for next 2 years.

Great Literature. Description coming soon. 

Beethoven: The Man and His Music. An Overview:  Why is Beethoven considered one of the greatest composers who ever lived? This course will explore exactly why he deserves that reputation. Through an examination of Beethoven's life, his music, and the enormous influence he had on the composers who followed him, we will discover how he transformed classical music forever. By listening to representative works for piano, chamber ensemble, and orchestra, we will trace Beethoven's remarkable artistic journey from the Classical world of Haydn and Mozart to the threshold of Romanticism.

Appreciating Literature: Literature is an art form. A good story, poem, or play comprises of many literary techniques. Having some knowledge of these techniques enhances the pleasure that literature offers us. In this class, we will study how the theme (spirit of the piece), the structure (the body of the work), and various forms of symbolism contribute to a successful work of prose, poetry or drama.

Broadway Musicals: After the Gold is Gone: Broadway after the golden age saw a transition from the classic book musical style to more experimental and diverse shows, influenced by social and cultural changes of the 1960s through the 1980s. This period, sometimes called "Beyond the Golden Age," featured the rise of rock operas like Hair, diverse and culturally-specific narratives like Fiddler on the Roof, and the continued experimentation with song and structure. Later, the 1980s saw a new era of "mega-musicals" with elaborate productions, such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Join me in learning about the musicals that brought the golden age to an end.

Aging Gracefully . . . One Tooth at a Time: This course is designed for adults who want to better understand and maintain their oral health as they age. The course provides clear, practical guidance on how dental health changes over time and what can be done to preserve a comfortable, functional, and confident smile. Topics will include gum health, tooth wear and sensitivity, dry mouth, medications, care of crowns, bridges, and implants, and when dental treatment is truly necessary. Common procedures will be explained in plain language so participants can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary or overly aggressive care. By understanding dental terminology, you will be able to speak to your dentist more informatively. Each session will include time for questions and discussion, allowing participants to address their own concerns in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Conjuring 101 - Magic: Learn beginner-friendly magic tricks in this fun, supportive class designed for older adults. Improve your fine motor skills, critical thinking, memory, hand-eye coordination, and confidence while enjoying social interaction and creative expression. Experience the delight of creating wonder and laughter in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you're a novice or a casual enthusiast, this class will empower you to dazzle friends and family with your newfound wizardry. Get ready to shuffle and amaze!

Iran, US, Israel, Gulf & . . . :  We will cover the war, history, religion, politics, hate, military, nuclear, oil, Strait of Hormuz, Trump, Netanyahu and . . . Who will win? How will it affect us? 

Don't Touch That Dial: Scandals and Gossip from the Golden Age of 1950's TV:  Description coming soon.

World Affairs and Global Health: How do geopolitics, conflict, technology, demographics, and public policy shape the health and wealth of nations—and the lives of their people? This course is the tenth in a series that began in 2013, when early versions of artificial intelligence first became usable. In 2026, AI evolved into a practical cognitive partner, integrated into everyday life. In this course, we will use AI to think more clearly, make better-informed decisions, and act more effectively in a complex, rapidly changing world. Some of you have been part of this journey from the beginning; others are joining for the first time. Both perspectives are valuable. The course is designed to make complex global issues understandable and actionable. AI does not replace judgment—it strengthens it. Your knowledge, experience, and values remain central. What AI adds is speed, structure, and analytical reach.

Nourish to Flourish: The Healing Power of Optimal Nutrition: Chronic disease is on the rise in the U.S., but better health often starts with what's on our plate. This course explores the principles and science-backed benefits of a Whole Food, Plant-Based lifestyle for conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, certain cancers, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Learn how to read food labels, make smarter choices, and enjoy recipes that prove healthy eating can be both satisfying and delicious.

