Have you ever wished you knew more about your family's history? Maybe future generations will wonder about yours, too! This course will provide some ideas to help you get started telling your story, both in the traditional way of writing a memoir as well as some other creative options. Participants will have a chance to write and present their stories during class and learn from each other in the process.

(To the tune of Tony Bennett’s “Because of You”)

It’s likely true, there’s a song in your heart.
This rendezvous’ sure to fire up that spark.
Just choose a tune that’s apropos,
Concoct a rhyme that fits the flow,
And on cue, you’re off to a start.
To one you love, blow a musical kiss,
Mark an event that you don’t want to miss –-
Display your gift for tenderness or guile,
And we will smile . . . because of you.

Calling all word lovers! “Contrafactum,” or substituting lyrics of a song without substantial change to the melody, has been common for centuries, from the sublime Star-Spangled Banner poem replacing a popular drinking song, to the ridiculous parodies of wits like “Weird Al.” Your project will be to craft uniquely personal text to an existing tune as a birthday song for a grandchild, an anniversary serenade, a family invitation for Thanksgiving, or any excuse to just have fun flexing your mental muscles. After addressing some techniques, we’ll create at home, then inspire each other in class – where you can rhapsodize, satirize or “syncopize” while you socialize with fellow Lifelong Learners!

This course is a detailed study of the history of thrillers in radio, film, and television. We’ll take a deep dive into the insatiable fascination and love of audiences to be delightfully scared and entertained by a wide variety of media.

Come join us for a fun exploration of one of America's favorite holidays: Halloween! We’ll move from its roots in legend, myth, and ritual to its transformation into an entertaining, obsessive, and incredibly profitable pop culture phenomenon from suburban neighborhoods to theme parks.

Let's journey across the continents to discover some similarities and differences between wine regions. Come along for this wine journey in search of some similar or same wine grapes from a couple of different countries to compare and contrast. We will also discover similar and different wine-making techniques across continents. Over this three-week course, we will enjoy some great wines; some familiar and some maybe not so familiar. That's the adventure. Who's up for a little guessing on what wine this is and where it is from, as I take you on a quest to discover Where in the Wine World? This course has a materials fee.