Lifelong Learning

Learn about CALL classes

• First Ladies

  First Ladies will take a look at the 54 First Ladies from Mrs. Washington to Mrs. Trump. Some First Ladies were daughter’s, nieces, and sisters to the President, acting as hostesses in the White House. Some were very active; some were reclusive or sick. We will find out about the many Firsts by the First Ladies.

  Tuesday Mornings 10 to 11:30 AM – VIA ZOOM ONLY

  (for three weeks, Oct 14^th, 21^st, and 28^th)

  Facilitator Russ Hutchins, EDSp, is a retired school Administrator, has been an OSHER Lifelong Learning Instructor since 2013 and has presented lectures for the University of Kansas, University of West Virginia, Clemson University, and the College of Charleston. His classes have focused on American history and biographies.

• Russian History from Vikings to Putin

  Join up for a review of Russian history from Viking origins through the Middle Ages, the reigns of Peter the Great & Catherine the Great, the Napoleonic wars, WW1, Communism from Lenin to Gorbachev, and the fall of USSR, ending with the dictatorship of Putin.

  Tuesday Mornings 10 to 11:30 AM – VIA ZOOM ONLY

  (for three subsequent weeks, Nov. 4^th, 11^th & 18^th)

  Facilitator Russ Hutchins, EDSp, is a retired school Administrator, has been an OSHER Lifelong Learning Instructor since 2013 and has presented lectures for the University of Kansas, University of West Virginia, Clemson University, and the College of Charleston. His classes have focused on American history and biographies.  

• Getting to Know Your Clock

  Come and learn about different types of antique and collectible clocks and how to maintain them.  The course will cover the principles of operation for pendulum, electrical and other clocks; the maintenances and set up of clocks, as well as hands-on instruction for setting beat and trouble-shooting common issues. Participants will be invited to bring in their clocks (or photos) and will be given the opportunity to ask their clock-specific questions.

  Tuesday Afternoons 12:30 AM to 2 PM – In person at the Riley Center

  (For four weeks, Oct. 14 through Nov. 4)

  Facilitator John Barth is a professional clock repair person who has been repairing and restoring mechanical timepieces (clocks, not watches) for 50 years. He has the ability to fabricate replacement parts when needed. He is a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and has completed several of the NAWCC’s horology courses. He operates a one-man shop in Summerville.

• Managing the Social Narrative

  Managing the Social Narrative will allow participants to analyze the narratives that shape our understanding of issues. The focus of discussions will include Understanding Narratives, Psychology & Sociology of Storytelling, Building Effective Narratives, Book Bans as Narrative Strategy, and Platforms, Amplification & Ethics 

  Tuesday Afternoons 10 to 11:30 AM – VIA ZOOM ONLY

  (For four weeks, 10/14 through Nov. 4)

  Facilitator Martha Hruska is a retired university librarian responsible for digital initiatives and collections at UC San Diego and, previously, at the University of Florida.

• Exploring Mythology – Stories, Archetypes, and Meaning

  Exploring Mythology – Stories, Archetypes, and Meaning will provide both an overview and a detailed look into the power, symbolism, beauty, and application of mythology. Mythology - from the Greek word "mythologia" – speaks to a study of stories. Stories inform our lives. The archetypes (ancient symbols) that imbue the characters of myth are powerful and life transforming.

  Wednesday afternoons 1 to 2:30 p.m. - In person at the Riley Center
  (For three weeks Nov. 5, 12 & 19)
  

  Facilitator Jackie Morfesis is a writer, speaker, and community advocate. She holds a BFA in fine arts from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and her teacher certification and master's degree in liberal studies from Rutgers University where she received the Alumni Award. She is a former Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar to Greece in the arts and humanities. She has published two books of poetry, "Persephone Rising" and "Mermaid Crossing". She has also published "Spirit Seeking."

   

• Portrait of the Orchestra

  A symphony orchestra is one of the most powerful and important achievements of Western civilization. Many listeners enjoy and admire the music made by such an orchestra; fewer concert-goers understand how such an aggregation works.

  This course will examine a symphony orchestra—specifically, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra--from the inside out. Through question-and-answer sessions featuring representatives of the orchestra, course participants will learn how the CSO seeks to inspire and engage the Low Country through exceptional musical and educational programs. They will learn how an orchestra like the CSO functions and the parts which various instrumentalists play. Ultimately, they will consider whether, how and why the CSO has become a premier cultural location in our community.

  Time spent with a leading performing arts organization which sparks lasting connections and transformative impact for all of Charleston is guaranteed to be informative and rewarding. And the lessons learned in this course will enhance the musical experience for every participant.

  Thursday Mornings 10:30 AM to Noon – At the Riley Center

  (For six weeks, 10/16 through 11/20)

  Facilitator Fred Himmelein has maintained a lifelong interest in concert music. He has served as a Director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and currently offers pre-concert analyses for each of the Orchestra's Masterworks Series concerts. He holds advanced degrees in law and in American political and intellectual history.

• Yoga: Chair Yoga Practice and Culture

  Yoga is a practice that combines benefits for body, mind and spirit. It can help individuals create balance, strength, mobility, calm, and clarity. Through movement, stillness, and breath we can improve physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Each class will include a 60-minute chair yoga practice for the participants. Chair yoga is a modified form of yoga where poses are practiced while seated or using a chair for support. It is a gentle practice, for all skill levels (including beginners), that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It is a great alternative for those who find traditional yoga too challenging. We will practice poses that will help create more flexibility and strength. The class will also include a 30-minute classroom component where we will explore the benefits of yoga as we age, the 8 limbs of yoga, the kosha layers and doshas, the chakra system, and meditation and relaxation.

  Thursday Afternoons 1 PM - 2:30 PM  At the Riley Center

  Oct. 16, 30^th and Nov. 6^th, 13^th and 20^th

  (Note: no class on 10/23)

  
  Facilitator Bea Ventura Lavelle is an educator, writer, health coach, and a whole food plant-based nutrition advocate for disease prevention. She holds a Master of Arts degree in holistic health studies from Georgian Court University and is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the author of the book Eating Plants – What’s in it for Me? (Recommended for participants; available on Amazon). She has been an educator for more than 40 years and has taught at the collegiate level since 2008. Bea was an adjunct professor in the Health and Human Services Department of the College of Charleston for 10 years and, in 2008, was named one of the Top Ten Professors at the institution.

• Shakespeare Aloud

  Continuing our tradition of offering a Reader’s Theatre, we will be taking on the challenge of reading and understanding Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a play filled with magic and politics (an interesting combination for a work that ends happily).  It was probably written sometime after 1609 and was performed during the marriage festivities of King James the First’s daughter Elizabeth Stuart in 1613.
  
  

  Friday Mornings 10:30 to Noon – Riley Center Conference Room

  (for six weeks, 10/17 through 11/21)

  Facilitator Diana Barth taught English literature at the secondary school level and worked as a newspaper reporter. She earned her law degree later in life and was admitted to the bars of Maine and Massachusetts, practicing family and regulatory law. Now retired, she has returned to her love of learning and literature, serving as the head of the committee for the Charleston Academy for Lifelong Learning.