The Art of the Movies: Great cinematography is great art. After watching a film, we talk about how much we loved the plot, the characters, the scenery, the action, the music—but seldom the cinematography. Without the art, The Godfather, Lawrence of Arabia, Amelie, Slumdog Millionaire and even Ferriss Bueller's Day Off wouldn't be as memorable. In this course, we'll see a variety of film scenes each week and discuss them as if we were looking at any great artwork. We'll even look at film stills as if they were paintings. Expect to see films differently—to appreciate great composition, color, depth, angles, and other elements in motion pictures. (We will not watch entire films in class—only short clips. You can watch each week's films before class, and it may help you better appreciate the art of the movies we discuss. However, you do NOT need to watch any of the films in advance to enjoy this course.)

Be a Better Photographer: Open to all levels of photographers. Each week, participants will have an opportunity to take and submit photos by email that encourage experimentation with composition, lighting, perspective, etc. Participants can use phones or cameras to take photos. Observers who do not wish to submit photos are also welcome to attend and learn from others.

Digital Empowerment - Public Data Research Online: At your fingertips is a bounty of free cultural-historic digital data created with public funds. Web sites that this course will explore include historic to current maps and aerial imagery, genealogy research links, and legal self-representation resources. We will begin with an examination of website trustworthiness and privacy protections (such as antivirus and encryption; identifying scams and hacks). Weekly topics focus on how to utilize online resources to represent research interests, such as historic preservation, ancestry, and case law.

Health Care Topics in the News: Health care and your health—how it is delivered, how much it costs, how technology is improving it—is in the news every day due to the ever-changing aspects of it. Adding in the impact of politics, AI and an aging population makes these changes even more important to understand. In this class, we pull topics about your health and the health care system from the headlines and take a deeper dive into the implications of these changes (or potential changes). Four to five different topics will be covered in each session.

"Did You Hear About . . . ?": This course explores the everyday, non-political trends shaping modern life. Over six weeks, participants will examine topics such as viral internet culture, shifting neighborhood dynamics, changing leisure activities, and the impact of technology on daily routines. Set in a relaxed and welcoming environment, the class uses short videos, brief articles, and local issues to spark engaging, low-stress conversations. There are no right or wrong answers, and no prior preparation is required. The course is ideal for anyone curious about culture and media who wants to connect with neighbors, reflect on current fads, and share observations about the world around them.

Trump Administration-Pro & Con: Whether you Love Him or Hate him...let us look at him from both sides of the Aisle...All Political views are Welcome and Respected.

Dark Alleys & Dangerous Blondes: Film noir is a cinematic style primarily spanning the 1940s and 1950s These movies are characterized by cynical, fatalistic narratives, sharp shadows, and corrupt characters in urban settings. The fall 2026 session will screen films from the earliest day of film noir and include Stranger on the Third Floor, The Maltese Falcon, Cat People, Double Indemnity, and Out of the Past.  

Controversial Issues: We will discuss and debate contemporary issues that are both controversial and familiar. Brief presentations by the facilitator and class discussion will stimulate fact-based, informative exchanges. The facilitator will ensure that all sides and viewpoints are heard and considered.

Biology of Plants: Have you ever wondered how plants reproduce, grow, and develop? Plants are producers, they feed the rest of the living world, they are able to convert water and carbon dioxide into living organic material. How can they do that? Learn about the amazing array of adaptations and types of diversity that have fascinated humans throughout our history. Class starts on Friday, November 13 and meets in weeks 2-6 only.

Everyday Spanish: So, you want to learn the basics to have some casual conversations in Spanish with the right pronunciation but without focusing on grammar or sentence structure. Then you will enjoy the informal learning style of our inspired new Spanish teacher.

Coachella Valley in WWII: As World War II fades into history, the many contributions made to the war effort by men and women in the Coachella Valley are all but forgotten. This course will cover the myriad of wartime activities that took place from Beaumont/Banning to the Salton Sea and beyond. The local involvement in World War II will astound you!

The Tao Te Ching: 5,000 Years Old and Still Relevant: In this class, we will explore the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text written in antiquity by Lao Tsu. The text is brief but profound and full of insights into living with balance, harmony, and grace; ideas that have faded in our modern times. We will uncover key concepts such as effortless action, simplicity, and the flow of nature. Whether you're new to the Tao or revisiting its wisdom, this course invites you to reflect, share, and find inspiration for a more mindful and peaceful journey ahead.